Soka Gakkai International
Introduction
Soka Gakkai International (SGI), which stands for International Value Creating Society, is the largest lay Buddhist organization in the world. Membership exceeds 12 million in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide. As a humanistic organization, SGI bases its practice on the philosophy of individual empowerment-the kind of empowerment that enables people to create value under any circumstance and contribute to the welfare of society, at large. Therefore, the promotion of peace, culture, and education are central to SGI’s activities.Â
About the Founder
SGI members practice Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin was a 13th century Buddhist scholar. After intense religious comparative studies, Nichiren realized that the highest teachings of Buddhism were found in the Lotus Sutra, teachings of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, or Siddartha Gautama who lived in India some 2500 years ago.Â
Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra was set apart from all other Buddhist teachings because it taught that all individuals could reach Buddhahood or enlightenment.Â
Buddhahood or Enlightenment
Unlike the misconceived notion of Buddha as a God-like fat bellied golden statue, the true Buddha actually represents an ordinary human being awakened to the universal truth. Therefore, enlightenment is the state of one’s unlimited potential characterized by a life condition of boundless happiness, courage, wisdom, and compassion.Â
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
Nichiren expounded that the mantra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was the law of the universe. Hence, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ensured the path to Buddhahood. Sounds are powerful frequency waves that transmit both positive and negative energy. For example, a beautiful statement, such as “I love you” will emit positive energy. On the contrary, a piercing scream “I hate you” will emit negative energy.Â
Extrapolating this concept, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo serves as the most powerful sound stimulus that enables people to access the greatest form of positive energy in the universe.Â
Meaning of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
Nam = devotion
Myoho = mystic law
Renge = law of cause and effect, or karma
Kyo = the Buddha’s teachings through the spoken word
“I devote myself to the mystic law of cause and effect.”
The 3 Pillars
- faith = faith develops through actual proof of the practice
- practice = primary practice of chanting morning and evening
- study = to be educated about why one practices
SGI Presidents
SGI’s roots can be traced back to Japan, as early as 1930 during the time of state fundamentalism and war.
- Tsunesaburo Makiguichi
- Josei Toda
- Daisaku Ikeda
SGI’s roots can be traced back to 1930, Japan during the time of state fundamentalism and war. Due to the hostility and destitution that surrounded Japan, Makiguchi and Toda became inspired by Nichiren Buddhism. Renouncing the militaristic government, Makiguchi and Toda were incarcerated. Makiguchi later died in jail but Toda continued to propagate Nichiren Buddhism to as many people as possible. After Toda became very ill, he passed the baton onto Daisaku Ikeda. Ikeda is the third and current president. Due to his assiduous efforts, Nichiren Buddhism has spread like wildfire all across the globe. In addition to being the SGI President, Ikeda is acknowledged for his efforts to promote world peace. Subsequently, over 200 universities around the world have presented Ikeda with honorary doctorate degrees (the most any one person in the world has received).Â
Mission
SGI’s mission is to help every individual achieve “human revolution, ” which is the process of inner transformation that enables people to rid themselves of their egos in order to live the utmost meaningful and contributive life. Therefore, SGI’s ultimate goal is world-wide propagation of this practice for the sake of individual happiness and world peace.
 Want more information?
Visit www.sgi-usa.org and www.sgi.org
In Tina Turner’s 1993 biographical film What’s Love Got to Do with it, Turner turns to a Buddhist chant to gain strength and wisdom that ultimately liberates her from the abusive environment that had surrounded her life. So what was that chant all about? NAM-MYOHO-RENGE-KYO is the chant practiced by Nichiren Buddhist practioners. Nichiren Daishonin, the 13th century Japanese scholar and founder, expounded that the law of the universe was NAM-MYOHO-RENGE-KYO. What does this chant mean?
