The Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu in Conflict with the Buddha's Teachings
The Senji-Sho was one of Nichiren Daishonie Major Works. In the beginning of the Senji-Sho (Essay on the Selection of Time) , the Daishonin states "To study Buddhism, first of all we must know the right time. Shakyamuni Buddha did not expound the Lotus Sutra for more than 40 years. As said in the Sutra, it was because "the time was not ripe" . He did not expound the Lotus Sutra because it was not time to reveal his eternal life as stated in the 16th chapter of the Lotus Sutra.
When Shakyamuni Buddha's attainment of enlightenment in the eternal past was revealed, the audience was astonished and perplexed. As was I when I found out from Kempon Hokke Kai over 6 months ago. I had been brain-washed into believing that Nichiren Daishonin was the "True Buddha" of kuon ganjo.
The time periods as stated by Nichiren in the Senji-Sho are as follows: During the 1st,, 500 years after the death of the Buddha, there will be many who attain Buddhahood. The 2nd, 500 years will be the period many will study Buddhism and practice meditation. This will be the state of Buddhism during the 1st 1000 years after the death of the Buddha. The 3rd, 500 year era people read Sutras intensively to increase their knowledge. The 4th , 500 year period, many people will build Temples and Stupas in search of happiness and virtue. This will be the state of Buddhism during the 2000 years after the death of Shakyamuni. The 5th, 500 year period will be the Latter Day of the Law.
"Although both Mahayana and Hinyana Buddhism flourished for 2000 years following the death of Shakyamuni,which was the age of the True Dharma and the Imitative Dharma, they will all perish during the Latter Day of the Law." (Senji-Sho)
It is said in the Lotus Sutra in chapter 23, that it would be spread throughout the world in the 5th , 500 year period after the death of the Buddha lest it should be lost. And in chapter 10 it states "and much hatred exists against this Sutra in the world and it is difficult to uphold it." Chapter 23 declares "Devils, devils' subjects, dragons, yakasa demons, kumbhanda devils will be trying to take advantage." It is stated in the Daijik-kyo: (Disputes and quarrels will arise within Buddhism itself.) Chapter 13 states "Monks in the evil world will be cunning, flattering, and arrogant;" "some monks will live in monasteries and appear to be practicing the true way;" and "devils will enter the bodies of those monks and cause them to abuse those who uphold the True Dharma."
So, looking at the time periods of Buddhism as set forth in the Daishoninâ's Senji-Sho, is it not still the Latter Day of the Law? It seems that SGI and NST think that the time period of the Latter Day of the Law has changed from the time of Nichiren's day. As T'ien-t'ai states, "The wonderful way of the Lotus Sutra will spread benefit far in the 5th , 500 year period !" Dengyo declares "The age of the True Dharma and that of the Imitative Dharma are about to end and the Latter Day of the Law is around the corner. This is the time for the One-Vehicle teaching of the Lotus to spread.
The Daishonin states in the Senji-Sho "The 50 years of Shakyamuni's appearance in this world, the 2000 year period of ages of the True Dharma and the Imitative Dharma, and the 10,000 years of the LATTER DAY OF THE LAW are all included in this period, during which human longevity decreases from 100 years to the minimum of 10 years.
Nichiren Daishonin states again in the Senji-Sho "In the 5th, 500 year period, when all the teachings of the Buddha are about to disappear, Bodhisattva Jogyo will be entrusted with the 5 ideograms of Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo" Nichiren further states "after all, I as a messenger of the Buddha, am only trying to spread "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" in this period of disputes and quarrels. "
Nichiren, (Jogyo Bodhisattva) receives his command from the Buddha. Nichiren Shonin always referred to Shakyamuni Buddha as his lord and master. When Nichiren referred to himself as the prime practitioner of the Lotus Sutra in the whole world , he is referring to himself as Bodhisattva Jogyo which is consistent with Chapter 21 of the Lotus Sutra where it says on pg 300, Three Fold Lotus Sutra,
"After the Tathagata is extinct [such a one], Knowing [This] Sutra that the Buddha has taught, [Together with] its reasoning and process, Shall expound it according to its true meaning. Just as the light of the sun and moon Can dispel the darkness, So this man, working in the world, can disperse the gloom of the living and cause numberless Bodhisattvas Finally to abide in the One Vehicle. Therefore he who has wisdom, hearing the benefits of this merit, after I am extinct, Should receive and keep this Sutra. This man shall in the way of the Buddha Be Fixed and have no doubts."
It is still clearly the time to "read, recite, and copy" [or revere the Lotus Sutra.
When I found Kempon Hokke Kai, they pointed out to me that we (meaning the SGI) don't study the Lotus Sutra which reveals the Original Buddha or Eternal Buddha of the 16th chapter, which is consistent with the Kanjin Honzon-Sho where Nichiren states "Lord Shakyamuni Buddha is the Eternal Buddha who attained Perfect Enlightenment 500 dust-particle kalpa ago.
Nichiren never declared himself the True Buddha and this statement cannot be found in any of the Daishonin's writings. It is only found in the backgrounds of the Major Writings done by NSIC. In fact when reading other translations of Nichiren's works I have found that the MW's have omitted many quotes where Nichiren declares Shakyamuni Buddha as the Original, Eternal Buddha.
SGI and NST try to use the statement "he also practiced the Bodhisattva Way" to support their theology of Nichiren as the True Buddha. The correct quote is referring to Shakyamuni of the essential section ,"His practice of Bodhisattva Way also goes back to the eternal past. Ever since His attainment of Perfect Enlightenment, He has appeared in all the worlds of the universe as Buddhas in manifestations to expound Shakyamuni's lifetime preachings and save an innumerable number of people." I underline Buddhas in manifestations to illustrate a concept of manifestation or replica Buddhas (funjin) which can only be understood through reading the Lotus Sutra. Shakyamuni appeared as many different Buddhas in manifestations or replicas of himself throughout the Sutra. Its extremely sad that SGI/NST use quotes and distort and twist them to support their self serving theology; knowing their members don't understand the Lotus Sutra because they discourage any deep study of it.
Furthermore the term kuon ganjo is not found in any of Nichiren's Writings. It can only be found in the backgrounds of the Major Writings or the writings of Ikeda and SGI/NST. There is a term used in the Kaimoku-Sho which is the concept of Kuon-Jitsujo (eternal life of the Buddha) revealed in the essential section (hommon) of the Lotus Sutra.
So when we look at Buddhism in terms of the SGI and NST’s theology, we find they say the Lotus Sutra is not valid in Mappo and that Shakyamuni is not the Original Buddha which is in complete conflict with the Daishonin's own writings.
SGI and NST set aside the Lotus Sutra. This is parallel to what the Daishonin refutes throughtout all his writings when speaking of monks like Jikaku and Chisho. They did not follow the teachings of the Lotus Sutra which maintains : "The Lotus Sutra is the most excellent of all the Sutras which had already been preached, are now being preached, and are to be preached in the future." "Are not those who do not follow these teachings of the Lotus Sutra great enemies of Shakyamuni Buddha, Taho Buddha, and Buddhas in manifestations from all the worlds in 10 directions?" Jikaku and Chisho said that Shingon and Tendai were equal in doctrine, which fooled many people into going along with Mudra and Mantra of the Great Sun Buddha Sutra. Nichiren further states "The person who keeps this Sutra is superior to any other living being. SGI/NST placed their own writings such as the Human Revolution, Seikyo Times and Ikedaâ's writings before the Lotus Sutra.
I have talked to SGI leaders at Culture Centers from LA to Seattle and each has a different view on the Lotus Sutra. LA's Study department says "We will get lost in the forest of the Lotus Sutra." In Oregon they say "the Lotus Sutra is dead" and in Seattle its a different story from person to person, basically they don.t know what to say, their not sure.Honen of the Pure Land Sect (Nembutsu) had similar things to say such as the Lotus Sutra is too exquisite for the common people [Honen threw out the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha and worshiped Amida Buddha. SGI/NST throws out the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni and replaces him with Nichiren].
The Daishonin says in the Rissho Ankoku Ron "How sad it is that in the several decades since the publication of Honen's collection of passages on the Nembutsu millions and tens of millions of people have been infatuated by this devilish work and have gone astray from the true Buddhism!"
Futhermore he states "How can demons not take advantage when the one sided Pure Land teaching is preferred and the perfect teaching of the Lotus Sutra is discarded."
It is clear to me now that SGI and NST did not want us to read the Lotus Sutra because we would find out the truth. The Major Writings contradicts the Lotus Sutra. T’ien-t’ai states "Those who admire the Lotus Sutra accumulate merits as high as Mount Sumeru, and those who slander it fall into the hell of incessant sufferings." Even the version of the Lotus
The Lotus Sutra clearly states to read, recite, and copy the Sutra and the Daishonin encourages us throughout all his writings to do the same.
My own experience has been from reading the Lotus Sutra, I am beginning to understand Nichiren's Writings for the first time.
Since I became part of the Samgha of Kempon Hokke Kai I have learned more about Buddhism in 6 months than I did in 22 years , and realize the SGI is going in a completely opposite direction than what the Sutra teaches!
I realize now that I was brain-washed, after all I joined NSA-SGI when I was (seventeen years old) and was programmed very early on , and never knew there were any other Nichiren Buddhists. SGI tells you they are the only exclusive and true teaching. When I look through the MW , I see quotes that I never noticed or understood before, for example "The nation of Japan today has turned its back on the Lotus Sutra and cast aside Shakyamuni Buddha." (MW vol 6, Letter to Ichinosana Nyudo, pg 99) and there are many, many more.
And in regard to the Lectures on the Sutra done by Josei Toda, the mis-translations abound. From Chapter 4, Faith Discernment, Toda says "From now on stop your cunning lying, getting angry, being jealous of or reviling others." (pg 41, paragraph 4) The real translation of this passage is "You have never been deceitful, lazy, angry, or grumbling." (Three Fold Lotus Sutra, pg 114, 1st paragraph) [Always putting you down or telling you your arrogant, sound familiar?]
SGI members do not realize that they have been brain-washed and I didn't either. "Ways to evaluate a group's control over personal freedom [From Chapter Four of Combatting Cult Mind Control (Park Street Press, 1990) by Steven Hassan] Destructive mind control can be understood in terms of four basic components, which form the acronym BITE:
I. Behavior Control II. Information Control III. Thought Control IV.
Emotional Control These four components are guidelines. Not all groups do
every aspect or do them extremely. What matters most is the overall
impact on a person's free will and ability to make real choices. A
person's uniqueness, talents, skills, creativity, and free will should be
encouraged, not suppressed. Destructive mind control seeks to "make
people over"in the image of the cult leader. This process has been
described as "cloning". This "cult identity"is the result of a systematic
process to dissociate a person from his or her previous identity
including important beliefs and values as well as significant
relationships. The result is the creation of a dual identity, what I
refer to "John-John"and "John cult-member".
Is the organization open or closed? Are there organizational secrets?
Are there "in"groups and "out"groups? Are there restricted teachings
for initiates only? Are there secret texts and publications "for your
eyes only? Is there real financial accountability? If a group says that
you can look at its accounting records, does it actually provide access?
The only way to know is to ask to see the records. If you are afraid to
ask, what does this say about the atmosphere of the group? What
structural checks and balances exist within the organization to prevent
abuse of power? Are there divisive sectarian biases, even in the name of
interdenominational ecumenicism and universality? Is there an
independent "ethics" committee to challenge and change policies of the
group? If there are abuses or injustices, what structure exists to
correct them? Can anyone legitimately question the actions of the leader
without threat of emotional withdraw or fear of expulsion to "hell"?
Do the rich and powerful get preferential treatment? Are
"indulgences"(spiritual pardons) sold? Is there a "Sicilian"code of
silence against unethical behavior of leaders?
I. Behavior Control 1. Regulation of individual's physical reality a.
Where, how and with whom the member lives and associates with b. What
clothes, colors, hairstyles the person wears c. What food the person
eats, drinks, adopts, and rejects d. How much sleep the person is able to
have e. Financial dependence f. Little or no time spent on leisure,
entertainment, vacations 2. Major time commitment required for
indoctrination sessions and group rituals 3. Need to ask permission for
major decisions 4. Need to report thoughts, feelings and activities to
superiors 5. Rewards and punishments (behavior modification techniques-
positive and negative). 5. Individualism discouraged; group think
prevails 6. Rigid rules and regulations 7. Need for obedience and
dependency II. Information Control 1. Use of deception a. Deliberately
holding back information b. Distorting information to make it acceptable
c. Outright lying "
The Eternal life of Shakyamuni!
Chapter 17, pg 263, (Three Fold) "Yet any good son or daughter Who, hearing me declare my [eternal] life, believes it with but a single thought this ones reward surpasses his. If anyone be entirly free from all doubts and misgivings And in his deepest heart believes it but a moment, Such shall be his reward. If there be bodhisattvas Who have followed
It further states in this chapter "This mans merit will be infinite and boundless and able to bring forth perfect knowledge."
Since its still the Later Day of the Law I hope people in the SGI/NST will look for themselves and read the Lotus Sutra. To take out the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni is to take out any possiblity of attaining enlightenment in this lifetime. The teaching of Kempon Hokke Kai is "Kuon-Jitsujo" - Attaining enlightenment from the life of the Buddha-(from the Kaimoku-Sho)
Kempon Hokke Kai is in perfect accord with the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren's Teachings. I have read all five major works and have read the Sutra over and over and I am not lost in the forest of the Lotus Sutra, on the contrary I have achieved more from upholding the Sutra and chanting the seven characters Namu- myohorengekyo to a real Gohonzon than I ever did in SGI.
SGI chants (Nam)-myohorengekyo and is practicing some Soka-value zenifacation creation cult society, or what ever it is. After all it says five or seven characters not six, and down the center of the Gohonzon it's Namu-myohorengekyo, make up your own mind, do you want to chant what Nichiren did or what Toda did?
The Honzon Sgi & Nst worship is not Nichiren's Gohonzon as it has had things added to it and has been inscribed improperly. I am so happy to have a Gohonzon that is a copy from Nichiren Shonin himself. No crazy organazation, no leaders to scrutinize you or telling you what to do or how to think, just the authentic Teachings of Nichiren and "The Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Law.
"If anyone in the course of a kalpa Unceasingly cherishes a wicked heart And, with angry mien, rails at the Buddha, He commits an infinitely heavy sin, But anyone who reads, recites, and keeps This Sutra of the Law Flower [should one] abuse him even a moment, His sin is still heavier."
Our enlightenment is through the "Succession of the Scrolls of the Sutra" not from any succession of priests or any persons. Hence the three treasures:The Buddha (Eternal Shakyamuni) The Law Namu-myorengekyo and the Samgha:the community of believers of Shakyamuni, including Nichiren.
Thank you Kempon Hokke Kai !!!
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