A Byrd's Eye View

I've been out here in the Antelope Valley for 15 years and we've never had a community center.

We've always been told that we had to have some magical, unknown number of members in order to have one and that we had to have enough people to commit to being responsible to take care of a center (as if somehow we were lazier than most and couldn't be trusted to show up for toban duty). Nevermind that we have several Golden Stage members who drive down once a week religiously for toban duty at the Friendship Center.

For many years, I cared about this and got frustrated, not understanding why we couldn't collect our own money and build our own place, like even the littlest local churches do. But, now that I'm totally disgusted with our local Kosen Rufu Gongyos (the latest word on those is that now the area is in charge -- talk about destined to go completely in the dumpster), I don't care anymore whether we stay at the local college activity room or ever get a permanent building.

One foot out the door, it no longer matters. Sigh.

All this will change... in due course...

Hi, Byrd -

Ths similarities to what happened in Houston in 1999-2000 is quite amazing. It's not exactly the same of course, but the same guiding principles were definitely in place.

Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett

Hi, Mike! It's great to hear from you! I have been following Myokei's ordination with great interest. The photos at your sangha's webpage look wonderful. Is she going to be writing anything about her experience? I would love to read that.

Back on topic, I think that a lot of local SGI congregations have had these kinds of issues with high-level restrictions on local property acquisition and use. In the case of the Houston Sangha, you really did change poison into medicine in a big way!

Please convey my congratulations to Myokei on her ordination as a minister in the Nichiren Shu. That is so fabulous!

Oh you poor little whining Buddhists. Snaked out of your community center and not allowed to buy your own.

We have a saying in the Ninja world;

"If you have to ask permission, the answer is no"

Common sense and our own American culture was never "put on hold" when you joined SGI, you just made yourselves believe it was so.

Suckers.

Rev. Greg

After practicing around the US for over forty years with the SGI-USA, I am appreciative for any facilities no matter where they are located. I have the fortune to travel hundreds of miles to a community center in my state on more than one occasion, in moe than one state. This does not effect my faith or my practice. No promises were made regarding an easy practice or a cose community center.

For SoCal to complain they deserve this or that or they have the money to buy their own kaikahn is a reflection of appreciation or a lack thereof of the region. SoCal has a number of facilities, and i have to travel more than an hour to get t any of them. No Complaints from me with regards too ther issue. I used to live two blocks from the Washington DC community Center for five years.

What about all the people whom cannot afford to build their own kaikahn, would you nice folks in SoCal build a kaikahn for free for all of them too? Equality for All.

I know a pioneer lady in Las Vegas, whom donated land to the SGI-USA for a new community center to be built. It took years to plan, design, and execute the facility, but it is being built finally. The memebrs had to be patient as we are not the only memebrs desiring a community center in the US as this blogger shows.

Patience or donate your riches to the SGI-USA unquestioned, would be my advice.

Like Nichiren says, "We create fortune with our lives and destroy our fortune with our mouths."

As a practicing Architect I can say it takes three to five years just to design and build any type of facility after the money issues have been resolved. Building community centers is not as easy at it appears.

Patrick,

I no longer give any money to SGI-USA unquestioned. I prefer to donate my hard-earned money to religious organizations that can show me where it is going. Otherwise, I'm being a sucker, as Rev. Greg says.

Michele

Patrick:
Hi! I'm glad you're still reading here. Thanks for checking in. I, too, very much enjoy visiting SGI-USA community centers around the country. It's a lot of fun to meet the members and chant with them. Since you've been practicing so long, you may not have had much experience with other denominations and how they do things. Baptists, Jews, and Lutherans are able to worship together with their fellows when they travel, as well. One of the reasons there are so many churches available to these travellers is that most American denominations allow local congregations to do their own fund-raising and elect their own officers to administer the funds. How would you feel about the SGI-USA "speeding up the process" of creating kaikans by allowing a greater level of local autonomy?

I was very interested in your story about the lady who left land for a kaikan, and then "the members had to be patient" because other kaikans were being built. Was there a local fund set up for the purpose of bulding this kaikan to which members could contribute directly, or were they completely reliant on budgeting from Santa Monica? Perhaps if they were more able to participate directly, things would have happened sooner? Were there any restrictions on size placed on that Kaikan as there have been in other areas?

I think you have come up with a great idea about people contributing to kaikans in other areas. You're right that the Southern California members are "spoiled for riches". Perhaps the SGI would be willing to set up a special capital assets fund for the acquisition of property. I know I'm not the only one who would contribute to such a fund if it provided some accounting to its donors.

Greg, I'll write back to you later!

Thnks for writing in again, Patrick - Best, Byrd in LA

Where to begin. Suckers is a good starting point.

Michele, I give my money to someone I trust, the SGI. My experience of course may differ from others experience. But 44 years have proven the SGI to be responsible to me.

I trust the SGI with my money as the SGI has yet to let me down with how the membership is supported financially. The SGI rents cars, buses, etc., for the Youth to travel to activities all over the country.

Byrd, at age 54 I like to feel I have experienced all the major religions. You might be surpised what children can learn from adults.

I studied Judaism, Catholism, Christianity, Islam, all prior to becoming a disciple to Nichiren Daishonin at age ten. I was kicked out of more churches and synagogues for asking blasphemous questions and questioning the authority of God and Christ.

My experience with other religions expressed a lack of genuine caring and concern for others happiness, just get taking their money with no consequences. It has been my experience the leadership of most religions tend to have more material wealth than the membership that is donating the money to the leadership for religious purposes. The clergy seems to make out very well while the parish is relatively poor, by the same standard of living. One of my foster families was an AME Preacher and wife.

As I have travelled around the country on both personal and professional business, it is always heartwarming to find a community center in the city I am working for that week or so. I think the SGI does an excellent job providing facilities wherever they have adequate memebrship to support the facilities. The SGI is not in every city and every state, but that is our fault and not the SGI's

I know many places around the country where the SGI has leased space for the membership at no cost to the local membership. This would include place like Idao, Montana, Wyoming, and many other large states with very low SGI membership.

For those wondering about the design and construction process for SGI community centers and facilities in general, the process is not much different than the service I provide my clients. I design custom homes, retail, and commercial centers, offices, labs, doctor offices, etc. I have been involved with activities in working woith the design firm selected to design the Las Vegas community center.

Money for design fees and construction costs, as well as furniture and furnishings must be identified and costs associated with these elements as well as the secific nature of SGI community centers must be programmed as well prior to start of any other construction activity.

The design process for an average facility takes aproximately 18-24 months which is quite typical for any designed facility in a committee format. The construction time frame usually is anywhere from nine months to three years. Again typical for construction activities.

I believe all monies collected by the SGI through Zaimu campaigns are all the same. You can not dedicate your zaimu money to a specific category of costs, as that is not how zaimu funds are managed, I believe.

The time it takes and the patience required is normal for any client, and not just SGI members, when it comes to constructing facilities.

Kaikahn's are sized by demand loading; membership statistics;, just as all facility types are sized for economic purposes and the end users ability to maintain and fill the facility. Programming is a functional activity of the architectural design process. All facilities are properly sized for the demand to be placed on them, or else the facility becomes unaffordable; utility costs, taxes, etc..

My point about Southern California is there are a number of community centers in Southern California alone, more than some states have in total.

For example, there is only one community center for all of Arizona, Phoenix; One community center for Washington DC; one community center for Virginia; and the list goes on. I think a lack of appreciation exists in Southern California regarding the number and accessibilty of community centers in SoCal.

Perhaps not having a community center at all or the closest community center being three hours driving time away or more would help in the appreciation department.

Currently, I live in Yucca Valley, Ca; the high desert. Riverside is the closest community center available to me; one hour fifteen minutes away. The Ikeda Auditorium; Santa Monica; is three hours away.

No complaints here, I just open my house to the members, just as Mr. Lieberman did in Chicago in 1960's, before there was a community center there, as well. Cause and Effect, I think.

Byrd, I think the SGI already collects for community centers world-wide, it is called the zaimu campaign monthly and May contribution annually. I contribute to both campaigns if I expect a community center to be built in my community, until then I am just continuing my practice with appreciation; the key element for individual happiness to me; no matter what happens or not happens, I appreciate my practice and the SGI.

Thanks for the warm welcome on your blog.

Thanks, again, Patrick - we may just be seeing things differently in terms of local vs. nationally centralized management. It may also be true that most SGI members don't have an interest in local management of assets or being able to dedicate their offerings. Some people trust big gub'ment (whether religious or political), and some people want their matters handled locally. That's a standard American fault line of opinion. It's natural for it to show up in our organization as well.

Thanks a lot for your insight into the process of building a kaikan. I would be interested in reading about this, either online or in the World Tribune - maybe you might consider submitting an article? Something like "The Making of A Community Center" - You could have pictures and show the process, as well as explaining a little bit better what the standards are for deciding how small or large a space the organization will approve, who at the National level makes these decisions, and how.

I certainly hope I didn't imply that our SGI-USA leadership is getting rich in some way from the members' offerings. I'm sure that's not true at all. But by the same token, not all ministers of other faiths are getting rich, either. My point was one about local autonomy - and at least you and I are in agreement that local financial autonomy is not allowed under current SGI-USA policies. Conversely, I'm sure you didn't mean to imply that the leaderships of all locally-managed churches are somehow corrupt.

Your point about Southern California's numerous kaikans is also well-taken. We do have a lot of kaikans, but we also have a lot of members. I don't think the Southern California membership at all begrudges supporting other areas, though. After Weddington was sold, I think it would have salved the sore feelings if the members had had some kind of reporting as to how the money was used to support or establish kaikans in other areas (if in fact this was the case). I don't think Southern California members are selfish at all, but I do think that some sense of being "big brother" or sponsor to another area would have made the members feel more proud and less jerked around. Instead, all the power and information was focussed at the top, and the affected members were alternately called names ("spoiled"), and lied to.

I think the big emotional issue for many members in North Hollywood was the feeling that a rug had been pulled out from under them. That a national leadership they had trusted had pulled a quickie on them. I don't think they fully understood, until the Weddington kaikan was sold, that the affected local members are not "at the table" in terms of property issues. Because the North Hollywood members had a strong attachment to their kaikan, and many of them had invested "sweat equity" in the construction of building, there was a strong feeling of outrage when they slammed into the truth - that they have no say in how a property they see as "theirs" is disposed of. One of our Area Leaders stood up on Saturday and called out, "Come on, North Hollywood, let's bring back the trust!" I was very moved by that, as trust was really a huge casualty in how this matter was handled.

Again, as I said before, this may not be an issue for most SGI-USA members. Most people are happy to have someone else manage their affairs, as in this case most members may be very happy to have the central office of the SGI-USA manage all local properties nationwide. The upside is that the members don't have to worry about annual membership meetings, electing a treasurer, poring over an annual congregational budget, managing a property, insurance and all that. The downside is that they might get a nasty surprise like the North Hollywood members got. Most people are probably fine with things as they are, and see no reason to do anything but wait their turn for a centrally-approved meeting place.

My point, however, is that this approach is in stark contrast to most other "liberal" American denominations, which do allow local congregations to acquire and manage their own church property. This local empowerment model is not a "threat", as my leader semed to think. I believe it is an example of how things are done in this country. Zuiho Bini and all that.

Thanks again for your input and for the information about architectural issues. Best, Byrd in LA

Hi Byrd,

Wow! This made me recall the time there was a convention in NYC. Lady Liberty? Memories of that time are a blur. Our group from Central and Southern Ilinois was told we needed to go to West Chicago and get on their buses -- at like 10:00 PM? The pick up location had no parking available. There was no way to take one public bus or train to anywhere close to the pick up point.

My job and the soon to be former chapter leader's job was to get 50 people from all over Illinois up there to get on a bus to NYC. We were told we could not even charter a bus to get to Chicago. We had already figured out it a whole lot cheaper and more sensible to rent a bus directly to NYC. A national leader screamed, but gave in.

We got there, and found out that our bus was an unauthorized bus. The soon to be former Chapter Leader conspired to get us in a back door. But when our driver tried to pick us up, he was dragged from the unauthorized bus, roughed up, and threatened with arrest for trespassing. Well, enough of that. It got resolved.

There was another one that was even dumber. They wanted us to go to Chicago to board a bus for Saint Louis. That would be kind of like you going to San Francisco to board a bus for San Diego.

I was the new Acting Chapter Leader. I told them to shove it. Others followed suit. They scrapped the plans, and decided we were all on our own. Each chapter made their own transportation plans, and it worked out real well.

Twenty some years later, they get y'all a totally inaccessible kaikan. No sidewalks, no place to park. Brilliant! People who live in Japan have to be making these plans. They must have no concept of life in America.

By 1988, I had figured out NSA/SGI was impossible to work with. But part of me still blamed me for my negativity. I was an idiot.

r

Hi, there, R - no, actually, there are sidewalks, it's the crosswalk that's a block away on a super-busy street. The police knew our old kaikan was a great place to hand out parking tickets - it won't be long before they figure out this new spot is great for jaywalking tickets! Oh, well....I need the exercise anyway!

Byrd, as Mike Barrett pointed out, the similarities between the recent North Hollywood shenanigans and those in Houston years ago is striking. Only it shouldn't be, because that's the way the organization operates, has always operated, and will always operate.

The notion that a local community can organize its own finances and get its own center has also been soundly rejected by the organization, from the IRG days on. It's not going to ever be allowed. But Dilley has a point, buried in his smart-assed-ness, about asking permission. What the Ankers are doing is the ticket. If/when more people do just that, on their own, without asking permission, the right things will happen.

Eventually, of course, the SGI-USA will have been simply bypassed, left to a shrinking core of True Believers like Patrick here, while others spread Nichiren Buddhism without the trappings of foreign control and institutional dishonesty that permeates the SGI-USA.

But you knew all that.

Cheers!

Andy

Byrd:

Patrick wrote:

"Michele, I give my money to someone I trust, the SGI. My experience of course may differ from others experience. But 44 years have proven the SGI to be responsible to me."

When the fundraising for the Chicago Culture Center was going full speed, all the cautionary measures that once were the hallmark of NSA went out the window. It was give until it bleeds because every dollar you give to the SGI will return ten-fold. This, of course is the same BS line that you get from televangilists and other religious hucksters. I gave away all my savings, shortly thereafter got cancer and went bvankrupt!

There were other controversies that prived to be the last straw for some long time senior leaders. One in particular was a YMD who had inherited $40,000 or some such substantial amount, who was encouraged to give it all, which he did. This kid was ill informed and to this day, I can't figure out how the senior staff in charge of fundraising allowed this large of a donation. Well, after coming to his senses shortly thereafter, he realized what an impulsive thing he had done and wanted his money back. It was like trying to take away a chunk of meat from a lion.

Some leaders tried to intervene on his behalf, but that kid was SOL. I mentioned this to Chicago's top leader at the time, and he said something to the effect that to give this kid back his money "would send the wrong message."

Sorry, Patrick. Not only is it BS that giving money to the SGI will fill your life with good fortune, the organization can't be trusted with the money you give them. You see, it really is ALL about the money.

Charles

Charles wrote.."There were other controversies that prived to be the last straw for some long time senior leaders. One in particular was a YMD who had inherited $40,000 or some such substantial amount"

Charles, buddhism is common sense. I choose and not others. simple it seems to me. I will take my chances with the SGI and their abilities. My experiences have been much different than yours obviously. Study; Nichiren's Gosho, Lotus Sutra, Ongi Kuden, etc..; makes all the difference in the world to me.
Charles, my expereinces are much different than yours and no one ever told me to give to the SGI was better than anything else. I see giving to the SGI as giving to myself in the spirit of oneself and others happiness.

Andy wrote..."Eventually, of course, the SGI-USA will have been simply bypassed, left to a shrinking core of True Believers like Patrick here,"

Andy, becaue I did not have the same expreiences as you is no reason for you to call me names. I am still not impressed with you ability to name call others. You forgot jello Wall.

Robin wrote.."Twenty some years later, they get y'all a totally inaccessible kaikan. No sidewalks, no place to park. Brilliant! People who live in Japan have to be making these plans."

Robin the SGI hires US Architects and with US licenses and US offices. Everything is designed to US standards as current building codes require nationallly to build any facilities in America.

Zaimu is the vehicle to getting community centers. If you do not participate in the contribution campaigns how can you complain about the lack of facilities. the two are interrelated.

There are a number of members that are Architects within the SGI. I currently live in southern california and I am no longer involved with the Las Vegas Community Center project. When I was, I was just another member expressing myself to the design board.

Patrick:

I have no doubt of your sincerity, and I respect it very much

You wrote:

"Charles, buddhism is common sense. I choose and not others. simple it seems to me. I will take my chances with the SGI and their abilities. My experiences have been much different than yours obviously. Study; Nichiren's Gosho, Lotus Sutra, Ongi Kuden, etc..; makes all the difference in the world to me."

Yes, Buddhism is common sense and that's why we have senior leaders there to proetct us. When a snot-nosed kid is carried away by the entusiastic energy during one of these campaigns, there need to be checks and balances so someone doesn't give away their last dime. yes, in the end it's their choice, but when you have hard goals being trumpeted, leaders under increasing pressure, and trusted leaders/friends rantionalizing making a donation like that, it's no wonder the kid went for broke. It was wrong and several high leaders of decades of experience left the organization because of it.

Yes, all of our experiences are unique and I treasure most of mine, as you probably do yours. And I (have and) do study all the things you mentioned. The conclusions that you and I have reached (if any) may be different, but they're probably not as far apart as one might think. Again, I admire and respect the SGI and it's wonderful members. With that said, once the fog of rapture disappeared, and reason took hold, I realized that numerous fabrications and doctrinal contradictions existed, making the whole concept of "religion" unpalatable for me.

Patrick wrote:

"Charles, my expereinces are much different than yours and no one ever told me to give to the SGI was better than anything else. I see giving to the SGI as giving to myself in the spirit of oneself and others happiness."

I gave of my own free will and do not regret it. I never cried like a baby that I should have spent my money here or there or that someone coerced me. I'm glad I gave it! I was just reporting to you that after giving it, my life and finances went into the crapper. I would give to the SGI again, but only when they open up their books like any "corporation."

Charles

Charles wrote.." When a snot-nosed kid is carried away by the entusiastic energy during one of these campaigns, there need to be checks and balances so someone doesn't give away their last dime."

Charles, This person; young man; I am sure was quite capable to decide for themself what to do. As I said in the beginning, I personally know the lady that gave the land to the SGI. She did that of her own free will. Was it her last dime, who knows except her. Again choices people make. If the young man made the decison he is prepared to live with it. His choice. The check and balance is self and self alone. The true beauty of the SGI system. Individual responsibility and not others being repsonsible for your actions just you alone.

I do not give money to the SGI to gain benefit or fortune. I give to the SGI because that is how you treat your family, I believe. The SGI is my family.

I do not consider senior leaders as a form of protection, but as the next responsible person in line, and nothing more. I see senior leaders no diferent than anyone else in life I meet. I am in charge of my own life and not any SGI senior leader. Self empowerment.

I do not see the SGI as a corporation. Perhaps that is why I see the SGI different than you do. I see people.

Funny thing I heard about zaimu this year. The SGI does not speak about the dollar totals collected, but the number of people choosing to donate to the SGI zaimu campaign. The SGI is counting people instead of the amount of money each person donates, has been the spirit of the SGI for as long as I can remember.

Patrick:

All of your points are very well taken, and at one time I believed the same. Where we do differe here is that the senior leaders do have a responsibility to protect the younger members and giv ing away one's $40,000 inheritence is an extreme donation. Apparently you either did not agree or dismissed my insistence that there needs to be checks and balances on fundraising. This example illustrates the need to be responsible and protective for people being pressured by promises of creating indestructable good fortune for the cause of world peace. On this particular issue, we can respectfully agree to disagree.

"I do not give money to the SGI to gain benefit or fortune. I give to the SGI because that is how you treat your family, I believe. The SGI is my family."

This is your way, and very sound reasoning. However, others give and are encouraged to give by the mythical guidance that their gift will return to this ten-fold, no 100-fold. This is not something I have made up but have heard countless times. It's a myth without the slightest basis in acxtual fact.

you wrote:

"I do not see the SGI as a corporation. Perhaps that is why I see the SGI different than you do. I see people."

It IS a corporation and is reputed to be worth in excess of $100 billion dollars. There is a volunteer network in Japan that distributes the Seikyo Shinbun to millions of members, there is a publishing network that solicits books to a captive market both in Japan and abroad. These profits are tax free. Yes, the SGI is a family, but it is also a multi-billion dollar religious corproation that grows richer by the hour.

"you wrote:

"Funny thing I heard about zaimu this year. The SGI does not speak about the dollar totals collected, but the number of people choosing to donate to the SGI zaimu campaign. The SGI is counting people instead of the amount of money each person donates, has been the spirit of the SGI for as long as I can remember."

Can't you see the spin on zaimu - emphasising members vs. dollars? You are led to view it as about people when it is really about money. There are so many other aspects to this spin. If the dollar amount is published, then one might wonder how we are able to raise so much money for kaikans. How much are we being subsidized by Japan? With the real membership of the SGI under 50,000, it's absurd to think that Japan isn't underwriting us, but we're supposed to be an autonomous organization. We're not! I'll bet good old Bruce Maltz has the bottom line on this subject.

My bottom line is this. Once you take out all the emotional propaganda and pseudo-mythology of great-good fortune from selfless giving, it's all about the money, Patrick. And speaking of that, do you have any problem with PI becoming fabulously wealthy selling his books to a captive market? There is no way to be sure how rich PI is, but rich he is, to be sure. The question isn't how he became so rich, the question is why?

No offense, Patrick, but you need to get your critical thinking skills working again. The SGI is a multi-billion dollar, untaxed, registered nonprofit - that is actually for profit corporation, with their books concealed, with a veritable army of volunteers, and a leader worth many millions. Now that's an architectural masterpiece. With all due respect, sir, we are not in agreement.

Charles

Funny you should mention the number of people who have contributed to special zaimu. As I discussed in my blog entry of May 12, 2007 ("Culture, Counting, Courts and the Web"), I have been known personally to contribute in the names of upwards of 30 people in any given special zaimu campaign. I actually did this in part to pay tribute to these people (some of whom, like Huckleberry Finn, were actually fictional), and also to consciously "puff" the zaimu numbers. I thought this was a "good member" thing to do. I just stopped doing that this year. Does anyone here know how the contributors to special zaimu are counted? If one person's bank account "gives" in the name of fifty different people, does the SGI-USA count that as one person (the single bank account), or does it count for fifty people (the fifty names?) Does anybody here know? This is an interesting problem. Thanks, Byrd in LA

Having practiced 12 out of 19 years in an "outlying area" (Modesto and Bakersfield CA), I am weighing in on this one. The first five years of my practice I was in SF and Oakland relatively "near" Community Centers without the benefit of a car. Carpooling and public transit (sometimes 2-3 changes) were the norm for me. I also practiced and lived in Las Vegas for 20 months (in the time that LV was not even a territory)
There were times in the Central Valley when the simple "2 hour drive" was impossible due to black ice or tule fog. I learned to practice more at my home and in other peoples homes. Places were rented so members didn't have to drive long distances to go to a special meeting.
Yes people do raise money for churches in other denominations. I'd like to remind folks that with the exception of the "mega Christian churches" many churches across the country are closing down either due to declining membership or in the case of the Catholic Church large payouts from suits. I don't think any of the Catholic parishioners have had ANY say in the opening or closing of their churches. This is also the case in many other denominations. This doesn't make it right but makes the SGI look like less of an outlyer.
I now live 20 minutes to the local CC in Santa Rosa. It costs $7,000 a month to rent, pay utilities for the place. Often times the rooms are not even full for activities. I doubt that our CC is self sufficient. But it serves as a CC for members as far north as Eureka (over 200 miles away) down south to Marin.
I think members in the metro areas with "larger" numbers of members haven't a clue about what it is like to practice in an outlying area. I still feel privileged that I have not been the lone member in several counties (as is the case in some rural areas) or having to drive 5-6 hours to go to an activity.
It think we are one of those religions that are fortunate to have altars at home. Amazing what you can do with your practice at home. Even more amazing when you have the chance to chant with a small group of people, including your neighbors.
Now that I am "older" in the practice, I relish those small gatherings more than the glitzy big meetings with performances and pomp (that's really what you get going to an activity). For me the "heart to heart connection" of meeting with 3-10 other members and guests is truly more satisfying. Talking heads and lots of applause for stuff is fine every once and a while. I am most encouraged when I actually get to interact with people.

Excellent points, Mimi! That certainly encourages me to have a greater appreciation for the "kaikan in my living room". Thanks for the perspective. Best, Byrd in LA

Patrick wrote: "Andy, becaue I did not have the same expreiences as you is no reason for you to call me names. I am still not impressed with you ability to name call others. You forgot jello Wall."

No worries, mate. You are comfortably insulated in your true beliefs, and I have no desire, or need, for you to change or emerge from that shelter. Enjoy it.

Cheers!

Andy

Andy wrote.."No worries, mate. You are comfortably insulated in your true beliefs, and I have no desire, or need, for you to change or emerge from that shelter. Enjoy it."

Andy no need to conern yourself with my faith or ythe source of my faith whether it be true or otherwise. My isulation as you perceive is just that your perception of my reality. I am used to your labeling others that do not agree with you.

Mimi wrote.." I learned to practice more at my home and in other peoples homes."

Mimi, this has been experience as well. ypour point are well taken.

Byrd wrote.."I have been known personally to contribute in the names of upwards of 30 people in any given special zaimu campaign."

Byrd, and I am sure the SGI can tell the difference with actual members and those we make causes for during the zaimu campaigns. I contribute in my name and my wife's name alone. Just a different way of thinking perhaps.

Charles wrote.."Once you take out all the emotional propaganda and pseudo-mythology of great-good fortune from selfless giving, it's all about the money, Patrick. And speaking of that, do you have any problem with PI becoming fabulously wealthy selling his books to a captive market? "

Charles, Perception. I am not a captive audience. I decide what to buy, not the SGI. From poor to rich, with a limited education. Cause and Effect, or Human revolution. I do not buy into myths or alternate realities. Buddhism is common sense.

Charles wrote.."Apparently you either did not agree or dismissed my insistence that there needs to be checks and balances on fundraising."

Charles, I explained prior, each individual is responsible for their own actions and their own check and balance. Individual responsibility.

Charles wrote.."This is your way, and very sound reasoning. However, others give and are encouraged to give by the mythical guidance that their gift will return to this ten-fold.."

Charles, I encourage others to see things this way. The spirit with which one gives determines the actual outcome; Renge; Cause and Effect exist simultaneously. Nichiren says, "It is the heart that matters most"

Charles wrote.."Yes, the SGI is a family, but it is also a multi-billion dollar religious corproation that grows richer by the hour."

Charles, Yes the SGI is growing in fortune as the clock ticks. That is exactly what we are doing. Growing. But the corporation exists only in the minds of those that see a corporation and not a gathering of Boddhisattva's of the Earth.

Charles wrote.."No offense, Patrick, but you need to get your critical thinking skills working again."

Charles, thanks for the advice, but after a succesful Architectural career I think my critical thinking skills are working just fine. thank-you for caring though.

Patrick

Patrick:

You sound like a very resonable man. As an architect who has manifested prosperity, all I can say is congratulations. I wish you great good-fortune in the future as well.

Charles

Charles,
thank-you. I wish great good fortune for your endeavors as well.
Patrick

Frankly I think there is more to be gained from "barbecue" buddhism. Get out there meet and greet your neighbors, support block parties, get involved in the neighborhood watch, local school PTA without even mentioning Buddhist practice. Since moving to Petaluma I have done that. In the year that people have gotten to know me, I have made wonderful friends, some even receiving Gohonzon and/or chanting.
Far more compelling to me than going to meetings where everyone seems to have the same high pitched energy, forced smile,leaders running around like headless chickens during daimoku.
All that being said I am very excited about going to the Florida Nature Culture Center for my second Culture Department conference. The FNCC dudes have the "Barbecue" Buddhism concept down to a science. Enjoy yourself in a natural way in a gorgeous place, relax, meet interesting people from other places and even learn more about the practice.
Way cool..and also way cheap- where else in florida would you get double occ accomadations with full meals and snacks and hotel-airport transfers for three nights for $395? Somebody is subsidizing that...

"Hi, there, R - no, actually, there are sidewalks,"

Well, I live out in here in the boonies where we walk in the road.

rb

Chuck,

I knew the kid's brother Danny pretty well. I heard a little about the story. They should have returned
his money. They will never get a dime from me unless they open the books.

i,

I would like to really really thank all of for taking time from your busy schedules to read this. Thank you very much {bowing}. Now, if it is okay, I would like to make a few remarks. Would that be okay with you?

The actions of SGI tell us:

1. They think we stupid.
2. They would rather run off anyone who takes initiative.
3. It is part of the social games games the Japanese play.

I think it is 3. Like we might say "how are ya" as a greeting, not expecting an answer. Talking about democracy and individual initiative is just like saying "how are you."

In Nichiren's time, the new Ritsu sects starting giving the Vinaya Ordinations. No one was expected to actually follow the precepts. The clergy practiced the Mikkyo rites; the laity chanted Nembutsu. Somehow, taking the Ritsu Jukai bestowed an extra blessing. Then if they killed someone, it was not really killing.

In the same way, using the words dialog and democracy makes SGI a humanistic, empowering corporation. Like the CEO's who have "open
door" policies. No one actually pops in her office to offer advice.

It is newspeak.

Don't you think so!!!???

robin

I recall some SGI guidance from way back when: As long as people are asleep, they will continue to be manipulated and exploited. Very existential. The idea was we are all responsible for our situation. What was not mentioned was who, in this case, was doing the manipulating and exploitation.

I got so much out of chanting, I could not deal with facing that. But it finally dawned on me that SGI was telling us about some evil Minobu Sect that also chanted. There were other ways to do this that SGI does not like, and SGI did not want us to know much about them, other than they were bad because the others took Shakyamuni rather than Nichiren as the Buddha.

gassho

robin

Hi, Patrick!
You wrote:
"I am sure the SGI can tell the difference with actual members and those we make causes for during the zaimu campaigns. I contribute in my name and my wife's name alone. Just a different way of thinking perhaps."

Patrick, I agree that the SGI can probably tell the difference. That wasn't the question. Obviously, Huckleberry Finn is fictional. Anyone who knows me knows that my parents are dead, and that when I donate special zaimu in their names, I am giving in the name of dead people.

My question is whether these dead people are counted in the announced totals of the number of people who contributed, despite the fact that the SGI can "tell the difference" between living and dead people. If they were counted in the total, that would give a false impression of the number of living people who have contributed to special zaimu, would it not? Do you know of any rule which prohibits the counters at the Chapter level from doing this (i.e., puffing numbers by counting dead people?) Or are the Chapters, like me as an individual, trying to make their chapters and areas "look good" by deliberately puffing the numbers with dead people and fictional people? I'm not questioning whether the SGI "knows the difference" - obviously it does. I'm asking whether these names get added into the publicly announced count anyway in order to enhance the SGI's numeric appearance? Is there a rule on this,or is it, as I suspect, simply a "wink and a nod" between the national and local organizations, and an implied agreement not to address these issues?

It's not a big deal, Patrick. After all, dead people are still voting in some parts of the country. ;)

Byrd, I think they know the difference. The SGI does not need to enhance their numbers artificially. I can not speak for those that do the actual counting, you will have to ask them directly. I am sure you chapter folks can provide the answer you are seeking.

Patrick wrote:

"The SGI does not need to enhance their numbers artificially."

True, very true, they don't need to, but the SGI has inflated their membership numbers for as long as I've been a member. Of course, I've only practiced about 33 years compared to your 44.

This issue has been discussed at length here and elsewhere. I have no clue as to how zaimu numbers are counted now, but when I was a senior leader - and due my desire to report good numbers that were not in decline, myself and other leaders would "take on' numerous WT and LB subscriptions. Our numbers were not allowed to drop for any reason. These publication's numbers were very serious stuff. Those numbers went to LA and were/ are used to comply with federal law requring us to accurately report the total number of copies printed, how many subscriptions, etc. If we were found to be deceptive, there would be fines, and perhaps the possibility of losing our tax exempt status.

Reporting 300,000 members on the public record is an akin to Enron accounting. Personally, I am unconcerned what the SGI-USA reports on zaimu or the membership, but to say that hasn't fudged their numbers is like saying Barry Bonds never took a steroid.

Charles

Byrd,

How are you? Thanks much for posting this blog. So much of my life for so many years was spent at the North Hollywood CC. My first 2 children were practically raised in that building. How I loved that place!!! I absolutly cannot think of my life without thinking of that place. It was a small building but it was joyful and a happy place. It was home. I was so bummed when they sold it to that silly lawyer next door. I really, really wish they hadn't done that. I remember being 15 years old and being the very first female to ever be allowed to do toban there. Those massive colums in the lobby weren't even built yet. I spent so much time there watching it become what it became. One of the saddest days of my life was when it was taken away from us. I think I really hated the SGI for doing that.

Peace.

Bridget

Patrick,

I have only one thing to say to you, and that is that you are not a qualified or authorized spokesperson for SGI-USA. You are continuing to invent excuses as fast as the needs arise, but the reality remains that unless you have a paid staff position in the religious corporation which is SGI-USA, you know nothing. Rather you imagine you know something.

There clearly is a faith SGI, and the Religious Org SGI. I believe that it becomes very necessary to clearly regonize the difference in order to continue practicing in SGI into the future.

SGI is not a cult, yet there clearly is a cult in SGI.

If you don't come to know this, you are liable to get knocked down eventually and then you will be completely unable to continue to be a faith member of the SGI.

This, I believe, is why (in one form or another) the internet is littered with those who are bitter and angry at SGI. Not because "they don't have faith", rather simply because they were silly and naive and blinded themselves with cult-like thinking.

The bottom line with Zaimu, in my opinion, is that if you are happy with how SGI is spending your money - give and enjoy the benefits. However if your local SGI is not working in your best interests, if even in a limited space of time, have the courage to keep your money or give it to some other cause.

Good luck to you,

RG