Fraughtwithperil's Guest Blog

Rev. Greg & all -

I think there are lots of reasons; some of them stem from our culture, some of them stem from Japanese culture, some of them stem from Nichiren Buddhist history, some of them stem from the way different groups teach Buddhism, and some of them stem from just plain unenlightened human nature.

Personally, I think we *can* do this; it is just that many Nichiren Buddhists in North America have yet to decide that they *want* to do this. They either haven't thought about it at all, or don't think it is necessary or desireable.

I hope that this changes, but am not holding my breath. Exclusivist thinking seems much easier and more popular than inclusivist thinking. So does the attachment to always being right. Examples abound, here and elsewhere.

Quote for Mark:

"My disciples and lay followers should eliminate discrimination between themselves and others. Cooperate with each other just as fish and water, and chant Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo with one mind although you are different in person. Cooperation is the most important thing for your transmission of the teaching liberating from birth and death to your posterity. This is exactly what I have tried to disseminate till this day."

Nichiren, Shoji Ichidaiji Kechimyaku Sho

Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett

P.S. I'll bet I can predict the counter-arguments already!

Mike, as you know, I agree with your points completely. I might add that I think there is a precedent for we contentious American types to get along, and that is the basic Protestant, and more recently Protestant/Catholic/Jewish tolerance and cooperation that we see all around.

In any small or large town you can see Episcopalians and Presbyterians getting along with Baptists and Catholics and Jews, and even participating together on some endeavors. While the gossip committee in one church might like to bag on the Lutherans and another on the Congregationalists, it's really no big deal, and if someone from one church wants to attend another, or even join another, nobody makes much of it.

Why can't Nichiren Buddhists behave as well? I think we can. I certainly think we should.

There is another parallel, in folks like the Seventh Day Adventists, who do keep themselves apart and do condemn anyone "not them." That's sort of the stance that some Nichiren groups take. Fine for them, but, Like the Seventh Day Adventists, let them remain tiny and insular, while the rest of us go about the business of bringing this Buddhism into the mainstream of American religious practice.

Cheers!

Andy

Hi, Greg,and thanks for the question. I have been thinking about this issue for some time, and trying to get the ideas flowing in this area.

I agree with Andy that the best model we can come up with is the modern American ecumenical model. If you read the Gosho quote which Mike uses (and which I have used on a few occasions), it is pretty obvious that the modern United States is the IDEAL ENVIRONMENT in which to put that guidance into action. The difficulty (in my opinion) is that the Americans are not generally left to govern themselves by American standards.

Of course, if you don't want peace, but actually want to be in a constant state of ashura fighting demons, then that's a different matter.

Ultimately, I don't know if the question is "why can't we all get along?", but rather, "what can we focus on whih will allow us to vooperate?" I think that the Western values of religious freedom and freedom of conscience are what we can use to help us navigate the waters of interdenominational conlict and cooperation.

Thanks again for the question, Byrd

I see the Fuji Fuse oriented schools (SGI, Shoshu and Kempon Hokke) cleaving to their lineage of being generally argumentative and claiming "the only true way" status. Historically, it's in their blood. I see other schools embracing more ecumenical activity.

My question would be whether or not spreading the Lotus Sutra rapidly and effectively is facilitated by the Fuji Fuse attitude. Is this attitude appropriate to the people and times? Is it really in keeping with the intent of the Lotus Sutra itself? I know I don't think that that attitude is going to work well in the US.

The sangha I practice with as a whole seems to value and respect other religions around it. It is part of the reason I practice with it.

The question is are we going to act like Nichiren (in his more argumentative tracts) just to act like Nichiren; or are we going to study and reflect on the Lotus Sutra (it seems to me the entire point of Nichiren's life was to redirect humans to the Lotus Sutra, not himself) and act in keeping with it?

Actually, I struggle with Nichiren sometimes. His language (as translated) can be truculent and argumentative. And yet, the point of his effort, was to return people's focus to the Lotus Sutra. And that is why I continue to call myself a Nichiren Buddhist... because that is what I tend to focus on - the Lotus Sutra. I personally think our job is to interpret, digest and live the Lotus Sutra as best we can based on the society we live in now. Not Kamakuran Japan.

Andy, I agree with you. I have no problem with groups that want to remain insular. Some people will want to practice their religion in that fashion. I can live with that.

Can most Nichiren Buddhists coexist in peace? I certainly think the majority of us can.

Put very simply:
Too many egos, too little time...
Also many like to flex their muscles on mental cyberspace battles rather than step into the real world and go mano a mano...
There is enough stuff going on in our saha world that it is very sad that so much energy is expended on internecine battles...

Hi All:

Fuju fuse derives from and abounds in the Lotus Sutra.

1).The Buddha only appears, "Till, when their hearts are longing."(Ch. 16) There is criteria for the appearance of the Buddha. Fuju Fuse is the teaching of criteria.

2).Fuju fuse is neither joining with nor accepting slanderers or slanderous teachings (Chapter 2, 3, 13, 14, 19, 21). This doesn't mean physically seperating ourselves from or not listening to. It means:

"He can listen without being under their control."(Merits of the Preacher)

Certainly Fukyo remained seperate from the slander and slanderers but continued to engage them.

Proclaiming the superiority of the Lotus Sutra is Fuju Fuse.

Not revering other teachings is fuju fuse

Not accepting material or spiritual alms from slanderers or provisional teachings is fuju fuse.

Not giving material or spiritual alms to slanderers is fuju fuse (with the exception of shakabuku)

Mark

Confusing little ego with big ego; ego for self vice ego for others happiness.

Patrick

Confusing SGI, the value creationism, the DaiGohonzon, the transmission to one sole individual, the worship of Kishimojin, kito blessings... for Buddhism.

Mark

Comments like this: "The distinguishing features of all who have turned against the Soka Gakkai in the past are ingratitude, arrogance, self-interest and envy. Individuals who forget their gratitude to their mentor and betray their fellow members inevitably embark on [a] course resulting in their own terrible suffering."

Robin and Mark have the problem of ego's in conflict obviously with their comments. enjoy you own happiness and note your small group.

There is no more devisive Nichiren group than the SGI. Who are you kidding, Patrick? Not us. Maybe your newbie shakabuku who you are fishing into your cult with the buzz words "big and little ego." Most of us are seeking to unify the body of believers with the notable exception of the SGI. That is why you are so soundly criticized and suffer punishment after punishment.

Mark

Like I said above, most Nichiren folks don't seem to WANT to find common ground; they like being exclusive. We have lots of good examples here!

Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett

Hi Mike:
Neither the Kempon Hokke nor the Nichiren Shu nor I have anything in common with the Ikeda cult and very little in comon with the Nichiren Shoshu. We don't even chant the same daimoku, have the same object of worship, advocate the same "writings" of Nichiren nor suffering punishment for our beliefs. We obtain the true blessings of the Lotus Sutra through our correct beliefs and they destroy the Law through theirs. What kind of compromises would you have us adopt for the sake of unity?

Mark

Your Blog speakes for itself Mark, both divisive and small minded as well as disrecpectful in nature. But you are special being a doctor and having special relationship while everyone is just regular. It shows in your words.

I do not waste my time with this small-minded group that's only desire is to create any unhappiness at the expense of others happiness.

Of course if the teaching you embrace is respectworhty so is the person, and you are definately not respectworthy to anyone mark; that is why no one would dare comment on your small minded comments and drivel you call a blog.

Patrick

The difference between "my" teachings and your teachings Patrick is that "my" teachings are the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin while "your" teachings are the teachings of the mara devil, Ikeda.

At least I'm a real doctor who earnd it unlike your mentor who bought it and had it ghost written for him. And to tell you the truth, I have no ego and would be as comfortable in my skin if I were a cab driver or a nurses aide.

Another difference between "my" teachings and "your" teachings is that "my" treachings are completely on the up and up. like my mentor and "your" teachings like Rubys' and other Soka Spirit web sites are sneaky and back handed like your mentor.

Mark

"Robin and Mark have the problem of egos in conflict obviously with their comments. enjoy you own happiness and note your small group."

Generally Patrick, people who keep seeing the same flaw in others are seeing their own reflection. I do not accuse people who disagree with me of being shallow, envious or ungrateful. Nor do I predict doom for them. I am not part of any group. If size of one's group makes it right, then Christianity must be more right.

"Your Blog speakes for itself Mark, both divisive and small minded as well as disrecpectful in nature."

That is a tad harsh Patrick. If you want to see disrespectful and small minded Patrick, check out the sewer called sokaspirit.org. Also Kathy Ruby's web sites or the Safwan character. None of those reflect well on Soka Gakkai.

I am happy report to that Craig Bratcher's ati-Ikeda websites have all been taken down. I am hearing Nichiren Shoshu is trying to distance themselves from slime fests.

I think Msrk Rogow focuses way too much on Nichiren in his snarkier moments. I appreciate Nichiren's nuanced sense of irony and skill at wordplay; it is the stuff of really good, really dry sarcastic humor. It is like dry wine served at room temperature, or a quality malt vinegar used to season fish and chips. A little bitterness and sourness is healthy.

It is the fundies who take it out of context and serve it up as the main course. On other other extreme, too much nicey nice sweety pie ecumenism can cause spiritual diabetes.

For every time Nichiren chastised an Akimoto for mixing conflicting practices; several; times he expressed happiness that Nembutsu followers were mixing in some Odaimnoku.

Jesus fucking christ. Grow the fuck up. Mark, Patrick, you should both be ashamed of yourself. Jesus, the question was "Considering that Buddhism in America is a vastly minority religion, and the Nichiren sect is a tiny minority in THAT minority group; why can't Nichiren sect members and independents get along, or at least find some common ground?"
You both are actual proof of not getting along. Get over yourself.

Chill. Breathe. Fuck. Yea maybe that is what you both need. Fuck.

Hi Robin:

Nichiren wasn't snarky. To someone who has taken a powerful poison, is in a deep coma and barely breathing, you place an endotracheal tube in their airway while at the same time you introduce two large bore catheters into their veins. You then put a foley catheter into their bladder and you put a nasogastric tube into their stomach and pump their stomach before introducing copious amounts of liquid charcoal. You determine the type of poison and give an antidote that sometimes is nearly as strong and deadly as the poison itself, all the while monitoring the patient around the clock.

A child who skins his knee needs, at most, soap and water, antibotic ointment, and encouragement or even just a small experience the time you skined your knee.

The medicine has to fit the illness. The illness of the SGI and the NST is severe and no routine ordinary medicine will suffice,

Mark

Hi,

In response to the question - I actually see people of different schools or even those of no declared affiliation getting along quite well - esp. offline.

In my own experience I have had friendly conversation with SGI leaders (even paid staff - though these were strictly unofficial off the record informal talks), I have been lent the use of a Nipponzan Myohoji Temple, Nichiren Shu ministers often have meetings with and dialogues with their counterparts in the other schools, Theravadin monks often visit Nichiren Shu temples and facilities and vice versa for the sake of learning and Buddhist solidarity, and in fact at the meeting I just attended in Tokyo at Nichiren Shu's home office, a Christian minister (Swedenbourgian) gave an all day seminar on pastoral counseling for the Nichiren Shu ministers interested in pursuing that.

In Japan, most of the traditional schools all have reps on a group called the Nichiren Disciples Association. Mostofthe New Religions based on Nichiren Buddhism also get along quite well with Nichiren Shu and vice versa. Nichiren Shoshu and the SGI are the two big exceptions to this - they remain apart from all the others and the others keep their distance from them. But usually this distance does not involve fighting - more like ignoring. The Shoshu and SGI of course do not ignore each other.

Where I see fighting online it is almost always between males who have not outgrown the need to butt horns like adolescent billy goats with other males. They use their sectarian allegiances as their rationalization and outlet for this immature and frequently mentally ill behavior. I am not qualified to diagnose anyone of course, but my feeling is that sane well-adjusted mature adults generally do not behave in the manner that many people indulge in online. For that matter, I think that most forms of fundamentalism are also a product of extreme immaturity, irrationality, and mental illness.

From those who seem to enjoy nothing but fighting or engaging in insincere "I gotcha" games - I keep my distance. It is not that I don't have compassion, but I have recognized that no good comes of allowing oneself to descend to their level which almost inevitably happens when dealing with those types of people. Maybe someone like Mr. Rogers could do it (he even skillfully fended off Howard Stern and his cronies) but I am not Mr. Rogers.

Those who are NOT grossly fearful, belligerent, immature and/or mentally ill I am happy to get along with no matter what their affiliation or lack of affiliation. We can deal with each other as fellow beings.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei

"Most of us are seeking to unify the body of believers with the notable exception of the SGI."

I don't see that happening, what efforts are being made to consolidate Nichiren Shoshu and Hokke Kempon with Nichiren Shu? And where does Rissho Kosei-kai fit in. I'll agree that SGI is in the wrong buit are you trying to say that everyone else gets along? SGI is large enough to be the biggest offender but it seems that Hokke Kempon would be even worse if it had any members. I can't see SGI going along, their whole thing is that they have the mojo nobody else does, and if you didn't believe they were the one true way how could they get you to buy their insipid publications? I'd like to see the rest of Nichiren's followers work out their differences. Maitreya will descend from Pataloka and turn the dharma wheel before that happens is my guess. Why? Because all these institutions have as their first and sometimes only goal self preservation, organizations are rarely better than individuals and often worse.

Clown & all -

I don't think that finding common ground, or even "cooperating" as per Nichiren's instructions means that the different groups need to merge, or lose their own identities. Where did anyone say that merging was the intent? It sometimes reminds me of the old "Highlander" series; so many Nichiren practitioners think "There can be only One" Nichiren group, so we must behead all the others.

I don't see Baptists merging with Catholics, but they can work together for things like disaster relief, or even to participate together in a Christmas parade. Is it so hard to imagine an Oeshiki (anniversary of Nichiren's passing) service with several different Nichiren groups all participating, each honoring our founder in their own ways, without attacking or demonizing each other during the celebration?

This doesn't require any group to adopt practices it disagrees with, nor do they need to accept or agree with the other groups' doctrinal stances; just as the Baptists don't have to take communion nor the Catholics give up dancing to participate in a Christmas festival together.

Oh well; I guess that Nichiren Buddhism is still very young in North America. I only hope it survives to maturity (in whatever form that may take).

Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett

Ryuei, I was tempted to say something similar (that people who engage in these on-line fights may be mentally ill). But don't you think we would have to include ourselves in that?

In response to clown, I reiterate that in Japan the traditional schools do get along and are in fact part of this Nichiren's Disciples Assocation (I have the Japanese name written down on my computer at home). The New Religions are not part of that group, but for the most part they do get along quite well with Nichiren Shu. I can't speak for the others. People imagine all of this fighting going on - but really it is just a few people on the internet fighting - people who are not even necessarily representative of their affiliation.

To Vanya,

Yes, there have been times that I have posted in ways that were not very mature, sane, or rational. Towards the end of 2005 I woke up to this and I have since endeavored to rise above that kind of thing and to respond with patience and compassion or if unable to do that to not respond at all. Most of the time, not responding at all is usually the best approach anyway, as most if not all internet fights are just tempests in teapots anyway. The vast majority are just deeply personal fights and it is better to not get entangled in it - even if it is being done in the name of some sectarian agenda. In the end, that is all the different sects/schools/orgs and other things are anyway - just people finding ways to work together (or not).

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei

Vanya,

I think you are correct. We should certainly examine our own motives first. That does not mean that we must wait until we reach perfection to comment. These dialogues can be a healthy part of that process of self reformation.

One thing, I think it is better to talk about principles, concepts, and methods; rather than targeting specific people or groups. I also think it is better to discuss the mistakes of people in general instead of pointing fingers. Again, that does not preclude commenting fairly and expressing disapproval of specific actions of specific people.

It was kind of funny when I announced my disassociation from SGI. Several people assumed I must now hate SGI and wish to destroy them. That seems to be a "for or against us" mentality.

Dr Mark,

What are the ethics of treating people who do not want to be treated? It also looks to me like SGI's issues are the chronic sort; not anything acute that requires drastic intrusive intervention.

"We're all bozos on this bus." - Firesign Theater.

I agree with Ryuei: for most people I suspect this is not a huge issue. It would be fine with them if their parent sect wanted to co-operate with other sects. Most do so already.

As for on-line fighting, I don't take it all that seriously. Maybe it's naive but I consider most people I've met on-line as friends. Even the ones I've gotten into knock-down drag-out fights with.

The obvious is respect or lack thereof. Agenda's become secondary. This group has an agenda and HTC you do not even use your real name and yopur language reflects your respectworthy attitude.

this small gropup is in no way a real reflection of anything other than this small group and their desire to use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals/agenda as is most americans. I have no agenda beyond that noting this groups agenda which is obvious with the lack of ability to respect anyone else other than themselves.

HTC reflect on your language and attitude as I reflect on mine, and pperhaps you need to grow up. You still need to call on a christian entity to get the point across and you need not worry about my sex life, as it is no concern of yours.

I prefer not to waste time with this small insular group attmepting to convey their ideas as something bigger. The difference is I have a real life outside of your fights with me merely because of my affiliation with the SGI. Question answered for all of you. You can not get along with others and that is evidenced here.

You guys can not respect one another how will you ever respect anyone else?

Patrick

Do the Baptists really participate in Christmas festivals with the Catholics? I've never seen it. I think the closest I've seen is an ecumenical Easter Sunrise service where they light candles sing a couple of songs that everybody knows then go to services in their respective churches. I think that there have been ecuminical services but it is the exception rather than the rule and I don't think the more unique brands like Mormon or Jehova's Witnesses are involved. I have no expectation that Nichiren groups will get along well enough to do anything together the best that could be hoped for is that they stop their public bickering in order to not seem foolish, and judging by some groups even that seems too much to ask.

Snarky:

Chiefly British Slang.
testy or irritable; short.

"I have also received your news about the beheading of the Mongol envoys. How pitiful that they have beheaded the innocent Mongol
envoys and yet failed to cut off the heads of the priests of the Nembutsu, Shingon, Zen and Ritsu sects, who are the real enemies of our country!" -- The Mongol Envoys.

"All the Nembutsu and Zen temples, such as Kenchoji, Jufuku-ji, Gokuraku-ji, Daibutsuden, and Choraku-ji, should be burned to the ground, and their priests taken to Yui Beach to have their heads cut off." -- The Selection of the Time

Clown Hidden,

While the evangelical Christians don't usually participate, we have members of Religious Science, St. Thomas Christians, Christian Science, Methodist Church, Islam, Judaism, Baha'i, Bhakti Yoga, Wicca, the Aetherius Society, Zen Buddhism, and Nichiren Shu Buddhism on our local interfaith council. We did have a local Presbyterian minister on the council a few years ago and a long-time member of the Unity Church.

All of the members on the council have the opportunity to participate in our services, which include the National Day of Prayer Service on the 1st Thursday each May, the 9/11 Service in September, and the Thanksgiving Service in November. Each speaks about the theme of the service from their relgious tradition's perspective or offers a prayer that is in keeping with the theme for 2 minutes each (otherwise our service would go more overtime than that it already does).

I've been on the interfaith council for 8 years, first representing SGI, now representing Nichiren Shu. We generally all get along really well as long as someone isn't trying to be preachy to the rest of us or telling us how to pray. What being on the council has done for me is make me aware of how much we have in common and strengthen my own faith. Uniting with others is powerful. I highly recommend it.

Michele

Patrick did I hit a sore spot. Yea when I read your and Marks post last night I kind of temporairly lost it. Isn't fuck a Buddhist term.

Patrick you are a punk little snitch. You come to these forums and then run back an report to your leaders. Yea my friend punk, snitch.

And i am sure you would love to have my real name.

Soka Gakkai officially, the approved corporate side, engages in far worse conduct than anything Mark Rogow posts at FWP. SGI spends members donations stroking Ikeda's already over inflated ego; while smkearing people who cross him.

In a recent post. Mark made things a bit too personal by mentioning a tragedy that had touched some lives. Most of the time, Mark is just boring by making the same points over and over.

He happens to be right on those two points, those being the Treasure Of Buddha; and the Mentor Disciple thing. I think Ryuei, Andy, Charles, myself, and many others who hang out here agree with Mark on those points. I jusr prefer to persuade people by appealing to a few proof texts, reason, and my own transformative experiences.

Long lists of boring proof texts, followed by cocky excessively assertive claims, and threats of divine punishment, cause my mind to close.

HTT,
I could care less for your name. You are just childish and lack respect or any form of adult as is evident with your language and lack of respect for anyone as you hiode behind those in your posting. I can guarantee you would not talk to me in this manner face to face, which is exactly why the SGI does not participate on the internet. you are actual proof of the overwhelming attitude, and you most certainly reflect the reason why people do not get along here and elsewhere on the internet.

As I said before this group lacks the ability to respect others as I have experienced over the years and you are part of the new generation of lacking respect.

Just as Nichieren says, "if the teaching you uphold is respectworthy so is the practioner." reflect on that attitude and wonder why you are not seen as practicing correctly as a Nichiren Buddhist with your lack of respect for others.

perhaps you never read the Boddhisattva Never Disparaging Chapter of the Lotus Sutra or the Gosho Nichiren wrote regarding the same attitude.

Patricik

When it comes right down to it ALL religions are one, one in the sense that they are all full of lies for the purposes of money, control, and power. Maybe it's better that they can't unite in any meaningful way. Maybe the best thing would be to starve them all out of existence by refusing to participate. I don't think the Buddha meant to start a religion but rather undermine them. Unfortunately he organized the homeless followers and started one anyway.

Patrick slow down. Your not making any sense. Sounds like your typing real fast and breathing real hard. Are you or are you not a snitch?
You say SGI doesn't participate on the internet. Aren't you SGI and you are here?
Dude your just taling real fast and not saying anything. And if I was talking to you face to face I would say the same thing.
Patrick I know you are a snitch and you know that so lets move on. I am done with you my man.

htt,
Obviously you feel the need to act authoritivr and tell me what to do and perceive what is not to justify your actions.

I am just a member and do not represent SGI. you are wrong on that point, but you so dearly want to be right. I am just a concerned individual.

You calling me a name exactly justifies why this unsular group does not respect self or tohers.

I do not breath hard, again you are wrong.

I guess you could surmise your observations of me are all wrong and that is why this group does not get along and has an obvious agenda.

Take a deep breath and take that in.

If we were talking face to face and you name called me as you have, you would be talking to yourself and not me, as I would not be there any longer. Again you are wrong.

Patrick

"In my own experience I have had friendly conversation with SGI leaders (even paid staff - though these were strictly unofficial off the record informal talks), I have been lent the use of a Nipponzan Myohoji Temple, Nichiren Shu ministers often have meetings with and dialogues with their counterparts in the other schools, Theravadin monks often visit Nichiren Shu temples and facilities and vice versa for the sake of learning and Buddhist solidarity, and in fact at the meeting I just attended in Tokyo at Nichiren Shu's home office, a Christian minister (Swedenbourgian) gave an all day seminar on pastoral counseling for the Nichiren Shu ministers interested in pursuing that."

What kind of king of the Law are you so-called Nichiren priests that have to go to a christian to find out how to "minister" to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth? You are a fraud.

Mark

Since the SGI members' illness is more of a psychological or spiritual illness and therefore they are the children who have lost their original minds it is as if treating a psychiatric patient. It is mandated by Law tht you treat them whether or not they consent to treatment. If need be you may have to place them in four point restraints and inject the medicine if they won't take it voluntarily. Failure to treat and you would lose your license just as failure to treat in the Buddhist sense and you lose your "license" as a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

Mark

"In response to clown, I reiterate that in Japan the traditional schools do get along and are in fact part of this Nichiren's Disciples Assocation (I have the Japanese name written down on my computer at home). The New Religions are not part of that group, but for the most part they do get along quite well with Nichiren Shu. I can't speak for the others. People imagine all of this fighting going on - but really it is just a few people on the internet fighting - people who are not even necessarily representative of their affiliation."

You totally miss the point. If one or some or a group or groups is heterodox, getting along for getting along's sake is neither noble nor does it have anything to do with he Lotus Sutra or the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin.

And here in America, even though my priest asks me to get along with the Nichiren Shu, as long as they are asking christian ministers for advice they are not practicing the Lotus Sutra nor the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin and I will not get along for getting along's sake.

I once went to a Nichiren Shu priest seeking answers to my problems that were quite severe at the time and although he was a very nice young man, the depth of his faith and comprehension was too shallow for me to accept him as my priest. Now, although I do support a priest in his endeavors to transmit the teachings, and consider him to be my priest, in reality, he is no more than a good friend in the dharma. I consider myself to be a direct disciple of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin. As proof, I have the writings of Nichiren Daishonin to verify my claim.

Mark

Snarky:

Chiefly British Slang.
testy or irritable; short.

"I have also received your news about the beheading of the Mongol envoys. How pitiful that they have beheaded the innocent Mongol
envoys and yet failed to cut off the heads of the priests of the Nembutsu, Shingon, Zen and Ritsu sects, who are the real enemies of our country!" -- The Mongol Envoys.

"All the Nembutsu and Zen temples, such as Kenchoji, Jufuku-ji, Gokuraku-ji, Daibutsuden, and Choraku-ji, should be burned to the ground, and their priests taken to Yui Beach to have their heads cut off." -- The Selection of the Time

That would have resolved Japan's and the worlds problems. World War II would never have materialized and millions of Chinese, Japanese, and American lives would have been saved. I advocate the same for the top leaders of SGI, the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu, and the leaders of the islamic fundementalists.

Mark

Rogow should be beheaded. Or at least given a wedgie. What an asshole.

Cheers!

Andy

I was not going to comment,
Andy you cracked me up...

But to inject something more serious...
I am sure Nichiren reached his limits, and wanted to see this sort of thing to make a point, to show the real enemy of the country, but should he try and save the country which is temporary and always changing, or just bring people to the Lotus Sutra? All this focus on Japan and being a a priest was out of focus. What if he was a Sushi chef and didn't give a sh*t about Japan.

Bruce

Thank you for information!
:)

Nichiren Sect Members do have a Common Ground - It's a land that is in turmoil due to the Buddha Coughing to get their attention - it's a sort of clearing of the throat that rattles the whole universe.

Some folks have recognised this and opened their ears and some are pointing fingers at others blaming them for the earth rattling and instability that they feel! It was ever thus!

Eventually they will all be obliged to listen and take note of the way the earth wobbles when a Cosmic Throat Clearing comes about - but until then we will just have to deal with the panic a finger wagging that does occur! Some folks Listen and others see great value in wagging pointed digits - and some of these are praised in Sutras and others not even mentioned!

@~>~>~~~

I keep coming back to look at this blog and it struck me that one of the last things Greg did was ask why we couldn't all get along.

I am answering that on my blog Clown.
Nichiren is not a Religion, Group or Sect.
He was a man, that saw a truth in the Lotus Sutra.
You don't worship Nichiren.
Bruce

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