ABSTRACT
Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a worldwide movement for ‘developing the positive human potentialities for individual happiness and for global peace and prosperity’ (SGI, 1996: 2). It is inspired by the Buddhism of Nichiren (1222-82), a Japanese monk who taught that chanting the name of the Lotus Sutra was the only true practice of Buddhism. As well as religious activities, SGI sponsors exhibitions, conferences and publications on world peace, human rights and environmental issues, and many cultural events (SGI, 1996: 10-17). The British branch, formerly known as Nichiren Shoshu of the United Kingdom, was renamed Soka Gakkai International of the United Kingdom (SGI-UK) in 1993 and this name will be used throughout.
