The Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
is a worldwide association of 76 constituent organisations
with membership in 190 countries and territories.
In the service of its members and of society at large,
SGI centers its activities on developing the positive
human potentialities for individual happiness and
global peace and prosperity. Rooted in the life-affirming
philosophy of Nichiren Daishonin, members of SGI share
a profound commitment to the values of peace, culture
and education. Although the scope and nature of activities
conducted in each country differ according to the
culture and characteristics of that society, they
all grow from the shared understanding of the inseparable
linkages that exist between individual happiness and
the peace and prosperity of their respective societies.
The SGI draws its inspiration from
the Buddhism of Nichiren (1222-1282) which places
the highest emphasis on the sanctity of life. Members
seek through their practice of Buddhism to develop
the ability to live with confidence, to create value
in any circumstance and to contribute to the well
being of their friends, families and the community.
This self-directed transformation of the individual
is referred to as the process of human revolution.
These values are expressed in the
SGI's Charter, which embodies core beliefs in the
ideal of world citizenship, the spirit of tolerance,
and the respect for the sanctity of life.
Mr. Daisaku Ikeda,
President of SGI, had traveled to more than fifty
countries - meeting with political and intellectual
leaders - in the promotion of education, cultural
exchanges and the establishment of lasting world peace.
He had received more than sixty awards, honorary professorships
and doctorates. He was also awarded the UN Peace Medal
in 1983.
