Spent time with a friend and fellow SGI member who I have known for over 20 years. Because my friend has the stature, strength of character and temperament of a warrior, I will refer to her as Diana for the ancient Greek goddess. Diana is a natural leader who rose quickly through the ranks of SGI, but she flew a little too close to the sun and was burned. To sum it up, she has gone from the upper echelons of SGI leadership to becoming persona non grata at district meetings; and is only permitted by the powers who be, providing she keeps her mouth shut, to attend 2 meetings a month, Kosen Rufu Gongyo and the screening of President Ikeda's monthly video. Her crime? Failing to denounce another senior leader and even worse, openly defending this other outcast.
Naturally there have been repercussions and as a result many have felt the sting of SGI regime change. It's almost as if a group of Russian nesting dolls had been punished for not denouncing the larger doll and then the larger one. Well you get the picture. Speaking of Russia, this whole business of denouncing people and being purged and reorganized sort of reminds me of Eastern Europe during the cold war, or for that matter, our own country during the era of McCarthyism. For example, Diana's friend, a talented, capable woman lost her position as a district leader for refusing to denounce Diana; now she is forced to attend meetings at a different district.
As I too was removed from my position, I feel some sympathy for others who have experieced the same fate. It's awkward and nobody enjoys rejection. But my sitution was different, I wasn't removed for failing to denounce an SGI Leader, I was removed for voicing my belief that SGI needed to get over the whole schism thing with Nicheren Shoshu, which has now gone on for 17 years. I also criticized what I see as the deification of President Ikeda. Diana's friend, despite being put through the wringer and hung out to dry by SGI, is taken aback when I tell her my experience.
Immediately she launches into the familiar argument about how Nicheren Shoshu is distorting the practice because they say practicioners have to go through the priests. I argue that even if that is true, what about having to go through SGI.
"But that is different," Diana's friend states.
"I don't really see much of a difference," I respond. "Look at last quarter's Living Buddhism where it states that SGI alone has correctly inherited the correct teachings of the Mystic Law of life and death, that sounds pretty adamant that you have to practice with SGI. Where does that leave the people outside of SGI who chant Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo?"
"Does it really say that?" she asks.
"Pretty much, but even if it didn't, do you think you can receive benefit if you don't practice with SGI?" She is silent. To me the answer seems obvious, why would anyone allow their religious organization to kick sand in their face if they didn't think they needed them in order to correctly practice.
Later I tell Diana that I don't see how SGI is going to be able to keep capable people when someone like her friend who is obviously very gifted and very loyal is cut from being a leader.
Diana agrees. "The people in SGI leadership are not really following President Ikeda." she adds.
We have had similar discussions before and I feel that she gives President Ikeda too much credit. I argue with her that he has to know what's going on because the SGI is a topdown organization.
"No, no," says Diana. "He gives us this amazing guidance, but the leaders don't listen."
"I respect President Ikeda," I say, "But I think he gives some mixed messages. I think SGI is intolerant because of him."
Diana ferverently disagrees. "President Ikeda is incredibly tolerant, that's why so many great leaders in other religions admire and respect him."
"But what about other BUDDHIST leaders?" I say pointedly, "Why doesn't he sit down with other Buddhist leaders?
She doesn't really have a direct answer, but she implies that he will and says he tried to dialogue with the priests. "President Ikeda can't control everything himself, it's up to us to follow his guidance and take some steps." She goes on to say,
"SGI isn't always right, but its ideals are true and good. Its like the United States. Our country hasn't always lived up to the ideals of our founders, the same is true of SGI."
I can't really argue with her on that one. In fact I sort of agree. In any respect I admire her sincerity and her faith in the future of SGI, despite her own personal situation of being less than welcome.
She says, "I'm working to change SGI, just like I'm working to elect Obama and change the country."
I told you she was a warrior.
The next day we both receive an email informing us that President Ikeda has been interviewed by Triangle, a magazine that is inclusive of many Buddhist traditions. My friend is elated. I have to agree that it is a good step for SGI.
Posted by chicks at November 8, 2008 02:32 PMIf you think the SGI is the answer to the world's problems then you must commit yourself to sustaining it no matter how much you might think it needs reform.
Does being founded on high priciples give license to not follow them?
I have many of the same opinions. I love *my* SGI. There are so many members who have helped me become a better person. If I had to practice in LA, I don't know, I'd be on the phone to Cliff every week. I don't understand what is happening in LA. Glad I'm not there.
Nancy
Nancy
where are you practicing and why do you think LA is different?
Posted by: Jean at November 11, 2008 02:51 PMBrilliant post. I admire you so much, Jean! I have been meaning to read that Triangle interview, too, but have been a bit preoccupied with Equality rallies and IDEA lawsuits. ;-)
Thanks for reminding me! XOXO
I live in central California. Why is it different here? Because we like each other. We don't shun members or leaders. Now, maybe there are some bad leaders in LA, but you and Byrd make it sound like good people are being targeted and ostracized. I can not imagine that happening here. I understand that you and Bill have been outspoken, but wasn't Nichiren outspoken? Wasn't Makagutchi outspoken? I just don't understand the need to remove members who have different opinions. Is that what is happening in LA? Or am I misunderstanding?
Nancy
Hmmmm. Well, I have practiced as a line leader in NSA/SGI for 37 years out of my 39 years of experience in the org and they canned me a few weeks ago and not very nicely, either. I am in the western part of the U.S., farther north. In my time, I have enabled over 100 people to receive the Gohonzon and raised those folks to the best of my ability, resulting in 3 zone/territory level leaders, 4 chapter chiefs, 8 districts chiefs, and innumerable members who practice seriously and humanely, and then there are all the people *they lead to the practice. Hippies became hospital directors, etc.
But, the SGI kicked me out as a vice Ch. WD leader down to a general member for teaching compassion, inclusion, and critical thinking. I mean, if they think someone like myself who has been dedicated to the cause of eradicating suffering (which was very pure in the org at some point in time or I never would have joined in the first place), if they think I am dangerous, I just dunno where they are coming from. And, I hear from others, this is happening a lot of places.
Us oldsters harbor such dangerous views as "zange" (karmic apology) and "esho funi" (if it's crappy out there, change YOUR insides first or your daimoku won't change it).
I am concerned, really I am, at a very deep level because I do think that Nichiren's Buddhism holds the key to changing the karma of this planet. But not, I do not think, by bashing people over the head with it or by exhibiting the concerns voiced by others here which I never even dared to broach and still I got clobbered.
Posted by: Armchair at November 15, 2008 10:19 PMI read this. Old story. I still find it incredible the way Corporate SGI tried to eat Mr. Williams for dinner after eating the hapless "Shoshinkai members" for lunch the previous decade.
But my gossip loving side is wondering "who is the senior leader (read honorary Corporate Employee) who has fallen out of favor now?" My goodness, I love most of the old timers, but there are a few of the "Class of 1975 former 'Students'" whose fall would leave me feeling schadenfreude. More than likely it won't be one of them.
Chris
Posted by: Chris at November 16, 2008 05:59 PMjean,
the diference is the High Priest claims he holds your buddhahood in his hands. The SGI states, Buddhahood is universal, attainable by all through faith alone in the Gohonzon.
I believe you have mixed issues within one another.
After 45 years with the SGI I have not had any of the exeriences you have offered, and I have practiced, in Riverside CA, Phoenix Az, Las vegas, NV, Washington DC, and Chicago, Ill. The only problems I have are middle level leaders; chapter, district, area; trying to teach their version of Buddhism, which usually is not the correct practice as Nichiren taught. I can tell the difference, because I study Nichiren.
I am not saying these are not real circumstances, but they sure are not common everywhere I have practiced.
Old leaders are asked to step down for new leaders to lead. No issue with that. That is called sharing. Many leaders are not prepared to practice like a mamber. Perhaps that is something to think of. I practice like a member first. I currently have relinquished my past Deistrict position as I moved to Washington DC and I was recently asked to be a group leader. I accepted as that is what the organization needs today. I have been a district leader for more than ten years.
Whether I have a position or not I still practice with the SGI, as I have not found a better group of people yet!
The SGI is everyday people and no more than that to me.
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at November 18, 2008 11:06 AMHi Patrick,
you state:
the diference is the High Priest claims he holds your buddhahood in his hands. The SGI states, Buddhahood is universal, attainable by all through faith alone in the Gohonzon.
THAT's good to know, then I guess all those people who are still chanting Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo to their Gohonzons with the Priesthood and other Nicheren sects will still obtain enlightenment because Buddahood is universal and obtained through faith alone in the Gohonzon. NOw is that THE Gohonzon or any Gohonzon is it a Gohonzon I downloaded from the internet, or is it just an SGI Approved Gohonzon? Maybe now you can see where this is going. YOu can cloke your sentiments in different terminology, but the end result is the same. If I have to practice with and according to SGI then it's no different than what SGI alledges that the priesthood says. By the way I really don't know for sure that all SGI's claims about Nicheren Shoshu are true.Since I don't believe they have changed much in 50 years.
Of course you are also leaving out people without Gohonzons and people who do other Buddhist disciplines besides chanting to the Gohonzon. Are you sure none of them are enlightened? And if you are, don't you find that even a tiny bit arrogant?
Chris,
I would love to name names, but I need to protect the guilty. I agree with you though, the SGI is truly guilty of revisionist history. I mean there is no mention of anything positive done by Mr. Williams. And I recall a few years ago reading something like the highlights of SGI in the United States and there was no mention of him whatsoever. It reminds me of Orwell's 1984.
"Those who control the present control the past.
And whoever controls the past, controls the future."
I believe that's the quote or pretty close.
Posted by: Jean at November 18, 2008 08:00 PMThe stated bottom line goal of both the Gakkai and NS Temple is world peace. Doctrinally, I believe both organizations claim to derive this mandate from the same gosho, the Rissho Ankoku Ron. How SGI & NST can aspire to achieve that goal while continuing their acrimonious feud for two decades now is beyond me. I don't believe either will truly have credibility among world religions in doing so until they can overcome their own schism and become tolerant towards all other peaceful traditions as well. Nichiren was a brilliant and great man, yet many of his writings condemn and promise literal damnation towards those with whom he disagrees doctrinally. You do not find such vitriole in the Lotus Sutra itself, which is incredibly embracing and forgiving to all living beings. Anger and alienation are what we need to move away from - that's my message.
Karmically, both organizations have a responsibility now to heal the minds of the many spiritual "orphans" they have created as well. Many individuals have been abandoned by both organizations. While continuing to benefit from chanting daimoku & studying both Goshos & the Lotus Sutra, I no longer limit myself exclusively to the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. There are many beneficial practices and teachings to be found in other traditions, even the [gasp]non-Buddhist variety. Always question authority, and be suspicious when anyone tells you to close your mind to the views of others. You can't take a bath without getting wet. You won't find enlightenment or salvation without being open to new approaches to spiritual advancement.
Posted by: r. page at December 7, 2008 01:51 AMChris, the senior leader in question here who has been banished is Shenji Ishibashi (sp?). I won't disclose the identity of "Diana" because that is obviously a confidentiol matter between she and Jean.
I was already checked out of the organization when the Ishibashi stuff hit the fan, so I don't know the details of his "crimes." Maybe Jean can ask "Diana" to elucidate.
I remember him, though. Nice guy. Architect with the Summit Architect Group, as I recall, which is the SGI-USA sponsored bunch that did the SGI Plaza, some Soka U. stuff and other buildings for the SGI-USA.
I agree that the purging of files and revisionist history is Stalinesque. Weird stuff. How anyone can remain supportive of an organization that does that kind of thing is beyond me.
Well, actually, it's not. I recall very well the years I spent in denial, and then the years spent trying to "reform" something that is not ever going to be reformed.
Cheers!
Andy
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