I went to a meeting last night. These meetings are where the chapter and area leaders can talk about the management side of the local organization. We have had these once a month for quite awhile. Recently, Pres. Ikeda wrote a message to the Central Executive Committee of SGI. In this message, he talks about the need to develop new leaders. He stresses that the leaders are going to have to lead this organization into the future. The man keeps telling us to stand up and take responsibility for this organization. Maybe he is getting through to some of us.
Due to many factors, many of which I do not understand, my local organization is a very top down, managed area. It just worked out that way. This management style leads everything to go through the area leaders. There are two people in charge, but really there is one person in charge of everything. When we wanted to bring Victory Over Violence to our schools in honor of our murdered friend, we were not allowed to do it, it had to go through the area. There is just too much to do to be involved and in charge of everything. VOV never happened.
SGI is so much like any other organization - it has a management structure and people rise into management for many reasons, not all of which are management skill. In SGI, we have that pesky problem of faith. Our leaders wear many hats - manager, faith adviser, councilor, leader, motivator, speaker - you can add to the list. Some of us are good at some of these roles, but few of us are good at all of them. I can do all of the roles, but I lack the drive to do some of them well. I haven't excelled in the current management structure.
That may be changing. The local leadership is going to attempt to give the next step down, chapter leaders, autonomy. They are going to let the chapters move in their own direction, create their own culture, and thereby grow new capable leaders. This is great news for some of us and very scary for others. I can't wait to help my districts do what they want to do. To help them figure out what they want to do. It should allow the members to express themselves, become happier and just maybe invite others to join. But I noticed a few chapter leaders were not as enthusiastic about this. Mostly the newer leaders who have not developed the skills to lead yet. It may take a little time, but they will soon warm to this new process.
One of my districts has already struck out on their own. Three members from the district went to a local coffee shop Sunday afternoon and talked about The Buddha in Your Mirror. The district leader has big goals for this district and this is the first baby step to those goals. The idea is to get the members out in public talking about Buddhism. We start by just talking amongst ourselves, then move to talking to our friends about Buddhism and then, gasp, inviting them to a meeting. By the way, this district is having some great meetings.
I attended my monthly women's study meeting last week. We had a guest and the meeting was good. I always have trouble with some "shakabuku" concepts and this time I spoke up. When talking about what to chant about or for, the leader said to chant for your wishes. OK, kinda old school, but OK. A bit later, I told the guest that after getting some experience with this practice, we stop chanting for things and start chanting to better ourselves (I didn't say it that way, but that is what I meant). The leader, I think, took offense and we had to clarify this. If you absolutely need transportation, then chant for a car, but if you have a car, will a new car and the car payments really make you happy? We all have out own practice and we all have our own point of view. I don't like telling guests that this is a practice to get "stuff" so I do my best to explain. Each person takes away what they need.
At this meeting, there was talk of SGI being an organization that promote peace. I started thinking, what do we actually do to promote peace? As an organization, nothing really. Pres. Ikeda has his peace proposals, but what do we do? That led to a few moments of negativity until I realized that peace is up to each of us. So it is up to the smaller organizational units to promote peace in their own way in their own community. I started thinking about this. How can SGI in Salinas promote peace? I don't know, but I bet we can come up with some ideas. I am open to suggestions. I am looking forward to a chapter revolution! I keep you informed.
Posted by nt at December 8, 2009 10:57 AMA great beginning for 2010 and beyond! Thanks.
I think a combination of homeless outreach, prison outreach, public seminars, and genuine interfaith is the right way to advance kosen rufu starting at the local chapter and district level.
cheers
Posted by: CL at December 8, 2009 11:29 AMNancy,
I think the leadershoip revolutions does not start with new activities, I believe it starts with better training to develop more capable leaders or else the organization as you see it today, will be in the same condition after the activities wear off.
I read President Ikeda's express wish in the World Tribune for a leadershoip revolution. I am not a big lieader in the SGI, but according to President Ikeda, I am the most powerful; a Member; the purpose of the SGI's existence.
I am glad to hear anyone speak about leadership revolution. I do not belive this leadership revolution has anything to do with power and authority, but people's ability to train and develop capable leaders for the future, or else we are just perpetuating the same outcomes, new leaders acting like the previous leadership.
I am working hard to train and develop new capable leaders, by showing with my own life how to move my own life in a positive direction through 'faith alone,' which is what President Ikeda encourages us to do.
A revolution of raising capable leadership is not about what new activiti3es to start, but hoiw to train capable leaders. My old area; Las Vegas; held training for Unit, Group, District, Chapter, and Area leaders, in separate groups.
I think this is what President Ikeda is talking about, not how can we have say over VOV program and whether the Chapter, Area, or District have the final say, The MEMBER has the final say.
The SGI is here to serve the memebrs and not here to serve the leadership, whether they are Unit, Group, District, Chapter, Area, Zone leaders. The SGI exists to support the Members and the leadership is here to support the memebrs not to fight over whom has say over the memebrs.
President Makiguchi stated all of this and so has President Toda, and now President Ikeda is saying the same thing. Listen to your memebers and STOP telling them what to do.
If the memebrs want to chant to acquire stuff, that is their karma to change not yours or mine.
I learned that chanting for 'stuff' is "earthly desires are enlightenment."
Does anyone have the right or wisdom to determine what is another's earthly desires and what is their enlightenment? NO!
We may call ourselves Buddha's, but we have not exhibited the Buddha's Wisdom of understanding All things in this reality. That is what a Buddha does.
Until that time I wouold imagine we need to start training the next generation of capable leaders or else the existing leaders; Unit, group, district, Chapter, Area, Zone leaders will perish and the SGI will perish with them.
I think this is what President Ikeda is rerfering to in a revolution of leadership.
Leaders need to let go of their arrogance and start listening to the members. All leaders, and not just the 'Big' national leaders, or the leaders some may not lije. Maybe you the individual; not you Nancy; are the leader others do not believe listens to the members. Ask.
I did not attend any leaders up meeting, but I read the WT and the LB and get much guidance from SGI friends.
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at December 8, 2009 12:27 PMNancy:
"Due to many factors, many of which I do not understand, my local organization is a very top down, managed area. It just worked out that way. This management style leads everything to go through the area leaders. There are two people in charge, but really there is one person in charge of everything."
And he has one person in charge of him and all the areas, the territories likewise have one person in charge, the zones another and so forth straight up to the central headquarters. At the lower levels of the organization, there may even be some wiggle room because the higher level leaders don't really care very much about you despite the rhetoric of the centrality of the district. As long as you teach the Oneness of Mentor and Disciple, promote the World Tribune and the Human Revolution, you will left to your own devices.
Posted by: Mark Rogow at December 12, 2009 11:50 AMEnlightening and inspiring post; thank you. I hope you're right as a very wonderful member of the SGI introduced me to Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra. I haven't kept in touch since I moved out of her area, but they did encourage studying Nichiren's writings and reading the Lotus Sutra at least. And happy holidays!
Posted by: Letty at December 13, 2009 01:23 PMPatrick said
"I think the leadershoip revolutions does not start with new activities, I believe it starts with better training to develop more capable leaders or else the organization as you see it today, will be in the same condition after the activities wear off."
It's an interesting statement for two reasons. One is that Mr. Ikeda speaks about "developing capable individuals based on friendship and humanism" and the definition of humanism I subscribe to is an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Unfortunately my experience with the SGI-USA for the last ten years is that the more organized it has become, the more that organization deals with securing the organization over the individual. The individual is of prime importance in the SGI-USA as long as that individual conforms to it. The non-conforming individuals who started practicing Nichiren Buddhism in the SGI and either left or were shunned, out number those within it's confines ten to one. Which leads to the second reason:
"I do not belive this leadership revolution has anything to do with power and authority, but people's ability to train and develop capable leaders for the future, or else we are just perpetuating the same outcomes, new leaders acting like the previous leadership,"
Exactly what they've gotten exactly because they are concerned with leadership and not individuals. They have created an atmosphere "to train and develop capable leaders," to lead the organization according to the parameters set up by it. And Patrick's verbiage is spot on in repeating what the World Tribune consistently asks for: capable leaders, not capable individuals who can lead.
Joe,
Leaders are not what you call them. Leaders are not corporate heads, they are sincere people wanting to make a difference in other peoples lives; boddhisattva practices.
To live a life in service of others iis truly a noble way of life.
This single statement defines leadership in real terms. To take away from aperson desire to make a difference in other peoples lives. You are welcome to diapareage others.
My take on President Ikeda's encouragement is just that my take.
Just to be clear Joe, my experience from dialog is the SGI is more conerned with members than leaders any day.
If you spend any time with Danny Nagashima or any other 'leader' you would find out they are conerned with members and not leaders. Whenever Danny visits I introduce Danny to new memebrs and not old leaders. Danny prefers it that way.
Joe just so you know, you will not use me for your own personal use, the SGIi is conerned with training capable people, not capable leaders. You might read the publications before you misquote the WT.
Of course if I was looking to hit the SGI on issues, I can always find something to complain about, as people are not perfect, and oorganizations are made up of people.
Read the World Tribune for yourself, and you will see that Joe is wrong. President Ikeda asks for capable people and not capable leaders. President Ikeda asks that leaders act capable and train capable people. The SGI is concerned with people and not leaders.
Perhaps Joe wants a perfect organization, which can not exist within reality. I do not know what Joe wants. There is no perfection in reality; just the Lotus Sutra; just reality. There are plenty of imperfect people in the SGI, why point out their failings. When you point a finger at others you point three fingers at your self.
What about YOU Joe, what are your short commings since you know all the leaders fauilings within the SGI?
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at December 15, 2009 05:53 AMWell stated, Joe.
Posted by: Gabrielle at December 15, 2009 09:06 PMThe Lady dost protest too much, methinks.
"Joe just so you know, you will not use me for your own personal use, the SGIi is conerned with training capable people, not capable leaders. You might read the publications before you misquote the WT."
Patrick,
Just so you know, you will not use my comments about your comments for your own personal agenda. I read the WT. Have since 1975. Look up what Mr. Ikeda says about leadership, conformity, and the word "obsequious", in My Dear Friends In America. I almost forgot. You're the self appointed and anointed gosho thumping born again buddhist morality police. This is you too:
Byrd,
Sorry to disappoint you, but it is just me. I reported this blog-site for it's gossip of members to my friends in the SGI.
Patrick
Posted by Patrick at April 5, 2008 10:57 AM
Posted by: joe at December 15, 2009 09:58 PMJoe,
When in doubt go for the low blow! I still stanbd behind my own statements, and at least I stand openly and honest about me. You are not honest with me or otherwise. A user is a user.
Just so you kn0ow, calling me a lady isa a cause you make. name-calling, your strong suit Joe.
One trick pony or do you perform other tricvks of sleight of hand. Ever have a real dialog or just argue to win?
LOL. What a joke this is! Budhist ihn name only not in spirit. Keep em comming Joe, I can take all you got and some more.
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick at December 16, 2009 06:20 AM"The Lady dost protest too much, methinks."
Hamlet? Shakespeare? Too much denial? Oh, never mind.
Joe, Come on Joe you ewant to give it a go. lets do this on your Blog page since you want to call me out. I have no fear of being name-called by you or anyone like you. You do not even know me, but yyet you name-call. Whetehr it is Macbeth, Shaespaer, a name calling is just that. You can dunk women in a tank and say it is fun, but oif you are being dunked, it is called torture!
Enjoy
Cheers!
patrick
Posted by: Patrick at December 16, 2009 07:28 AMDear Patrick:
I'll give it a go on my blog site or by e-mail. I will give you access to my blog, if you wish. You can begin by posting any topic about Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism from the Soka Gakkai's perspective and I will respond from the perspective of the Kempon Hokke. We can do this for one hundred days [one hundred responses each]. I will not censor or alter your posts and you may not censor or alter mine. You may add that "my views may not reflect the views of the Soka Gakkai." That is OK. I do not make this offer for the sake of the SGI or for the sake of the Kempon Hokke [although others may be influenced]. I do this for your sake.
Mark
Posted by: Mark Rogow at December 20, 2009 06:17 PM"genuine interfaith is the right way to advance kosen rufu"
could you cite for us the gosho or chapter in the Lotus Sutra where this is expounded?
j
"If after I have entered extinction
a person who can honor and uphold this sutra,
his blessings will be immeasurable,
as I have described above.
It is as though he had supplied
all manner of alms,
erecting a tower for the Buddha's relics
adorned with the seven treasures
and with a central pole very tall and wide
that tapers gradually as it reaches the Brahma heaven.
Jeweled bells by the thousands, ten thousand, million,
move in the wind, emitting a wonderful sound.
And for immeasurable kalpas
he offers alms to this tower,
flowers, incense, various kinds of necklaces,
heavenly robes and assorted musical instruments,
and burns fragrant oil and lamps of butter oil
that constantly light up the area around.
In the evil age of the Latter Day of the Law
if there is someone who can uphold this sutra,
it will be as though he supplied all alms
ascribed above.
If someone can uphold this sutra,
it will be as though in the presence of the Buddha
he should use ox-head sandalwood
to build monks quarters as an offering,
or thirty-two halls
as high as eight tala trees,
or supply all kinds
of superior foods and wonderful clothes and bedding,
residences for assemblies of hundreds, thousands,
gardens, groves, pools and lakes,
exercise grounds and caves for meditation,
all with various kinds of fine adornments.
If someone with a believing and understanding mind
accepts, upholds, reads, recites and copies this sutra
or causes others to copy it
or offers alms to the sutra rolls,
scattering flowers, and incense and powdered incense
or constantly burning fragrant oil
extracted from sumana, champaka
or atimuktaka flowers,
if he offers alms such as these
he will gain immeasurable merits,
boundless as the open air,
and his blessings will also be like this.
How much more so if one upholds this sutra
and at the same time dispense alms, keeps the precepts,
is forbearing, delights in meditation,
and never gives way to anger or evil speaking.
If one displays reverence toward memorial towers,
humbles himself before monks,
gives a wide berth to an arrogant mind,
constantly ponders upon wisdom
and is never angry when asked difficult questions
but responds compliantly with an explanation -
if one can carry out such practices,
his merits will be beyond measure.
If you see a teacher of the Law
who has cultivated virtues such as these,
you should scatter heavenly flowers over him,
clothe his body in heavenly robes,
bow your head before his feet in salutation,
and in your mind imagine you see the Buddha.
You should also think to yourself:
before long he will proceed to the place of practice
and attain a state of no outflows and no action,
bringing wide benefits to heavenly and human beings!
In the place where such a person resides,
where he walks, sits or lies down,
or recites even one verse of scripture,
there you should erect a tower
adorned in a fitting and wonderful manner
and offer alms of various kinds to it.
When a son of the Buddha dwells in such places
the Buddha will accept and utilize them,
and constantly in their midst
will walk, sit or lie down."
-Distinction of Benefits
"a person who can honor and uphold this sutra,"
i fail to see how this passage condones interfaith as a means of propagation. this quote is from the latter half of the 17 chapter,(which although preached for those living in mappo)is a explanation of the Buddhas attainment of enlightenment in India.
j,
Do you know what it is to truly uphold the mystic law of cause and effect above all others? This is the primal vow of all religions as we live as we die as we live, all alike.
Posted by: CL at December 22, 2009 04:03 PM"This is the primal vow of all religions as we live as we die as we live, all alike"
again, which sutra or gosho is this in? as for me, i don't know what the primary vows of other religions are,but i suspect that they are not concerned with upholding the Lotus Sutra at all costs, as was Nichiren.Nichiren explained that all other religions are false, misleading teachings that lead their practitioners to hell, at least for awhile, but by virtue of a negative relationship, eventually to enlightenment. may as well make it a direct flight this time around, i would think. no, the daishonin did not go for interfaith in the propagation of the sutra.
j
CL, Interfaith will crush the Lotus Sutra, the Daishonin's teachings and the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
Posted by: Mark Rogow at December 23, 2009 08:07 PMI realize I don't know any of you, but I had to speak up. I am a YWD leader, and in my area, we have strong districts. It sounds to me like members should be chanting for district, chapter, and area revolution. But district revolution is the key - President Ikeda says that the district is the fundamental way to learn the teachings and spread Buddhism.
Nancy, I will be chanting for your area revolution - it is sad to hear that your experience has been one of bureaucracy rather than faith. But with a votary of the Lotus Sutra such as yourself, surely it can happen! =)
Secondly, this bickering I think has been hurtful - which of the 10 worlds do you inhabit when you argue in anger? We need to turn hell into learning. I know I'm not perfect, but if everyone's coming from the same practice, with the same tools of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, do we have to resort to insults and slander?
Lastly, something which I think also affects the last point - the mission of the SGI first and foremost is kosen rufu - world peace. Before even promoting this practice, this organization stresses peace.
Some people asked about evidence of supporting other faiths, and to me there is no greater evidence than this mission. It is so important that we chant about it during gongyo *every day.* It doesn't say that we chant for peace just for SGI Buddhists. It's peace for everyone - throughout the world. When our efforts lead to peace, that will be actual proof! And when we have that kind of proof, that is when the Lotus Sutra will truly prevail over others.
There is nothing wrong with knowing that we practice the path to enlightenment. The strength of our faith, though, is not in some I'm-right-you're-wrong mentality. Each individual will hear about this Buddhism when it is the right time - it may not even be in this lifetime.
Have you ever tried to shakubuku someone who wasn't ready? Telling them about the law, but their heart was not open to hear it? When someone is not ready, they are simply not ready - nothing you can do will change that. But! At least you have opened their hearts to Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! President Ikeda says that if you even hear the law in this lifetime, you are a Bodhisattva of the Earth.
Every person has the potential to become a Buddha - even the ones who make you mad or whom you dislike. *Every person.*
I heard about this practice many years before I joined the SGI - but it had not been the time. When I finally joined, at first I was a bit mad at myself for not doing it sooner, but I realized it wasn't the right time for me. I had to come to this practice when it was most right for me, I had to be at that place in my life to receive it. Buddhism is all about timing!
One day, the mystic law will mean something to others, they will feel their Buddhanature stirring - but until then, each person, no matter what, deserves the respect of a Buddha. How would you treat a Buddha? Why would you not treat all people this way, if all people have the potential to become Buddhas? (You too!)
I once attended a lecture where this person said, "Treat each person like you would treat President Ikeda." I think this advice is important. Because each person deserves no less respect than that which you would give to the most treasured people in your life.
CL had a beautiful quotation from the Lotus Sutra, and part of it I think is very important to this discussion:
"If one displays reverence toward memorial towers,
humbles himself before monks,
gives a wide berth to an arrogant mind,
constantly ponders upon wisdom
and is never angry when asked difficult questions
but responds compliantly with an explanation -
if one can carry out such practices,
his merits will be beyond measure."
(Distinction of Benefits)
"gives a wide berth to an arrogant mind" - wow! I think we could all stand to remember this (and gohonzon knows we need it this time of year).
This whole quotation is about showing reverence to other faiths - though we don't need to, we do. Think of what an example of our practice that would be, if we respect the beliefs of others - that we our so strong in our faith we are willing to support the faith of others. No matter what other people practice, when you support their faith, you are supporting yourself and future Buddhas!
(This is why N. Shoshu fails! Because they chant for our unhappiness - what world can you dwell in when you pray for the unhappiness of others?)
I wish you all a very happy new year, and hope that my comments have been of use to you. In writing this, I have renewed my determination and hope you can too.
Peace,
Brittanie
Thank you for this inspiration! You extracted the brighest section of the Lotus Sutra verse I have previously posted. Happy New Year!!! 2010 is going to be a year of Victory!
namaste
CL
Posted by: CL at December 29, 2009 05:23 PM