What is Soka Gakkai?
창가학회(創価学会, Soka Gakkai) (Soka Gakkai / 創価学会) is a Buddhist organization founded in Japan in 1930, based on the teachings of Nichiren (日蓮) and the Lotus Sutra (法華經), with the aim of realizing human revolution and world peace.
Overview
Soka Gakkai has grown into one of the world's largest Buddhist movements, active in 192 countries. Under the third president, Ikeda Daisaku (池田大作), it developed into Soka Gakkai International (SGI), advancing global peace, culture, and education initiatives.
Related Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soka Gakkai?
Soka Gakkai (創価学会, 창가학회) is a Buddhist organization founded in Japan in 1930, rooted in the teachings of Nichiren (日蓮) and the Lotus Sutra (法華經). It is one of the largest Buddhist movements in the world, active in 192 countries.
How was Soka Gakkai founded?
Soka Gakkai (創価学会) was founded by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi in 1930 as an educational philosophy movement. After World War II, second president Josei Toda expanded it into a mass Buddhist movement, and third president Ikeda Daisaku (池田大作) transformed it into a global peace movement.
What is the difference between Soka Gakkai and SGI?
Soka Gakkai (創価学会) is the Japanese headquarters organization, while SGI (Soka Gakkai International) is the collective name for overseas organizations in 192 countries. Korea's organization is Korea SGI (韓國SGI, 한국SGI).
What practice does Soka Gakkai follow?
The core practice of Soka Gakkai (創価学会) is chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経, 남묘호렌게쿄), established by Nichiren (日蓮) as the essence of the Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경).
What peace activities does Soka Gakkai conduct?
Led by Ikeda Daisaku (池田大作), Soka Gakkai (創価学会) advances nuclear abolition, sustainable development, and human rights education. It holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).