Reaffirming the Fundamental Mission and Goal of the Soka Gakkai

This November, we mark the 91st anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai, the organisation that upholds the lineage of the correct teaching — flowing on from Shakyamuni, the Lotus Sutra, and Nichiren Daishonin.

Shakyamuni expounded the equality and the inner potential of all people and expressed his fundamental vow in the “Expedient Means” (2nd) Chapter of the Lotus Sutra as follows:

“Shariputra, you should know that at the start I took a vow, hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us…”
(LSOC2, p. 70)

Nichiren Daishonin carried out the true intent of Shakyamuni Buddha with the fervent wish to save people from suffering as the starting point of his endeavours. Waging a towering struggle as the votary of the Lotus Sutra, the Daishonin established the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, a teaching of inner transformation, and opened the way to enlightenment for all people and the widespread propagation of the Mystic Law throughout the world.

Ikeda Sensei wrote: “The Soka Gakkai’s fundamental mission is to achieve kosen-rufu — the widespread propagation of the Mystic Law — which is the wish of Nichiren Daishonin. This is grounded in the conviction that the Soka Gakkai is the harmonious gathering of Bodhisattvas of the Earth summoned forth by the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, and the organisation that has vowed to realise the Buddha’s intent. When we dedicate ourselves to kosen-rufu together with the Soka Gakkai, we activate and give expression to our inherent nature as Bodhisattvas of the Earth.”

As we enter the month of November — the founding of the Soka Gakkai — it’s timely for us to remind ourselves of the fundamental mission and goal of the Soka Gakkai.

1. The Soka Gakkai is the organisation advancing kosen-rufu based on the life-affirming principles of Nichiren Buddhism;
2. The aim of kosen-rufu is to bring forth the positive potential inherent in people, elevate their life state, and build a solidarity of peace and happiness; and
3. The activities of the Soka Gakkai are to bring about the greatest good and happiness to humanity; and by our engagement and the promotion of these activities we can change our karma, that of our family, and with our human revolution thereby contributing to the transformation of the karma or destiny of our country and eventually that of humankind.
   During the interval between two world wars, through the selfless struggles of founding presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, the Soka Gakkai was established on November 18, 1930, inheriting the decree of the Daishonin to relieve the sufferings of humanity and bring about world peace.

Ikeda Sensei wrote, “Soka Gakkai activities are the noblest form of service to others in that they teach people the way of ultimate good that leads to absolute happiness.” (The New Human Revolution, Volume 18 “Moving Forward” chapter)

With the courageous spirit of the Lion King, let’s joyfully advance kosen-rufu, upholding the proud tradition of the Soka Gakkai and the vow of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth to overcome all challenges we face with great hope, and continue to contribute to the peace and happiness of others in Singapore.