Well, I had my pow-wow with my WD leaders today, and it was actually quite encouraging. They did think it was odd that I had two "faces" - gee, am I two-faced -- online and at my district. I referred them to the Japanese terms of "Tatame" and (you Japanese speakers,what's the other one?) In other words, at least I'm public about my varoius faces.
All in all, though, it was an interesting talk, and I'm glad I did it. I hope that something better comes of it by way of enhanced communication between me and the org.
An over-riding issue seems to be that blogs like this one attract the "disgruntled" - Andy, are you disgruntled? ;) Actually, just because people are disgruntled in someway or another with the org doesn't mean that they don't want world peace or are unwilling to chant, does it?
The leader (and a friend) expressed again the pretty much standard approach to dialogue that there's nothing like a face-to-face. I expressed my pretty much standard response that there's nothing like a written record or a global community. I don't think the two are mutually exclusive, and I dig my online stuff. Then, of course, there's the issue of my tone.....
They seemed to think getting the Young Writers online and blogging was a good idea, we'll see if anything comes of that.
Anyway, all in all, a good afternoon. Now, I have a real writing project that I have to get back to. Talk to you all tomorrow.
Be open-minded, be friendly, be cool.
Byrd in LA
Posted by wahzoh at April 15, 2008 05:58 PMByrd,
Cool for you.
Actually, somebody that points out ways to improve - is that being loyal, or what?
And I agree - communication doesn't have to be an either/or deal. It can be face-to-face AND written. The Internet is just designed for Boddhisattva Far Reaching Voice, don't you think?
I do think the idea of the Young Writer blogs thing is an excellent idea.
Cheers,
Kris
I'm glad the talk with WD leaders went well.
Yesterday I had a conversation with Richard's former group leader about blogging. She could not comprehend why anyone would blog or why they would blog about SGI and Buddhism. Does her attitude represents that of the majority of Gakkai members?
Posted by: Michele at April 15, 2008 07:29 PMIt doesn't represent the majority of anyone except those who posses a cult mentality.
Beware culties, and cult-fighters. Beware of anyone who is not truly free.
RG
Posted by: Rev. Greg at April 15, 2008 08:52 PMTatemae & Honne:
http://www.japan-101.com/culture/tatemae_and_honne.htm
Good for you. I agree that keeping communication open with the org is good. Doesn't mean you do anything different,just that you keep talking. Oh and by the way I am not signing the leadership agreement form.
Posted by: hardtotrack at April 16, 2008 02:10 AM
Dear Hardtotrack:
I hope not or I wouldn't send you that Gongyo CD. Even that you remain in the SGI and even if it is for a worthy cause, gives me pause. Not everyone will get a CD just for the asking. They have to really want to listen to or practice along with the Kempon Hokke as practiced by Rev. Jyoyo, senior priest of Myomanji. I really want everyone who gets a CD to experience the practice of the Kempon Hokke, the sense of true faith and reverence for the Lotus Sutra and Buddha and the exalted joy in the Law that comes from this correct faith and practice.
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 16, 2008 09:57 AMMark. I am a 34 year member of SGI, and i am not going anywhere. I have checked out all the nichiren shcols, chanted with them and this includes Kempon Hokke. To each their own.
I help inmates learn to practice SGI buddhism in a prison near where i live, and i am always looking for slow gongy cd's to help in the teaching process. I don't care which sect they come from. You have a lot of passion Mark and that is a good thing. If you kind of temper it a little, it will last a lot longer. Chill is good.
Hello, HTT -
Way cool that you are doing prison ministry! We are supporting a prison sangha here in Texas as well.
Currently we go up each Friday evening, and spend 2-21/2 hours with the group, chanting and talking. We are studying the Lotus Sutra with them, chapter by chapter, as well.
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett
Posted by: Engyo Mike Barrett at April 19, 2008 05:41 AMMike - I would love to read an in-depth guest blog about that. I know a lot of folks who are interested in prison outreach programs.
Yer pal, Wahzoh
Posted by: Byrd in LA at April 19, 2008 11:03 AMHi Mike. That is great you are doing prison work. I know it is greatly appreciated. We do pretty much the same as you. Go in twice a month. We chant for about 45 minutes and then do a really slow gongy. We recently began to study the Book, Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death, by Ikeda. Good stuff. Tried to get the books donated but with no luck. I was able to by some off amazon at a very resonable price. I think when we are done with the book i will get some Living Buddhism sent in and we can study it every month.
Again i beleive the great mystery smiles on your prison ministery.