Buddhist humanism is the founding principle of the value the Soka Gakkai promotes.
Peace
Peace does not simply indicate absence of war, but it is to be considered as the creation of a flow of constant effort which becomes concrete when we make peaceful actions. Active peace-building prevents us from falling prey to both individualism—which makes us indifferent to the problems not directly affecting us – and a paralyzing pessimism when facing issues that seem too big for us. It is a challenge based on the awareness that each and every one of us has the potential to bring about change in our environment, starting from where we are right now.
Culture
Culture is not only knowledge or entertainment but also the living expression of the human spirit that can connect the peoples around the world, uniting them in the search for their shared humanity. In this sense, it includes art, music and any other creative expression that can open flows of dialogues and exchanges between peoples and activate transformation processes between apparently distant individuals. The awareness that no community is intrinsically superior or inferior to others can stem only from ceaseless exchanges between persons and peoples. Thus every form of prejudice and discrimination can be defeated and friendship can be created between nations.
Education
Education is seen as an engine that can free people from a sense of distrust and powerlessness. Its ultimate goal is people’s happiness. Free and trusting individuals who have learned to believe in themselves, their potential and the impact of their actions will naturally be able to believe in the abilities of others. Education’s task is to transform people, stimulate their innate wisdom in order to create long-lasting peace and happiness, and promote an increasingly open and universal concept of humanity. It is a vehicle for empowerment and a fundamental tool to awaken people to their intrinsic dignity.
