The SGI Charter
Preamble
We, the constituent organisations and members of the Soka Gakkai International (hereafter called "SGI"), embrace the fundamental aim and mission of contributing to peace, culture and education based on the philosophy and ideals of the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin.
We recognise that at no other time in history has humankind experienced such an intense juxtaposition of war and peace, discrimination and equality, poverty and abundance as in the twenty-first century; that the development of increasingly sophisticated military technology, exemplified by nuclear weapons, has created a situation where the very survival of the human species hangs in balance; that the reality of violent ethnic and religious discrimination presents an unending cycle of conflict; that humanity's egoism and intemperance have engendered global problems, including degradation of the natural environment and widening economic chasms between developed and developing nations, with serious repercussions for humankind's collective future.
We believe that Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, a humanistic philosophy of infinite respect for the sanctity of life and all-encompassing compassion, enables individuals to cultivate and bring forth their inherent wisdom and, nurturing the creativity of the human spirit, to surmount the difficulties and crises facing humankind and realise a society of peaceful and prosperous coexistence.
We, the constituent organisations and members of SGI, therefore, being determined to raise high the banner of world citizenship, the spirit of tolerance, and respect for human rights based on the humanistic spirit of Buddhism, and to challenge the global issues that face humankind through dialogue and practical efforts based on a steadfast commitment to non-violence, hereby adopt this charter, affirming the following purposes and principles.
SGI Charter
Purposes and principles
One
SGI shall contribute to peace, culture and education for the happiness and welfare of all humanity based on Buddhist respect for the sanctity of life.
Two
SGI, based ideal of world citizenship, shall safeguard fundamental human rights and not discriminate against any individual on any grounds.
Three
SGI shall respect and protect freedom of religion and religious expression.
Four
SGI shall promote an understanding of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism through grass-roots exchange, thereby contributing to individual happiness.
Five
SGI shall, through its constituent organisations, encourage its members to contribute towards the prosperity of their respective societies as good citizens.
Six
SGI shall respect the independence and autonomy of its constituent organisations in accordance with the conditions prevailing in each country.
Seven
SGI shall, based on the Buddhist spirit of tolerance, respect other religions, engage in dialogue and work together with them towards the resolution of fundamental issues concerning humanity.
Eight
SGI shall respect cultural diversity and promote cultural exchange, thereby creating an international society of mutual understanding and harmony.
Nine
SGI shall promote, based on the Buddhist ideal of symbiosis, the protection of nature and the environment.
Ten
SGI shall contribute to the promotion of education, in the pursuit of truth as well as development of scholarship, to enable all people to cultivate their characters and enjoy fulfilling and happy lives.
