Kempon Hokke

Dear Laurant:

I have more than 7000 posts on SGI and I consider myself one of the foremost experts on SGI in the entire world. As long as the Gosho remains in your backpack and not in your heart you will never have anything substantial to offer the people. The SGI is not Nichiren Lotus Sutra Buddhism. You might as well be chanting "I must, I must, I must increase my bust" and expect your bust to grow as to chant Nam[u] Myoho renge kyo with the SGI and hope to attain Buddhahood and Kosen Rufu. One [enlightened] man's opinion.

Mark

"SGI misrepresented Buddhism"

I've been reading criticisms about SGI on the net, and I read all kinds of criticism, and this is what I conclude so far:
In the great majority of cases the criticisms (even insults) seem rather gratuitous, and kinda never really fully substantiated.

I read above "SGI misrepresented Buddhism" , again with no explanations. I'm not a technician of Buddhism, and neither am I an expert, but I can say that without SGI I wouldn't have a copy of the Gosho in my backpack, at all times. And I wouldn't be chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, or even meditating for that matter. No one else has ever extended me an invitation to learn about Buddhism. Also, without May contributions, we might not have a running community center.

Laurent from Detroit

Dear All:

Thanks for your responses.

Mark

Patrick:

I admire your logic and spirit, here. The fact is, though, that there are many leaders who put forward the idea that you give and then receive 10 times or more what you gave. This is a fact. However, Christians and people of all other religions will attest to giving and boundless receiving.

We have been told to give from the heart without expectation, not expecting reward, and moments later some Japanese woman will tell you that if you give, 10 times or more your gift will return to you.

I gave because I wanted to give and have no regret, but please don't tell us that the pressure to give isn't ratcheted up as the campaign goes on and donation goals are falling short. I remember how all this works, and it IS all about the money, money, money.

Now, I give my money to the disabled veterans and the humane society. Further, all my monies from my two books and the Kito mandala has been donated to these and the leukemia-lymphoma society. I've given enough to the SGI because they have more than enough to buy a small country.

I would recommend bypassing the the SGI this year or until they are forthright with how that money is spent and/or become financially transparent. PI doesn't need a new limo or any more diamond encrusted French cuff links. SGI VP's don't need to earn as much as Silicon Valley executive. I find it totally anti-Buddhist to be so well taken care of fonancially that one would be reluctant to have a contray idea on doctrine or mission because one would be fearful of losing their big paycheck. You can't be objective or really explore Buddhism if your seeking mind is controlled by the disappearence of your paycheck.

Give to a worthy charity this year, not to a $100 billion corporation that keeps its finances a top secret. I wonder how those VPs and staffers would fare in the private sector? I don't believe that 100 billion daimoku would get them what they're making now.

Charles

I give to monthly zaimu and special may contribution, as I desire to the SGI-USA. I give what I want to give and no one tells me what or how to give. When I give I do not regret it later, or complain about it later. I make decisions myself and take responsibility for my own decisions. I do not contribute to get more money, I contribute to suppport the SGI-USA, SGI, and SG alone. The benefit I desire is to provide support, just as the SGI supported me in my youth. Nothing more. No riches or wealth, or giving up all my wealth, because someone told me to. Common sense. Nichiren talks aboout Buddhism being common sense.

I recognize what makes sense and what does not make sense. I have stood up to leaders telling to do something that does not make sense. Just because they are an SGI leader does not mean anything more than just that. A leader, not smarter, faster, better, just a leader; leading others to the Gohonzon, and no more. Giving them the power over you is your fault and not theirs.

Like one of my leaders asked me one day, "Why do you let him treat you that way?" Human Revolution. My leader had one of those; human revolution; after this comment, as well as myself.

Patrick

I never gave them a cent in "May Contributions" back when I was very active I used to give monthly an amount I thought was close to what was my share of what they spent renting the meeting place. When ever I heard stories of people giving all they had or giving more than they could afford I never felt admiration for them, I felt a little uneasy that anyone would put that forward as an example. I've heard of boddhisattvas who roll their bodies in oil and flowers and burn themselves as offerings to the Lotus Sutra. I don't think they're insane because I don't think they are real.
If you really want to dedicate your life to the Lotus Sutra try treating everyone you meet as a
buddha or at least a potential buddha it doesn't have to cost a cent.
I agree with Nancy about finding some people doing some good work and helping them out.

Nancy and all:

I was only musing about my own stupidity. I gave to the SGI gladly. As my old man used to say, "Too late, too smart." I doubt if any class action suit or individual plea for a refund would ever get past the point of "We'll get back to you." I distinctly remember this Chicago YMD that was talked into giving up about $40K in an inheritance from a grandparent and once he came to his senses, it was too late, too smart.

There's nothing wrong with a religious organization doing fundraising. My only gripe is that the SGI is not forthright with their finances and how the monies are spend AND they have consistently misled their members.

I remember donating my last dime, even though I couldn't make rent and I don't regret that spirit. Knowing what I know now, all I can say is shame, shame.

Charles

You are not alone Charles. I find that I have to talk about May Contribution as part of my Chapter duties. I usually keep it to just the facts - like when and where. I do believe in the power of giving. I have heard and read many financial folk say that if you really need money, donate or give some. Mystically it comes back. Greg and I would find some worthy (in our opinion) cause to donate to in May.
Nancy

Mark:

Since the SGI misrepresented Buddhism itself, their relationship with NST, their immense wealth, their acquisitions (art, real estate, et. al) and the real nature and mission of the organization, is there any legal grounds for a refund such as a class action suit? I, for one, would like a refund. I suppose "Buyer beware," is the operative theme here, but if I the organization would have been straight with me, they would not have gotten a dime out of me. Just call me bodhisattva Dumbass.

Charles