Soka Gakkai (as distinct from SGI)

Soka Gakkai is a Japanese Buddhist movement founded in 1930 that emphasizes the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, focusing on personal empowerment, ethical living, and peace. It originated as a lay organization promoting the teachings of the 13th-century priest Nichiren Daishonin, encouraging individuals to transform their lives through chanting, study, and community activities. Unlike traditional monastic Buddhism, Soka Gakkai is primarily a lay movement, emphasizing active participation in society. While the SGI (Soka Gakkai International) is its global extension, Soka Gakkai remains the core organization in Japan, centered on individual practice and societal engagement rooted in Nichiren Buddhism teachings.