Diary of a Chapter Leader

Guilt by Association

I have just read blogs by Ryuei, Byrd and Joe. All three seem to point to Guilt by Something.

First I read Ryuei's blog. He alludes to Guilt by Reading. I giggled when I read this. Not at Ryuei, but at the idea that reading FWP can be cause for excommunication for SGI. Taken out of context, it sounds absurd, but in this context, it seems plausible, but still silly. Is this in response to Byrd's blog or did you hear something else?

Then I read Byrd's blog about the SGI leader who thought she should apologize for having opinions about the SGI-USA organization. Cool, SGI headquarters outs itself. I agree with Bryd's response - 100%. Again, it sounds absurd, but strangely plausible. So that's Guilt by Stating Your Opinion.

Then Patrick tried to take responsibility for tattling on FWP. Not so fast, Patty, the SGI-USA has been checking this sight for awhile. So you just turned this one guy/gal onto us and he/she knew Byrd. Guilt by Lack of Understanding or Guilt by Tattling.

Then I read Joe's blog about the Leadership Manual and the Code of Conduct signature form. Very enlightening. I knew about the form, but hadn't read it or even thought much about it. Now I'll check it out and decide for myself. That's Guilt by Non-Compliance.

We had a study meeting last week. I hadn't really studied the material (I'm just not as interested in this material as I was with the Gosho), but fortunately, our MD chapter leader had some stuff ready and another member who just move here had the SGI party line prepared. I enjoy some of the stuff our chapter leader talks about because he reads the gosho and some outside scholars. Then the new member took over. She talked about the Lotus Sutra - did a great job - and then said the one thing I can't agree with, "Only the SGI is practicing Nichiren's Buddhism correctly."

Actually, there was another thing I couldn't get around - Pres. Ikeda is our mentor. PI is YOUR mentor. I can't deal with this. The chapter leader stopped me from blowing a cork. Good thing,'cause I was gonna get kicked outta SGI for this one.

Many years ago, I was involved in the founding of a SGI group. Our mission was to be non-judgmental and any subject was open for discussion. The first meeting we talked about the validity of the diagohonzon. Later one guy wanted to talk about aliens. I don't remember how that was related. We had a great time and the small groups grew from 3 members at our first meeting to over 20 by the time I moved away.

I've had it! I'm gonna read the Gosho.

Nancy

Posted by nt at April 7, 2008 07:27 PM