Nichiren Buddhism is a part of Mahayana Buddhism and involves chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and doing morning and evening Gongyo in front of the Gohonzon or prayer scroll. Founded in 1253 by Nichiren Daishonin, a 13th century Buddhist reformer, this form of Buddhism has gained in popularity and acceptance, thanks to the efforts of the Soka Gakkai International and its founding presidents - Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda.
Learn more about the history and works of the Soka Gakkai International and its current President, Daisaku Ikeda.
History of the Soka Gakkai International
The Soka Gakkai International was formed in the year 1930 by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, an educationist and reformer. Soka Gakkai means "Society for the Creation of Value" and that was the aim of this organization that sought to spread the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin and work towards increasing peace and happiness in war-torn Japan. Despite persecutions and obstacles, members of the Soka Gakkai strived to create and spread happiness and enrichment in the lives of people through the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin. Today, the organization’s members work selflessly to promote peace, happiness and joyful living as well as independent thinking.
The Soka Gakkai Philosophy
According to the official SGI website, the philosophy of the Soka Gakkai can be summed up in two words, "human revolution." Human revolution is the process by which a Nichiren BUddhist brings about a change in behavior or personality based on Buddhist practice and principles. And it is this change of one single indvidual that can bring about a change in the whole of society.
Works of The Soka Gakkai
The Soka Gakkai is responsible for many important works in the field of Nichiren Buddhism and also, in the field of human and social development. The Soka University is one such example. In the Soka University, students receive education not just in formal streams but also, in humane values and morals.
Daisaku Ikeda - A Nichiren Buddhist Leader
Born in Tokyo in 1928, Daiskau Ikeda joined the then President of the Soka Gakkai, Josei Toda and rose to become the President of the Soka Gakkai in 1960.A Buddhist philosopher, writer and reformer, he adopted the path shown by his mentor wholeheartedly and devoted all effforts to the spread of Nichiren Buddhism throughout the world. Setting up chapters of the Sokka Gakkai through the world, Daisaku Ikeda also has done considerable work in the field of world peace, education and literacy as well as increasing awareness about the principles and teachings of Buddhism. His most recent work is the 2009 Peace Proposal presented at the United Nations.
The Soka Gakkai International is an organization that believes in the power of Nichiren Buddhism and its ability to bring happiness, peace and contentment to all those who practice it. With a strength of nearly 12 million practicioners spread across the world, the Soka Gakkai is committed to increasing happiness and peace and enriching the quality of life for all its members.
Readers of this article may like An Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism, What is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo? and The Importance of the Gohonzon in Nichiren Buddhism.
Sources:
1. The official website of Sokai Gakkai International.
