On 19 December 2021, SGM conducted online study lectures entitled “Basics of Buddhism” which is based on part one (Happiness) of the book The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace. SGM men’s division vice-secretary Loke Weng Cheong and SGM women’s division vice-leader Wendy Yee Mei Tien presented the lectures in Mandarin and English respectively. In total, the lecture garnered about 8,000 viewers.

The speakers kicked off the lectures by narrating SGI President Ikeda’s first encounter with second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda in August 1947 at a Soka Gakkai meeting. There, young Ikeda was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism and started practising 10 days later, taking Toda as his mentor.

They also stressed on the significance of walking on the mentor-disciple path, giving encouragement to others and achieving human revolution.

In line with the teachings of Lotus Sutra that enable all living beings to attain Buddhahood, the speakers urged the participants to reach out to support people around them so as to help them overcome their plight and hardships to become happy.

They also touched on the reasons why most people fail to find happiness, particularly in a time exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive floods in December 2021.

Following this, they elaborated on relative and absolute happiness and pointed out the importance of recognising our own supremely respect-worthy life-state of Buddhahood.

In conclusion, the speakers emphasised that happiness can be found within our inner state of Buddhahood which is revealed through practising the Mystic Law and taking action for our and others’ happiness.