April 01, 2009
HERDING CATS
BEING AUTHENTIC IN AN ABSURD WORLD
Everything I am about to address has been discussed before and will probably continue to be. It is not that these topics are new. It is just my time or my turn to do so because for if I do not some may infer that my silence implies complicity. Point of fact I am directing this to those who visit this blog and have a capacity equal to its latitude. I apologize for its length. It has been gestating for over a year.
After sequestering myself from contact in any form with the Soka Gakkai, or NSA as it was known then in America, other than what effects I observed it had upon my ex wife and our child, I re-engaged myself after 20 years of solitary practice. I was completely unaware of any changes that had taken place. For example, I walked into the now defunct North Hollywood Community Center in 2000 and saw chairs to sit on and no delineation for men to sit on one side and women on the other. I saw for the first time pictures of the Sho Hondo being demolished. When I asked the lady behind the desk what had happen she was apoplectic in describing how the evil priesthood, as she collectively demonized them, had bulldozed that particular Great Secret Law. They were also keeping another, the Dai Gohonzon, all to themselves, and had excommunicated we lay practitioners who followed the organization, now referred to as the SGI, once aligned to the same priesthood. Okay, what’d else I miss as Rip Van Buddhist? And where can I get a handkerchief to wipe off this woman’s spittle?
“All dreamers and sleepwalkers must pay the price, and even the invisible victim is responsible for the fate of all. But I shirked that responsibility; I became too snarled in the incompatible notions that buzzed within my brain. I was a coward...
But what did I do to be so black and blue? Bear with me.”
Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man
And lest the reader jump to conclusions about where this is headed I will reiterate Ellison; bear with me.
My re-reading of Ellison’s novel was like listening to jazz and I find myself, and my Buddhist belief system, reflected in both. Critical examinations of Ellison’s existentialism have said that his identity as an African-American author and the rallying point it provided eclipsed his efforts of trying to define himself not just as a black man but as an everyman; “trying to find an authentic way of being in an absurd world.” Gordon Marino
One of my favorite comedians is Steven Wright. He is authentically absurd:
I BOUGHT A DOG THE OTHER DAY. I NAMED HIM ‘STAY’. IT’S FUN TO CALL HIM. “COME HERE, STAY! COME HERE, STAY!” IT DROVE HIM INSANE. NOW HE JUST IGNORES ME AND KEEPS TYPING.
For my purposes, which I hope become self evident, I’m going include quotes from a book that contains lectures from Daisaku Ikeda delivered to Americans in America. This is juxtaposed to what I believe is the hijacking of some of his works that were delivered for a specific purpose to a specific audience in a specific country and then given specious titles like “President Ikeda Talks About Soka Spirit” when reprinted out of context. Or this from the introduction to the to the SGI-USA Code of Conduct for Leaders:
And as second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda shares: “The Soka Gakkai is my life. It must always remain an organization of pure faith that exists to accomplish kosen-rufu. We must never stand by and let our precious organization be polluted by impure hearts and minds!” (The Human Revolution, p. 1902).
Technically, it is Ikeda who is sharing in his never-ending narrative. This quote, however, is being used by those in power in the SGI-USA to justify their purposes, a mandatory signature contract between anyone up for a potential leadership position or those already in place.
Here is a quote for my purposes:
“President Toda detested formality. For this reason, as his disciple, I have tried to place foremost emphasis on substance. Formalities are important in certain cases, but mere formality that lacks substance is an evil. Formality is provisional and substance, essential. Formality is conventional and therefore conservative, but substance provides the impetus for progress and development.”
Daisaku Ikeda, My Dear Friends In America
The above issue that Mr. Ikeda addresses is so omnipresent in the SGI-USA it could be approached through many avenues. But I believe the next sentence is the quickest way to the cul-de-sac that they all lead to, and the endemic problems found there:
“Not signing, therefore not accepting the Code of Conduct for Leaders, disqualifies one from leadership in the SGI-USA.”
SGI-USA.
The only justification for the above quoted sentence about the code of conduct is the sentence itself. It is not a choice being handed out, but the illusion of one. The word for that is coercion. It is mandated constraints, which render the substance of the individual second to the signing of the form. Its makers, above the individual, value the form, and all it’s formality.
“If blinded by the mirage of an organization, a leader tries to operate by giving orders and applying pressure, nothing will change, because no spontaneous or genuine power will be generated among the people who make up that body.”
Daisaku Ikeda, My Dear Friends In America
The reasons behind the code of conduct and it’s ancillary enforcer, the mandatory signature form, have been stated by those extolling its merits as protecting the members of the SGI-USA from unscrupulous or misguided people in positions of leadership. I find that ironic. Misguided people wrote it. It does, however, tell one how to act, how to think, and my personal favorite, how to feel about your actions even before you take them.
A DIVERSE ORGANIZATION THAT DOES NOT TOLERATE DIVERSITY
“One who has the courage to speak the truth lives a truly splendid and fulfilling life. In any sphere of society, if one loses this courage and becomes obsequious, one cannot resist exploitation by corrupt authorities.”
Daisaku Ikeda, My Dear Friends In America
Something that hasn’t changed either in the twenty years I was absent nor the last ten I’ve been present, is the size of this formal and orchestrated movement of propagation in this nation. At least, not inside the organization itself. It’s about the same size as it was thirty or so years ago. Maybe even a little smaller. Perhaps that is because it practices exclusivity. It is a diverse organization of people that does not tolerate diversity of behavior. The mandatory signature form is a very good example of this. When the formalized leadership is more concerned with the rigidity of conformity than with substance, then people who have relinquished their substance will find it very uncomfortable to have those around them who have not. Actually, the obsequious people, to use Mr. Ikeda’s word, that have been created will pester those of independence to become like them. If that doesn’t work, they will be shunned. These newly shunned people become invisible. It’s easy to slip out the back door when you can’t be seen.
I have no idea what the numbers are exactly, but for arguments sake let’s say that for every member that continues to practice under the SGI-USA umbrella, there are more, many more, who have left. Now some of those no longer practice at all. Some still practice, as I did, solo. Some come back only to leave again. I personally know people who have a Gohonzon enshrined that they are reluctant to chant to and equally reluctant to take down. So again for arguments sake and based on the fact that somewhere around 800,000 Gohonzons have been handed out in America, and there are 50,000 to 150,000 active in the SGI-USA today, let’s figure this out. Ex-members who still practice, practice part time, or don’t practice at all out number the organizational members around 8 to1. That’s a conservative estimate both ways.
IN MY HOUSE THERE IS A LIGHT SWITCH THAT DOESN’T DO ANYTHING. EVERY SO OFTEN I WOULD FLICK IT JUST TO CHECK. YESTERDAY I GOT A CALL FROM A LADY IN GERMANY. SHE SAID, “CUT IT OUT.”
Steven Wright
What would happen if all these invisible people suddenly became visible? What if at every district meeting there appeared a proportionally appropriate number of ex members who for some reason decided to re-engage? If you have a district of 40 members on paper where 10 people usually attended meetings, what if suddenly there were 20 extra people? And what if when the person leading this supposed meeting referred to Daisaku Ikeda collectively as “our mentor” as most of the top leadership do, and suddenly 20 non-obsequious hands were raised protesting that decision being made for them? I believe that protest is at the crux of what Nichiren terms Kosen-rufu and Daisaku Ikeda calls human revolution. Telling people, however, who their supposed mentor is, is not the same as leading them to an arena of discovery.
“TO BE A HERO YOU NEED TO LEARN TO BE A DEVIATE BECAUSE YOU’RE GOING AGAINST THE CONFORMING OF THE GROUP.”
Philip Zimbardo TED-How people become monsters or heroes.
“YOU NEED THE DEVIATE TO TELL YOU WHEN YOU’RE BLOWING IT.”
Lenny Bruce
The movie Gandhi has many great quotes. Here are just two:
Brigadier: You don't think we're just going to walk out of India!
Gandhi: Yes. In the end, you will walk out. Because 100,000 Englishmen simply cannot control 350 million Indians, if those Indians refuse to cooperate.
Gandhi: We think it is time that you recognized that you are masters in someone else's home. Despite the best intentions of the best of you, you must, in the nature of things, humiliate us to control us. General Dyer is but an extreme example of the principle... it is time you left.
What if instead of marching TO the sea to make salt in protest, a half a million invisible Buddhists re-engaged and marched FROM the sea to a building on the corner of Wilshire and 6th in Santa Monica. And what if when they got there, they exclaimed, “Cut it out.”
Of course the very nature of autonomous thinking makes such a gathering highly unlikely. Richard Dawkins postulates in his book The God Delusion that the very nature of atheists makes them nearly impossible to organize. Being independent they see no need to formalize a group that exists to expound the fact that something that they do not believe in does not exist. Like cats, free thinkers are independent. It would be like trying to herd cats. But what if?
And since we started with the absurd, is it too absurd to think of the Soka Gakkai USA as the mire, the bog, out of which blossom the flowers of Kosen-rufu?
I wish there were still the obvious cultural diversity issues, like men sitting on one side of the room and women on the other, so that there wouldn’t be this superficial illusion of how much we’ve changed. (Please note I’ve included myself as part of this organization) I have several people with whom I share these issues and from whom I have sought council. Some are within the SGI-USA leadership and some are not. Some are not Buddhist. I have the good fortune to call them my friends. Not one of them actually needs a position or a label to engage with people in a helpful compassionate way. One of them did once comment that because of the culture of origin it might take 500 years for this Buddhism to incorporate itself into American society. At times I think this extreme. At other times the cynic in me thinks this optimistic because there has been no room at the top for any other version. It has been orchestrated shut and there will be no tolerance for any deviation by deviates. But another of my good friends appeals to me with hope and says we are all deviates for each other: blossoms.
Speaking of orchestration, I’ve got to share the new SGI-USA Men’s Division flag and mottoes.
SGI-USA Men’s Division Mottoes
as
Proud Disciples of SGI President Ikeda
“America’s Roaring Lions,
Turn Winter into Spring”
“Disciples, Advance Triumphantly
with Stalwart Resolve”
“Lion Kings of America,
Seize Resounding Victory”
January 2, 2009
Daisaku
I’m so disappointed. I was hoping, absurdly so, for “Interrupting Cow Carpe ‘Moo!’ Diem”. I’m not anything like a lion. In fact lions aren’t anything like the human qualities we attribute to them. Lions function by their evolved animal instincts. They roar. They procreate. They eat Christians. Being an instinctual beasts they don’t discriminate between belief systems and would find Muslims, Buddhists, and atheists just as tasty. The males also kill all the progeny of the previous male when they take over a pride. Unlike humans, lions don’t have the capacity to be proud when they do it.
The flag? Well, it speaks for itself. Volumes. But it doesn’t speak for me. One of my friends, Julie who actually gave me permission to use her name, said the only thing missing on it was a penis. I guess they had to draw the line somewhere. So here it is. And a hardy “Sieg Heil” to us all!
Sir,
It is easy, too easy to poke fun, deconstruct, and "gasp" at images like the one you have posted above. However, just because these things do not cause you or I to practice, others might require this kind of imagery, these kinds of symbols to just keep them waking up with a sense of positivity and confidence in their lives. I was once quick to criticize the imperfect, now I only seek the Perfection of Wisdom.
Namaste
Posted by: cl at April 1, 2009 01:40 PMThat flag is SO gay.
I can't speak for anyone else but I suspect my experience is not unique. I joined NSA mostly because it was different. As the youngest child in my family I wanted something that was completely my own. Thus my secret relief (and ensuing sense of guilt) when members of my family tolerated my practice, but did not join themselves. Also I was rebelling, not against my parents and not in the usual way. A strict practice in a time of permissiveness (early 70s)? Great! A chance to get together in groups segregated by sex (I never joined the boy scouts), when everything else was co-ed? Great! A cause to believe in that wasn't run by a bunch of pimply-faced egomaniacs, like the peace movement? Even better!
Most of us joined NSA because we were free thinkers. How sad to see our organization hijacked by a bunch of bureaucratic drones.
Posted by: Vanya at April 1, 2009 08:19 PMOwn your own experience. Nobody is going to pay the bill for you.
namaste
Posted by: cl at April 1, 2009 08:26 PMDear Joe:
It is heartening that the Ikeda sect is aware of the cultural syncretism between Helenistic culture and Buddhism.
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 1, 2009 11:19 PMVanya Honey, if only that flag were gay! As a proud gay man i can tell you that i never got laid once attending a men's division meeting when i was with the SGI. Of course, being a healthy and fit gay man and having to shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of fat, balding middle-aged white guys giving it up for Sensei wasn't exactly a libido builder if you know what i meam. anyway.
Joe, an interesting post. the superficial and cult like nature of the org is what prompted me to explore other Nichiren paths and finally settle down elsewhere. i'm glad for a practice outside of the SGI.
Cheers!
Aaron
Posted by: Aaron Cantor at April 2, 2009 03:06 AMDavid:
Superb article. What if a person signed that paper with, "K.S. Myass"?
Charles
cl,
If you are speaking towards the capacity of individuals that will find this flag an inspirational point to rally to ultimately leading them to the essential, I'd like to address this because it continues to be an issue of concern.
Nichiren has continually pointed out that provisional sutras as expedients leading to the Lotus Sutra are complete and final in their function as their value depends upon capacity of the individual to be of value. But compared to the Lotus Sutra they are not complete and final, because the Lotus Sutra doesn't depend upon the capacity of the individual. And it's value is the same regardless of their capacity. The problem with this flag, and Vanya that's "flag" with an "L", is that it is being used as a blanket for everyones capacity. It's not being offered as a choice. As a member of the mens division (and I even have issues with divisions but essential battles first) I must carry this banner as I am being told it represents my practice, which it most certainly does not. It would be like me telling you that this is who you are. And if you say nothing, I assume you agree. As presented it is filled with formalized superfluous dogma, and as such, is an evil thing.
Aaron,
Slim pickings indeed. And Vanya was out of line. But we don't gather for Tupperware either.
Charles,
You crack Myass up. Wish I'd though of that. Chances are, nobody would have figured it out and I'd still be a district leader. It's just as well as I don't need a label to help my friends and myself as we practice together.
Joe,
As a Men's Division leader I, too, do not carry this around with me nor was it ever expressed that this must "represent" me nor have I witnessed this being "pushed" on anyone else. I always feel like my capacity as a human being is both respected as well as tested by any activities in any organization no matter whether it is religious, humanitarian, civic, professional, or otherwise. Perhaps I don't invite the kind of "pressure" I sometimes hear reported by members or ex-members...perhaps. It is not my experience. I am not looking for a proxy for anything in my life. I am seeking wisdom and to deepen my compassion for every Bodhisattva emerging from this earth. This is what is meant by the Roar of a Lion or the Teaching of as Buddha.
namaste
Posted by: cl at April 2, 2009 05:10 PMAaron, you didn't practice in San Francisco, did you?
David, sometimes a flag is just a flag.
CL, when are you going to learn to think for yourself?
Posted by: Vanya at April 2, 2009 05:15 PMVanya,
Please keep in mind that I did not join the NSA in the 1970s, 1980s or 1990s.
cheers
Posted by: cl at April 2, 2009 05:22 PMVanya,
i practice both my homosexuality and buddhism in toronto - i also travel.
Joe, i have a tupperware fetish so don't tease me like that.
Namu myoho renge kyo,
Aaron
Posted by: Aaron Cantor at April 2, 2009 09:33 PMNichiren refers to the "lions Roar" as the shared understanding between mentor and disciple; Nichiren as mentor, and I as disciple.
The SGI promoting Nichiren's core determination of "propogation as the primary outcome of the practice of chanting nam myoho renge kyo, is just that a reason for the SGI to exist.
As a member, anyone is free to speak as they desire. However, If one is to call themself a leader or a representative of the SGI, representing what the SGI believes is essential to being a leader of the SGI. Knowing what the SGI represents is also essential, as well as knowing what the SGI does not represent.
Ensuring leaders act like leaders is not new. Corporations and many other organizations do the same thing.
Diversity is easy, respecting the other person's opinion is more difficult, as many on the internet express daily; while maintaing a lofty view above others; non-budhist views. Nichiren spaeaks about this in iitai doshin. it works both ways, you want to be respected in your opinions respect others opinions equally as your own.
Regarding the flag, a Lion, Nichiren's invetion of what a mentor and disciple appears like; three pillars, faith, practice, and study, and the banner, proud to be a disciple.
I do not mind having been a disciple of president Ikeda's for more than forty years now, working with sensei on the lofty goal of propogation or kosen-rufu.
Even Shakyamuni Buddha encourages each of us to find a 'good teacher,' for me Nichiren with nam myoho renge kyo, and President Ikeda for how to propogate today.
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at April 3, 2009 03:59 PMPatrick--
You know little to nothing about Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism because you study and practice SGI Buddhism. Nichiren writes in the Opening of the Eyes about the lion's roar,
“‘The monks [whom you are speaking of] preach various teachings, but still they are not able to utter “the lion’s roar.” . . . Nor are they able to refute and convert evil persons who go against the correct teaching. Monks of this kind can bring no benefit either to themselves or to the populace. You should realize that they are in fact shirkers and idlers. Though they are careful in observing the precepts and maintain spotless conduct, you should realize that they cannot achieve anything. [Then a monk raises “the lion’s roar.” . . .] Those who break the precepts, upon listening to his preaching, are all enraged to the point where they attack him. This preacher of the Law, though he may in the end lose his life, is still worthy of being called a person who observes the precepts and brings benefits to both himself and others.’ ” -- Opening of the Eyes
The lion's roar is shakabuku. This nonsense about mentor and disciple will destroy Buddhism in no time. Who will you take as your mentor when Ikeda dies, Hiramasu Ikeda? We of the Kempon Hokke have two eternal masters, both embodied in the Gohonzon and Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin.
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 3, 2009 05:51 PMactual proof of the non-buddhist practice of Mark Rogow:
"You know little to nothing about Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism because you study and practice SGI Buddhism. "
metaphor = entity
peace
Posted by: cl at April 3, 2009 06:05 PMSorry CL and Patrick AND with all due respect, I'm 100% with Mark on this one.
The lion's roar is based in shakubuku based on The Lotus Sutra - the modern day mentor is only an expedient, as the true mentor is Shakyamuni Buddha, and His votary disciple, Nichiren. The SGI has replaced The Buddha and The Lotus Sutra with the personality and teachings of Mr. Ikeda - they are not the same, no matter how many people or how many times it is stated that they are one and the same. At some point, the lines between mentor and The Buddha/Lotus Sutra became blurred and now millons of people have gone astray.
Pull yourself back from this cunundrum and find your objectivity. I wish you well.
Charles
Posted by: Charles at April 3, 2009 07:40 PMCharles,
As you know I do often agree with you 95% of the time. I think i've probably said what I am going to say in so many permutations. I am a leader within my district and the triple gem simply is buddha, dharma, and sangha, the points of refuge. However, they might as well be Apple, Orange, and Mango, for even they are endowed with the buddha nature, the perfection of bearing the wisdom to appear in the world. My realm of sense-perception, though deluded at times, is certainly not rendered imperfect by any internal or external compulsion to transpose the essence of these three treasures with that which is outside myself or that which is the sole product of poisons or delusions. I mean to say, I am fully aware of what the externalization of, let's say, Mentor-Disciple relationship might "look like", but it is through the cleansing of one's perception, through the polishing of one's own life that we are able to see in as many directions as there are destinations. By the time we reach the destinations, they have vanished and we strive onward in spite of this apparent illusion, yet not deluded that anything, anything will remain unchanged or fixed, not by any name, human or otherwise.
namaste
Posted by: cl at April 3, 2009 07:58 PMIf I can add, the "lions roars" is nearly a ubiquitous tool used in both provisional and mahayana teachings to signify the fearless nature of the awakened Thus Come One. I'm not sure if it's really even worth debating in terms of shakabuku or shoju.
anamste
Posted by: cl at April 3, 2009 08:11 PMI do think it's sad and I wonder how much is cultural. But what this really made me think is I should put on Louis Armstrong, smoke a little weed and re-read Ralph Ellison. In my mind Ikeda is a bit of a buffoon which would be funnier if he wasn't getting on in years. It seems there are some people inspired by him. More power to 'em, but I'm not capable of being one of them. Live and let live.
Posted by: clown hidden at April 4, 2009 12:33 AMHi Joe,
Really well written, interesting engaging piece. Interesting more for the process you've gone through and how your mind works than the light it sheds on SGI, at least to me. Your perception of SGI is one which alot of people share, but clearly, alot do not. Some people seem to really grow by suppressing their critical mind and finding a way to move beyond the initially distasteful toward unity with the sangha. I couldn't do it, you can't do it, but the org is what it is and it ain't gonna change for me or you.
Why don't you do something completely out there like starting your version of the Gathering of Friends. Provide a place for people to practice in a non denominational open environment? We don't need no stinking march on SGI, and we don't need the SGI to change in order for there to be a place where people gather to practice as they see fit.
My wife and I have been hosting our Gathering of Friends for the past 4 years. We do it every month, people come. Every person is independant and has something unique to bring. Not everyone's a buddhist but they all like the idea of gathering together, practicing together and learning about each others views. There's no agenda and nothing specific we try to teach. The goal has been for the teaching to come from the people participating and the growth to come from learning that you can have a practice that is beneficial and someone else can have something different that's beneficial to them without feeling threatened by the difference.
We started out just chanting, then we added some silent meditation, then some Tai Chi and some Yoga. We mix it up and it may evolve further. This is just what our group of people have brought to the table. I guarantee there's something that pushes everyone's buttons but they deal with it becasue the atmosphere is warm, discussions are interesting we're truly all friends. Or maybe it's the lox and bagels. In either case I think all of us have learned that we can enjoy things that we thought we couldn't, and have become flexible without losing confidence in our own core practices.
Transcending differences is not really too hard unless you have a reason not to. Most religions provide alot of reasons not to. Gatherings of friends (non specific) don't have those sorts of agendas.
For us it's all about practicing together. We're never gonna start a movement, but I'm pretty confident that we'll have between 5-20 people at our house every month for the rest of our lives if we keep making our house available.
If you started a gathering of your own it would undoubtedly be different than ours. You're different, and your friends are different so the organsim created by that basket of skandas would by definition be different. And how cool would it be to see what might grow there?
Food for thought and if you make food available cats will start showing up.
Bill
Posted by: Bill at April 4, 2009 12:40 AMAnd I was inspired in the same way that Clown was. Need to read the Invisible Man, a hole in my education. I'd go with Coltrane and Mingus, but the weed will overcome all differences. Don't know Steven Wright but I like what I see.
Bill
Posted by: Bill at April 4, 2009 12:52 AMDear cl:
You wrote:
"As you know I do often agree with you 95% of the time. I think i've probably said what I am going to say in so many permutations. I am a leader within my district and the triple gem simply is buddha, dharma, and sangha, the points of refuge. However, they might as well be Apple, Orange, and Mango, for even they are endowed with the buddha nature, the perfection of bearing the wisdom to appear in the world.My realm of sense-perception, though deluded at times, is certainly not rendered imperfect by any internal or external compulsion to transpose the essence of these three treasures with that which is outside myself or that which is the sole product of poisons or delusions. I mean to say, I am fully aware of what the externalization of, let's say, Mentor-Disciple relationship might "look like", but it is through the cleansing of one's perception, through the polishing of one's own life that we are able to see in as many directions as there are destinations. By the time we reach the destinations, they have vanished and we strive onward in spite of this apparent illusion, yet not deluded that anything, anything will remain unchanged or fixed, not by any name, human or otherwise."
WHAT???????? this is exactly why the Kempon Hokke follows Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin and reads the Lotus Sutra and Gosho. Please wake up. At first a lot of nasty things came to mind, then pity and now mercy. Do yourself a favor. Step back a little, far enough back to take a little break from the SGI, their writings, their meetings, their Gongyo. Roll up your Nichikan Gohonzon and chant the Daimoku and recite the two chapters of the Lotus Sutra and come back and tell us how you feel.
Mark
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 4, 2009 04:38 AMAaron, Bill, Charles, Clown, cl, Mark, Patrick, Vanya, et all.
First let me say I appreciate your engagement. I’m not sure that anyone ever changes an opinion on this blog’s forum or that we are necessarily transcending anything for any commonality, but it certainly is thought challenging.
As far as Daisaku Ikeda is concerned, I admire the man. I have found myself emulating him in certain ways. I do not find him buffoonish nor do I fawn over him. Both extremes make me roll my eyes. I also have never given anyone permission to speak for me towards him. Nor will I ever. But he is responsible for bringing this religion global as a movement.
“Ensuring leaders act like leaders is not new. Corporations and many other organizations do the same thing.”
This is true. But it is only to ensure the survival of the corporation or the organization. Coke and Pepsi display cult like activities in trying to win back your loyalty. But they are not concerned about your happiness. The SGI-USA leadership has not been lead to an arena to transcend their differences. They have been mandated to relinquish them, thus ensuring that the organization will have uniformity in leadership. It also guarantees a lack of diversity. And I believe this is why as unfortunate as it may seem, the SGI-USA has demonstrated similar behavior of the same priesthood that they have been trying to rally against by looking too long into the abyss. This is also why so many of the non-obsequious members have left. It hurts to feel betrayed by people you thought of as friends when they shun you (or squeal on you) because you are not like them any longer because you haven’t relinquished your individuality under the guise of unity.
Speaking of transcending, I do not expect the SGI-USA organization to do so unless I remain engaged by transcending myself. I made a vow to myself, something rare for me as a non-indicative, empirically centered, less than spiritual atheistic Buddhist, to not let the organization shove me aside again. They need the Sisyphus’. Not the "condemned for eternity to futilely push his boulder" Sisyphus, but Camus’ protestor Sisyphus, who wouldn’t allow himself to be victimized by his fate. And I say without ego, something of which I have no shortage, that they need me and all the deviates the can keep. They need the Bills’, the Charles’, the Aarons’, and bring in the Clowns’. I do not want to dabble with formulas. But as I have said before in other blogs, I spend a great deal of time, regardless of how Daisaku Ikeda approaches the mass of believers’ capacity, attempting to take the Mystic out of the Law so it can become, even as Mr. Ikeda has said himself, common sense. But that does not mean to appreciate it less. Actually it should enable us to appreciate it more. Why should we think differently about functions that are Laws in the universe?
Posted by: joe at April 4, 2009 04:20 PMHi Joe,
Do it! I hope you can enjoy yourself while you fulfill your vow. I hope you can enjoy your practice and have fun taking on the challenge you've set for yourself. I did while I was in a similar mindset. I left the org and came back with a determination to not blame the org for anything. Going back under my own free will, with eyes wide open regarding the benefits and pitfalls of the org. Confident in my ability to say no when I needed to.
When I started to do things which I felt were in my own, my members, and the organizations best interest, but which were not according to the party line, I was open about it. I didn't want to skulk. Had some great discussions made some friends even though we disagreed. I started to get a reputation. I didn't seek it but it happened. I'm not a real in your face kind of guy, but decided at a certain point that I'd go to 606 Wilshire every morning to chant with the National leaders. I didn't go to "remonstrate" as Margie Hall thought the first day I showed up. I just went to chant and to make sure that the people I was developing a reputation among knew that I was full 3d human being not some sort of heretical cardboard cutout.
I enjoyed every bit of that challenge and those discussions. At a ccertain point the org became boring and the fight uninteresting and I needed to set out on a new path, one that was authentic for my spiritual growth. At a certain point the vow to create change from within became a restrictive and reactive box rather than a source of growth and stimulation. I'm not offering this as some sort of homily or warning. Just sharing. What I will offer as advice for what it's worth is that I've found that vows I have made which were growth stimulating and breakthough at one time have later on become restrictive boxes. I think that just the way things work, what one day is a stimulating, refreshing and enjoyable way of navigating can later become a huge burden we create out of our own attachment to the raft.
Anyway, I look forward to hearing about your journey.
Bill
Posted by: Bill at April 4, 2009 09:30 PMThanks Bill. I know you know I know, you know?
But getting back to all that jazz, Mingus and Coltrane:
I had a mens division meeting at my house where we discussed A LOVE SUPREME, AH UM and SKETCHES OF SPAIN. That may only have happened that once but for me it was THE BIRTH OF THE COOL!
Gee, Joe, I would think a self-important person whose actions are contrary to their rhetoric would be the very definition of bafoon. I also don't credit him personally with spreading Nichiren Shu around the world as he was helped by many many people who did the brunt of the work for which he so blithely accepts the credit.
Posted by: clown hidden at April 5, 2009 05:57 PMHi Joe,
Did you know that today is an important day on the Nichiren Buddhist calendar? Today my temple celebrated the Buddha's birthday. The main altar was decorated with very beautiful flowers and each member of the Sangha approached the altar, bowed to the Gohonzon and poured sweet tea on a statue of the Buddha. All this with a cacaphony of drums and Daimoku.
And that was what was missing in my SGI experience - a connection to the Buddha. The corporate, money-making aparatus which is the SGI wasn't actually what inspired me to leave, it was the lack of the connection to the Buddha.
We are all followers of Nichiren and we are all chanting the same Daimoku: SGI, Nichiren Shoshu, Nichren Shu or any of the other schools. We are all stumbling along on the path to enlightenment.
Aaron
Posted by: Aaron Cantor at April 6, 2009 02:08 AMAaron,
No I did not know it was his birthday.
Happy Birthday Buddha buddy!
Sounds like you guys had a great time showing appreciation. And I mean that sincerely.
That's a totally bitchin' word, cacophony (with an "o"). It has two "k" sounds and an "f' sound that's spelled with a "ph" which is always cool. It means "discordant mixture of sounds". My apologies. I hang out with people who write professionally for a living and some of their crap rubs off onto me. In fact they're amazing. My friend Julie, from "the only thing missing is a penis" Julie, is so fast she can whistle the answers to the NY Times crossword puzzles. I would have said something about Clown's "bafoon" only my eyes were rolled up and I "cooddent sea".
Hi Joe,
I'm glad you enjoyed my spelling misstep. Be ready - I pride myself on them. They are jewels in a sea of pretentious grammatical correctmess.
Anyway, now you know it's the Buddha's birthday. I don't remembe what the SGI did to mark that when I was member.
Cheers,
Aaron
Posted by: Aaron Cantor at April 6, 2009 04:23 AMDear Aaron;
Throw him out of the religion he founded?
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 6, 2009 04:15 PMCharles,
I am well aware the Lions Roar is propogation. Perhaps a litle history of the SGI. The Men's Division failed to stand up twice now, once for Toda, and once for Ikeda, regarding propogation activities\, and the future of the SGI.
Menntor/Disciple is essential to Buddhism. Shakyamuni Buddha had disciples, and Nichiren had disciples, as well. Nichiren even encourages us as his disciples, when he states "I and my disciples.."
The SGI will survive due to the same concept of mentor/disciple. President Ikeda has shown how a disciple acts, referring to President Toda and President Ikeda's response with 750,000 households added to the SGI, with the organization's efforts led by sensei Ikeda. The Men's Division is determined to follow Makiguchi, Toda, and Ikeda to ensure the future of the SGI.
An organization that desire to grow and continue to share Nam Myoho renge Kyo to the world is not so bad after all.
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at April 6, 2009 04:38 PMPatrick:
I agree, although with a different take on the master-disciple relationship. But first, it is "master" not mentor. It is obvious that "mentor," which is a term that alludes to a gentle "teacher" was changed from "master," which was offensive to the African-American members.
Now, my parting with your assessment is who the mentor really is. The living mentor of the SGI is surely Mr. Ikeda and the previous two presidents. I. too, oregarded Mr. Ikeda as my eternal mentor. That is until I realized tyhat it is the eternal Shakyamuni Buddha that is my mentor, and by way of succession, it is Nichiren. But the master of all the Buddhas is The Lotus Sutra. When the mentor supports the idea in theory and practice that The Lotus Sutra is provisional, that The eternal Budddha is also provisional, that became the point of division between Mr. Ikeda and Charles Atkins.
I wish the Men's Division, of which I was once fully invested, much encourageent for success because they are fighting an uphill battle with an inherently flawed model. In fact, I do sincerely wish the SGI success in all their future endeavors, although I am convinced that they are doomed to ultimate failure due to their attachment to a flawed model that discards the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren's stated intention. This fact causes me intense grief, as I devoted most of my life to the direction and intention of Mr. Ikeda and the ichinen of the MD.
I also wish you success and happiness. If the SGI and the MD abided by the words of The Lotus Sutra, The Buddha and Nichiren, I would ere fighting along side you. Now, it is essential that I spend the remainder of my life spreading the Lotus Sutra as The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the universe intend. Regardless of Mr. Ikedas many great works, I can no longer support him or the SGI, until they get back to The Lotus Sutra and the intentions of Nichiren. Good luck
Charles
Posted by: Charles at April 6, 2009 07:51 PMJoe,
One thing is for sure; this post has certianly herded many of the cats onto the page! It's fun to read them hissssssss at each other, with the power of all nine of their lives!
I'm so glad I found this collection of bloggers who have opened my mind beyond the confines of the SGI box, where I tried to neatly place it. It never really fit, but like tight sexy shoes that hurt my feet, oh how I tried to make it fit.
What has become equally tickling to me is how some "ride or die" SGI er's, that I've mentioned this page to, WILL NOT LOOK AT IT! I think reading FWP is the 15th, of the 14 Slanders.
I will forever be grateful to NSA/SGI for being the cause for Nichiren Buddhism appearing in my life, this lifetime. But I am most grateful that I am now learning (with the insights of you and everyone else I read here) to follow the Law (as mystic and as difficult as it can be most times)and not the people.
Thank you for continuing to illustrate the value of diversity and the value of the deviate.
I understand the need for the lotus flower to bloom in the muddy swamp, but there is no need to traipse mud all over my carpet! My shoes are not nearly as sexy now, but they don't hurt anymore and I've wiped off the mud.
RougeBuddha
Posted by: RougeBuddha at April 7, 2009 03:19 PMRouge,
I hope it's okay to get personal and truncate your name.
Thank you for your words. They were refreshing and responsible.
I also appreciate anyone that can make me guffaw in context.
Charles,
Putting the MD aside, I agree the mentor is the Law, if that is what you're saying. Also that we demonstrate the non-duality of the mentor/disciple expression of the Law when we individually contemplate our life when invoking the Law which is already contained within. We are the mentor, the Law as the Buddha, and the disciple, the Law as the Buddha to be awakened, simultaneously. And if something is indeed a Law, it must be valid regardless of space-time let alone something as subjective as human culture, which usually tends to become extraneous and inhibiting dogma. But, and I know this will invite a maelstrom, I'm going to have to put my finger in the hole before you can convince me that Ikeda is going against the Lotus Sutra.
Please note to the Ikeda haters: if you respond, please use reason over vehemence. I do not want to negate your directness, but calumnious, unqualified responses (my blog, my rules) will be deleted.
PS In fairness, something similar applies to Ikeda worshipers too.
Posted by: joe at April 7, 2009 04:37 PM"Members of the Minobu school of the Nichiren sect chant daimoku. They have the Gosho. Their recitation of the sutra also includes the Hoben
and Juryo chapters. And, in the Shoshinkai, which consists of ex-priests of Nichiren Shoshu, the portions of the sutra they recite and the daimoku that they chant are identical to the practice we observe. Though their religion may seem the same as ours, they lack the single,unbroken Heritage of the Law recieved directly from Nichiren Daishonin. If one's faith is not based on this line of inheritance, it is worthless to embrace any Gohonzon, for no benefit will be forthcoming.
That is to say, 'Without the lifeblood of faith, it would be useless to embrace the Lotus Sutra.'" Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhism in Action, vol. 3, p. 254
"We, ourselves, cannot produce the Gohonzon. Since it's the enlightened entity of Nichiren Daishonin no one has the authority other than the
successive High Priests who have been the sole heirs to the Heritage of the True Law. We take no part in this. Therefore, the objects of
worship inscribed by those in the Butsuryu and Minobu factions [of the Nichiren sect] are absolutely powerless. They are worthless because
they are fake. In fact, they contain the power of evil spirits. That is why they are dangerous."
Josei Toda, Daibyaku Renge, 98, p. 98
Dave:
Although you did not imply me, I am not, nor will I ever be a hater of PI. Let me clarify my statement. I do not mean to use your site as a platform for my ideas. I have my own blog for that.
If memory serves me, the myth goes something like this:
In prison, after chanting many daimoku and studying the Lotus Sutra, Mr. Toda had a vision of himself as a participant in the ceremony in the air. The myth continues where a second enlightened vision reveals that "Buddha is life."
Upon his release from prison, Mr. Toda began rebuilding the Soka Gakkai through a series of lectures on the Lotus Sutra. Later, through some experience and catastrophic loss, he believed that the cause for his troubles were due to concentrating and lecturing on the Lotus Sutra versus the writings and teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. After this revelation, he abandoned lectures on the Lotus Sutra and focused on the teachings of Nichiren.
The resultant change in Mr. Toda's focus marked the beginnning of the rebirth and accelerated development of the Soka Gakkai. PI, the direct disciple of Mr. Toda came along somewhat later and carried out his master's vision and will, to the letter, even to this very moment. This would be most admirable, if, of course, it were correct to relegate the Lotus Sutra and Shakyamuni to provisional status, while vaulting Nichiren to the true Buddha and the gosho to the modern day Lotus Sutra.
Our local scholars here can tweek and make more precise what I have written, but this story is generally accurate - at least in terms of what has been published in Soka Gakkai publications.
My point is that PI took Mr. Toda's conclusions and ran with them, even though those conclusions are heretical - and at odds with the actual gosho. PI has written a book about Shakyamuni, he has published dialogues with others on the Lotus Sutra, and he recites the Lotus Sutra.
So, although Mr. Ikeda embraces the Lotus Sutra as an expedient of sorts, he and the Soka Gakkai -in general, have the order of devotion wrong. Nichiren was very specific in His own belief, of which I, Charles, also believe. The Lotus Sutra is the master of all Buddhas throughout the ten directions; Shakyamuni Buddha is the original and eternal Buddha. The invocation of Namu Myoho-renge-kyo and the Gohonzon exist to attest to the supremacy of the Lotus Sutra.
PI never publically questioned or corrected Mr. Toda's error. Who am I to question the great master's of the Soka Gakkai? I'm just one of those countless jinyo bosatsu so far down the totem pole that my words could just as well be disregarded as the ravings of a nobody - so what does it really matter? I don't believe PI is guilty of anything subversive such as intentionally distorting the Lotus Sutra. It seems to me that PI believed in his master's words and intentions so strongly that even if he privately thought differently, he could do nothing more than continue the distortion. After reading the Lotus Sutra and especially the Gosho - without the Gakkai spin, I don't know how anyone can conclude that Nichiren is the True Buddha and what the corect order of devotion is.
Sorry for hijacking your site.
Charles
Posted by: Charles at April 7, 2009 08:26 PMHijackers are everywhere! Hi Charles.
I learned a Lao word: Samaki. It means 'harmonious unity'.
That's the real challenge, isn't? How do we create harmonious unity.
I think the Ceremony in the Air depicts Life manifesting harmonious unity. I think "Buddha is Life" is 'spot on'.
Happy to add Samaki to my vocabulary. Especially when I find myself trying to herd domestic house cats. (Joe, that's how I often describe my day job while searching for a bit of samaki.)
Posted by: chikushonin at April 8, 2009 05:08 AM
Here is an example of a perpetuation of existing conflicting dogma I address a year ago:
If...
"Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" (MW-1, 213). http://www.sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/Gohonzon/
And.
"Thus Nikken's destruction of the Grand Main Temple, has encouraged SGI members to internalize the meaning of the high sanctuary. And to fully realize the inner implications and significance of any event or phenomena is the proper spirit of Buddhism." The Untold History Of The Fuji School. Pg. 196
Therefore...
"To those who fail to grasp its message, however, the map's (Gohonzon) worth will be reduced to that of a mere scroll." http://www.sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/Gohonzon/
Then why...
"Photographs should never be taken of the Gohonzon and should be destroyed if accidentally taken." http://www.sgiusa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/Gohonzon/offering.htm
Is the Soka Gakkai still practicing surplus Nichiren Shoshu precepts? Or are they just stuck in transition? I can understand the confusion since also contained in the condemnation of the priesthood in The Untold History Of The Fuji School are words from Toda, "We should look upon the Gohonzon enshrined in each of our homes as the life of the Daishonin, the entity of the original Buddha. When chanting daimoku with that conviction, it is the same as worshipping the Dai-Gohonzon itself, right where we are." pg. 11. Is that the same Uber-Gohonzon that the priesthood told us that we needed to open each Gohonzon's eyes? Or is this the one we should not seek outside of ourselves? I took a picture of my stepdaughter’s bulldog Egor. I tried to play fetch with the picture but that didn’t work out so well. I put the picture next to a bowl of delicious dog food. Unlike with the actual Egor, the food didn’t disappear instantly. Then again, I’m also not sitting in front of the likeness of Egor as the entity of the original bulldog attempting to manifest my bulldog nature.
I'm not trying to swipe this because it actually happened, but I had a dream where all the Nichiren cats got together in some sort of ecumenical council in an effort to find ONE thing they could agree upon to start building a positive relationship with each other. It was in a large meeting hall and there were thousands of people (not actual cats, although that would make for a more interesting dream Dr, Freud). An announcement was made and a resounding cheer went up. I was walking around asking "What did they say? I didn't hear. What did they say?" I never got an answer from anyone in my dream.
Posted by: joe at April 8, 2009 02:59 PMFirstly, thankyou to the person who put me onto this blog. Good stuff. Thankyou for solidifying what I have been trying to put into words for some time.
I like being a cat, by your definitions Joe, and have forgotten that my ability to define my own mentor is as important as the O2 I breathe.
Who's the more cynical, the person who shuns a free-thinking individual, or the individual him/herself?
RougeBuddha... you have made my day, week, month. Greg would be so proud. "FWP is the 15th, of the 14 Slanders" Somewhere there is a smile on Greg's face.
Oh, my finger is bleeding! Gotta go!
Nancy
Dear Joe:
As long as Fuju Fuse (neither giving or receiving from slanderers) is practiced, as long as shakabuku (break and subdue ) is a cornerstone of the religion, as long as the the identity of the Original Eternal Buddha as Shakyamuni is not universally adopted, as long as the Nichiren Shoshu continue to maintain the transmission through one sole individual, as long as the Nichiren Shoshu maintains that all Gohonzons derive their power and influence from the DaiGohonzon, as long as SGI maintains there is no "Nichiren sect" Buddhahood outside of SGI, it isn't going to happen. We can't even agree upon whether to chant Nam or Namu Myoho renge kyo at this meeting.
Herding cats is not so difficult. Get some delicious yummies and call the cats. Their are no yummies, not even unity, that can get those who believe there is nothing worse than associating with evil spiritual friends to associate. True unity must be based on a unified doctrine.
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at April 9, 2009 04:56 AMIf you like Coltrane's A Love Supreme I suggest you check out Pharoah Sanders' album Karma, The Creator Has A Master Plan.
Posted by: clown hidden at April 11, 2009 04:30 PMPharoah Sanders! Sun Ra and Cecil Taylor, Captain Beefheart, John Mclaughlin, Mingus, Coltrane, Eric Dolphy.
All of this was music that broke me open back in the day. It was definitely part of the mix of causes and conditions in my life that led me to buddhism.
Wish I could have been at that discussion meeting Joe.
Bill
Posted by: Bill at April 11, 2009 04:41 PMlost in UK,
I had subscribed to The Art Of Living for a couple of years to see if there were a difference in attitudes. I had thought, perhaps mistakenly, I was reading a different experience than here in the US. You are more than not alone. I read what you wrote about Greg and his writings on Nancy's blog. I've felt the same. Keep practicing. Keep asking questions.
Clown and Bill,
Thanks for all that jazz. I'm going check out a couple of those.
Joe,
Excellent piece. You know where I stand on all that. I just wish I could have been as much fun when I was making the noise.
I've heard Steven Wright a few times. The guy is a hoot.
No time for more, but you've heard enough anyway. Nice work, dood.
Cheers!
Andy
Posted by: Andy Hanlen at April 29, 2009 01:21 AM