Welcome!
Here you will find information on the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, the SGI organisation and details of how to get involved in Buddhist activities in the West Midlands. We practice Buddhism in the West Midlands with meetings held throughout in locations such as Birmingham, Coventry, the Black Country, Warwickshire, Worcestershire as well as other nearby areas.
As lay believers, “engaged Buddhists”, and SGI members, we strive everyday to develop the ability to create value in every situation and live our lives to our fullest potential.
“Become like the sun. If you do so, all darkness will be dispelled. No matter what happens, live confidently with the conviction that you, yourself are the ‘sun’. Of course, in life there are sunny days and cloudy days. But even on cloudy days, the sun is still the sun. Even when you are suffering, it is vital that you strive to keep the sun shining brightly in your heart.”
(Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder, educator, author and poet.)
About Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
As Nichiren Buddhists we are also members of the Soka Gakkai International UK (SGI-UK), an organisation devoted to the values of peace, culture and education in communities through the world. We actively engage with our communities to raise awareness of our practice and to promote these values within our own families, friends, community and society as a whole.
Currently, there are more than 12 million members in 192 countries and territories worldwide. For SGI members, Buddhism is a practical philosophy of individual empowerment and inner transformation that enables people to develop themselves and take responsibility for their lives.
Find out more
Click on one of the options below or use the menu above to find out more about Nichiren Buddhism.
There are three basic elements to the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, chanting the phrase Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; studying the teachings of Nichiren; and making efforts to proliferate the teachings of Buddhism to achieve the ultimate goal of peace throughout the world and the happiness of all humanity.
As an essential part of the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, we chant the phrase Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, contains many depths of meaning which we can study and which inspire us. It is, however, the action of chanting which activates Buddhahood, even if we understand nothing.
Local meetings are held regularly throughout the West Midlands in over 14 locations in the homes of SGI-UK members. Discussion meetings are held where practitioners discuss and share the practical benefits of their daily practice. These meetings are a place of mutual encouragement as well as for sharing Buddhist faith with friends.