Autumn semester Soka Gakkai

AUTUMN 　 SEMESTERSOKA 　 GAKKAI

11A3146002J

Kanae Kiyota

2013/11/6

Is Soka Gakkai a cult or religion?~Difference between cult & religion~

Cult(Omu-shinrikyo) Religion(Christian)

Deceit in recruitment information offered up front

Totalitarian allows freedom of thought and say

Isolates its members works within society

Keeps non-believers out open to general society

Limits development of individual interested promoting potential

What’s the Soka 　 Gakkai ？ Part.1• Buddhism• The Nichiren sect• 　　　　⇑• roots in 1930s Japan• The vision• ”a better world through the promotion of • peace, cultureand education”.

What’s the Soka 　 Gakkai ？ Part.2• scripture: 84 constituent organizations• Image: Lotus flower

• 12 million members in 192 countries• ⇒Japanese, American• symbol flag Red; victory Yellow; glory Blue; peace

What do SG members do?

• They integrate Buddhist practice into the dairy rhythm of their lives

• chant “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” in basic morning and evening• study the teachings of Buddhism• meet to share experiences of their practice and study together at

regular monthly discussion meetings

How contribute to society?

1. Individual level• respect the family members

2. Local level• environment clean-up• displays• discussion

3. International level• acts in public education

Discussion questions• Which do you think the Soka gakkai is a cult or a religion?

―and why?

• What do you think the Soka Gakkai contribute to society? Or beneficial group or not?

• How do you feel if you have a friend who belives in the Soka Gakkai heardly?