Welcome to SGI Greece

Welcome to the site of the Buddhist association « Soka Gakkai International Hellas »!

The Soka Gakkai, (founded in 1930 in Japan), as well as the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), founded in 1975 on the island of Guam, are religious movements based on the writings of Nichiren, a Japanese Buddhist monk who lived in the 13th Cenntury. Today the SGI, a movement for peace, culture, and education, is present in 192 countries and territories.

The first president of the Soka Gakkai was Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. Unflinching opponent of the war, he died in prison in 1944 for having refused to accept the nationalist dogma in force during that period in Japan. His successor and disciple, Josei Toda, spread Buddhism widely throughout post-war Japan. Since its establishment, the Soka Gakkai International has been presided over by Daisaku Ikeda, who, following in the footsteps of his mentor Josei Toda, carried the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism beyond the borders of Japan, engaging in a large number of dialogues and initiatives in order to achieve the great goal of world peace.

Preserving the heritage of Nichiren, the members of the Soka Gakkai are convinced that at a time when crises of all sorts are following one upon another, Buddhist values can contribute to creating hope in many people’s lives.