OK...so nobody wants to be negative all the time...Nobody wants to discourage a new member from continuing faith...
The big question is:
What place is there in the SGI for a Nichiren buddhist who can't make himself comfortable in the organization? Perhaps there is none...
Last week, when that very sweet staffer at the SGI sent me into a rage, I began to realize that there are certain built-in mindsets of the SGI that are non-negotiable...if you ain't got 'em, you ain't gonna enjoy the trip...
1."Those who trust don't question...those who question don't trust". As I've been told countless times before, I was told once again that if I cannot trust the wisdom of SGI's refusal to disclose its finances, then there's something wrong with my faith... This is a universal technique of the SGI...those who criticise must have defective faith...which is why we see faults where there are none...
I don't think I've ever asked an SGI leader about financial disclosure without being attacked in some personal way for having defective faith...and I guess I never will...
The only correct way to practice in the SGI is to pretend that everything is great in the Gakkai and agree with all policies publicly... If you harbor doubts or criticism, take them behind closed doors, where the merciful leader will explain why your evil heart and mind sees problems where none exist...it is evil to discuss your misgivings with other members...you just spread doubt and confusion.
Even though you may remain unconvinced, the true gakkai spirit is to smile and cover-up your own wickedness with a big plastic smile...act like you have no problems with the SGI's policies... One who does this will be rewarded in the group as a loyal and faithful member...and eventually, if you lie to yourself long enough, you'll learn to shut down all those questioning parts of your brain and become a happy SGI follower anxious for the next set of instructions...a sort of "Stepford Buddhist"...
One who continues to express doubts and questions will find himself shunned, pitied and avoided...Pity the poor fool who finds the precious jewel of the SGI but can't learn to stop all critical thoughts and become happy...He is one of those "arrogant" ones that President Ikeda says should be expelled from our midst... Hell, I'll save you the trouble...
After 31 years, I have to face the truth...I'm not capable of practicing in accord with the unwritten rules of the SGI...
My presence , therefore, can only be disruptive...
Thanks
David
Save yourself the anguish. Resign now.
ReplyDeleteHow can any organisation or individual improve itself if there isn't any room for constructive criticism. How damaging for an organisation and individual if they don't have the freedom to express their feelings but instead bottling them up until they explode
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I've just returned to thinking about my involvement in the SGI-UK. I joined in the late 80s, went through the whole excommunication mindf**k, exchanged my gohonzon for the "SGI approved" version, and became a group leader in a northern city (I'm keeping this anonymous for reasons readers of this blog will understand). It was only when I moved abroad did I begin to seriously question things; I attended an AGM in my new place of residence and found the filter of another language suddenly revealing the true cultiness of the whole Ikeda worship scene. I simply drifted out of the organisation and eventually took refuge with a teacher from a Tibetan school. Question is - what to do with the gohonzon which has been rolled up in a drawer for 15 years? Should I send it back to them?
ReplyDeleteSend it back to them.
ReplyDeleteI'm not active , would be considered a troublesome member for asking too many questions. When I quit agreeing to meet with them, they are texting me like crazy and I don't know why they don't get the hint and Go AWAY.
ReplyDelete