Research Agenda

Project 8: Development of Soka Gakkai's Philosophy of Value Creation

Soka Gakkai's fundamental philosophy, which finds its roots in Nichiren Buddhism, was developed and refined by the first three presidents, based on thorough study, application and practice of Nichiren's philosophy. First Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi developed his philosophy of value and pedagogy of value-creation grounded in Nichiren Buddhism. Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda came to the realization that "Buddha" is life itself and expressed his understanding of Buddhism as a philosophy of life. Third president Daisaku Ikeda further developed his predecessors' ideas of Buddhist humanism into values and activities promoting peace, culture and education throughout the world. This research project focuses on the study of the philosophy of "Soka" (value creation) and its core values through analyses of the first three Soka Gakkai presidents' teachings and writings, including Dr. Ikeda's annual peace proposals, dialogues with internationally renowned intellectuals, speeches and essays, with an aim to draw out universal principles that can serve as guideposts for the future course of humanity.