Gratitude for Shakyamuni Buddha is necessary for the subjugation of ego vital for awakening.

SGI mis-teaches the principle of the equality of the Buddha and the common mortal because they misunderstand the principle of the general and the specific. They sometimes teach that the common mortal is equal to the Buddha and sometimes that the common mortal is superior. It is different the Buddha proclaiming that the common mortal is equal to the Buddha since this realty is a Buddhist paradox. Understanding [living] the paradox with gratitude for Shakyamuni Buddha is a necessary part of the subjugation of ego vital for awakening. Nichiren scolded the Zenmen for the very same transgression as the SGI. I can support my view with the authenticated writings of Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra. They can not.