Buddhist Association relocating to Atlantic Station

Frustrated by that PARKatlanta ticket when you still had 30 minutes left on the meter? Tired of being accosted by Midtown prostitutes? Upset with the Novare Group’s planned parking garage along Juniper Street?

Well, good news is on the way because in the near future you’ll be able to head to Atlantic Station and relax and meditate at a new Buddhist cultural center.

Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a lay Buddhist movement linking more than 12 million people around the world, has recently purchased about 1.3 acres at 17th and Village streets with the intent to develop a 13,000-square-foot worship and exhibit facility.

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., SGI will be shifting its Atlanta worship center and offices from a leased space at 510 14th Street to the Atlantic Station property. SGI, which has an estimated 3,500 members in Atlanta, paid a reported $1.9 million for the property and could begin construction by early 2013.

SGI members integrate their Buddhist practice into their daily lives, following the Lotus Sutra based teachings of Nichiren, a 13th-century Japanese Buddhist priest. See the accompanying 3:39-minute video that answers the questions: What is the SGI? What are its philosophical underpinnings? Who are its members and what do they do?

From its website:

Just as the lotus blooms in a muddy pond, all people can manifest the Buddha nature--inner resources of courage, wisdom and compassion that can equip them to overcome life's challenges and lead happy and fulfilling lives. As "engaged Buddhists," SGI members aim to create value in any circumstances and contribute to the well-being of others. Their practice sparks a process of ongoing inner transformation and empowerment known as "human revolution." The promotion of peace, culture and education is central to SGI's activities.