In the early '80's, Greg and I decided to take a vacation, but we didn't have much cash. We struck on a great idea... time share. We could spend 3 days and 2 nights for free and get $25 in cash if we sit through a 90 minute presentation. We were completely ready to say no to everything - two in body, one in mind. So we took the train from San Jose to Reno and somehow made our way to Sparks, NV. The brochure said it was just outside Reno, but it was actually way outside Reno. It was a bleak place, in the middle of nowhere and, oh yeah, it was also the middle of winter. The second day there we went in to the presentation. They showed a video of this place and some of their other time shares. They talked about how great it would be to come back to Sparks, NV the same week every year. Oh and if you want, you can trade or sell your week for big bucks. Then they separated the couples and a salesmen went at it. Greg and I listened, declined, listened, declined until the first guy was completely frustrated. Then they brought in the closer... the coked up closer who kept messing with his nose. This guy asked if we wanted to make money, what was wrong with us, this is a great money making opportunity and other lame statements until he finally called us stupid. Then he hurried us out the back door and stuffed $25 into Greg's hand. It was one of our finest moments. We broke the coked up salesman.
Last week I went to my monthly study meeting. One of the women was not a member of SGI, but in fact was searching for anything and everything. Mixing her staunch Catholicism with anything new age, old age or currently popular. She brought up a problem her boy friend was having and the meeting went from there. There was much good guidance/advice, most of it based on the gosho. She was encouraged to begin practicing by chanting consistently and she talked about the book she read and the speaker she heard and the various different "practices" she has mashed together. A little of this (affirmations), a little of that (the bible) and some of that (zen or meditation.) It was nothing new. We have all encountered these people... always searching and never committing. Then one women turned to me and asked how my practice was going. I had to decide - tell the truth or lie - I told the truth. I chant more than I used to, but not everyday. I study and support the members of my chapter. Not good enough. Why don't you chant everyday? Don't you want to be happy? Ah, there is is... the same ploy the coked up salesman used, and it worked just as well this time. I told her I have two choices, stay or leave and I have decided to stay. That actually took her by surprise. She still thinks I am a dope, but that is her problem. I told one person about my problems with a consistent practice; he laughed at me and called me deluded, so that will teach me!
Her "shakabuku" techniques are very strong and sharp. I wonder how other people take it? I know my sister-in-law avoids this woman when ever possible because of her overbearing shakabuku. If we are going to introduce other people to Nichiren Buddhism, we can't call them stupid or attack their current beliefs ot talk too much. This is a different time and a different place which calls for a different attitude. So many of us haven't introduced anyone in years and we get so excited that we won't stop talking. It is important to listen more and talk less.
Speaking of introducing new people, I attended a district discussion meeting this month. The district leader set up a computer and monitor and explored the SGI website. She did a good job. Then she moved on to "The Winning Life" a small book published by SGI to help explain Nichiren, Buddhism, SGI and our practice. It was a good meeting. Saturday that district leader called me. She had just returned from FNCC (Florida Nature Culture Center). FNCC is a SGI training center/resort where three day training conferences are offered. Many members go to these training sessions and come back energized and excited. This district leader had spent time with different members talking about growing their districts. She came back with many experiences and advice. After World Peace Prayer, we went to a coffee shop and talked about her district and her conversations at FNCC. She is having the same problems with the district that Greg had and I had when we were district leaders. The pioneer women who haven't seemed to have a single experience in 10 years. The same women who gossip about everyone in the local organization. The alienating of the newer members and stagnation of the district.
At FNCC, this district leader found out that she was not alone, that many other districts have the same problems. These leaders gave her great advice and she is ready to implement some changes. I told her about the group Greg, our friend Scott and I started in San Jose. It was called Stone Tiger Group (we didn't name it, the official group leader did.) The mission of the group was nothing is off the table and no judgment. Any one could bring up any subject and we would discuss it without judgment. At our first meeting we discussed the validity of the diagohonzon. Later a member brought up aliens and we actually talked about it without judgment. By the time we left San Jose, the group had become so large, everyone would not fit in our altar room. It was a great group. I would love to have that back. This new direction for this one district may move in that direction. We have decided the leaders (district, group and chapter) will start with regular chanting sessions with district health in mind. The first one is tonight. I am completely behind these district leaders. Maybe we can break the log-jam that is this district.