History And Tradition Of A SGI Buddhist

By Larry West


When it comes to Buddhism, there are a number of different paths. While this is the case, one of the most popular is that of the Soka Gakkai International or sgi buddhist. The SGI upholds the tradition which originated with Gautama Buddha and continued to develop the tradition until the path was inherited by Japan's Dengyo and Nichiren, China's T'ien-t'al and Mialo-lo and India's Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu. The lay organization continues to focus on the path created by Gautama Buddha through these gurus and spiritual leaders.

SGI is a tradition upheld and embraced based on the scriptures of the Mahayana and the Lotus Sutra. The organization has been involved in faith practices and societal activities which relate to maintaining a compassionate spirit in a troubled world. While this is the case, most individuals while striving to live a life of peace will always face unexpected challenges.

It was a mostly unknown Japanese grade school teacher by the name of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi which published the first work related to a philosophy of education. The work, The System Value-Creating Pedagogy has been a part of the Buddhist tradition ever since. In these educational materials, individuals of all ages are taught about dignity, love, respect and sacrifice.

The original founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, born some 2,500 years ago was a member of a royal family whom lived near what is now known as Nepal. The founder observed the sufferings of death, sickness and aging. While healthy, the young man perceived these sufferings as being normal aspects of life. As such, Shakyamuni renounced the secular life path and embarked upon a search for a truer philosophy which would enlighten the meaning of life for everyone on earth.

While having studied modern and traditional Buddhism, Shakyamuni still felt scattered and unsatisfied. As such, the young guru meditated and contemplated on ways to overcome suffering. During one of these meditative or contemplative sessions, Shakyamuni awakened to the eternal and universal laws and the meaning of all life on earth.

Once having awakened to the ultimate truth, the young guru discovered that the people were suffering due to an overwhelming sense of desire to have what others had. As such, it appeared the human race had neglected to recognize the sanctity of life in favor of materialism and egotism. After seeing this, Shakyamuni taught followers to give up these aspects of life in order to awaken to the universal law and return to a purer and simpler way of life.

The aim, to revive human vitality and awaken the unsurpassed dignity in each and every individual so that those individuals could unlock the boundless potential and activate the inner wisdom which most Buddhist believe exist in all human beings. Whereas, the guru also taught that by having an awareness of one's own dignity that would lead to having respect and dignity for others.

Once Shakyamuni died, these teachings were compiled into different sutras. These sutras became the basis and substance of the spiritual practice of Buddhism. As such, when reading a sutra, it is important to do so with honor and respect. For, these lessons include doctrines of the practice, including two which are often considered the most important, compassion and wisdom.




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