Just in case there is anyone who reads this blog and is not aware of it - I moderate the Nichiren Shu Yahoo group and anyone who sincerely wishes to discuss (not fight about) Nichiren Buddhism is welcome to come over and join us.
Actually, I did not create that yahoo group. It was created by Rev. Kanjin Cederman back when he was still just a shami (novice), and he got really busy with other projects and so I stepped in to moderate it. I basically left it alone for a long time but within the last few months I have decided to make it more active by posting passages from the gosho (I used the 30+ passages that are sometimes read aloud at Nichiren Shu services) and also passages from the Lotus Sutra (taken from my sensei's compilation Lotus Petals). I also add some comments and reflections to these passages to help provide context and perspective.
Fortunately, this is not all that goes on there. People have also posted questions about Nichiren Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra, and Buddhism in general. They have posted experiences and also important information about upcoming Nichiren Shu events (like the weeklong retreat in Huston in August). So it's a good place to get connected.
I do have to approve all memberships, but I approve anyone who wants to be a part of it and join in civil discussion about Nichiren Shu. In fact, here is the description and guidelines for the group:
I hope that we can help to better understand and teach the principles of the Eternal Buddha and Nichiren Shonin's teachings, we welcome all people to come and participate in our discusions or to answer your questions.
Group Policy: This is a pro-Nichiren Shu, pro-Lotus Sutra, pro-Buddha Dharma, and pro-Nichiren Shonin group. This group is not for promoting or attacking any other school or group of Buddhism. Different perspectives are welcome provided it is in a spirit of sharing or respectful dialogue and not sectarian sparring. Flames, spam, and links to agendas that are not in keeping with the spirit of this list will be deleted and after two warnings their authors will be banned. While differences of opinion and even controversy are welcome, provided it is done in a civil manner, it is the hope of this moderator to keep things focused on the positive, the practical, and above all on the application of Buddha Dharma to daily life.
So if anyone reads this and in interested please check it out. We already have over 340 members from all over the world and it is pretty active - but not overwhelmingly so.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
I enjoy that group, and I have posted a number of questions there which have been answered - for example a couple of weeks ago I posted a question about whether Nichiren had actually ever said that his discuiples should make pilgrimage to Mount Minobu. I have gotten coherent and intelligent answers to all my questions there. Also, the people seem to be a good, international mix.
Wahzoh
Posted by: Byrd in LA at July 19, 2008 11:29 AM"Just in case there is anyone who reads this blog"
Posted by: robin at July 20, 2008 02:20 AMI wouldn't be a good candidate for that group, considering that I'm anti-Nichiren, anti-Buddhist, etc. Of course, I'm also anti-Christian, "antisemitic", anti-Islamic, anti-Satanic, anti-Hindu, anti-Pagan, anti-atheist, and probably anti- a bunch of other things I've never even heard of. :) In other words, it's clear that y'all don't want to hear what I have to say.
Geez Jeff, your favorite song wouldn't happen to be "1996" from Marilyn Manson's "Anti-Christ Superstar" CD would it?
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
I'm afraid I haven't heard it (and hadn't even heard _of_ it) -- I haven't heard much new music the past quarter century.
To Jeff.. I have you beat.. I am ...
ANTI-PASTA!
Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Maltz at July 26, 2008 06:46 PM