SGI members follow the teachings of Nichiren, a Buddhist monk who lived in thirteenth-century Japan. Nichiren's teachings provide a way for anybody to readily draw out the enlightened wisdom and energy of Buddhahood from within their lives, regardless of their individual circumstances. Each person has the power to overcome all of life's challenges, to live a life of value and become a positive influence in their community, society and the world.In Search of the Solution to Human Suffering Nichiren was born in 1222 in Japan, a time rife with social unrest and natural disasters. The common people, especially, suffered enormously. Nichiren wondered why the Buddhist teachings had lost their power to enable people to lead happy, empowered lives. While a young priest, he set out to find an answer to the suffering and chaos that surrounded him. His intensive study of the Buddhist sutras convinced him that the Lotus Sutra contained the essence of the Buddha's enlightenment and that it held the key to transforming people's suffering and enabling society to flourish. The Essence of Buddhism The Lotus Sutra affirms that all people, regardless of gender, capacity or social standing, inherently possess the qualities of a Buddha, and are therefore equally worthy of the utmost respect. Based on his study of the sutra Nichiren established the invocation (chant) of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a universal practice to enable people to manifest the Buddhahood inherent in their lives and gain the strength and wisdom to challenge and overcome any adverse circumstances. Nichiren saw the Lotus Sutra as a vehicle for people's empowerment—stressing that everyone can attain enlightenment and enjoy happiness while they are alive. Persecution Nichiren was critical of the established schools of Buddhism that relied on state patronage and merely served the interests of the powerful while encouraging passivity in the suffering masses. He called the feudal authorities to task, insisting that the leaders bear responsibility for the suffering of the population and act to remedy it. His stance, that the state exists for the sake of the people, was revolutionary for its time. Nichiren's claims invited an onslaught of often-violent persecutions from the military government and the established Buddhist schools. Throughout, he refused to compromise his principles to appease those in authority. Nichiren's legacy lies in his unrelenting struggle for people's happiness and the desire to transform society into one which respects the dignity and potential of each individual life. |
SGI members follow the teachings of Nichiren, a Buddhist monk who lived in thirteenth-century Japan. Nichiren's teachings provide a way for anybody to readily draw out the enlightened wisdom and energy of Buddhahood from within their lives, regardless of their individual circumstances. Each person has the power to overcome all of life's challenges, to live a life of value and become a positive influence in their community, society and the world. In Search of the Solution to Human Suffering Nichiren was born in 1222 in Japan, a time rife with social unrest and natural disasters. The common people, especially, suffered enormously. Nichiren wondered why the Buddhist teachings had lost their power to enable people to lead happy, empowered lives. While a young priest, he set out to find an answer to the suffering and chaos that surrounded him. His intensive study of the Buddhist sutras convinced him that the Lotus Sutra contained the essence of the Buddha's enlightenment and that it held the key to transforming people's suffering and enabling society to flourish. The Essence of BuddhismThe Lotus Sutra affirms that all people, regardless of gender, capacity or social standing, inherently possess the qualities of a Buddha, and are therefore equally worthy of the utmost respect. Based on his study of the sutra Nichiren established the invocation (chant) of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a universal practice to enable people to manifest the Buddhahood inherent in their lives and gain the strength and wisdom to challenge and overcome any adverse circumstances. Nichiren saw the Lotus Sutra as a vehicle for people's empowerment—stressing that everyone can attain enlightenment and enjoy happiness while they are alive. PersecutionNichiren was critical of the established schools of Buddhism that relied on state patronage and merely served the interests of the powerful while encouraging passivity in the suffering masses. He called the feudal authorities to task, insisting that the leaders bear responsibility for the suffering of the population and act to remedy it. His stance, that the state exists for the sake of the people, was revolutionary for its time. Nichiren's claims invited an onslaught of often-violent persecutions from the military government and the established Buddhist schools. Throughout, he refused to compromise his principles to appease those in authority. Nichiren's legacy lies in his unrelenting struggle for people's happiness and the desire to transform society into one which respects the dignity and potential of each individual life. |
The Secret to Happiness Buddhism teaches that a universal Law (dharma) underlies everything in the universe. This is the very essence of life. Buddhism: The Secret to Happiness | |||
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. But to Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist text, it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings in one way or another seek to clarify. Buddhism: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo The SGI is based on the teachings and philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, which places the highest emphasis on the sanctity of life. Members seek, through their practice of Buddhism, to develop the ability to live with confidence, to create value in any circumstance and to contribute to the well-being of friends, family and community. Our philosophy is rooted in the concept of "human revolution," a process of inner transformation through Buddhist practice. It is a process that leads us to develop our character and to act not only for our personal fulfillment but also for the betterment of society. We believe that happiness is being able to experience profound joy that comes from never being defeated by any problem in life. In fact, we use life's challenges as catalysts to deepen and expand our inner lives. True happiness results from our efforts to manifest our highest potential—wisdom, compassion, courage and vitality. The SGI-USA is the American branch of the SGI network, with more than 2,600 neighborhood discussion groups and nearly 100 SGI-USA centers throughout the country. The core activity for all SGI-USA members is the neighborhood discussion meeting. These informal gatherings bring people together for Buddhist prayer, study, sharing and discussion of ways Buddhism can be applied to the challenges of daily living. CHAPTER 1: General ProvisionsArticle 1Soka Gakkai International – USA ("SGI-USA") is a religious organization that practices Nichiren Buddhism. SGI-USA is recognized as a church under the Internal Revenue Code for tax purposes. SGI-USA exists to:
Article 2SGI-USA is a member of the constituency of organizations that make up the Soka Gakkai International ("SGI"), which embraces the fundamental aim and mission of contributing to peace, culture and education based on the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Buddhism. Article 3SGI-USA is organized with a representative form of decision-making. While the General Director is considered the chief executive of the organization, dialogue and consensus-building are the bases of our decision-making process. Article 4The national organization is made up of three geographically defined territories: West, Central, and East territories. Article 5Each Territory is divided into Zones, Regions, Areas, Chapters and Districts. The District is considered the front-line level of SGI-USA and is the measure of SGI-USA's health and the focus of our organizational growth. Districts may be further subdivided into Groups and Units, but the District remains the focal point for members' growth and development. Article 6This charter can only be modified or amended by the Executive Council, and such amendments shall take effect upon their official announcement by the General Director. CHAPTER 2: The Executive CouncilArticle 7SGI-USA has an Executive Council, which is its highest decision-making body. Article 8The Executive Council shall consist of 14 to 18 members. Article 9The members of the Executive Council shall be selected as follows:
Article 10The term of the members of the Executive Council shall be a three-year staggered term. Each year, the terms of approximately one-third of the Executive Council members will expire. Article 11Executive Council members shall not serve concurrently on the Council or the Central Executive Committee. No more than one-third of the members of the SGI-USA Corporate Board of Directors shall be Executive Council members. Article 12The Executive Council shall:
Article 13The SGI Headquarters shall select the Chairperson of the Executive Council. The Chairperson will preside over meetings and be responsible for the orderly conduct of meetings. The SGI Headquarters may select one or more Vice Chairpersons, who shall support the Chairperson in carrying out his or her duties. Article 14A meeting of the Executive Council must be held annually or upon the request of any Executive Council member or the Executive Advisor. Article 15Three-fourths of the members of the Executive Council must be present to hold a meeting, including at least one SGI representative. Article 16For the purposes of ascertaining a quorum, "present" includes participation in-person or by live video or audio conference. Article 17Since dialogue is crucial for consensus-building, any Executive Council member who is not present may not vote by proxy or by specific written authorization to another member. Article 18Matters before the Executive Council shall be decided by a consensus of the members present at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present. In the event consensus is not reached, then matters shall be decided by a vote of unanimity minus two. CHAPTER 3: The CouncilArticle 19SGI-USA has a Council, which is a decision-making body whose purpose is to offer insight and advice to the General Director and Executive Council on the overall direction of SGI-USA. Article 20The Council shall consist of members nominated by the nominating committee defined in Article 9(c) above and approved by the Executive Council. Article 21The members of the Council shall be nominated from among outstanding members who have experience in faith, good character, wisdom, the ability to give guidance and an understanding of the principles of Nichiren Buddhism. Article 22The term of the members of the Council shall be a three-year staggered term. Each year approximately one-third of the Council members shall have their terms expire. Article 23The Council shall:
Article 24The Council will meet with the General Director and Executive Council annually to offer insight and advice on the overall direction of this organization. The Council will also receive reports from the General Director regarding the activities of this organization and from the Executive Council. Article 25The Executive Council shall designate the Chairperson of the Council. The Chairperson will preside over meetings and be responsible for the orderly conduct of meetings. The Executive Council may select one or more Vice Chairpersons, who shall support the Chairperson in carrying out his or her duties. Article 26A meeting of the Council must be held upon the request of the Executive Council, General Director, Executive Advisor, or one-third of the members of the Council. Article 27Two-thirds of the members of the Council must be present to hold a meeting or vote. Article 28For the purposes of ascertaining a quorum, "present" includes participation in-person or by live video or audio conference. Article 29Since dialogue is crucial for consensus-building, a Council member who is not present may not vote by proxy or by specific written authorization to another member. Article 30Matters before the Council shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present; provided, however, that the nomination of the General Director, General Director Emeritus, and Interim General Director (when necessary) requires an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Council members present. Article 30.1Council Advisory Board SGI-USA shall have a Council Advisory Board to assist the Council in carrying out its advisory function to the General Director and Executive Council. Article 30.2The Council Advisory Board shall meet annually with the Council members, but it shall have no decision-making responsibilities. Article 30.3The Council Advisory Board shall consist of former Executive Council or Council members who have been nominated by the nominating committee defined in Article 9(c) above and approved by the Executive Council. Article 30.4The term of the members of the Council Advisory Board shall be a three-year staggered term. Each year approximately one-third of the Council members shall have their terms expire. CHAPTER 4: The Central Executive CommitteeArticle 31SGI-USA has a Central Executive Committee, which is a decision-making body whose purpose is to execute the important duties of the organization. Article 32The Central Executive Committee shall consist of the following:
Article 33The Central Executive Committee shall discuss and decide the following items:
Article 34The General Director shall serve as the Chairperson of the Central Executive Committee. Article 35In principle, a meeting of the Central Executive Committee shall be convened once every three months by the General Director. In addition, the General Director may convene a meeting whenever he or she deems it necessary. Article 36Two-thirds of the members of the Central Executive Committee must be present to duly hold a meeting. Article 37For the purposes of ascertaining a quorum, "present" includes participation in-person or by live video or audio conference. Article 38Since dialogue is crucial for consensus-building, a Central Executive Committee member who is not present may not vote by proxy or by specific written authorization to another member. Article 39Matters before the Committee shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present. Article 40Upon approval by the Central Executive Committee, SGI-USA may have one or more Departments to encourage members of a common group or specific interest. Examples include, but are not limited to, the Culture Department, Arts Department, Study Department, Peace and Community Relations Department, Lecturers Department, and the National Language Bureau. Article 41The national leaders of the respective Departments shall be appointed by the Central Executive Committee. Within each Department, further sub-groups may be made upon approval by the Central Executive Committee. CHAPTER 5: General DirectorArticle 42The General Director shall be nominated by the Council and ratified by the SGI Headquarters for a three-year term. Article 43Should the General Director be unable to fulfill his or her duties, the Council shall nominate an Interim General Director, pending approval from the SGI Headquarters. Once approval is received, the interim General Director shall officially serve as General Director for the remainder of the vacated three-year term, or until the General Director is able to resume his or her duties. Article 44SGI-USA may award the title of General Director Emeritus or Emerita upon nomination by the Council and approval by the SGI Headquarters. The title is honorific and carries no independent decision-making rights or responsibilities. Article 45SGI-USA may have one or more Executive Advisors and/or Advisors who are appointed by the SGI Headquarters, whose length of term shall be determined by the SGI Headquarters. Article 46The Executive Advisor(s) gives general advice about the affairs of this organization for the sake of its development. Article 47To accomplish the duties described in Article 46 above, the Executive Advisor(s) can attend any meetings or conferences. Article 48The Advisor(s) shall assist in carrying out the duties of the Executive Advisor(s) and may attend meetings on his or her behalf. CHAPTER 6: Vice General DirectorsArticle 49SGI-USA may have one or more Senior Vice General Directors and/or Vice General Directors. Article 50They shall assist the General Director with responsibilities delegated to them by the General Director. Article 51The Senior Vice General Directors and Vice General Directors shall be appointed (or removed) by the General Director from among members of the Executive Council and Council with the advice and consent of the Nominating Committee. The appointment will expire concurrently with the term of the General Director. CHAPTER 7: Ministers of CeremonyArticle 52Ministers of Ceremony administer the ceremonies, rites and services of this organization. Article 53The General Director, Executive Advisor(s), Advisor(s), Men's Leader and Women's Leader are by rule considered Ministers of Ceremony. Article 54In order to efficiently carry out the duties of the Ministers of Ceremony, and upon the recommendation of the Territory Leaders, the General Director may appoint additional Ministers of Ceremony from among the members of the Men's and Women's Division for a time period that expires concurrently with the General Director's term. However, the General Director may revoke an individual's commission at any time at his or her sole discretion. Article 55Each Minister will receive an official certificate confirming his/her appointment as an SGI-USA Minister of Ceremony. Ministers of Ceremony shall administer and preside over the ceremonies, rites and services of this organization as described in a separate document entitled "Provisions for Ministers of Ceremony." CHAPTER 8: LeadersArticle 56Leaders at every level of the organization function to further the mission of SGI-USA in helping members deepen their faith in Nichiren Buddhism. Specific rules, conduct, and guidelines for leaders are found in the separate document entitled SGI-USA Leadership Manual. Article 57Unless otherwise stated in these rules, the term of the leaders at all levels of the organization may be set by the Central Executive Committee. Article 58Until a successor is appointed, approved or ratified, as required, the term of a position may be extended, even after expiration of the term. Article 59Persons who have been appointed to a position with a specified term may be appointed to additional terms. Article 60Persons who have positions set forth in this document may be removed for cause, by following the procedure found in the SGI-USA Leadership Manual. CHAPTER 9: MembersArticle 61Members of SGI-USA are practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism and supporters of SGI-USA who have officially joined the organization. Complete details on becoming a member of SGI-USA are contained in the latest version of theSGI-USA Leadership Manual. Article 62Membership in SGI-USA is classified according to a four-divisional system: Men's Division, Women's Division, Young Men's Division, and Young Women's Division. The Central Executive Committee may set a maximum age limit for classification as Young Men's or Young Women's members. Article 63Each Member will receive an official certificate confirming his or her membership status at an SGI-USA Membership Ceremony, Gohonzon Conferral Ceremony or other event. Article 64Nothing in this section confers a right, legal or otherwise, for anyone to be a member of SGI-USA. Article 65SGI-USA may formally and publicly commend those who contribute to its development and set good examples for other members. Article 66By becoming a member of SGI-USA, an individual agrees to sincerely practice Nichiren Buddhism; follow the guidance of the Soka Gakkai International; and observe the rules and regulations established by SGI-USA. Article 67An individual who believes in Nichiren Buddhism and who wishes to join SGI-USA may become a member of SGI-USA by submitting a Gohonzon Application Form to the District Organization nearest to the residence of the prospective member [Applicants who are minors must submit the application with the signature of their parent or legal guardian]. Article 68Once the form has been reviewed and approved, the prospective member will be officially welcomed to the organization at a Membership Ceremony or other appropriate SGI-USA event, where he or she will receive a Gohonzon and membership certificate. CHAPTER 10: Voluntary Termination of MembershipArticle 69Voluntary Termination- any individual may submit a notification of termination of membership in writing. Termination of membership shall be effective upon receipt of the notification by the organization. Article 70An individual whose membership has been voluntarily terminated may apply for reinstatement at any time under the same process as individuals joining SGI-USA for the first time. CHAPTER 11: Involuntary Termination of MembershipArticle 71Involuntary Termination- a member may be involuntarily terminated from SGI-USA membership due to serious misconduct, as outlined in this section. Note: if the member in question is a current or former leader in the organization, then the above steps are superseded by the procedure found in the SGI-USA Leadership Manual, which outlines procedures for dealing with leader misconduct. Article 72SGI-USA exists to enable all members to correctly learn and practice Nichiren Buddhism and apply it in their daily lives for spiritual growth and fulfillment. Article 73Conduct which violates this pure intent may result in disciplinary action up to and including involuntary termination of membership. Specific examples of conduct subject to discipline include, but are not limited to:
Article 74The purpose of disciplinary proceedings is to encourage sincere self-reflection on the part of the member in question and to preserve the sincere faith of members and the harmonious unity of SGI-USA. Article 75In the event disciplinary actions are considered or requested, the local Area Personnel Committee will be responsible for addressing the misconduct, including:
Article 76The Area Personnel Committee may stop the investigation at any stage of the proceedings and immediately recommend disciplinary action if, in its judgment, the member in question is evasive, combative, uncooperative, or continuing to engage in inappropriate conduct. Article 77A member has the right to submit a written request for an appeal of the Region Personnel Committee's decision to the Zone Personnel Committee. Article 78Unless the Zone Personnel Committee determines that further investigation or consideration is warranted, the decision shall be final. Article 79Notice of disciplinary action shall be communicated to the affected organizational leaders and members as appropriate. Article 80No termination of membership, for any reason, shall confer the right to demand the return or refund of any property, real or personal, cash or in-kind, previously donated to SGI-USA. Article 81Any member whose membership has been involuntarily terminated shall have his or her name removed from SGI-USA membership lists and is excluded from any and all activities of SGI-USA, wherever conducted. Article 82An individual whose membership has been involuntarily terminated may apply for reinstatement no earlier than one year after the involuntary termination by communicating this request to the Area Personnel Committee. This charter was adopted by the SGI-USA Executive Council on October 24, 2009. Record of Amendments
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