What are the distinguishing characteristics of Soka Gakkai?
There are a great many things which distinguish Soka Gakkai from any other Buddhism, but here are a few: The first is equality. True to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, we emphasize that all beings have the potential to attain Buddhahood. This means all people, men and women, regardless of nationality, race, financial status, or sexual orientation. The second is the return of Buddhism to the common people with an easily accessible, community-based organization. Soka Gakkai split with Nichiren Shoshu in reaction to a priesthood that seemed more concerned with their own careers than spreading Nichiren’s Buddhism. Third, we accept Nichiren Daishonin as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. We also accept the teachings of the Lotus Sutra as superior to all else. Fourth, we are very serious about our primary practice and object of devotion, the recitation of “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo” to the Gohonzon.
