Positively Colorado: Soka Gakkai International USA Buddhist Center in Denver

You may have noticed a brand new, modern building along Speer Blvd. at about 14th Ave. in Denver.

It kind of looks like a doctor’s office, or maybe offices for an architectural firm. But it’s something much more interesting. It’s the home of the Soka Gakkai International USA Buddhist Center. The ultra-modern structure – is a sanctuary for people practicing an ancient religion.

On Sundays, you might hear chanting coming from inside. Mantras and prayers that are part of Buddhist teaching.

Executive Director Paul Niihara says the tenants of Buddhism are the sanctity of life – and happiness, among others. The new building, he says, makes people happy. Buddhists also try to honor the environment, which they say is intertwined with people’s lives.

To that end the building is self-sufficient. It’s all electric, net zero energy with passive and active solar. The exterior is made from stone and wood – to represent Colorado’s mountains and forests. And there are wing-like metal structures next to the windows. Paul Niihara says they remind him of the Phoenix, a rebirth lifting people to the possibilities that exist in their lives.

This SGI branch of Buddhism here started in Colorado Springs in the 60’s with a few hundred members and has grown a lot over the years. Their long-time former building in Denver, in the same spot – was replaced by this modern version which opened last fall. It’s a Buddhist temple and community center and supports dozens of programs and religious educational meetings each week. Members say the building serves as an inspiration, a wonderful place to practice Buddhism and everything that goes with it.