Our sangha this morning (1-21-12) at Rich Brandt's was a wonderful and meaningful session, and I thank Rich for the program and for hosting. What a beautiful setting with light snow floating down that looked so perfect it might have been "fake snow."

If you are interested in learning more about the Nichiren Buddhism practiced at Soka Gakkai International (S.G.I.), google Soka Gakkai International you will see many possibilities for information about the SGI.

Here is a home site for SGI Canada.

http://www.sgicanada.org/montreal.html

I lifted and repeat here a small portion of their blurb, for your information:

With more than 12 million members in 192 countries and territories worldwide, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a global organization devoted to peace, culture and education, based on the humanistic Buddhist philosophy of Nichiren Daishonin. SGI members represent the full spectrum of society, with members of all ages, ethnic and social backgrounds.

The Soka Gakkai was founded in Japan in 1930 by an educator named Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. He used the term soka (to create value) to indicate a way of life that recognizes the sanctity of life and strives to enhance its quality through appreciating diversity and the oneness of humans and nature.

The word gakkai means “association,” indicating the shared pursuit of peace and happiness that is the core of Buddhist philosophy and practice.

At the bottom of the site you can click on Montreal and get a map, should you wish to visit there some time. I think we used to get off DeCarie at Jean Talon and take Mountain Sights over to Buchan, having left Plattsburgh around 8AM and arriving right around 9. Parking is no problem at those hours (we were always early -- maybe even before the building was open, which I recommend). It will be a rich experience. Usually afterward we would stop at some little place (like a McDonald's or a sandwich shop) for coffee and a bite to eat before heading home.

I hesitate to post times because their schedules may have changed by now. It was several years ago when I last attended. Here is information which shows on the map. You will find both French- and English-speaking people if you call.

Address:	Montreal Culture Centre 5025 Buchan Street Montreal, Quebec H4P 1S4
Tel:	(514) 733-6633
Fax:	(514) 733-7887