Soka Gakkai Intl-USA
El Paso, TX
Browse more in this tradition.
Visit
2901 N Campbell StEl Paso, TX 79902Gathering: Monthly Varies by location (Neighborhood Discussion Meetings)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- MonthlyVaries by location · Neighborhood Discussion Meetings
About
Summary
SGI-USA (Soka Gakkai International-USA) is the most diverse Buddhist community in the United States, practicing Nichiren Buddhism. With over 11 million members globally, SGI-USA emphasizes respect for human dignity and the interconnectedness of self and environment. Members gather in 2,500 monthly neighborhood discussion meetings across the country to study Buddhist principles and share experiences. The community is known for its compassionate and welcoming atmosphere, with participants reporting a sense of genuine connection and spiritual growth.
Details
SGI-USA is a vibrant Buddhist community rooted in the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism, which emphasizes the Lotus Sutra and the principle of respect for the dignity of life. As part of a global network of over 11 million practitioners in 192 countries, SGI-USA represents the most diverse Buddhist community in the United States. The organization was founded on the principles of dialogue, nonviolence, and the belief in the inherent potential of all people to achieve enlightenment. Members engage in monthly neighborhood discussion meetings to study Buddhist principles and share experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. The community is described as compassionate and welcoming, with participants reporting a sense of genuine connection and spiritual growth. SGI-USA also offers various programs and initiatives focused on human rights, nuclear abolition, and sustainable development, reflecting its commitment to social engagement and global peace.
From Faith Near Me
Soka Gakkai Intl-USA in El Paso offers a welcoming Buddhist community rooted in Nichiren teachings, emphasizing human dignity and interconnectedness. First-time visitors would notice monthly neighborhood discussion meetings that blend spiritual study with shared experiences, fostering a compassionate and diverse atmosphere. The community’s focus on social engagement through human rights and sustainability initiatives reflects its commitment to global peace and personal growth.
Pros
- Emphasizes compassionate, inclusive community with diverse membership.
- Offers monthly discussion meetings for spiritual study and connection.
- Engages in social action through human rights and sustainability programs.
- Provides culturally rich facilities for gatherings and dialogue.
- Welcoming atmosphere reported by long-time practitioners.
Cons
- Limited specific details on family or youth programs beyond general mentions.
- No clear accessibility information for facilities or events.
- Congregation times vary by location without centralized scheduling.
- Some philosophical differences may exist with traditional Buddhist schools.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- jennifer stewarta month ago
I found this place via Google search, I ‘introduced’ myself 14 years ago. Oddly enough, my birthday falls on October 12, same day as the Gohonzon (surprise 🙌) This practice just feels right. And the people give off a genuinely compassionate and beautiful vibe I can’t explain.
- Judith Jones2 months ago
Don’t waste your time. It’s a pyramid scheme. Unfortunately, I wasted 13 yrs of my life into this faith based practice where the senior leaders don’t practice what they preach (as with any other religións/spriritual practices) And as they say “darkness always turns into light, dusk turns into dawn,” well i just so happened to be that “karmic retribution “ to shed light on this place. It’s all a facade. Be warned, Stay away from this place! I was delusional. My life has flourished abundantly since no longer being a SGI member w/o chanting NMRK.
- Kathryn Horine6 years ago
I have been practicing this Buddhism over 50 years. During those 50 years at times I tried to prove it wrong but I always got results this is the way to true happiness and adding meaning to your life. Please give it a try attend some of the meetings and find out how this can help you change your life. In this turbulent time we need something solid in our lives. This is true buddhism... It teaches the power is within you... not outside of yourself and all are equal and all have the potential to bring out this power within yourself.
- Billy Black9 years ago
Soka Gakkai is not Buddhism. They chant and believe this heals. True Buddhism is the 4 Noble Truths and the 8 Fold Path, this is what (the Buddha) Siddhartha Gautama taught. Soka Gakkai is a cult, stay away, it has nothing to do with Buddhism. Google the 4 Noble Truths and the 8 Fold Path and Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is the clearest path to Siddaratha's teachings, but it was corrupted and organized much like the Catholic Church with the Dali Lama at the head and the secret to happiness kept from common people. Mahayana Buddhism is a break away from Theravada Buddhism is a break away from Teravadia in order to share the path to nirvana with all people and the common person.
- JAG6 years ago
This is a place for ordinary people to practice Mahayana Buddhism and chant the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra which invokes the hightest human potential of enlightenment. People have meetings of every age and group (elementary, youth, men & women, Arts, LGBQT, African American, Japanese, Korean and much more) to join if they feel like. People meet and talk with each other about Buddhist philosophy based on the values of peace, culture, and education grounded in reality and daily life. There are leadership roles in order to facilitate and organize meetings (anyone can be a leader at some time if they want to and there are no priesthood as priests believe they’re an authority which was necessary at one point in history, but not presently- Authoritarianism isn’t Buddhism- as Buddhism teaches that all are equal but different and everyone has a mission in this life). Some people think the SGI is a cult which couldn’t be further from the truth. As I said it’s a place for Buddhist practitioners to meet and share wisdom and experiences. It’s beneficial to have this fortress of peace that enables us to learn from others. We share what we’ve learned which helps others to excel in their daily life. There are activities for all Ages and groups. There are meetings on multiple levels from the neighborhood to world wide- the SGI is always connected.
- Benjamin H. M.2 years ago
Well maintained building for those who wish to learn about the movement of peace. I am proud of the staff that take care of the property.
- Joseph Remuszka3 years ago
Beutiful faith filled possitive Buddhist community
- Ernie Corella7 years ago
people R very nice here good place for contemplation and reflection.🙂👍👍 …
- nishi menes8 years ago
It's the best place to find peace to your self
- JV vlogs6 years ago
Love the place everyone is super friendly
- Carmen Venzor2 years ago
Spanish Buddhist meeting! ✌❤✌❤✌❤✌❤✌❤
- Raquel Ortiz3 years ago
I like this center. It changes lives for the better.
- Trish Winsteada year ago
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Services and facilities
Services
- Human Rights Education
- Nuclear Abolition Efforts
- Sustainable Development Initiatives
- Buddhism For Daily Life Programs
- Buddhism For Human Dignity Programs
Facilities
- Buddhist Centers
- Cultural Hubs
- Discussion Meeting Spaces
Events and programs
Neighborhood Discussion Meetings
Monthly
Monthly gatherings to study Buddhist principles and share experiences.
Connect
- Phone
- 212.727.7715
- Phone
- 323.965.0025
- Phone
- 303-893-0430
- Contact page
- Open contact page