Members of SGI-USA Coastal Chapter practice Soka Gakkai Buddhism, a form of Japanese Buddhism centered around the Lotus Sutra, the chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo ("Homage to the Lotus Sutra of the Mystic Law"), a calligraphy scroll of the chant (called the gohonzan, "object of worship"), and the teachings of Nichiren, a 13th century monk.  Soka Gakkai is entirely lay-led and aims to bring Buddhism into every aspect of the practitioner's life. 

Coastal Chapter is divided into New River, Richlands, and Wilmington Districts, which are each sub-divided into Divsions for men, women, young men, and young women.  Members practice with their respective age and gender peer groups, gathering weekly for long periods of chanting at a member's home (typical attendance is twelve to fifteen people).  Each District also meets together once a month, and the entire Chapter attends Kosen Rufu Gongyo (World Peace Prayer Service) with other East Carolina Chapters in Jacksonville on the first Saturday of the month.

Other District level activities include home visits to members who are not currently active, public dicussions on issues of violence and peace, and occasional inter-faith activities at local churches or mosques.

The Coastal SGI-USA Chapter has sixty members representing all major racial backgrounds.  It was formed in 1973 as a spin-off from the Jacksonville Chapter.
 
 
 

JW
(last updated 4/2/06)