Celebrating 48 Years of the SGI

On Jan. 26, 1975, the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was established on the Pacific island of Guam—the site of fierce fighting between American and Japanese military forces—and of countless civilian deaths—during World War II. It was then-Soka Gakkai President Daisaku Ikeda’s vision to make Guam the symbolic starting point for this international movement to actualize peace and promote understanding between cultures. This year, members the world over will celebrate the 48th anniversary of the SGI’s founding.

The SGI was established as a global association of the Soka Gakkai to support the faith and Buddhist practice of an increasing international membership. Some 158 representatives from 51 countries and territories attended the inaugural meeting held at the Guam International Trade Center. At the request of those present, Ikeda Sensei was appointed the SGI’s president. 

In his speech, Sensei stressed that Buddhism is grounded in the philosophy of respect for the dignity of life and made a powerful declaration to dedicate his life to the endeavor of promoting a lasting peace. He also encouraged the members present: “Rather than seeking after your own praise or glory, I hope that you will dedicate your noble lives to sowing the seeds of peace of the Mystic Law throughout the entire world. I shall do the same.”^[1] This spirit underpins our global movement today.

Since 1983, Ikeda Sensei has marked the SGI’s founding every Jan. 26 by issuing a peace proposal, read by U.N. officials and leading thinkers around the globe.

To learn more about the SGI’s founding, read  The New Human Revolution, vol. 21, “SGI” chapter.