Buddhism
Member of SGI-UK branch of Soka Gakai International since 1992.
Soka Gakkai International UK
SGI-UK is one of over 180 organisations throughout the world which together make up SGI (Soka Gakkai International). Soka means the ‘creation of value’ and gakkai means ’society’. SGI is the world-wide movement based on Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, and its teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which encourages the development of the individual’s greatest potential
SGI is a broad humanistic movement for the benefit of the people of the world, engaging with other institutions, associations, groups and individuals who wish actively to create a better world.
SGI-UK started with one person in 1960 and has grown steadily. There are now over 450 local groups through the UK. Local groups hold discussion meetings each month to which anyone can come. If you want to find out about the nearest group to you ring 01628 773163.
Local groups hold introductory talks. In the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin there is a profound principle that `Buddhism equals daily life`. The highest state of life is to be found in our behaviour as human beings. The emphasis in practising Nichiren Daishonin`s Buddhism is to carry out a daily practice at home and to become involved in the nearest local group.
You can find out more about who Nichiren Daishonin was and begin to understand his teachings from the materials on this site. On this site you can also find introductory and other study materials. SGI-UK publishes a monthly magazine, The Art of Living to which you can subscribe.
The administrative centre supporting this network of local groups across the UK is based at one of SGI`s international culture centres at Taplow Court near Maidenhead to the west of London. In the UK there are two other centres: one in West London at Acton and one in South London at Brixton. The SGI organisations in all the European countries share a centre in the South of France where SGI-UK runs a number of courses for members each year.
SGI-UK members follow the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, who was born in 1222 in Japan. He taught that chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, to the Gohonzon is the practice that enables people in the present age to attain Buddhahood.
Our beliefs and practice direct people to respect that which is of ultimate value: life itself.
Central to the Buddhist teachings is the law of cause and effect, which states that every cause we make (in thought, word or deed) creates an effect in our own life and that of our environment. Through their Buddhist faith and practice, SGI-UK members transform their inner lives and develop the qualities needed to bring about personal fulfilment and contribute to the positive development of society.
The Practice
There are three fundamentals to the practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Faith - which is expressed through practice and study. Practice, which is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and to recite portions of the Lotus Sutra daily, as well as sharing Buddhist teachings with others. Study, which is to study the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin and apply them in our daily lives.
Here is a glossary of some words that may be unfamiliar
Daimoku
Literally, ‘title’. Refers to the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
The Gohonzon
Nichiren Daishonin embodied the Law of life in the form of a mandala, called the Gohonzon. All Gohonzon are transcriptions based on the Dai-Gohonzon which was inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin on 12 October 1279.
Karma
Potential in the inner, unconscious realm of life created through actions in the past and present, which manifest as results in the present and future.
Kosen-rufu
Literally to ‘widely declare and spread’ Buddhism. To secure lasting peace for all humankind through the propagation of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
Buddhahood
A state of life inherent in all beings, characterised by unlimited courage, boundless wisdom and compassion and life-force. A
Buddha perceives the true nature of life and leads others to attain the same enlightenment.
for more information see www.sgi-uk.org
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