Recently sent to me by a reader;
"I’m 25 years old, and a fortune baby, 10 years ago something sparked in me and been eating away at me with the speed of a broke kneed turtle on molasses in winter. I am finding myself more and more having conflicted thoughts about SGI. Don’t get me wrong, I love the organization, in fact I am a youth leader.. however.. there are some things I don’t agree with .. one is the movement to have all the “evil” gohonzon traded for “good” gohonzon. In my mind the Gohonzon I had been practicing with all my life was good, 10 years ago when my parents exchanged it, I felt it was kind of a contradiction .. did you encounter feelings like this as well at one time? Are you a fortune baby too?"
"Seeking my own personal truth out I encountered your site..I don’t know what quite to say .. you offer some really refreshing views that just scream out “leader” when I read you were a practitioner of ninjitsu I was also moved, I was like “Wow!, a member that thinks for himself AND practices ninjitsu!” hehe, it’s just that becoming a practitioner of ninjitsu is something I have been wanting to do for a long time.. anyway.. thank you for your views and putting them up, I hope you reply "
We live in a Country that is protected by perhaps one of the greatest achievements of mankind - the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. The document and the principles set forth are perhaps no different in their fundamental nature than the Gohonzon of Nichiren Daishonin.
And yet in the current climate of religious fundamentalism, fear and extremism, it is clear to me that the struggle for true freedom is a conflict we hold in our hearts as human beings. In essence freedom, and the responsibility the coexists along side, are a very frightening thing.
Why should we expect the Soka Gakkai International, which is made up of those very same human beings, to be any different or somehow free from the same risks associated with being human?
There are definately cult-like people and cult-like forces deeply embedded within the SGI, of this I have no doubt. It may be these very forces who eventually destroy the Soka Gakkail International in the end, as often viruses destroy their host by consuming it completely.
Or not.. We’ll see.
Thank you for writing, I am touched and thankful you found Fraughtwithperil encouraging. On a brighter note I wish to tell you that conflict is an “ok” state of mind. We can love the SGI, and treasure our participation and membership and at the same time feel wary and suspicious of aspects and people we encounter. This is just simply naturally human. Buddhahood lies in continuing your faith.
I personally had many conflicting issues surrounding the Gohonzon exchange. I was one of the first to request as exchange before it was available, one full year prior to be exact. As the exchange movement progressed however, it gradually turned from a form of principled protest to yet another aspect of conformity, but again, looking back that seems so natural now.
You sound like a wonderful person, and a sincere member. I have been in contact with Soke Gakki members living and practicing in Japan who understand the Pres. Ikeda is growing impatient with the cult aspects and people in and throughout SGI. They continue to support and speak highly of Daisaku Ikeda and assure those of us reading that he is aware of what is going on.
Please continue to seek out Nichiren’s Buddhism where you find it and write back often.
Rev. Greg, Shidoshi
P.S. No, I am not a fortune baby, but I am Father to two of them!
Peter,
You seem to be a little confused.
In one post you say:
"Have you ever stopped to consider the probable fact that daisaku Ikeda is gay?" When questioned on this and why you might think it, you come back with "No reason. I don´t see why Ikeda´s sex life would be any of my business." I agree, his sex life is none of your business. Why don`t you pick a more constructive issue to debate that we can all enjoy. Maybee one that you know something about and can teach us, or one that you wish to learn more on. It would be of far more benefit to all, rather than make statements on an issue that can only be resolved by asking him face to face (send him a letter, if you want I can supply an address). In the long run it does not mater what his preference is. He is human like the rest of us , I hope ;-), and that as far as this Buddhism goes is all that really matters.
Peter Kearney (Tokyo)
When someone refers to Daisaku Ikeda as P.I. it stands for president Ikeda. Why do you consider him "creepy"?
Posted by: one great reason at August 26, 2005 12:54 AMNo reason. I don´t see why Ikeda´s sex life would be any of my business. Moreover, I don´t have any hard facts about it either since I wouldn´t come near even information about that creep even in my worst nightmares.
By the way, (I can ask Greg about this also), I´ve noticed that Charles calls Ikeda PI. What does the P stand for?
Best regards
Peter
Peter,
I am also curious, why do you use the term "probable" fact that daisaku ikeda is gay? This implies you have knowlege that supports this statement
Peter Kearney
Peter:
Even if what you allege were true (eye roll please), why should I care? Gay people can become enlightened. I'll bet one of our resident scholars can come up with a gay Buddha somewhere in the ten directions. I'm curious Peter, why do you say things like this?
Charles
Posted by: Charles at August 17, 2005 07:16 PMThe Constitution of the United States is like the gohonzon? Either they meant the Declaration of Independence or I miss what is being said, how are they alike?
one great reason
Posted by: one great reason at August 17, 2005 05:53 PMhi charles, greg, and others... :
have you ever stopped to consider the probable fact that daisaku ikeda is gay?
Posted by: Peter Röder at August 17, 2005 05:43 PMFor anybody who would like to see what all these Gohonzons look like, here is the URL:
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/GohonzonShu/index.html
Charles.
Very nice reply Charles. You letter prompted me to comment on two points.
1. "I have a debt of gratitude for the life training that I have received. My connection with PI is quite personal and really transcends organizational matters."....This is a wonderful approach and is the same approach that I push here in Japan. I am very big on the correct Master and Disciple relationship and view it as one of the most important ideals to uphold. I do not extend this relationship to the organization, but I do extend it to those who have proven to me their ability to teach and lead members. I know there are some less than perfect people in positions of leadership and the SGI is run as a large corporation. Never, never let the organization interfere with ones personal practice or felling of self-worth.
2. "I was told that there was "nothing wrong," with the Nikken Gohonzon. Now, I guess some leaders refer to it as "evil," because of its infamous transcriber."...This is one that pees me off big time. There is nothing wrong with any Gohonzon, and every Gohonzon works equally well. It is not about who transcribed it, but about what it stands for. Although there are very good reasons to be anti Taisekaji (and there are), this fight cannot be extended to the Gohonzon. A Gohonzon is a graphic reflection of the 3,000 life conditions that apply to all people. It is not specific to any one person`s life condition. That is something we create ourselves. We have many stupid leaders who, usually for their own aggrandizement, will call these Gohonzons evil or bad, or may even try to tell you, they don`t work. How sorry I feel for these un-enlightened individuals. The only reason the Gohonzon was changed was as a show of solidarity for a change in the priesthoods attitude to the way it looked down on the general practitioners and tried to manipulate them by threatening to withhold conferrals of the Gohonzon unless certain allegiances were promised. The Gohonzon was transcribed for all men (and women). A Gohonzon, no matter witch priest transcribed it, will always be a Gohonzon and will always provide benefit and protection to those who treat and worship it with the respect due to it.
Posted by: Peter Kearney at August 15, 2005 02:52 AMWhat a tremendous reply Charles! Thanks for taking the time to write.
The whole Nikken Gohonzon issue seems so far away. I still would love to be able to view the Nikken Omomari Gohonzon as it was the first Gohonzon I ever saw.
Good times, good times.
Rev. Greg
Posted by: Rev. Greg at August 14, 2005 08:36 PMRev. Greg:
I totally concur with your explanation. It is quite probable that some people feel that I have betrayed the SGI and President Ikeda. This idea is stupid and absurd. Although I cannot in good conscience participate in SGI activities like before, I have a debt of graditude for the life training that I have received. My connection with PI is quite personal and really transcends organizational matters. To hear that he knows and understands what is going on is good news to me, as it is very difficult for me to remain loyal to the ideas of kosen-rufu and fulfilling my master's expectations while being at odds with various core doctrines, cultism, exaltation of the mentor, and so forth.
However, even though it would be okay to be alone in these concerns, I know that I am certainly not alone, and in fact, the ranks of dissenters is growing. I refuse to relinquish my membership in the SGI and instead choose to show tremendous actual proof in my own way. This very conspicuous actual proof is necessary to prove that what is important is a person's direct connection to the Lotus dharma, not sectarian affiliation. I can in fact already hear the thunder of this life saving storm. It's impossible to refute actual proof.
In reference to the Nikken Gohonzon - like you, Rev. Greg., I asked my leaders when an exchange to a non-Nikken Gohonzon would be possible - perhaps to a Nittatsu, like I used when first becoming a member. I was told that there was "nothing wrong," with the Nikken Gohonzon. Now, I guess some leaders refer to it as "evil," because of its infamous transcriber. Honestly, I liked the energy and power of the Nikken Gohonzon, but then again, most every Gohonzon I've chaned to has seemed wonderful.
Charles
Posted by: Charles at August 14, 2005 05:32 PM