Could anything be more scary?

A cyber attack launching US or Russian missiles against the other? 

http://news.yahoo.com/former-us-commander-nuclear-missiles-off-high-alert-190118816--politics.html

The Selection of the Time's 36 questions

“All of the wise persons of Japan at the present time are like the host of stars, and I, Nichiren, am like the full moon.” — The Selection of the Time

The Selection of The Time, one of Nichiren’s Five Major Writings, is a series of thirty-six questions and thirty answers. Can you answer the questions?

Question: If one preaches the great Law to people who do not have the capacity to understand it, then the foolish ones among them will surely slander it and will fall into the evil paths of existence. Is the person who does the preaching not to blame for this?

Question: Now these two views appear to be as incompatible as fire and water. May I ask how one is to resolve this dilemma? [The two views regarding the utilization of the gentle or forceful practices when spreading the Lotus Sutra]

Question: When is the time for the preaching of the Hinayana sutras and the provisional sutras, and when is the time for the preaching of the Lotus Sutra?

Answer: Even bodhisattvas, from those at the ten stages of faith to great bodhisattvas on the level of near perfect enlightenment, find it difficult to judge matters concerning time and capacity. How then can ordinary beings such as ourselves be able to judge such matters?

Question: Is there no way to determine them?

Answer: Let us borrow the eye of the Buddha to consider this question of time and capacity. Let us use the sun of the Buddha to illuminate the nation.

Question: What do you mean by that?

Question: What passages can you cite to prove this?

Question: The sutra passages you have cited clearly prove your point. But are there any prophecies in the writings of T’ien-t’ai, Miao-lo, or Dengyo that would support your argument?

Question: What you say is perfectly true. Nevertheless, we ordinary people have only a very remote idea of what the sutras mean, while the commentaries are more accessible and easier to understand. If there are clear passages of proof in such relatively understandable commentaries, then citing them might help us have greater faith in your argument.

Question: Do the scholars Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu say anything about this principle [of Namu-myoho-renge-kyo]?

Question: Why did they not expound it?

Question: Could you explain the matter in greater detail? [Why Nagarjuna and Vasubandu did not expound the Supreme Law].

Question: How then can you say that in the Middle Day of the Law the teachings of the Lotus Sutra were not widely disseminated and spread abroad?

Question: Do you mean to say that Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, and the others did not teach the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra?

Question: Then what doctrines did they teach?

Question: How do you know that this is so? [repeated two times, that Nagarjuna and Vasubandu did not teach the doctrines of the Lotus Sutra].

Question: Among the treatises remaining in India, are there any that are superior to the ones transmitted to China? [Referring to any which might be superior the Lotus Sutra which was transmitted to China in the 3rd Century CE].

Question: Is there anyone else who thinks the way you do in this matter? [That the Three Truths doctrine is only correctly illucidated in the Lotus Sutra which goes way beyond the mere doctrine of Emptiness expounded in such Sutras as the Perfection of Wisdom and Flower Garland].

Question: In the latter part of the T’ang dynasty, the Tripitaka Master Pu-k’ung introduced to China a treatise in one volume entitled The Treatise on the Mind Aspiring for Enlightenment, whose authorship he ascribed to Bodhisattva Nagarjuna. The Great Teacher Kobo says of it, “This treatise represents the heart and core of all the thousand treatises of Nagarjuna.” What is your opinion on this?

Question: How do you know that the translators other than Kumarajiva made errors?

Question: That tells us about the translators who lived at the time of Kumarajiva or before. But what about later translators such as Shan-wu-wei or Pu-k’ung? [This question pertains to the false and error filled translations and misguided translators in the Middle Day but please keep in mind that today, in this Latter Day, the problem of false and erroneous translations from the misguided Nichiren Shoshu and Soka Gakkai translators are an even more grievous matter].

Question: In view of all this, how can you deny that during the Middle Day of the Law the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra was not made clear,..?

Question: How then can you deny that in the latter part of the Middle Day of the Law the wide proclamation and propagation of the Lotus Sutra was not achieved?

Question: What is this secret Law? First, tell me its name, and then I want to hear its meaning.

Question: In what way are these three schools in error? [Pure Land, True Word, and Zen]

Question: What are we to make of such statements put forth in these commentaries? [That the True Word teachings Are Superior to the Lotus Sutra teachings].

Question: When it comes to those who maintain that the Lotus Sutra is superior to the True Word teachings, should they try to make use of these commentaries by Jikaku, or should they reject them?

Question: How do we come to understand it? [The Tendai priest Jikaku's errors].

Question: The great earthquake of the Shoka era, the huge comet of the Bun’ei era— what caused these to appear?

T’ien-t’ai says, “Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes.”

Question: What do you mean by this statement?

Question: Is there anyone in Japan, China, or India who understands this matter? [That bodhisattva Superior Practices Has been summoned by Shakyamuni Buddha to spread Namu Myoho renge kyo in this dreadful age]?

Question: But if there is no wise person who understands why these calamities have arisen, then how can proper steps be taken to deal with them?

Question: Now the great earthquake and the huge comet that have appeared are calamities brought about by heaven, which is enraged because the ruler of our country hates Nichiren and sides with the Zen, Nembutsu, and True Word priests who preach doctrines that will destroy the nation!

How can I believe that?

Question: At the time of your second pronouncement on the twelfth day of the ninth month in the eighth year of the Bun’ei era, when you incurred the wrath of the authorities, how did you know that if harm was done to you rebellion would break out and the country would also be attacked by armies from abroad?

Question: These men were all guilty of faults that condemned them to the Avichi hell or the hell of incessant suffering. How, then, do you dare to claim that you are the wisest man in the entire land of Jambudvipa? Will you not fall into hell like the others? What a frightful thing to do!

Question: Is there anyone from times past who has spoken the way you have just done? [Nichiren Daishonin's proclaiming himself the Supreme Votary of the Sutra].

Question: “But under what circumstances should one be prepared to sacrifice one’s life and safety?”

Original and Attained Enlightenment: Hongaku and Shigaku

HONGAKU AND SHIGAKU

CORRECTING H.G. LAMONT'S CRITICISM

Hongaku means Original Enlightenment. Shigaku means attained of enlightenment. To explain the relationship between Hongaku and Shigaku here are two examples: A man is in a dark room with furniture but he can not see and make use of anything inside the room because it is dark. However, once he turns on the light, he can clearly see the furniture in the room. The furniture was there from the beginning, however, he sees it only after he turns on the light. It is not that the furniture suddenly appeared. The furniture was always there. It was just he could not see it. The fact that the furniture was there from the beginning stands for Hongaku and the fact that turning on the light and the ability to see the furniture stands for Shigaku. Another example is a blind man who meets an excellent physician who performs an operation on his eyes. The doctor cured his blind eyes. He is now is able to see the sun and the moon. The sun and the moon were originally there (Hongaku) but he saw them for the first time when his eyes were cured (Shigaku). 

Therefore, when one attains enlightenment (Shigaku), he never fail to attain original enlightenment (Hongaku). It is not until one has Shigaku that he becomes aware of Hongaku (Oh! Everything is originally in the enlightened state!!). 

So, until the time of Shigaku, we should make use of our power of belief that this world is in reality the Buddha's Pure Land. Nichiren Daishonin said in his writing named "Junyoze no koto", "Like waking up to reality from dream where one saw various illusion; after cleaning off the deluded thought and view, then you will see that everywhere in the dharma world is the Pure Land of tranquil light, and that the body of your own is the Tathagata of original enlightenment (Hongaku) possessing the three bodies in one." 

Some say that "Junyoze no koto" is a 'forgery'. However, this Gosho is one of the Roku-nai Goshos. So it should be considered a genuine Gosho. I think the attitude of discarding every Gosho that contradicts one's own opinion will prevent one from a proper understanding of Nichiren Buddhism. 

Needless to say, the explanation I wrote about Hongaku and Shigaku have nothing to do with the the Hongaku of old medieval T'ien T'ai which teaches that we need not practice because everyone is already enlightened. 

Rev. Sorin Yasuhara

FOLLOW UP TO CORRECTING H.G. LAMONT'S VIEW: 

September 22, 1998 

As you know the parables regarding "Hongaku and Shigaku" that I wrote before was from the Mahaparinirvana Sutra (pp.522-523 Vol,2) which Rev. Honda cited in his book along with "Junyoze no koto". 

Answer to Mr. Lamont's last note 

1) Lamont and some of the other sect's scholars thinks "Junyoze no Koto' is a forgery. But teachers of Jumonryu (followers of Nichiju) do not. Rev. Honda used this Gosho to support his view not only in "Daizokyo yogi" but also even in "Hokekyo Kogi" ("Lectures on the Lotus Sutra") the copy or which Lamont stated he had in his last note. Also Rev. Honda put this Gosho into his "Seigoroku" (analects of sacred words). Moreover, another famous teacher of Jumonryu, Rev. Nisshi Nakagawa also put this Gosho into his "Seigoroku" (analects of sacred words). I think the reason why he insists that this Gosho is a forgery is that it bothers his biased view on the Nichiren Buddhism. It is the matter of course that this Gosho does not bother the correct view of Jumonryu at all. 

2) Lamont brings forward the so-called "Hongaku shiso" (ideology of Hongaku) and refutes it citing Rev. Honda"s words in "Hokekyo kogi,"with which he thinks is a refutation to my last note regarding "Hongaku and Shigaku'. And Lamont hates Hongaku monism and thinks Hongaku monism is not the view of Jumonryu (followers of Nichiju). 

I agree with him on the point that "Hongaku shiso" is wrong. But it is totally beside the mark to refute us with refuting "Hongaku shiso". Because the term "Hongaku" itself never means nor imply the "Hongaku shiso". He misunderstands to take the term "Hongaku" immediately as "Hongaku shiso". This is the most critical and fundamental error in his view. 

As I explained before, the term "Hongaku" only means "Original Enlightenment".  This, as everyone can see very easily, is what is preached in the Honmon (Original Doctrine), especially in the Chapter 16 'Measure of life'. On the other hand, in the Shakumon (Manifestation Doctrine) it preaches on the basis of "Shigaku" (Attainment of Enlightenment). Therefore, needless to say the, subject of "Hongaku and Shigaku" is parallel to the subject of "Honmon and Shakumon". 

In the Shakumon, there is a matter of "attaining" but in the Honmom there is no such a matter because Honmon is the view or world which is preached from the stand point of the Original (Eternal) Buddha, In other words. Shakamon is based on dualism and preaches distinction (discrimination) between worldly beings and Buddha; Honmom is based on monism and preaches the ultimate equality of worldly beings and Buddha. If Buddhism does not preach monism and only upholds dualism, it loses its life. There are in the world many other religions like Judaism, Christianity or lslam which are based on dualism with the teachings of absolute discrimination between divinity and humanity. And they are wrong in their object of worship and doctrine of ultimate dualism. In other words, it is a matter of common knowledge that Nichiren Buddhism is a religion of monism, because the Lotus Sutra (Hokekyo) is the teaching or One Vehicle (Ichi-jo). More importantly, it does not mean mechanical monism but means the monism that can only be attained through our faith of whole-hearted devotion (Namu). In this sense, chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo (Daimoku) wholeheartedly is essential for this monism. It is a bridge between dualism and monism. This is the theory of Sokushin-Jobutsu (attaining Buddhahood in this very body) of Nichiren Buddhism

So if we remain attached to the view that dualism is the ultimate substance of the doctrine of Nichiren Buddhism, where can we find the possibility of Jobutsu (attaining Buddhahood)? With such a wrong view, Buddha and we are forever parallel lines. In the "Kanjin Honzon Sho" (On the Object of Worship in Contemplation), Nichiren Daishonin states:

"Now the Saha World of the Original Time is the Ever-abiding Pure Land apart from the Three Calamities and outside of the Four Kalpas. The Buddha has not already been extinguished in the past and will not be born in the future. Those who are converted are of the same essence. This is identical to the complete possession of the three thousand (realms) of one's own mind, the three types world" (translated by Lamont). 

How does Lamont read this essential part of this Gosho? Does he reject the "Kanjin Honzon Sho" as a forgery, too? 

"Hongaku Shiso" is a distorted view derived from the erroneous understanding of the doctrine of the Buddha's Three Bodies. This view does not take into account the unity of the Three Bodies. Instead, it links the Dharma Body only to worldly beings and the other two bodies (Enjoyment Body and Response Body) to the Buddha.  One who has this view is conceited, thinking that it is the worldly beings who are the Original Buddha and Buddhas like Shakya and Taho are merely Manifestation Buddhas.This is an abstract view, equivalent to the man in the dark or the blind man before his operation in the parables I wrote in the first note. This view shuts the door to attaining Buddhahood since it denies the need for flipping the light switch and the excellent physician.

One must not take the Gosho passage, "Like waking up to reality from dream where one saw various illusion; after deluded thought and view, then you will see that everywhere in is the Pure Land of tranquil light, and that the body of your own is the Tathagata of original enlightenment possessing the three bodies in one.", out of context of a correct faith, practice, and study. It expresses the ultimate state of life which comes after cleaning off deluded thought and view (practice). 

The "Tathagata of original enlightenment possessing the three bodies in one" is the very "Actual Buddha" (Ji Butsu) revealed in the Chapter 16 of the Hokekyo. That is by no means the Ideality (Abstraction) of Unmanifest Original Enlightenment (Hongaku no ritai) or Abstract Buddha (Ributsu). 

Accordingly, there is no argument from the beginning save for Lamont's confusion and misunderstanding. If he has some more confusion in this regard, he should read carefully the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the teachers of Jumonryu, especially Nichiju Daishoshi's "Fuju-sho". Then he will surely find a break-through. 

With Gassho,

Rev. Sorin Yasuhara

Nichiren refutes the bizarre SGI [Tibetian/Zen] teaching of mentor [guru] and disciple

"If I add my own interpretation it will be as if I had profaned these passages, but in essence they mean that Shakyamuni’s practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he." [True Object of Worship]

The perverse SGI business suited priests

"Shakyamuni Buddha is the father, sovereign, and teacher of all the other Buddhas and all the gods, of the whole assembly of human and heavenly beings, and of all living beings. How could the heavenly gods and benevolent deities rejoice if the Buddha were killed? Today all the people of our country have proved to be enemies of Shakyamuni Buddha, but more than laymen or laywomen, it is the priests with perverse wisdom and hearts who are the Buddha’s worst enemies. There are two kinds of wisdom, correct and perverse. No matter how wise a person may appear, if his assertions are warped you should not listen to him. Nor should you follow priests merely because they are venerable or of high rank. But if a person has the wisdom to know the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra, no matter how lowly he may appear, pay respect to him and make offerings to him as though he were a living Thus Come One. Thus it is written in the sutra..."

But Ikeda/SGI accepts offerings from those who refuse to embrace the Lotus Sutra.

"Neither Buddhas nor gods would ever accept contributions from those who slander the correct teaching. Then how can we human beings accept them? The deity of Kasuga Shrine proclaimed through an oracle that he would accept nothing from those with impure hearts, though he should have to eat the flames of burning copper; that he would refuse to set foot in their homes, though he should have to sit on red-hot copper. He would rather come down to a miserable hut with weeds choking the passageway, or to a poor thatched house. He declared that he would never visit persons lacking in faith, even if they hung sacred festoons for a thousand days to welcome him, but that he would go to a house where the people have a mind of faith, even though they might be in mourning for a parent. Lamenting that slanderers have overrun this country, the benevolent gods have abandoned it and ascended to heaven. “Those with impure hearts” means those who refuse to embrace the Lotus Sutra, as is stated in the fifth volume of the sutra. If the gods themselves regard alms from slanderers as more abominable than the flames of burning copper, how could we human beings possibly accept them? If someone were to kill our parents and then try to offer us some gift, could we possibly accept it? Not even wise persons or sages can avoid the hell of incessant suffering if they accept offerings from slanderers. Nor should you associate with slanderers, for if you do, you will share the same guilt as they. This you should fear above all."

I decided that I would not heed the claims of the Soka Gakkai

"....I decided that I would not heed the claims of these eight or ten schools, but would do as the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai did and let the sutras themselves be my sole teacher, in this way determining which of the various teachings of the Buddha’s lifetime are superior and which are inferior..." -- Repaying Debts Gratitude

Modern interpretation of a short Gosho passage

“Thus they place such pronouncements (Value Creation, Human Revolution, peace proposals) on the same level as the Lotus Sutra, considering the two to be of equal authority; or they regard these teachings as superior to the Lotus Sutra; or they reason that though their teacher’s pronouncements are inferior they are well suited to the capacity of the people.” (The Teaching that Accords with the Buddha’s Mind)

All you need to know about the SGI May contribution campaign

The SGI May Contribution Campaign is well under way. We can all be relieved that there will be no bake sales, garage sales, or other fund raising activities to line the pockets of the greedy Japanese destroyers of the True Dharma. However, they are gearing up the machine, the district leaders and above, to make a push to accumulate ever more donations, more than all previous years. Hell, they have to increase the mid six figure salaries of their leech Vice Presidents and General Directors to keep up with the cost of living.

What can we do? The SGI is the second richest religious multinational corporation on earth, second only to the Catholic church, and for all intents and purposes they are a nation run by disingenuous and cunning despots. Take a step back for a moment. Machiavelli himself could not form such rancid thoughts and actions as the President and leaders of Soka to take over their parent sect Taisekaji. Even though the Taisekaji priests were hardly good parents, they didn’t beat and torture their “children”. Their children hatched a plot to take over their parents fiefs and treasures. Not unlike a child who kills his parents for their insurance money, these dastardly men of Soka attempted to kill their parents until the plots were discovered and the children were turned out. I ask you my friends, who could ever trust such children and who would support them [besides the penal system]? Yet they ask their sincere members to support them, to send them their hard earned money so they can nourish their fat bodies, formulate even greater machinations in their twisted corrupted minds, and enact even greater acts against those whose treasures they covet.

Experiences:

“I have chosen not to participate in the special zaimu campaign for the 2nd year in a row. I have been able to maintain the same job for over one year now and even got a raise. My industry is quite challenged, so I am happy with this outcome. And aside from finances, my health has been pretty good and things are going well for the family.

I know of 3 experiences so far (in my small circle) of negative effects to those that are putting their all into trying to collect donations and to give all their extra cash as a donation. From car accidents to loss of job, and another one that simply is okay with his status of always being broke. Through chanting he realized it was okay and lessened his suffering, I guess. Doesn’t sound like gaining much fortune to me and it is no fun to always be broke. But I guess he will pretend it is okay so that he feels he got a benefit somehow.

Another friend asked the interesting question: what does the SGI do for the members? They take and take constantly; take members time, take members money. But what do they give back? They don’t have any qualms about taking from people that are already struggling financially. It’s okay to still take their money. Cruel . . . . . is the only word that comes to mind.” — SGI Member on the Rick Ross Cult Education Forum

"1. May contribution month is coming up soon. I personally contribute every year and don't give a hoot about how much SGI makes. BUT, it makes SGI look very BAD that they will not disclose their intake and expenditures IN DETAIL the way that any ethical religious organization in the US does. It really does make us look bad-no joke! This has been discussed before here at length. People have written to leaders at SGI Plaza giving them well thought out theses on why this disclosure is important to the health and growth of SGI. No change in policy." -- CMC

"CMC, I am thinking about just this thing myself and I know other religiousorgs that are tax exempt keep track of every cent and give out the reports to the members. Traditionally, I have given a lot of money to the SGI every year, but certain things have happened in my area that have given me pause about doing this, though I still count myself a loyal member and it is my tradition. I cannot, of course, tell you what to do, but what I am going to do about this year's campaign is to chant for wisdom directly (I already did this) about how much money I want to give them and I am going to write a memo to enclose with that or send to the Area/Zone leaders about my feelings about financial disclosure, but that I derive benefit from the SGI and I do want to support it, though I have concerns. That is what I am going to do about it. I may remind them how much I have given them in the past yearly, if they didn't know. What if every one of us that have concerns about this did this? I may tell them that if they do not find it worthwhile to answer my concerns that I will take that into account regarding my future contributions. As I said, I am chanting for wisdom about this, but this year, I am going to write my immediate area/zone folks about it. You can imagine what I would do next year if they do not respond. Maybe they don't need my wholehearted contribution." -- Kathy

Please do not support the SGI May Contribution Campaign with even a dime of your money or allow the top leaders to cajole you into using your powers of persuasion to solicit donations from your members. Please, my comrades of the other Nichiren sects and independents, let us use our Buddha voice to educate the members and leaders of the Soka Gakkai, to the true nature of their own leaders. Reginald Carpenter has presented Reverend Kando Tono’s [Shoshinkai's] forty part expose of the machinations and treacherous actions of the President of the Soka Gakkai and his underlings, towards their parents. Please read it so you can better communicate to the members of the Soka Gakkai, the slander of offering donations to these evil men.

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/browse_thread/thread/c30372e364f5c7fb/28e7d9edb084cb3f?pli=1

On Alt.Zen, one SGI member, “Julian Semian”, accuses us of burying foxes and worshiping them until they die. Fact is, we bury SGI high salaried senior leaders head first and watch the lower level non-salaried leaders kiss their bums. Laughing so hard, we reach Enlightenment. They put on such a good show, we almost want to donate a few bucks during the SGI May Contribution Campaign. Sick thing about SGI, they would accept our donations.

If they were to offer us one hundred million dollars to exchange our Gohonzons for the Transmission of the Dharma for their Nichikan No-Honzons, not only would we not accept, we would have a good chuckle before we told them they were already in hell.

How much are you paid? We gladly do the Buddha’s work for free. I continue to practice as a physician so I can continue to spread the Daishonin's teachings and would never think of asking for even a nickle from anyone. We, unlike the SGI, uphold the principles of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin.

The combined leaders’ salaries in the Soka Gakkai are in the tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars while the sincere members do the grunt work FOR NOTHING, not minimum wage, not even meals and expenses [unless you consider baloney and mayo sandwiches fed to the hard working Bodhisattva worker ants as meals].

Yet, they want you to give more to the SGI hundred billion dollar cult. Sell your car if you have too. Late for the rent, go for it. “Doubt consumed me every day but I knew I had to [give] for my two girls.” “An investment for World Peace.” (and the hundreds of high salaried SGI leaders).

Save your money. They are extending May Contribution Campaign from January to November, they just don’t call it May Contribution Campaign [which technically extends from April to July]. 

The SGI vice presidents need their new additions to their houses, new Infinities, new wardrobes, makeovers for their wives, and presents for the kids. You wouldn’t want to deny them their exorbitant salaries for spreading the Dharma that you do for free. Run along, tighten your belts, and set aside your money for your bishops and cardinals…I mean leaders whose rings…I mean bums, you kiss every day. Shame on them and shame on you for being so stupid. Thanks to the internet in 1995, I came to learn about the lies of the Fuji sect, the Nichiren as True Buddha doctrine, the faked Daigohonzon and the false heritage of the high Priests and Presidents. If they can lie about such fundamentals of the lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings, they can lie about anything, especially where YOUR money goes.

Those who write books on the Dharma for profit, those who publish dharma magazines and newspapers for profit, those who set up secular businesses and encourage their flock to utilize their products and services, those preachers, whether layman or priest, who garner exorbitant salaries thanks to the dharma, are worse than the Wall Street profiteers. They are leeches who suck the blood of the dharma. They should be put in prison or brought to Venice beach. At the very least we can withhold Buddhist alms and refrain from working for them [for free]. In the Kempon Hokke, the true Kempon Hokke, you work for the sake of the dharma and for your own sake. Neither I nor Rev. Nikke (Marcheso), nor anyone will profit one red cent from your work to spread the Lotus Sutra and the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. You can bet your life on this and you can take it [YOUR money] to the bank. The Soka gakkai is an amoral organization and that is why so many of their senior leaders are embroiled in scandal and controversy.

Lastly, a bit of satire:

Danny Nagashima (He shouts alot): HOW ARE YOU!!!

Member: I’m doing great. I’m practicing hard, doing Gongyo twice a day and chanting an hour of Daimoku. With the recession and all, I’m working two jobs and we’re expecting our third child.

Danny: “CONGRATULATIONS! You can change your financial misfortune into fortune. This is the perfect time. Our May contribution campaign (which had started April 15th) is in full swing. I know if you make a generous offering you will change poison into medicine.”

Member: “Really? I was reading the Lotus Sutra…”

Danny: “You were?’

Member: “In Chapter 17, I think, it says that one moment of faith in the Lifespan of the Buddha, is ten trillion billion times more valuable than offering the Buddha all the treasures in the entire universe for immeasurable kalpas.

Danny: “You know that the Lotus Sutra is wonderful but it has lost its power in this age. Nichiren and Sensei say so, so you can believe what I tell you. You should read the New Human Revolution when Ms. Nakayama was going through some hard times just like you. There was a special Kosen Rufu contribution for world peace and she sold her car and presented the money to Sensei. Now she has a new car and a house too. The little noodle shop she opened is busy all the time.”

Member: “Really. I just can’t get it out of my mind that I am already changing my fortune. I feel really good but times are tight.”

Danny: “Do you want to continue to work two jobs just to make ends meet? Did you read the World Tribune Special Edition, Open the Path for the Future? If you want to create your own grand vision, despite the rough times. From the standpoint of Buddhism, these struggles give us the opportunity to create a new vision for our movement and ourselves. We could even say that now is a crucial turning point for us to progress to the next level of fortune. You don’t seem happy. You can refresh your practice through this contribution campaign.

Member: “I am happy what ever gave you the idea that I wasn’t happy.”

Danny: You wouldn’t be complaining how tough the times are if you were happy. Something is missing in your faith. I think your reluctance to contribute to our special May Commemorative shows clearly that you are still not ready to commit yourself fully to Kosen Rufu. It’s so easy now, you can donate by cash, check, use your credit card, or even make a small bank transfer. You want the new baby to be born into favorable circumstances, DON’T YOU?”

Member: “I propagate the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra. How can my baby be born into anything less than favorable circumstances?”

Danny: “The Way to propagate the Daimoku is only through the SGI and our activities. You must reflect on your faith and look at the TREMENDOUS benefits of those who have contributed to our May contribution.”

Member: “Like Gino who lost his apartment because he contributed his rent money?”

Danny: I don’t know Gino but he couldn’t have selflessly dedicated himself to Kosen Rufu with the spirit of not begrudging one’s life for our TREMENDOUS organization. This too is found in the Lotus Sutra.

Member: “He never missed a meeting in three Years and chants two hours of Daimoku a day. I thought Sensei said, Buddhism was common sense.”

Danny: I have to go right now but think over what I told you today.

"Rely on the Law and not upon persons OTHER THAN THE BUDDHA." -- Nichiren

"In a scripture called the Nirvana Sutra, the Buddha says, “Rely on the Law and not upon persons.” Relying on the Law here means relying on the various sutras. Not relying upon persons means not relying on persons other than the Buddha, such as the bodhisattvas Universal Worthy and Manjushri or the various Buddhist teachers I have enumerated earlier.” (Repaying Debts of Gratitude)

SGI's "Path to Dignity" runs through a modern day plantation system

http://gma.yahoo.com/7-eleven-stores-operated-modern-day-plantation-system-190034453--abc-news-topstories.html

What does this have to do with Nichiren Daishonin's Lotus Sutra Buddhism? SGI is the largest stockholder of Seven & I Holdings Co., parent company of 7-Eleven. SGI's "Path to Dignity" runs through a modern plantation system.  

SGI leaders must feel right at home with Seven & I Holdings, the way they treat their member slav... I mean disciples.

Here we find the true [Nichiren] sect

"Finally, our faith, the faith of the true Dharma, is upheld not by the possession of a given temple nor by a secret transmission, succession or line of priests, but only through the "Succession through the Scrolls of the Sutra" (kyogan sojo). The Sutra contains the Truth and Nichiren Daishonin is its true expounder: wherever his authentic teaching based on the Lotus Sutra is practiced as it was preached, there we find the true sect.  No person, however virtuous, has authority to overturn these essential teachings." -- Reverend Tetsujo Kubota

SGI member head of New Zealand anti-gay Conservative Party [hehe]

http://eusa-riddled.blogspot.com/2013/05/rankin-file.html

"As an eternal principle, the Soka Gakkai will never ask for even the tiniest contribution of offering from the members." - Daisaku Ikeda

http://www.sgi-usa.org/memberresources/contributions/encouragement/

You will benefit if you recite this prayer after Gongyo [recitation of the 2nd and 16th chapters of the Lotus Sutra]

"I Nichiren and my disciples will eventually attain Buddhahood as long as we maintain resolute faith despite our difficulties. Day and night I told my disciples never to hold doubts even should they lack heavenly protection or a peaceful life. Still they fail to listen and harbor doubts in their heart. In the face of stark reality, the foolish will forget the promises they have made."

WARE NARABI-NI WAGA DESHI SHONAN ARITOMO UTAGAU KOKORO NAKUBA JINNEN-NI BUKKAI-NI ITARUBESHI. TEN-NO KAGO NAKI KOTO-WO UTAGAWA-ZARE. GENSE-NO AN-NON NARAZARU KOTO-WO NAGEKA-ZARE. WAGA DESHI-NI CHOSEKI OSHIE SHIKADOMO UTAGAI-WO OKOSHITE MINA SUTEKEN. TSUTANAKI MONONO NARAI-WA YAKUSOKU-SESHI KOTO-WO MAKOTO-NO TOKI-WA WASURURU NARUBESHI.

It is more a soteriological issue [issue of salvation] than a hermeneutical issue [issue of interpretation].

M: So, perhaps I should hold my tongue on this, but perhaps not. I'm not, after all a Kempon Hokke member, but I would like to explain why that is, why I choose to comment here and now, and why I think Shamon (Rev. Tsuchiya) has a point in his criticisms.

I came to the Kempon Hokke after a disruptive event in my life looking to address the concerns I had always had about the doctrines SGI has inherited from Nichiren Shoshu. This conversion was not easy for me, and in my opinion there are two fundamental reasons for this.

First of all, this blog spends more time condemning SGI as hellbound heretics than it does expounding on the teachings of Nichiren and Shakyamuni. Mark, you claim that simply reading the texts gives one a straightforward understanding, but the reality is that 1) not everyone draws the same conclusions that you, personally draw from the texts. This is an issue of hermeneutics. What's more there are often times where you seem to contradict yourself within one or two blog posts (though I give the benefit of the doubt and assume you have simply not expressed yourself clearly,) thereby making the points you wish to make with the texts you cite all that much more difficult to accept. It seems, at times, as if you are simply honoring your own opinion, you own interpretations of the texts, as the ultimate truth.

Mark: I follow the guidelines in Establishing the Correct Teachings for the Peace of the Land and not your's or any other's [regarding SGI]. This blog is one man's preaching which you are free to accept or reject. That which accords with the teachings should be accepted and that which is contrary to the teachings should be rejected. The texts that have been authenticated do indeed reveal both a straightforward path and lead to a straightforward understanding. The difficulty lies in following the texts. It is more a soteriological issue [issue of salvation] than a hermeneutical issue [issue of interpretation]. Why would it matter that I contradict myself? Are you following the Law or the person? If you care about my salvation and I am making a serious error or committing a serious slander, then you should correct me but you had better have some clear passages of proof to back up your assertions. As far as getting it right, I have outlined the criteria:

The Nichiren Shoshu/SGI doctrine of Nichiren as True, Eternal, Original Buddha, is nothing more than "ornate rhetoric and meaningless talk". The moment Nichiren revealed the Three Great Secret Laws, nothing else remained hidden in the depths, either within the Lotus Sutra or the teachings of Nichiren. Faith or lack of faith in the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin is the issue. 

Accurately following the teachings is different than originalism or seeking out what the Daishonin had in mind, the interpretation of others, or hearsay. Nichiren was a scriptural Buddhist. What Nichiren actually wrote is that which should be believed and embraced. It is not easy to cull what the Daishonin actually wrote because there are many forgeries in his name. But it is not impossible, as proven by the efforts of various scholars and scholar-priests. By utilizing their methods, we can come to know the truth of the teachings. One method is textual parsimony. What this means is that the writings are weighted. Those actually found in Nichiren's hand are weighted more heavily. Those considered more profound by the majority of priests and scholars, for example, the Five Major Works, are weighted more heavily. Those principles found in the majority of the authenticated works too, are weighted more heavily. The principles in the unauthenticated works are accepted or rejected in light of the Five Major Works and in light of the entire body of authenticated works. Utilizing this method, one can forge strong faith and therefore understanding [because Nichiren's teachings are fundamentally consistent and non-contradictory].

M: You also seem overly focused with making the point that SGI members are hellbound without making provision for their conversion. 

Mark: This assertion is baseless. Shakubuku [the forceful practices] is the provision for their conversion. 

M: This behavior is more characteristic of Abrahamic religions like Islam, Christianity, and Judaism than it is of Buddhism. 

Mark: I am truly surprised at your statement. Read the Lotus Sutra [Chapters 3 and 20] and read Nichiren. He makes hundreds of references to hell. if you don't like all of Nichiren's teachings, if you accept only that which you like and reject the rest, you are no different than SGI and you are not a Nichiren Buddhist. 

M: In focusing on NIchiren's writing that says that Mappo will have as few good friends as dirt under a fingernail when compared to the grains that comprise the world, you ignore Nichiren's larger goal of converting all of humanity to the teaching and transforming this whole Saha world into a Pure Land.

Mark: I try and focus on accuracy and quality so the teachings will long endure. SGI and others will destroy the teachings in no time. I think your view is both shortsighted and lacks historical perspective. We live in a relatively peaceful time. People, in general, are complacent and satisfied with the little they have, thinking it a lot. When the next hydrogen bomb explodes over or within a populous area, or when the coastal cities are swallowed up by the ocean, or when great winds and drought leave the land littered with corpses, millions will take up the faith as they did immediately after World War II. This time however, thanks to the efforts of those who really care about the faith, they will take up the correct faith that actually leads to Buddhahood and the Buddha's land.

M: Your stance makes Buddhism a practice for an exclusive elite rather than a mission for sowing the seeds of Buddhahood for all living beings.

Mark: I believe you only see what you want to see and hear what you want to hear:

"But for your person, as a householder, the essence is for you to chant 'Namu Myôhô renge kyô' with no other thought and also to make offering to the monks. And also, if it is according to the Sutra text, one should also 'expound it according to their strength', shouldn't one? When the world is sorrowful, though you think, 'Even the sufferings of the present life are painful, how much more the sufferings of the world to come,' chant 'Namu Myôhô renge kyô', and when it joyful also, think, 'The joy of the present life is a dream within a dream; it is the joy of the Pure Land of Spiritual Mountain (Ryôzen jôdo) that is the true joy' and with this chant 'Namu Myôhô renge kyô', and, practicing without backsliding, wait for the time approaching the very end and see! If you run and climb the Mountain of Sublime Enlightenment and take a good look at the four directions, how fantastic! The Realm of Dharmas is the Land of Tranquil Light with lapis lazuli as its earth and the eight ways bounded with ropes of gold, and from the heavens the four types of flowers rain down, in the void music is heard, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas caressed by the winds of Eternity, Bliss, Self and Purity, indeed rejoice and are happy. And is it nearing the time when we too shall be ranked in that number, disporting and playing and taking pleasure. When the mind of faith is weak, one cannot go to such an auspicious place; one cannot go!" (The ninth day of the twelfth month of the Second Year of Kenji (1276): KHS, p.581) -- Reply to Lord Matsuno

M: You seem to view martyrdom - actually a means to an end - as the highest calling in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. This is completely illogical, perhaps even fanatical. You seem to view extreme persecution and the suffering that comes along with it as an end to itself rather than a means to spread the teaching during extreme circumstances. I don't think getting ourselves killed for the Dharma is the highest calling of Buddhism, nor does anything that Nichiren or Shakyamuni have left us indicate to me that we should measure our spiritual progress exclusively by how much we are reviled and abused.

Mark: Actually, I follow the Lotus Sutra Chapter 13 in particular and Nichiren Daishonin on such matters:

http://www.sgilibrary.org/view.php?page=199&m=1&q=Lessening%20One%20Karmic%20retribution

M: The tradition describes votaries as being abused for standing up for the teaching against persecution, not individuals seeking out conflict. As far as I can tell, you seem to interpret the scriptures of our tradition as calling for the latter.

Mark: Nichiren wasn't seeking out conflict when he gave his first sermon on the evils of Nembutsu but he knew it was coming: "But once a person of forceful character has come forward to make this sutra passage known in a bold and uncompromising fashion, then grave matters are certain to occur." Likewise, I am not seeking conflict but fully expect that it will occur.

Islam religion of peace

More Reddit: On the Independent Reassessment Group [IRG] for Anonymous SGI Leader

http://www.reddit.com/r/sgiwhistleblowers/comments/2d5ugx/ikeda_is_everything_or_your_nichiren_practice_is/

Daisaku Ikeda throws his most faithful disciple EVER under the bus

http://www.reddit.com/r/sgiwhistleblowers/comments/33w4cf/remember_how_ikeda_threw_mr_williams_under_the/

The reason for disasters befalling Japan is the contempt for Nichiren of the modern "Nichiren" sects and Japanese government.

"The Nirvana Sutra declares, “If troubles are inflicted upon a sage, then the country where he dwells will be attacked by other countries.” And the Benevolent Kings Sutra states essentially the same thing. If I, Nichiren, am attacked, then from heaven and earth and the four directions, great calamities will pour down like rain, jet up like fountains, or come surging forward like waves. If the many priests, those hordes of locusts who afflict the nation, and the ministers in power in the government persist in their ever-increasing slanders and accusations against me, then great disasters will occur in growing magnitude.

When an asura demon tried to shoot at the god Shakra, his arrow rebounded and pierced him in the eye. And when the garuda birds attempted to attack the dragon king Anavatapta, flames erupted from their own bodies and consumed them. Is the votary who upholds the Lotus Sutra inferior to Shakra or the dragon king Anavatapta?" -- On Rebuking Slander and Eradicating Sins

From this it follows that the disasters befalling Japan are solely because Nichiren Daishonin is held in contempt by the Soka Gakkai, the Nichiren Shu, the Nichiren Shoshu, the modern day Kempon Hokke, and the Pure Land sect.