The SGI Study Training Course was held for the first time in Malaysia on 8 and 9 March, at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre (ACEC) in Johor Bahru, bringing together 271 representatives from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

In his congratulatory message, Soka Gakkai president Minoru Harada described Buddhist study as “the great philosophy that serves as a compass to navigate the turbulent seas of life.” He also quoted President Ikeda, praising those with a seeking spirit as “Professors of Happiness and Peace.”

SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai, in his welcoming address, encouraged all participants to deepen their study of Buddhism, as a means to strengthen their faith and advance the kosen-rufu movement in their respective countries.

SGI study vice-leader Koji Ishida conducted three insightful lectures throughout the course. His first lecture focused on the Gosho, The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.

In his second lecture, Mr Ishida highlighted key points from President Ikeda’s writing titled “The Great Vow of Kosen-rufu is the Heart of the Soka Gakkai,” which discusses key passages from the “Teacher of the Law” chapter of The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings. He emphasised the need for both personal enlightenment and guiding others to seek enlightenment in Nichiren Buddhism’s practice, and explained the concepts of “voluntarily assuming the appropriate karma” and “the three rules of preaching.”

During his third lecture, Mr Ishida spoke about the historical development of the Soka Gakkai, the wording of the silent prayers, and significant events related to the priesthood.

During the training course, participants were also given a tour of the ACEC, and representatives from each country reported on the Buddhist study efforts in their respective nations.

The second and third lectures were broadcast to over 85 venues nationwide, reaching more than 2,500 participants.