SGI is a Japanese Buddhist organization that was founded based on Nichiren Buddhism. It comprises of a global network of affiliated organizations. As of 2011, the SGI reported active national organizations in 192 countries and territories. Membership at SGI exceeds 12 million practioners . It has been characterized as the world's largest and most ethnically diverse Buddhist organization. History: SGI was founded by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, who had a passion for enabling people to lead fulfilled and happy lives. Unfortunately, he was imprisoned along with his protégé, Josei Toda, during World War II for opposing the militaristic Japanese government's views on religion. Makiguchi died in prison from malnutrition and old age, while Toda emerged to rebuild the Soka Gakkai as a Buddhist movement to empower people suffering in the aftermath of the war. Daisaku Ikeda (1928–2023) inherited Toda’s vision, going on to develop and broaden the organizatio...