Soka Gakkai International ( SGI ) is an international Nichiren Buddhist organization founded in 1975 by Daisaku Ikeda , as an umbrella organization of Soka Gakkai .
101-588: Honnō-ji ( 本能寺 ) is a temple of the Nichiren branch of Buddhism located in Kyoto , Japan . Honnō-ji is most famous for the Honnō-ji incident , the assassination of the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga , which occurred there on 21 June 1582. Nobunaga lodged at the temple with little protection before his invasion of the west, but was betrayed by his general Akechi Mitsuhide , who moved in superior forces by subterfuge, besieged
202-422: A Bodhisattva , a mortal saint, or an "Original Buddha" of the third age of Buddhism . Nichiren Buddhism is practiced in many countries. The largest groups are Soka Gakkai International , Nichiren Shu , and Nichiren Shōshū . Nichiren's teachings encompass a significant number of concepts. Briefly, the basic practice of Nichiren Buddhism is chanting the invocation Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to an object called
303-406: A Japanese religious building or structure is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article about a Buddhist place of worship is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Nichiren Buddhism Nichiren Buddhism ( Japanese : 日蓮仏教 ), also known as Hokkeshū ( Japanese : 法華宗 , meaning Lotus Sect ), is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism based on the teachings of
404-635: A "circular hermeneutic " in which the interplay of the Lotus Sutra text and his personal experiences verified and enriched each other in his mind. As a result, there are significant turning points as his teachings reach full maturity. Scholar Yoshirō Tamura categorizes the development of Nichiren's thinking into three periods: For more than 20 years Nichiren examined Buddhist texts and commentaries at Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji temple and other major centers of Buddhist study in Japan. In later writings he claimed he
505-494: A board of directors. Leadership below national staff, however, has been liberalized; in the United States for instance, the nomination and approval of leaders includes both members and organizational leaders in the process. Author Karel Dobbelaere notes the election of the presidents, as well as a process of "nomination, review and approval that involves both peers and leaders" in choosing other leaders. SGI members adhere to
606-558: A cult. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was formed at a conference on January 26, 1975, on the island of Guam . Representatives from 51 countries attended the meeting and chose Daisaku Ikeda , who served as third president of the Japanese Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai , to become the SGI's founding president. Its founding meeting in Guam is a symbolic gesture referencing Guam's history as
707-574: A distinction, insisting both concepts should be seen as practical and realizable amidst the concrete realities of daily life. He took issue with other Buddhist schools of his time that stressed transcendence over immanence . Nichiren's emphasis on "self-power" (Jpn. ji-riki ) led him to harshly criticize Honen and his Pure Land Buddhism school because of its exclusive reliance on Amida Buddha for salvation which resulted in "other-dependence." (Jpn. ta-riki ) In addition to his critique of Pure Land Buddhism, he later expanded his polemics to criticisms of
808-569: A global grassroots network of people dedicated to abolishing nuclear weapons. In 2014, an SGI youth delegation met with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) regarding coordination of the SGI's efforts and the UN efforts to increase grassroots movements for nuclear abolition. In 2008, then-High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Sergio Duarte characterized SGI's work toward nuclear disarmament as linking human security with
909-578: A global network of affiliated organizations. As of 2011, the SGI reported active national organizations in 192 countries and territories with a total of approximately 12 million members. The SGI is independent of the Soka Gakkai (the domestic Japanese organization), although both are headquartered in Tokyo . National SGI organizations operate autonomously and all affairs are conducted in the local language. Many national organizations are coordinated by groups such as
1010-479: A joint initiative of the SGI and Earth Charter International . At the exhibit's opening in Panaji , the state capital of Goa , regional planning head Edgar Ribeiro spoke of lagging efforts to implement environmental laws and stated that "Only a people's movement can take sustainability forward." In Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College President Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok said that this exhibition helped "to create
1111-546: A long tradition of "culture festivals", originating in the 1950s, which take the form of group gymnastics, marching bands, traditional ensembles, orchestras, ballet, or choral presentations. The Soka Gakkai perceives these activities as vehicles for its members to experience the skills of cooperating with others, opportunities to engage in the personal discipline that performing arts provide, and occasions to overcome obstacles and to undertake one's own "human revolution". They enhance peer networks and understanding of and commitment to
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#17328450983001212-504: A peace proposal which examines global challenges in the light of Buddhist teachings. The proposals are specific and wide-ranging, covering topics as constructing a culture of peace, promoting the development of the United Nations, nuclear disarmament, the prohibition of child soldiers, the empowerment of women, the promotion of educational initiatives in schools such as human rights and sustainable development education, and calls to reawaken
1313-552: A similar stance. Described as "one of the most unified calls by a religion's leadership," the statement draws on the 2009 pan-Buddhist statement, "The Time to Act is Now: A Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change," to which SGI-USA among others became a signatory in early 2015. The SGI conducts humanitarian aid projects in disaster-stricken regions. After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan , local Soka Gakkai facilities became refugee shelters and distribution centers for relief supplies. Efforts also included worldwide fundraising for
1414-710: A standing statue of Shakyamuni Buddha as an object of worship, providing funding for the construction of a Pure Land stupa in Fuji, and visiting and worshiping at the Mishima Taisha Shinto shrine which was an honorary shrine of the Hōjō clan shogunate . Nikkō regarded the latter as a violation of Nichiren's Rissho ankoku ron . In addition, Nikkō made accusatory charges that after Nichiren's death, other disciples slowly began to gradually deviate from what Nikkō viewed as Nichiren's orthodox teachings. Chief among these complaints
1515-620: A whole by submitting a treatise entitled " Risshō Ankoku Ron " (" Establishment of the Legitimate Teaching for the Protection of the Country ") to Hōjō Tokiyori , the de facto leader of the nation. In it he cites passages from the Ninnō , Yakushi , Daijuku , and Konkōmyō sutras. Drawing on Tendai thinking about the non duality of person and land, Nichiren argued that the truth and efficacy of
1616-464: A women's group, a men's group, and young women's and young men's groups. National organizations generally raise their own operational funds, although the SGI headquarters in Tokyo has awarded funding grants to smaller national organizations for projects such as land acquisition and the construction of new buildings. SGI-affiliated organizations outside Japan are forbidden to engage directly in politics. While
1717-513: A world where people live without fear," praising world leaders in attendance for "the courage to begin these negotiations" and calling on States not in attendance to join the June–July session of the conference. The group's peace activities can be traced back to the Toda era – at an athletic meeting in 1957, Toda called for a complete ban on nuclear weapons. A 1975 petition drive against nuclear weapons by
1818-484: Is a subsidiary of the Soka Gakkai which Ikeda established in 1963. It claims to sponsor over 1100 concerts each year. Ikeda also founded the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum in 1983. It houses collections of western and oriental art, and has participated in exchanges with museums around the world. Soka Gakkai considers dance and other genres of performance art to be a major aspect of its peace activities. It has
1919-674: Is also evidence of interactions between Hokkeshū and Tendai scholar-monks. During the Edo period , with the consolidation of power by the Tokugawa shogunate , increased pressure was placed major Buddhist schools and Nichiren temples to conform to governmental policies. Some Hokkeshū adherents, the followers of the so-called Fuju-fuse lineage, adamantly bucked this policy based on their readings of Nichiren's teachings to neither take ( fuju ) nor give ( fuse ) offerings from non-believers. Suppressed, adherents often held their meetings clandestinely which led to
2020-478: Is documentation of face-to-face public debates between Hokkeshū and Nembutsu adherents. By the end of the century Hokkeshū temples had been founded all over Kyoto , only being outnumbered by Zen temples. The demographic base of support in Kyoto were members of the merchant class (Jpn. machishū ), some of whom had acquired great wealth. Tanabe hypothesizes they were drawn to this faith because of Nichiren's emphasis on
2121-478: Is engaged in reforestation, the creation of a regional seed bank, and experiments in sustainable agroforestry. One scholar cites Daisaku Ikeda , SGI's president, describing such initiatives as a Buddhist-based impetus for direct public engagement in parallel with legal efforts to address environmental concerns. In India, the Bharat Soka Gakkai (the SGI of India) debuted the traveling exhibit "Seeds of Hope,"
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#17328450983002222-519: Is no documentation about him in the public records of his times. Modern scholarship on Nichiren's life tries to provide sophisticated textual and sociohistorical analyses to cull longstanding myths about Nichiren that accrued over time from what is actually concretized. It is clear that from an early point in his studies Nichiren came to focus on the Lotus Sutra as the culmination and central message of Shakyamuni . As his life unfolded he engaged in
2323-539: Is often called "the most prominent Japanese 'export' religion to draw significant numbers of non-Japanese converts", by which Nichiren Buddhism has spread throughout the world. Nichiren upheld the belief that the Lotus Sutra alone contains the highest degree of Buddhist teachings and proposed a classification system that ranks the quality of religions and various Nichiren schools can be either accommodating or vigorously opposed to any other forms of Buddhism or religious beliefs. Various followers debate Nichiren status, as
2424-856: Is one of the National Treasures of Japan . After Nichiren's death in 1282 the Kamakura shogunate weakened largely due to financial and political stresses resulting from defending the country from the Mongols. It was replaced by the Ashikaga shogunate (1336–1573), which in turn was succeeded by the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1573–1600), and then the Tokugawa shogunate (1600–1868). During these time periods, collectively comprising Japan's medieval history, Nichiren Buddhism experienced considerable fracturing, growth, turbulence and decline. A prevailing characteristic of
2525-599: Is similarly described, in the phrasing of its Charter, as contributing to peace, culture and education. Since 2007, the SGI has collaborated closely with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) to develop educational programs and raise awareness on nuclear disarmament, particularly among young people. The SGI also partnered with ICAN to promote the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons , which
2626-654: The Gohonzon . Embracing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo entails both chanting and having the mind of faith. ( shinjin ). It has three pillars namely: faith, practice and study. Both the invocation and the Gohonzon, as taught by Nichiren, embody the title and essence of the Lotus Sutra, which he taught as the only valid scripture for the Latter Day of the Law , as well as the life state of Buddhahood inherent in all life. Nichiren considered that in
2727-473: The Fuju-fuse persecution and numerous executions of believers in 1668. During this time of persecution, most likely to prevent young priests from adopting a passion for propagation, Nichiren seminaries emphasized Tendai studies with only a few top-ranking students permitted to study some of Nichiren's writings. Soka Gakkai International It is run by two vice-presidents, including Hiromasa Ikeda, son of
2828-610: The Tendai school which had abandoned its Lotus Sutra-exclusiveness and incorporated esoteric doctrines and rituals as well as faith in the soteriological power of Amida Buddha . The target of his tactics expanded during the early part of his career. Between 1253 and 1259 he proselytized and converted individuals, mainly attracting mid- to lower-ranking samurai and local landholders and debated resident priests in Pure Land temples. In 1260, however, he attempted to directly reform society as
2929-493: The Zen , Shingon , and Ritsu sects. These four critiques were later collectively referred to as his "four dictums." Later in his writings, Nichiren referred to his early exegeses of the Pure Land teachings as just the starting point for his polemics against the esoteric teachings , which he had deemed as a far more significant matter of concern. Adding to his criticisms of esoteric Shingon , Nichiren wrote detailed condemnations about
3030-479: The " Bodhisattvas of the Earth " who appeared in the Lotus Sutra with the vow to spread the correct teaching and thereby establish a peaceful and just society. For Nichiren, enlightenment is not limited to one's inner life, but is "something that called for actualization in endeavors toward the transformation of the land, toward the realization of an ideal society." The specific task to be pursued by Nichiren's disciples
3131-409: The "Atsuhara Affair" ("Atsuhara Persecution") occurred, culminating three years later. In the prior stage of his career, between 1261 and 1273, Nichiren endured and overcame numerous trials that were directed at him personally including assassination attempts, an attempted execution, and two exiles, thereby "bodily reading the Lotus Sutra" ( shikidoku 色読). In so doing, according to him, he validated
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3232-453: The "third realm" (Jpn. daisan hōmon ) of the Lotus Sutra, staked out in chapters 10–22, which emphasize practice in the mundane world. In the 15th century, the political and social order began to collapse and Hokkeshū followers armed themselves. The Hokke-ikki was an uprising in 1532 of Hokke followers against the followers of the Pure Land school in 1532. Initially successful it became
3333-510: The 13th ("Fortitude") chapter of the Lotus Sutra in which a host of bodhisattvas promise to face numerous trials that follow in the wake of upholding and spreading the sutra in the evil age following the death of the Buddha: slander and abuse; attack by swords and staves; enmity from kings, ministers, and respected monks; and repeated banishment. On two occasions, however, the persecution was aimed at his followers. First, in 1271, in conjunction with
3434-418: The 13th-century Japanese Buddhist priest Nichiren (1222–1282) and is one of the Kamakura period schools. Its teachings derive from some 300–400 extant letters and treatises either authored by or attributed to Nichiren. Nichiren Buddhism generally sources its basic doctrine from the Lotus Sutra claiming that all sentient beings possess an internal Buddha-nature capable of attaining Buddhahood in
3535-522: The 1950s. Japanese new religious movements such as the Sōka Gakkai , Shōshinkai , and Kenshōkai trace their origins to the Nichiren Shōshū school and they all eventually branched from it. In the early 14th century Hokkeshū followers spread the teachings westward and established congregations (Jpn. shū ) into the imperial capital of Kyoto and as far as Bizen and Bitchu . During this time there
3636-674: The Asian continent (ca. 1295) on a missionary journey and some scholarship suggests he reached northern China, Manchuria, and possibly Mongolia. Kuon-ji Temple in Mount Minobu eventually became the head temple of today's Nichiren Shū , the largest branch among traditional schools, encompassing the schools and temples tracing their origins to Nikō, Nichirō, Nisshō, Nitchō, and Nichiji. The lay and/or new religious movements Reiyūkai , Risshō Kōsei Kai , and Nipponzan-Myōhōji-Daisanga stem from this lineage. Nikkō left Kuon-ji in 1289 and became
3737-699: The Fuji district and Honmonji in Omosu district. He spent most of his life at the latter, where he trained his followers. According to Stone, it is not absolutely clear that Nikkō intended to completely break from the other senior disciples and start his own school. However, his followers claimed that he was the only one of the six senior disciples who maintained the purity of Nichiren's legacy. Two documents appeared, first mentioned and discovered by Taiseki-ji High Priest Nikkyo Shonin in 1488, claiming Nichiren transferred his teaching exclusively to Nikkō but their authenticity has been questioned. Taiseki-ji does not dispute that
3838-541: The Gakkai's youth division garnered 10 million signatures, and was handed over to the United Nations. SGI has been in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1983. As an NGO working with the United Nations, SGI has been active in public education with a focus mainly on peace and nuclear weapons disarmament, human rights and sustainable development. Each year, Ikeda publishes
3939-475: The Latter Day of the Law – a time of human strife and confusion, when Buddhism would be in decline – Buddhism had to be more than the theoretical or meditative practice it had become, but was meant to be practiced "with the body", that is, in one's actions and the consequent results that are manifested. More important than the formality of ritual, he claimed, was the substance of the practitioner's life in which
4040-604: The Lotus Sutra entails four aspects: His three-year exile to Sado Island proved to be another key turning point in Nichiren's life. Here he began inscribing the Gohonzon and wrote several major theses in which he claimed that he was Bodhisattva Superior Practices , the leader of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth . He concludes his work The Opening of the Eyes with the declaration "I will be
4141-621: The Lotus Sutra's daimoku or title which he described as the heart of the "origin teaching" ( honmon 本門) of the Lotus Sutra. This, he now claimed, lay hidden in the depths of the 16th ("The Life Span of the Tathāgata") chapter, never before being revealed, but intended by the Buddha solely for the beginning of the Final Dharma Age. A prolific writer, Nichiren's personal communiques among his followers as well as numerous treatises detail his view of
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4242-535: The Lotus Sutra's teaching that all people, men and women equally, can become enlightened just as they are. His voice is sensitive and kind which differs from the strident picture painted about him by critics. Which of these writings, including the Ongi Kuden (orally transmitted teachings), are deemed authentic or apocryphal is a matter of debate within the various schools of today's Nichiren Buddhism. His Rissho Ankoku Ron , preserved at Shochuzan Hokekyo-ji ,
4343-428: The Lotus Sutra. From this early stage of his career, Nichiren started to engage in fierce polemics criticizing the teachings of Buddhism taught by the other sects of his day, a practice that continued and expanded throughout his life. Although Nichiren accepted the Tendai theoretical constructs of "original enlightenment" ( hongaku shisō ) and "attaining Buddhahood in one's present form" ( sokushin jobutsu ) he drew
4444-574: The Momoyama (1568–1615) and Edo (1615–1868) periods and many of the most famous artists and literati were drawn from their ranks. Although the various sects of Nichiren Buddhism were administratively independent, there is evidence of cooperation between them. For example, in 1466 the major Hokke temples in Kyoto signed the Kanshō-era accord (Kanshō meiyaku ) to protect themselves against threats from Mt. Hiei. Despite strong sectarian differences, there
4545-525: The Nichiren community during his life. In 1282, one year before his death, Nichiren named "six senior priests" ( rokurōsō ) disciple to lead his community: Nikkō Shonin (日興), Nisshō (日昭), Nichirō (日朗), Nikō (日向), Nitchō (日頂), and Nichiji (日持). Each had led communities of followers in different parts of the Kanto region of Japan and these groups, after Nichiren's death, ultimately morphed into lineages of schools. Nikkō Shonin , Nichirō, and Nisshō were
4646-554: The Nichiren groups shared commonalities: asserting the primacy of the Lotus Sutra, tracing Nichiren as their founder, centering religious practice on chanting Namu-myoho-renge-kyo , using the Gohonzon in meditative practice, insisting on the need for propagation, and participating in remonstrations with the authorities. The movement was supported financially by local warlords or stewards ( jitõ ) who often founded tightly organized clan temples ( ujidera ) that were frequently led by sons who became priests. Most Nichiren schools point to
4747-603: The SGI-USA was one of the organizing groups for the first-ever Buddhist conference at the White House . In June 2015, the SGI-Italy was recognized by the Italian government with a special accord under Italian Constitution Article 8, acknowledging it as an official religion of Italy and eligible to receive direct taxpayer funding for its religious and social activities. It also recognizes
4848-589: The SGI-USA, which is headquartered in California, publicly opposed that state's Proposition 8 (which sought to prevent same-sex marriage), and coordinated with other progressive religious groups to support same-sex couples' right to legally marry. In 2012, then-President of the Republic of China Ma Ying-jeou remarked that the Taiwan Soka Association had been recognized for its involvement the past 16 years in
4949-498: The Soka Gakkai as a "Concordat" (It: "Intesa") that grants the religions status in "a special 'club' of denominations consulted by the government in certain occasions, allowed to appoint chaplains in the army – a concordat is not needed for appointing chaplains in hospitals and jails – and, perhaps more importantly, to be partially financed by taxpayers' money." Twelve other religious denominations share this status. The Soka Gakkai International comprises
5050-546: The Soka Gakkai. In the first year of his presidency, Ikeda visited the United States , Canada , and Brazil , and the Soka Gakkai's first American headquarters officially opened in Los Angeles in 1963. In 2000, Uruguay honored the 25th anniversary of the SGI's founding with a commemorative postage stamp. The stamp was issued on October 2, the anniversary of SGI President Ikeda's first overseas journey in 1960. In May 2015,
5151-463: The Tokyo-based Institute of Oriental Philosophy, the SGI defines itself as a "movement for contributing to peace, culture and education" based on its "interpretation and practical application of the ideas in the Lotus Sutra ." SGI engagement as a religious NGO affiliated with the United Nations in policy discussions on issues including human rights, sustainable development and peace building
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#17328450983005252-577: The arrest and attempted execution of Nichiren and his subsequent exile to Sado, many of his disciples were arrested, banished, or had lands confiscated by the government. At that time, Nichiren stated, most recanted their faith in order to escape the government's actions. In contrast, during the Atsuhara episode twenty lay peasant-farmer followers were arrested on questionable charges and tortured; three were ultimately executed. This time none recanted their faith. Some of his prominent followers in other parts of
5353-656: The awareness of the power of a single individual in bringing about waves of positive change to the environment, as well as the society." In November 2015, the SGI signed on to the Buddhist Climate Change Statement representing "over a billion Buddhists worldwide" in a call to action submitted to world leaders at the 21st session of UN climate change talks held in Paris. The statement affirms that Buddhist spirituality compels environmental protection and expresses solidarity with Catholic and Muslim leaders who have taken
5454-501: The community—reportedly "the largest peace run in the country held in 28 locations nationwide and involving some 115,000 runners." In Dubai, the SGI Gulf association has hosted since 2008 an annual "Poetic Heart" symposium, partnering with other organizations and involving international and local artists as well as poets of all ages. Organizational practices in the United States have been characterized as socially inclusive Buddhism. In 2008,
5555-704: The core of the Minobu (also known as the Nikō or Kuon-ji) monryu or school. Nikō became the second chief abbot of Minobu (Nichiren is considered by this school to be the first). Nichirō's direct lineage was called the Nichirō or Hikigayatsu monryu . Nisshō's lineage became the Nisshō or Hama monryu . Nitchō formed the Nakayama lineage but later returned to become a follower of Nikkō. Nichiji, originally another follower of Nikkō, eventually traveled to
5656-532: The correct form of practice for the Latter Day of the Law ( mappō ); lay out his views on other Buddhist schools, particularly those of influence during his lifetime; and elucidate his interpretations of Buddhist teachings that preceded his. These writings are collectively known as Gosho (御書) or Nichiren ibun (日蓮遺文). Out of 162 historically identified followers of Nichiren, 47 were women. Many of his writings were to women followers in which he displays strong empathy for their struggles, and continually stressed
5757-450: The country were also being persecuted but maintained their faith as well. Although Nichiren was situated in Minobu, far from the scene of the persecution, the Fuji district of present-day Shizuoka Prefecture , Nichiren held his community together in the face of significant oppression through a sophisticated display of legal and rhetorical responses. He also drew on a wide array of support from
5858-744: The current life. There are three essential aspects to Nichiren Buddhism: After his death, Nichiren left to both his senior disciples and lay followers the mandate to widely propagate the Gohonzon and chanting the Daimoku in order to secure the peace and prosperity of society. Traditionalist Nichiren Buddhist temple groups are commonly associated with Nichiren Shōshū and various Nichiren-shū schools. In addition, modern lay organizations not affiliated with temples such as Soka Gakkai , Kenshokai , Shoshinkai , Risshō Kōsei Kai , and Honmon Butsuryū-shū also exist while some Japanese new religions are Nichiren-inspired lay groups. The Soka Gakkai International
5959-524: The death penalty . The Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai had earlier endorsed the Community of Sant'Egidio's international appeal "Moratorium 2000", which was launched in 1998. The Soka Gakkai International is notable among Buddhist organizations for the racial and ethnic diversity of its members. It has been characterized as the world's largest and most ethnically diverse Buddhist group. Professor Susumu Shimazono suggested several reasons for this:
6060-443: The environment, education and peace and disarmament as popular priorities. The Soka Gakkai sponsors many cultural activities for its membership as well as the general public. The Soka Gakkai's subsidiary organizations also have a social presence. Several educational institutions were either founded by the Soka Gakkai or were inspired by the educational writings of the Soka Gakkai's three presidents. The Min-On Concert Association
6161-537: The founder of what was to be called the Nikkō monryu or lineage. He founded a center at the foot of Mount Fuji which would later be known as the Taisekiji temple of Nichiren Shōshū . Soka Gakkai is the largest independent lay organization that shares roots with this lineage. Fault lines between the various Nichiren groups crystallized over several issues: The cleavage between Nichiren groups has also been classified by
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#17328450983006262-581: The founder. It claims 12 million adherents, but scholars fear the number is overrated. Recent scholarship estimate Soka Gakkai believers around 2.5 million people in Japan.[3] SGI is one of the 6000 organizations awarded a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, since 1983.[4] It also remains a controversial organization, due to the ambiguous reputation of the Japanese Soka Gakkai. Some countries consider it as
6363-403: The founding date of their respective head or main temple (for example, Nichiren Shū the year 1281, Nichiren Shōshū the year 1288, and Kempon Hokke Shu the year 1384) although they did not legally incorporate as religious bodies until the late 19th and early 20th century. A last wave of temple mergers took place in the 1950s. The roots of this splintering can be traced to the organization of
6464-451: The fundamental goal of eliminating nuclear weapons. According to Pax Christi International , on March 28, 2017, a joint statement of Faith Communities Concerned about Nuclear Weapons, initiated by the SGI, was delivered by Pax Christi Philippines during the first UN negotiating conference for the treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons . More than 20 religious leaders affirmed through the joint statement their shared "aspirations for peace and for
6565-543: The general welfare of society, education and religious teaching, highlighting its disaster rescue and relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Morakot in 2009. In November 2019, the Soka Gakkai Peace Committee in Japan helped organize the international conference "No Justice Without Life", at which Mario Marazziti of the Italy-based Community of Sant'Egidio , among others, advocated for a moratorium on
6666-400: The goals of the organization. In addition, they are viewed as expressions of Buddhist humanism and are aligned to the Soka Gakkai's ideals about creating a peaceful and more humane society. The tradition, which began in Japan, has been copied in other Soka Gakkai organizations in the world. The organization's musical and dance wings are organized into ensembles or groups in
6767-439: The human spirit and individual empowerment. The Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research has published a compilation of topical excerpts. The SGI also promotes environmental initiatives through educational activities such as exhibitions, lectures and conferences, and more direct activities such as tree planting projects and the SGI's Amazon Ecological Conservation Center, which is administered by SGI-Brazil. The center
6868-452: The invocation and Gohonzon , comprise " the three great secret laws (or dharmas) " found in the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren Buddhism originated in 13th-century feudal Japan. It is one of six new forms of Shin Bukkyo (English: "New Buddhism") of "Kamakura Buddhism." The arrival of these new schools was a response to the social and political upheaval in Japan during this time as power passed from
6969-481: The modern period, Nichiren Buddhism experienced a revival, largely initiated by lay people and lay movements. Several denominations comprise the umbrella term "Nichiren Buddhism" which was known at the time as the Hokkeshū (Lotus School) or Nichirenshū (Nichiren School). The splintering of Nichiren's teachings into different schools began several years after Nichiren's passing. Despite their differences, however,
7070-483: The most powerful religious group in Kyoto but its fortunes were reversed in 1536 when Mt. Hiei armed forces destroyed twenty-one Hokkeshū temples and killed some 58,000 of its followers. In 1542 permission was granted by the government to rebuild the destroyed temples and the Hokke machishū played a crucial role in rebuilding the commerce, industry, and arts in Kyoto. Their influence in the arts and literature continued through
7171-426: The movement in medieval Japan was its lack of understanding of Nichiren's own spiritual realization. Serious commentaries about Nichiren's theology did not appear for almost two hundred years. This contributed to divisive doctrinal confrontations that were often superficial and dogmatic. This long history of foundings, divisions, and mergers have led to today's 37 legally incorporated Nichiren Buddhist groups. In
7272-493: The name of 'practitioners of the Lotus Sutra.'" During this time Nichiren inscribed 114 mandalas that are extant today, 49 of which have been identified as being inscribed for individual lay followers and which may have served to deepen the bond between teacher and disciple. In addition, a few very large mandalas were inscribed, apparently intended for use at gathering places, suggesting the existence of some type of conventicle structure. The Atsuhara Affair also gave Nichiren
7373-404: The national organizations are run autonomously, the Tokyo headquarters of SGI disseminates doctrinal and teaching materials to all national organizations around the world. The Tokyo headquarters also serves as a meeting place for national leaders to come together and exchange information and ideas. The election or nomination of leaders is typically not decided by the SGI's general membership but by
7474-529: The network of leading monks and lay disciples he had raised, some of whom were also experiencing persecution at the hands of the government. Throughout the events he wrote many letters to his disciples in which he gave context to the unfolding events by asserting that severe trials have deep significance. According to Stone, "By standing firm under interrogation, the Atsuhara peasants had proved their faith in Nichiren's eyes, graduating in his estimation from 'ignorant people' to devotees meriting equally with himself
7575-463: The ninth century, Japanese rulers decreed that the Lotus Sūtra be recited in temples for its "nation-saving" qualities. It was the most frequently read and recited sutra by the literate lay class and its message was disseminated widely through art, folk tales, music, and theater. It was commonly held that it had powers to bestow spiritual and worldly benefits to individuals. However, even Mount Hiei ,
7676-518: The nobility to a shogunate military dictatorship led by the Minamoto clan and later to the Hōjō clan . A prevailing pessimism existed associated with the perceived arrival of the Age of the Latter Day of the Law . The era was marked by an intertwining relationship between Buddhist schools and the state which included clerical corruption. By Nichiren's time the Lotus Sūtra was firmly established in Japan. From
7777-515: The opportunity to better define what was to become Nichiren Buddhism. He stressed that meeting great trials was a part of the practice of the Lotus Sutra; the great persecutions of Atsuhara were not results of karmic retribution but were the historical unfolding of the Buddhist Dharma. The vague "single good of the true vehicle" which he advocated in the Risshō ankoku ron now took final form as chanting
7878-515: The original documents are missing but holds that certified copies are preserved in their repositories. In contrast, other Nichiren sects vehemently claim them as forgeries since they are not in the original handwriting of Nichiren or Nikkō, holding they were copied down by Nikkō's disciples after his death." In addition to using the letters to defend its claim to orthodoxy, the documents may have served to justify Taiseki-ji's claimed superiority over other Nikkō temples, especially Ikegami Honmon-ji ,
7979-548: The other five senior priests no longer returned to Nichiren's tomb in Mount Minobu, citing signs of neglect at the gravesite. He took up residency and overall responsibility for Kuonji temple while Nikō served as its doctrinal instructor. Before long tensions grew between the two concerning the behavior of Hakii Nanbu Rokurō Sanenaga, the steward of the Minobu district and the temple's patron. Nikkō accused Sanenaga of unorthodox practices deemed to be heretical such as crafting
8080-405: The people's religious practice will be expressed in the outer conditions of their land and society. He thereby associated the natural disasters of his age with the nation's attachment to inferior teachings, predicted foreign invasion and internal rebellion, and called for the return to legitimate dharma to protect the country. Although the role of Buddhism in "nation-protection" ( chingo kokka )
8181-505: The philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism as interpreted and applied by the Soka Gakkai's first three presidents Tsunesaburo Makiguchi , Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda , incorporating social interaction and engagement into their Buddhist practice. Monthly neighborhood discussion meetings are generally held at the homes of SGI members. Soka Gakkai Malaysia since 2005 has held a non-competitive biennial "Run for Peace" to raise awareness of nuclear disarmament and in support of culture of peace in
8282-581: The pillar of Japan; I will be the eyes of Japan; I will be the vessel of Japan. Inviolable shall remain these vows!" His thinking now went beyond theories of karmic retribution or guarantees of the Lotus Sutra as a protective force. Rather, he expressed a resolve to fulfill his mission despite the consequences. All of his disciples, he asserted, should emulate his spirit and work just like him in helping all people open their innate Buddha lives even though this means entails encountering enormous challenges. Nichiren's teachings reached their full maturity between
8383-506: The prayers and rituals of Tendai and Shingon priests? He eventually concluded that the highest teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha ( c. 563 – c. 483 BC ) were to be found in the Lotus Sutra . Throughout his career Nichiren carried his personal copy of the Lotus Sutra which he continually annotated. The mantra he expounded on 28 April 1253, known as the Daimoku or Odaimoku , Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō , expresses his devotion to
8484-455: The seat of Tiantai Lotus Sutra devotion, had come to adopt an eclectic assortment of esoteric rituals and Pure Land practices as " expedient means " to understand the sutra itself. Nichiren developed his thinking in this midst of confusing Lotus Sutra practices and a competing array of other "Old Buddhism" and "New Buddhism" schools. The biographical development of his thinking is sourced almost entirely from his extant writings as there
8585-426: The second death anniversary of Nichiren's 100th Day Memorial ceremony (23 January 1283) when the rotation system as agreed upon the " Shuso Gosenge Kiroku " (English: Record document of founder's demise) and Rimbo Cho (English: Rotation Wheel System) to clean and maintain Nichiren's grave. By the third anniversary of Nichiren's passing (13 October 1284), these arrangements seemed to have broken down. Nikkō claimed that
8686-578: The site of Nichiren's tomb. Even though there had been efforts by temples of the Nikkō lineage in the late 19th century to unify into one single separate Nichiren school the Kommon-ha , today's Nichiren Shōshū comprises only the Taiseki-ji temple and its dependent temples. It is not identical to the historical Nikkō or Fuji lineage. Parts of the Kommon-ha , the Honmon-Shu , eventually became part of Nichiren Shu in
8787-430: The site of some of World War II's bloodiest battles, and proximity to Tinian Island , launching place of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki , Japan. The Soka Gakkai's initial global expansion began after World War II , when some Soka Gakkai members married mostly American servicemen and moved away from Japan. Expansion efforts gained a further boost in 1960 when Ikeda succeeded Jōsei Toda as president of
8888-402: The so-called Itchi (meaning unity or harmony) and Shoretsu (a contraction of two words meaning superior/inferior) lineages. Although there were rivalries and unique interpretations among the early Hokkeshũ lineages, none were as deep and distinct as the divide between the Nikkō or Fuji school and the rest of the tradition. Animosity and discord among the six senior disciples started after
8989-535: The spiritual and cultural life of the movement." In 2015, Italian newspaper la Repubblica reported that half of all Buddhists in Italy are SGI members. The SGI defines itself as a "movement for contributing to peace, culture and education" based on its "interpretation and practical application of the ideas in the Lotus Sutra ." SGI promotes its engagement on issues including human rights, sustainable development and peace building. According to Yoichi Kawada, director of
9090-497: The spiritual and material aspects are interrelated. He considered conditions in the world to be a reflection of the conditions of the inner lives of people; the premise of his first major remonstrance, Rissho Ankoku Ron (Establishing The Correct Teaching for the Peace of The Land), is that if a nation abandons heretical forms of Buddhism and adopts faith in the Lotus Sutra, the nation will know peace and security. He considered his disciples
9191-475: The strongly felt needs of individuals in their daily lives, its solutions to discord in interpersonal relations, its practical teachings that offer concrete solutions for carrying on a stable social life, and its provision of a place where congenial company and a spirit of mutual support may be found. Peter Clarke wrote that the SGI appeals to non-Japanese in part because "no one is obliged to abandon their native culture or nationality in order to fully participate in
9292-552: The temple, and set it on fire. Knowing there was no way out for him, Nobunaga committed seppuku along with his attendant Mori Ranmaru . In 1591, Nobunaga's successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the reconstruction of Honnō-ji, but on a different site due to the tragic circumstances. Honnō-ji was rebuilt on its current location in present-day Nakagyō Ward , near Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station . 35°00′37″N 135°46′06″E / 35.010294°N 135.768281°E / 35.010294; 135.768281 This article about
9393-499: The victims, youth groups, and spiritual support. In 2014, SGI-Chile members collected supplies to deliver to emergency services and refugee centers after that country's devastating Iquique earthquake . In 2015, SGI-USA was part of the organizing committee that convened a day-long conference in Washington, DC of 125 Buddhist leaders to discuss Buddhism and civic activism in the United States. The conference identified climate change and
9494-422: The years 1274 and 1282 while he resided in primitive settings at Mount Minobu located in today's Yamanashi Prefecture . During this time he devoted himself to training disciples, produced most of the Gohonzon which he sent to followers, and authored works constituting half of his extant writings including six treatises that were categorized by his follower Nikkō as among his ten most important. In 1278
9595-475: Was "bodily reading the Lotus Sutra ( Jpn. Hokke shikidoku )," fulfilling the predictions on the 13th chapter ( Fortitude ) that votaries would be persecuted by ignorant lay people, influential priests, and their friends in high places. Nichiren began to argue that through "bodily reading the Lotus Sutra," rather than just studying its text for literal meaning, a country and its people could be protected. According to Habito, Nichiren argued that bodily reading
9696-536: Was adopted at the United Nations in July 2017, and for which ICAN was awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize . Beatrice Fihn, executive director of ICAN, stated in a July 2017 interview that the "SGI has been one of our greatest partners in the fight to abolish nuclear weapons." To further increase public awareness of the anti-nuclear movement , the SGI also created "The People's Decade" campaign, which since 2007 has developed
9797-561: Was customary for his political family to provide monetary donations and make homage to the Shinto shrine of the Kamakura shogunate. Nikō tolerated Sanenaga's acts, claiming that similar incidents occurred previously with the knowledge of Nichiren. Sanenaga sided with Nikō and Nikkō departed in 1289 from Minobu. He returned to his home in Suruga Province and established two temples: Taiseki-ji in
9898-482: Was motivated by four primary questions: (1) What were the essentials of the competing Buddhist sects so they could be ranked according to their merits and flaws? (2) Which of the many Buddhist scriptures that had reached Japan represented the essence of Shakyamuni's teaching? (3) How could he be assured of the certainty of his own enlightenment? (4) Why was the Imperial house defeated by the Kamakura regime in 1221 despite
9999-640: Was the syncretic practices of some of the disciples to worship images of Shakyamuni Buddha . Nikkō admonished other disciple priests for signing their names "Tendai Shamon" (of the Tendai Buddhist school) in documents they sent to the Kamakura government. Furthermore, Nikkō alleged that the other disciples disregarded some of Nichiren's writings written in Katakana rather than in Classical Chinese syllabary. Sanenaga defended his actions, claiming that it
10100-425: Was the widespread propagation of his teachings (the invocation and the Gohonzon ) in a way that would effect actual change in the world's societies so that the sanctuary, or seat, of Buddhism could be built. Nichiren saw this sanctuary as a specific seat of his Buddhism, but there is thought that he also meant it in a more general sense, that is, wherever his Buddhism would be practiced. This sanctuary, along with
10201-571: Was well-established in Japan at this time, in this thesis Nichiren explicitly held the leadership of the country directly responsible for the safety of the land. During the middle stage of his career, in refuting other religious schools publicly and vociferously, Nichiren provoked the ire of the country's rulers and of the priests of the sects he criticized. As a result, he was subjected to persecution which included two assassination attempts, an attempted beheading and two exiles. His first exile, to Izu Peninsula (1261–1263), convinced Nichiren that he
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