My wife had many medical and psychiatric problems that began or worsened after having joined the SGI. She had cirrhosis, asthma, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, CHF, hep C, hypertension, blackouts, depression, and five herniated discs from all the falls. She was drinking more than a quart and a half of vodka and 12-24 buds a day plus [whatever she could get her hands on]. She was smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day. We had a running joke that she would be the prettiest corpse in the funeral home. Of course, she only appeared normal until right before we left the SGI when she couldn't even get out of bed and had to be fed by my 10 year old daughter.
The more we chanted to the SGI No-honzon, the more SGI activities we did, and the more guidances we received from the very top leaders [who shared the "confidential" details of her illness with others], the worse she got. We still believed in the Lotus Sutra and when I came upon the internet and the truth about the SGI "religion" [cult], we began to embrace the same faith and practice as Nichiren Daishonin. She hasn't had a drink for 21 years, her cirrhosis and heart failure resolved, she stopped smoking recently and no longer wheezes, her diabetes is well controlled, and her pain is very manageable. Nancy is an investor in rare Buddha heads and 17th century silver objects, our house is immaculate, she cooks up a storm almost daily, and takes care of me and our many animals. Our grown children are very proud of her and they rely on her for her sage advice. Had we remained in SGI, she certainly would have been dead.
I've noted many times how top SGI leaders died young - former Culture Department Head Pascual Olivera (cancer), then his wife Angela (cancer); head of the SGI Study Department Shin Yatomi, dead from very fast, very aggressive cancer at only, like, 41 years old; top SGI brass import from Japan David Aoyama, killed on one of the flights that hit the WTC on 9/11; Guy McCloskey's son died at age 29 or so in a motorcycle accident; even President Ikeda's own favorite son died at only 29 years old of an illness that isn't even usually fatal!
ReplyDeleteIf these top leaders can't "do it rite" and activate the protection of the Mystic Law, especially considering that SGI promotes Ikeda as "the world's foremost expert on Nichiren Buddhism" (that's a quote from one of Ikeda's many vanity presses, Middle Way Press, flogging one of his books nobody's ever going to read). If "the world's foremost expert" can't make it work, then it just plain doesn't work!
Just for fun, you can do online searches for obituaries using "sgi" and "cancer" as search terms. I discovered that someone I used to practice in MN, a really nice guy, died of cancer - he was only 59... If I believed in mystic stuff, I'd sure think that there was some connection between all these early SGI deaths, to the point that I'd warn people that practicing with the SGI may well be hazardous to their health!
not to mention ted osaki, chuck parker, rick richards, gary hinman and many more culties. too many to mention.
Deletenot to mention ted osaki, chuck parker, rick richards, gary hinman and many more culties. too many to mention.
DeleteMark I am really glad to hear that, thanks for sharing. Long may that continue for the both of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I read one of your posts yesterday that finally got me off the fence about the Shakyamuni or Nichiren as eternal Buddha issue.
I realised that I too, after reading the Gosho in my early years of practice had understood that Nichiren was saying it was Shakyamuni but of course I got told otherwise when I asked and kind off went along with it.
Try as I might though, I couldn't ever do the mental back flips and jumping through hoops to make it work. The distance between NS and the SGI teaching and Nichiren 's writings was too great. But instead of doing what I should have done and followed my convictions, I fudged it. That was a mistake and it's not good enough really is it? Sitting on the fence that way isn't exactly respectful to Nichiren, Shakyamuni, The Sutra or myself. So last night, prompted by your post and my Daimoku I came off the fence and apologized.
In the process of working it through, I also realised that making Nichiren out to be the True Buddha but one who is not prepared to say that out loud and clearly, happens to make him into a liar, a schemer or someone who's very poor at thinking or writing, none of which I believe are true.
So thank you for helping me understand and be clear about my belief.
A nice touch, when I arrived back tonight another copy of the Sutra I'd ordered (the Kosei translation) was waiting for me. Perfect timing! :)
If there's a translation you or others would recommend, I'd be glad to hear. I've got Murano, Watson and now Kosei versions.
Thanks again.
Thanks Doris,
Delete"If these top leaders can't "do it rite" and activate the protection of the Mystic Law, especially considering that SGI promotes Ikeda as "the world's foremost expert on Nichiren Buddhism" (that's a quote from one of Ikeda's many vanity presses, Middle Way Press, flogging one of his books nobody's ever going to read). If "the world's foremost expert" can't make it work, then it just plain doesn't work"
Or they aren't what they claim to be.
I respect your non mystical take but equally it's simply your "belief" no more than that.
I wouldn't be able to your apply your belief system (from what I've seen if it and read your words on it) to my life because it's simply an inadequate explanation of my life experience. As a model, it's a poor fit for my life although it may be great for yours. We're different is all.
Being a hyper rational person and extremely grounded in scientific method, well aware of the cognitive biases and extremely picky on when drawing causal or correlative effects, I still find these Buddhist concepts work better as models to explain certain parts of reality than most other things I've encountered.
That doesn't by the way mean there couldn't be a better explanation, just that I haven't come across it (and I'm by nature very inquisitive). I get it depends what one is trying to do though. I have a very specific purpose for this stuff. If I want things or relationships etc. etc. Then there are much better ways if going about it than chanting in the vain hope that the Universe will listen and grant one's wish. Likewise overcoming difficult situations.
On a related note, maybe you'd find some of the peer reviewed scientific studies of placebo and brain functioning interesting. Whilst I have little time for quackery, it's undeniable that our capacity for belief, for faith can have powerful and tangible effects. The trick is to ensure they're used correctly. Keep up the good work on whistle blowers :)
"Try as I might though, I couldn't ever do the mental back flips and jumping through hoops to make it work. The distance between NS and the SGI teaching and Nichiren 's writings was too great. But instead of doing what I should have done and followed my convictions, I fudged it. That was a mistake and it's not good enough really is it? Sitting on the fence that way isn't exactly respectful to Nichiren, Shakyamuni, The Sutra or myself. So last night, prompted by your post and my Daimoku I came off the fence and apologized." -- Mudpie
DeleteExactly my experience. For too long we yielding to the opinions of others, ignoring our own eyes and ears.
"If I want things or relationships etc. etc. Then there are much better ways if going about it than chanting in the vain hope that the Universe will listen and grant one's wish. Likewise overcoming difficult situations."
DeleteMudpie boi
I find the above statement that you have made differs from my experiences. There has been times that I have really needed things and not for just myself but for the welfare of others. Also there has been times of relationship problems and other difficult situations when I have been chanting frequently and for long periods of time with some major break throughs and revelations. The wisdom that is revealed to understand the Law during chanting can be utilised to acquire things, work out relationships and handle difficult situations
Chanting is certainly not in vain that's why I TRUST (which is a better word for Faith and shares same CHINESE Character) in this process
I respect your belief that there are much better ways if going about it than chanting in the vain hope that the Universe will listen and grant one's wish. But equally it's simply your "belief" your subjective understanding no more than that
I think you are both right. Nichiren taught:
Delete“I, Nichiren, have never prayed for the benefit of this lifetime alone. I pray only for the realization of Buddhahood."
and
"Question: You have mentioned above that the teaching, practice, and proof are not all present in each of the three periods of the Former, Middle, and Latter Days of the Law. If so, how do you explain the Great Teacher Miao-lo’s statement, “The beginning of the Latter Day of the Law will not be without inconspicuous benefit, for it is the time when the great teaching will be propagated”?2
Answer: The meaning of this passage is that those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received “conspicuous” benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore “inconspicuous.” The teaching, practice, and proof of this age differ greatly from those of Hinayana, provisional Mahayana, the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings, or the theoretical teaching of the Lotus Sutra. There is no one now who can gain benefits [like those of the Former and Middle Days of the Law]. According to Miao-lo’s commentary, the benefits in the Latter Day are inconspicuous, and people can therefore neither perceive nor understand them."
He also teaches that he chanted for the sake of others and for his disciples to chant to overcome illness."
Yet, in other writings, he taught:
"I HAVE received your request for prayers for your father, and I will offer them before the Buddha. Concerning prayer, there are conspicuous prayer and conspicuous response, conspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, inconspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, and inconspicuous prayer and conspicuous response. But the only essential point is that, if you believe in this sutra, all your desires will be fulfilled in both the present and the future. The third volume of the Lotus Sutra states, “Although the devil and the devil’s people will be there, they will all protect the Law of the Buddha.”1 And the seventh volume states, “[If a person who has an illness is able to hear this sutra, then] his illness will be wiped out and he will know neither old age nor death.”2 You must not doubt these golden words..."
Thanks Jewelled Glow,
Delete"Chanting is certainly not in vain that's why I TRUST (which is a better word for Faith and shares same CHINESE Character) in this process"
I should have been clearer. I'm not suggesting chanting is in vain, I wouldn't have spent the last almost 30 years chanting twice, every single day if I thought that. I'm sorry it came across that way.
What I was trying (poorly) to put across was that I see the value in chanting as being to achieve things I cannot achieve any other way.
Chief among these is the purification of my consciousness and my desires. This does have applicability to the daily areas of my life, as in "no affairs of life and work are different to the ultimate reality" but chanting for things, as in "I want this, universe give me this or that thing to make me happy if I do x million Daimoku with single minded focus on getting what I want", for me that's not a useful focus.
I'm more likely to use the practice to "observe the mind" and in my experience all else then flows from that.
Observing the mind for me can include my perceptions of a situation or a relationship etc. and the basis for action. I find that if I focus on that, naturally I attune to the right course of action. That sounds trite, in practice it is a much more messy process and it is difficult to arrive at a clear state but still, the effort, each effort, even when it doesn't "succeed" has value.
This is why I say I'm still learning but I absolutely know that there are simply things I could not have done nor achieved without chanting. And that's why I keep doing it. Does this help clarify where I'm coming from?
Clear as an unmuddied lake. Nice try Mud pie, keep those mud pies coming they're improving, we all have a way to go, we are all rooted in the mud that helps us to grow
DeleteSounds like you haven't experienced what happens from chanting with Gohonzon Ye of little faith
ReplyDeleteThat is not the first time we have heard that type of curse, since so many SGI members are coming back to Nichiren Shoshu temples now.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think those who stay in SGI deserve what they get, after all, they reject the Dai Gohonzon. They will always remain in Hell and Animality, poor beings... Being corrupted by a perverted Nichiren Buddhism under the appearance of whitewashed poison. At least in Nichiren Shoshu, we no longer have these headaches. Good riddance! May SGI keep out of Nichiren Shoshu and never come back in.
Sounds like your nichiren shoshu dai gohonzon has done you a fat lot of good. Download a real nichiren gohonzon you dill. The same goes for your retarded offspring the sgi
ReplyDeleteAs long as we have the Dai Gohonzon and the documents of Nichiren we have nothing to fear. The Nichiren Shoshu priesthood is the protectors and preservers of tradition and dogma. No wolves in sheeps like Soka Gakkai will ever come to try to manipulate and poison our doctrines ever again, no matter how much money or lay membership they can illusion to bring. It was a hard lesson to learn but we are so glad to have expelled Soka Gakkai and their slimy organization. Keep those snakes out, they do nothing but destroy people's normal lives. As for your name calling, how pathetic... You must be one miserable person. I hope you get reborn into a worm for slandering the Dai Gohonzon.
DeleteYou already are the worm in the lions gut. You have such an ugly self-righteousness condescending uncompassionate attitude. Even though the SGI members are messed up they can change for the best from what has been shared on this blog if they are serious about self-reflection.
DeleteCan you see how hypocritical you are accusing me of name calling and then do it yourself. You really are acting like a Dill. Download an authentic Nichiren Gohonzon,seek guidance from this blog and get a real life unlike that fake one that you now have
Soka Gakkai is the worm in the Lions gut and High Priest Nikken Shonin has finally purified Nichiren Shoshu from that disgusting poison called SGI. You are certainly the one deserving to be reborn a worm for making slander against the Dai-Gohonzon, and I have absolutely no interest in taking your incompetent advice to download some cheap copy of Nichiren Gohonzon on the internet like you people do to commercialize and mainstream Nichiren Buddhism by watering down the sacred doctrines and tenets of Nichiren Shoshu. You on the other hand should go and join the SGI and chant some more Daimoku, so you can continue to delude yourself into practicing forms of distorted Buddhism. Attacking me only shows your ugly flaws as an imperfect human being and keep your unwanted advice to yourself because I have no interested in accepting what you have to say. Go back to SGI and stay there, and keep your filthy paws off the sacred doctrines of Nichiren Shoshu. STAY out and Keep out! Tell this to yourself 10 times.
DeleteSacred Zennist and Shingon Shoshu doctrines.
DeleteThe teachings of the Nichiren Shoshu and SGI are nonsensical and fabrications. Those of you who believe in these teachings have been misled. The basic tenets of your sects can not be proven with Nichiren's criteria of the Three Proofs yet you persist in your blind belief without evidence. Do you think there will be no repercussions for going against the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Nichiren Daishonin?
DeleteThe schism between the Nichiren Shoshu and the SGI is "divine" punishment (cause and effect) for your mistaken beliefs. The dysfunctional lives that many of you are leading is specific and individual punishment. Life flashes by in an instant. We don't even know if the breath we are taking will be our last. Nichiren Daishonin teaches, "It is better to live one day with honor than to live to a hundred and die in disgrace." When "the roaring tiger of death" approaches, will you be embarrassed and taken to task by the thousand Buddhas or will you proudly exclaim, "I am a follower of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin" and peacefully pass?
Come down from your throne you high and almighty pip squeak and read some of Nichiern's authentic Gosho that's not like some of the nonsense Gosho's that NST has doctored to their liking to suit their own agenda and that has been proven to be bogus by independent scholars.
DeleteI'm sure Mark could supply some legitimate study material for you if you asked him courteously but your so puffed up with your Pride and arrogance I doubt if there would be enough space left to fit anything in even edgewise.
No wonder the SGI cant stand you guys. You just bunch of control freaks. NST being a very poor model is where they learnt it from, They are your reflection, your creation where is your love and forgiveness for them. You need it as much for yourself as you do for them and they for you. You both need to kiss and make up and then follow the correct way of faith study and practice that has been graciously made available to us here at Eagle peak
cheers
Not a chance! We will NEVER let Soka Gakkai or any similar wolves in sheeps clothing back into our doctrines ever again. NEVER, and that position as Sokoto or Dai-koto will never be recovered. The priesthood of Nichiren Shoshu has finally learned this ugly lesson the hard way, and they have now vowed to defend and preserve our sacred doctrines by Kechimyaku until the point of death. Soka Gakkai can rot with their golden maggots, let them and their deluded members incur ALL the curses and punishments of the Buddhist gods for continuing to slander the Dai-Gohonzon! They deserve it, and it's their funeral if they cannot or refuse to get out of that slimy corrupt organization.
DeleteDirham do you feel the same way as you do towards the SGI is the same as all the other Nichiren sects that don't believe in Nichiren Shoshu's Dai Gohonzon or is the SGI worse?
Deletethe dai gohonzon? ha ha ha............yeah right! sgi/nst produce idiots.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the fault or lacking of the "Mystic Law". It's lacking a correct faith and embracing false object of worship [Ikeda or Nichiren as True Buddha] not based on the teachings. You should try it sometime Doris. Remember, faith [not practice] is first and foremost.
ReplyDeleteI also like the Hurvitz' and Buddhist Translation Society's online translation.
ReplyDeleteDieGohonzon
ReplyDeleteThe DaiGohonzon Is a Fake:
ReplyDeletehttp://markrogow.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-daigohonzon-is-fake-and-toda-and.html
Durham, your post overflows with compassion based on your "correct faith in the Dai Gohonzon...
ReplyDelete"Personally, I think those who stay in SGI deserve what they get, after all, they reject the Dai Gohonzon."
Compare with what Nichiren has to say:
"When I hold up the bright mirror of the Lotus Sutra before me, all is crystal-clear; there can be no doubt that in my previous existences I was guilty of slandering the Law."
On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins.
No doubt you also believe that Nichiren deserves everything he got too? Cause and effect maybe strict but that doesn't mean the negative things that happen to people are not a cause for regret. If that were so, there would be no need for Buddhas and Boshisattvas. What don't you understand about the spiritual path you claim to have got so right?
I must say you're making a very good case against Nichiren Shoshu...or perhaps that's the point?
I said what meant and I meant what I said.
DeleteSoka Gakkai is a McDonald's whitewashed form of Nichiren Buddhism that is targeted towards miserable individuals like you who trap becoming members for materialism. This is not Buddhism, and it is not an authentic Buddhist religion.
Nichiren Shoshu is the real religious identity, and our Dai Gohonzon plus the solemn vow of our Nichiren Shoshu priesthood to protect and preserve our traditions and dogma will continue to bring happiness and sokuju Busshin enlightenment to our members, while Soka Gakkai members rot in Hell and Animality. Good riddance and stay OUT.
The DaiGohonzon Is a Fake:
Deletehttp://markrogow.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-daigohonzon-is-fake-and-toda-and.html
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark,
"I also like the Hurvitz' and Buddhist Translation Society's online translation." I'll check it out :)
Thanks Mark, Hurvitz Translation on its way. I also spotted "Readings of the Lotus Sutra" Stephen Teaser and Jacqueline Stone (ISBN 978-0-231-14289-2), which arrived today. First 21 pages have been really interesting as I expect from JS.
ReplyDeleteAlso, are you aware of the Tibetan Lotus Sutra Translation Project? That should complete this year. Blog has snippets of the Sutra thus far.
http://www.tibetanlotussutra.net/p/faq.html?m=1
Great! There is a short discussion on the Tibetian translation project on Dharma Wheel. Thanks for the info
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark and likewise. I'll check out Dhama Wheel. Onto chapter 2 of Readings of the LS now (they're essays by different people). Very good, very readable, interesting and clear. Hope it continues that way! :)
ReplyDelete