Fun Facts
How many countries and territories practice SGI Buddhism?
There are now SGI members in 192 countries and territories, with 90 independent local constituent organizations and a total membership of around 1.8 million members outside Japan.
Why does the SGI celebrate November 18?
Founding of the Soka Gakkai
Soka Gakkai translates as?
Value-Creation Society
SGI is an acronym for what?
Soka Gakkai International
Why do you need the Gohonzon?
By having the Gohonzon enshrined in our homes, we are able to consistently and freely chant and derive innate courage, wisdom, compassion and everything that we need to progress in life. Especially when facing daunting or discouraging situations, chanting to the Gohonzon helps us face challenges head on and win.
Is there sound in outer space?
No
Who are the 3 founding presidents?
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda, Daisaku Ikeda
What does Kosen-Rufu mean?
literally translates "to widely declare and spread"
Kosen-Rufu refers to the process of securing lasting peace and happiness for all humankind by establishing the humanistic ideals of Nichiren Buddhism in society.
Do SGI members have to follow rules?
There are no set rules that regulate the lives of SGI members, but they are encouraged to live constructive and contributive lives and to respect the laws and norms of the societies and cultures in which they live.
What is the purpose of Buddhism?
To enable people to live happy, fulfilling lives.
7% of American adults believe that chocolate milk comes from what animal?
May 3rd is known as?
Soka Gakkai Day
What does Human Revolution mean?
Inner transformation. A process of bringing forth our full human potential. The idea that the inner transformation of an individual will cause a positive change in one’s circumstances and ultimately in society as a whole.
What are the three main fundamentals for SGI?
Peace, Culture and Education
Who wrote this: “A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.”
Daisaku Ikeda
Buddhism (not just SGI Buddhism) originated about how many years ago in what century?
About 2,500 years ago. 5th century BCE
The Soka Gakkai was founded in what year?
1930
What does Nam Myoho Renge Kyo mean?
Nam:- Nam derives from the Sanskrit word ‘namu’ or ‘namas’ meaning ‘to devote oneself’. Myoho:- Myoho means Mystic Law – the eternal truth or principle that permeates all phenomena. Renge:- Renge means lotus flower and symbolizes the law of cause and effect. It also represents the inherent power of human life to utilize sufferings or problems (i.e the mud) positively as nourishment to bloom as a beautiful lotus untainted by the muddy pond. Kyo:- Kyo means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. It also represents the eternity of life.
Do SGI members have priests and practice in temples?
No. SGI does not have priests and temples, but rather lay leaders and community centers. Daily practice is carried out at home and discussion meetings are usually held in people’s homes. SGI members live and work in society and integrate their practice into the daily routine of their lives.
What are two kinds of happiness that second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda describes, and what is the distinction between them?
Relative and Absolute happiness.
How does a lotus flower grow and why is this used as an example in Buddhist philosophy?
The lotus flower seeds and blooms at the same time, representing the simultaneity of cause and effect.
The lotus flower also blooms in a swampy waters, representing the potential for any person to attain buddahood in this lifetime, regardless of their surroundings.
Every year since 1983, in order to offer his perspective and vision for a better world, SGI President Ikeda has published what?
Peace proposals
What is the difference between Gongyo and Daimoku?
Gongyo is chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and reciting portions of “Expedient Means”
Daimoku is chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on its own.
How does SGI contribute to society?
Local SGI groups in individual countries undertake initiatives such as environmental clean-ups, displays and discussions about nonviolence or a culture of peace and cultural exchanges. At the international level, SGI is a firm supporter of the United Nations, with liaison offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna. It is active in public education with a focus on peace and disarmament, human rights and sustainable development, as well as providing humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters and participating in interfaith activities. SGI is also engaged in various NGO networks and partnerships at the local, national and international level.
Does SGI believe in God?
SGI members believe in the mystic law and the Universe. In many religions, praying to a god means that you are asking for God to give you something. Buddhists believe that they are in control of their life and that they have the innate power to change their fate and overcome obstacles on their own.