Welcome!
This is the website for the Boulder Creek District, the central Boulder home for the practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, as part of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI).
Member's of the SGI come from a variety of backgrounds, and each of us bring a unique perspective to the practice of this Buddhism. However, one thing we all have in common is a deep desire to create happiness for ourselves and for those around us! We are founded on the truth that all beings can create an unshakable happiness for themselves, just as they are, and that by striving towards our own joy we can create a peaceful world.
To create such happiness, we use the mantra: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (also known as Daimoku). This translates to "I devote myself to the mystic law of cause and effect through sound", but has also been described as calling out the name of one's buddha-nature (the innately perfect self, or seed of enlightment, which all beings contain). We use 'nam myoho renge kyo', to create value in ourselves and our lives. Rather than trying to eliminate desire like other buddhisms, we use our earthly desires to find enlightenment, which means that you can start practicing exactly where you are!
As apart of the SGI, the district is the local level for members and guests interested in Buddhism to get involved. We hold weekly meetings at the homes of our member's. At each meeting, we practice chanting as a group and hold a discussion or study a particular element or concept of Buddhism. Meetings are also designed to support the individual practices of members, and share our victories, as well as the challenges we are facing in our lives.
If you are interested in happiness, we would love to share our practice with you!