FAQs ABOUT
THE BOSTON RESEARCH CENTER
FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

What does it cost to join the BRC?

The BRC is not a membership-based organization. Consequently, there is neither a way to "join" nor a fee assessed to share our mission. Our goal is to support global ethics by building a community and to create a forum where inter-cultural, inter-religious, and inter-racial dialogue can occur.

Anyone can connect with the BRC community by attending events, accessing our information on this Web site, asking to be placed on the newsletter mailing list, or simply by taking steps to educate themselves in the cause of peace and justice.

Who attends BRC events?

Most of the people who attend our events and receive our mailings are scholars, activists, or concerned citizens who understand--or want to understand better--the connections between human rights, nonviolence, economic justice, education, the global environment, and the leadership role of women in peacework.

How can I receive the newsletter?

The current newsletter is posted on this Web site. You are always welcome to read it online. If , however, you prefer to receive it in the mail, please call our offices at 617-491-1090 and ask to be placed on the newsletter mailing list.

How does the BRC raise funds?

We are supported by an internationally-active Buddhist religious association called Soka Gakkai, with which the Center is affiliated.

What does Soka Gakkai mean?

In Japanese, "Soka Gakkai" means "value-creating society." At its core is a deeply humanistic philosophy based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese master of Buddhist thought who lived in the 13th century (1222-1282). With the teachings of Nichiren as a foundation, members of Soka Gakkai live lives of social activism and concern for others. Soka Gakkai is one form of "engaged Buddhism."

Why the focus on global ethics?

BRC founder Daisaku Ikeda established the mission for the Boston Research Center in the lecture he delivered at Harvard University on September 24, 1993. In that address, President Ikeda spoke of the "inner resources humanity needs to navigate successfully the transition to a peaceful world in the 21st century." He also outlined his vision of how the BRC might develop these "inner resources" through dialogue, building consensus for life-affirming values, and creating harmony among diverse people and cultures. In effect, this lecture developed a model for global ethics based on the humanistic values of Mahayana Buddhism, a model that offers individuals a way to "break down the isolation of the modern self" and replace it with a "greater, cosmic self." The capacity of this "greater self" to embrace the suffering of all people is at the heart of the BRC’s work.

What is the relationship between the BRC and SGI?

The BRC is one of several institutes throughout the world that have been founded by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda to expand the opportunities for dialogue and understanding. Others include the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research in Tokyo and the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) in Hachioji, Japan, which also includes a branch in Taplow Court in the United Kingdom. The BRC is deeply respectful of SGI and its accomplishments, but retains its independence when it comes to program development and other activities.

Do you have to be religious to be a part of the BRC community?

No. The mission of the BRC is to bring many religious, intellectual, social, and philosophical perspective together, not to promote a particular religious tradition.

What is the best way to stay aware of BRC activities?

By bookmarking this Web site as one of your "favorite places" and/or by calling 617-491-1090 and requesting to be placed on our newsletter mailing list.