The Many Cults of Japan: Soka Gakkai

Summary

This video delves into the history and controversies surrounding Sōka Gakkai, a Japanese new religious movement rooted in Nichiren Buddhism. Originating in the 1930s, it grew into a powerful religious and political force after World War II. The group’s core belief centers on the Lotus Sutra, claiming it brings prosperity and salvation. Known for aggressive missionary work, political involvement, and its role in the Komeito political party, Sōka Gakkai has faced criticism and legal challenges. Despite this, it maintains millions of members worldwide, evolving its practices while still holding significant influence in Japanese society and politics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soka Gakkai is a new religious movement in Japan, often considered a cult by outsiders but recognized academically as a 'new religious movement.'
• 😀 The movement originated in the 1930s as an educational organization before becoming a religious group, following the teachings of 13th-century monk Nichiren.
• 😀 Soka Gakkai's core belief is in the Lotus Sutra as the only path to salvation and prosperity, with chanting of specific phrases believed to bring about positive changes.
• 😀 The group grew rapidly after WWII, largely due to an aggressive missionary approach called 'shakubuku,' aimed at discrediting other religious beliefs.
• 😀 Soka Gakkai's political arm, the Komeito, was founded in 1964 and became a significant political force, gaining 10% of the national vote by 1969.
• 😀 Despite Japan's constitution forbidding religious groups from exerting political power, Soka Gakkai continued to wield political influence, leading to legal separation from its political wing in 1970.
• 😀 The movement faced challenges in the 1990s, including a schism with the Nichiren Shoshu sect and the controversial 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult.
• 😀 Despite controversies, Soka Gakkai and its political party Komeito remain influential, with the latter being a crucial ally to Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
• 😀 Soka Gakkai has shifted from aggressive proselytism to a gentler form of conversion, emphasizing study and volunteerism within the organization.
• 😀 The Lotus Sutra is central to Soka Gakkai practice, with chanting seen as a tool for both personal prosperity and societal improvement, although unanswered prayers are often attributed to improper chanting or spiritual blockages.

Q & A

What is a 'new religious movement' in the context of the video?

In academic terms, a 'new religious movement' (NRM) refers to religious groups that are often labeled as 'cults' by the general public. These movements tend to have negative connotations, and the term 'cult' is avoided in academic writing, with alternative terms such as 'new religious movement' or 'modern religious organization' being used.

How common are new religious movements in Japan?

According to one source cited in the video, over 10% of the Japanese population may be involved in new religious movements. Japan has seen the emergence of several unique and controversial religious organizations, some of which are quite famous or infamous.

What role did World War II play in the rise of new religious movements in Japan?

World War II played a significant role in the emergence of new religious movements in Japan. The use of Shinto beliefs to promote the war effort led to a spiritual vacuum after Japan's surrender. This vacuum allowed new religious groups and would-be prophets to gain followers by offering spiritual alternatives.

What is Soka Gakkai, and what role does it play in Japanese society?

Soka Gakkai is a new religious movement based on Nichiren Buddhism, founded by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi in the 1930s. It has over 12 million members worldwide and emphasizes the importance of chanting the Lotus Sutra for prosperity and salvation. Soka Gakkai has grown into a major political force in Japan and has an influential role in both religious and political spheres.

What is the historical significance of Nichiren Buddhism in Soka Gakkai?

Nichiren Buddhism, founded by the 13th-century Japanese monk Nichiren, is the foundation of Soka Gakkai's beliefs. Nichiren taught that the Lotus Sutra was the only path to salvation in a world in spiritual decline. Soka Gakkai members focus on chanting the Sutra to bring both personal prosperity and societal positive change.

What is the practice of 'shakubuku' in Soka Gakkai, and why was it controversial?

Shakubuku, meaning 'breaking false beliefs,' is a controversial practice introduced by Jose, the second leader of Soka Gakkai. It involves missionaries aggressively converting others by discrediting other religions and beliefs. The practice was highly controversial due to its confrontational nature and has since been downplayed in favor of a more gentle approach.

What political involvement did Soka Gakkai have, and how did it affect Japan's political landscape?

Soka Gakkai's political involvement began with the formation of the Komeito (Clean Government Party) in 1964, which sought to promote the Lotus Sutra. Despite Article 20 of the Japanese Constitution forbidding religious groups from exerting political power, the Komeito achieved significant success, garnering 10% of the national vote by 1969. The group has continued to influence Japanese politics, often aligning with the Liberal Democratic Party.

What was the controversy surrounding the Komeito's political activities?

The Komeito's political activities raised legal and ethical concerns because Article 20 of the Japanese Constitution prohibits religious organizations from engaging in political activities. The Komeito and Soka Gakkai had to legally separate in 1970 to comply with this, though many Soka Gakkai members still consider supporting the Komeito a religious duty.

How did Soka Gakkai adapt after losing its connection to the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood?

In 1991, Soka Gakkai's leader, Daisaku Ikeda, was excommunicated by the Nichiren Shoshu sect, which led to Soka Gakkai being declared illegitimate by the sect. Following this, Soka Gakkai distanced itself from the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood, adopting a lay leadership system and rejecting the authority of the priests, claiming that only Soka Gakkai correctly followed the will of Buddha.

What impact did the Aum Shinrikyo sarin gas attack have on new religious movements in Japan?

The 1995 sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult had a significant impact on public perception of new religious movements in Japan. The attack led to widespread suspicion and anger towards such groups, including Soka Gakkai, which faced increased scrutiny due to its controversial practices and political connections.

What are some of the unique features of Soka Gakkai's global presence?

Soka Gakkai has expanded internationally, with branches in almost 200 countries. It operates with relatively lean budgets and relies on local fundraising efforts. Additionally, Soka Gakkai runs two private universities—one in Japan and another in the U.S. (California). Membership costs are relatively low, but members are expected to participate in unpaid volunteer activities and encourage others to join.

What is the importance of the Lotus Sutra in Soka Gakkai practice, and what are the expected outcomes of chanting it?

The Lotus Sutra is central to Soka Gakkai practice, with members chanting its excerpts (known as 'daimoku') as a form of devotion. This chanting is believed to bring prosperity and positive changes in society. However, if a member's wishes are not fulfilled, they are taught to explain it through various reasons, such as improper chanting or external spiritual interference, reinforcing the idea that the Sutra is infallible.