I have only just recently heard the news that Nichiren Shoshu, the priesthood with which the Soka Gakkai was aligned from before WWII until 1990/91, now has a new successive high priest. For my non-Nichiren Buddhist readers, there was a very serious schism in 1990 which had connections to tensions between the two Nichiren groups beginning sometime in the 70’s.
The conflict, which is now largely a matter of Nichiren history has, for SGI, become a matter of refuting religious authority. For members of Nichiren Shoshu it is a matter of - well, exerting religious authority.
The break-up centered between Daisaku Ikeda , the President of Soka Gakkai International, and High Priest Nikken Shonin. For many years our more superficial Gakkai believers made Nikken the blaim of all ill-doing in the world of Nichiren Buddhism and some launched chanting campaigns aimed at the Nikken's resignation. This has mostly quieted these last few years.
Well, news has it that Nikken resigned. During a discussion meeting recently one member jokingly starter singing “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead”.
Of course in real life nothing is ever that simple. I wish more people would realize this. I find superficial and silly behavior towards events of this magnitude somewhat alarming, not in the direct sense that I fear a lightening strike, more subtly the way one would feel a sense of foreboding that something important had been overlooked.
Anyhow, here is the new High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu…
Rev. Greg
Posted by revgreg at January 9, 2006 06:21 PM"events of this magnitude" that's hard to fathom. How is this a big deal? As far as I can tell it's changing nothing except an old man is retiring. The only big difference would be for him personally. What bigger picture am I missing?
clown hidden
Posted by: clownhidden at January 12, 2006 12:04 AMRev. Greg:
Soka Spirit has nothing to celebrate, because nothing has changed. Further, getting Nikken out of the office of High Priest had nothing to do with their prayers. If their prayers were actually potent, it wouldn't have taken 16 years. It's about the same effect as if they hadn't prayed at all.
It might be accurate to call this fiasco "The Battle of the Narcissists." Two egos, so big, there is barely enough room for followers in the same room. Now, it's PI's turn to hand over the reins - but don't hold your breath as it is now obvious who has the biggest ego.
Charles
Posted by: Charles at January 10, 2006 06:31 PM--> Well, news has it that Nikken resigned. During a discussion meeting recently one member jokingly starter singing “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead”. <--
Pretty sad, really. There was also an official Memo put out by the SGI-USA announcing HP Nikken's retirement (they insist on calling it a "resignation") and claiming a Soka Spirit "victory." Yeesh!
The guy was 85 years old. He transferred his authority to a new guy and retired. That's all.
Cheers!
Andy
Posted by: Andy Hanlen at January 10, 2006 05:27 PM