Soka Gakkai International (SGI)

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a Buddhist association with more than 12 million members in 190 countries and territories worldwide.

For SGI members, Buddhism is a practical philosophy of individual empowerment and inner transformation that enables people to develop themselves and take responsibility for
their lives.

As lay believers and "engaged Buddhists," SGI members strive in their everyday lives to
develop the ability to live with confidence, to create value in any circumstances and to
contribute to the well-being of friends, family and community.

The promotion of peace, culture and education is central to SGI's activities.

The SGI movement has its roots in the lifeaffirming philosophy of Nichiren, a Buddhist
monk who lived in 13th-century Japan.

Nichiren's teachings assert that each individual, regardless of race, gender, capacity or social
standing, has the power to overcome life's inevitable challenges, to develop a life of great
value and creativity, and to positively influence their community, society and the world.
Nichiren's philosophy originates in the teachings of Shakyamuni, the historical founder of Buddhism who lived in India some 2,500 years ago. Nichiren discovered that the Lotus Sutra contains the heart of Buddhist teachings and the truth to which Shakyamuni was awakened. This sutra reveals that a universal principle, the Buddha nature, is inherent in all life. It affirms that all people are capable of attaining enlightenment.

Nichiren felt passionately that Buddhism should enable people living in the real world
and facing real problems to become empowered and change their lives for the better. Nichiren Buddhism stresses the profound connection between one's own happiness and the happiness of others.

The greatest personal satisfaction and fulfillment in life is realized by working for
the happiness of others.



Download a printable introduction to SGI
(Adobe pdf, 2MB, external link)