SGI Buddhist History And Tradition

By Larry West


Buddhism, while having been around for centuries has become more popular over the last few decades. Within the practice, the most common Buddhist path is that of Soka Gakkai International or the sgi Buddhist. While SGI upholds the history and tradition which originated with Gautama Buddha, the organization continues to develop the practice adding new Buddhist teachings over time.

The tradition embraced and upheld by SGI is based on the scriptures of Mahayana and the Lotus Sutra. The group is involved in activities in society and faith practices which correspond to the compassionate spirit of the Lotus Sutra in the modern world.

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.

Shakyamuni, believed to be the founder of Buddhism, was born over twenty five hundred years ago. The young man was born into a royal family which lived near the area now known as Nepal. During early life, a young Shakyamuni observed the suffering of the people due to aging, death and sickness. While young and healthy, the young man renounced the secular ways of the world and embarked upon a spiritual journey.

While Shakyamuni studied traditional and modern Buddhist teachings, the young man still remained unsatisfied. As such, the young guru contemplated and meditated upon the basic cause of suffering while trying to discover ways to overcome it. In response, the guru awakened to the universal and eternal laws of the universe and to the meaning of the lives of all those in the world. Later, it would come to pass that the law which the guru awakened to was the essence of Buddhism.

Shakyamuni discovered that suffering was due to the ignorance of the people which focused on material things and egotism rather than needs. For, none of those effected appeared to realize the sanctity of life. As a result, the guru taught huge numbers of people about life, death, rebirth and how to release oneself and material aspects along with desire in order to practice a simpler way of life.

The aim of Shakyamuni was to revitalize the human race and awaken dignity in each individual. For, it is believed that in doing so, the individuals would find the inner-wisdom necessary to search for spiritual truth. In addition, it was also believed that by having an awareness of dignity and respect within oneself, that could lead to dignity and respect for others.

Upon Shakyamuni's death, these teachings which were at the core of wisdom and compassion were compiled into a number of different sutras. These sutras, the basis for a system of doctrines and schools of Buddhism. As such, when an individual hears about sutras, each one holds active and important teachings in the Buddhist tradition. As such, all sutras need to be honored and respected for the lessons which each provide.




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