| 1:00pm Jun 21 |
As most of you know, I used to be a member of Kempon Hokke. One of the reasons why I left was over a disagreement I had with the KH priest, Rev. Sinyou Tsuchiya. While I do not profess to be a scholar, by any means, nor claim to be a priest, I have been around long enough to know what Nichiren Shonin taught, and what things we should not be doing as part of this practice. I base that statement on studying the Lotus Sutra, reading and studying what I believe to be the authentic writings of Nichiren Shonin, books written by priests who I know follow the correct teachings, and the writings and commentaries of Hamilton Graham Lamont.
As much as I probably shouldn't do this, I visit the KH Facebook page now and again and I was utterly shocked to read something written by Rev. Tsuchiya that, based on my understanding, is contradictory to Nichiren Shonin's teachings (and that of Nichiju Shoshi's teachings as well). It involves a form of meditation this is absolutely NOT necessary as part of this practice. This is what I read:
The Susokukan, the practice as the preparation for the meditation.
1. Please keep your back straight, and sit in a cushion on the floor or sit in a chair comfortably.
2. If you want to sit with crossed legs, I recommend half-lotus position. Put your right foot on to the left thigh. Put your left hand on the right ankle. Put the right fingers on the left fingers for making a regular triangle with the three points. Or make Gassho with hands.
3. Close your eyes, then leave them half-open.
4. Take deep breaths quietly from the nose, counting your breath "One" slowly.
5. Then, move a breath (気) from the forehead, through the brain and the spinal cord, to the Tanden (a point in the lower abdomen). After stop on the Tanden, exhale deeply together with evil thoughts. Breathe out from a mouth.
6. Count up to 10, focusing your attention on each breath only. You should not think anything other than your breath. If you fail it, you restart from counting "one."
This is almost exactly the same practice as Vipassana Meditation (used in Theravada Buddhism). Nichiren Shonin has told us through his Gosho that all we need to do is have faith and chant Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. Nothing more, nothing less. No meditations, no visualizations, no standing on our heads or assuming painful positions.
I believe teachings like this are blasphemous to what our founder taught but are dangerous as well. Again, what I say here is strictly my opinion and is not designed to influence anyone here...you do as your conscience and your heart dictates.
I caution anyone against this type of practice and, for what it's worth, I would avoid any contact with Kempon Hokke as long as this priest is associated with that group. If that offends anyone, I'm sorry, but as a follower of Nichiren Shonin, not to mention this would be just as bad as encouraging you to practice with Rev. Tsuchiya.
With sincere Gassho,
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Fred
As much as I probably shouldn't do this, I visit the KH Facebook page now and again and I was utterly shocked to read something written by Rev. Tsuchiya that, based on my understanding, is contradictory to Nichiren Shonin's teachings (and that of Nichiju Shoshi's teachings as well). It involves a form of meditation this is absolutely NOT necessary as part of this practice. This is what I read:
The Susokukan, the practice as the preparation for the meditation.
1. Please keep your back straight, and sit in a cushion on the floor or sit in a chair comfortably.
2. If you want to sit with crossed legs, I recommend half-lotus position. Put your right foot on to the left thigh. Put your left hand on the right ankle. Put the right fingers on the left fingers for making a regular triangle with the three points. Or make Gassho with hands.
3. Close your eyes, then leave them half-open.
4. Take deep breaths quietly from the nose, counting your breath "One" slowly.
5. Then, move a breath (気) from the forehead, through the brain and the spinal cord, to the Tanden (a point in the lower abdomen). After stop on the Tanden, exhale deeply together with evil thoughts. Breathe out from a mouth.
6. Count up to 10, focusing your attention on each breath only. You should not think anything other than your breath. If you fail it, you restart from counting "one."
This is almost exactly the same practice as Vipassana Meditation (used in Theravada Buddhism). Nichiren Shonin has told us through his Gosho that all we need to do is have faith and chant Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. Nothing more, nothing less. No meditations, no visualizations, no standing on our heads or assuming painful positions.
I believe teachings like this are blasphemous to what our founder taught but are dangerous as well. Again, what I say here is strictly my opinion and is not designed to influence anyone here...you do as your conscience and your heart dictates.
I caution anyone against this type of practice and, for what it's worth, I would avoid any contact with Kempon Hokke as long as this priest is associated with that group. If that offends anyone, I'm sorry, but as a follower of Nichiren Shonin, not to mention this would be just as bad as encouraging you to practice with Rev. Tsuchiya.
With sincere Gassho,
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Fred
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