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.