This past weekend I had experienced what I believe may be the new wave of Nichiren Buddhism in America.
The first wave was the appearance of Nichiren Shu and other traditional schools with the Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century.
The second major wave was the appearance of Soka Gakkai spreading the practice of chanting Odaimoku from 1960 on.
The third wave was in part caused by the split between SGI and Nichiren Shoshu in 1991. This caused many disenchanted members and former leaders of those groups to seek out other forms of Nichiren Buddhism either already in America among the Japanese-Americans or back in Japan. Nichiren Shu, Kempon Hokke Kai, Honmon Butsuryu Shu, Rissho Kosei Kai and Reiyukai all gained a higher profile as Nichiren Buddhists all learned (to their delight or dismay) that the Nichiren Shoshu/Soka Gakkai were not the only players.
The fourth wave coming in rapid succession to all of that was the Independence Movement wherein people just struck out on there own - completely disillusioned with the established schools and/or unwilling to check out any others or unable to do so due to remoteness.
The fifth wave may be happening at places like Bill and Jean Anker's "Buddhist Alternative Group" or "Empty District" (among other possible terms of reference). I have a suspicion that this may be going on all-over but not in a way that anyone on the public boards and net community know about. Anyway - here is what is happening as I see it. An SGI district had formed over the years with Bill as their district leader (Bill or anyone else please correct me if I have things wrong) and its composition consisted of some pretty progressive, spiritually tolerant and open-minded people. These were people who were serious and dedicated to faith, practice, and study, but had not gotten involved in Buddhism in order to buy into any dogmatism or other people's conflicts (esp. overseas conflicts like the ones George Washington once warned us to stay out of). These were people who, like Jean and Bill, decided to emphasize the positive aspects, and distance themselves from battles and sectarianism. For them, Buddhism was about opening and awakening - not closing ranks and circling the wagons against imaginary or trumped up threats. For them, Buddhism was not about holding back from possible contamination, but about reaching out compassionately to others and engaging in true dialogue even with supposed "enemies." Certain people did not/do not understand or like this approach so Bill was removed from his position as district chief and SGI members were discouraged from meetings at his home, and in fact official SGI meetings may no longer be conducted there.
But that did not end the story. The aspiration for people to have non-denominational and open meetings that would be open to anyone of sincere faith to come and practice together and learn and discuss the Dharma was as strong as ever. The meetings continued, though unofficially. Simply a gathering of friends. What made this different from the earlier waves of Nichiren Buddhism is that no one felt the need to leave the Sanghas they were in or even to sit around complaining about their current Sanghas, or to seek out some other Sangha. The meetings would simply be people of whatever school or no school at all who enjoyed being together for the purpose of sharing and deepening their faith, practice, and study. Sectarianism had not just been avoided, it seems to have been transcended altogether as an issue.
I got to see for myself what this is like this past weekend when I finally got a chance to accept Bill's longstanding invitation to come down to one of their meetiings. Apparently this group (or Empty District, or Buddhist Alternative Group, or Gathering of Friends) had decided to use "Lotus World: An Illustrated Guide to the Gohonzon" as the basis for a study series on the calligraphic Omandala of Nichiren Shonin. The book was published by my temple for its 25th anniversary. Bill asked me if I could send them a bunch of copies in time for their meeting on the 5th Sunday of January. As it turned out, the San Jose Temple does not have services on 5th Sundays so I offered to bring them myself and help kick off the study. As it turned out I was also invited to lead their gongyo (using the skills I have learned in Nichiren Shu and the Sacred Services book published by the San Jose Temple and since then used by many in the Independence movement), and then Shodaigyo Meditation, and then to give a brief presentation about my book.
So off I drove on Saturday afternoon with a car full of books and Buddhist accoutrements (none of which are necessary, but I enjoy my Buddhist toys and musical instruments and hoped they would too). I got there Saturday night and got to meet Bill and Jean and also Byrd (whose responses here assure me that my entries are being met with more than just the chirping of virtual crickets) and another friend whom I would name but don't want to get anyone in trouble. We had some great discussions and I wish to thank Bill and Jean for their hospitality over the weekend which made it possible for me to make the trip.
Anyway, the next day was the meeting - and I was really amazed. Altogether we estimated that 33 people were there to chant. That, incidentally, is the number of forms that Kuan Yin Bodhisattva takes on in the 25th chapter of the Lotus Sutra. A nice omen. It is rare that on this side of the Pacific that I get to chant with so many people - all of whom were chanting quite harmoniously, vigorously, and enthusiastically. As a plus, many of them were yoga practitioners so they had a good handle on the medititavie aspects of Shodaigyo Meditation, not to mention breathing and chanting from the diaphragm. I think the Empty District as a group definately are suited to bring out the yogic aspects of Odaimoku practice in addition to its deeper contemlative aspects that they have been freely exploring.
The group was composed of many SGI members, some who were not members of anything. Even Joe Walter, the general manager of Reiyukai in the USA came with his wife. It was really nice of him to come and I was glad to get a chance to meet and talk with him again (we had met briefly at the LA Temple a couple of years ago but I was a bit rushed then). His wife told us that she came from a Nichiren Shu family in Japan, but had never heard laypeople chant the Sino-Japanese gongyo together as we had, in addition to lots of vigorous Odaimoku. She seemed to have been very moved by the experience, and I was very touched by what she shared with the group about her experience of practicing with us.
Anyway, after gongyo and Shodaigyo I gave a talk about the Gohonzon, and fielded some questions. Then we broke for bagels and orange juice (which was deeply appreciated after all that chanting and talking). I really enjoyed being with everybody and got some great questions and comments. It is exactly this kind of experience of Sangha that is necessary to move forward in one's faith, practice, and understanding. It is important that we get together like this as fellow Nichiren Buddhists to encourage and inspire one another and through honest dialogue (as opposed to disguised polemics) gain a better understanding of one another and a deeper insight into the Wonderful Dharma.
Anyway, it was a great experience. I hope that I get a chance to do that again sometime somewhere. And again, my thanks to Bill and Jean and Byrd (who introduced Lotus World and got the ball rolling) and everyone of the friends who gathered together there to make it happen.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
P.S.
Some might get the idea that I don't care about establishing Nichiren Shu Sanghas anymore, or that I am no longer interested in bringing new people into Nichiren Shu. That I think people should just go Independent or remain with their respective Sanghas and then just go out and do their own thing as they please. That is not my actual position though - so perhaps I should clarify where I am coming from and what I hope to see.
I think that the most important thing right now if Nichiren Buddhism is going to survive outside Japan is that sectarianism is transcended. And that means not putting down someone else's school or urging people to leave one school and/or to join another. It means just rejoicing that people are coming to the practice and letting them be where they need to be (or to not be where they do not wish to be).
Now if someone is in a Sangha, I would say to them: abide by the customs and traditions of that Sangha. If that becomes problematic for you, then perhaps you should think about leaving. The important thing is maintaining your conscience and integrity and your ability do develop your practice and to help other people develop theirs.
If you are not in a Sangha, I would say that you are free to "do as you see fit" as the Buddha told those who audited his talks. But I would urge you to avail yourselves of the wealth of knowledge, know-how, and experience of the lineages that are out there. You don't have to make stuff up as you go along or cobble together things from disparate traditions. You can usually benefit from the resources of various groups without having to join up. So for instance, you don't have to be a Nichiren Shu member to get books and materials from the NBIC (though we do not sell Omandalas, for that you do have to be a member and have it bestowed on you). And while there is precedent in Buddhism for being a tusker and going it alone in situations where there are no wise companions, and while the Lotus Sutra does talk of lone Bodhisattvas of the Earth, the third Jewel is the Jewel of the Sangha, and I think that without a Sangha of some kind there really can not be Buddhism for very long. My concern is that the Odaimoku not become a free-floating magical incantion with no roots in the tradition that gave birth to it.
What I hope to see happen is that Nichiren Buddhist of all affiliations or none will just take the initiative and be willing to get together to chant and encourage one another and learn from one another. And if enough people get together to do this, then others will want to get in on it. And then it will be time from individuals or even groups to look for the experience of Sangha that best fits their style and needs (and note that sometimes we need to be challenged - we shouldn't just look for convenience). I think that a multi/non-denominational clearning house approach might be just what is needed to provide people with a safe non-sectarian hassle free haven to just come together and chant and learn. That is what I have been trying to set up myself at Faithful Fools and in Marin Co. There is no need to join or to leave anything.
Now if someone does want to join Nichiren Shu, I will certainly assist them (though part of that assistance is a six month program of working with me or another minister to learn enough about us in order to make sure that you really do want to be a member of Nichiren Shu). If someone wants to join something else, that is fine. I will point them to someone who can help them, though I might share my own experiences or views of different groups if it is asked for and appropriate. And certainly if someone joins something else they are still free to come to my meetings. So for instance, my Marin Co. "group" currently consists of two (or possibly just one) ex-SGI member, though in the past it has had a current Nichiren Shoshu member, a Soto Zen practitioner once visited, and we had a couple people join us who were new to Buddhism. My Faithful Fools group has three regular participants, one of whom is not a member of anything, one of whom practices yoga, and one is a Zen practitioner (that Soto connection again). For that matter, the San Francisco Sutra Salon is also non-denominationally Buddhist and consists of Zen practitioners, Vipassana practitioners, a former Nichiren Shu member (so no hard feelings in that regard), Tendai clergy, and even a Taiwanese nun. It makes for a very interesting cross-section of views and experiences and is all the richer for it.
So bottom line - these multi/non-denominational gatherings of Buddhist Friends (kind like Quakers in kesas) is something that I feel is needed now - and something that in the long run will help all the schools to grown in a positive way (or at least those who are supportive of them).
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
Makes me almost wish I were in LaLa Land. I agree with the vision to the extent I understand. I wonder if the schools/sects can grasp that this is good for Buddhism and is therefore good for them?
Posted by: robin at January 31, 2006 05:26 AMHi Michael:
This is a really lovely post. A few observations:
I think what you observed is something taking place across the board in Buddhism in the U.S. (I'm not sure what is going on in Europe, but from brief comments I've heard from a few Europeans I think there is something similar happening there as well.) Your description reminds me of a number of non-affiliated Zen groups (I know of two in the county I live in), and even a number of non-sectarian Vajrayana groups I've heard about.
What impresses me about all of this is that those who have left a formal affiliation (or the smaller number who never had a formal affiliation) are not picking up their marbels and going home. Instead, they are seeking out a way, a form, that is supportive of their practice, as they have perceived clear benefits from the practice.
Over and over I have observed people leaving a formal sangha, but not rejecting the Dharma when they do so. In the majority of cases that I have observed people leave a formal sangha due to internal strife of some kind that saps the energy of the sangha making practice very difficult, and sometimes impossible. I have observed this in numerous forms of the Dharma.
In the Buddhist Discourses the Buddha says in a number of places that it is better to proceed on the path alone than it is to remain with those who are not helpful in one's practice. It is better if one has good spiritual friends, but if one does not, then keep going, like a solitary elephant in the jungle. I think many in the west are heading this advice.
Thanks again for the beautiful post,
Dharmajim
Thanks for a swell post, Michale - I can't tell you howhappy I was to finally make your acquaintance after all this time of talking online. I really feel that the online community is valuable, and that I have made a lot of friends here.
FWIW, another valuable technique people are using to create Sanghas is the conference call. I am part of a Lotus Sutra Study group of people who allchant (I think I'm the only remaining Gakkai member), who rread the Sutra and then discuss it in a conference all every Sunday morning. Out little sangha includes people in Virginia, Indiana, Alaska and England! Not to mention me in LA. I think you're right that this new wave is very very very encouraging.
Also, Michael, everybody really really enjoyed your talk. Maybe next time you can bring the family, go to Disneyland and then come up to the BAG. If you come in the summer, we can have a POOL PARTY! A BARBECUE !!! I'm going nuts, here!
Yeah!
Hi Michael! (You said that was ok, and I know I can't pronounce the other, even in my head! ;-) )
I cannot adequately express my appreciation for your participation in the Empty District on Sunday. And I am very impressed with your description of the history of the district, as it is right on, as far as I am concerned. I actually was "reassigned" to some other district back in 1992 when I moved to the part of town I am in now, and was immediately unhappy with the situation. I had been appropriately karmically-matched to Bill and Jean at the age of 16 or so, and it was obvious to me that, even though it's about a 45-60 minute drive (depending on traffic), I needed to just go there to practice, when I wanted to be with others.
When all these silly political things went down over the last what, decade or so, I just did what I could on my own, and went to Bill & Jean's when I could. They are my dear friends, as well as the people I look to for support in my faith.
I also owe you a thank-you for your kindness to my son, who was perseverating on your drums, and to whom you were so very kind, without even an explanation from me about his hyperfocus.
It was such good fortune for me to be able to meet you. :-) It was wonderful to have you at that meeting, and to experience all the new sounds and ideas you had to offer. Truly fodder for an inquiring soul! I most certainly hope you are able to come again! Is there a name for those "5th Sundays", kind of like a "Blue Moon"?
Shannon :-)
Posted by: Shannon Ahern at January 31, 2006 08:31 PMMichael, thanks for your great post. I am so sorry that I did not attend last week at the Anker's (I have been to a previous gathering out there), and so inspired by your report (as well as those from Bill and Byrd that I've read elsewhere).
The "Fifth Wave" you describe is exactly what I have been dreaming of, and I agree heartily with all of the sentiments you've expressed. Hopefully your post and actions, and the ongoing efforts of folks like the Ankers, will help me to jump start my lazy butt into regular participation with this group, and to making my own contribution toward advancing this Buddhism in our country.
Thanks again.
Andy
Posted by: Andy Hanlen at February 1, 2006 10:21 AMMicheal,
Congratulations to you, and the Ankers for coordinating this meeting, and for letting those of us who live at a distance hear about it.
I think this Fifth wave IS taking place - not just in LA at the Ankers... it happens in emails between folks of disparate Nichiren views, that never surface on the more publicized Yahoo groups, it happens phone conversations between like minded folk... the Ankers' meeting, may I suggest, is the very visible tip of a very large iceberg (though that is an inauspicous metaphor, forgive me for that!).
I will be very happy to see the day when Ryuekai, Shu, Indie and SGI folk can "transcend their differences", feel free to remain true to their consciences, and not let intersectarian squabbles drain all the energy that should be directed to more constructive uses.
Here's to a start!
Kris
Hi
I have had and continuing to have the same problems as the group you were talking about - back in United Kingdom and worse here in France. For the last 2 years I have just followed my own faith and carried on to study anything that was buddhism on th internet and filtered it through what is a major lesson of Buddha: Kalama Sutta.
I think that this should be given to people as their first encounter with buddhism as it shifts everything inside a human being.
I am sending to you one of the many similar translations that are on the web and hope you will be willing to post it on your sites as it is the very first step that one should take in their way to becoming a buddha.
Kalama Sutta
Do not believe in anything (simply)
because you have heard it.
Do not believe in traditions because they
have been handed down for many generations.
Do not believe in anything because it is
spoken and rumoured by many.
Do not believe in anything (simply) because
it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority
of your teachers and elders.
But after observation and analysis
when you find that anything agrees with reason
and is conductive to the good and benefit of one and all
then accept it and live up to it.
Buddha
Very grateful
Oana
Posted by: Oana at February 3, 2006 10:45 PMHi Oana,
The Kalama Sutta is indeed very important. I comment on it in my article "What is the Buddha Dharma?" which is here:
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/BuddhaDharma.html
I wrote that article precisely to make the point that Buddhism is not about blind belief, fruitless metaphysical speculation, or authoritarianism but rather about one's own inquiry and efforts leading to knowing the truth for oneself.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
I so wanted to come to this meeting and have the opportunity to meet you, Bill, and Byrd, but unfortunately, I came down with a bad cold and couldn't make the 45-mile trip. Thanks for posting this.
Posted by: Michele at February 6, 2006 01:10 PMCould you please explain your use of the word, "traditional"? What do you think consitutes tradition in Nichiren Buddhism?
Posted by: Kathy` at February 7, 2006 12:46 PMGranted the word "traditional" is a bit ambiguous, since anything that has been passed down by a certain group is traditional.
I use the word because I have been trying to find a way to make a distinction between the mainstream of Nichiren Buddhism as represented by the consensus of all the lineages stemming from Nichiren with the exception of the Nikko sub-lineage at Taisekiji and the minority view of what Nichiren Buddhism is espoused by the Taisekiji lineage (in other words Nichiren Shoshu) and now SGI.
SGI may constitute the majority of Nichiren Buddhist practitioners today. However, they have only been around since 1930, and only really became a mass movement in the 1950's. Before that, the Taisekiji interpretation of Nichiren Buddhism was only held by that one temple and its affiliates.
Also, SGI is classified by most people who study these things as a New Religion. In other words, it is a new reformulated form of Buddhism. This is not a good or bad thing. It is simply the way people who have studied Asian religions for the last half of the 20th century have differentiated between the older temple based schools and lineages, and the new movements that were founded primarily by charismatic lay leaders which selectively adop certain teachings and methods form the older traditions but adapt them to the needs of modern society (for good or ill).
This means that if one is focusing just on the traditional temple-based clerical lineages - the Taisekiji view is very much still the minority. Not only that, the Taisekiji view that differs from that of the other Nichiren schools really only appeared in the 14th century and was only really consolidated later by Nichikan. And Nichikan's teachings present a pretty clear break from the mainstream of the Buddhist tradition going back to Shakyamuni Buddha. Josei Toda, the second president of SGI (when SGI was still technically a Nichiren Shoshu lay group) was very upfront about this. He distinguished between Shakyamuni's Buddhism and the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin whom he (and Nichiren Shoshu) regard as the True Buddha of the Latter Age.
So by traditional I am referring to oen or more things:
1. The traditional temple-based clergical lineages as distinguished (but not necessarily opposed to) modern lay movement that rework the older traditions.
2. The mainstream of the Buddhist tradition that regards Shakyamuni Buddha as the founder and therefore the primary teacher and exemplar.
3. The concensus view of all the Nichiren schools (excepting the innovations of Taiseki) that regards the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha as the original teacher in accord with what Nichiren Daishonin himself wrote in the gosho.
SGI is not traditional Buddhism then for a few reasons.
1) They have split from the mainstream view of Buddhism that regards Shakyamuni Buddha as the Buddha of this world and this time period.
2) They have adopted and continue to follow the doctrinal innovations of Taisekiji, which set them apart from the lineages of all the other Nichiren temples and lineages in Japan, including the other Nikko lineages.
3) They have split from the old temple based system and no longer have even a tenuous connection with any of the clerical lineages set up by Nichiren. SGI is now totally a lay movement led by a charismatic figure that adopts Buddhist teachings as it sees fit.
Now this is not to say that traditional Buddhism = good and nontraditional = bad. I do not think that is the case. But I think that the traditional schools have some things to learn from the New Religions, and the New Religions would do well not to neglect the rich heritage that has been passed down in the traditional schools.
As for the Taisekiji innovations that set them apart from the other Nichiren schools, I will defer to what Robin Beck has uncovered about those claims. And you can read all about that in exhaustive and well-researched detail on his blog.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
Hello all,
I'm happy for all who are getting to experience this fifth wave firsthand in California. This kind of group that the Ankers are hosting has been something I've been dreaming of too. I just wonder when, if ever, a like-minded group will start up in the New York area. You would think that since New York is such a cultural mecca, it would be easy to find a progressive Nichiren sangha, but so far my search leads me to conclude that the pickings are non-existent.
From what I've researched about Nichiren Shu, I like what I'm reading. But, without intending to insult, I must say that so far I have experienced the leadership of of Nichiren Shu New York as, although I'm sure very well meaning and sincere, exhibiting the controlling, superstitious aspects I'm trying to do without. A Nichiren Shu member recently told me that the New York leadership doesn't represent how the rest of that sect operates.
Some have suggested that I get a fifth-wave type of group going here, but how to do it? A friend of mine has tried to get some of us together, but the interest doesn't seem to be there. And I don't know if I have the will to persevere in such a herculean undertaking.
I suppose that all I can do at this point is continue my practice and trust that the wisdom and the right circumstances will arise to manifest this long-awaited sangha.
All the best,
Gabrielle
Posted by: Gabrielle at February 7, 2006 07:43 PMOh drat! I wish I'd known you were going to be in L.A. so I could have come and said "hi." In any case, can you email me with info on Bill's sangha? I lost touch with him and now I'm itching to go!
Posted by: Queen Lolo at February 11, 2006 06:40 PMIt was great to read so many positive comments about our gathering last month. I really think people enjoy getting together, studying and practicing Buddhism. So much of our lives are occupied with just daily life that we need to refresh ourselves whenever possible. I love our Sunday Gathering of Friends and for that reason Bill and I will continue to have what is basicly an open house the last Sunday of the month at 10:00. It is our pleasure and it is one of the ways we attempt to be bodisatvas and our lives are both really excellerating in a way that feels natural and right.
Thanks again to everyone who either participated or said something possitive.
Jean Anker
Posted by: Jean Anker at February 17, 2006 05:14 PMAfter 34 years as a nonconforming "loyal opposition" SGI member, I want to investigate other options without on-shitsu-ing anyone. Are there any non-hierchal, independent groups in Southern California? I live in the San Fernando Valley. Can someone e-mail me? Hopefully, barbarapike@sbcglobal.net
Posted by: Barbara Pike at February 22, 2006 07:24 AM