Soka Gakkai International
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Soka Gakkai International (創価学会インターナショナル) or SGI is the umbrella organization for affiliate lay organizations in over 190 countries, with over 12 million members, practicing a form of the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. The translation Value Creation Society is also sometimes used. Some accuse the Soka Gakkai (the mother organization of the SGI, located in Japan) of being closely affiliated with the New Clean Government Party (also known as the New Komei Party), a major political party in Japan. Historically, there may be some validitiy to this viewpoint, however whatever ties there may have been, the two are today separate organizations. [1] More controversially, Soka Gakkai has been accused by some critics of being a cult or cult-like group. Naturally, the group strongly denies the accusation.
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History
Soka Gakkai was founded as the Sōka Kyōiku Gakkai (創価教育学会, lit. "Value-Creation Education Society") on November 18, 1930 by Japanese educators Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (牧口 常三郎) and Josei Toda (戸田 城聖). For refusing to cooperate with the Japanese militarist government and compromising their religious belief, the two educators were sent to prison. Makiguchi died in prison at age 72. After World War II, Toda was released from prison and re-built the organization. Over the years, the Soka Gakkai experienced a period of rapid growth in Japan. The organization was formally organized in the United States on October 13, 1960, and has a membership of close to 100,000 today. SGI was founded in 1975 to act as the international leadership of national Soka Gakkai organizations.
The international body of SGI has been guided since its inception by its president, Daisaku Ikeda. A disciple of Second Soka Gakkai President Toda, Ikeda succeeded him in 1960 as Soka Gakkai President and became SGI President upon its creation in 1975. Founder of Soka University, the Soka School System, the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century, and the Toda Institute for Global Peace Policy and Research, Ikeda is also the author of numerous books and has held dialogues toward peace, education and culture with numerous scholars and world leaders. Each year he authors and submits to the United Nations a Peace Proposal. Most notable are his dialogues, such as "Choose Life: A Dialogue" (English Edition, Oxford University Press, 1976), in which Daisaku Ikeda and Arnold J. Toynbee discuss "humanity's predicament in all its aspects." More recently, in "Planetary Citizenship: Your Values, Beliefs, and Actions Can Shape a Sustainable World" (Middleway Press, 2003), futurist Hazel Henderson and Ikeda "explore the rise of "grassroots globalists," ordinary citizens all over the world who are taking responsibility to build a more peaceful, harmonious and sustainable future." He is also the recipient of the most honorary doctorates awarded to a single individual and awards including the United Nations Peace Award, the International Tolerance Award of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award. Mr. Ikeda is, however, a somewhat controversial figure in his home country of Japan, and he stepped down as Soka Gakkai President of Japan in 1979 following a flurry of accusations, though he remains Honorary President of Soka Gakkai and President of SGI to this day.
Doctrine
Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282), was a Japanese Buddhist sage who proclaimed that the Lotus Sutra was the most important of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings, and crystalized the essence of the sutra through the invocation of "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo". Revolutionary for his time, Nichiren Daishonin taught that the essence of the Lotus Sutra was that all men and women, regardless of their social class, are inherently endowed with Buddhahood. In Japanese, Nichiren Daishonin is written 日蓮大聖人. "Nichiren" is a name he chose for himself when embarking on spreading his teaching on April 28, 1253. It literally means "Sun Lotus". The word "Daishonin" is an honorific meaning "great holy man" for he is believed to be the Buddha of the Latter Days of the Law.
Nichiren taught that by chanting this phrase to the "Gohonzon (御本尊)"—a mandala with Chinese and Sanskrit characters representing the enlightenment and life of the common mortal—anyone can bring forth her or his inherent "Buddha nature" and become enlightened. Unlike other forms of Buddhism, Nichiren Daishonin taught that Buddhahood is not a static state of being, but exists in mutual possesion of other states of being (refered to as the Ten Worlds). This concept is better known as "ichinen sanzen" or "Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life." Therefore, practioners believe that Buddhism must be practised not in a spiritual land or a mystic state, but in each person's daily life - through continuous effort in overcoming negative thinking and feeling inside oneself, and through positive actions to contribute to society, by applying the Nichiren principles of "belief in the universality of Buddhahood".
There is controversy about the degree of tolerance practiced by Soka Gakkai members. Official materials state all other religions, including other Buddhist denominations, are viewed as valuable in as much as they are able to support the happiness, empowerment, and development of all people. Relgious tolerance and a deep respect for culture is stongly emphasized in the organization (See the SGI Charter).
However, the public charge that the Rissho Ankoku Ron actually prescribes the opposite behavior and that Soka Gakkai is overly hostile to other religious groups, though followers deny the charge and have a different interpretation of the document. In some cases, Soka Gakkai has emphasized that it is "not a Buddhist organization" in the sense that, of all Buddhist organizations, only Soka Gakkai can be considered full correct in its doctrines. However, at other times, Soka Gakkai has played down the distinction between themselves and other groups.
Practice
The basic practice of SGI members is based on chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" daily, reciting Gongyo (Expediate Means Chapter and Life Span Chapter of the Lotus Sutra taking about 5 minutes to recite), introduction of others to the practice, and a strong emphasis on study of important Buddhist teachings. Most important in this study are the collected writings of Nichiren, recently compiled and issued in a single English volume titled "The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin." The Japanese edition of the writings, the "Nichiren Daishonin Gosho Zenshu," was issued in 1952. Translations are available, or are being done, in other languages.
Followers of Soka Gakkai International believe that through chanting one becomes energized and refreshed, both spiritually and mentally, making one happier, more productive, wiser, and more prosperous. Chanting is also believed to have a positive impact on the world at large, bringing blessings on others as well. Believers recommend that everyone try chanting to see its positive impact on their lives.
Soka Gakkai and SGI's constituent organizations hold regular grassroots gatherings known as discussion meetings. Available on a weekly to monthly basis, they are usually held in members' homes. Important events and commemorative meetings are held in SGI community centers (larger centers are usually called culture centers).
SGI Charter
Soka Gakkai's official charter is as follows: Purposes and Principles
- SGI shall contribute to peace, culture and education for the happiness and welfare of all humanity based on Buddhist respect for the sanctity of life.
- SGI, based on the ideal of world citizenship, shall safeguard fundamental human rights and not discriminate against any individual on any grounds.
- SGI shall respect and protect the freedom of religion and religious expression.
- SGI shall promote an understanding of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism through grass-roots exchange, thereby contributing to individual happiness.
Criticism
Soka Gakkai has been accused of placing an emphasis on recruitment and fundraising, demonizing perceived opponents, and using phobia indoctrination and peer pressure. Some critics maintain that the organization is cult-like in its emphasis on one's dependence on the organization of SGI for one's spiritual advancement.
The importance of Daisaku Ikeda, the long time president of SGI is a matter of considerable concern for those who see the organization as a cult. Writings by Ikeda (or by ghost writers and attributed to Ikeda) are seen as central readings. “Sensei,’” as he is called, is seen as a living embodiment of the power of the practice of SGI Buddhism, and members are encouraged (some say pressured) to view Ikeda as their “mentor” in life and “the mentor disciple relationship” is the subject of much focus.
See also: List of purported cults.
Excommunication
Nichiren Buddhism is the fundamental practice of the Soka Gakkai and SGI. However, in 1991, the priesthood of Nichiren Shoshu, led by Nikken Abe, demanded that the Soka Gakkai, then its lay organization, be disbanded. This culminated in the unprecedented and unilateral excommunication of the SGI and its 10 million members worldwide. Eight years later, in 1999, Nikken ordered the demolition of the Grand Main temple (Sho-Hondo) in Japan (located in the Nichiren Shoshu temple grounds "Taiseki-ji"), built with the dedicated support and donations of millions of SGI members. The Grand Reception Hall and other buildings (all built with the donations of SGI members) were also torn down along with many Sakura Blossom trees (planted by SGI members).
Soka Gakkai and SGI are now separate organisations from Nichiren Shoshu.
Another group which has formed as result of a split from Soka Gakkai is I-Chinen-Sanzen, also known as Hokkekō. The lay organization owes its allegiance to Nichiren Shoshu.
