No Dirum, this is what smells of insecurity:
"Any Nichiren related article, whether his body relics or bodily assortments during his lifetime including his so-called Gohonzons are all subject to debate, criticism and academic questioning of its authenticity."
The difference is that Nichiren Shoshu won't let independent academics near it's copies of the Gosho it rests it's doctrine on. That's insecurity.
By claiming that these writings are in some way sacred, it keeps outsiders out, conveniently ensuring it's priesthood and High Priest can claim anything they want.
Again this is not Nichiren's approach. He welcomed independently judged debate. The documents he rested his arguments and doctrines on where freely available to those who might oppose him. In a nutshell, he wasn't scared, he wasn't a coward and had nothing to hide.
Nichiren Shoshu seems to have dumped loads of occult, mystical witchcraft over Nichiren's Buddhism, trampling it whilst perversely revering him as the True Buddha in the process.
This is where SGI learned the trick it is currently trying to pull off with Mr Ikeda and its "Mentor" mumbo jumbo - if you want to gain ultimate control of your followers and make them dependent, elevate the founder figure to a mystical status and keep control of the sacred texts that teach about this mystical figure. Ensure your priesthood is the mouthpiece and intermediary with that mystical creature, if possible is seen to be at one with it.
It's what Catholics did with the Pope, NST has done with Nichiren and now SGI is attempting with its 3 Presidents but especially "The Mentor" - Daiseku Ikeda.
It keeps priests in a job (and makes them prone to the temptations of money, power and influence, as you yourself have already said Dirham), it gives them a very good living and status and it keeps the enthralled, beguiled believers ensnared and dependent. In that respect SGI is exactly a chip off that old rotten block.
NST has a 700 year head start though, they've had centuries to perfect their puppetry and kabuki skills and they've got the elements of history and tradition to sell their illusion.
SGI are media savvy and can employ psychologist, brand and business consultants, ads and marketing executives. NST loved that skill when they got access to it just as much as SGI loved what NST had to offer.
It was a marriage made in hell that enabled both to get their grubby paws on more than they could have possibly hoped for. That's why it fractured. Both wanted to control the dirty pile and fell out when it became clear that neither could.
Arguing over the loot whilst the Law comes a knocking. It's the oldest cause of criminal failure in the book. The only difference is that these two did it in ugly sanctimonious tones and with no regard for the Belibers that might get hurt in the process (like handing out thousands of Gohonzons to people of little understanding, not takeing care of them and causing them to slander the Sutra)
Its got zero to do with religion and freedom of religion but everything to do with wanting freedom to manipulate religion and take advantage of its tax breaks.
Yes God bless American, what happened to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" when NST and SGI got together to lead innocent people down a path to unhappiness in the pursuit of grubby organizational gain? You forgot that bit Dirham. But then you'd rather quote the Constitution than the Declaration of Independence that led to it...lool even I know that and I'm not even American.
Mark,
ReplyDeleteThere is definitely something unsavory about the behaviors NST and SGI USA- priests/top leaders around *members* who have engaged in questioning to dispel their doubts and challenging erroneous teachings (only really familiar with U.S.org)These actions are often explained, or excused by priests and leaders as "protecting the members". But how can we address this without seeming to disparage them?-- Which draws the attacks from those we are most concerned about?
We should rightly question the discrimination apparent in all forms of suppression of dialogue. We should ask:
Does this mean the leaders, both NST priests and SGI USA leaders deny that those who have become members of their religious org. possess the Buddha Nature?
Why else would authoritarian action be warranted, other than a declaration that "some have, and some don't"- referring to the capacity for wisdom and clear perception that is , ironically the basis for respecting the dignity of the lives of all living beings--"because they all possess the Buddha nature..." ???
By authoritative action, I mean issuing directives that ban or denounce the spirit of seeking to dispel doubts--. I also mean excommunication, disbanding districts (SGI USA) , gossip driven *shun campaigns*- .
While it follows that the individuals who are shunned, marginalized or intimidated into silence have been *judged* by leaders/priests, it is not clear why members accept these pronouncements, or degrade their own faith by trusting or believing in the superior abilities of religious authorities--.Meaning that the members accept, perhaps appreciate? the protection of religious authorities?? Thus, the resistance of members to entertain their own valid questions based on basic teachings of Nichiren.
IF a member insists on open forum debate/discussion of differences that lead to conflict, as Nichiren actively sought, the stance by today's religious authorities within NST/SGI USA is patently one of defending their *slander* as "protecting members"--. They may even believe they are "ousting and punishing those who seek to disrupt the community of believers " and thus proving themselves to be True envoys of the Buddha??
So-- denying or disbelieving that ALL are equal; that ALL possessing the Buddha nature and the inherent potential for attaining Buddhahood, these religious authorities manifest as oppressive forces that are prohibiting the advancement of unity amongst a community of believers in the Mystic Law.
Nichiren says that denying the Buddha nature in another person is slander and that disrupting the harmony of a community of believers in the Mystic Law is a very grave offense. --
Catch 22-- Apparently the very actions cited here constitute disbelief- so it would logically follow that citing teachings to disbelievers is pretty futile.
And BTW the same principle applies in American society with regard to challenging the *ruling class*, holding them accountable to their *missions* --- Is it a matter of American culture infused into Nichiren Buddhism-- or has it gotten so much worse her because of the behavior of the religious authorities in SGI USA-Body/shadow teaching?
56 years of NSA/SGI in America, and there is blatant, undeniable evidence of disordered hearts and minds destroying the fabric of our society.
Perhaps a formal remonstration- provided to ALL members of SGI USA, in the spirit and profound significance of the Rissho -"On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land", is a possible recourse to unify and strengthen those of us currently viewed as "hostile, jealous gadflies" ??
Katie Tierney Higgins (google acct. defaults to my husband, Kevin)
Thanks Katie,
ReplyDelete"These actions are often explained, or excused by priests and leaders as "protecting the members". But how can we address this without seeming to disparage them?-- Which draws the attacks from those we are most concerned about?"
I think it's tricky and you're quite right to highlight it.
Maybe I should be clearer, my denouncement is aimed at both organisations and at the behavior of those who manipulate the religious belief of sincere individuals for their own gain and without thought or care for the people they harm (or an understanding of the seriousness of their actions to themselves). It's a bit like letting a toddler loose with a loaded gun with the safety off.
I completely accept that within both organisations there will be people at all levels who are not actively complicit, just as there have been in the countries that caused both of the last two world conflicts. That said, passive complicity is just as bad, because it supports, finances and spreads a corrupt teaching.
I don't by the way exclude myself from that roster, since I remained a member of SGI until fairly recently, so I bear some of that responsibility.
I woke up when I started to compare and critique discrepancies. Way before that my life repeatedly tried to warn me but I wasn't receptive. Perhaps it was the Daimoku of Mark, Greg, Noel and others that helped me give a damn or maybe it was simply the right time. Who knows...
...Certainly I'm grateful for the information provided here, on SGI Whistle blowers and the debates happening over on ARBN and in other places.
DeleteHaving woken up and started to untangle myself I could see clearly the dirty tricks that had been played and the skillful way even smart people had been misled and manipulated. Hence why I am happy to add my voice and my experience to the growth number, to help others as I was helped.
On the upside, the experience has deepened my faith, strengthened my practice and increased my study.
Of the two organisations, SGI concerns me the most because it has moved it's members further from the Gosho, Nichiren and the Sutra to focus them increasingly on the image it has constructed of Daisaku Ikeda.
Nichiren Shoshu members probably have a better chance of having the penny drop as they read and think about the Gosho than SGI members who increasingly don't get near it and are increasingly spoon fed interpreted Gosho by their "Mentor" (Think the "Great and Powerful Oz" to get a sense of the insubstantial image that SGI is projecting of Daisaku Ikeda and its "Three Presidents" now).
"Does this mean the leaders, both NST priests and SGI USA leaders deny that those who have become members of their religious org. possess the Buddha Nature?"
DeleteI don't think its about denying people have a Buddha nature, rather than denying that they can attain enlightenment. The Priesthood directly taught that lay people could in theory attain buddhahood but in practice only priests could. I've seen that literature and I wrote to the High Priest to ask about it.
SGI until 2009 did not seem to hold that view, publicly at least then they began teaching this, which is completely contrary to what the Sutra and Nichiren teach :
"If we forget the mentor-disciple relationship, we cannot attain Buddhahood. Nor can we achieve eternal happiness or realise kosen rufu. For it is through the bond of mentor and disciple that the Law is transmitted. Buddhism is the Law of life; and the Law of life cannot be transmitted through words and concepts alone." (Lectures on the Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - SGI Malaysia 2009 page 115)
This is one of the SGI's defensive lectures designed to hem in and contain a Gosho that could be troublesome to their mentor elevation project.
The Gosho itself teaches this:
Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/29
"Shakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death. This is a matter of the utmost importance for Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters, and this is what it means to embrace the Lotus Sutra."
...And this is one of many examples of where Nichiren teaches this:
DeleteWinter Always Turns to Spring
http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/65#para-5
"The sutra reads, “If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood."
Quite apart from the obvious inconsistencies between SGI teaching and the Gosho there is the small fact that the SGI lecture in this Gosho is inconsistent with itself. For if this is true:
"Buddhism is the Law of life; and the Law of life cannot be transmitted through words and concepts alone."
Just tell me how 12million (supposed) followers are supposed to have this "law" transmitted from "Mentor" to disciple when most of them have never met Daisaku Ikeda and never will? Ah yes through words - his guidance and lectures and concepts - human revolution, three presidents, oneness of mentor and disciple.
It is true that members are supposed to chant "make a relationship with him", to chant to "understand his heart or his vision", however it never seems to dawn on them that if their Daimoku is powerful enough to reach across time and space and penetrate into the depths of another being, that it is powerful enough to form a direct relationship with the eternal Buddha. Which is what that Gosho actually teaches.
It also never seems to occur to them that if Daisaku Ikeda's "Heart" and "Vision" is at one with the Buddha and the Law, the only thing they need do is make that same connection with the Buddha and the Law, in other words:
(Ibid)
""Shakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death."
But the aforementioned SGI teaching is as subtle and insidious as it is slanderous and harmful. It's easily missed, I missed it. It's easily accepted by the unthinking, like giving sugar coated poison but as soon as its accepted, faith in the Sutra as the one vehicle is immediately damaged.
Essentially that passage teaches that unless connection is made through the grace of the "Mentor" (by understanding his vision and his heart) Buddhahood is not possible. And that is a direct slander to the Sutra.
That passage encourages those who accept it to slander the Sutra. And that is indeed "This is a matter of the utmost importance for Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters" (ibid).
What it does not teach is that "To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death." or that "this is what it means to embrace the Lotus Sutra." (Ibid). It teaches instead that to embrace the way of mentor-disciple and embrace the heart of the "Mentor"is the way to inherit the Law and embrace the Sutra.
This is little different to the Nichiren Shoshu doctrine that SGI leadership spreads so much time and effort railing against. But then one would keep one's members focused on the enemy out there whist one was busy pulling off the same trick, wouldn't one? That way, less of them notice as herd protection instinct kicks in.
"Does this mean the leaders, both NST priests and SGI USA leaders deny that those who have become members of their religious org. possess the Buddha Nature?"
DeleteI don't think its about denying people have a Buddha nature, rather than denying that they can attain enlightenment. The Priesthood directly taught that lay people could in theory attain buddhahood but in practice only priests could. I've seen that literature and I wrote to the High Priest to ask about it.
SGI until 2009 did not seem to hold that view, publicly at least then they began teaching this, which is completely contrary to what the Sutra and Nichiren teach :
"If we forget the mentor-disciple relationship, we cannot attain Buddhahood. Nor can we achieve eternal happiness or realise kosen rufu. For it is through the bond of mentor and disciple that the Law is transmitted. Buddhism is the Law of life; and the Law of life cannot be transmitted through words and concepts alone." (Lectures on the Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - SGI Malaysia 2009 page 115)
This is one of the SGI's defensive lectures designed to hem in and contain a Gosho that could be troublesome to their mentor elevation project.
The Gosho itself teaches this:
Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/29
"Shakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death. This is a matter of the utmost importance for Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters, and this is what it means to embrace the Lotus Sutra."
...Certainly I'm grateful for the information provided here, on SGI Whistle blowers and the debates happening over on ARBN and in other places.
DeleteHaving woken up and started to untangle myself I could see clearly the dirty tricks that had been played and the skillful way even smart people had been misled and manipulated. Hence why I am happy to add my voice and my experience to the growth number, to help others as I was helped.
On the upside, the experience has deepened my faith, strengthened my practice and increased my study.
Of the two organisations, SGI concerns me the most because it has moved it's members further from the Gosho, Nichiren and the Sutra to focus them increasingly on the image it has constructed of Daisaku Ikeda.
Nichiren Shoshu members probably have a better chance of having the penny drop as they read and think about the Gosho than SGI members who increasingly don't get near it and are increasingly spoon fed interpreted Gosho by their "Mentor" (Think the "Great and Powerful Oz" to get a sense of the insubstantial image that SGI is projecting of Daisaku Ikeda and its "Three Presidents" now).
Thank you!!
Delete~Katie
Great points Mudpie and Katie. As Nichiren taught,
ReplyDelete"Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life. If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth. And if you are a Bodhisattva of the Earth, there is not the slightest doubt that you have been a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha from the remote past."