Culture Festival

Soka Gakkai International of Hong Kong (HKSGI) organized several large-scaled culture festivals. These involve local HKSGI members or SGI members from around the world and invited guests. Collaborating through various performing elements, together, they manifest humankind’s message of our longing for peace and friendship.

HKSGI is honored to have the contemporary renowned Jazz musician Mr. Larry Coryell, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra chief zhonghu player, Madam Huo Shijie, renowned dongxiao player, Mr. Tan Baoshuo, Yugoslavia International Music Festival Singing award recipient, Miss Mao A-Min, Hong Kong outstanding musician, Mr. Anthony Wing-Leung Lun performed in the culturel festivals.

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Why do we need to study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the guidance of SGI president Ikeda?

Nichiren Daishonin taught, “Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism.” (WND vol 1, pg386) The “study” here refers to the study of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
We named the works of Nichiren Daishonin, his theses, auto-biography, letters to his followers, remonstrations all grouped to name them Gosho (Writings of Nichiren Daishonin). From the standpoint of the Buddha in the Latter Day, in order to open the path for the people of the Latter Day to attain enlightenment, the Daishonin had written many goshos. From the starting point to re-establish the basic principles of Buddhism, interpretations on the profound scriptures and teachings and the practical ways to practice this Buddhism through his letters of encouragements to his disciples.
To us, the writings of the Daishonin are the directions for the common people of the Latter Day to attain enlightenment. Therefore, our studies are based all on the writings of Nichiren Daishonin.
The Soka Gakkai (literally, “Society for the Creation of Value”) is the only organization that correctly embrace the spirit of Nichiren Buddhism in the contemporary time, basing on this Buddhist practice and advances to the widespread propagation of the Mystic Law. Through the endeavors of the 3 presidents, we practice in accordance to the teachings of the Daishonin and propagated the Mystic Law to 192 countries and regions worldwide. Through the understanding and practice of the 3 presidents on the writings of the Daishonin, they give guidance with the vision and spirit of the present day; which serves the best way for us to learn Buddhism correctly.
Mr Ikeda and his mentor, 2md president of Soka Gakkai Mr Josei Toda, had studied Buddhism together. They succeeded to the teachings and the spirit of Nichiren’s Buddhism. They have strived through hardships and proofed the correctness of Nichiren’s Buddhism. Mr Ikeda’s constant exchanges with world eminent leaders have established an extensive view of the world. Therefore, the guidance of Mr Ikeda is not only advance, also applicable to anywhere in the world.
More importantly, the guidance of Mr Ikeda is inspiring and filled with encouragement; so that as members, we are able to revital ourselves with new life-force through the study of Mr Ikeda’s works.

What is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ?

Before Nichiren Daishonin, T’ientai the Great teacher did established the theory to observe the Mystic Law. However, it was not a method for the people of the Latter Day. It was the Daishonin who realized from the “Mystic Law that all living beings originally possessed” hidden in the Life Span Chapter of the Lotus Sutra.
There was originally no name to call this “Mystic Law that all living beings originally possessed”. In order to establish the path to attain enlightenment for the people of the Latter Day, the Daishonin took an appropriate name that is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is also the title of the Lotus Sutra, for this Mystic Law.
The Daishonin further declared that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the practice for the people of the Latter Day to attain enlightenment. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the name of the law o the universe, which is also the name of the Buddha’s life, the name of all living beings. All the Buddhist gods were able to attain enlightenment basing on their realization of this Mystic Law.
In other words, the life of the universe, the life of a Buddha, and our life are three in one). If we chant and embrace Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we will be in rhythm with the track of the universe. At the same time, we could tap our innate Buddha nature and manifest the boundless strength which we call the “power of the Mystic Law”.
There is meaning in every character of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Nam is devotion; that is, devoting our life. Myoho is Mystic Law; which means the law of the universe. Renge literally means the “lotus flower”, which has the meaning of simultaneity of cause and effect. Kyo means sutra or scriptures, including all sound and teachings of the Buddha.

Why is there no Buddhist idols ? What is the Gohonzon?

Buddhism is established by Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha). He left his ‘teachings’, or his understanding of the way of life, to his disciples and entered into nirvana. His disciples gathered all the teachings that Shakyamuni Buddha had taught during the 50 years and complied into 84,000 sutras. As the amount was enormous, different disciples held different views. They each focused on certain main points and developed into the various Buddhist schools.
From the disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha, the followers of the Buddha dared not hope to be able to attain enlightenment as their mentor. They began to regard becoming a Buddha as an unattainable position, even worship idol forms of the Buddha. They were satisfied if they would be able to become an arhat, one worthy of respect. For the lay believers, facing the enormous amount of sutras, it was even more difficult for them to comprehend. They made Buddha statues or idols as their object of prayers or as observation of Buddhist thinking.
However, the essence of Buddhism is to “open” the people’s mind in their understanding of their possession of the innate Buddha nature, which is inherent in all life. They could attain enlightenment by exerting themselves in both faith and practice, with the Buddha as their role model. Based on the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, Nichiren Daishonin taught that one could not attain enlightenment or open the path to true happiness by worshiping an external Buddha figure. Buddhism basically teaches all living being is to seek happiness from within oneself by realizing our innate Buddha nature and self-improvement in order to attain enlightenment.
The Gohonzon (object of worship) which Nichiren Daishonin had inscribed is the mandala that is fully endowed with the mutual possession of the ten worlds, which is the manifestation of the entity of life. People in the Latter Day can bring forth our innate Buddha nature through the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and by fusing with our innate Buddha wisdom.

Who is Nichiren Daishonin ?

NIchiren Daishonin is the votary of the Lotus Sutra who teaches the people of the Latter Day to embrace Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as the way to attain enlightenment. Born on 16th February, 1222, at Kominato in Awa Province (present-day Chiba Prefecture) and named Zennichi-maro, Nichiren Daishonin entered priesthood at the age of 16. He vowed to spread the correct teaching of Buddhism for the sake of the happiness of all people. For this, he began researching Buddhist texts, pursuing his studies throughout Japan. He came to realize that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo which is hidden in the Lotus Sutra could liberate the people of the Latter Day. He returned to Seicho-ji temple at the age of 32. There he chanted the first Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and took the name Nichiren. He proclaimed the establishment of his teaching and began to spread the teachings of Buddhism.

During the time of propagation, the Daishonin was persecuted by the authorities, priests and believers of other Buddhist schools. Nevertheless, the Daishonin did not retreat no matter what. In fact, he further strengthened his faith. On the verge of being be-headed, at the Tatsunoguchi persecution, it was just as the prophecy in the Lotus Stura that the votary of the Lotus Sutra would be protected by the Buddhist gods. Nichiren Daishonin realized he was the votary of the Latter Day who ‘recited’ the Lotus Sutra with his own life. In 1279, the Daishonin inscribed the Gohonzon, the physical object of devotion, as the true aspect of all living beings and the fundamental practice for all humanity.

What is Soka Gakkai International of Hong Kong ?

Soka Gakkai International of Hong Kong (HKSGI) is a Buddhist association that promotes peace, culture and education basing on Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
Nichiren Daishonin discovered that the Lotus Sutra reveals the basic principle which affirms that all people are capable of attaining enlightenment. By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (the title phrase of Lotus Sutra or daimoku) and exerting oneself in faith, practice and study [of Buddhist teachings] is the practice for the people in the Latter Day of the Law. Nichiren taught that attaining enlightenment is not unreachable. Also, “attaining Buddhahood” does not happen after one’s passing. In this everyday life, people could establish happiness that nothing can destroy and manifest the Buddha nature in their own lives through practicing for oneself and others. Every individual is able to fully exert their capabilities and live a substantial life.
“Faith, practice and study” are the basics in applying Nichiren Buddhism. Faith is the faith towards the true object of worship, the Gohonzon. Practice is the action or concrete way of actualizing faith, which consist of two parts: practice for ourselves and practice for others. Practice for ourselves is primarily the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Practice for others consists of conducting Buddhist dialogues with others, encouraging faith and practice. Study is the study of Buddhist teachings. All three basics of “faith, practice and study” are crucially important. “Faith” is like the engine of a car, “practice” is like the wheels, and “study” is the steering wheel.
By exerting oneself in faith, practice and study, people could establish a happy life-state that nothing can destroy . SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, said, “When we perceive that our life is one with the Mystic Law, we experience the eternity of life and boundless energy wells forth. Nothing can destroy this. No matter what happens, we enjoy a state of complete freedom. That is the life-state of Buddhahood.”

Contact us

Phone: (852) 2339 9300
Email: contact@hksgi.org

Address of HKSGI Culture Centers:

Hong Kong Culture Center

Hong Kong Friendship Center

Hong Kong Peace Center

Address: 101 – 109, Boundary Street, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2339 9300
How to get there:
MTR to Prince Edward Station
KCR to Mongkok Station

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Tuen Mun Culture Center

Address: Upper G/F, Block B, Elite Garden, Tuen Mun, N.T. Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2452 3328
How to get there:
Bus, near bus station of Rainbow Bridge
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Causeway Bay Culture Center

Address: 3/F., Professional Bldg., No.19~23 Tung Lo Wan Road, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2808 2599
(For opening hour, please call 23399300)
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Sai Wan Ho Culture Center

Address: Hand Cheong Court,  1st FLOOR NO.22~28 SAI WAN HO STREET, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2889 5666
(For opening hour, please call 23399300)
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Li Ming Sheng Bao (LMSB)

LMSB was first published in 1966. It signified the Year of Dawn (Li Ming in Cantonese) of Soka Gakkai.

In the 1960s, people worked diligently to recover from the economic damages caused by the wars. Many were yearning for the true path leading to peace and happiness. In order to further propagate Shakyamuni Buddha’s spirit of compassion, Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, and their Buddhist teachings that all living-beings can equally attain Buddhahood, HKSGI published the first Chinese publication in 1966 for the Chinese community.

LMSB articles are based on the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin and activities of HKSGI members. Contents include President Ikeda’s speeches, Buddhist theories, members’ experiences, and other. Together with the New Century Magazine, LMSB is providing spiritual nourishment to people who dedicate themselves to peace and happiness of society.

New Century Monthly

How does Buddhist philosophy relate to us in the speedy developing/rapidly advancing 21st century? You can find the answer from the New Century Monthly – a monthly magazine published by the Hong Kong SGI since 1994 which is based on Nichiren Daishonin’s buddhist principle of “faith equals daily life”. We focus on how to apply the Buddhist philosophy in our daily lives rather than the Buddhist theories. Every month, the feature article is developed based on a hot topic in society. It interviews prominent figures in the community who share their wisdom with the readers. The New Human Revolution is a record of the peace movements carried out by the SGI, as well as touching and inspiring experiences of SGI members. New Century Monthly also carried series such as the World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings which is a compilation of SGI President Ikeda’s dialogues with the SGI Study Department chiefs on the works and letters of Nichiren Daishonin to his disciples; these dialogues analysis the profound teachings of Nichiren Buddhism. Other series included lectures on The Opening of the Eyes by President Ikeda which President Ikeda speaks on the deep meaning of Nichiren Daishonin’s important work. Besides these 3 major columns, New Century Monthly has other substantial contents.. Readers will learn about the wisdom of Buddhism and how to become a wise Buddhist practitioner.

Harmony

There is no boundaries in Buddhism. To help non-Chinese SGI members and people who are interested in Buddhism to easily absorb the Buddhist wisdom and find out more about our organisation, the Hong Kong SGI publishes an English monthly magazine “Harmony”. It features a selected topic each month, such as on relationships, inner-self, Buddhism & technology and many others. It also carries experiences shared by members, an Earth Charter section, guidance by President Ikeda and many more. The well designed and substantial Harmony can definitely help you understand the essence of Buddhism from a new perspective.

2002: Education for Substainable Development Proposal

Earth Charter

The Earth Charter is a declaration signed by governments, environmental protection groups, experts and academics for the future of the human race in promotion of sustainable development.

“Earth is our Home. The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environmental devastation and the depletion of resources. The resources of the Earth are not shared equitably thus causes devastation. Based on the humane concern about life, we are all inter-related and interdependent.” (is it the original Eng version?) The foreword of the Earth Charter states it is everyone’s responsibility to promote sustainable development. The four basic principles are:

1. Respect and care for the community of life;
2. Ecological integrity;
3. Social and economic justice;
4. Democracy, nonviolence, and peace

The Hong Kong SGI agrees with the Earth Charter concept, therefore has been putting in great effort in environmental protection education. Click http://www.earthcharter.org for details on Earth Charter.

Think and share Green wisdom

In Buddhism, human beings have an inseparable relation with the natural environment. The Buddhist concepts such as “dependant origination”, “True Aspect of All Phenomena” and “Oneness of the Living Being and Environment” explain the countless ties between life and the environment. To promote green wisdom from individual’s daily life, family, to schools, society and even the world is a mission of the SGI. It is also the responsibility of each and every “global citizen”, that is you and me.

For that reason, we have been organising various activities to nurture the growth of the green wisdom in Hong Kong. Photo exhibitions of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda with the theme of “Rendezvous with Nature” were held in 1988, 1990 and 1993. In June 2004, the Hong Kong SGI organised roving exhibition “A Dialogue with Nature” with China Polar Museum Foundation and the Environmental Protection Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government, showcasing photos taken by President Ikeda. We have long been passing on the message of nature and peace through the lens of photographers, to those who love humanity and nature. We hope people to realise the symbiotic and interdependent relationship between human and nature, and to protect this planet for the next generation.

Since co-organising the Earth Charter seminar with the Hong Kong Sustainable Development Forum and the Centre of Urban Planning and Environmental Management of the University of Hong Kong in January 2000, the Earth Charter Committee was set up within the Hong Kong SGI. A drama was created by the Youth Division in November 2003 to promote the concept of “anti discrimination”, “anti monopolization” of the Earth Charter which echo the Buddhist concept of “symbosis” and “interdependence”.

Articles written by the Earth Charter Committee have been published in the official Hong Kong SGI publication, New Century Monthly, since January 2002 to arouse members’ awareness of the importance and urgency of sustainable development.

In addition, we have established an environmental protection research centre in 1995 to promote research and educational work on environmental protection.

Main Themes of the Proposals

2009: Toward Humanitarian Competition: A New Current in History
2008: Humanizing Religion, Creating Peace
2007: Restoring the Human Connection: The First Step to Global Peace
2006: A New Era of the People: Forging a Global Network of Robust Individuals
2005: Toward a New Era of Dialogue: Humanism Explored
2004: Inner Transformation: Creating a Global Groundswell for Peace
2003: A Global Ethic of Coexistence: Toward a “Life-Sized” Paradigm for Our Age
2002: The Humanism of the Middle Way: Dawn of a Global Civilization
2001: Creating and Sustaining a Century of Life: Challenges for a New Era
2000: Peace through Dialogue: A Time to Talk –Thoughts on a Culture of Peace –
1999: Toward a Culture of Peace: A Cosmic View
1998: Humanity and the New Millennium: From Chaos to Cosmos
1997: New Horizon of a Global Civilization
1996: The Challenges of Global Citizenship
1995: A Buddhist Perspective for the 21st Century
1994: Light of the Global; Spirit: A New Dawn in Human History
1993: Toward a More Humane World in the Coming Century
1992: A Renaissance of Hope and Harmony
1991: Dawn of the Century of Humanity
1990: The Triumph of Democracy: Toward a Century of Hope
1989: Toward a New Globalism
1988: A Global Movement for Complete Disarmament (May 1988 SSD III)
1988: Cultural Understanding and Disarmament: The Building Blocks of World Peace
1987: Spreading the Brilliance of Peace Toward the Century of the People
1986: Toward a Global Movement for a Lasting Peace
1985: New Waves of Peace Toward the 21st Century
1984: Building a United Movement for a World without War
1983: New Proposal for Peace and Disarmament
1982: Proposal for Disarmament and Abolition of Nuclear Weapons (June 1982 SSD II)
1979: Proposal for the Strengthening of UN Functions (February 1979)
1978: Ten Point Proposal for Nuclear Disarmament (May 1978) – on the occasion of the UN General Assembly Special Session on Disarmament (SSD I)
1973: For the Establishment of a “United Nations of Education” (October 1973)
1970: In the Support of the Proposed United nations University (May 1970)
1967: Proposal for Sin-Japanese Peace and Friendship

Implementation of the Proposals

President Ikeda’s Peace Proposals are not mere words on paper. The contents are highly valued by political leaders around the world. A number of his proposed ideas received great recognition and actually implemented.

Followings are some ideas that were put into practice by the United Nations.

• The 1983 Proposal called for the convening of the United States - Soviet Union Summit for nuclear disarmament. In 1985, Soviet General Secretary Mikhail S. Gorbachev and U.S. President Ronald W. Reagan held the summit meeting, and they agreed for a total abolition on intermediate-range nuclear forces. They also initiated to work on the abolition of ballistic missiles from 1988.

• The 1985 Proposal called for the total ban on nuclear testing. The idea was officially adopted in 1996.

• The 1987 Proposal delivered an idea for the “Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.” This was adopted by the United Nations in 2002. The proposal clearly listed up the areas where United Nations should work on the long-term education plan. Special emphasis were given to environment, development, peace and human right.

• The 1988 Proposal called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Cambodia through summits. The Paris Peace Accords was signed in October 1991 to restore peace and civil government in a country ruined by decades of civil war.

• The 1988 Proposal also advocated the creation of a World Citizen’s Charter. This idea eventually culminated into the Earth Charter in March 2000.

• The 1993 Proposal called for restriction in arms export. In 2006, this idea was adopted and discussion started.

• The 1994 Proposal suggested the 6 states in Northeast Asia to hold a Peace Forum. The first forum was held in 2003.

• The 1995 Proposal called for the establishment of International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC was established on March 11, 2003.

• The 1997 Proposal advocated the total ban on anti-personnel landmines. The Ottawa Treaty (Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction) came into force on March 1, 1999.

• The 1999 Proposal called for a ban of military recruitment on child soldiers. The first United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution [S-RES-1261] on the use of children as soldiers was issued in August 1999. And the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 May 2000.

• The 2000 Proposal called for the establishment of a global fund for eradicating poverty. The international fund was created in 2002.

• The 2002 Proposal made a proposal on preventing Nuclear Terror. The proposal was taken into action in 2005.

• The 2004 Proposal called to constitute “Peace Rehabilitation Council” in the United Nations. The first meeting of the Council was held in 2006.

Overview and its Contribution

With his Buddhist, Pacifist and Humanistic Philosophy, SGI President Ikeda ceaselessly sends out his philosophy of coexistence to the world. He called for the immediate ceasefire of the Vietnamese War at the 1966 Soka Gakkai Youth Division meeting, and he also made his historic proposal for the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations in 1968.

On January 26, 1983, the 8th anniversary of the SGI Day, President Ikeda published his first Commemorative Proposal on Seikyo Shimbun, the official newspaper of Soka Gakkai. From this year onward, President Ikeda publishes a Commemorative Proposal every year on January 26 to promote coexistence of humankinds.

Both President Ikeda’s goals and his actions toward actualizing those goals are highly praised by global intellectuals. For example, the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Anwarul Karim Chowdhury made the following remarks for President Ikeda’s “UN Proposal” published in 2006.

We received your UN Proposal last August. I found the contents very inspiring and very noteworthy for people related to the United Nations. The reform in the United Nations is receiving an international attention, and I think your Proposal should be widely debated and analyzed in various meetings of different levels.(is the official E ng version available?)

Constructing the Golden Bridge connecting China and Japan

Constructing coexistence and peace among people is the great wish of Soka Gakkai International (SGI). During the Cold War in the1960s, China was isolated from the international society. As a commoner of Japan, and as a Buddhist practitioner, President Ikeda called for China to return to the international relationship as early as possible. He facilitated the normalization of Sino-Japanese relationship and planted the seed for the peace of Asia.

Correct Historical View and Respect History

In 1968, at the 11th Soka Gakkai Student Division Meeting, President Ikeda gave a speech to more than 20,000 university students and called for the youth to support normalization of diplomatic relationship between China and Japan. President Ikeda said, “Currently, there is no diplomatic relationship between Japan and China, nor the government of Japan wants to create one. Nevertheless, for the stability of the Asian region, the issue of the actualization of diplomatic normalization between Japan and China cannot be avoided. ……. The Japanese and Chinese youths should take each other’s hands to create a bright world.”

President Ikeda appealed to the United Nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and also facilitated Sino-Japanese normalization. In his novel “Human Revolution,” President Ikeda admonished the Japanese government not to be indecisive but should place the diplomatic normalization of Japan and China at the top priority among all foreign policies.

When the Japanese government tried to escape from the historical responsibility and distorted the historical fact for Japan’s invasion against China, President Ikeda taught the members of the Soka Gakkai about the importance to have the correct historical view. He said, “First, we have to know the correct history and understand the pains of Asian people …… We have to let people of Asia to feel our conscious as human-beings and our sincerity in order to create trusts among us. Diplomatic relationship between two nations also starts from mutual trust between people.”

The Seeds of Friendship Blossomed

The then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai noted President Ikeda’s efforts in Sino-Japanese normalization, he instructed his assistant to learn more about the Soka Gakkai. Premier Zhou encouraged officers stationed at China’s representative office in Japan to make contact with the Soka Gakkai and invited President Ikeda to visit China. Premier Zhou said, “The Soka Gakkai is an organization born from the people, so we must create a pipe-line with the Soka Gakkai and be friend with them.”

The historic moment came on September 29, 1972. The government of the PRC and the government of Japan released a mutual announcement for Sino-Japanese normalization. President Ikeda and Premier Zhou finally met in December 1974. Although Premier Zhou was hospitalized at that time, he insisted on meeting with President Ikeda.
Premier Zhou said to President Ikeda, “Because you are young, I highly value our friendship. The last 25 years of the 20th century is the most important time for the world. We have to stand on equal position, and cooperate and struggle together.” After hearing his words, President Ikeda realized his crucial role in promoting Sino-Japanese friendship, and he determined to build the “Golden Bridge” that connects the hearts of Japanese and Chinese people.

One year later, some Chinese students began to study abroad in the Soka University at Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. This was the first time that Chinese students study in a Japanese university after the Second World War.

President Ikeda planted the “Zhou Cherry Tree” and “Zhou Couple Cherry Tree” in the campus of Soka University to commemorate Premier Zhou and his wife Deng Yinchao. They also symbolize that the flower of friendship blossomed in Japan as wished by Premier Zhou. From then onwards, the Soka Gakkai conducted exchanges with China in various areas including culture, education and fine arts. The Golden Bridge of Sino-Japanese friendship became more and more brilliant.

President Ikeda had meeting with several generations of Chinese leaders. This included General Secretary Jiang Zemin, General Secretary Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

Soka Gakkai Second President Josei Toda’s Declaration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons

“Although a movement calling for a ban on the testing of atomic or nuclear weapons has arisen around the world ……… I want to expose and rip out the claws that lie hidden in the very depths of such weapons. I wish to declare that anyone who ventures to use nuclear weapons, irrespective of their nationality or whether their country is victorious or defeated, should be sentenced to death without exception.

Why do I say this? Because we, the citizens of the world, have an inviolable right to live. Anyone who jeopardizes that right is a devil incarnate, a fiend, a monster.”

Josei Toda, second President of the Soka Gakkai, made a speech calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons on September 8, 1957, at a meeting of 50,000 Youth Division members of Soka Gakkai at Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama, Japan. President Toda also encouraged the youth members to do their best to spread the anti-nuclear spirit throughout the world.

This declaration became the foundation of the peace movement of Soka Gakkai International (SGI).

The Rainbow of Peace Shines over the Earth

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) values the dignity of life, promotes world peace, anti-war, anti-nuclear and anti-violence. SGI encourages creating a new century characterized by harmony and coexistence through cultural exchanges and sincere dialogue among people.

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, dedicated himself to bridge the gaps between people from different backgrounds through his peaceful dialogue with world leaders, scholars and people. He also issues and presents “Peace Proposal” to the United Nations every year, in which he analysed international affairs with Buddhist Philosophical point of view and discussed various problems confronting humanity. Many of his dialogue collections were translated into different languages enabling peace culture to sprout all over the world.

In response to the United Nations, SGI actively promotes Peace Education by organizing Peace Forums, and exhibitions such as “Antinuclear Exhibition: “From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit”, and “Peace and War” Exhibition.

2001: Reviving Education: The Brilliance of the Inner Spirit — Further Thoughts on Education in the Twenty-first Century

Summary:

In September 2000, Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and founder of the Soka education system, presented a proposal entitled “Building a Society Serving the Essential Needs of Education — Some Views on Education in the Twenty-first Century.” The current proposal builds on the earlier suggestions to uproot the problems of bullying and other violent behavior in the schools. Under consideration here are further measures to rehabilitate the educational function of schools and society.

Highlighting the widespread apathy and cynicism that underlie the current educational crisis, the author argues for the necessity of a social ethos that will not tolerate any form of violence. Examining the differences between ego and self, he goes on to discuss the dangers inherent in a mentality devoid of an awareness of “other.” There is therefore a vital need for education to foster a universal sense of empathy with others.

The author warns that the solution to the current educational crisis lies not in a reversion to the past but, rather, in the forward movement of an education framed by living values that draw forth children’s natural potential. Firmly opposed to reviving the religious education policies of World War II-era Japan, he propounds humanistic education to inspire an inner-motivated spirituality and enable human beings to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. As one concrete example, he proposes increasing opportunities for broader exposure to great works of literature, thus making character building through reading a cornerstone of education.

While some counseling services are provided by schools and the government, establishing additional venues where people directly and peripherally engaged in the education process can seek advice is an essential need. The author suggests that community-based efforts such as the Educational Counseling Program initiated by the educators division of the Soka Gakkai can help alleviate feelings of isolation suffered by troubled children or their parents.

Building a Society Serving the Essential Needs of Education – Some Views on Education in the Twenty-first Century

Toward a Century Radiant with the Smiles of Children - the greatest trend of “Humanistic Education”

As we enter the twenty-first century, education is once again the focus of considerable discussion. In Japan, this debate has concentrated on educational reform, and I would like to take this opportunity to respond to recent points raised and offer some frank opinions on this debate as well as to make some concrete proposals.

One widespread problem recently has been that of children who for various reasons, particularly bullying, refuse to attend school. It is said this problem could affect almost any child in Japan: the Ministry of Education’s annual survey on Japanese schools has revealed that absenteeism in elementary and junior high schools reached the unprecedented number of more than 130,000 students in 1999. This means that, at the elementary-school level, 1 out of every 290 students is unable or unwilling to attend school, and, at the junior-high level, 1 out of 40, an average of 1 student in every class.

In Japan, there has been a terrible series of school suicides and other tragedies resulting from bullying, and the crisis is escalating, while the worldwide problem of drug abuse is gradually spreading to Japan as well. In addition, there has been a succession of juvenile crimes in recent years: a series of murders by fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds, and, in just the last year, crimes that have shocked the Japanese public such as the motiveless hijacking of an expressway bus by a seventeen-year-old, killing one and causing severe traumas for all the other passengers, and a boy who brutally clubbed his mother to death with a baseball bat, crimes which would have been practically unthinkable in Japan just a few years ago.

Professionals in the fields of juvenile psychology and education analyze these issues, looking for solutions. Realistically speaking, however, adult society has still failed to deal with these problems. Shocked at their monstrosity, we feel helpless in the face of such unfathomable trends.

As one individual who aspires to promote the sound growth of the young people who are to shoulder our future, I penned a proposal for a general meeting of the Soka Gakkai’s nationwide education division sixteen years ago entitled “Thoughts on the Aims of Education.” Based on the principle that educational reform should be driven by humanism, not politics, I indicated in that proposal a humanistic ideal imbued with creativity, internationalism, and totality.

I recall that at that time, too, the crisis of education was a matter of major concern, and parents and teachers and many other concerned individuals were deeply worried about the issues of problematic behavior, school violence, and absenteeism. Some fifteen years have passed since then, and sadly, notwithstanding the efforts of those involved, not only has there been no improvement but this situation has now become the norm, and numerous new problems have subsequently emerged.

More about Soka Education

Hope Primary Schools

In 1999, Student Division of HKSGI initiated fundraising campaign in support of ‘Project Hope’. On 8th October of that year, they donated the HK$500,000.00 they raised to Liu Jia Village PaiTan Town Zeng Cheng City for the reconstruction of a primary school. The reconstructed school was named ‘Chaoshan Soka Goodwill Elementary School’.

Fang Zhao-ling Soka Elementary School and Xuan-tang Soka Elementary School were completed in Guangdong in January 2001 and July 2003 respectively. In support of HKSGI’s efforts of financing the education projects in deprived (poverty-stricken) areas of China, Dr Fang Zhao-ling and Professor Jao Tsung-i have auctioned some of their paintings and calligraphy works exhibited in HKSGI and donated the proceedings to the construction of these schools.

Education Division

Education Division is formed by the HKSGI members who work in the area of education. Members of Education Division meet regularly to discuss education policies and pedagogy, exchange ideas on education, learn the theory of Soka education and study how the concept of Soka education can be applied. The goals of Education Division are to cultivate capable people, to build a stable and prosperous Hong Kong and to promote world peace.

Hong Kong Soka Kindergarten

Soka Kindergarten was established by SGI President Ikeda founded on the SGI principles of Peace, Culture and Education. Hong Kong Soka Kindergarten was the first Soka Kindergarten established outside Japan. Hong Kong Soka Kindergarten (HKSK), inaugurated in September 1994, is located at 4 Moray Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The motto of the school is “strength, integrity, and liveliness” and the goal is to foster strong bodies and good minds.

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The five educational targets are:

1. To foster children’s pure heart and healthy body.
2. To foster children’s independent personality and strong willpower.
3. To foster children’s gregariousness and care for the others.
4. To focus on children’s individuality, to develop lofty sentiments.
5. To foster children’s hope for the future, to expand their vision to the world.

The above demonstrate how our kindergarten, based on its three mottos, strives to develop the body and mind of capable people. The vision is to cultivate great players for the world stage through humanistic education.

During the school closure period due to SARS epidemic outbreak in 2003, the staff of HKSK prepared video and audio teaching materials and mailed them to the homes of the students. This enabled the students to continue with their studies during the closure of the school.

After years of great efforts, HKSK has been recognized by the society. The Education and Manpower Bureau, Hong Kong SAR government, has inspected the kindergarten in 2006 and 2008. Their reports are summarized as follows.

2008 report:
In addition to the thorough inspection in 2006, a team of three kindergarten inspectors from the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) has visited HKSK again on the 8th, 9th and 11th of January 20078. After careful observation and detailed analysis, the EMB has once again issued the “highly recommendation” rating to HKSK. The EMB praised the academic performance and the effectiveness of learning and teaching in HKSK. The bureau also approves HKSK to continue its participation in the education voucher scheme in 2012-2013.

Quality Review Summary Reports (Pre-primary Institutions) (pdf)

2006 report:
A team of three kindergarten quality assurance inspectors from the EMB has spent 4 days in HKSK, in February and March 2006. They conducted questionnaire with the teaching and non-teaching staff, and collected comments from 60 randomly selected parents. They also inspected course documents and information, conducted classroom observation, and interviewed HKSK principal, teachers, students and parents. The bureau issues excellent rating to HKSK in the areas of management and organization; learning and teaching; and support of children and organization culture.

Quality Review Summary Reports (Pre-primary Institutions) (pdf)

Details on HKSK can be found in this website:
http://www.soka.edu.hk

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Philosophy

The philosophy of Soka Education is originated from the first Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. He believed the goal of education is to achieve happiness in life. To achieve happiness in life is to create value in life, which lies in “beauty, gain and good”. The education promoted by Mr. Makiguchi, based on value creation, is to let everyone understand the relationship between life and society, to let creativity flourish, so as to enrich beautiful lives and to bring forth the greatest gain in the society.

Soka Education for the Future

The pure and taintless hearts of children harbour unlimited vitality and creativity! The key to let these young seedlings germinate into healthy and talented persons is to inspire the children and to focus on the development of their individuality. We need to help them cultivate a correct life philosophy, enhance their curiosity, and their awareness to perceive the interconnectedness of all life and living in their surrounding environment. Therefore, the foundation of peace should be built on ‘education’. Only with education can we provide the world with a visionary and aspiring new force, planting the seeds for world peace.

Exhibition

HKSGI organizes an average of one large-scale exhibition every year. With the support from friends of various circles/fields, enabling these valuable masterpieces opened to the Hong Kong public. These include masterpieces from Professor Jao Tsung-I, Professor Chang Zong Hao and Mrs. Chang, Madam Fang Zhao-ling; and also lovely children paintings from around the world.

HKSGI had also cosponsored with Hong Kong Art Museum and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, exhibited western painting treasures and Japanese treasures collection from Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, which is founded by Soka Gakkai. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum is currently the only museum in Japan which expands its collection scope to 15th century. It also holds 5,000 pieces of Western and Asian art collections.

Daisaku Ikeda Photo Exhibition was also exhibited in Hong Kong. It is a traveling exhibit among important provinces in mainland China and cities around the world.

2009-03	Warning on Global Warming – Photo Exhibition of North Pole, South Pole and Mt. Everest (Tuen Mun Kankai)
2009-02	From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit (University of Hong Kong)
2008-12	Warning on Global Warming – Photo Exhibition of North Pole, South Pole and Mt. Everest (Culture Kankai)
2008-10	Warning on Global Warming – Photo Exhibition of North Pole, South Pole and Mt. Everest (Eastern Kankai)
2008-06	Guilin College Teacher Art Exhibition
2007-06	Zhejiang Province Chinese Painting Exhibition
2007-02	Who is LuXun Exhibition
2006-11 to 2007-03	Lotus Sutra Peace and Coexistence Exhibition
2006-06	Heart of Spring – Xu Dong Tian Chinese Painting Exhibition
2005-06	Lai Ming, Wong Wing Yin Art Exhibition
2004-10	Rendezvous with Nature — Daisaku Ikeda Photo Exhibition
2002-07	Rao Zong Yi Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition
2001-05	Chang Zong Hao, Li Xiao Ming Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition
2000-05	Water Margin Models Art Exhibition
1999-06	Fang Shao Lin Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition
1998-02	World Children Painting Exhibition
1997-10	Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Western Painting Exhibition
1994-02	Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Japan Art and Treasures Exhibition
1993-05	Rendezvous with Nature III - Daisaku Ikeda Photo Exhibition
1992-02	World Children Story Books Collection and Works of Daisaku Ikeda, Brian Wildsmith Joint Exhibition
1991-02	World Children Painting Exhibition
1990-09	Rendezvous with Nature II - Daisaku Ikeda Photo Exhibition
1988-07	Rendezvous with Nature I - Daisaku Ikeda Photo Exhibition

Seminars

HKSGI has been organizing free cultural seminars since 1993. Speakers are renowned figures ranging from cultural, performing arts and entertainment, and academic fields, speakers including Mr. Zha Liangyong、Professor Liu Zaifu；Polar adventurer and research expert - Dr. Rebecca Lee；Hong Kong’s renowned ‘war correspondent’ Suzanna Cheung Chuiyung；Dunhuang Academy China, Prof. Ho Shih-che；The University of Hong Kong vice-chancellor, Prof. CheukFan Lee, and many others. Contents range from environmental protection education, culture and arts, the origin of Buddhism, etc.

Below listed the cultural seminars organized by HKSGI in recent years

2009-04	Professor Lawrence J. Lau – Impact of Financial Crisis on Economies of China and Hong Kong
2009-02	Mr. Liu Wei Zhong – Reform, Opening up and Social Changes of China
2008-10	Mr. Tang Hoi Chiu – Heritage of Culture – Positioning of HK and Museum of Art
2008-04	Professor Lee Cheuk Fan –“Science and Buddhism”
	Chancellor Cheng Biao – “Kejia Culture”
2007-10	Prof. Shuai Min Feng - “Comparison between Japan and China Arts and Culture”
2007-09	Mr. Wong Lun Cheong - “Planting Good Causes ? Or Bad Causes ?”
2007-05	Dr. Chan Man Hon – “Grown up and Growing up – the Role of a Mother”
2006-12	Mr. Zhang Jian Bo - Media
2006-11	Dr. Kawada Youichi “Can Destiny be Changed?”
2006-05	Mr. Kwong Ngai – “My 50 years in Performing Industry”
2005-10	Ms. Suzanna Cheung Chuiyung – “Discussing the Path of Peace from Culture, Economics and Education Perspectives”
2005-10	Mr. Yang Ruisheng – “Couplet is fun”
2005-04	Ms. Chow Mimi – “Happiness and Joy of Reading”
2004-09	Mr. Wong Bing Gan – “Friendship of Bing Xin and Mr. Ikeda”
2004-08	Dr. Rebecca Lee – “The Three Poles Declaration and Us”
2004-05	Dr. Sun LiChuan - “Daisaku Ikeda and Sino-Japanese Culture and Education”
	Mr. Cen Yifei – Daisaku Ikeda’s Peace Philosophy and World Status Quo
	Prof. Cai Delin – Sino-Japanese Friendship and “Ikeda Proposal”
2004-04	Ms. Mabel Mak – Green Wisdom
2003-08	Mr. Yoshida Minoru – The Courageous Proposal
2002-05	Prof. Li Zehou – Let’s Talk about Art
2002-03	Prof. Cai Delin – “ The Historial Monument – Looking back Mr. Ikeda’s Contribution to Actualize Normalization of Sino-Japanese relationship”
2001-09	Mr. Cen Yifei – “Human and Nature”
2001-07	Prof. Liang Guiquan – History and Choice of Guangdong Province Modernization
2001-06	Prof. Cheng Yat Shu – My First Investigation of Soka Pedagogy
2001-03	Dr. Rebecca Li – North South Poles and Us
2000-10	Prof. Liu ZaiFu – Enlightenment in 20th Century China Three Great Cultural Awareness
2000-05	Mr. Liu Ousheng - Research in Shi Wan china
2000-04	Dr. Sun Lichuan - Dialogue with a Century of Chinese Literature — Daisaku Ikeda and LuXun, Bajin and Jinrong
1999-10	Prof. Ho Shihche - DunHuang and Lotus Sutra
1999-09	Dr. Luk Chiu Hong Guan - Prime Education and Growth
1999-03	Prof. Chang ZongHao - Chinese Art and Humanism
1998-11	Chancellor Hou ZiXin - Premier Zhou EnLai and NanKai University
1998-09	Mr. Tan Baoshuo - Dong Xiao and Life
1998-08	Prof. Cai Delin - Significance of Religious Culture and Oriental Religious Reformation in 20th Century
1998-01	Dr. Fang Zaoling - Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition
1997-09	Dr. Zha Liangyong - Discussion on Chinese Culture and Religion
1997-04	Prof. Jiang ZhongXin - 21st century and Lotus Sutra
1996-09	Prof. Su DongTian - 21st Century and Buddhism – Mr. Ikeda’s Buddhist Philosophy and 21st Century Literature
1996-04	Dr. Chow Siu Cheung - It’s Never Too Late and the Green Living
1995-09	Dr. Leung Ting Pong - City Life and Cultural Arts
1995-04	Mr. Wai Gei-Shun - Discussion in “Religious Role in the Changing Society”
1994-09	Mr. Lin JianTong - Sino-Japan Art and Cultural Exchange
1994-04	Prof. Chen Charnie - Physology, Health and Family Perceptions
1993-11	Chancellor S.S. Hsueh - Contemporary Society and Culture

Cultural Headquarters

Soka Gakkai has been actively promoting cultural activities. In 1992, HKSGI gathered all the cultural teams together and formed the “Cultural Headquarters”. Though members are non-professional, through day-to-day serious training, their performances are widely recognized. Over the past 30 years, they were invited to perform by Hong Kong Government, Hong Kong Tourism Board and local social organizations for more than 130 times.

Below is the brief introduction for individual teams of “Cultural Headquarters”

Bauhinia Fife-and-Drum Corps

Founded in 1965 and named in 1983. It consists of the main corps, colour guard, twirler and pompom. The “Angels of Peace” are always invited by the society, that impressed the audience very much.

Galaxy Choir

Founded in 1973，and named in 1974. Through nurturing the interest in singing and improving singing techniques, team members have become tough young women filled with self confidence and they propagate the message of peace and culture with their singing.

White Orchid Choir

Founded in 1973, and named in 1983. They are a group of women with deep interests in singing. In 1984, they had participated in the Third Soka Culture Choir Competition organized by Seikyo Shimbun Japan and won the “Elegant Award”.

Rainbow Dance Group

Founded in 1974 and named in 1983. Group members focus in learning Chinese classical and ethnic minority group dances. Their elegant dances deeply attract audience. To further enhance their skills, they have also exchange with dancing groups and schools in Hong Kong and Mainland.

Cosmos Brass Band

Founded in 1978 and named in 1983. It is formed by a group of young men, made up of brass and wood-wind instruments; upholding the spirit of “striving oneself with the highest seeking spirit”, playing the melody of hope and courage, manifesting the spirit of “Bodhisattva Wonderful Sound.”

“E.E.” Choir (Emerging from the Earth)

Founded in 1979 and named in 1983. Formed by members of the Men’s Division. Despite of their busy work, with their strong faith and determination, they absorb art of singing diligently in every practice, and demonstrate their excellent techniques in each and every performance.

Golden Ray Choir

Founded in 1981 and named in 1983. All the young men within the choir love singing. Through the arduous practice, they polish up their technique in every performance, they manifest the mission of Bodhisattva Wonderful Sound and strive for kosen-rufu..

Golden Eagle Gymnastic Team

Founded in 1981 and named in 1983. It is formed by a group of energetic young men. In each performance, they touch the audiences with highly challenging motions and movements and they are highly recognized by the society.

Costume Group

Founded in 1983. It is composed of three teams - costume, make up and props.
They are the heroes behind the scene for the Cultural Headquarters, exerting their utmost to brighten up every performance.

Happy Choir Group

Established in 1983 and named in 1991. It is a group of future pillars with their academic classes ranging from P2 to P6. They practice and study together twice a month, spreading happiness to every corner around the world with their singing.

Artistes Group

Established in 1992. Members of this group are talents from singing, dancing, drama, backstage of various art field. They promote Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism through their contributions.

Chinese Orchestra

Established in 1994. Team members practice together twice a month. Besides practice diligently, they also hope to spread the quintessence of Chinese culture. This makes them a unique team within the Cultural Headquarters.

Flower of Peace Flourishing in the City

Art and culture can cultivate fruitful and joyful life. Art and cultural exchanges bringing down national borders, races and age differences, connecting human hearts, improving human mutual understanding, opening up flowers of friendship and spreading the fragrance of peace.

Soka Gakkai International of Hong Kong was founded in Hong Kong for almost 50 years. Over the years, we have hold various kinds of cultural activities; such as culture festival, exhibition, cultural seminar, and many others. Groups within the Cultural Headquarters were invited to numerous large-scale performances, like Celebration of Hong Kong’s Repatriation to China, National Day Commemorations, and social community activities. These include 1986 Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Hong Kong; 1989 Prince Charles’ visit to Hong Kong; 1997 Hong Kong’s Repatriation to China, 2007 Tenth Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Repatriation to China; 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Opening Ceremony. Besides, they have visited and performed numerous times at primary schools in Mainland China.

President Ikeda

‘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.’

This is the lifelong pursuit of Daisaku Ikeda. This belief also drove him to constantly holding dialogues with individuals, in order to extend the Buddhist message of peace to the entire world. (D Ikeda, The Human Revolution, 1960, p.iii)

Born in Tokyo on January 2, 1928 and graduated from the Fuji Junior College, Ikeda became the third president of the Soka Gakkai on 3 May, 1960 at the age of 32. Since then, the Soka Gakkai had developed swiftly and became the largest religious organization in Japan. Based on the life philosophy of Buddhist teachings, Ikeda promotes world peace, cultural and educational activities and leads the Soka Gakkai beyond Japan to expand activities globally. On 26 January 1975, Ikeda established the Soka Gakkai International in Guam and became its first president.

To actualise the grand wish of world peace, Ikeda deeply believes in the power of culture and education. In the 1960s, he founded various cultural and educational organisations such as the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, the Min-On Concert Association, the Soka University, Soka Women’s Junior College, Soka Junior and Senior High Schools, Soka Elementary School, Soka Kindergarten, the Shizuoka Fuji Art Museum, the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, the Makiguchi Memorial Educational Foundation and the Toad Institute for Peace and Policy Research.

Ikeda sees the great importance of cultural and educational exchanges. He has so far visited 54 countries and territories and met with national leaders, politicians, representatives of cultural and academic sectors to study in depth the solutions to the problems that humanity faces. Some of these dialogues have been published.

Awards:

As of 2008, President Ikeda has been presented over 3,400 awards by official institutes, academic institutes and renowned cultural organizations. Among the 3,400 awards, 600 are honorary citizenships and 253 academic-related awards (as of April 2009). Awards received by Ikeda include the United Nation Peace Award, the National Order of the Southern Cross of the Republic of Brazil, the French Art and Culture Medal, etc.

He has also been conferred honorary doctorate degrees from the Moscow State University (Russia), the University of Glasgow (UK), the Sofia University (Bulgaria), the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, professor emeritus from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Beijing University, the Fudan University, the Wuhan University, the Shenzhen University, the Sun Yat-sen University, the Jilin University, the Xiamen University, the Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia University, the Macau University, the Nankai University, the Sichuan University.

List of Academic Honors

List of National Awards

Published works:

President Ikeda’s writings covered a wide range of subjects, including Buddhist philosophy, peace, arts, literature, social issues and youth problems etc. At the same time, a lot of his works have been translated into different languages for publication. Publishers in the Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are gradually publishing his works, including the novels ‘The Human Revolution’, ‘The New Human Revolution’, dialogues ‘Choose Life: A Dialogue with Arnold J. Toynbee’ (with Arnold J Toynbee), ‘Compassionate Light in Asia’ (with Jin Yong), ‘Philosophy of Human Peace’ (with Henry Kissinger), ‘The Radiance of Dunhuang: On Beauty and Life’ (with Chang Shuhong), ‘Human Values in a Changing World’ (with Bryan Wilson), ‘The Third Rainbow Bridge’ (with Anatoli A Logunov), ‘Before It Is Too Late’ (with Aurelio Peccei) and writings ‘The Hopes of the World Citizens’ and ‘ The Principles for a Century of Peace’ etc.

The ‘Bauhinia’ Magazine, one of the most influential and important global Chinese journals, published an unprecedented issue in October 2007 to use the entire journal to introduce the life of Daisaku Ikeda, and his contributions towards promoting world peace, culture and education.

Please click here for more news about Daisaku Ikeda.

About HKSGI

Soka Gakkai International of Hong Kong (HKSGI), established on 28 January, 1961, is a Buddhist organisation for lay believers, based on the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin to promote peace, culture, education and to pray for the happiness of humanity and world peace. Through various discussion meetings, cultural and education exchanges and publications, we study Buddhism with the members, encourage one another and apply the Buddhist teachings in our daily lives.

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was established in Guam on 26 January 1975 and comprises of 90 affiliated members’ organisations with members in 192 countries and territories. Members of the SGI (including members of Hong Kong) based their practice on the life philosophy of the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin to arrive at a common understanding that the happiness of individuals and the peace and development of the global family of humanity are closely related. The nature and scope of the activities at each affiliated members’ organisation are conducted in accordance with the local cultural and social background. SGI is also one of the non-governmental organisations (NGO) of the United Nations, which focuses on world peace and human rights.

As a result, we highly respect the culture, traditions and legislations of the local community, and encourage our members to become good citizens to contribute to the prosperity of the society. The activities we organise are all fundamentally based on the sanctity of life, whilst negating all acts of violence such as wars. For the sake of the happiness of humanity, the prosperity and peace of the world, we support the spirit of the United Nations’ Charter and are committed to assist the United Nations in maintaining world peace.

Please click here to learn more about the Soka Gakkai International.