Soka Gakkai
| Soka Gakkai | |
|---|---|
| Family | Nichiren Buddhist lay movement |
| Origin region | Japan |
| Founding period | 20th century CE |
| Estimated adherents | Large international lay Buddhist movement; membership estimates vary. |
Soka Gakkai is a global lay Buddhist movement rooted in Nichiren Buddhism, emphasizing chanting, human dignity, peace, culture, and education.
Overview
[edit | edit source]Soka Gakkai is a Japanese-origin lay Buddhist movement based on Nichiren Buddhism. Its global organization describes itself as a community in many countries and territories promoting peace, culture, education, and respect for the dignity of life.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Key beliefs
[edit | edit source]- The Lotus Sutra is central in Nichiren Buddhist interpretation
- Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a core practice
- Every person has inherent dignity and Buddha nature
- Human revolution, or inner transformation, can improve society
- Peace, culture, and education are major public values
Practices
[edit | edit source]- Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
- Recitation of portions of the Lotus Sutra
- Home meetings and discussion groups
- Study of Nichiren's writings
- Peace, education, and cultural activities
Places of worship
[edit | edit source]- Homes with Gohonzon enshrined
- Soka Gakkai centers
- Discussion meeting locations
Sacred texts
[edit | edit source]- Lotus Sutra
- Nichiren's writings
- Soka Gakkai study materials
- Writings of movement presidents
Holidays and observances
[edit | edit source]- Nichiren-related commemorations
- Soka Gakkai founding dates
- Community and peace events
Branches and related traditions
[edit | edit source]- Buddhism - Soka Gakkai is rooted in Nichiren Buddhism.
- New Religious Movements - It is often studied as a modern lay Buddhist movement.
- Nichiren Buddhism - The movement descends from the Nichiren tradition.
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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