SGS General Director’s New Year’s Message for 2026
My heartfelt greetings to all fellow comrades in faith as we begin 2026 with great vigour!
The year 2025 was truly one of soaring higher for SGS, made possible by the sincere efforts of every one of you. Together, we chanted 1.6 billion daimoku in the spirit of itai doshin (many in body, one in mind). Members have experienced remarkable actual proof of positive transformation in their lives, and many more people have been introduced to Nichiren Buddhism, finding renewed hope and courage through our movement.
The Soka Gakkai theme for 2026 is the “Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide”. This year marks the 65th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s first visit to Asia and Europe. In 1961, during his maiden trip to Asia, Ikeda Sensei stopped over in Singapore en route to Sri Lanka on January 29. It was at Paya Lebar Airport that he resolved to dedicate his life to the peace and happiness of the people of Singapore. There, he prayed, deeply and strongly, “Emerge, Bodhisattvas of the Earth! Assemble, my comrades of profound mission!” – so that a new glorious dawn might be ushered in for Singapore.
For SGS, our motto for this year is “Vibrant Growth of a Grateful Disciple!” As Bodhisattvas of the Earth called forth by our mentor Ikeda Sensei’s earnest prayer and devoted efforts, let us repay our profound gratitude to Ikeda Sensei by striving for vibrant growth in every aspect of our lives. This is the very wish of our mentor that each of us live a purposeful, victorious life. When we advance in this spirit, SGS as a whole will surely experience dynamic growth.
How do we achieve vibrant growth? Nichiren Daishonin writes:
“The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal.” (WND-1, p. 412)
It is our attitude that matters by challenging every endeavour with our full strength, whether the task before us is small or great. When we exert ourselves based on faith and practice, we experience profound inner transformation, overcoming our weaknesses and achieving fresh breakthroughs. We also achieve vibrant growth when we strive for the happiness of others, bringing forth compassion, courage and wisdom from within.
This year also marks significant milestones for our four divisions:
- the Women Division celebrates its 75th anniversary,
- the Men Division its 60th anniversary,
- and we look forward to vibrant growth in both the Young Men Division and Young Women Division, which will commemorate the 75th anniversary of their formation.
A series of meaningful and vibrant activities has been planned for all members especially for our youth and Future Division to further strengthen our faith, practice, and study, enriching each person’s life. We will also hold family- oriented activities to ensure that no one is left behind. We warmly look forward to your active participation.
With our sights set on 2030, the Soka Gakkai Centennial, let us continue to enact our victorious drama of human revolution by living out the Five Eternal Guidelines of the Soka Gakkai, steadfast on the path of a victorious life.
I sincerely pray for the excellent health, happiness, and vibrant growth of all of you and your families throughout the year ahead.
Goh Kim Hua
SGS General Director
January 1, 2026
