January 26: SGI Day

It was on January 26, 1975, that the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was inaugurated at the First World Peace Conference on the island of Guam—the site of fierce fighting between American and Japanese military forces and of countless deaths of innocent civilians during World War II.

The SGI was founded as a global association of the Soka Gakkai, supporting the faith and Buddhist practice of an increasing international membership. It was then Soka Gakkai President Daisaku Ikeda’s vision to make Guam the symbolic starting point for this movement—a network of individuals committed to promoting understanding between cultures and actualizing peace. “The sun of Nichiren Buddhism,” he said in his speech on that occasion, “has begun to rise above the distant horizon.”

Some 158 representatives from 51 countries and territories attended the meeting, which is now celebrated as SGI Day, and at their request, Ikeda took up the position of president of the newly formed SGI.

Daisaku Ikeda at the founding of the SGI in Guam [© Seikyo Shimbun]

Ikeda stressed that Buddhism is grounded in the philosophy of respect for the dignity of life and made a powerful declaration stating that he would dedicate his life to the endeavor of promoting a lasting peace. He also encouraged the members to live altruistically, dedicating their lives to sowing the seeds of peace throughout the world and contributing to the happiness of others and the good of society: “As courageous, compassionate and dedicated disciples of Nichiren Daishonin who are fully committed to truth and justice, please live out your lives in a positive and uplifting way, striving for the prosperity of your countries, the happiness of the people and the precious existence of humankind itself.”

In 1983, the SGI was accredited as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The SGI continues to undertake peace activities in support of the UN agenda.

Beginning in 1983, in commemoration of SGI Day, Ikeda authored 40 annual peace proposals that explore the interrelation between core Buddhist concepts and the diverse challenges global society faces in the quest to realize peace and human security. These proposals, together with statements he issued on the challenges facing humanity, provide inspiration for the organization’s peace activities at both the local and global levels.

Source: sokaglobal.org

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