American Chapter of Soka Gakkai Formed - Timeline Event
Time Period
1960
Description
The Soka Gakkai society was begun in Japan in 1930 as a lay movement based on the ancient practice of Nichiren Buddhism. The society distinguished itself in World War II for opposing Japan’s militaristic ways.
Japanese war brides are credited with bringing the teachings of Soka Gakkai to America. The U.S. chapter was formally established in 1960 but split off from the main group in 1991 over control issues, renaming itself Soka Gakkai International-USA.
SGI-USA adherents meet in local discussion groups and emphasize peace, culture and education. SGI-USA also is active in such issues as children’s rights, the environment and nuclear disarmament.
SGI-USA is considered one of the most diverse U.S. Buddhist groups, with some 350,000 members and 70 centers. Based in Santa Monica, California, it operates a liberal arts university in nearby Orange County.
Japanese war brides are credited with bringing the teachings of Soka Gakkai to America. The U.S. chapter was formally established in 1960 but split off from the main group in 1991 over control issues, renaming itself Soka Gakkai International-USA.
SGI-USA adherents meet in local discussion groups and emphasize peace, culture and education. SGI-USA also is active in such issues as children’s rights, the environment and nuclear disarmament.
SGI-USA is considered one of the most diverse U.S. Buddhist groups, with some 350,000 members and 70 centers. Based in Santa Monica, California, it operates a liberal arts university in nearby Orange County.
Interactive Timeline(s)
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Religious Groups
Timeline Entries for the same religious group: BuddhistBuddhist: Other ARDA Links
Buddhist: Religious Family Tree
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Buddhism, Buddhist, New Religious MovementsPhotographs
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Soka Gakkai International-USA, Chicago- Wikimedia Commons- photo by Hoppyiness (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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SGI-USA World Culture Center- Flickr- photo by Gabby Gonzalez (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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Daisaku Ikeda- Wikimedia Commons- photo by Rukomii (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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Soka University of America, Founder's Hall- Wikimedia Commons- photo by Bobak Ha'Eri (CC BY 3.0)
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Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue- Wikimedia Commons- photo by Rukomii (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Book/Journal Source(s)
Melton, J. Gordon, 2009. Melton's Encyclopedia of American Religions, Eighth Edition Farmington Hills, MI: Gale.Web Source(s)
https://www.sgi-usa.org/about-usSoka Gakkai International-USA website
Web Page Contributor
Sandi DolbeeAffliated with: Former Religion and Ethics Editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune
