SGM Study Academy Participants: “I Am the Protagonist of the Buddha’s Prophecy!”

On 23 May 2026, the opening day of the 5th SGM Headquarters Leaders Conference, the 2nd SGM Study Academy was held at the SGM Culture Centre. Over 800 leaders gathered to study Nichiren Daishonin’s writing “On the Buddha’s Prophecy.” Based on President Ikeda’s lecture, the study focused on four key themes: “The Joy of Being Born in the Latter Day of the Law,” “The Buddha’s Prophecy – The Westward Transmission of Buddhism,” “The Serene Mind of the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law” and “To Discard the Shallow and Seek the Profound Is the Way of a Person of Courage.” Participants explored the significance of the “time” for kosen-rufu and the mission entrusted to disciples.

The study sessions were conducted separately in Chinese and English. The Chinese session was presented by SGM youth division vice-leader Lee Kam Yit and young women’s division secretary Hon Pue Kuan, while the English session was led by SGM youth division leader Tan Jun Kong and young women’s division leader Koo Wei Qian.

The presenters explained that although the Latter Day of the Law is characterised by confusion and uncertainty, it is, from the Buddhist perspective, the crucial age for propagating the Mystic Law and relieving suffering. They emphasised that now is the pivotal moment for advancing kosen-rufu. The profound significance of the westward transmission of Buddhism was also discussed, encouraging participants to take concrete action in expanding the movement for peace and happiness.

Through accounts of Nichiren Daishonin and the three founding presidents of the Soka Gakkai overcoming persecution while spreading the Law, participants learnt that only by maintaining steadfast faith and courageously taking on challenges can we reveal the life state of Buddhahood. They were encouraged to be courageous and dedicate themselves to the happiness of all humanity.

During the question-and-answer session, SGM study division leader Chia Kok Peng responded to questions on topics such as the proper use of AI in studying Buddhist teachings and whether shakubuku is primarily altruistic or self-benefiting. In his concluding remarks, he stressed that the purpose of studying Buddhist teachings is to deepen faith, advance kosen-rufu and establish a new humanistic philosophy. He encouraged all participants to continue reading, studying and putting the teachings into practice.

Deeply inspired by the study session, participants renewed their determination to engage in shakubuku, foster capable youth and sincerely care for others. Through their study of “On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” they reaffirmed their mission and set forth on a new journey for kosen-rufu with pride and conviction: “I am the protagonist of the Buddha’s prophecy!”

Reported by Ting Cheau Ya, photographed by Jeffery Lum and Lum Heng