Well, according to the staff member who wrote to me last week, with copies to various other staff and area leaders, I owe an apology:
To all SGI members for characterizing them as lacking understanding of Buddhism and being mindless followers. Etc, etc, etc,...
I don't think I have characterized the membership as being mindless followers. If I have, please point this out to me, and I will address it. I genuinely do not want to be offensive, but I also wish to be as clear as possible. I'm glad we have an open marketplace of ideas in which to do this, aren't you?
I think my general perspective on the SGI-USA membership is that they are strong, capable, and mature adults, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. We operate in this country on the assumption that other adults are adults, and I think that's where I've been operating from. For example:
1. I think the SGI-USA membership is capable of managing their own local finances, and I have said so.
2. I think the SGI-USA members are smart enough and mature enough that they do not need to be "protected" from exposure to the ministers of other denominations, or from doctrinal discussions on the worldwide web. I think they are more than capable of handling that kind of stuff. The fact that people of good faith may differ with each other may take a little getting used to, but I think the members can manage it. I don't think they're dopes at all.
3. I think that the SGI's members are capable of engaging in the kind of nuanced reasoning about the Gakkai's history which I discussed in my last blog. Perfectly capable. I don't think they need to be given a watered-down version of history. I think they can handle differing perspectives, and I think they can handle the truth. I think they are capable of standing up and taking the lead in establishing a truly Western Buddhism which will be readily accessible to people in our country. I think the members are more than capable of doing that. Of course, they might have to apologize to the ancestors if they try, but that's another matter.
4. I think they are capable of choosing their own leaders, as well as those leaders' terms of office and powers over the general membership population. I think they are fully capable of that - I have said so on many occasions.
For those people who are happy with the status quo, that is fine. I am hardly forcing anyone to read this blog, nor am I forcing anyone to agree with me on anything. No one is duty-bound to examine the differences between Japanese and Western culture and how they impact the organization. No duty at all. But if someone is interested in doing it, I for one think it's a heck of a fascinating arena for discussion. I'm sure those who wish to do it are capable of doing it. In other words, the SGI-USA membership is....
Not mindless at all.
As far as the issue of whether or not I have characterized the SGI general membership as "lacking an understanding of Buddhism"...
That, I will admit, is true, I have made that characterization, but it is not necessarily an insult. A well-trained Catholic or Lutheran doesn't necessarily have a broad understanding of Christianity. A sincere Hassid doesn't necessarily have a broad understanding of Judaism. In fact, their denominations may actively discourage a broad understanding of history or of context. Unorthodox views may not be tolerated. That may be how the sect survives. I hardly insult them if I observe that. Their understanding of faith issues is sectarian, and developing that sectarian mind of faith is well within their rights and the rights of their denomination. I don't quibble with that, or expect anything else from the SGI as a denomination.
The difficulties for SGI members arise when we try to interact with other Buddhist or with people who have some passing knowledge of Buddhism in general. I am embarassed by the fact that most SGI members I have spoken with cannot articulately place Nichiren Buddhism in a context other than to say, in some way, "we are better". Perhaps taking too strong a cue from our founder's combativeness, we are too often driven to prove our practice's superiority to others', and in the process, we lose whatever insight we can gain from others' perspectives. I have seen Gakkai members, time and time again, move to refute or rebuke other practices of which they have little or no understanding at all other than that which was framed in the 13th century. This has earned us a reputation among many other Buddhists as being closed-minded, and not the 'world citizens" which President Ikeda encourages us to be.
The above observation on my part is not intended as an insult, and I don't have to apologize for it. Nichiren Buddhism is a noble and a valid tradition. We should be able to dialogue intelligently and confidently with other Buddhists. I think our failure to develop this skill is a detriment to the overall goal of worldwide propagation. I think that SGI members in general are more than intelligent enough to develop this kind of broad understanding. Again, that is my opinion, and I don' t have to apologize for it.
So, for what it's worth, I come to the end of another blog.
I am genuinely interested in how my readers here feel I have injured the general membership. Feel free to write in and let me know.
Have a good week, everyone.
Be clear, be calm, be cool.
Byrd in LA
P.S. I'm sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings by saying that they were capable, intelligent grown-ups.
Posted by wahzoh at April 6, 2008 01:08 PMHello,
I think that most people are truly sensitive about how they practice their religions and SGI members are no different. The difference, in my opinion, is that our Buddhism encourages people to think for themselves. The aspect of authoritarianism is something that we bring into the mix ourselves, trying to create order out of perceived chaos.
President Ikeda encourages people to think for themselves. He also encourages dialog among members and others, after all, isn't that what he does? People often make rules and orders based on what they 'think' a person will want rather than ask the person directly. My advice is to write to President Ikeda and see what he thinks about your ideas and point of view. Write more than one time. When you get your response, send it to the SGI staff member who sent you that letter. I always go directly to the source if I have a problem with someone in a perceived role of authority.
Cordially,
Wanda
Byrd,
This is so bizarre. Can you tell me, privately, who sent this letter, what they hoped to accomplish.
Wanda,
There is no doubt that the organization encourages us to think for ourselves, and engage in public dialog; that is, until someone actually has the impudence to do so. Then it becomes something rather different.
All the talk about independent thought and public dialog is intended for public dissemination. It is merely a facade. In reality, we have always been expected to kowtow to authority. There are double speak phrases; like "be the master of your mind [think what you are told to think]; do not let mind master you [do not think for yourself]".
Real dialog takes place behind closed doors, where one who dissents encounters the jello wall. It then becomes clear that public dialog is welcome only if it is pertinent dialog; that thinking for oneself means sticking with the campaign theme; that deviating from approved opinions means you
have let your mind master you; that consensus really means we all talk it over before agreeing with Ikeda; that all real decisions are made,
all plans are executed 'behind the scenes,' behind the curtains.
I am not making any of this up. I am just relaying what my experience has been for several decades; and which has been corroborated by others from other areas. That said, I do not really care in the sense that none of this is going to influence me in any way. I do not care what Daisaku Ikeda thinks I ought to think or do.
SGI is free to shun me, frown upon me, send curses, smear me, excommunicate me; I have seen
all those things done; quietly coordinated or orchestrated from 'behind the scenes.'
The only advice I ever give is to think for oneself. If prodded, I might be willing to help someone learn how to think; how to get past
mental hindrances, to concentrate, observe honestly & objectively, improve one's reading comprehension, discern meaning, and so on. I
learned those skills through my own private study efforts; not from SGI. I also know how to spin, and know it when I see it.
I write things on line about topics that interest me and I have found useful. Some call it mental masterdebating , or counting the number of Bodhisattvas who can dance on a pinhead {I know the answer}. I call that sour grapes; the grapes are actually sweet; it is worth the effort to reach them.
gassho
robin
Posted by: robin at April 6, 2008 05:01 PMByrd,
Patrick takes credit for reporting you. LOL. You got reported to the SGI. At any rate, perhaps the official censor who contacted you merely read Patrick's report, and has not actually read the blog? That would explain a lot. I mean, there might be leaders who are that dense. However, most have a modicum of reading comprehension skills. This could be nothing more than a knee jerk reaction to a report from a mentally deranged individual. If so, that is still sort of an indictment. I would hope officials would do their homework before writing letters demanding an apology.
Byrd,
I don't know how to put this. I think you are one of the most loyal SGI members I know. You are loyal to the ideas that the SGI espouses.... highly capable members, who are intelligent and who can engage and really, truly dialogues intelligently and respectfully with people of ALL faiths, including members of Nichiren Shoshu.
All I see you doing is saying SGI-USA members can be what the SGI-USA says they can be. You traitorous member, you.
I think anyone who reads your material can see that fair and square, unless they accidentally put on those "True Believer" glasses.
I don't think you owe an apology to anyone. I think the SGI-USA owes an apology to many of its members for thinking they aren't intelligent and capable enough to winnow out the wheat from the chaff.
I think alot of SGI members and former SGI members owe you a great big thank you, actually, for saying "You all will eventually be Buddhas" - for expecting us to be intelligent, kind people who can operate under the current cultural norms - things like the open market of ideas, liking democracy, etc. I'm one of them.
I stand up and salute you!
Kris
The Gakkai will do whatever to protect the Gakkai, at the dispense of every thing. To a point where Buddhist teachings are to be de-emphasized and replaced by "our own".
Those who does not agree with the direction will likely be seen as a treat. But then we probably are all aware of that.
Have you had a dialogue with the officials? Until then are they based on the demand solely on what you wrote?
As for the "lacking understanding of Buddhism and being mindless followers. ",it is sadly quiet rampant. But then, who wants to study if we can read all the "happy news" in the publications? And of cause, we have this trend toward personality worshiping. Which sends out confusing message to the members, Especially new members.
It will be curious to see if the Gakkai actually have the mechanism to prevent doctrinal deviation/misinterpretation and personality worship.
My opinion is that the demand of an apology is unreasonable.
ds.
Posted by: dharmaseeker64 at April 6, 2008 09:34 PMSo they want you to apologize. Did you tell them that people in hell want ice water.
And Patrick, dude you are a punk little snitch. Cause and effect dude. Watch out.
Just livin the Dream.
Posted by: hardtotrack at April 7, 2008 01:29 AMI'm afraid that that email was an opening shot aimed at you. I hope I'm wrong but I feel you've probably already been tried and convicted in the minds of your e-mailers. They usually don't launch such campaigns until they've already made up their minds. The onshitsu has probably already done or they wouldn't have sent you a letter.
There is no need to fear onshitsu however. Those who commit it and claim to be leaders are precisely what they tend to accuse of others of being. That is the meaning of "parasites" -- people who prefer attacking enemies behind the scenes to speaking openly and honestly.
For example, I owe only one apology. For not speaking up sooner, and for committing onshitsu under the mistaken understanding that I knew what Buddhism was about when I didn't, and thought I was doing remonstration when I wasn't really strait on stuff myself. I can apologize for letting myself be misunderstood, for offending people who hadn't really done anything wrong, and for not offending people who were obviously deceptive the minute I noticed it.
I think anyone who accuses you of this is committing onshitsu and demonstrating that they have a low opinion of the wisdom and independence of the membership. They should spend more time improving the publications and less circling the wagons. Then they wouldn't need to fear people misinterpreting their efforts or claiming that somehow people reading their publications didn't understand Buddhism or were mindless followers. They would be following the best example of their Sensei rather than their own ambition and group think.
Posted by: Chris at April 7, 2008 05:44 AMWhy didn't the folks who sent you a letter contact you for a dialogue if they were upset about it? Why didn't they see this whole situation as an opportunity to create value/understanding between parties that disagree? you know before sending out this repremand? It is not too late! Oh I was wondering what exactly does Onshitsu mean? anyone?
Posted by: St. Clair at April 7, 2008 06:06 AMHi Byrd!
I'm a bit surprised by all this. I have publicly characterized the ignorance of (most) SGI members concerning Buddhism in stronger terms than you did, and nobody from Santa Monica ever wrote to me. What did I do wrong? Anyway, let me take another shot and see if I can get a letter of reprimand as well. Here goes: SGI members are in general surprisingly ignorant of fundamental Buddhist concepts. They do not know the four noble truths (despite Nichiren's reference to them in "On Attaining Buddhahood"); they know little or nothing of anatta - one of the most liberating concepts in Buddhism; they are unaware of the fundamental roles of the concepts of impermanance and dependent origination; and they are for the most part very confused about the nature of emptiness and its importance in the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Buddhism.
Think I can get a good scolding now? - Brian
Characterizing SGI as a group of "mindless followers" could not be closer to the the truth. My question to you Byrd, is why do you constantly fail to do so?
ch
I Don't care that SGI has strong views and maintains that their members uphold those views. I don't care that their is no democracy in SGI, there is no room for difference of opinion, and there is a top down structure. I only care that their doctrines are mistaken. The leaders of Bodhisattvas of the Earth are leaders by virtue of their correct faith and practice of Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha's Buddhism. If Ikeda had such a correct faith and understanding and every leader shared the same correct faith and understanding, then there would be no room for dissent. The reason there are so many various opinions within SGI is that there is no consistancy with the Lotus Sutra and the doctrines of Nichiren Daishonin. The SGI has turned the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin into the images of the unenlightened worldling (bombu) rather than turning the members into the images of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin. Protest as you may, a sign of Buddhahood is omniscience and all Buddhas share the very same understanding.
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 7, 2008 08:03 AMOf course, that is why, "the Buddhas all nodded in agreement."
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 7, 2008 08:57 AMI have not been keeping up with your blog, but I do read your posts over at the SGU board. From what I've read of your writing, you have been "tough" on the SGI, but in the kind of way that a parent corrects a mistake - with love in your heart.
I don't pretend to know you well, I only know you through the window provided by your written words, but it seems to me that you've never intended harm to the Gakkai, and to me, THAT is what really matters.
So, I don't think you "owe" anybody anything, much less an apology.
But hey, that's just my opinion...
--Will
"I am genuinely interested in how my readers here feel I have injured the general membership."
In a word, "baloney!" And that's the polite version.
Tell the turd at SGI Plaza who scolded you to contact Mr. Ikeda re: the apology that HE owes you (and all SGI members) for years of lies and distortions.
That's enough. You get the idea. You've done nothing wrong. You HAVE, however, made yourself into a target. Welcome to the club.
Cheers!
Andy
Posted by: Andy Hanlen at April 7, 2008 11:21 AMThinking about this a little more it is clear what bullies the administration of SGI-USA are. I certainly hope you do whatever the opposite of apologizing is, and if they give you any grief about it make sure that everyone knows. I think you want to remain a member in good standing, but getting tossed out at this point would be like earning a gold star.
ch
Brian states; "I'm a bit surprised by all this. I have publicly characterized the ignorance of (most) SGI members concerning Buddhism in stronger terms than you did, and nobody from Santa Monica ever wrote to me."
I don't see an organization at work here, only individuals. I know why know one has contacted you, but reprimanded Byrd - because yer a Dude, and she's a chick.
I've seen this function of Animality at work in nearly every organization, religious or otherwise, for much of my adult life. These sorts of people are looking for a fight, but a fight that they can win. While those who appear weaker are reprimanded and bullied, those of us who appear not quite as weak are left to ourselves, or are retaliated against behind our backs and out of sight.
It's not SGI Brian, it's people. Cowardice knows no organizational boundaries. No one since Kudamatsu has had the balls to scold everyone, unconditionally.
Pussies.
RG
Posted by: Rev. Greg at April 8, 2008 11:00 AMByrd:
Fabulous! I would like to propose a project for us. Let's write a book. Let's give a working title, like, say, "The Buddha, All Up In Your Business," or "The SGI: We Put the "Cult" in Culture." This is no gag.
If you're up for it, I would like to put a call out to contributor's out there: to all the rebels, the rendgades, the real Jinyo Bosatsu, and the disenfrachised. Anarchists are welcome.
The technology is out there for us to self-publish a book like I-Universe and other on-demand publishers. The price, less labor is few hundred bucks to a grand.
I bet we can outsell Middleway 10-1.
How bout it, Byrd?
Charles
Posted by: Charles at April 8, 2008 05:30 PM
Charles, I don't know about Byrd, but I'm in, if you're serious. I suspect my Stage Crew background coupled with my IRG sedition might yield some good material. Let me know.
Cheers!
Andy
Posted by: Andy Hanlen at April 9, 2008 09:49 AMWell Byrd, you have clearly rattled someone's gilded cage and the resultant squawking is all too common - and it would appear that there is an attempt to raise a Chorus of Squawking from as many other gilded cages as possible! They do seem to confuse matters and think that Many Gilded Cages One Chorus of Squawking is the same as Itai Doshin!
One question that needs to be addressed is did this person use the Resources of SGI-USA to send this unsolicited reprimand to a number of SGI-USA employees and Hierarchy members?
If they did this is a matter for SGI-USA to deal with and sort out. If the reprimand is officially sanctioned by SGI-USA, well it would seem that your days are numbered and some folks are getting ready to have you officially branded as a Parasite in the Lions Guts and banished from the ranks of SGI as a breaker of Itai Doshin!
On the other hand, if the Reprimand is not Official but sent from SGI Properties using SGI servers and communication resources - well the paid hierarchy and un-paid will have to act and circle the wagons to protect SGI-USA from the stupidity of one of it's paid employees/hierarchy members! When that happens they will as usual have to Officially Brand you as a Worm in the Lions Bowels and work to drive you away as this is the only way they know to cover up their mistakes and errors and abuse of facilities by employees. Again you will be branded as a sinner and breaker of Itai Doshin whilst the group acting to have you banished have one mind on the matter and act in concert believing that this is allowed as It's Itai Doshin - even if it has nothing to do with Nichiren's teachings on the matter!
The thing that always amuses me is that SGI organisations project the view that they are all perfect and no criticism is allowed or should ever be provided. They forget that they can have Worms within the organisation and these Worms work to have their own and personal agendas made manifest within the org, knowing that when they spill out the org is obliged to cover up and if necessary demonize individuals as part of the cover up! SGI-USA is supposedly perfect even if it's made up of, employees and is run by imperfect human beings who do a bit of Daimoku.
In any event it would seem that you have been marked out for special attention and it is clear that you will receive it! You have been awarded the SGI Bulls Eye for target practice and for anyone who feels like it to take pot shots claiming authority from SGI-USA.
Ah well - As Nichiren did say when the devil of the Sixth Heaven Arises The Wise Rejoice and The Foolish Flea - and as it is all to possible for Employees and the SGI-USA itself to manifest the nature of Sensho-Zojoman you should be raising a glass and whooping it up!
No doubt you will be obliged to remonstrate and after much amusing ignorance has been displayed back at you by those who are too deaf to hear you will need a long rest and time to settle down again! I have had a chat with the owners of the "Minabu Country Club" and they have set aside a real nice cabana for you with a view of the mountains and lakes. It's yours and you can move in when ever you like, no baggage necessary, just bring yourself just as you are! You seem to know most of the members already!
@~>~>~~~
I'm wondering who/m, if anyone, ever listens to or reads what the President of our great SGI organization has to say. Maybe "Overbearing leaders" don't, but should!!
February 9, 2008 --TO MY FRIENDS--Let's praise our fellow members,"showing [them] the same respect you would a Buddha."(*) Overbearing leaders are disqualified. The key to fostering the harmonious unity of many in body, one in mind is a heart of appreciation and respect for others. (*)"The Fourteen Slanders," WND p. 757(phrase from Chapter 28 of the Lotus Sutra: “You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha.")
- - - - - - -
April 13, 2008 --WORDS OF THE WEEK--Our regular discussion meetings are the ultimate training ground and the most potent forum for interactions. Let's engage in vibrant dialogue and lively, heartwarming exchanges. - --TO MY FRIENDS--Let's energetically help expand people's connection to Buddhism. Those who continue to engage in dialogue are the victors. Let's ensure that the flower of happiness blooms in every person's heart.
Posted by: Bob Mann at April 14, 2008 10:02 PM