Reverend Greg

Charles,

That was a very nice follow-up. Thanks for taking the time.

Rev. Greg

Josef, et al.:

Thank you for finally attributing that quote to me, the author. I would have preferred quotation marks and credit (or blame) in the comment itself.

Even though I wrote that about PI, it doesn't diminish for one moment my admiration for him. He's still my teacher and always will be. I have no malice for the SGI and am still a member - or at least I haven't been expelled yet. But if you respectfully disagree with the leadership, policies, and even doctrine, that doesn't necessary mean you want to do any harm. When I wrote that hardboiled journalists will eventually sink their teeth to the bone, it is something I believe will happen. As far as a falling house of cards, I don't believe that the SGI will survive over the long haul, but Nichiren Buddhism will continue to evolve and grow.

Take a deep breath, Josef and find a new path. If you're unhappy with the SGI, just have the class to find a better path. With the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren's teachings, you will find your way.

Charles

Trust me on this Josef, not all leaders either know or believe SGI is a destructive cult.That's simply not accurate. SGI experiences vary widely depending on the geographical area and level of leadership.

More importantly though, I invite you to jump onto Google and look at some pages regarding CoS (Church of Scientology). Search on the name Rev. Dennis Erlich. Take some time to read about a truly dangerous cult. It will be good for your perspective.

When you call SGI a highly dangerous cult, my first response is "in relation to what?". The greatest danger inherant in SGI is the harm people do to themselves by becoming culties. Does SGI enable that to happen, sure. Is it SGI's fault? I believe - personally - it's a shared responsibility, as it is with all cults and culties. You can take the cultie out of the cult, but you can't take the cult out of the cultie. From one addiction to another, it's all a human function.

Am I defending SGI? Not much...

Rev. Greg

Well, the Danish story by H. C. Andersen uses the word "King". In English translations it is usually translated "Emperor".

No, I am no more against SGI than you are. Or anyone else - including SGI leaders. I´m just saying: SGI is an evil destructive cult. This is just a plain fact. Every one knows this in their hearts. Surely all the SGI leaders knows this. They just continue to do what they do anyway.

No Josef, by "anti-SGI Buddhism" I'm speaking about enduring and all-encompassing hatred and bitter resentment toward SGI, or any other group. Don't get me wrong Josef, there's folks out there who have spent years reeking their revenge on the Church of Scientology, and for good reason.

If that's what you're about, that's fine. I'm just suggesting that at some point you need to also get on with something more fulfilling. SGI won't disappear, or reform, or whatever simply because there's folks out there that hate them.

Maybe you're not really an anti-SGI Buddhist, I don't know you so "if the shoe fits..."

Also, I think you meant "the Emperor's new clothes"? I can correct that for you if you wish.

Rev. Greg

By anti-SGI´ism you mean speaking normally and honestly about SGI? What I wrote was taken from Charles Atkins blog. Anyone who speaks normally, calmly and honestly about SGI whether it is Lisa Jones or who it is will expose what the SGI stands for. It isn´t about being "anti"-anything. SGI is against itself. I have never met a person in SGI who had anything good to say about the organisation. What I saw was merely this "The-King-Has-No-Clothes" game of idiotic and hypocritical praise of Ikeda and the other presidents based on vicious methods of mind control. No SGI-leader I knew ever had anything good to say about SGI. They merely refused to speak about it.

Josef - there's no "paper work to fill out". If you want to start your own group, do it. Nichiren left behind his complete and whole teachings. They're ready to go, no purchase needed.

It's already well known that Daisaku Ikeda is one of the richest men in Asia. As far as SGI crumbling like a house of cards, don't hold your breath, you may be dead.

What you need to ask yourself Josef is what is going on inside you that makes you resent SGI so much? Whether a cultie or an EX-cultie or a cult-fghter, these paths are not happy ones. They're filled with frustration and anger and offer little fulfillment. Somewhere or sometime down your own road I hope you take time to discovery your own path.

Back when I joined NSA there wasn't much Nichiren Buddhism around besides NSA. Now there is. If Nam myoho renge kyo is what you want, then go find a tribe that suits you. You can always take a break and vent on SGI, but don't let it consume you. Anti-SGI Buddhism is a very very twisted and ugly religion.

Rev. Greg

We had our district meeting yesterday. The topic was May Contributions. I've only recently returned to the SGI after taking a year away, so although I have concerns about the lack of financial disclosure I keep my mouth shut. I've consciously chosen to divert my money to other charities, and I view my subscription payments and book purchases as donations enough. Still, the tone of the meeting and the outragous outpouring of experiences from people who confessed to donating themselves into near bankruptcy ("But I benefited because a few years later I had more money" Duh!) really triggered that "fight or flight" response in me that gave me reason to leave before.

Whether or not they are ghost-written, I get a lot out of many of Daisaku Ikeda's writings. All the same, I'm aware that no matter how it's painted, he's gotten very wealthy from his position. We're told that he doesn't get a dime from SGI members, yet we are encouraged to purchase his books as part of the whole "mentor/disciple" package. I don't like the feeling I get that leadership somehow thinks we're too stupid to know that authors get paid for their works.

There are things about SGI I love, and the fact that it's the only Nichiren Buddhist game in town is just one of many reasons why I choose to practice with them. I really appreciate the dialogue here, and it helps keep me from throwing out the baby with the bathwater, and to remember that the meetings only last a few hours a month; what I do in my private time and with my money is my own business.

Sorry for the rant. This particular entry and thread, plus the meeting yesterday, has really given me food for thought.

Soon, the truth will come out and the SGI as we know it will begin to tumble like a house of cards. Who will succeed in exposing these financial wrongdoings? I believe it will be insiders who find the courage to tell all, and it will be deep digging, hardboiled journalists that aren't afraid of threats and intimidation.

What will they find out? We're all anxious to know. I predict that hard evidence will show that PI has become fabulously wealthy from his position of master - a thing that if true is not right. There are millions of devoted disciples willing to give their all to please the master and have donated money, time, and effort to ensure the coffers overflow. The SGI membership is a captive market and the master and his staff write, write, write and sell, sell, sell, tax free, in financial secrecy. All of this will come to light and the Indies will no longer look like evil troublemakers, but like courageous visionaries.

I think at some point, someone will fill out the paper work and begin a new American Nichiren movement - a new religious corporation that isn't rotten to the core.

Chikusan, Your comment about your first encounter with the Gohonzon was HILARIOUS!!!! Would you please write a blog about this? I would love to hear the whole story, and I bet I'm not alone. I had no idea you were so funny. Please please please keep going with this. There's nothing better than writing like that that comes from the heart of who we REALLY are.

Charles,

You are always welcome anytime. If I'm ever out your way, I would like the honor of paying my respects to you.

Sincerely, chikushonin

Greg,

I also meant to comment, regarding the Nikken-vs-Nichikan Gohonzons: When the SGI first announced that they would be issuing the Nichikan, from the onset, there was what was announced publicly and the truth of the matter that was discussed behind closed doors. Publicly, it was stressed that leaders should tell members that there was nothing wrong with the Nikken transcription, and therefore no reason that they had to exchange it, but privately with a wink and a nod, and with clearly spoken English, we were told that we could, and should, “encourage them in that direction” (i.e., encourage the members to make the exchange).
Somewhere I have the official memo that states this. This is what I call the beginning of the Gohonzon rejection ceremonies.

I don’t know how it was in your area but at the Seattle Culture Center, there are two Gohonzon rooms. The Gohonzon transcribed by Nittatsu for then Seattle General Chapter was relocated to replace the Nikken in the minor Gohonzon room, and the Nittatsu that was removed from the main altar was replaced with the new larger than large Nichikan. I was told that this was done so the members would confidence in the new one.

When Zaitsu announced the Gohonzon Exchange Ceremonies he told us that they were an opportunity the refresh our faith. I saw it as rejecting one Gohonzon for another. I remember something in the Gosho about boiling water only to throw it back in the Ocean again.

That, and one member saying to the other, "Mine's bigger than yours!"

Greg,

This is still Nichiren Shoshu doctrine. The SGI still shares in it. As you know, they haven’t deviated from it much.

Before encountering this specific object I simply accepted this doctrine because it was taught to me by persons that I had no reason to doubt, and understood that the Gohonzon was more than just a piece of paper with squiggles on it. Keeping in mind that the first time I encountered the Gohonzon a friend and I crashed what we though was a party and found all these people sitting on their knees in front of a table with candles, smoke rising and fruit on it. They were saying some weird words, of which all I could make out was the word ‘chicken’.

Being 14 at the time and righteously stoned on some really good hash, I deduced that someone had taken some chicken’s feet, dipped them in black ink and stamped them all over the paper that was hanging inside the black box. From this I gain the wisdom to answer the riddle, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Obviously, it was to print the Chinese Newspaper.

My views have changed a bit since then.

Chikusan wrote: "Prior to encountering this object I came to perceive the three dimensional nature of the Gohonzon and was sure that I could spot a counterfeit Gohonzon in a glance."

Question? What is a counterfeit Gohonzon? A copy of the Lotus Sutra is still the Lotus Sutra, is it not? I see the notion of a counterfeit, in the sense a certain secte uses, as bs to assert the authority of a temple. Counterfeit, to me, would be like faking transfer documents.

At one time, Gohonzon were copied by hand. They were dated the same as the original. Mark's recovery amulet is dated 1266. Nobody thinks that was an attempt at forgery. There are many copies of that amulet with that date.

robin

"According to the SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu Priest at the temple in L.A. this object was worthless to depend on as a Gohonzon because, even it was inscribed by Nichiren’s own hand, because it would have been inscribed before the Dai-Gohonzon, it would merely be “an object of specific receptivity and relatedness”, valid only to the person for which it was inscribed, or a direct descendent"

Hi,

That is utter nonsense since this is not a Mandala that Nichiren bequeathed upon a person.
Their comment is as dumb as saying that the Man Nen Ku Go Daihonzon was intended only for Nikko.
Or for the disciple who got it after the big circa 1333-1346 succession fight at Taisekiji.

Or was the Prayer Gohonzon(s) were intended only for Nissho and Nichiro? Besides, I believe Yashiro Kunishige was a real person. Nichiren mentions him in an authenticated Gosho preserved at Nakayama. Maybe their's only works for his heirs? I do not know how Priests can utter such drivel with a straight face.

metta,

robin

Chikusan

The date pretty much tells that is intended to represent the first Ten Worlds Mandala Gohonzon written by Nichiren. I am told that the banner across the top is typical of copies of Nichiren Mandalas.

The records indicate that the original was inscribed on silk on that date. I believe that original is owned by Nichiren Shu. The copy you own may be very old, it may have been transcribed by Nichiren or Nichiren's disciple. I hope you do not think I am disparaging it any way.

Do you have another theory how it got the exact same date as the first Ten Worlds Mandala written by Nichiren on July 8 1273? That is what I met by "clearly." Also, the owner of GohonzonInfo has cleaned up a lot Nichiren's Gohonzon. In his opinion, it is not in Nichiren's hand.

IMO, how a Mandala was copied, by hand, wood block, or computer makes no difference. So, in that sense, it is the image of Nichiren's very first Great Mandala Gohonzon. That you found it is certainly significant in my mind.

with metta,

robin

Chikushonin:

As you say, there is more unknown about the history of your Gohonzon, IMHO, my intuition tells me that you have the real thing. Does it matter? You've answered that question loud and clear. My intuition is not based on science because we have very little evidence to go on other than it's very, very old.

I have seen photos of your Gohonzon and have thought of your words and experience many, many times since we began our friendship. I am not surprised by the insipid clerical determination and wierdo guidance. You did the right thing by acquiring and caring for this treasure. If it were mine, even a million dollars would not sway me. What you have is a great treasure that belongs with a person of faith.

I object to snap judgements that are based more on fuzzy speculation than the essential truth that is evident not through ketai logic, but kutai insight, and chutai wisdom.

I also agree with your understanding on the power and veracity of the Gohonzon, no matter who inscribed it. I am not impressed with the supposed learning of many priests and so called experts.

If I'm every out your way, I would like the honor of chanting to your Gohonzon.

Charles

"According to the SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu Priest at the temple in L.A. this object was worthless to depend on as a Gohonzon because, even it was inscribed by Nichiren’s own hand, because it would have been inscribed before the Dai-Gohonzon, it would merely be “an object of specific receptivity and relatedness”, valid only to the person for which it was inscribed, or a direct descendent"

God I love magical logic! "or a direct descendent"
is the best part. Not only does a Gohonzon only work for a specific person, but it somehow follows DNA or blood lines. This is TREMENDOUS magic, truly over the top! And the funny thing is I can still remember a time when I could have made sense of this. You certainly have to be thinking "in the box" to make it work, but then that's how magic works anyway...

I must say that this is the kind of magical power that has made the Catholic Church what it is today, huge, vast and powerful both magically and politically.

Rev. Greg

Dearest Robin,

The last time you made such an authoritative statement I asked you about it and you wrote:

“Your's has that date. It is also 2/3 the size if the described
original. Until there is a translation of the Gohobzon Shu, all I can
do is look at 1 + 2 + x = 4? and propose that x might equal 1. Of
course, I am assigning the value of "4", based on limited evidence.
Clearly, by the date, your's was intended to be a copy of what is
considered the first Dai-Mandara Gohonzon. The rest is conjecture,
also known as SWAG (Scientific Wild Ass Guess) as opposed WAG (Wild
Ass Guess).” (Robin)

Robin, I respectfully submit, it is all conjecture.

Trouble with SWAG is that even if you get your facts straight, the facts may not be correct, and even it they are correct they may be misleading.

Clearly, bad science is the same as a Wild Ass Guess. 1 plus 2 plus ‘x’ can equal anything you want it to. As far as your formula goes, it is clearly 3 plus the unknown factor of ‘x’.

Some of the ‘facts’ that you are depending come from the following description:

“The total area of the inscriptions in this object measure approx. 20" wide by 46" tall. It has been framed like a picture by the art gallery. It is inscribed on a tightly woven fabric. There is a small area where it was damaged while at the art gallery. The break in the fabric has the appearance of being more like a wood or reed fiber than something like cotton, nor is it like an artists canvas. With fade and wear marks as if passing the centuries loosely rolled, it appears to be quite old, as it should. It claims to be inscribed by Nichiren, by virtue of his signature.”

Some facts can be misleading. While the visible inscription does measure about 20” x 46”, the actual fabric stretched across, around, upwards, downwards, and behind the frame measures near 30” x 5 feet (min.--it has been cut down and stretched onto a frame). Additionally, it is now believed that the material is silk. I was offered the opportunity to have the material carbon dated by an archaeologist, but to what end?

Besides being reluctant to cut the back from the frame and from there take a small piece of the silk for testing, what difference would it make? Sell it on Ebay? A so-called ‘Nittatsu Gohonzon’ recently went for $610.00. Where would I start the bidding?

At any rate (pun intended), it is difficult to state that something is “clearly a copy” of something else that one has never seen before.

I was fortunate to encounter this object. It caused me to question what Greg has called “The Lineage of Gakkai Magic” and “magical thinking”.

Prior to encountering this object I came to perceive the three dimensional nature of the Gohonzon and was sure that I could spot a counterfeit Gohonzon in a glance.

According to the SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu Priest at the temple in L.A. this object was worthless to depend on as a Gohonzon because, even it was inscribed by Nichiren’s own hand, because it would have been inscribed before the Dai-Gohonzon, it would merely be “an object of specific receptivity and relatedness”, valid only to the person for which it was inscribed, or a direct descendent.

I found myself deeply conflicted because I recognized as true what trusted sources told was false.

Against guidance, I purchased this object and stored it, planning to someday get to the truth of the matter. The truth of the matter is there is no such thing as a counterfeit Gohonzon, regardless of the hand that pens it.

What I have enshrined in my families altar is a Gohonzon of unknown origin in terms of the hand that penned it. That is specifically why I enshrined it.

Please feel free to speculate to your hearts content. I also appreciate your research and I did not know the significance of the date this object bares until you shared it with me.

All things said and done, while is clear what this object is meant to represent, beyond that point, this particular transcription remains one of unknown origin—to you and I alike. Would you agree, or have you determined the value of the unknown factor of 'x'?

Sincerely, chikushonin

Greg,

Where I was, there was an official campaign, beginning circa 1996, to replace Nikken Gohonzon. They are still promoting it, now as the dis-association movement. I, too, was initially told it was fine to keep mine.

Philip - Truthfully my experience was the same as yours. I asked to trade mine in a year before they started allowing members to do so. There was strict guidance at the time to NOT convince members to do give up their Gohonzon and that it was ok to keep your Nikken Gohonzon.

As is natural though as the years went by I started to hear experiences of how leaders took it upon themselves to start talking about how bad the Nikken Gohonzon was. There are some experiences in regards to this slant on the Soka Spirit webpage. You could probably find it by looking up "Nichikan Gohonzon history" in Google.

Thanks for your response.

Rev. Greg

I don't remember being told that the Nikken mandala was evil but that keeping it showed an alignment with the inscriber. I voluntarily gave it up and I believe some members did not. No one said it was invalid that I remember.

The Ichinen Sanzen Mandala attributed to 1273, kept at Hota Myohonji

Whoops: Actually Hiraga Hondo-ji

r

Greg & Chikusan.

Honmon Shoshu's version of history is interesting. I am not buying it at face value. But I am trying to understand it. I think they are more on the right track of what the actual Daigohonzon image is; that being the depiction on the Daihonzon of 1274.

A troublesome point is the equation of the Sun Goddess with Mahavairochana, which is directly from the doctrines of the 13th Century Hachimagu-ji Jimon-Tendai Temple/Shingon Shrine where Nichiren trained between Seichoji and Enryakuji.
All this relates to Obutsu Myogo, Honmonji, and the Daihonzon.

The obutsu myogo theology of Honmon Shoshu is beyond my grasp at this point, it is too arcane and imbued with Confucianism, Shinto and God-Kings. But their points about the Daihonzon and their version of history help clarify the bigger picture.

At any rate, the Daigohonzon at Taisekiiji IS NOT the Daigohonzon. It IS the Yashiro Kunishige Memorial Daimandara. That is clear and obvious. There are two credible theories about its origins; which I am synthesizing into one. And the depiction on the Yashiro Kunishige Memorial Daimandara is actually a dedication to martyrs.
Nikko transcribed a very similar daimandara for another martyr named Jinshiro.

I am trying to figure out a fairly simple way to
explain all this. And that is difficult, because it is all very convoluted. And if I move too fast, I am going to lose everyone before I even start.

There are a number of mandalas I find especially significant:
1. The Aizen & Fudo mandalas inscribed by Nichiren in 1254. Kept at Honmon Shoshu Honmonji at Yokohama-Shi.
2. The Life prolonging mandala of 1266, kept at Tanjoh-ji.
3. The Ichinen Sanzen Mandala attributed to 1273, kept at Hota Myohonji.
4. The Establish the Nation Daimandara of July 8 1273. Wherebouts of the original unknown to me. Chikusan owns what is clearly a copy.
5. Gohonzon #19 and a similar unknown mandala that recently surfaced; possibly from Nakayama.
6. The 1274 3 part Paper Manenkugodaihonzon issued to Nikko in 1275.
7. The Nichiro & Nissho prayer Gohonzons of 1277.
8. The wooden Yashiro Kunishige Memorial Daihonzon, dated 1279, kept at Taisekiji, incorrectly identified as the Daihonzon for at least 400 years, possibly since Nichiu's time.
9.The Wooden Transcription of the 1274 Daihonzon allegedly eye opened in 1279 by Nichiren. Kept at Honmon Shoshu Honmonji.
10. The 1280 Daimandara issued to Nichizen, which is currently kept at Taisekiji. This is apparently the same depiction as on the Nissho Daimandara, the Shutei Mandala, and a number of others Nichiren inscribed beginning in 1280.
11. Mandalas apparently attributed to two of Nikko's immediate successors at Kitayama, and an apparent Nichiren original, of which I have pictures. May be kept at either Honmon Shu Nishiyama Honmonji or Nichiren Shu Kitiyama Honmonji.
12. The Jinshiro Memorial Daimandara transcribed by Nikko in April of 1308. Kept at Nichiren Shu Kitayama Honmonji.

Greetings.

I am currently writing about the Law of the Kaidan and will post the essay at ‘Starting at the Truth’ when I can.

Nichiren did not say much in his extant writings regarding honmon no kaidan. While the Sandaihiho sho (1281) is a disputed writing, ‘Letter to Misawa’ (1278) is not. While the ‘Three Great Secret Laws’ are not specifically mentioned by name, the language used to describe the revelation of a Geat Law as a future revelation, is similar in content.

The Sandaihiho sho states:

“As for the Seat of Ordination [kaidan],Law of the Sovereign and the Law of the
Buddha are united and become one, and sovereign and subjects become one in their faith
in the doctrine of the Great Three Mysteries, the same bond that existed in the days of old
between King Utoku and the Monk Kakutoku61 will also exist in the future world of the
impure and evil Age of the Latter Law.

At that time an imperial edict and a decree of the shogun62 will be granted; a most
exalted place—similar to the Vulture Peak—will be found, and there the Seat of
Ordination will be erected. We have only to wait for the right time for this to happen.
This will mark the advent of the actual law established by the Buddha among men. To
this Seat of Ordination will come not only all the people of the three countries—India,
China and Japan64—to repent their sins and be saved, but even Brahma and Indra66 and
the other gods will come and gather around it.

Once this Buddha Law is established, the Seat of Ordination existing now at Enryakuji
will lose its reason for existence, since it is based merely on the precepts of the
conceptual doctrine of the Trace Buddha.”

‘Letter to Misawa’states:

“As for my teachings, regard those before my exile to Sado as equivalent to the Buddha’s pre-Lotus Sutra teachings. I had thought that if the ruler of this country desired to govern well, he would summon the priests of the Shingon sect for an open debate with me, and that, on that occasion, I would reveal for the first time the true teaching of supreme importance. Before my exile, I withheld this teaching even from my disciples for fear that if I should tell them, even in confidence, they might inadvertently disclose it to the Shingon priests, who would then avoid the debate. This is why I refrained from revealing the true teaching to all of you as well.
Then on the night of the twelfth day of the ninth month in the eighth year of Bun’ei (1271), I was very nearly beheaded at Tatsunokuchi. From that time, I felt pity for my followers because I had not yet revealed the true teaching to any of them. With this in mind, I secretly conveyed my teaching to my disciples from the province of Sado. After the Buddha’s death, great scholars and teachers of Buddhism such Mahakashyapa, Ananda, Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, T’ien-t’ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo and Gishin knew this teaching, but kept it in their hears and did not express it in words. The reason was that the Buddha had forbidden them to spread it, stating, "After my death, this great Law should not be revealed until the Latter Day of the Law arrives." I, Nichiren, may not be an envoy sent by the Buddha, but my appearance in this world coincides with the age of the Latter Day. Moreover, quite unexpectedly, I came to realize this teaching, which I now expound to prepare the way for a sage.
With the appearance of this teaching, all the teachings advocated by the scholars and teacher of Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days of the Law will be like stars after sunrise or an awkward apprentice beside a skilled craftsman. It is predicted that once this Law is revealed in this era, the Buddha images as well as the priests of the temples built in the Former and Middle Days will all lose their power to benefit people, and only this one great Law shall spread all over the world. Since all of you have a bond with this teaching, you should feel reassured.”
Both of these letters refer to future revelation.
I, too, quite unexpectedly, came to realize a great teaching. At that time I penned a poem.
The Sun of Jiyu is rising,
all eyes turn east, further east...
In the west, for the first time,
a white lion cub is born.
Thus, heaven and earth agree,
the time is almost right,
for the necklace to be rejoined.

The Law of the Kaidan has a name. It is hidden in the depths of the Juryo Chapter.

Robin, we're obviously arguing apples and oranges here. There's a "new history of the Daigohonzon" I havn't committed to memory yet. I'm still back in the "Is the Daigohonzon real?" phase.

I simply took what you said and highjacked it to make my own point regarding the Kaidan of Nichiren's Buddhism. It's an important point IMHO.

I like to keep it simple, as you could read into my blog. No magic objects, no magical priests, just Buddhism, which *is* magical all by itself.

Rev. Greg

Greg,

You can correct my typos if you want. Bad RMD today. We can agree to disagree for now. I am not up to explaining what I mean in context. All I wrote was one sentence about an actual authenticated Mandala called the Daihonzon. I suggested Nichiren might want have intended it for the Kaidan. Notice the word "might?" As in maybe or perhaps?

We do know Nichiren inscribed the Daihonzon in 1274, and entrusted it to Nikko in 1275 for some reason. Also, it is the only one with the characters for Honzon written on it. And it is a different depiction than the Daimadara. All that is hard fact. I will have all the verification up, if my arms will work right and I can get it completed. You might wait until you know what I am talking about before a priori dismissing it.

with metta,
your humble servant,

robin

No Robin, I don't think it's reasonable to think Nichiren would think there was a need to establish anything that would serve as a seat of power.

Mt. Hiei quickly became the seat of corruption in only a generation or so. It also became a military base for the armies of Sohei, employed by the priesthood, which reaked violence upon the temples of other sects and upon the populice.

It is my belief that Nichiren specifically sought to not make this same mistake yet again. It doesn't make sense to repeat the errors of history, and Nichiren was a smart man.

And yes, we establish Kaidan where ever we chant to the Gohonzon. A Buddhist "Vatican" would only mean trouble, as it in fact has throughout the ages and especially now. Don't forget that what is occuring now between SGI and Taisekiji is as much Buddhist history in the making as anything that has transpired before. Understand that causes of the past by understanding the effects of the present.

Nichiren, in my opinion, did not make this mistake and yet false seats of power and false magical objects occured naturally as a function of human life.

Rev. Greg

Greg & Mike,

I think it is reasonable to assume that Nichiren wanted a Preceots Platform similar to that at Mt. Hiei. This, the Three Great Secret Dharmas,
is not just Taisekiji doctrine. And a lot of this is implicit in the Maka Shikan & realated works.

robin

Rev. Greg -

There are other possible interpretations of kaidan available; the prevailing Nichiren Shu interpretation is that the kaidan or precepts platform manifests wherever we are chanting the Odaimoku. Rev. McCormick can correct this if I have misremembered, but that is how I recall it being put in "Awakening to the Lotus".

Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett

Robin, one of the important concepts I hung on to when I read "Fire in the Lotus" was that the concept of Kaidan, or the establishment of an ordination platform (read a "head temple" with a "high priest") was not only contrary to Nichiren's life's work, but also just plain unnecessary.

Nichiren was very aware of the path that Tendai Buddhism had taken in terms of it's corruption and twisted doctrine all based on the establishment of an ordination platform or if you will, a "seat of power".

This principle negates the creation of any central object of worship, one which would have to be housed in a single temple, over which there would certainly be power-struggles. THIS is why it is so important for SGI to turn their back on the mythology of Taisekiji.

Rev. Greg

"Hi, Greg - I know this is a really, really neurotic, picky, proofreader-y thing to say, but "alter" is a verb, meaning to change. I think you meant to say "altar" - which is the sacred space. Minorly obsessive, I remain yur friend, Byrd in LA"

Old joke: This is my altar, the scroll inside is my altar ego. Chanting is making altarations.

robin

Greg wrote: "SGI has also mentioned that the correct Gohonzon must be a transcription based on the Daigohonzon, the Gohonzon inscribed for all mankind, but this posses another problem; in saying this SGI denies the validity of Gohonzons transcribed by the very founder of their sect, and also SGI continues to pay homage to the priesthood that excommunicated them"

Thank you for reminding me why the truth of the origin of the Yashiro Kunishige Daimandara matters. It is not the DaiGohonzon by the way. There is a Daigohonzon, but it is another inscription altogether. I suspect it was intended for the hoped for Kaidan. That is future blog material.

The Daihonzon pr Daigohonzon is not the same as the 1280 Daimandara. The Daihonzon depicts the World of Buddha. The 1280 Daimandara depicts the Ten Worlds. Put another way, they are two different moments at the Ceremony in The Air.

I do not have a translation of the face of the Daihonzon, argh. I will try to get Eddie Chai to publish one at GohonzonForum.

As to the Yashiro Kunishige Daimandara, there are two credible theories of its origins. And Nikko wrote a similar one for another Shiro, many years later.

I am thinking the theory that it was a modified copy of the Nichizen Daimandara might be a snipe hunt instigated by Nikken. I think Nichiren inscribed a paper original, and this was later transferred to wood.

Nikken might be worried that the wooden Honinmyo Daihonzon is authentic. That is the one with the eye opening dated October 12, 1279, and allegedly signed by Nichiren. There is a translation of the Eye Opening in the archives at GohonzonForum. Also, a photo of it at nichirenpix.

Obviously, explaining all this is convoluted.I am taking about 14 to 24 different physical objects, and 4 or 5 different original inscriptions, so it is easy to get confused. I made allusions to this "On Controversial Taisekiji Doctrine."

please ignore typos.

more later,

robin

Ironic isn’t? Only the SGI practices and transmits Buddhism in exact accord with Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra while interrupting doctrines for control, when the teachings of Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra are intended to emancipate, to set people free.

Is ‘controlled emancipation’ an oxymoron or simply a cruel kindness?

Fixed, thanks. Corrections are always welcome, except to my opinions, which are always write.

Rev. Greg

Yes, that was a pun.

Oops, I mean "your friend".

Hi, Greg - I know this is a really, really neurotic, picky, proofreader-y thing to say, but "alter" is a verb, meaning to change. I think you meant to say "altar" - which is the sacred space. Minorly obsessive, I remain yur friend, Byrd in LA