SGI Buddhist History And Tradition

By Larry West


When it comes to Buddhism, there are a number of different paths. While this is the case, one of the most popular is that of the Soka Gakkai International or sgi buddhist. The SGI upholds the tradition which originated with Gautama Buddha and continued to develop the tradition until the path was inherited by Japan's Dengyo and Nichiren, China's T'ien-t'al and Mialo-lo and India's Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu. The lay organization continues to focus on the path created by Gautama Buddha through these gurus and spiritual leaders.

The honor and tradition upheld by the SGI is based on lessons and scriptures from the Lotus Sutra and Mahayana. The organization is involved in faith practice and societal activities. Whereas, like with most Buddhist traditions, these activities and practices correspond to a world of peace and love.

In 1930, a fairly unknown Japanese elementary teacher published a book, The System Value-Creating Pedagogy. The work, an outline of a philosophy associated with education. In this work, children of all ages are taught to live in a compassionate, generous and kind manner, regardless of age or circumstance.

Buddhism's original founder Shakyamuni, born over 2500 plus years ago was originally born into a royal family. At the time, the royal family lived close to what is now known as Nepal. Throughout childhood, the future spiritual guru observed the many sufferings of aging, sickness and death. While healthy, the experience of observing struggle and suffering motivated a young Shakyamuni to renounce a secular path and embark upon a journey to find the truth of the universe. For, it is believed those whom find this truth do not only become enlightened but have also discovered the Buddha which exist within each and every individual.

On the journey, Shakyamuni studied different aspects of Buddhist teachings and studied modern and traditional texts. Still, the young man felt something was missing. As a result of the search, the young guru awakened to the eternal and universal laws of the universe. Later, Shakyamuni would come to realize the law awakened to was the pure essence of Buddhism.

In this new light, Shakyamuni discovered that the suffering people were enduring was due to ignorance. For, it appeared that none realized the sanctity of life due to desires for egotism and materialism. After which, the guru taught that if individuals could give up these aspects, one could awaken to the universal law and release oneself back into a purer way of life.

The aim, to revive human vitality and awaken the unsurpassed dignity in each and every individual so that those individuals could unlock the boundless potential and activate the inner wisdom which most Buddhist believe exist in all human beings. Whereas, the guru also taught that by having an awareness of one's own dignity that would lead to having respect and dignity for others.

Upon the guru's death, the sutras at the core of compassion and wisdom were compiled into a single book. Each sutra provides unique insight and lessons to individuals identifying as Buddhists. For, the sutras are the substance and basis of Buddhism. For, all sutras are sacred and deserving of dignity, reverence and respect. As such, most individuals study and meditate at a meditation center or temple, especially when familiarizing oneself with different sutras.




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