Assertion: "You shouldn't call yourself a disciple of Nichiren, only Nichiren can make that determination."
Response: Nichiren isn't here except through his writings. That would mean, no one can call him or herself a disciple of Nichiren throughout the 700+ years since the death of Nichiren and only those who Nichiren called "my disciple" are his true disciples. One may determine whether or not one is a disciple of Nichiren by the following teaching of Nichiren: "Though people may claim to be disciples of Nichiren, if they do not possess some proof of that fact from my hand, you must not trust them." (Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa).
Today, the proof of that fact from the hand of Nichiren are the writings of Nichiren himself. Those who follow most closely the writings of Nichiren may call themselves "a disciple of Nichiren" until proven that one fails to follow closely the writings.
Please bear in mind the extremely difficult task of ascertaining EXACTLY what Nichiren wrote- when asserting that you are “following Nichiren’s teachings! But it also must be noted that traditionally it is the Master who chooses and designates their Disciple(s) —- to do otherwise is disrespectful to the Master and an arrogant proclamation that after years of in depth study I would absolutely never do … again!
ReplyDeleteWhat I have come to respect most of all, is how little we can actually know — other than the undeniable power of the daimoku , which is where our faith is proven and deepened. It is after all the “ teaching” for our time - the Law, not the person. Means equality amongst those who chant the daimoku — and no potential for authoritarian or superiority posturing!
Apparently it is too difficult for you to know what Nichiren wrote. Do you lack confidence/. For me, I know what the Buddha wrote in the Lotus Sutra and what Nichiren wrote. Nichiren is no longer around to designate disciples. Then, by your reasoning, only the few dozen people he designated as disciples while alive are the only disciples of Nichiren in the 739 years since his death. This is an untenable position. Certainly you are equal to the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu members who consistantly criticize the true believers. You should be ashamed of yourself. Do you think only you have have taken to heart, "follow the Law and not persons. You are an extremely arrogant man. Why don't you go back back to Nichiren Shoshu to suckle on the High Priest's teats.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, the only true disciples of Nichiren are those he designated as HIS disciples! YOU have taken it upon yourself to declare "another standard" followed by base insults, vulgar language, which is your response to a well stated, reasonable comment.
ReplyDeleteApparently, you maintain this blog to vent your spleen because other sites have blocked your access for this repugnant behavior.
Serious Buddhist scholars rely on treatises and doctrinal writings extant in Nichiren's hand, not "letters", for which the full context of the conversation is unknown and/or the writing itself is disputed. In any case, IMO, it is arrogant to state that you KNOW what Nichiren actually wrote unless you are capable of reading Classical Chinese. Why is it so hard for you to display reverence and humility for the Lotus Sutra, which the Buddha Himself claimed twice in the LifeSpan Chapter, was incomprehensible for even His most devout disciples? Nichiren annotated a copy of the Lotus Sutra, instructed 6 of his disciples to read it as they guarded his grave--That would be the Chu Hokkekyo, which has yet to be translated! So, in actual fact, the most reliable teachings on the Lotus Sutra, by Nichiren himself are not yet known! What is known, is the essential teaching, practice- chanting Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. All who chant the daimoku are believers-- all worthy of respect, which is so basic, and yet you continue to violate this teaching!
Is it ok to start a patreon or inet thing, to raise money for a transplant? You can have one of my kidneys but one is damaged from leukemia. Antinuke
ReplyDeleteRogow's teaching:
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Today, the proof of that fact from the hand of Nichiren are the writings of Nichiren himself. Those who follow most closely the writings of Nichiren may call themselves "a disciple of Nichiren" until proven that one fails to follow closely the writings."
My addendum: those who follow the teachings of common mortals, may call themselves, fools.
Correct. Follow the Eternal Buddha and Nichiren ONLY. That is why I don't listen to you, save to correct you in light of the Lotus sutra and Writings of Nichiren.
ReplyDeleteYes, and because I am embracing and upholding the daimoku, your blatant disrespect for believers nullifies your so-called “ corrections”.
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