Someone asked me:
I've read through your website and if I've read you
correctly, you practice Nichiren Buddhism but are
quite annoyed and upset by all this infighting. Can
you give me a good reason to continue to learn more
about Nichiren Buddhism as opposed to another kind of
Buddhism?
Answer:
1. The daimoku; Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is a powerful chant with a deep meaning in and of itself. It "implements" the Lotus Sutra, which is indeed a really deep teaching, which the more I study the more I appreciate.
2. Good people. Lots of them.
3. Most Buddhism is confused about the subjects Nichiren talked about in his Gosho; and most religions are confused about subjects Buddhism is clear on. Object of Worship, meaning of enlightenment, and the distinction between Buddhism, magic, self-improvement, and other religions. Studying the Lotus Sutra can ease the mind and help one see through these distinctions.
4. I would suggest chanting and practicing with SGI, but not getting too wrapped up in any hype, anaecdotal claims, or triumphalism. Appreciate what they are teaching and learn from them. They don't demand money. You don't need an ashram. They don't require initiation or treat you like a dummy if you haven't had one. And you can learn a lot of Buddhism from them if you take them with a little salt. Which is something one should do with all religious groups.
Chris
Chris -
Just curious -
Would you recommend any other of the Nichiren groups to anyone who was fortunate to live near an active sangha? If not, why only SGI and none other? If so, which ones, and why?
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett
Posted by: Engyo Mike Barrett at October 20, 2004 08:30 AMAt this point, whatever group people join I'd give the same advice. The only ones I'd warn them against joining are: those that ask them for money, those who try to isolate them from others, or any group where there are too many people who look way too happy.
Posted by: chris at October 21, 2004 06:27 AMChris:
as a 31 year SGI member with lots of issues, I agree with you...especially the innate goodness of the members..It is these bonds that keep me associated...in fact, Nichiren says it is these bonds that are the reason for his teachings to exist...
Maybe in another 31 years I'll work out my own salvation...
David
Posted by: David Johnson at October 21, 2004 09:30 PMI will introduct individuals first to my own denomination, then let them know that there are other groups to practice with if they wish to do so. I will even go as far as helping them contact the other groups and attending the meeting with them, if they wish. Dave in Ks.
Posted by: Dave Halverson at October 21, 2004 11:14 PMI will introduct individuals first to my own denomination, then let them know that there are other groups to practice with if they wish to do so. I will even go as far as helping them contact the other groups and attending the meeting with them, if they wish. Dave in Ks.
Posted by: Dave Halverson at October 21, 2004 11:14 PMSorry about the repeating comments, I kinda was doszing and must have press the the button several times. dave in ks.
Posted by: Dave Halverson at October 21, 2004 11:17 PMWell No problem. I have the ability to hit the "delete Key." I deleted the extra entries. And that is the last entry on this thread. (I get the last word). Feel free to comment on other pages.
Posted by: Chris at October 24, 2004 10:25 AMChris. As a member of the SGI in Denmark, Copenhagen, I know that what you are writing is plain wrong. It is true that the SGI is not a dark cult. It is a bright cult but that does not make it any less dangerous. You write that one is not treated like "a dummy" if you don´t join. In fact the group pressure and propaganda is enormous. I agree with EVERYTHING Lisa Jones wrote, and it´s obvious to any one who is not a brainwashed cult-zombie that the SGI is not a credible Sangha. If one tries to practice or learn about Buddhism one will be victimized in all sorts of ways. You have to face the truth. SGI is plain evil.
Best regards
Peter
Hi Greg. I´m breathing. It doesn´t change the fact: SGI is Evil Incarnate. It is the Beast of the Revelation.
Let me give an example. Anyone knows that chanting (i.e. praying) for materiel benefits is basic heresy. EVERYBODY KNOWS this whether they care to admit it or not. It´s just buddhist heresy. End of discussion.
Best regards
Peter
Lisa Jones is The Woman Clothed by the Sun.
Posted by: Peter Röder at November 9, 2004 10:29 AMHi. Listen. I´ve just read the conversation on the other website, Greg, and it´s obvious that you are wrong and Lisa is right. Of course, I could joke all night long about the SGI being the avichi-hell, or the Red Dragon, and Lisa being a super-hero, and stuff like that but that does not change the fact that I and several thousands of other people have been victimized and will continue to be victimized by this cult. You might not have any sympathy with that but that´s your karma and you are going to have to live with that.
Bye.
Peter
Posted by: Peter Röder at November 9, 2004 01:41 PMPeter. Listen. If you wish to wave your banner of wrong and right, you may wish to do it on an up-to-date blog. "Why practice with the SGI" is burried in Chris Holte's archive and I doubt if many, or any are getting to share in your tirade.
End of discussion.
Rev. Greg, Shidoshi
Posted by: Rev. Greg at November 9, 2004 03:56 PM