Robin Beck

Time for SGI to Reevaluate Taisekiji Doctrine

This could be as simple as: "Previously it was thought that ______, however the most current research indicates ___________."

Really, how hard is that? SGI has aleady done this in regard to the authority of Taisekiji's Head Abbot. We also revised our understanding of "ku".

As a Lay Organization of Nichiren Shoshu, it was only natural; even an obligation, that the Soka Gakkai promoted the doctrines and practices of Taisekiji. My take is that there was a growing realization that some of these doctrines and practices were based on biased interpretations and dubious texts. This resulted in discrete efforts to reform Nichiren Shoshu from within. It was these kind of efforts that eventually led to SGI's involuntary separation from Nichiren Shoshu.

An immediate and wholesale refutation of Taisekiji Doctrine would have, perhaps, correctly been viewed as "sour grapes." However, it has now been fifteen {15} years. The time has come for an honest and sober reevaluation of our most cherished beliefs.

Three major doctrinal innovations of Nichiren Shoshu:

1. Nichiren as the "Inherently Awake Original Buddha of the Infinite Past" displacing "Shakyamuni who Awoke in the Remote Past" as the Object of Worship in terms of the Person.

2. The Ita Mandara of Taisekji as not only the Gohonzon Nichiren intended for the Kaidan, but the actual power source of all valid Gohonzon(s).

3. Nikko as the sole heir, and the successive Chief Priests of Taisekiji as Nikko's sole heirs. This is buttressed by a kechimyaku concept derived from esoteric- oral teachings, in which each successive Chief Priest of Taisekiji receives an exclusive empowerment from the former.

Posted by rbeck at August 7, 2006 10:59 AM