I have been supporting my friend, a SGI member to help her overcome a big challenge. We started last Monday night. We chant 30 minutes and gongyo. Doesn't sound like much, but neither of us are consistent, so I chose 30 minutes as a doable goal. This is one of those "Impossible" problems that has to be overcome in 3 weeks. We kept it up Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We couldn't meet Friday or Saturday, but resumed on Sunday. Last night after chanting, she told me she she made two phone calls and fixed half the problem.
This is when this practice is fun.
Posted by nt at March 31, 2009 03:02 PMGreat to hear Nancy. Victories are around the corner, for as many people around you as there are birds migrating.
namaste
Posted by: cl at April 1, 2009 06:30 PMNancy, I stumbled across this website, or more specifically, Greg's entries, and truly wish that I could write to him for advice in my current situation. It seems we shared many things, views and values, especially re. diving and freediving.
My heartfelt condolances to your family.
However, I post this, because I do not meet any members that can help me to advance through the gridlock of faith that I have gotten stuck in, because I say things that are not "the party line". I miss the days of naivity, I miss trusting the organisation, and I know that until I have, truly, got this licked, that my practise is going to be half-hearted, as it is at the moment. I was told that SGI never leaves anyone behind. Ive discovered this isnt true.
I do not know how I could set up some avenue of communication with you, but thought it was worth a try.
The ongoing barrier I keep coming up against is regarding the leadership structure, how leaders are chosen, the M/D thing, and the way that personal opinions can bias all of the above. I dont want to say much more "in public", I have at least that much respect. I used to have a lot more, but SGI seems purpose built to oppose my values of freedom and free-thinking. These are my experiences and opinions. I do not wish to be at war with SGI, but I am beginning to see a very very cynical pattern of "you're either with us, or against us", not communicated always as this, but the effect tends to be the same.
Please let me know somehow if you are willing to talk, if you have the time. Im not happy being in such a limbo state, and seeing something that used to bring joy and purpose and hope, nowadays just confusion, isolation and heart-ache. If I have to walk away, I will, but I would not wish to.
Posted by: Lost in UK at April 7, 2009 12:09 PM