Reverend Greg

Fan mail from some flounder

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!

Thank you all...

Thank you all for your support during this difficult transitional period.

I apologize for my error over my internet discussion group and again thank all those who have taken steps to protect the privacy and relationships which I still very much value.

In the past I have experienced similar strange mistakes. I, and perhaps everyone from time to time become victims of their on subconscious, or “less than conscious’ mind. I find that under prolonged stressful situations there are functions in my life which I believe are connected in fact to my own Buddha nature that will often emerge to handle business when I find myself in an emotional straight-jacket and unable to do so.

None the less it is not my wish to be a hurtful person, especially to those who, while they may have become neglectful in their relationships with me, have certainly not wronged me in anyway.

In conclusion I wish to thank everyone for their continued support, both emotionally and in their judicious use of the delete key.

Rev. Greg Dilley, Shidoshi

The version I could *never* use...

Updated entry...

Darn, this blows. Now there's all these funny comments on the incorrectly spelled version, so I dare not delete it... Oh the legacy....

An offering from a loyal minion