I've been reading all the blogs on this site and have been mighty impressed. Lots of bright people with great writing skills. Sincere thoughts on their perspective on faith. This is the site I have always hoped for.
Now that everyone is comfortable with the nicey nicey stuff, people are starting to strut their argumentative selves. I think this is natural. Besides the founder of our collective tradition, Nichiren was a superb debater and scholar. I personally think anyone who studies the Gosho has to develop some form of critical thinking to make sense of it all. I personally channel Shijo Kingo (that hot headed physician in the Gosho).
Sometimes I think it is just human nature to have folks split up into many different versions of the same faith. Christianity is such a great example with Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals many times slugging it out. Sunni and Shi- ite Muslim have centuries of disagreement many times leading to some bloody battles (humm perhaps part of the Iraq problem). Wahabi Muslims just have it out many times with all of their other brethren. The many forms of Judaism also are contentious. That's just to name a few.
So, seeing so many versions of Nichiren Buddhism doesn't seem so odd to me. Even all the arguments or as I like to put it , "I/we have the franchise on the true interpretation and practice of what Nichiren taught." I'm always a bit suspicious when one group stays so focused on being the "true beliver" (probably my biggest discomfort I have being a SGI member). Hearing from folks from the different Nichiren approaches gives me a chance to also take a look from the outside of my own tradition.
I see this site as chance to reach across our differences to share experiences, dialogue on theoretical issues and even have fun sometimes doing it.
Okay y'all let's keep it up!
4 snaps to the four directions,
Dr. Mimi
Posted by drmimi at April 15, 2004 06:58 PMDr. Mimi -
As I have posted before on the previous incarnation of this site, my vision of where Nichiren Buddhism can go has changed greatly in the last few years. I have no trouble visualizing a Nichiren Shu temple on one corner; an SGI Community center a couple of blocks down; a Nichiren Shoshu temple a mile away; a Reiyukai center over there; HBS, Shoshinkai and RKK meeting across town and so on; along with different groups of independents who meet at the local library on Tuesday nights and so forth.
I think if anyone truly wants to see a significant portion of the population practicing Nichiren's Buddhism, there are going to have to be (at least) several "flavors" available to choose from. Looking at the way that Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and the rest of the Buddhist traditions have all grown and developed into many different variations on a theme should be enough to prove the point.
I am happy if anyone is chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo; I don't expect that everyone is going to be comfortable with exactly the same type and style of practice that I am. Some people really enjoy ritual and ceremony; some people like a bare essentials type of practice. Some want a tightly defined set of doctrines; some want the freedom to explore different ideas and concepts within the framework of their practice. We can discuss differences in doctrine and interpretation of Nichiren's teaching; we can agree to disagree on certain points; but I do not believe that there is only one way to do this if we really want Nichiren Buddhism to become a significant force for change in our world. Of course, as Rev. Greg says, your mileage may vary.
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett
Posted by: Engyo Mike Barrett at April 19, 2004 06:33 AMHello everyone,
Great to see all the comments. So many questions for further thought.
I liked the Jackson Browne song title-- a really long sentence for a 7 year old to master :). He's still in the "oh yeah", "cause I said so" stage.
I'm doing my best to model tolerance for him. No we don't sit around campfires and sing "Kumbaya." Just try to be decent and civil.
Mimi
Posted by: Mimi at April 17, 2004 06:34 PMDear Doctor Mimi
What you write makes so much sense and I enjoy your warm friendly style
Please accept my appreciation and encouragement
By the way here's some thoughts for your embattled
Buddhist son
People Take Different Roads Seeking Fulfilment And Happiness.
Just Because They're Not On Your Road Doesn't Mean They're Lost. H. Jackson Browne
Religions are different roads converging to the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads, so long as we reach the same goal? In reality, there are as many religions as there are individuals Mahatma Ghandi
Best Wishes
Ivan
You wrote:
"Do the other Nichiren groups think that of SGI I wonder?"
See http://www.sg-eye.com and http://www.daisaku-ikeda.com It isn't just the other Nichiren sects that think SGI is a dangerous cult.
Cody
Posted by: Cody at April 16, 2004 04:05 AMI'm with you Mrs Dr Mimi. . . ;-) (snap snap)
There is so much about SGI that I love, and I am a member of SGI for the last year & a 1/2. . .and then the articles recently exploring Christianity/Buddhism in LB I thought were great.
But this intense sense of other Nichiren sects being "evil" or whatever. . .makes me VERY uncomfortable.
Do the other Nichiren groups think that of SGI I wonder?
Last study meeting we read and discussed "the bodies and minds of ordinary beings". . .since we are moving into May offerings. . .
Lots of stress was put on making offerings to those correctly teaching. . .and only SGI is correctly teaching (of course). . .blah blah.
;-)
Do the other sects look at SGI the same way?
Do the other Nichiren sects translate that Gosho to mean that only they are practicing correctly and everyone else isn't?
Things that make you go hmmmmm. . . .? (did I actually type that? did that come out of me? how annoying! ;-))
I agree with you. . .it makes sense that many different sects would develop. . .it's a great teaching/philosophy. . .but each individual may interperet some things differently. . .then those individuals get together. . .and so on. . .and so on. . .and so on (sort of like the shampoo commercial. . .)
I love Nichiren Buddhism. . .but I really have a problem with any religion/organization thinking they have a market on the truth. . .
Posted by: john at April 15, 2004 08:04 PM