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rattyboy
Yes, Hitch. I hope the org members do begin the process. I am not actively talking to former members about SGI issues, though it was on my 'wish list' some pages back to have the opportunity to find some resolve and understanding with them that would also get them seriously questioning SGI methods.
I treat gakkai cult members the same way I do any other whacked out religious zealots (mormons, etc.), I just don't bother to engage them, unless they come to me, seeking me out. In which case, I plainly and clearly tell them my position on whatever it is they are going on about. This usually shuts them up, ends the conversation and they leave. Hopefully, respectfully agreeing to disagree, if possible. With some people (fortunately a minority), they aren't satisfied with that and you just have to firmly stand your ground, poke holes in their delusions to get them to back off and, if need be, pushing back, redirecting them away from you, with a friendly wave goodbye.
For those with the door to reality a bit ajar, I just keep dropping things between the door so that it doesn't shut completely and the rest has got to be up to themselves to push it all the way open and start the walk out. They have to be receptive and there are usually subtle signs, even from the beginning, that they fall into this category of individual. The hardcore type are usually beyond reach.
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Shavoy
As for other celebs--Patrick Duffy, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, etc.--I don't think they are leaving anytime soon. Their devotion appears absolute.
The three cult stooges you mention above, all participated in a hardcore deeply brainwashed performance in front of the dear leader in Japan, celebrating his 200th (bought) honorary academic degree. Since Duffy is kind of washed up in the celebrity world these days, he barely gets a mention, but there are photos of him standing stiffly at attention, playing his part for cousin rufus. You can tell from the photos that he is a heavy kool-aid imbiber, because it's obvious that he is
REALLY feeling the
ICHINEN.
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Shavoy
The human spiritual vein is a funny thing. A number of great ladies where I live are committed born-again Christians and they are always trying to "shakabuku" me to accept the Spirit. Not feeling it, but I have to say that the conviction they feel is heartfelt and confident. Once again, it strikes me as they speak that the human desire for happiness and certainty is universal....The SGI tells people the same thing--You want happiness, right? Enlightenment?
The members I am still in contact with (not a lot) swear by the SGI and feel that they are truly happy and on the road to more happiness. They have conviction in that.
If ignorance is truly bliss, then they must indeed be very happy.
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Freeheartandmind
Just like with Christians, many SGI members are "social Buddhists" who enjoy the relationships and social context of their involvement in the org. The practice is OK, they enjoy the status they may have (especially very long time "leaders"), and inertia has set in big-time. Look up, and decades have passed, decades of unquestioning acceptance of pronouncements from the cultmaster. At one time, we all thought the practice was beneficial, until we we came to realize how confirmation bias works. Until whatever social benefits we received did not outweigh the discomfort we felt about other aspects of the org. Until we could no longer ignore the building cognitive dissonance. So we freed ourselves. And it feels so good to be in control of your own mind.
I know for a fact that the social aspect has kept many a lifelong hardcore (especially pioneer) member in the gakkai cult. It's all they know and they wouldn't be able to function without it. Longtime top "leaders" receive sustenance from the status, thrive on it, live for it and completely eat that stuff up. Once they are on the payroll long enough, with no other job skills, it is literally their livelihood and they are locked in, along with their family (the only thing on their mind is comfortable survival, not rocking the boat and remaining in the good graces of their cult puppet masters). Of course, they don't see themselves as being in a cult, but they'll readily admit to you that they are special and have a chosen "mission" in life.
Whatever floats their boat is fine by me. It would be even better if they kept their toys and fairy tales to themselves and not try to share or force them on others - that's where all the problems come in.