Shakyamuni and the Lotus Sutra
Shakyamuni Buddha—awakening to the fundamental truth of life.
The Humanism of the Lotus Sutra
The 2,500-year journey of Buddhism.
Buddhism begins with the spiritual journey of Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in India some 2,500 years ago. The Lotus Sutra is the most influential of his teachings, expressing that anyone can become enlightened—a state marked by boundless courage, compassion, hope, wisdom and life force.
The Lotus Sutra’s universal appeal allowed it to move across borders to China, Korea and Japan, where Nichiren Daishonin, a 13th-century Buddhist teacher, established the practice of reciting the Lotus Sutra’s title, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, to make the path to enlightenment accessible to all. Today, the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), continues to empower each person based on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren.
Explore the blocks below to learn more.
The Lotus Sutra
The crystallization of Shakyamuni’s teachings—the potential for Buddhahood within every person.
Traveling the Silk Road
A universal appeal that transcended national and racial boundaries.
The Mogao Caves in China
Preserving Buddhism and ensuring its propagation for thousands of years.
Buddhism Reaches the Shores of Japan
Nichiren Daishonin realizes the importance of the Lotus Sutra.
The Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo—attaining Buddhahood in this life, just as we are.
The Soka Gakkai
A Buddhist organization in which the people are central.
Living the Lotus Sutra
Buddhist humanism that applies today, to all.