Nichiren (SGI)

This more modern form of Buddhism was founded by the Japanese monk Nichiren Shonin (1222-1282). Its practice is based on chanting the Lotus Sutra. Soka Gakkai International or SGI (“Value Creating Society”) is a derivative of the Nichiren School with a greater focus on the laity. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871-1944) was the founder and first president of SGI. The current president is Daisaku Ikeda (1928- ). These groups have many westerner followers.