Welcome to SGI Upper Carolinas

What is the SGI and Nichiren Buddhism?

The Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is an American Buddhist movement that promotes peace and individual happiness based on the philosophy and practice of the Nichiren school of Mahayana Buddhism. SGI-USA works in association with SGI organizations in 190 countries and territories. SGI-USA activities are driven by our understanding of the inseparable link between individual happiness and the peace and prosperity of our diverse communities. Our religious teachings place the highest emphasis on the sanctity of life.

Through their Buddhist faith and practice, our members aim to improve their lives by taking up the challenge to create value, to live without fear, to take responsibility for their circumstances, to care for their families, and to live with compassion for others.

Our core philosophy is expressed in the concept of human revolution, a process of inner transformation that centers on the idea that the causes we make through our thoughts, words, and actions have influence that extends beyond their immediate context to affect the vast and complex web of life. Through undergoing an individual inner revolution, we awaken to the responsibility we each have for our own circumstances and for our environment. This inner transformation will lead us to take the actions that bring about personal fulfillment and help us contribute to the harmony and healthy development of society. These ideals are based on the Buddhist world-view of dependent origination, a concept of interrelation where all things in the realms of humanity and nature are dependent upon each other for their existence and nothing can exist in isolation.

Applying Buddhist Values - Building a Culture of Peace

A 20-minute film that answers the questions: What is the SGI? What are its philosophical underpinnings? Who are its members and what do they do?