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Buddhism came into being as a response to human suffering,
and to enable men and women to reveal their full potential.
Some perceive Buddhism as a solitary, meditative religion,
but the Buddhism practiced by the members of the global lay organization,
SGI, Soka Gakkai International, is dynamic, yet grounded in the realities of daily life.
Since its formation, SGI has developed into an international movement
with 12 million members in 190 countries and territories around the world.
Respecting and celebrating individual and cultural differences is the lifeblood of SGI.
The core activity for SGI members around the world is the local discussion meeting.
The monthly meeting provides a relaxed, informal space for both members and friends to share their experiences
and learn more about how to apply the principles of Buddhism to their daily lives.
For SGI members, Faith, Practice and Study
are the three inter-dependent, yet vital elements of their Buddhist practice.
The daily practice consists of reciting a portion of the Lotus Sutra
and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
to activate the Buddha nature and create happiness and value for oneself and other people.
Khosi Kubeka is currently studying for her doctorate at a university in the United States.
The social and educational system Khosi was born into in South Africa
deliberately discouraged black people from pursuing their goals.
Growing up in Soweto in the 1980’s this was the height of apartheid, when things were so much in upheaval,
chaotic really, I ended up having a feeling of powerlessness and low self-esteem…
When I started practicing then I realized there are so many possibilities, I can do anything I want,
my life is in my hands, that means I have to take responsibility for myself...
so that was very empowering to me.
Life is about struggling.
You can decide whether you are going to win or lose.
That’s what this practice has taught me. You have the power to decide.
SGI is committed to making a difference.
Projects and awareness-raising activities initiated at local and community levels
encourage people to feel a sense of connection to global issues
such as disarmament and sustainable development.
SGI believes that the empowering message of Buddhist humanism
and the compassionate commitment and vision of young people
can make the 21st century a century which cherishes life,
where sustainability and the alleviation of suffering become universal concerns
- and where, for future generations, world peace becomes a reality.
Each person has the power to make a difference.