History of SGI
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a worldwide network of lay Buddhists dedicated to a common vision of a better world through the empowerment of the individual and the promotion of peace, culture and education.
![Early members of the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai with Makiguchi (right) in 1941 [©Seikyo Shimbun]](https://www.sgi-hellas.gr/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Early-members-of-the-Soka-Kyoiku-Gakkai-with-Makiguchi-right-in-1941-©Seikyo-Shimbun-320x202.jpg)
History of Buddhism
Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent around 2,500 years ago. Its teachings derive from Gautama Siddhartha, also known as Shakyamuni, who dedicated his life to finding the means to liberate people from the universal sufferings of life and develop spiritual strength. His teachings were later compiled into sutras, and numerous schools of Buddhism sprang up as his teachings spread after his death.
The Life of Shakyamuni Buddha
Traditionally it is said that Shakyamuni was born a prince, but from a young age he became aware of and was profoundly troubled by the problem of human suffering. He became increasingly possessed by a longing to abandon the secular world and go out in search of a solution to the inherent sufferings of life.
The Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of Buddhism. It is highly valued in the Mahayana tradition, which spread throughout East Asia.
Life of Nichiren Daishonin
SGI members follow the teachings of Nichiren, a Buddhist monk who lived in 13th-century Japan. Nichiren was the son of a fisherman, born in 1222, a time rife with social unrest and natural disasters. The ordinary people, especially, suffered enormously. Nichiren wondered why the teachings of Buddhism had lost their power to enable people to lead happy, empowered lives.