San Fernando Valley SGI-USA Buddhist Center

Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is the most diverse Buddhist community in the United States with more than 500 chapters and some 100 centers throughout the country. SGI-USA is part of the larger SGI network, which comprises more than 12 million people in 192 countries and territories around the world.

SGI members base their practice on the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Buddhism, which teaches that each person has within the courage, wisdom and compassion to face and surmount any of life’s challenges.

Based on core Buddhist principles such as respecting the dignity of human life and the interconnectedness of self and the environment, SGI engages in various peace activities, including human rights education, the movement to abolish nuclear weapons and efforts to promote sustainable development.

SGI DOES NOT have priests and temples, but rather lay leaders and community centers. Daily practice is carried out at home and discussion meetings are usually held in people’s homes. SGI members live and work in society and integrate their practice into the daily routine of their lives.