SGM Entrance-Level Study Exam Held at 37 Locations

On 21 and 22 June, the SGM entrance-level study exam was held at 37 venues nationwide, drawing 728 candidates – half of whom were youth. Soka Gakkai president Minoru Harada sent a message, encouraging candidates to engrave the Gosho deeply in their hearts.

Visiting the SGM Culture Centre, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai addressed candidates as “qualified practitioners of faith,” commending their seeking spirit and wishing them success in the exam.

The syllabus included key Gosho passages from “Letter to Yasaburo,” “Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon” and “Letter from Sado,” as well as topics such as the philosophy of life, Buddhist humanism and the history of the Soka Gakkai.

Candidates shared their reflections. A candidate from Perak said, “I was encouraged by a senior to take the exam. I learnt that human revolution is central to Buddhist practice.” Another from Kedah shared, “Preparing for the exam deepened my understanding of Buddhism and strengthened my resolve to engage in shakubuku.” 

Notably, several elderly candidates in their 80s expressed great joy at being able to study Buddhism in their later years. 

An oral format was provided for those who were unable to take the written examination.

President Harada’s Message

Thank you very much for all your great efforts to take part in the entrance-level study exam, beaming with your noble seeking spirit.

While devoting every spare moment out of your busy schedule and overcoming various hardships, you have exerted yourselves to earnestly study this supreme Buddhist philosophy. The “treasures of the heart” that all of you are accumulating are boundless.

I have no doubt that Nichiren Daishonin is praising your efforts as “a rare source of good fortune.” (WND-1, pg 922)

I would also like to deeply thank all of you who have been providing support by studying the Gosho together with the candidates, encouraging them, and administering the exams.

President Ikeda encouraged fellow members who were challenging themselves to take the study exams, saying, “Your goal is not simply to pass a test, but to become winners in faith, victors of happiness,” and expressed that “I hope you will engrave the Gosho deeply in your hearts and develop faith that is truly firm and strong so that you will remain undaunted by any obstacle that might assail you.”

We are expanding the network of peace and happiness through exploring and putting into practice the Buddhist principle of respect for the dignity of life and harmonious coexistence; our mission is more significant than ever.

Let us together exert ourselves in the two ways of practice and study with ever stronger faith, and make a triumphant advance filled with hope and joy!

I sincerely hope that you will show actual proof of your faith on the respective stages of your mission and that you will flourish even more in all your endeavours.

Soka Gakkai President
Minoru Harada
22 June 2025