“First, we should apologize to the Gohonzon for our ancestors’ slander. Apologize to the Gohonzon in a way that says, “My ancestors believed in misleading teachings. Please forgive them…please forgive us” or “My family practiced the Zen sect (or Shingon, Nembutsu, other Nichiren sects, etc.) and I am very sorry. My current problem is due to my own karma: the fact is, I was born into a family who slanders. Please, Gohonzon, forgive my family and I for the sins we’ve committed against the True Law.” Pray to erase your negative karma and pray to rid your mind of all onshitsu. Apologize to the Gohonzon from your heart with this type of sincere attitude. This is what is called sange-zaimetsu (acknowledging one’s faults, shortcomings or past misdeeds and seeking to make amends). You must do this first. Secondly, make a determination such as, “I pray to do my best for kosen-rufu, not only for my own sake, but for the sake of my ancestors. Therefore, please forgive the slander that my family has made. I’ll become the best group leader in the whole country, I promise. Therefore, let me overcome my illness.” Thirdly, pray for your personal wishes, i.e., “Please help my child recover from illness” or “Please let my family become harmonious” or ” Please, let us become financially secure.”
SGI leaders are beggars at the gate. There is one reference in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings to apology, “At that time, even if he should apologize to me, I will not accept it.” There is not one reference to apology in the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin teach, “Sit upright and ponder the ultimate reality.” The ultimate reality is Shakyamuni Buddha of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra and Namu Myoho renge kyo as embodied in the Gohonzon. They [the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren] don’t say, “sit upright and ponder your ancestors slander” or “grovel before the Gohonzon entreating, ‘please Gohonzon, I need this or that.’ “ Wake up SGI members. Trust the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin and a heretofore unknown world, unexcelled and marvelous, will open up to you.