Sitting in a comfortable living room surrounded by diverse people, this Sunday’s meeting is typical of other meetings going on all over the world. Small groups of ten or fifteen gather in a fellow member’s home to pray, study, and discuss Nichiren Buddhism. A unique group of people from all walks of life—professional and laborer, young and old, backgrounds from all across the globe—with two things in common: Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and world peace. The SGI, Soka Gakkai International, is an organization of members and lay-leaders in 193 countries and territories who are chanting for world peace. Nichiren Buddhism places the highest emphasis on the sanctity of life as members seek through their practice to live confidently, create value in any circumstance, and contribute to the well-being of friends, family, and community. Each member works to create value and peace within his or her community. With 2,600 neighborhood discussion groups meeting at nearly 100 centers throughout the U.S., the impact is growing each year. SGI members chant “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo” to tap into the mystic law of life that surrounds and connects everything in the universe. It’s kind of like tuning a radio to the right station. Everyone and everything is connected; you are not separate from your environment or from the people around you. When you chant “Nam-Myoho Renge-Kyo” you are able to have a positive effect on your life and surroundings.

This primary philosophy is rooted in the concept of “human revolution,” a process of inner transformation through Buddhist practice. The process leads individuals to develop their character and to act not only for personal fulfillment but also for the betterment of society. SGI members believe that happiness is being able to experience profound joy that comes from never being defeated by any problem in life, using life’s challenges as catalysts to deepen and expand themselves. The courage to do this is found within each person, not from external circumstances. SGI actively participates in United Nations peace efforts and is recognized as a non-governmental organization. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has submitted a peace proposal to the United Nations every year since 1975 calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and for all nations to work toward a global peace. These works are gaining more attention each year among those striving toward the same goal. Nichiren Buddhism and SGI are the living embodiment of “think globally, act locally,” encouraging members to look after their neighbors and families and work toward peace.

For more information on SGI visit: www.sgi-usa.org or please find our local group on Facebook as “SGI USA Williamsport.”