Office Address: 3 Parkview Drive, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
Contact details: Name: Greg Johns
Position: General Director
Phone: 02 9763 2283
Fax: 02 9763 2686
Email: greglj@sgiaust.org.au
Website: http://www.sgiaust.org.au/
Brief Description/History
Soka Gakkai literally translates as value creation society. In essence, the aim of all members of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) throughout the world is to manifest the life state of Buddhahood or enlightenment, so as to reveal the creative and compassionate potential of life. In so doing, we challenge ourselves to create thriving and peaceful families, work places and communities. The ultimate goal is, through the process of inner reformation (often referred to as human revolution), to create peace and prosperity in society. This is usually referred to by the Japanese term kosen-rufu.
Soka Gakkai bases itself on the teaching and practice established by Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese Buddhist priest and philosopher living in thirteenth century Japan. Nichiren Daishonin revealed a direct means for all people to become happy through the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (The title of the Lotus Sutra and teaching expounded by Shakyamuni Buddha of India). It is a universal practice that activates the inherent Buddha nature or creative life-force existing in all life, enabling each person to positively transform their life and relationships.
The fundamental law of the universe, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, is the true aspect of life. Chanting this phrase allows people to directly express their enlightened nature and is the primary practice of SGI members. Although the deepest meaning of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is revealed only through its practise, the literal meaning is: Nam (devotion), the action of practising Buddhism; Myoho (Mystic Law), the essential law of the universe and its phenomenal manifestations; Renge (lotus), the simultaneity of cause and effect; Kyo (sutra), meaning Buddha’s teaching or voice, symbolises the continuity of life throughout past, present and future.
SGI Australia supports each member in gaining benefit from this practical and humanistic way of living. Based on the pillars of faith, practice and study, SGI Australia provides inspiring and practical guidance on the development of faith as well as opportunities to train and take responsibility for personal growth and social contribution. Toward this end SGI Australia emphasises participation in group discussion meetings and promotes peace, cultural and educational activities; also collaborating with like-minded organisations and educational institutions.
Helping factors in facilitating the success of these interfaith dialogue activities
Interaction with other faith organisations through the Multi-Faith Centre has assisted in building the initial relationships.
Future plans or proposals for promoting interfaith dialogue.
Although yet to be clearly planned, it is our intention to broaden our interaction with other faith communities, and to hold further seminars and exchanges.
What needs to be done by diverse faith communities, institutions and organizations to enhance the progress of interfaith dialogue in Queensland, in Australia, and/or internationally.
A proactive approach to interaction with other faiths is necessary to progress interfaith dialogue. Especially important could be to increase the regularity of such exchange opportunities. Although we realise that given the already heavy load that the volunteers in religious organisations carry it may be facilitated by having a third party organising the parties to gather in the first instance.
Activities
Exhibitions, seminars, conferences and contributing to local community events are some of the collaborative activities in which SGI Australia participates. SGI Australia also enjoys close friendships with various leading universities, peace research institutes and community organisations.
While SGI Australia’s contribution to the community is best expressed in group discussion meetings, members also participate in and support community activities and festivals such as Clean Up Australia Day and Harmony Day. In this way, members strive to be good citizens and active participants in their local community.
In September 1957, Toda made a declaration calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. This address by Toda has had a deep impact on shaping the passion of Soka Gakkai members towards contributing in practical ways to peace internationally, nationally and locally.
It has inspired young people in particular to challenge the destructive tendencies that exist in society by taking part in activities such as the Oceania Youth Peace Conference held in Sydney in September 2006. In SGI Australia, young people participate in additional activities, study and training opportunities. Through such positive expressions of hope, they actively contribute to a fundamental transformation in the life state of humanity.
SGI President first visited Australian in 1964. He landed on Australian soils with a mission to spread Nichiren Daishonin's buddhism. Those who joined, enjoyed the benefits and good furture.
Below are the lists of events that occurned since the start of the spread of Nichiren Daishonin's buddhism in Australia :-
In 1964 Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda visited Australia. After touring Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, he established Melbourne Chapter, the 997th Chapter in the World, with 6 members.
Several chapters were formed in Australia. In 1972, Harbour (Sydney) and Brisbane Districts were formed. Since then many more chapters were formed. The First Brisbane Chapter Convention was held.
In 1984, SGI received the United Nations Peace Award. N.S.A. members participate in Australia Day parade in Sydney and establish a Peace pavilion in Sydney's Hyde Park. First Sydney culture festival.
On the 60th Anniversary of the Soka Gakkai, Brisbane Community Centre opened. Friendship delegation from Japan visits Australia, exchange meetings held in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The fiirst Chinese New year Gongyo meeting was held in Brisbane. In 1972, the first SGIA Convention was held in Brisbane. The First Student study camp was held at Hornsby.
Peace, Culture and Education
Part of a global network of dedicated individuals, currently represented in 190 countries, SGI is a Non-Government Organisation with formal ties to the United Nations. SGI actively promotes peace, culture and education in local communities around the world. SGI members, inspired by SGI President Ikeda, strive to contribute in areas such as the arts, music, inter-faith dialogues and raising awareness through educational activities and exhibitions.
Since his presidency, SGI President Ikeda has been an advocate of cross-cultural exchange. His conviction is that music, art and other cultural expressions enhance the richness of human life and can inspire mutual respect and understanding in our diverse world. He is the founder of institutions such as the Boston Research Centre for the 21st Century, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, Soka Universities in Japan and the USA, the Soka School System, the Min-On Music museum and concert hall and the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.
United Nations Peace Proposal
Every year since 1983, SGI President Ikeda has published a peace proposal and presents this to the United Nations. These proposals explore the interrelation between core Buddhist concepts and the diverse challenges global society faces in the effort to realise peace and human security.
Josei Toda’s Declaration for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons
In September 1957, Toda made a declaration calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. This address by Toda has had a deep impact on shaping the passion of Soka Gakkai members towards contributing in practical ways to peace internationally, nationally and locally.
It has inspired young people in particular to challenge the destructive tendencies that exist in society by taking part in activities such as the Oceania Youth Peace Conference held in Sydney in September 2006. In SGI Australia, young people participate in additional activities, study and training opportunities. Through such positive expressions of hope, they actively contribute to a fundamental transformation in the life state of humanity.
Community Activities in Australia
Exhibitions, seminars, conferences and contributing to local community events are some of the collaborative activities in which SGI Australia participates. SGI Australia also enjoys close friendships with various leading universities, peace research institutes and community organisations.
While SGI Australia’s contribution to the community is best expressed in group discussion meetings, members also participate in and support community activities and festivals such as Clean Up Australia Day and Harmony Day. In this way, members strive to be good citizens and active participants in their local community.