Response to a lying $GI leader

"That is why we are willing to engage in debate with you, Nichiren Shoshu, or anyone who claims to know the truth. You have to admit it takes cheek, but...." -- SGI leader

First, here is how Nichiren Daishonin and most people would define debate:

1.A discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints: a debate in the Senate [before judges or the authorities who can make a difference depending on the strength of the arguments.

2. A formal contest in which the affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers.

You are mistaken that SGI is willing to debate. Al Albergate wrote:

Dear Mark,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your request for a formal debate between members of SGI and the Kempon Hokke [my former sect]. Thank you for the offer. We are well aware of the claims of the Kempon Hokke Sect and those claims have been thoroughly refuted in the past in Japan. We see no reason to repeat this exercise. If you have something new and would like to meet individually to discuss these matters, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Al Albergate

SGI-USA Director of Community Relations

525 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90401

Tel: (310) 260-8958

Fax: (310) 260-8917

Email: aalberg...@sgi-usa.org

Greg Martin also turned down my offer for a formal debate.

I responded to them that the SGI will not debate because they do not have the ammunition to win the debate and this is the real reason for their refusal. Al, being a PR specialist, his reason for not debating is neither factual nor substantial. My contention is that a formal debate should be held face to face in an auditorium, with video camera documentation and neutral judges. 

Also, to what end should I debate you informally? Paul was defeated and he is still as arrogant as ever; never converted; apparently didn't learn anything from the debate; and worst of all, he slanders us more than he did before the debate.

It is Mappo and the debate was already won by Nichiren yet, many refused to believe. I have no illusion about my meager debating abilities compared to the master but I continue to correct erroneous views for my own edification, yours, and because I highly respect true Buddhism. The poison has penetrated deeply in the lives of most SGI and Nichiren Shoshu members. I have no false hope that I am capable of saving the vast majority of you. I just defend what the Buddha has entrusted to me and hope that one or two of you may be converted to the true teachings, if even for an hour or a day.

I have called for a formal debate with SGI three times. The last time, I wrote the following:

This is my third and last call for a formal Nichiren Buddhist debate with the SGI USA. I will arrange for the auditorium. I propose that there be eight judges and two video hookups. I will pay for half the expenses (auditorium fees, transportation and lodging for the judges, two video hookups). We can accept or reject the any or all of the four judges chosen by the other party. I propose this debate for May. I would gladly travel to the West Coast or anywhere that is acceptable to the SGI.

These are the topics I propose for the debate.

1). The identity and significance of the Original Eternal Buddha

2.) The nature of the Master/Disciple relationship in Nichiren Buddhism

3.) The significance of the Gohonzon

4.) The significance of the Lotus Sutra (Myoho renge kyo).

5.) The true meaning of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra.

6.) The true meaning of the Nichiren Faith

7.) Shakabuku versus Shoju in the Degenerate Age

Someone asked me why I don't debate you Chas since you love to debate. One reason I won't debate you is because I do not want the SGI to turn around and claim that you don't represent the SGI when (and if) I best you. That is why I will only debate a vice general director or higher level leader or the head of the study department.

Another reason not to debate you Chas, is that I have already won the debate and to continue to debate you dilutes the effect:

"From now on, you need not hold debates in Shimosa. Having defeated Ryosho-bo and Shi’nen-bo, Were you to debate with others, it would only dilute the effect." 

However, if you Chas promise me that you will convert if defeated, I will debate you. If not, I have better things to do.