Soka Gakkai is a lay Buddhist organization that arose in Japan, rooted in the teachings of the 13th‑century monk Nichiren. It began as an educational reform society and developed into a movement that emphasizes that ordinary people, rather than monastics, can fully engage in Buddhist practice and attain enlightenment in the midst of daily life. Its doctrinal foundation is Nichiren’s conviction that the Lotus Sutra represents the supreme expression of the Buddha’s law, and that devotion to this teaching is the direct path to Buddhahood. In this sense, it offers a distinctly modern, accessible form of Nichiren Buddhism that seeks to integrate spiritual practice with secular responsibilities and social engagement.

At the heart of Soka Gakkai’s religious life is the chanting of “Nam‑myōhō‑renge‑kyō,” an invocation expressing devotion to the Lotus Sutra. This chanting is performed before the Gohonzon, a sacred mandala or scroll that symbolizes the enlightened state of life and serves as the focal point of practice. Alongside chanting, members engage in faith, practice, and study as mutually reinforcing dimensions of the path, affirming that all people possess Buddha nature and can reveal it in their present lifetime. Through this rhythm of practice, the movement encourages what it calls “human revolution,” an inner transformation that is understood to radiate outward into families, communities, and society.

Organizationally, Soka Gakkai is structured as a lay movement, with activities centered on local discussion groups that foster study, mutual support, and shared reflection on applying Buddhist principles to concrete circumstances. It promotes peace, culture, and education through various institutions, expressing the view that spiritual growth should naturally manifest as constructive contributions to society. Over time, leadership has been articulated through three successive presidents—Tsunesaburō Makiguchi, Jōsei Toda, and Daisaku Ikeda—whose roles have shaped the movement’s development and global outreach.

Beyond its origins, Soka Gakkai has extended its presence internationally through Soka Gakkai International (SGI), which encompasses members in many countries and territories. This global network maintains universities, cultural centers, and peace‑oriented research institutions, reflecting the conviction that Buddhist practice is not confined to ritual alone but finds expression in education, culture, and efforts toward social betterment. In this way, Soka Gakkai presents a vision of Nichiren Buddhism in which the realization of Buddhahood is pursued not apart from the world, but precisely within the complexities and challenges of contemporary life.