1 Buddhism- A Dynamic Humanism Creating a world of peace and happiness!

2 Overview Introduction to SGI and Nichiren Buddhism Experience in faith by members. Q&A

3 SGI-USA - An Introduction  Soka Gakkai International-USA  A lay association based on the teachings of the Nichiren school of Mahayana Buddhism.  A member of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) with more than 12 million members in 187 countries and territories worldwide.

4 Who was Nichiren? Nichiren ( )  Japanese Buddhist teacher and reformer.  Founder of the Buddhist teaching upon which the SGI bases its activities.  Inscribed the object of devotion for observing one’s mind (Gohonzon) and established the invocation of Nam-myoho- renge-kyo as the universal practice for attaining enlightenment.

5 Everyone can be a Buddha! The Lotus Sutra declares:  All living beings have the potential to attain enlightenment or Buddhahood.  Life is eternal, with neither beginning nor end. Nichiren further taught :  The only difference between a Buddha and a common mortal is that a common mortal is deluded.  A Buddha is one who perceives the true nature of life and leads others to attain the same enlightenment.  Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo allows people to directly tap their enlightened nature and is the primary practice of SGI members.

6 What does Nam-myoho- renge-kyo mean? Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental law of the universe expounded in Nichiren Buddhism. All life is an expression or manifestation of this law. When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we attune our lives to the perfect rhythm of the universe. The result is increased life force, wisdom, compassion and good fortune to face the challenges in front of us. Nam (devotion), the action of practicing Buddhism. Myoho (Mystic Law), the essential law of the universe and its phenomenal manifestations. Renge (lotus flower), which seeds and blooms at the same time represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. We create causes through thoughts, words and actions. Kyo (Buddha’s teaching), all phenomena.

7 Chanting for our own happiness and for world peace! So what do SGI members chant for? Everything!  Health  Finances  Relationships  Grades  Job  Wisdom  WORLD PEACE!

8 Happiness through fulfillment of desires? Nichiren taught that both “earthly desires” and “enlightenment” are intrinsic to our lives, so any attempt to deny either is itself a delusion. The spirit to use problems as fuel or “firewood” to empower our prayer and thus to bring forth wisdom, is the key to realizing the principle that “earthly desires are enlightenment.” Nichiren teaches us how to create the greatest possible value from our desires and suffering, while neither denying them nor abandoning ourselves to them.

9 Human Revolution A practical method for not only helping individuals overcome various sufferings, but changing society as a whole. Human revolution is the name Josei Toda, Second President of Soka Gakkai, used to describe this process--the liberation of the spirit from within. It is a continual process of renewal and invigoration, the development of one person's boundless inner capacity to lead a creative and contributive life through his or her own effort. "A great revolution of character in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a society, and further, will enable a change in the destiny of humankind." - SGI President, Daisaku Ikeda

10 SGI- Peace,Culture and Education As "engaged Buddhists," SGI members strive in their everyday lives to live with confidence; to create value in any circumstance; and to contribute to the well-being of family, friends and community. The promotion of peace, culture and education is central to SGI's activities. SGI often works in partnership with other groups including United Nations agencies that share common values.