‘It is meant to uplift, inspire and provide courage’: Peace monument unveiled in Queenston

In 1960, soon after becoming the third president of Soka Gakkai, Daisaku Ikeda visited the United States, Canada and Brazil.

At the time, there were few followers of the Buddhist organization’s philosophy of upholding human dignity and creating a peaceful world.

But 65 years after the creation of Soka Gakkai International, there are 90 independent affiliated organizations with practitioners in 192 countries and territories.

In honour of Ikeda’s trip to Canada and in recognition of the importance of the group’s Buddhist philosophy, a peace monument was unveiled Thursday during a ceremony at Locust Grove Picnic Area in Queenston , at 14888 Niagara River Pkwy.

Tony Meers, executive adviser for Soka Gakkai International Canada, said the location overlooking the Niagara River is an approp