Soka Gakkai International
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. It currently consists of 84 constituent organizations and has
12 million members in 192 countries and territories worldwide. The SGI
was founded on January 26, 1975, but the movement has its roots in 1930s
Japan and the struggle against the thought-control of the Japanese
militarist government of the time. The Buddhism practiced by SGI members
is based on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese priest Nichiren
and his interpretation of the Lotus Sutra.
For historical linage please visit :- http://www.sgi.org/about-us/history-of-sgi/history-of-sgi.html
Soka Gakkai Malaysia
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), whose members are located throughout the country, was established in 1984.
Members of SGM come from all walks of life. Gathering regularly at SGM’s centres
and in one another’s homes throughout Malaysia, they study Buddhism and
discuss how it can be applied to the challenges faced in their daily
life. These gatherings, or discussion meetings as they are called in
SGM, act as a platform where members can share their concerns and
difficulties, their hopes and dreams.
For SGM members, the ultimate purpose of their Buddhist practice
and involvement in SGI activities is to allow them to reveal the
creative potential in their lives, not only for their personal
fulfillment, but also for the development of a peaceful and harmonious
society.
There are SGM culture centres in each of the SGM state branch.
These centres including Wisma Kebudayaan SGM located in the heart of
Kuala Lumpur city centre which are physical manifestation of SGM’s
commitment to peace were constructed through funds contributed by SGM
members.
The centres serve as venues for a wide range of cultural and educational activities to promote peace, including art and photographic exhibitions, cultural performances, interfaith dialogues,
public lectures and seminars. These activities are organised in pursuit
of human happiness and security. Many of these are international events
that promote cross-cultural exchange involving artists and scholars
from different countries.
*SGI logo courtesy of google image by bhoffert.faculty.noctrl.edu, SGM logo from google image
Lotus flower picture from google picture courtesy of www.bestflowerpictures.com
Information refference: www.sgi.org and www.sgm.org
