USA funded Wuhan lab

https://www.yahoo.com/news/steve-hilton-unveils-evidence-linking-022548432.html 

Reply to a new believer

Hello! I'm XYZ. I'm happy to learn more about Buddhism. I consider myself a layperson. I've read excerpts of the lotus sutra and own a copy I'm working through. I'm not super knowledgeable but I'd like to be. Any info is appreciated

Fantastic!!! It is easy to begin and difficult to continue. As in SGI, we chant Namu Myoho renge kyo (not Nam Myoho renge kyo) to a copy of a Gohonzon inscribed by the venerable Nichiren. Also, similar to the Soka Gakkai, we do Gongyo morning and evening, reciting the same two parts of the 2nd and 16th Chapters of the Lotus Sutra. Unlike the Soka Gakkai, we study the Lotus Sutra and the writings of Nichiren and take them to heart. I had written the following to a new believer:

How to obtain Supreme and Perfect Enlightenment (Buddhahood) quickly

"Just a suggestion but would it be possible to post more info on how to really dive into the teachings for a new believer coming into the Nichiren fold? There isn't much info out there other than by "those that shan't be named." or others with their own agenda. Would it be possible to maybe post some things that show how one can begin, continue and develop their practice for the long haul and integrate into everyday life from an authentic point not from a watered down, mixed point like what is being peddled as Nichiren Buddhism." -- Josh

To begin to dive into the teachings, determine to chant Namu Myoho renge kyo for, at least, 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. You may also recite portions of the 2nd and 16th Chapters of the Lotus Sutra in Sino-Japanese or your native language. You may find Sutra books containing these two chapters on line. From time to time you may also recite any or all of the Lotus Sutra as did Nichiren. I would avoid all sectarian prayers before or after your recitation of the Lotus Sutra unless they are based on the Lotus Sutra and writings of Nichiren. You may add your own personal prayers either before, after, or both before and after your recitation of Namu Myoho renge kyo and the Lotus Sutra. Your personal prayers too should be based on the Lotus Sutra and writings of Nichiren. They may be recited out loud or silently.

Choose a clean area of your home and set up an altar with blank wall, altar table, covered water cup [to change the water daily], vase for fresh flowers or evergreens [which should never be left on to wither and die], food bowl for offering fresh fruit [and try never to let the fruit rot], bell, incense dish, and candle holder. Initially, you may place a copy of the Lotus Sutra and a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha on the altar [be sure that it is Guatama or Shakyamuni and not Amida]. Make a great indestructible vow to continue chanting Namu Myoho renge kyo until the last moment of your life. To help you to continuously renew and strengthen your vow, it is necessary several things: To study the Lotus Sutra and the writings of Nichiren Daishonin on a daily basis if possible; to take as your teachers Shakyamuni Buddha of the Original Doctrine [Shakyamuni of the 16th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra or Gohonzon] and Nichiren Daishonin, the Supreme Votary of the Lotus Sutra. Integrating the teachings into your daily life is to chant the title of the Lotus Sutra with the same faith as Nichiren. When your vow is firm, you may ask your friend or family member who introduced you to the faith and practice to bestow upon you a mandala Gohonzon or you may print off a mandala Gohonzon and either frame it or mount it on a blank wall scroll. You should perform an Eye Opening Ceremony when you receive the Gohonzon. It can be found online. The Gohonzon should be placed on the wall above seated eye level or placed in a cabinet called a Butsudan [if you have pets or are surrounded by those who oppose your practice]. You should protect the Gohonzon. You may place a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (and/or a statue of Nichiren Daishonin) and a copy of the Lotus Sutra on the altar. Usually, the statues and copy of the Lotus Sutra are placed in the middle in front of the Gohonzon but this is not a hard and fast rule. Nichiren was not absolutely clear as to the structure of a valid object of worship [devotion], be it a painted [inscribed] or a statue arrangement. This accounts for the different styles and arrangements of the objects of worship of the various sects. You can't go wrong with a copy of a Nichiren inscribed Gohonzon, particularly those from the Koan Era (1278 - 1281). .

There are two types of practice: The practice for oneself and the practice for others. The practice for oneself is to chant Namu Myoho renge kyo. We should also chant parts of the 2nd Chapter of the Lotus Sutra and the 16th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra (either the entire 16th Chapter or the verse section alone).

The practice for others can be further broken down into the peaceful practices and the forceful practices. Only the priests must perform both practices. Laymen and laywomen may or may not perform the forceful practices depending on their abilities. Nichiren performed principally the peaceful practices regarding his disciples and believers and principally the forceful practices regarding the believers and practitioners of other faiths.

You will develop and integrate your faith and practice by following the Master Nichiren and adopting his manner of reading the Lotus Sutra [a bodily reading].

Nichiren teaches and I paraphrase: "There are two main reasons people make mistakes in their Buddhist practice...they are ignorant of the real teachings, and they follow bad teachers."

To avoid ignorance of the teachings, you should study the Lotus Sutra and the authenticated writings of Nichiren Daishonin. Several scholars and priests have determined which are authentic writings (definitely or probably) of Nichiren and which are forged writings. You should seek their writings on the subject. Studying the Five Major writings of Nichiren and their various translations are a good starting point. Please remember that the writings of Nichiren are ultimately consistent. If you read something purported to be from Nichiren and it is inconsistent with the Five Major Works or the entire canon of Nichiren, it is suspect. Please also remember that Nichiren developed his teachings. The earlier authentic teachings should be weighted against the authentic teachings during and after his exile on Sado Island with one exception: Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land written in 1260 is one of the Five Major Works and considered by some to be on par with the Opening of the Eyes and the True Object of Worship (A Treatise Revealing the Spiritual Contemplation and the Object of Worship for the First Time in the Fifth 500 year period after the Death of Shakyamuni Buddha)

The objective of the Nichiren faith is Supreme and Perfect Enlightenment or Buddhahood. In order to achieve such an exalted state one must perform a bodily reading of the Lotus Sutra as did Nichiren. By striving to have the same faith as Nichiren, you will be protected by the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and Buddhist gods throughout the universe. To avoid following bad teachers, the only teachers to rely on are Shakyamuni of the Juryo (16th) Chapter of the Lotus Sutra (Gohonzon) and Nichiren Daishonin, the Supreme Votary of the Lotus Sutra.

Lastly, if you wish to engage other Buddhists with polemics (the forceful practices), you had better study the Sutra classification of Tientai the Great...

"Five periods and eight teachings ［五時八教］ ( goji-hakkyō): A system of classification of the Buddhist teachings set forth by T’ien-t’ai (538–597) in The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra to demonstrate the superiority of the Lotus Sutra over all the other sutras. The five periods is a classification of Shakyamuni Buddha’s sutras according to the order in which they were expounded and consists of the Flower Garland, Āgama, Correct and Equal, Wisdom, and Lotus and Nirvana periods. The eight teachings is an organization of the Buddha’s teachings by content and method of presentation. It consists of two sub-classifications—the four teachings of doctrine and the four teachings of method. The four teachings of doctrine, a classification by content, are the Tripitaka teaching, the connecting teaching, the specific teaching, and the perfect teaching. The four teachings of method, a classification by method of teaching, are the sudden teaching, the gradual teaching, the secret teaching, and the indeterminate teaching. See also eight teachings; five periods." - Nichiren SGI library

Mark, disciple and believer of Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin who has adopted Nichiren's forceful practices and who desires little.

The Four Sublime States

Pure love, (Metā), compassion, (Karuna)) sympathetic joy, (Muditā) and equanimity (Upekkhā).

Buddhism is the only hope for mankind.

"The underlying purpose of Buddhism* is to promote wholesome thinking and behavior by ensuring rational, competent, responsible, contented, humane and happy citizens." G.K. Ananda Kumaraseri

*changed from "education". Kumaraseri argues that an education based on Buddhist philosophy and principles is the key for mankinds survival. Just today, Putin stated that we are close to conflict of "all against all". I maintain that the only hope for mankind is the peaceful religion of Buddhism and the highest buddhist teachings and principles are found in the Lotus Sutra.

The last phrase of the Lotus Sutras title...

"The last phrase of the Lotus Sutras Title is 'Dharma upheld by the Buddhas'” (佛所護念 sarva-buddha-parigraham). - by Ven. Dr. Thich Tam Thien

Welcome Welcome

To my several new or fairly new followers. Let us chant Namu Myoho renge kyo for the peace of the nation!!!

Is Nichiren lying or is SGI lying?

"This is the world of one Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha. There are not two Buddhas" -- Nichiren

"Volume nine of Great Perfection of Wisdom says: “The major world systems in the ten directions, numerous as the sands of the Ganges, make up what is called the world of a single Buddha. There are no other Buddhas there. Truly it is the world of one Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha.”

In volume one of On “The Words and Phrases,” we read: “There are not two Buddhas in the world, there are not two rulers in the nation. In the realm of one Buddha, there are not two Venerable Ones.”

And The Treatise on the Upholding of the Stage states: “In one world there are not two Buddhas, in one nation there are not two rulers. Within the realm of a single Buddha’s teachings, there are not two Venerable Ones.”

UCLA's Nia Dennis

 

They wouldn't know or comprehend my benefits

They who practice the Lotus Sutra Buddhism of Nichiren, failing to perform the forceful practices (raising the roar of the lion), can not possibly understand the benefits of one who does perform them (shakubuku).

Has Soka Gakkai's Institue of Oriental Philosophy closed down? (IOP)

There is nothing new on their web page since 2017. Any way, it was a slanderous place promoting various religions and philosophies antithetical to the Lotus Sutra Buddhism of Nichiren.

Pinocchio from Tokyo

                                                

The flag is the SGI flag, the same colors as Pinocchio

"The Soka Gakkai Is the jewel of Buddhist Democracy" -- Daisaku Ikeda

"(We) will never ask for even the tiniest contribution of offering from the members - Daisaku Ikeda

"Daisaku Ikeda: "Nichiren would sit down with Mohammad and they would discuss bringing peace to the world."

"The truth must be negotiated" - Joan Anderson, SGI international Senior Leader.

Everything I had hoped for in life has come true thanks to this Buddhism

Great career enabling me to help thousands of people over the years and earn a good living.

Married for 30 years to a wonderful supportive wife.

Two fantastic succesful children who each gave us a grandchild.

Ever increasing faith in the Law, the Buddha (Gohonzon), and Nichiren

Helping dozens of people to chant Namu Myoho renge kyo

Incredible loving animals

A house on a mountain surrounded by nature and great neighbors

True friends

Surpassing by three years the age of my father at death

A beautiful Butsudan

Encountering and overcoming the Three Obstacles and Four Devils*

Practicing Buddhism with my wife

*"The three obstacles in this passage are the obstacle of earthly desires, the obstacle of karma, and the obstacle of retribution. The obstacle of earthly desires is the impediments to one’s practice that arise from greed, anger, foolishness, and the like; the obstacle of karma is the hindrances presented by one’s wife or children; and the obstacle of retribution is the hindrances caused by one’s sovereign or parents. Of the four devils, the workings of the devil king of the sixth heaven (authorites) are of this last kind." - Nichiren, Letter to the Brothers

The Four Devils are:

1). The hindrance of the five components**—hindrances caused by one’s own physical and mental functions;

2). The hindrance of earthly desires—hindrances arising from greed, anger and foolishness;

3). the hindrance of death—one’s own untimely death obstructing one’s Buddhist practice or doubts arising from the untimely death of a fellow practitioner; 

4). and the hindrance of the devil king of the sixth heaven—a strong negative influence taking various forms to cause practitioners to discard their Buddhist practice.

** Also known as the Five Aggregates: Form, Perception (the five sense organs and the mind), Conception (forming concepts from what we perceive), Volition (acting upon what is concepted), Consciousness (awareness of Perception, Conception, and Volition).

Soka Gakkai indisputably has features of fascism

Type in fascism in the search engine for a series of eye opening posts on SGI and fascism.

Holy "you know what" Batman

 If this doesn't frighten you, I don't know what will: From the National Interest

https://nationalinterest.org/feature/japan-accelerates-its-defense-buildup-41277

A Nichiren Buddhist debates a Tibetan Buddhist

Tibetan Buddhist: I believe in the non-dual teachings of the Lotus Sutra because emptiness does not work that way. We all are different, we are not equal. If all sentient beings were the same, one single teaching or scripture would be needed. I'm different from you -- I assume you would realize this now -- thus what you think is right for yourself is not valid for me, and vice versa.

Nichiren Buddhist: One can come to believe in the Lotus Sutra without changing a thing, at least initially. Just chant Namu Myoho renge kyo. Then slowly but surely your vision will expand and you will begin to see clearly. "This good excellent medicine now I leave here. You should take and swallow it. Do not worry that you will not be cured."(Lotus Sutra Chapter 16)

Tibetan Buddhist: The point of incarnation is to work out and purge the karma in a soul. 

Nichiren Buddhist: Since karma is infinite, having accumulated words thoughts and deeds since the infinite past, by your reasoning, it would take an infinite amount of future lifetimes to pay off one's karmic debt (in order to attain Buddhaood).

This is roughly the teachings of all Tibetan traditions. The Lotus Sutra, on the other hand, teaches that a "one to one" change of thought, word, and deed ignores the reality that the present moment encompasses both the infinite past and the infinite future. If the Teaching or Law is complete and final, the Teacher is supremely Enlightened, the faith or wisdom of the practitioner is profound, and the faith and practice is powerful, one will be able to manifest the karma of Supreme Enlightenment that has existed since the infinite past and suppress the karma of delusion (that has also existed since the infinite past). The ever more intense efforts to reveal one's innate Buddhahood while suppressing delusion from moment to moment creates the karma to attain Buddhahood quickly. Since the Lotus Sutra and teachings of Nichiren are very powerful (Namu Myoho renge kyo or Devotion To The Sublime Dharma of the Lotus Flower Sutra) and the Teacher has manifested Supreme Enlightenment since the infinite past (The Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha described in the 16th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra) the faithful practitioner will never fail to attain Enlightenment quickly, without having to spend lifetime after lifetime practicing the six paramitas, prajna [wisdom excepted]*. Furthermore, there are the concepts, "after expiating his sins" and "lessening one's karmic retribution" taught in the the Lotus Sutra (Chapter 20) and Nirvana Sutra that help to explain the powerful cause and resulting effect of a correct faith and practice.

When one is not yet near to having attained Buddhahood, one finds it difficult to believe that merely chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra with faith in the Eternal Buddha (Gohonzon) that we can quickly obtain Supreme and Perfect Enlightenment. Not close to Buddhahood, one sees karma as predeterministic. Tibetans, in particular, wrongly perceive that it is necessary to make one good cause for every bad cause because their teachings have no power to radically lessen one's karmic retribution. In other words, they wrongly perceive that bad causes in the past, in order to be expiated that now and in the future thay must make one good cause for every bad cause they made in the past,

Careful consideration will reveal that we can make sufficiently powerful good causes to overcome the effects of lesser evil causes as a shower of rain eliminates thousands of small fires. The most powerful cause possible is to chant Namu Myoho renge kyo and to teach it to others. 

Tibetan Buddhist: Unlike you, I think that Buddha thought about all the sentient beings that exist, and created suitable paths for each one of them. Buddhas do not discriminate. Some dialogue <snipped> and then the Tibetan Buddhist continues: As I mentioned, your writing reminds me easily of dualism. 

Nichiren Buddhist: Since it is true that Buddhas don't discriminate, they teach the same Buddha-vehicle (Lotus Sutra) to all beings. Your doctrines are dualistic: Many different teachings for many different beings. Nothing is more dualistic than that. If we are all Buddhas in essence there is only to teach the Buddha-vehicle. Even on a phenomenal level, do not all people thrive on air? Are not all people subject to the same physical laws such as gravity? All people have the capacity to benefit from a sufficiently profound teaching. Can you not envision a single great teaching to enable all people to become Enlightened? Namu Myoho renge kyo is that teaching. 

*Wisdom excepted because the Lotus Sutra itself is wisdom.

JAPAN FAILS TO RADIFY NUCLEAR BAN TREATY

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/treaty-ban-nuclear-weapons-enters-force-75420880

Did you know that Japan has 5 TONS of plutonium and even more highly enriched uranium? Since we know as an un-sailable reality they lie, keeping the truth of Fukushima under wraps, what of their nuclear ambitions? The truth of that which makes this horror possible is the Buddhist concept of the oneness of persons and the environment. It is thanks to the evil Soka Gakkai, Nichiren Shoshu, Nichiren Shu, most modern Japanese Nichiren sects and their transfigurations that we find ourselves in the world gone mad (MUTUAL ASSURED DESTRUCTION). Nichiren quite rightly labeled the Japanese as the most evil people on the face of the earth. How frightful that Japan may already have hundreds of nuclear bombs and warheads!!! Where these terrible sects find themselves, their itineration, the peace of the land becomes evermore distant by the Buddhist concept of ONENESS OF PERSONS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT. The remedy, from the most fundamental aspect, is to outlaw these slanderous sects. Then and only will we realize a world free of nuclear weapons. Only then and with the spread of the true teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin will the world become peaceful and secure.

"What sect do you belong to?"

The Buddha founded sect of Nichiren Lotus Sutra Buddhism. I practice as an independent. I follow only the Law, the Eternal Buddha (Gohonzon and Lotus Sutra), and Nichiren through his writings. My faith and practice is somewhat close to the Kempon Hokke sect but I reject where it differs from Nichiren's teachings

Editorial by Unknown: Biden May Be Better than Trump BUT Not Much Better

SGI is now behind Biden and his pronuclear agenda. Biden is up to his ears in nuclear madness left by Obama and Trump. MICIMATT (Military Industrial Congressional Intelligence Media Academia Think Tank) complex. Biden is the lapdog of it. Biden is stalling help for Americans over a measly 400 dollars. Biden will continue, trillions for war and nuclear bombs. He is funding small nuclear reactors for space, battlefields, and America started by Trump and Obama. Biden will do this until there are a few more reactor meltdowns. Meltdowns like Santa Susana and Three Mile Island.. Biden will continue the neoliberal economic policies, where everyone is starving to death, worse than they are now. If he does this, there will be a major uprising, where dispossessed people join forces. Biden is a moderate nuclear imperialist. As the pandemic cripples America, Donald Trump ordered funding for military Small Nuclear Reactors in space, in America, and on the battlefield. Complete insanity. If Biden continues this, he guarantees, the end of humanity in 5 years. He must reinforce reactors now. Biden must cutback the nuclear weapons inventory, now. He must deal with accruing nuclear waste, now. Biden must start closing old reactors. NUKEAPES ARE ALL PSYCHOTIC AND OR PSYCHOPATHICALLY DELUDED IN SOME WAY. Trump is A completely psychotic criminal. Centrist democrats follow the neoliberal-fascist, war criminal, father OF THE Patriot act author and, king of incarceration, Jojo Biden. Biden might not start a nuclear war so quickly AS trump, though Biden caused a civil war in Ukraine. There is serious risk of another nuke accident in Ukraine soon, because of Nuland, Biden, Obama and Clinton-putting corrupt neo-nazis in power, in the Ukraine. When things collapse, reactors blow, all things will burn, like the western USA, that was on fire last summer. All The billionaires behind Biden, care about is their money. The billionaires can keep their illusions, of power and comfort for now. They got their boot-lickers back in power, with Biden.

Because Melania's inside is ugly, this once beautiful woman is becoming ugly on the outside.

 

Donald Trumps Health Care Plan

 Killing > 400,000 people and rising.

Wonderful information about the beautiful White Lotus Gohonzon...see comments

 https://markrogow.blogspot.com/2021/01/a-most-beautiful-gohonzon.html?showComment=1611181372781#c1106110014403800206

The real purpose of Soka Gakkai guidance

"The system is designed to pick out dissenters from a reasonably early point and to deal with them swiftly. 

"Dialog" with leadership about the issues is encouraged so that they know what to do about the matter earlier." - pearlorg16million

Human Revolution comic book illustration from the 1990s

Pages 100-101

Pages 102-103

Pages 104-105

Pages 106-107

Toda was committing domestic violence in this comic. He was very mean. Can't believe this was approved for publication. SGI is not only evil but STUPID!!! No wonder, after he died, his wife quit the Soka Gakkai. 

This proves my assertion. SGI principally performs the forceful practices upon their believers and the gentle practices upon non-believers. Nichiren principaly performed principally the gentle practices upon his believers and the gentle practices upon non-believers.

Nagarjuna's Tetralemma and Tientai's Three Truths slightly revised.

Nagarjuna's Tetralemma can be understood through the concept of latency, manifestation, and Tientai the Great's Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds and Three Truth Doctrine

1). P; that is being...A single World (being or phenomena) manifestation is equivalent to Tientai's Truth of Temporary Existence (body)

2). not P; that is not being...Nine Worlds (being or phenomena) not manifest (latent) is equivalent to Tientai's Truth of Non-substantiality (mind)

3). P and not P; that is being and that is not being...A single World (or phenomena) manifest and Nine Worlds not manifest is equivalent to both Tientai's temporary existence and non-substantiality or relative understanding of mind and body.

4). not (P or not P); that is not being or not not being... not manifest or not latent (not not being) is a near equivalent to Tientai's Truth of the Middle Way (though not actually temporarily manifest or not actually non-substantial, exhibiting characteristics of both.) This is the actual reality of phenomena (mind or nature and body)

Therefore, contrary to the assertions to most Tibetans and Madhyamaka adherents, Nagarjuna's did postulate Three Truths (not merely Two Truths) in his Tetralemma but they differ slightly from Tientai's "unification of the Three Truths".

Attention!!! Every SGI member, especially those dissatisfied with SGI should read.....

...SGIWHISTLEBLOWERS. More than 1.6 thousand former SGI members and those thinking of leaving SGI. Personally, I skip any criticisms of Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra (they won't let me rebut them) but their analysis of Soka Gakkai is spot on with incredible research and analysis you won't find anywhere else.

Myoho and Fluffy...If these natural enemies can love each other, so can we.

 

A most beautiful Gohonzon

Nigel "the SGI Buddha" on you tube

 Is seeking donations. How nice.

Nagarjuna's Tetralemma and Tientai's Three Truths slightly revised.

Nagarjuna's Tetralemma can be understood through the concept of latency, manifestation, and Tientai the Great's Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds and Three Truth Doctrine

1). P; that is being...A single World (being or phenomena) manifestation is equivalent to Tientai's Truth of Temporary Existence (body)

2). not P; that is not being...Nine Worlds (being or phenomena) not manifest (latent) is equivalent to Tientai's Truth of Non-substantiality (mind)

3). P and not P; that is being and that is not being...A single World (or phenomena) manifest and Nine Worlds not manifest is equivalent to both Tientai's temporary existence and non-substantiality or relative understanding of mind and body.

4). not (P or not P); that is not being or not not being... not manifest or not latent (not not being) is a near equivalent to Tientai's Truth of the Middle Way (though not actually temporarily manifest or not actually non-substantial, exhibiting characteristics of both.) This is the actual understanding of mind and body.

Therefore, contrary to the assertions to most Tibetans and Madhyamaka adherents, Nagarjuna's did postulate Three Truths (not merely Two Truths) in his Tetralemma but they differ slightly from Tientai's "unification of the Three Truths".

Do you see anything reflective of the Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu in these passages by Nichiren Daishonin?

"Great Concentration and Insight says: 'If one lacks faith [in the Lotus Sutra], one will object that it pertains to the lofty realm of the sages, something far beyond the capacity of one’s own wisdom to comprehend. If one lacks wisdom, one will become puffed up with arrogance and will claim to be the equal of the Buddha.'” - Opening of the Eyes

"Volume nine of The Annotations on “The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra” states, “These two types of overbearing arrogance are not without difference in degree between them. One who supposes that ordinary human beings are the same as the Buddha is guilty of great shamelessness.” -- Nichiren, Attaining Buddhahood in One's Present Form [1275]

"...and [they] boast that “we ourselves surpass the Buddha!” Persons such as these are descendants of the Great Arrogant Brahman of southern India, in the class of those who “draw blood from the body of the Buddha.” - Refuting Ryokan and the Others [1276].

"...Devadatta, however, did not command such respect from others, so he began to consider whether there was not some way he could gain worldly fame that would surpass that of the Buddha. He came across five criteria by which he might surpass the Buddha and gain recognition from society..." Letter to Horen

“These various sutras expound partial truths such as ‘the mind itself is the Buddha, and the Buddha is none other than the mind.’ The Zen followers have allowed themselves to be led astray by one or two such sentences and phrases, failing to inquire whether they represent the Mahayana or the Hinayana, the provisional teachings or the true teaching, the doctrines that reveal the truth or the doctrines that conceal it. They merely advance the pprinciple of nonduality without understanding the principle of duality, and commit an act of great arrogance, claiming that they themselves are equal to the Buddha. They are following in the tracks of the Great Arrogant Brahman of India and imitating the old ways of the Meditation Master San-chieh of China. But we should recall that the Great Arrogant Brahman, while still alive, fell into the hell of incessant suffering, and that San-chieh, after he died, turned into a huge snake. How frightful, how frightful indeed!" - A Sage and an Unenlightened Man

"But the Zen school, revering the Buddha, which is the essential nature of phenomena, supposes that the self and [Shakyamuni] Buddha are equal, which is to fall into the error of overbearing arrogance.　Surely a person who does so will be condemned to the Avīchi hell. Hence the Lotus Sutra says, “The monks who are overbearingly arrogant will fall into a great pit.” - Letter to Renjo

"The priests of the True Word school all pay homage to the Thus Come One Mahāvairochana and declare that Shakyamuni, the lord of teachings, is a Buddha who is still wandering in the region of darkness and is “not worthy even to tend our sandals!” In the end, they conduct their ceremony of anointment, stepping on the head of Shakyamuni Buddha. The priests of the Zen school declare that their teachings represent a “separate transmission outside the sutras,” regard all the various sutras as of less worth than waste paper, and boast that “we ourselves surpass the Buddha!” Persons such as these are descendants of the Great Arrogant Brahman of southern India, in the class of those who “draw blood from the body of the Buddha.” - Refuting Ryokan and the Others

Grrr. How come NOT the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu?

"With regard to the precepts (rules), there are the two different categories of  Mahayana precepts and Hinayana precepts, but in all cases one honors Shakyamuni Buddha as the source of the teachings and the other Buddhas as merely testifying to their worth. And in the same way, although there are various different schools of Buddhism, they all ought to pay reverence to Shakyamuni." - Nichiren

Instead of traveling to Japan for pilgrimage , the priests and leaders of the various Nichiren sects...

should have made a more careful study of the writings. 

Soka Gakkai, the Nichiren Shoshu, and the Nichiren Shu all claim to be disciples of Nichiren...

...but at heart, they are not. How can they have different practices and doctrines and all be disciples of Nichiren? Think carefully about this.

How the various Nichiren sects could convince us

Those who would defend the views of the Soka Gakkai, the Nichiren Shoshu, the Nichiren Shu, and the other Nichiren sects should produce some sort of clear scriptural evidence to support their doctrines and assertions. As Nichiren taught, "only if they do so can they hope to gain credence for such views."

A perfect description of the top leaders of the Soka Gakkai

"The Treatise on the Treasure Vehicle of Buddhahood by Bodhisattva Sāramati reads: “Those who are ignorant and unable to believe in the correct teaching, who hold false views and are arrogant, suffer such hindrances in retribution for the slanders of their past lives. They cling to incomplete doctrines and are attached to receiving alms and being treated with deference; they recognize only false doctrines, distance themselves from good friends, approach with familiarity such slanderers who delight in attachment to the teachings of the lesser vehicle, and do not believe in the great vehicle. Therefore they slander the Law of the Buddhas." - The Problem to be Pondered Day and Night

The votaries of the Lotus Sutra need not be frightened about the state of the world nor even persecution.

"On the twelfth day of the ninth month of last year, between the hours of the rat and the ox (11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.), this person named Nichiren was beheaded. It is his soul that has come to this island of Sado and, in the second month of the following year, snowbound, is writing this to send to his close disciples. [The description of the evil age in the “Encouraging Devotion” chapter seems] terrible, but [one who cares nothing about oneself for the sake of the Law has] nothing to be frightened about. Others reading it will be terrified. This scriptural passage is the bright mirror that Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions left for the future of Japan, and in which the present state of the country is reflected. It may also be regarded as a keepsake from me." - The Opening of the Eyes

Nichiren makes a very important point.

“Depend upon the preachings of the Buddha, and do not put faith in traditions handed down orally.” - The Opening of the Eyes

Nichiren explains why Soka Gakkai members are similarly like beasts

"The people of these schools who are ignorant of the teachings of the “Life Span” chapter are similarly like beasts. They do not understand to whom they are obligated. Therefore, Miao-lo states: “Among all the teachings of the Buddha’s lifetime, there is no place [other than the ‘Life Span’ chapter] where the true longevity of the Buddha is revealed. A person ought to know how old his father and mother are. If a son does not even know how old his father is, he will also be in doubt as to what lands his father presides over. Though he may be idly praised for his talent and ability, he cannot be counted as a son at all!" - The Opening of the Eyes

But not the SGI members according to the Opening of the Eyes. HOW SORROWFUL!

"Thus, in the various sutras other than the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni does not assemble Buddhas who carry out different austerities and practices and who possess the three bodies, nor does he identify them as emanations of himself. [Only in the “Treasure Tower” chapter of the Lotus Sutra does he do so.] This chapter, then, is intended as an introduction to the “Life Span” chapter that follows later. Shakyamuni Buddha, who was believed to have attained enlightenment for the first time only some forty years previously, calls together Buddhas who had become enlightened as long as one or even ten kalpas ago, and declares that they are emanations of himself. This is a far cry indeed from the Buddha’s usual preaching on the equality of all Buddhas [in their Dharma bodies], and in fact a cause of great astonishment. If Shakyamuni had attained enlightenment for the first time only some forty years earlier, there could hardly have been so many beings in the ten directions who had received his instruction. And even if he was privileged to possess emanations, there would have been no benefit in his showing them to his listeners. T’ien-t’ai, describing what went on in the astonished minds of the assembly, says, “It was evident to them that Shakyamuni Buddha possessed numerous emanations. Therefore, they understood that he must have attained enlightenment in the far distant past.”

"When Shakyamuni Buddha revealed that he had gained enlightenment in the far distant past, it became apparent that all the other Buddhas were emanations of Shakyamuni. When the Buddha preached the earlier sutras and the first half, or theoretical teaching, of the Lotus Sutra, the other Buddhas were pictured as standing on an equal footing with Shakyamuni, after completing their respective practices and disciplines. Therefore, the people who take one or another of these Buddhas as their object of devotion customarily look down on Shakyamuni Buddha. But now it becomes apparent that Vairochana Buddha, who is described in the Flower Garland Sutra as being seated on a lotus pedestal, and the various Buddhas who appear in the sutras of the Correct and Equal and the Wisdom periods, such as the Mahāvairochana Sutra, are all in fact followers of Shakyamuni Buddha."

"Since the Buddha [of the “Life Span” chapter] is revealed as the Buddha who attained enlightenment in the remote past [and all the other Buddhas as his emanations], it follows that not only the great bodhisattvas whom Shakyamuni himself taught in his transient status, but the great bodhisattvas from other realms [who were taught by the Buddhas of their own realms] are also in fact disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings. If, among all the numerous sutras, this “Life Span” chapter should be lacking, it would be as though there were no sun or moon in the sky, no supreme ruler in the nation, no gems in the mountains and rivers, and no spirit in human beings."

"But now that it has become apparent that Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, then the bodhisattvas Sunlight and Moonlight, who attend the Thus Come One Medicine Master of the eastern region, and the bodhisattvas Perceiver of the World’s Sounds and Great Power, who attend the Thus Come One Amida of the western region, along with the disciples of all the Buddhas of the worlds of the ten directions, and the great bodhisattvas who are disciples of the Thus Come One Mahāvairochana as they are shown in the Mahāvairochana and Diamond Crown sutras—all of these beings are disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings. Since the various Buddhas themselves are emanations of the Thus Come One Shakyamuni, it goes without saying that their disciples must be disciples of Shakyamuni. And of course the various deities of the sun, moon, and stars, who have dwelt in this world since the beginning of the kalpa of continuance, must likewise be disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha."

Why SGI's latest "statement" regarding the state of the union and the state of their faith is false

Uniting in Prayer for the Peace of the Land Toward Jan. 26, SGI Day!

To all members of the SGI-USA,

Our efforts to establish the correct teaching for the peace of the land are centered on expanding a network of people committed to doing their human revolution and thereby transforming society.

In light of current events, let us reconfirm the Buddhist principle that our personal security cannot be established in isolation. Nichiren Daishonin encouraged his followers to pray with determination for “order and tranquillity throughout the four quarters of the land,” also saying “it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered.”

With this lionhearted spirit, and led by our foremost Women’s Division members, let’s unite in chanting abundant daimoku for the peace of the land as well as the safety and security of every person and every community in America and around the world toward SGI Day, January 26, 2021.

Thank you.

The SGI-USA National Team

ARTICLE TAGS:

CATEGORIES:

• Feature

Their statement is false because Soka Gakkai members are NOT Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Nichiren teaches: "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." Soka Gakkai members neither have the same mind as Nichiren nor do they teach that they have been a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha from the remote past.

The Nine Consciousnesses

From the Chinese Buddhist Encyclopedia:

NINE CONSCIOUSNESSES 九識 (Jpn ku-shiki )

Nine kinds of discernment. "Consciousness" is the translation of the Sanskrit Vijnana, which means discernment. The nine consciousnesses are

(1) sight-Consciousness (Skt chakshur-Vijnana ),
(2) hearing-Consciousness (shrota-Vijnana),
(3) smell-Consciousness (ghrana-Vijnana),
(4) taste-Consciousness (jihva-Vijnana),
(5) touch-Consciousness (kaya- Vijnana),
(6) Mind-Consciousness (mano-Vijnana),
(7) mano - Consciousness (mano-Vijnana),
(8) Alaya Consciousness (Alaya-vijnana), and
(9) amala -Consciousness (amala-Vijnana). (The Sanskrit is the same for both the sixth and seventh consciousnesses.)

The first five consciousnesses correspond to the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. The sixth Consciousness integrates the perceptions of the five senses into coherent images and makes judgments about the external World. In contrast with the first six consciousnesses, which deal with the external World, the seventh, or mano -Consciousness, corresponds to the inner Spiritual World. Awareness of and Attachment to the self are said to originate from the mano-Consciousness, as does the ability to distinguish between Good and Evil. The eighth, or Alaya - Consciousness, exists in what modern psychology calls the Unconscious; all experiences of present and previous lifetimes—collectively called Karma—are stored there. The Alaya -Consciousness receives the results of one's Good and Evil deeds and stores them as karmic potentials or "seeds," which then produce the rewards of either Happiness or Suffering accordingly. Hence it was rendered as "storehouse Consciousness" in Chinese. The Alaya -Consciousness thus forms the framework of individual existence. the Dharma Characteristics (Chin Fa-hsiang; Jpn Hosso) school regards the eighth Consciousness as the source of all Spiritual and physical Phenomena. The Summary of the Mahayana (Shelun; Shoron) school, the T'ient'ai school, and the Flower Garland (Hua-yen; Kegon) school postulate a ninth Consciousness, called amala-Consciousness, which lies below the Alaya -Consciousness and remains free from all karmic impurity. This ninth Consciousness is defined as the basis of all Life's functions. Hence it was rendered as "fundamental pure Consciousness" in Chinese."

Discussion:

The Alaya consciousness still retains the impurities of karma. The Amala consciousness is free of all impurities. Nichiren teaches that we should base ourselves on the ninth consciousness: "...The words of a wise man of old also teach that “you should base your mind on the ninth consciousness, and carry out your practice in the six consciousnesses*.” How reasonable it is too! In this letter I have written my long-cherished teachings. Keep them deep within your heart."

*The consciousness of common worldlings of the Lower Six Worlds (Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Tranquility or Humanity, and Rapture) specifically and all the Nine Worlds and eight consciousnesses generally (including the Worlds of Learning, Self Realization, and Bodhisattva or Compassiona).

We carry out our practice in the Tenth World of Buddha (which corresponds to the ninth consciousness) within the Nine Worlds corresponding to the eight consciousnesses (the six consciousnesses plus the unconscious 7th, and the collective uncoconscious 8th.

Elsewhere, Nichiren teaches: "The body is the palace of the ninth consciousness,** the unchanging reality that reigns over all of life’s functions..."

** Another name for the ninth consciousness is "Namu Myoho renge kyo consciousness".

In another writing Nichiren expounds:

“Answer: The school has already postulated the nine kinds of consciousness, and therefore it propounds the five types of wisdom. Among the nine consciousnesses, the first five correspond to the wisdom of perfect practice. The sixth consciousness corresponds to the wisdom of insight into the particular, the seventh to the non-discriminating wisdom, the eighth to the great round mirror wisdom, and the ninth to the wisdom of the essence of the phenomenal world.

“Next, regarding the five major principles as they pertain to the capacity and feelings of the individual believer, Myoho-renge-kyo as it is expounded for the sake of the capacities of all persons is what is meant by the five major principles of the capacity and feelings. Since there are five characters in the title Myoho-renge-kyo, there are accordingly five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind. They are explained as follows in the transmitted teachings:

“Myō　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is inconceivable. Because it is natural enlightenment that is bright in and of itself, it is inconceivable.

“Hō　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is unification [of the three truths]. The universal truth [in which the three truths are] unified includes within it all the nine subdivisions.

“Ren　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is comprehension [of the unification of the three truths]. The effect of Buddhahood.

“Ge　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is once more broken down into categories.23 The practice in the state of original enlightenment.

“Kyō　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is easily understood.24 Discussion of the teachings.

“The second volume of The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra discusses these five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind. Let us explain them in the light of that passage.

“The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is inconceivable is the embodiment of the enlightenment gained by the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai Chih-che, the eternal truth that is truth uncreated. This cannot be expressed by the names or characteristics p.906of the three truths; the only name or characteristic that could express it at all would be ‘inconceivable.’

“The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is unification [of the three truths] is the principle of the three truths, which from the beginning has existed in the phenomenal world [as a manifestation] of the universal truth. So the three truths achieve unification with one another and include the nine subdivisions.

“As to the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is comprehension: the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is inconceivable and the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is unification [of the three truths] are not something that can be grasped by the mind of an ordinary person, but can only be comprehended through the wisdom the sages freely receive and use. Therefore it is called comprehension.

“As to the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is once more broken down into categories, the three truths that are uncreated apply to all phenomena and represent the basic nature that is constantly abiding. They are not the same as the universal truth [in which the three truths are] unified, and therefore they are spoken of as being once more broken down into categories.

“As to the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is easily understood, one finds it difficult to understand the doctrine of the unification of the three truths and similar doctrines. Therefore one approaches them through the three successive views represented by the three truths and analyzes the doctrines in this way. Hence it is spoken of as being easily understood. These are the five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind as they are described in the text.

“Next, in the threefold contemplation in a single mind as it applies to the Buddha’s intention, there are also five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind.

“First, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind (which applies to the capacity to enter the gate of tranquillity).

“Second, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind (which applies to the capacity to enter the gate of brightness or understanding).

“Third, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind that abides in the effect of the achievement of Buddhahood but returns [to the practice of threefold contemplation in a single mind]. When one has superior capacities and hears a good friend expounding the doctrine that all phenomena are manifestations of the Buddhist Law, one then becomes aware of the truth. After one has once entered into the truth, one then practices the threefold contemplation in a single mind, enjoying its blessing to the fullest.

“Fourth, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind that serves as the cause for the achievement of the effect. One hears about the wonderful effect of the achievement of Buddhahood, and in order to achieve this effect, one practices the various views associated with the three truths.

“Fifth, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind that concerns doctrines. One hears the various doctrines such as those pertaining to the five periods and the eight teachings, and after storing these doctrines in the mind, one carries out meditative practice. Therefore it is called the threefold contemplation ‘that concerns doctrines.’