Mark Herrick bests an SGI member in debate

SGI member: "That is, all of you who spread negativity here are NOT immune to cause and effect. In focusing all of your energy toward attempting to make the SGI look bad, you are not only displaying your own desperation and insecurity, but you are digging your own graves.

None of us here needs to spend the time "debating" with you; your life conditions speak for itself, and you will be your own downfall.

Mark Herrick Responds: 1. Nichiren said some very negative things about other people's practice and faith, making them look bad, attacking their heretical views...read the Rissho Ankoku Ron for example. Was Nichiren displaying his "own desperation and insecurity" or "digging his own grave?"

2. Nichiren took the time to debate and answer the questions of a LOT of people who sought answers from him, what do you think most of the Gosho letters are all about? Read all of the "Q & A" Goshos for many examples, and be grateful he took such time and care in "debating."

3. Nichiren had an extremely harsh life-condition, he admits that in his writings. He was persecuted, was virtually homeless, was exiled, was beaten and abused, and was almost be-headed! Does his life condition "speak for itself?" the "Ho'on Sho" contains several examples of Nichiren's "life condition".

So, Nichiren was obviously not immune to cause and effect. Based on your above assertions, Nichiren was his "own downfall." do you really mean to slander Nichiren in this way?

SGI member: The only place you have a voice is in this newsgroup, which explains a lot. Nobody knows who you are because you hide away and refuse to associate with anyone who is not in your fold and don't contribute anything positive to society. When you finally are given a voice in a place like this, you blow it by displaying your low life conditions! 

Mark Herrick: This is amazing, that you are so psychically gifted to know our lives so well! You cannot possibly know the life-conditions of a votary of the LS, unless you yourself are a votary. You have no idea of who any of us associate with, how we practice, or what we contribute to society. I could understand if you had actually asked us about our lives, but you are making pure assumptions here. When you ASSUME......well, you know how that goes.

If we follow the logic of your words, Nichiren really "blew it" by displaying his "low life condition," didn't he? He admitted to slandering the Law of the Lotus Sutra in previous lives. Why he even stated that he must have murdered practitioners of the Lotus Sutra in a previous life!

SGI member: Anyway, all that said, I don't see much point in "debating" with anyone here, in case anybody is wondering what the heck happened to me. 

Mark Herrick: I'm very grateful that Nichiren, when faced with the hordes of heretics and slanderers during his life, didn't say "I don't see much point in 'debating' with anyone here." If he had, we would not have this Buddhism to practice!! Nichiren had the courage to take on the Emperor, the lords, the landholders, the priests of other temples, anyone who opposed him... We would do well to humble ourselves and follow as closely in his footsteps as we can.

Nichiren's relics

The Nichiren Shoshu claims to have Nichiren Daishonin's bones yet the Nichiren Shu sells admission to their ossuary [columbarium] on Minobu that they claim contains Nichiren Daishonin's bones.* Were the latter true, that means the Nichiren Shu low lives dug up Nichiren Shonin's bones in order to sell admission tickets. Were the former true, the Nichiren Shoshu low lives dug up Nichiren's bones to bring them back to Taisekeji to prove their orthodoxy.  Either way, someone is lying and both are degenerates.

* Note...They both claim "bones", not ashes. Were their claims "ashes", it would be more probable that there was a distribution of relics because ash relics in Buddhism are sometimes distributed among the various heirs but it would disprove the Nichiren Shoshu fake transfer documents. It is implausible that his bony relics were distributed since Nichiren stated that his remains are to be buried at Minobu

http://www.nichirenshoshumyoshinji.org/ceremonies/mushibarai.php

http://www.nichiren-shu.org/boston/pages/pilgrim/page/Rinban.htm

"If you don't study the doctrine you can be duped."

"It's easy for your SGI leader to tell you anything if you haven't looked it up for yourself."

"Well, your answers are quite sad to read. Instead of going back to the source and re-reading Nichiren you say, "what you say about the severe retribution for not following your brand of Shakyamuni's teachings is truly astonishing"! How is this my brand? It's Nichiren's teaching. I didn't find "passages to support (my) beliefs" and "goshos are open to interpretation, despite (my) insistence that (I) alone know the truth". Goshos are exactly as they are written, no interpretation at all when it's so clearly spelled out. You say that my statements do not "pass the rationality test".  And you say "there cannot only be One Way".  Sorry, that's the Lotus Sutra's and Nichiren' message, there is ONLY one way, not two or three. "There are many paths to enlightenment as there are seekers". Fine words, but they are a different teaching. They are not Nichiren's and they are not the Lotus Sutra. In case you didn't notice, Nichiren is a fundamentalist, and his is an exclusive practice, i.e. the Lotus Sutra only. Likewise, Shakyamuni says that he had "not yet revealed the truth", which is found only in the Lotus Sutra. You can't be a Nichiren Buddhist if you don't believe Nichiren's words.

Nichiren was a "scriptural Buddhist". He relied solely on the sutras. His earliest credo was from the Great Nirvana Sutra..... "Trust the Dharma, do not trust human teachers. Trust the wisdom (of the Buddha) do not trust human consciousness. Trust the sutras of final meaning, do not trust the sutras of non-final meaning." The Buddha taught three kinds of teaching: provisional, expedient, and final.

The final is the Lotus Sutra, with the Nirvana Sutra as a "gleaning". Or as T'ien t'ai said: "If something agrees with the (Lotus) sutra, then record and use it. Do not believe in oral transmissions." In the Tendai tradition of Nichiren's day, there was a "zennification" happening, which implied that there was some meaning that was higher than the text. Nichiren rejects this completely. Unfortunately, the SGI/NST philosophy is in this vein , and is completely in opposition to Nichiren.....

You rely on the opinions of Ted Morino or other Gakkai leaders....even if they contradict Nichiren. This SGI talk is simply "New Age mysticism in Buddhist robes". It is not Nichiren Buddhism. (It's easy for Ted Morino to tell you anything because you haven't looked it up for yourself. Isn't this risky, like taking a stock broker's word for an investment? I had no luck until I read everything for myself).

Like it or not, Nichiren was a strict fundamentalist. His words, "All other sutras lead to hell" is a direct quote, correctly translated. Jesus is a "bad teacher" and his teaching causes terrible suffering, especially after death......only Nichiren used the name "Honen" in this type of example. Obviously, he didn't know about Jesus, but the principle is the same. Sorry to shock you, but it's not me who says so, it's Nichiren himself. And Nichiren says that if people find him to be too strict, then they must consider Shakyamuni to be even more strict in the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren merely reiterates the teaching that Shakyamuni transmitted to him at the ceremony in the air (Chapter 11-22 of the Lotus Sutra).

Instead of going on in this vein, let me be blunt. You practice Soka-"Buddhism", not Nichiren Buddhism.  Do you think that a fake honzon can give the same benefit as a real one? The answer is that you are not getting the benefits that Nichiren described. I don't doubt that you feel your practice benefits you. Christians get benefits also, even miracles. So does every religion in the world, including paganism, shamanism, even Norman Vincent Peale's positive thinking. It's not the yardstick that we can use to compare the "results". I can use my mental strength to create a miracle, because the human mind is truly remarkable. However, the human mind is not the equivalent of the Buddha mind, even though the latter is found in each of us.

Don't you see that the lack of knowledge about Nichiren (what have you been reading for 14 years? Ikeda? WT? But never the Lotus Sutra? Does this pass the "rationality test"?)....this lack of knowledge about Nichiren has fueled a philosophy that is completely removed from the original writings.  You can recite the daimoku, but if it doesn't reflect the truth, then you miss the benefit. This kind of chanting will lead you to someday find the Lotus Sutra again, perhaps in a future life, but it misleads you now. Shall I quote Goshos that are specific on this point? I'm not saying this to inflame you or to give you "fire and brimstone". It's the exact teaching that Nichiren presented, and it mirrors the Lotus Sutra perfectly. If you truly believe that the Lotus Sutra is removed from Shakyamuni and the Daimoku of Nichiren, then your chanting is a provisional teaching, not the true teaching. (I'm paraphrasing a specific gosho, this is not my own invention.) I wish it were otherwise, then it would be easy to "receive and keep" this teaching. But it's very hard to believe and practice in an evil age, harder that to carry a load of dry grass through a fire without getting burned, etc.

You're happy with SGI's version of Nichiren, but don't fool yourself into thinking that the benefit "is all the same". And don't expect me or anyone else who has walked both roads to buy into the SGI"crock". I've been there and back. So have many others. As for the "world peace" angle, more people have quit SGI than have stayed . Conservatively, 600,000 Gohonzons have been sold in this country but the membership today is probably under 20,000. Do the math for yourself. If there is so much benefit via the SGI way, why have so many left? People don't leave if they are benefitting from something. Realistically, the Gakkai is a means to drive people away from the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren. How many Americans have a bad taste in their mouth for Nichiren, just because they were shuttled through the SGI? How many people can tolerate the heavy handed "senior leader" tyranny? How many lives have been ruined, marriages broken up, and careers wasted? How many people have been crushed by the demands of insane activities, min-ons, conventions and inane [or insane] "guidances" In order to create "world peace" SGI would have to go back and win these people back again. It won't happen.

Don't bother to convince me otherwise on these points, I saw more in my years with SGI than you can even imagine. And I talk to new people every day, who left five or more years ago. It hasn't changed and the horror stories are still the same. My e-mail is full of posts from people who write about their pain over the SGI experience. Do you think that these people are lying to me, and would waste their time in writing if they hadn't been spiritually duped or abused by "leaders"? Shall I believe you and tell these people that they must be mistaken? Shall I adopt the stance of "denial", and lie to myself about what I went through? I see very  clearly the pattern that my life had in SGI. It's only because I practice the orthodox way that I can see with crystal clarity what my own life is about, and what it was about then. I am being specific here, and the precise experiences that I refer to are the basis of my spiritual convictions. They are significant and substantial, not just "feelings".

Are you saying that this "actual" proof of mine is invalid? Or that I can't compare the differences between then and now? Are you doubting my experience that the real benefit did not happen until I "parted from the false and adopted the true"? (That's from the sutra.)

If you find Nichiren's words too harsh to accept at face value, then stay with Ikedaism. But don't try to convince me that "it's all the same". The "results" are completely different and the final destinations are in opposite directions. I'm sorry you don't study for yourself but rely on "scholars" like Ted Morino .........it's lethal. You can accept the New Age philosophy without much personal damage....but when you use new Age to destroy the teaching of Nichiren, then there's a different effect. As Nichiren says, "You can strike mud with your fist without damage but if you strike a rock, then your hand will break. To attack other teachings is as if striking mud. To attack the Lotus Sutra which SGI says has no power is to strike a rock. It doesn't matter if you do so in ignorance, your hand will still break. It doesn't matter if you give the order to kill people or if you are the soldier who carries out the order, the retribution is the same. Teacher and disciple fall to hell together. Do you recognize these last two statements? They're directly from Nichiren.

I sincerely hope you consider both sides carefully. We are a network, not a "leader-based' organization like SGI, so don't think that I'm trying to get you to switch for the sake of "our side".   The purpose of this post is not to drum up membership, like some "shakabuku campaign".

The issue is doctrine only and the truth. Not some interpretation (based sadly on lies)......all "benefits" flow from the truth. The philosophy that you described in your letter (SGI new-age Buddhism) is not Nichiren. No amount of rationalization will make it so. At least admit to the "revisionism" of SGI and consider seriously if it hasn't altered the truth. Then consider what benefit can come from adopting the truth, and what harm comes from accepting a lie. Base it on the words of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren only. Don't make "us" the issue. It's cult mentality to attack the messenger, to see things as "us" vs. "them". Remove "us" from the discussion and look at the issue of doctrine only. If you don't study the doctrine you can be duped." -- Stephanie Maltz

Nichiren would defrock the Nichiren Shu priest Ryusho

"I generally do not approve or support a practice style or teaching that is exclusive, one way only, the correct right way or any other such notions of exclusivity. I think there are many vehicles which all are leading to the sngle vehicle of realization we are all Buddhas and we are all unique" -- Ryusho

“I had gone to many centers of the religion during those twenty years, in the quest of Buddhist truths. The final conclusion I arrived at was that the truth of Buddhism must be one in essence. Many people lose themselves in the labyrinth of learning and studies, through thinking that every one of the diverse branches might help to the attainment of Buddhist ideals.” -- Nichiren (Works pp 1770-71)

"Should one throw away the scripture and follow the treatise?

"Question: The meaning of the scripture is clear. Are there words of predictions by T'ien-t'ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo, and others?

Answer: Your question is upside down! When someone quotes a treatise one might raise a question about the scripture. But if there is clear understanding in the scripture, you need not ask for a treatise. Now, if the sentence in the treatise contradicts the scripture, would one throw away the scripture and follow the treatise? What do you think?" -- Essay on the Selection of the Proper Time

Sale today!!! Buddhahood for sale

Twelve dollars initial down payment for an SGI no-Honzon and then a comprehensive SGI Sustaining Contribution plan followed by Planned Giving [stealing of your children's estate]. Stock transfers and real estate preferred.

Polygraph questions for top SGI Senior Leaders

Q: Did SGI alter Gosho translations?

Q: Does Ikeda himself write all of his books and guidances?

Q: Have you ever paid ghostwriters and asked them to sign non-disclosure agreements?

Q: Have you ever submitted a copyright application for Namu Myoho renge kyo?

Q: Do members donations go towards purposes other than to which they are assigned?

43 years and still waiting

"If we think of the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary, which has been treasured at the Head Temple, as the exact root, then all other Gohonzon are branches and leaves. In other words, the Gohonzon enshrined in each temple or the Gohonzon that we have received and to which we do gongyo every morning and evening are all inscribed by each successive High Priest. These are all transcriptions of the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary, and the great power of benefits arising from them is the benfeit coming entirely from the Dai-Gohonzon, the source. 

However, if we think that all Gohonzons are the same, forgetting and not seeking the source (the Dai-Gohonzon), we will not be able to receive benefits and attain Buddhahood. It is like a branch that has been cut off, losing all supplies of nutrients, and withers away." -- Susan Nichiren Shoshu member

All I am asking for is one sentence of proof in Nichiren Daishonin's or Nikko Shonin's hand... I can't hear you. Speak up. What, you couldn't find one but you will ask your priest? Ok, I've been waiting for more than forty years. I guess I can wait a little longer. In the mean time, I will keep my copy of the Nichiren inscribed Gohonzon for the Transmission of the Dharma while I await your proof.

The SGI is not immune from all tort liability under the First Amendment [Brainwashing and the Proof Problem]

http://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1676&context=lawreview

SGI leader Jim Celer attempting to change history

"It was a split. We knew we couldn't grow into the type of religion, the type of organization, to actually achieve Kosen Rufu and accomplish our Human Revolution under the thumb of the evil self-serving priests. So we left Taisekeji as Nikko left Minobu" -- Jim SGI Senior Leader

No Jim. You were excommunicated for changing the Nichiren Shoshu doctrines and verbally abusing the priests.

Soka Gakkai members are missing their opportunity to practice as the Lotus Sutra teaches

"In spite of this, suppose we perform four peaceful practices today with body, mouth, mind, and vows as preached in the 'Peaceful Practices' chapter of the Lotus Sutra, is it not like trying to harvest crops in spring by planting seeds in winter? Roosters crow at dawn; if they crow in the evening, they are ghosts. At the time when true and provisional teachings are mixed up, are not those who seclude themselves in mountain forests and try to practice the persuasive way, without attacking the enemies of the Lotus Sutra, ghosts who have missed the time for practicing the Lotus Sutra?"(On practicing the Buddha's Teachings [Nyosetsu Shugyo Sho])

Daisaku Ikeda's view of fame and profit is the antithesis of Nichiren's

"Seek wealth and fame patiently"-- SGI's false Buddha Daisaku Ikeda

"There is no need to seek impatiently for greatness, fame or wealth. The Earth and Sun do not hurry; they follow their own path at their own pace. If the Earth were to accelerate and complete one rotation in three hours instead of twenty - four, we would be in big trouble! The most important thing in life, too, is to find a sure and certain path and confidently advance along it." -- Daisaku Ikeda

Nichiren's view of fame and profit

"How long does a lifetime last? If one stops to consider, it is like a single night’s lodging at a wayside inn. Should one forget that fact and seek some measure of worldly fame and profit? Though you may gain them, they will be mere prosperity in a dream, a delight scarcely to be prized. You would do better simply to leave such matters to the karma formed in your previous existences." -- Nichiren

'The Benevolent Kings Sutra states: “Evil monks, hoping to gain fameand profit, in many cases appear before the ruler, the crown prince, or the other princes, and take it upon themselves to preach doctrines that lead to the violation of the Buddhist Law and the destruction of the nation. The ruler, failing to perceive the truth of the situation, listens toand puts faith in such doctrines.” -- Nichiren

"Law-devouring hungry spirits are people who renounce the world and spread Buddhism. They think that if they preach the Law people will respect them, and because of their ambition for fame and profit, they spend their entire present lifetime striving to be thought of as better than others. They neither help other human beings nor have a mind tosave their parents. Such people are called Law-devouring hungry spirits, or hungry spirits who use the Buddhist teachings to satisfy their own desires." -- Nichiren

Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the p.59Lotus Sutra. Worldly fameand profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in the next one. Ah, you should be ashamed of them! And you should fear them, too!' -- Nichiren

"Never conduct yourself in a shameful manner. Be unmoved by greed, by the desire for fame, or by anger." -- Nichiren

"The reason is this: All people are concerned about their next lifetime, but the priests and nuns, who would appear to ponder more deeply about this than other men and women, in fact set aside the matter of rebirth in the pure land and merely act as guides in helping people get through this present lifetime. Wise persons and sages are also given to insisting that they are correct and superior to others, that they are heirs to the teachings of a certain founder, and that they have legitimate claim to a certain domain. They place great emphasis uponfame and personal gain, and give little thought to any kind of serious search for the way." -- Nichiren

"Hell is a dreadful dwelling of fire, and the realm of hungry spirits is a pitiful place where, driven by starvation, they devour their own children. The realm of asuras consists of strife, and that of animals is tokill or be killed. The hell of the crimson lotus is so called because the intense cold of this hell makes one double over until one’s back splits open and the bloody flesh emerges like a crimson lotus flower. And thehell of the great crimson lotus is even more horrible. When one falls into such an evil place, the fact that one was a ruler or a general means nothing. Tormented by the wardens of hell, one is no different than a monkey on a string. What use are fame and fortune then? Can one still be arrogant and persist in false beliefs?" -- 

"In volume five of Great Concentration and Insight we read: “These days there are many devilish monks who break the precepts and returnto lay life. Fearing that they will be punished for their action, they then go over to the side of the Taoists. Hoping to gain fame and profit, they speak extravagantly of the merits of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, usurping Buddhist concepts and reading them into their p.225erroneous scriptures. They twist what is lofty and force it into a mean context; they destroy what is exalted and drag it down among the base, striving to put the two on an equal level.” - Nichiiren

"Nichigen is a sage. He is already unrivaled as a scholar of Buddhism. Yet he has discarded all desire for fame and fortune and become my disciple. He has lived the words in the sutra, “We care nothing for our bodies or lives.”2 To repay his debts of gratitude to the Buddha, he has taught you and your fellow believers and inspired you, Matsuno, to make these sincere offerings. All this is truly amazing.

The Buddha stated that, in the latter age, monks and nuns with the hearts of dogs would be as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.3 By this he meant that the priests and nuns of that day would be attached tofame and fortune. Because they wear robes and surplices, they look like ordinary priests and nuns. But in their hearts they wield a sword of distorted views, hastening here and there among their patrons and filling them with countless lies so as to keep them away from other priests or nuns. Thus they strive to keep their patrons to themselves and prevent other priests or nuns from coming near them, like a dog who goes to a house to be fed, but growls and springs to attack the moment another dog approaches. Each and every one of these priests and nuns is certainto fall into the evil paths. Being the scholar that he is, Nichigen must have read this passage in the sutra. His unusual consideration and frequent visits to me and my disciples are deeply appreciated.

In your letter you write: “Since I took faith in this sutra [the Lotus], I have continued to recite the ten factors of life4 and the verse section of the ‘Life Span’ chapter and chant the daimoku without the slightest neglect. But how great is the difference between the blessings received when a sage chants the daimoku and the blessings received when we chant it?” To reply, one is in no way superior to the other. The gold that a fool possesses is no different from the gold that a wise man possesses; a fire made by a fool is the same as a fire made by a wise man.

However, there is a difference if one chants the daimoku while acting against the intent of this sutra..." -- Nichrenn

"Later, he [Devadatta] broke his ties with his family and joined the Buddhist Order, but when there were large gatherings of human and heavenly beings, the Buddha would censure him, calling him a fool or one who eats the spit of others. In addition, being a man who cared deeply aboutfame and personal profit, he envied the attention that was paid to the Buddha. He then began observing the five ascetic practices in an attemptto appear more admirable than the Buddha. He pounded iron to make athousand-spoked wheel pattern [to imprint on the soles of his feet], gathered together fireflies to form a tuft of white hair between his eyebrows, and committed to memory sixty thousand and eighty thousand jeweled teachings. He erected an ordination platform on Mount Gayāshīrsha and lured many of the Buddha’s disciples over to his side. He smeared poison on his fingernails and thus attempted to poison the feet of the Buddha. He beat the nun Utpalavarnā to death and rolled a huge rock down on the Buddha, injuring the latter on the toe. He was guilty of committing three cardinal sins and, in the end, gathered about him all the evil men of the five regions of India and strove to harm the Buddha and his disciples and lay supporters." -- Devadatta

"Yet we assume that those who have preceded us in death are wretched, and that we who remain alive are superior. Busy with that task yesterday and this affair today, we are helplessly bound by the five desiresof our worldly nature. Unaware that time passes as quickly as a white colt glimpsed through a crack in the wall,2 ignorant as sheep being led tothe slaughter, held hopeless prisoners by our concern for food and clothing, we fall heedlessly into the snares of fame and profit and in the end make our way back to that familiar village in the three evil paths, where we are reborn time after time in the realm of the six paths. What person of feeling could fail to grieve at such a state of affairs, or could failto be moved to sorrow!" -- Nichiren

“They seek after fame and profit and increase their illusions of thought and desire.” --  Nichiren

"...But the people in this evil age are so arrogant, prejudiced, and attached to fame and profit that they are afraid that, should they become the disciple of a humble person or try to learn something from him, they will be looked down upon by others. " -- Nichiren

"...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..." -- Nichiren

"...Again, it says, “Persons who, because they are greedy for fame and profit, preach from such impure motives, will suffer retribution in this realm.” -- Nichiren

"...If one wishes for happiness in one’s next existence, one should renounce one’s desire for fame and fortune and respect the priest who teaches the Lotus Sutra as one would a living Thus Come One, no matter how humble that priest’s station. Thus it is written in the sutra." -- Nichiren

"In China the teachers who led the ten schools of Buddhism of northern and southern China did not in their minds truly understand the relative superiority and inferiority of the various Buddhist teachings, and in preaching them, they were confused as to which were of true profundity. Similarly, Chi-tsang of the Three Treatises school, Ch’eng-kuan of the Flower Garland school, and Tz’u-en of the Dharma Characteristics school were confused in their minds and misled in their preaching. Because they were men who were firm in their aspiration for the way, in the end they set aside their own fame and reputation and gave allegiance to the principles expounded by T’ien-t’ai. But whether the power of their repentance was sufficient to free them from the sufferings of birth and death, or whether, their sin of slandering the Lawbeing weighty and their power of repentance slight, they in the end fell into hell like King Ajātashatru or the Scholar Vimalamitra, it is impossible to say." -- Nichiren

 and lastly, referring to the retired Ikeda:

"The sutra passage then continues in this manner: “Or there will be forest-dwelling monks wearing clothing of patched rags and living in retirement, who will claim they are practicing the true way, despising and looking down on all humankind. Greedy for profit and support, they will preach the Law to white-robed laymen and will be respected and revered by the world as though they were arhats who possess the six transcendental powers. These men with evil in their hearts, constantly thinking of worldly affairs, will borrow the name of forest-dwelling monks and take delight in proclaiming our faults, saying things like this: ‘These monks are greedy for profit and support and therefore they preach non-Buddhist doctrines and fabricate their own scriptures todelude the people of the world. Because they hope to gain fame and renown thereby they make distinctions when preaching this sutra.’ Because in the midst of the great assembly they constantly try to defame us, they will address the rulers, high ministers, Brahmans, and householders, as well as the other monks, slandering and speaking evil of us, saying, ‘These are men of perverted views who preach non-Buddhist doctrines!’” The Great Teacher Miao-lo makes the following comment: “Third is a section that exposes the arrogance and presumption of those who pretend to be sages.” This sutra passage andMiao-lo’s comment on it convey the following meaning. In the evil age there will be many monks who equip themselves with the three robes and one begging bowl and live in a deserted and quiet place, conducting themselves like Mahākāshyapa and the other arhats who have acquired the three insights and the six transcendental powers, respected and revered by the lay believers. When they speak one word regarding the doctrine, it seems like a golden word uttered by the Thus Come Onehimself. These monks will speak slanderously of those who practice theLotus Sutra, addressing the rulers and high ministers and saying in an attempt to destroy them, “These are men of perverted views and their doctrines are erroneous in nature!”

Taking mommy's and daddy's cash not enough. Ikeda wants junior's allowance too

"I had gotten access to the latest issue of the World Tribune today. Since next month is their all-important May contribution campaign, it was full of reminders about how the members should feel appreciation towards the organization (hint, hint). Most disgusting was the propaganda aimed towards children. Following a 2-page comic strip about giving a contribution was a “How To Make a World Peace Piggy Bank” craft article. In it, they tell kids to find a plastic container and adorn it with construction paper, stickers, etc. And then it said the following: “You can put it by your altar or somewhere in the house where you can fill it up with coins and bills. Watch your bank become filled with appreciation and then make a contribution from your heart!” -- Shavoy 

"Taking Mommy and Daddy’s cash simply isn’t enough for Ikeda. They’re aggressively going after junior’s allowance too!

Boy, oh boy....am I glad I didn't renew my subscription. This stuff is beyond gack-worthy. And I'm sure, SGBye, that Ikeda as Master-Mentor abounds on every page as well. 

The SGI is totally an all-inclusive organization. There is no room for "heart-to-heart" dialogue with people of differing minds. And I wonder what will happen to the children in the future? Suspecting mass defection somewhere down the line."-- Hitch

"@Hitch....remember hearing how SGI activities will be "the only golden memories" you will have?? == Shavoy

"Speaking of the money again: What will Ikeda do with the money? You don't see luggage racks on a hearse." -- Shavoy

"Hiromasa is so dull and lacking personality, what else could he do except inherit daddy's billions and accept soon to be posthumous awards for Ikeda? I know, I know, he is a humble teacher who holds a sociology degree. I guess there were too many applicants for the Hachioji college of applied basket weaving and he was rejected. BTW SGBye, thanks for the World Tribune update. Anybody with half a functioning brain who hasn't been completely brainwashed should run, not walk, out the culture centers exits. Instead of AAO, I have a new salute for Ikeda and his top lieutenants, Oink, Oink!!!" -- Hitch

A suggestion

For the SGI May Contribution Campaign, I suggest donating to SGIkeda what Nichiren received: Sweet potatoes, taro, bean cakes, a summer robe, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, a Samurai sword, a bottle of sake, or a bunch of coins.

Did you know?

Many members have been asking if it is too early to contribute? Danny Nagashima, SGI-USA General Director, responded to this very question with a question of his own at the January 18th Headquarters leaders meeting, right after the Daisaku Ikeda video presentation: “Is it too early to gain benefit?”. He went on, ” It is never too early to contribute to the May Campaign and it is never too early to gain more benefits.” He related the story of Orlando Cepeda who, through a myriad of bad investments, was nearly broke until he met Sensei. Sensei told him how, he too was nearly broke until he bought the four Renoir paintings from the Louvre Museum in Paris to donate to the members. He ponied up his last four million dollars and he is now a billionaire. Immediately after returning to the states, Mr Cepeda donated his last ten thousand dollars and, the next day, he became the national spokesperson for Churches Fried Chicken. You must be wondering by now, when can members begin to contribute? The commemorative May 2010 contribution period is actually from today, February 7, 2010 until February 6, 2011.

Soka Gakkai May Contribution Campaign

SGI's 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, are a nation run by disingenuous and cunning Japanese 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, 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

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, the Nichiren Shoshu. Please read it so you can better communicate to the members of the Soka Gakkai, the slander of offering donations to these evil men.

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/wwNy42T1x_s%5B1-25%5D

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 satire:

Danny Nagashma (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 dedicate 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.

7/11 convenience stores, owned by SGI, accused of price gouging

https://www.yahoo.com/news/7-eleven-offers-free-water-0326

Not unlike Soka Gakkai's price gouging Sustaining Contribution and Planned Giving [stealing your children's estate].

Three poems by Nichiren

"He Yet Liveth"

A mirage was the smoke of Shakya's pyre
That seemed at Kusinara* to arise:
Death could not bind him, nor might fire
Destroy the Teacher of such verities.
Hark, he yet liveth, and doth speak
Eternal wisdom from the Vulture Peak

*Kusinara, the city where Shakyamuni was cremated.

"False Appearances"

"That bamboo looks just like a boat"
Ponders the fool who sees it float.
'Twould be of less than no avail
In such a fragile bark to sail!

"Come, Wind of Truth"

The night wind drives aslant the rain:
Hark, how it strikes the window-pane!
So evil thwarts the will of heaven,
As raindrops from their course are driven.
The eagle cleaves the mountain wind;
So words from the Eternal Mind
Of Buddha fall athwart our strife,
And drive away the ills of life.
Masses of fog and thickening clouds
Wrap close about me like a shroud.
Eternal from the Vulture Peak*
Whence still the Buddha's voice doth speak
Come, Wind of Truth, drive error out,
As morning puts the night to rout.
Alas! We may not meet him face to face!
Yet is he with us all in everyplace.
Lo! In the mystic stillness of the dawn
where no man stirreth is vision born.

* Vulture Peak, Eagle Peak, or Ryojusen, is where the Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra.

"Sakyamuni Buddha is the supreme leader and excellent eyes for all people."

"In the third place, Sakyamuni Buddha is the supreme leader and excellent eyes for all people. He is the bridge that enables them to cross the river of evil passions; He is the skipper who guides them over the sea of life and death; and He is the fertile field in which they plant the seed of merits. The so called Four Sages of Confucianism and Three Hermits of Brahmanism, despite their worthy names, are actually unenlightened men unable to rid themselves of the Three Delusions (all delusions and evil passions). Although their names suggest they are wise men, in reality they are as ignorant as infants, who know nothing of cause and effect. How can we cross the sea of life and death aboard a ship steered by such men? How can we pass through the winding street in the Six Realms of delusion and evil passions over to the world of Nirvana by means of a bridge constructed by such men?" (Kaimoku Sho, Noppa Translation).

An observation

"One may be letter-perfect in reciting the Lotus Sutra, but it is far more difficult to practice as it teaches" - Nichiren

Impossible in the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu.