if you desire peace, prepare for peace - sgm · to a culture of peace? what is the way forward? sgi...

if you desire peace,

prepare for peace

Soka Gakkai Malaysia


CONTENTS

A Humanistic Perspectiveon Peace in the 21st Century

Soka Gakkai International

History and Philosophy


Humanism in Action

Education

Publications

Locations ofSGM Culture Centres

Copyright © 2015 Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM)

All rights reserved. No reproduction, copyor transmission of this publication may be made

without written permission

Published by

Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM)

SGM Culture Centre

Lot 960, KM14, Batu 9, Jalan Cheras

43200 Selangor, Malaysia

Tel: 603 9075 6876

Email: [email protected]

Designed by Willie J T Lim

Printed by Wai Xin Industries Sdn Bhdon recycled paper

soka gakkai malaysia

building a culture of peace

wrote Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President

Daisaku Ikeda in his novel series, The Human

Revolution.

Almost seven decades have passed since the

Second World War. And yet as humanity moves

in time and space, making phenomenal

breakthroughs in science and technology, our

planet Earth continues to be wrecked by

self-destruction. Hundreds of regional wars and

multiple con�icts around the world have

resulted, and continue to cause the death and

misery of millions of people.

We live in a peculiar time. Humankind has never

in its history enjoyed such material abundance

or experienced such technological progress. But

neither has it su�ered so much death,

destruction and poverty.

Rapid globalisation is rendering geographical

di�erences virtually meaningless and making

the world as one.

It is a time of rapid change and great confusion.

It is the best of times, and the worst of times. We

stand at a point of balance. Which way that

balance tips as we go forward in this century

depends crucially on what we decide to do now,

particularly about the escalating violence in our

society, and the world at large.

What are the causes of human violence? How

do we move away from a culture of violence

to a culture of peace? What is the way

forward?

SGI believes that it starts with the inner

transformation of the individual. World-

renowned authority on peace, Johan Galtung,

suggests that violence or war for that matter is

not an instinctive human behaviour. He said, “If

you desire peace, prepare for peace.”

Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) has been organising

various kinds of activities at respective state

Culture Centres and public venues not merely to

raise awareness on peace but also to embrace a

conviction that our action can bring about a

change in our environment. These activities

often bring out the message of hope, of

overcoming powerlessness and reminds us that

we are the creators of peace.

a humanistic perspectiveon peace in the 21st century

<< • How do we move away from a culture of violence to a culture of peace? < • Clean drinking water can be a precious commodity

"Nothing is more barbarous thanwar, nothing more miserable,”

Breaking the Cycle of Violence, and Building

a Culture of Peace …

Land-mines continue to be a persistent danger inmany war torn nations

©2014 W

orld Vision, photo by Jon Warren

Photo courtesy of Colin Summ

ers

A worldwide non-governmental organisation

a�liated with several UN agencies, SGI has a

network of constituent organisations around the

world including Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM).

Based on what Buddhism holds most dear – the

inherent dignity of human life - SGI and its

worldwide network of a�liated organisations

strive to promote the values of peace and

respect for all people through culture and

education.

The concept of peace that SGI members strive

for through their various activities is not the

absence of war, but rather, a dynamic, interactive

process which channels humanity’s deep-rooted

self-destructive urges towards creative and

constructive ends. SGI’s concept of peace is

more than just the cessation of war, but refers to

a society which based all its activities on such

fundamental core values as respect for the

dignity and preciousness of each individual

human life.

One way of helping people to respect the

dignity of humanity is to bring them into contact

through their creativity, the hallmark of our

humanity. Through activities centring on peace,

culture and education, SGI members strive to

bring about an awareness of the

interconnectedness and common bonds among

people. When the super�cial di�erences

between people become less signi�cant than

their collective experience and shared destiny, a

spirit of co-existence and mutual appreciation

can be then nurtured.

While we recognise that con�ict is intrinsic to the

human condition, we also believe that

di�erences in ethnicity, religion and language

need not necessarily give rise to tension and

violence. Human con�ict can never be

eradicated completely. And as human ingenuity

continues to devise ever more sophisticated and

powerful weapons, SGI members are committed

to combat this tide by consciously seeking out

and continually strengthening the awareness of

our commonalities and shared destiny as a

human race on this beautiful planet called Earth.

soka gakkai internationallaying the foundation for enduring peace...

Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a grassroots organisation based on the

humanistic philosophy of Buddhism, is dedicated to peace e�orts.

A meeting of minds – peace activists: Former President of South Africa,

Nelson Mandela and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

> • The concept of peace that SGI members strive for through their various activities is not merely the absence of armed conflict

• > SGI members strive for world peace through culture and education

“Nelson Mandela - Lion of Freedom”an essay by Daisaku Ikeda

This 13th century Japanese sage centred his

philosophy on one of the last recorded teachings

of the �rst historically recorded Buddha.

The founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni or

Siddartha Gautama, who lived some 2,500 years

ago, taught in many ways. One of these

teachings is the Lotus Sutra and it is this writing

which Nichiren based his teachings upon in

thirteenth century Japan. He showed that the

Lotus Sutra revealed a universal principle called

the Buddha nature, which is inherent in all life.

Further it a�rms that all people are capable of

attaining enlightenment.

Individual enlightenment is grasped through

the profound realisation of the inseparability of

the individual and his spiritual and physical

environment, and his ability to powerfully

in�uence both. In this way, every individual

realises a personal responsibility for his own

condition and that of his immediate and distant

environments. Hence, implicit in the teachings

of Nichiren, is an understanding that society

blossoms as the individual blossoms.

The Soka Gakkai (Value Creation Society) was

founded in 1930 as a grassroots movement

based upon the philosophy of Nichiren

Buddhism. Its founder, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi,

and his closest associate, Josei Toda, were

imprisoned in 1943 because of their refusal to

compromise their beliefs and lend support to

the militaristic regime.

Makiguchi died in prison, but Toda was released

at the end of the war and immediately set about

rebuilding the Soka Gakkai. In 1960 his successor

and third president of the Soka Gakkai, Daisaku

Ikeda, made his �rst visit overseas and gradually

since then the Soka Gakkai has gained its

international dimension.

Having experienced the evils and destruction of

war personally, Daisaku lkeda is dedicated to

sharing with others the preciousness of life, and

the horrors of war. [The Human Revolution], the

series of novels by Daisaku Ikeda which tell the

story of the early years of the Soka Gakkai,

begins with "Nothing is more barbarous than

war, nothing more miserable.” A deep sense of

responsibility to change this unhappy tendency

of humankind informs all the activities of SGI.

Nichiren Buddhism emphasises the profound

connection between one’s own happiness and

the happiness of others. Thus the members of

SGI share a profound commitment to the

promotion of the values of peace, and respect

for humanity through culture and education.

history & philosophy

< • From left to right: The first three presidents of Soka Gakkai – Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda

^ • One of Shakyamuni teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and it is this writing which

Nichiren based his teaching upon in thirteenth century Japan

All SGI activities are based on theteachings and the individual practice

of the Buddhism of Nichiren.

how did it happen? what drives it?

Soka Gakkai Malaysia, in short SGM, was

established in 1984 with membership throughout

the country.

Members of SGM come from all walks of life. The

gatherings held in its centres and members'

homes throughout Malaysia, bring people

together to study Buddhist principles, and to

discuss how they can best be applied to the

challenges faced in their daily life. These

gatherings or discussion meetings act as a

platform where SGM members can share their

concerns and di�culties, their hopes and dreams.

Apart from their daily practice and their

individual pursuits, SGM members also organise

and participate in various events including

seminars and public lectures to address issues

facing individuals and the society. SGM

members are also involved in a wide range of

national and state cultural events, community

outreach programmes including charity drives

and blood donation campaigns.

The ultimate purpose of SGM members is to reveal

the creative potential of their lives not only for their

personal ful�lment, but also for the development

of a peaceful and harmonious society.

The construction of SGM culture centres

throughout Malaysia including Wisma

Kebudayaan SGM located in the heart of Kuala

Lumpur city centre are the physical

manifestations of such conviction and

commitment to peace.

Built through contributions from SGM members,

a wide range of cultural and educational

activities to promote peace are being held here

in these centres including exhibitions on arts,

calligraphy and photography. Many friendly

dialogues, cultural performances, public lectures

and discussion seminars are organised in pursuit

of human happiness and security. A number of

these events are international or bilateral

exchanges involving artists and scholars from

di�erent countries.

On February 27, 2004, SGM was awarded the

inaugural Anugerah Pendukung Seni (Arts

Supporter Award) by the Malaysian Ministry of

Culture, Arts and Tourism. The award, presented

by the Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism, aims

to encourage and give due recognition to both

institutions and individuals who have

contributed to the development of arts and

culture in the country. SGM was the recipient for

the non-governmental organisation category.

On September 9, 2014, the National Unity and

Integration Department of the Prime Minister’s

Department presented SGM with the “Friends of

Unity” Award in recognition of SGM’s e�orts on

holding various activities to promote national

unity and harmony among the various ethnic

groups over the years.

View a video here on“Peace through Love;

Love through Harmony”one of our community activities

held at the SGM Headquarters

soka gakkai malaysiawhen was it established? what does it do locally?

^ • Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, the hub of our cultural and educational activities

in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

• ^ ‘Many in body, One in mind’ – The SGM family is united in their shared

aspiration for a more peaceful society

• Each SGM member strives to reveal the creative potential of his life

For this reason, although marked by ethnic,

linguistic, religious and traditional

characteristics, culture has the power to

transcend all such di�erences to strike a

common chord in the hearts of people of diverse

backgrounds.

SGM promotes and conducts cultural exchanges

and seeks to advance the search for common

values, such as forbearance and co-existence,

which are present in di�erent forms in all

cultures and traditions.

We believe that cultural exchange, while

enabling human beings to cultivate their

creative potential, is also the prime mover that

bridges the gaps between people and links

them together.

Art and music, products of human culture,

embody a language understood by all people.

Visual and performing artistic creations

engender a sense of unity and oneness among

people, thereby leading to the building of trust.

Through the common language of art and

music, we can see that people everywhere are

basically the same, with the same hopes and

desires, worries and dreams. Through the

fostering of such awareness of a common

humanity and a common fate, super�cial

di�erences such as ethnicity, religion and

language begin to dissolve in this sharing of

feelings and emotions.

Based on this conviction, SGM actively

participates as well as hosts a variety of art and

cultural activities. SGM was invited to perform in

international and national events like the 1998

Commonwealth Games opening ceremony,

Southeast Asian Games, Colours of Malaysia

(Citrawarna) and the National Day celebrations.

To promote friendship and harmony, SGM

organised goodwill cultural and community

events in many parts of the country. In addition,

SGM also held a variety of art exhibitions,

cultural performances, art lectures and

academic seminars.

humanism in action

^ • The Guitar Duo Katona Twins in Concert in KL at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM (September 2014)

<< • “The Rainbow Bridge of Friendship – Exhibition of Donated Artworks by Overseas Artists”at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM (November 2014)

< • “Y.E.S. Academy Live! Broadway Kuala Lumpur 2013” show at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM (June 2013)

• > SGM received the ‘Friends of Unity’ Award from the National Unity and Integration Departmentof the Prime Minister’s Department (September 2014)

why the emphasis on culture and education?what have culture and education got to do with peace?

Culture in a sense, is the vibrant expression of human life itself.

SGM received the ‘Arts Supporter Award’ from the Malaysian Ministry of Culture,

Arts and Tourism (February 2004)

Catch the Katona Twins In Concert here

Tadika Seri Soka in Malaysia was established in

1994 based on the methods and principles of

Soka Education �rst set out by Soka Gakkai

founding president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi

(1871-1944) in his book entitled Value Creating

Pedagogy. Makiguchi de�ned the main purpose

of education as the creation of values, for both

personal development and social good.

Based on a humanistic form of education, the

children at Tadika Seri Soka learn about the

diversity among races, ethnic groups and

cultures, and are taught to respect and value

those di�erences. The children are taught not

only the three languages of Bahasa Malaysia,

English and Chinese but also the importance of

developing con�dence, hope and friendship

through active interactions with other children.

The Soka education system is open to pupils from

all religious backgrounds, and the curriculum

does not include any religious content.

SGM members also believe that education is a

lifelong pursuit of self-awareness and

development of both wisdom and character.

Education nurtures our ability to think critically,

helps us make informed choices but most

importantly, it enhances our appreciation of life

in all its diversity.

Through a wide range of educational activities,

SGM seeks to foster awareness of the social and

environmental responsibilities we all share for

the future of our country, and by extension, our

precious planet Earth.

This is education in the broadest sense of the

word, and it is not limited to the classroom or to

any particular age group. Following the

establishment of Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, SGM

had organised a series of public lectures and

discussion forums covering subjects like

Dialogue Among Civilisations, Muslim-Buddhist

Dialogue and global ethics.

Based on the Buddhist concept of the unity of

life and its environment, SGM had also organised

and sponsored campaigns to educate people

about the need to preserve, and sensibly

co-exist with the Earth’s biosphere.

education

At the heart of the SGI movementfor peace is the ideal of education for

global citizenship.

• ^ Luxun Academic Lecture byMr. Huang Qiao Sheng, Deputy Director

of Beijing Lu Xun Museum(October 2013)

• “Peace & HarmoniousCoexistence” – An Islamic-Buddhist

Dialogue (April 2014)

• Children of Tadika Seri Soka learn through interactive games

SGM publishes a monthly publication Cosmic,

and twice-monthly publication Flow which are

subscribed by readers in Malaysia and overseas.

The contents of Cosmic centre on peace, culture,

education and contemporary issues, as well as

coverage of SGM activities while Flow publishes

articles on the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism

and speeches given by SGI President Daisaku

Ikeda.

In collaboration with SGI, SGM also publishes a

variety of Daisaku Ikeda's books. These

publications aim to share new visions of

humanity in facing the realities of personal and

social issues in today's and tomorrow’s world.

Committed to inspire, inform, and educate both

its members and the wider public audience,

SGM and SGI publications o�er perspectives on

the Buddhist practice, dialogues on shared

global values, proposals for peace, children

literature and social commentaries,

as well as studies of

Nichiren Buddhism.

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda said, “Everything

begins from having respect for human dignity

and appreciating the inherent value of each

person’s life and the wonder of human

existence.”

By publishing and promoting books that

enhance the sanctity of life, SGM strives to

contribute to a world imbued with humanistic

values, and by extension, a peaceful and secured

planet Earth.

For more information on SGM publications,

please contact SGM Publications Department at

603-2141 2003 or email [email protected]

publications

SGM publications o�er perspectiveon how Buddhist humanism and values

are applied to various issues in contemporary society.

main centresSGM Culture Centre

(Headquarters)

Lot 960, KM14Batu 9, Jalan Cheras, 43200 Selangor

Tel: (603) 9075-6876Fax: (603)9074-2413

E-mail: [email protected]

Wisma Kebudayaan SGM243, Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: (603) 2144-8686Fax: (603)2144-8484

E-mail: [email protected]

o�cial websitesSoka Gakkai Malaysia

http://www.sgm.org.my

Soka Gakkai Internationalhttp://www.sgi.org

state branchesJohor1A (Lot 40272) Jalan Selatan 5O� Jalan Kempas Lama, Taman Selatan81200 Johor Bharu, Johor

Tel : (607) 556-5788Fax : (607) 556-7000E-mail : [email protected]

Kedah55, Jalan Murai 2, Kompleks Alor MalaiBatu 2, Jln Langgar, 05460 Alor Setar, Kedah

Tel : (604)731-5067Fax : (604)731-5640E-mail : [email protected]

Kelantan2678H, 1st Floor, Jalan Kuala Krai15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan


Kuala Lumpur22, Jalan Utara, O� Jalan Imbi55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : (603) 2141-6075Fax : (603) 2141-6075

MelakaNo.23, Jalan Paya IkanTaman Datuk Palembang75150 Bukit Baru, Melaka


Negeri SembilanLot 9128, Jalan RJ 2/25Taman Rasah Jaya, 70300 SerembanNegeri Sembilan


PahangNo.129, Jalan Semambu25350 Kuantan, Pahang


PerakNo.160, Jalan PegohTaman Lapangan Ria31650 Ipoh, Perak

Tel : (605)323-6588Fax : (605) 323-6587E-mail : [email protected]

Pulau Pinang190, Jalan Burmah10350 Pulau Pinang


Pulau Pinang – Seberang Prai1748, Jalan Bukit Tambun MK 1414110 Simpang AmpatSeberang Prai Selatan, Penang


SabahLot 5, LPPB Low Cost Housing SchemeJalan Tuaran By-Pass, Inanam888450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah


SarawakLot 126, Lrg Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim 593450 Kuching, Sarawak


SelangorLot 23686, Jalan Selampit 29Taman Klang Jaya41200 Klang, Selangor


TerengganuLot 1595, Taman Seri DesaBukit Cendering21080 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu


locationsgm culture centres

Take a tour ofSGM Culture Centres

in Malaysia

if you desire peace, prepare for peace - sgm · to a culture of peace? what is the way forward? sgi...

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