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Preface

The aim of this presentation is to provide scholars and students a brief yet substantive look at the Soka Gakkai International (SGI). The first part offers an overview of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition that leads to Nichiren,1 the thirteenth-century Japanese religious reformer whose teachings are the foundation for this contemporary lay Buddhist association. The second part sketches a history of the founding and development of the SGI itself, including its activities in the United States, where Nichiren Buddhism took root in the early 1960s. Charts and illustrations highlight contextualizing elements to this presentation.

The followers of Nichiren in his own time came from a wide range of educational and social backgrounds, a characteristic also found in the modern SGI membership. The accessibility of Nichiren Buddhism pervades both the religious and social dimensions of the movement, as described by sociologist of religion Karel Dobbelaere:

Nichiren Buddhism sees itself as the “Buddhism of sowing.” This means that it is always possible to implement a new cause which will produce a new effect. Indeed, thanks to the core practice, the chanting of daimoku, followers may “change poison into medicine,” i.e., create value whatever their karma happens to be. Inspired by the teachings of Nichiren, SG thus recommends to its members a methodical way of life: self-analysis within a religious framework. It is a Buddhism of action which seeks to promote a “human revolution,” and the organization helps its members by establishing a “pillar” to guide and support them. Nichiren Buddhism and its expression through SG offers its followers the necessary tools to realize their own revolution and, in this way, to transform their environment simultaneously. 2

It is hoped that this presentation may yield some insight into the breadth of the Lotus Sutra-based tradition on which the SGI is founded.

1. Some literature and many contemporary followers, including those in the SGI, refer to Nichiren Daishonin (literally, Nichiren the Great Sage).

2. Karel Dobbelaere. Soka Gakkai: From Lay Movement to Religion. USA: Signature Books/CESNUR, 1998. 77–78.

1. Some literature and many contemporary followers, including those in the SGI, refer to Nichiren Daishonin (literally, Nichiren the Great Sage).back to text
2. Karel Dobbelaere. Soka Gakkai: From Lay Movement to Religion. USA: Signature Books/CESNUR, 1998. 77–78.

   back to text