for THE HAPPINESS OF each individual
What's the purpose of religion? To enable human beings to become happy. That is the goal of Buddhism as practiced in the SGI. To enable every single person to become happy without exception. Based on the Buddhist belief that all people equally possess Buddhahood, we have no priests or clergy. Rather we practice Buddhism as equals, encouraging one another to overcome life’s difficulties based on Buddhist principles while striving for our dreams and the peace of our communities. A central activity for us SGI members is monthly discussion meetings in our local neighborhoods where we chant, study together and encourage one another.
BUDDHIST PRACTICE
The daily Buddhist practice is chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra (referred to as gongyo). SGI members carry out their daily practice at home and also meet regularly with members in the community.
The monthly discussion meeting serves as the focal point for members to study Buddhist principles and learn how to apply them in everyday life.
BUDDHIST IN AMERICA
"What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened. In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path, or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end.
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda
