Soka Is Not A Cult

Cults are destructive -- but “Soka” means “to create value.” Soka is a movement where ordinary, sincere people dedicate themselves to constructing a peaceful world while, as proof of our righteousness, the Soka religious corporation amasses vast wealth and political power. Soka is creative not destructive. Therefore, Soka is not a cult.

Soka is not a cult because it is based on Ikeda Sensei’s heart!

Soka President Daisaku Ikeda is the true heir to the Buddha’s will and decree, and he leads us in a noble mission to help all people become happy. While we venerate Ikeda Sensei, we don’t idolize him. We seek to become like him because he is a Buddha. We work selflessly alongside him to fulfill his dreams. Our dream is to fulfill Ikeda Sensei's dream of a peaceful world without violence. He is our eternal mentor, even though most of us have never met him. We have freely chosen him to be our mentor. We owe our lives to him because without him we never would have found true Buddhism. We understand his heart and have made it our own. Our individual identity is subsumed into the larger group identity, making us one with Sensei. We are Soka!

Soka is not a cult because only Soka members can create a new era of human happiness based on Soka, the only correct interpretation of Nichiren Buddhism!

Soka members who are unhappy with some aspects of the Soka organization must be patient and commit themselves even more to making our movement a success. Our worldwide movement is still young. Some leaders have made mistakes and abused the trust of members, but they are only human, so please do not be angry with them. Our movement is refreshingly progressive because members have no control over leadership appointments or organizational communications and policies. Members are not burdened with information about the organization’s finances and multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio. Dissent is discouraged so members can focus on developing their faith. Soka is a Buddhist organization built on trust. If you don't like it, you must work harder to make it better. People who leave Soka are cutting themselves off from true Buddhism.

Soka is not a cult because it is our one true family without which life would be useless!

Soka members share their personal experiences and testimonials at group meetings and in the Soka publications. In the warm family of Soka, we exploit one another’s weaknesses compassionately. Just like a family, we depend on one another, and we cherish the Soka organization as if it were our own parents. Second Soka President Josei Toda once said, "The organization is more important than my life!" This should be our attitude in faith. You may hate and criticize your family, but it is a part of you and you can never really leave. It is up to each of us to make the best of our family of Soka, turning poison into medicine. People who criticize Soka are really just criticizing themselves.

Still not convinced? Read more.