The Basics
Who We Are
Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is an American Buddhist movement that promotes peace and individual happiness based on the philosophy and practice of the Nichiren school of Mahayana Buddhism. SGI-USA works in association with 75 other SGI organizations comprising members in more than half of the world's countries.
SGI-USA activities are driven by our understanding of the inseparable link between individual happiness and the peace and prosperity of our diverse communities. Our religious teachings place the highest emphasis on the sanctity of life. In fact, the Buddhist reformer Nichiren wrote more than 700 years ago that "life is the most precious of all treasures." Our members aim, through their faith, to improve their lives by taking up the challenge to care for their families, to live without fear, to create value, to take responsibility for their circumstances, and to live with compassion for others.
What We Believe
Our core philosophy is rooted in the concept of "human revolution," a process of inner transformation that centers on the idea that each act we take has an influence that extends beyond its immediate context to affect the vast and complex web of life. Through undergoing our human revolution, we awaken to the responsibility we each have for our own circumstances and for our environment.
Our inner transformation will lead us to take the actions that bring about personal fulfillment and help us contribute to the development of society. These ideals are based on the Buddhist worldview of dependent origination, a concept of interrelatedness where nothing, whether in the realm of human society or of nature, exists in isolation. It is a fundamental component of the peace for which we strive.
In 1995, the SGI--our international organization--adopted a Charter to give voice to the organization's philosophical tenants and to offer guidelines for its future actions. Click to view a summary of the Charter's principles.
What We Do
We apply Buddhist principles through a nationwide network of grass-roots activities. We emphasize the value of each individual living meaningfully and contributing to society. Through neighborhood discussion groups, youth activities, educational seminars, exhibitions and conferences, we address the urgent issues facing the indiidual and humanity as a whole.
Our Commitment to Peace Culture and Education
Our objectives are to contibute to peace in society and the welfare of humankind by promoting culture and education and opposing all forms of violence. We believe that peace starts from within, based on the Buddhist view that all people inherently possess the limitless ability to create value in society and achieve harmony between themselves and their environment. Culture, therefore, is the lively expression of this uniquely human potential, while education is an essential vehicle for its development.
©2006 by Soka Gakkai International-USA
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
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