SGI students who came from DC, New York, Philadelphia, Boston and also Netherlands, made a bold statement of unity and commitment to humanity, often bringing attention to the moral and humanistic aspects of nuclear proliferation. We shared Sensei’s peace proposals with many others at the conference. We are very proud to be part of such a sincere and committed group of individuals. It was an absolutely inspiring weekend, with a lot to learn and share and we hope to participate in many such events in the future.

Thank you all for your continued support of the youth division as we engage in many such dialogues and events!

Please enjoy the attached photo, there were 20 of us, all are not in the picture though!

Charu, Sae and Shun

CCG_2012_schedule

What is the Movie ”Traveler For Peace”?

It is a movie looking back at President Ikeda’s first trip outside of Japan in 1960. But, from a particular perspective. It combines footage of those travels with current interviews of those who participated in those events 51 years ago. It is very moving, and many who have practiced for some time will recognize those pioneers who helped them establish their own practice. Starting several years ago it has been shown at FNCC conferences. Now it will be shown in Connecticut.

Note that a special projector is used for this movie of which one is available for the entire east territory. So, this is our opportunity for the foreseeable future to have this in CT.

There will be 3 showings, all at the activity center:

Saturday, Jan 7 at   6:00 pm    English version 
Sunday,   Jan 8 at 11:00 am    English version 
Sunday,   Jan 8 at   1:00 pm    Spanish version

Who can attend?
Everyone, plus guests 

Will we do gongyo?
 Yes, gongyo will be done 30 minutes before each showing.

Ikeda (center) and Soka Gakkai members before the Statue of Columbus at Coit Tower in San Francisco, California, in October 1960

Description of “Traveler for Peace” from the SGI-USA website:

“The new documentary film, ‘Traveler for Peace,’ … a history of President Ikeda’s activities in the United States, will help viewers understand the importance of President Ikeda’s philosophy and guidance as a compass for their own life and faith, and as a lighthouse for all people.

“‘Traveler for Peace’ explores President Ikeda’s first overseas trip in 1960 and examines its lasting significance through the words of disciples in America who witnessed his efforts. The work also looks at President Ikeda’s vision for the future, which he is entrusting to the youth of today, just as President Toda had entrusted it to him. More than merely a reflection on the past, the film shows how President Ikeda’s activities and guidance during his first overseas trip were the foundation for the growth of the SGI today, and the eternal model for a victorious future.”

]]> http://sgi-ct.org/2012/01/traveler-for-peace/feed/ 0 http://sgi-ct.org/2011/12/sgi-president-daisaku-ikeda%e2%80%99s-new-year%e2%80%99s-message-illuminating-the-world-and-the-future-with-the-great-light-of-hope/ http://sgi-ct.org/2011/12/sgi-president-daisaku-ikeda%e2%80%99s-new-year%e2%80%99s-message-illuminating-the-world-and-the-future-with-the-great-light-of-hope/#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:24:44 +0000 sgict http://sgi-ct.org/?p=437 SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s New Year’s Message
Illuminating the World and the Future With the Great Light of Hope

SGI President Ikeda with exchange students from China studying at Soka University

Congratulations on the start of 2012—the Year of Developing a Youthful SGI—a year brimming with new possibilities!

Thanks to your wonderful efforts, we have entered a new age of kosen-rufu, where the SGI continues to grow as never before, with surging numbers of capable young Bodhisattvas of the Earth appearing around the globe.

Together with our fellow members in 192 countries and territories, let’s bring forth the bright sun of time without beginning in our hearts day after day, and illuminate our communities, our societies and the future with the great light of hope….

Please read the entire message here:

Chinese (PDF)

English  (PDF)

Spanish  (PDF)

Korean  (PDF)

Japanese  (PDF)

]]> http://sgi-ct.org/2011/12/sgi-president-daisaku-ikeda%e2%80%99s-new-year%e2%80%99s-message-illuminating-the-world-and-the-future-with-the-great-light-of-hope/feed/ 0 http://sgi-ct.org/2011/10/men-and-young-men-of-connecticut-unite-on-september-11/ http://sgi-ct.org/2011/10/men-and-young-men-of-connecticut-unite-on-september-11/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:12:47 +0000 sgict http://sgi-ct.org/?p=426

Men and Young Men of SGI Connecticut 2011

We had a wonderful YWD Celebration yesterday. Total of 18 YWD came, and we went to East Rock Park and had a picnic on the top of the mountain. Our daimoku worked!!!! for the weather!!!! From 10am – 12pm we had such a nice  breath of air helping all of us not to get too hot! It was amazing!

After introducing each other, Caroline Reid nicely did an introduction to Buddhism, followed by a significant of YWD/ Ikeda Kayo kai by Kamayani Sharma. After that, We did a fun game together for ice breaker – Apples to Apples! We ate, chatted to each other and had a open mic led by Kayoko Tsujimoto where a few YWDs shared their struggles and determinations. At the end, each of us wrote a determination to President Ikeda and I will put them into an Album with the attached picture and send it to Sensei to report.

In April, the Essentials Exam Part I will be held for all those who passed the October 2010 Introductory Exam. Below is some information regarding the study material and details to support preparation toward
the exam.

Study Guides:
♦ English – available in booklet form in the SGI-USA Book Stores for $2.00 and online.
♦ Spanish – March/April issue of Esperanza – available by end of January and online.
♦ Japanese – World Tribune Japanese Language insert January 14th and 21st issues and online

♦Japanese (Enlarged Version)

♦ Chinese – available online and partial in January World Tribune Chinese Language insert.
♦ Korean – available online and partial in January World Tribune Korean Language insert.Download by section:

♦ Thai

• Thai               Download by section:
  

  Section 1:	Buddhist Terms: Gongyo: The Practice for Oneself Practice for Others What Is Kosen-rufu? The Three Proofs
  Section 2:	Coming Soon
  Section 3:	Coming Soon
  Section 4:	Coming Soon

Cambodian, Portuguese – materials will not be published, however, exam questions will be available through your local zone office for members who prefer taking the exam in these languages.

Exam Dates:
Exams can be held at the chapter or area level during the month of April. All exams should be completed by April 27.

Now, with the Martin Luther King Day holiday coming right up, we invite you to engage with Dr. Harding’s views on the true legacy of Dr. King and the many lesser-known people who joined him in putting their lives on the line in the effort to expand American freedom and democracy. Dr. Harding’s comments are organized into two thought-provoking clips:

View Clip One!

The Inconvenient Hero, Martin Luther King

View Clip Two!

The Unexpected Shapers of American Freedom
Few individuals have done as much as Vincent Harding to keep the challenging spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr., burning brightly through the decades. We hope you will be both informed and inspired by these video talks.

Warm regards,

Mitch Bogen
Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue
Cambridge, Massachusetts

www.ikedacenter.org