The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Description

Adorned only with blue letters, the white façade of the home of SGI (Soka Gakki International) belies the building's role as a major center of worship. Inside, a pleasant hallway displays bulletin boards announcing upcoming events. There are also a bookstore and two worship areas divided into several rooms that are connected by a PA system that brings chants and testimonies into the rooms. The facility is used for study, introduction for new members, and leadership meetings. There is an atmosphere of informality, family, and directed belief.

History

Before the 1960s, Kansas City Buddhists had to travel to Junction City, Kansas, 120 miles distant, to worship. During the 1960s and 70s, Kansas City SGI practitioners met above a store belonging to one of the members. In 1980 there were so many practicing Buddhists in the area that a bigger facility was needed. By chance, a building was available for purchase, the former home of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. The SGI National Foundation generously bought it for the local SGI members.

Demographics

The SGI community in Kansas City is culturally diverse. Practitioners, about four hundred in number, come from all over Kansas City and beyond and include Asians, African Americans, and Caucasians. English is the primary spoken language, but during services, participants chant a Chinese translation of the Sanskrit Lotus Sutra.

Center Activities

Worship takes place several days a week. One day a month is devoted to the World Peace Chant. On this occasion, Soka Gakki practitioners around the world chant at the same time for world peace, creating a twenty-four-hour-long chant that circles the globe. Other activities include study groups, youth activities, and district meetings. During study groups, members gather to read the teachings of Nichiren and learn more about his philosophies. The youth group studies Buddhist principles. In district meetings, practitioners from a region gather to converse and conduct business. For details, please see the web site at www.sgi-kc.org/activities.htm.