Non-Buddhists are indeed welcome to take part in the activities and gatherings of Soka Gakkai. The organization is known for maintaining an open-door approach, inviting individuals of any or no religious background to attend its meetings. This openness reflects a broader spirit of dialogue and mutual learning rather than an insistence on prior belief or formal affiliation. In practice, this means that one’s personal religious identity is not a barrier to participation.

Those who are not members may attend local discussion meetings, often called zadankai, where everyday experiences are shared and reflected upon through a Buddhist lens. They may also join cultural activities, community events, and study sessions that explore Buddhist philosophy in an accessible manner. Chanting sessions, such as the recitation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, are likewise open to guests who wish to experience the practice. In this way, participation can be exploratory and experiential, without any immediate expectation of conversion.

Formal membership becomes relevant only if a person chooses to deepen involvement to the point of joining the organization and receiving the Gohonzon, the object of devotion in Soka Gakkai practice. Until such a step is taken, engagement remains voluntary and flexible, allowing individuals to simply attend, observe, and participate to the extent they feel comfortable. Many non-Buddhists maintain ongoing friendships and a sustained presence in these community spaces while retaining their own religious or philosophical identity. This pattern illustrates how Soka Gakkai’s activities can function as a meeting ground for diverse seekers, rather than a closed circle of adherents.