Soka Gakkai: From Lay Movement to Religion (Studies in Contemporary Religions, 3) [Paperback]

Karel Dobbelaere (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2001 | Series: Studies in Contemporary Religions, 3 (Book 3)

In 1930 two men, Josei Toda and his mentor, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, created the Educational Society for the Creation of Value (Soka Kyoiku Gakkai), with roots in Nichiren Buddhism. After World War II, It became Japan s fastest growing religion. Currently, membership is over ten million people worldwide. They recently opened their second university campus in California, and are active in the United Nations, among other peace organizations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This volume in Signature's Studies in Contemporary Religion series follows earlier books on Scientology and the Unification Church. Like its predecessors, it is noteworthy for its brevity and balanced approach to a controversial religious movement. Soka Gakkai ("Value-Creating Society"), an offshoot of Nichiren Buddhism that began in Japan shortly before World War II, has become an international movement with several million members. It emphasizes the power of individuals to transform themselves and then promote peace and compassion in the world. Dobbelaere discusses recurring tensions between SG leaders and Nichiren monks, the differences in SG practices around the world, and the movement's educational and cultural institutions. --Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

This book is part of the Studies in contemporary Religion Series. The series editor is Massimo Intovigne. Other titles in this series are, The Chrurch of Scientology, Osho Rajneesh, The Unification Church, Baha'i, Hare Krishna and The Family. Others to follow.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Signature Books (September 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560851538
• ISBN-13: 978-1560851530
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,283,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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