This article on what is Soka Gakkai International (SGI) will revolve around this interesting institute of the Buddhists. This prestigious institution of the Buddhists was started in the twentieth century. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was started by Nichiren Shoshu. The headquarters of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is in Tokyo. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) also has an official website where you can get all the information that you need about the body. We in this article will try to touch upon some vital aspects of this body.
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is one of the most prestigious bodies of the Buddhists. It has about twelve million followers across the world. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is spread in one hundred and ninety two countries. The popularity of the body is only increasing with time.
If you translate the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) it will be the value creation society. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is one of the most diverse and the largest Buddhist movement in the world. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) can be given the credit of creating awareness about the Buddhist religion across the world.
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) teaches devotees and followers that Buddhism can be made a part of our regular life. They follow the teachings of Nichiren and teach the Lotus Sutra. We have discussed about the great philosopher Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra in our previous articles.
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) has built schools in Japan. They also have some schools across the world that teaches Buddhism. They promote global peace through these schools. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) also has many art museums across the world.
This popularity of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) makes it one of the most recognised and appreciated bodies in the world. They try preaching the doctrines of Nichiren all over the world. They do so through small groups, local community discussions and meetings.
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) had to take a tough path in order to get the acceptance that they have today. A lot of leaders have made great sacrifices in making Soka Gakkai International (SGI) whatever it is today. Tsunesaburō Makiguchi was the first president of the group.
He said that Japan should follow the teachings of Nichiren
if it wants to succeed and prosper. Tsunesaburō Makiguchi was humiliated and his teachings were not accepted by the emperor of Japan. In the year 1944 Tsunesaburō Makiguchi died in the prison where he was kept of mal nutrition. This did not stop the Soka Gakkai International (SGI).
The second president was Josei Toda. He was also imprisoned many a times. In 1945 he rebuilt the organisation to ensure that they spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Josei Toda said that he wanted to free the society of its miseries by teaching them the essence of the Lotus Sutra. Josei Toda was opposed by the priests for his movements. However, he continued his job. He ensured that he arranges cultural programs and spread the message of his organisation.
The teachings of Josei Toda seemed interesting to many and they started to join the movement. He in his lifetime ensured that the membership of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) increased from three thousand households to seven and a half lakh households. This was a remarkable achievement indeed for any leader.
After the death of Josei Toda the third president selected was named Daisaku Ikeda. He was only thirty two when he took up the job. He wanted the body to follow freedom of speech and religion. Daisaku Ikeda became very popular as a leader. Under his guidance the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) did even better than before.
He was the one who popularised the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) outside Japan. He made the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) one of the largest ethically diverse Buddhist school in America. He travelled overseas and ensures that the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) gets the recognition that it deserves.
The priests of the Nichiren priesthood group did not like the liberal ideas of Daisaku Ikeda. This is exactly why in 1990 there was a complete separation of Nichiren priesthood group and the Soka Gakkai International (SGI).
There are a lot of books that you can find on Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and their teachings. We hope that by reading this article you have got a good idea about what is Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and how it became so popular.
If you want to join the group you can do the same anytime and from any part of the world. Many devotees have joined the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and have been benefited by the same. We recommend it to all who want to understand the religious concepts of Buddhism.