Quote
The Anticult
Also, some senior folks at SGI-USA are probably very shocked to see that there are people who understand the precise SGI techniques being used on SGI members, even better than they do.
When their techniques are precisely exposed in the open, those who are doing the techniques get very freaked out. The tables are turned on them, and they don't know what to do. They are like deer in the headlights, paralyzed.
You can see that in person, when you expose their techniques in a seminar or meeting.
It was interesting, and a bit scary to see leaders' reactions when you ask them questions that they can't answer! These were things that were actually said to me by various leaders when I questioned what SGI was telling us about the SGI/Nichiren Shoshu split of the 1990's.
"You don't understand President Ikeda's greatness."
""You've been influenced by stupid anti-SGI websites."
"You're making excuses because you don't want to practice this Buddhism correctly."
"Americans ask too many questions."
"Your doubts are a devilish function."
"Your practice is weak. That's why you're having doubts. You need to chant more daimoku, get guidance more often, go to more meetings and do more shakabuku. Here's my phone number -- you should call me every week and let me know how you're doing. You can get through this darkness!"
"The Soka Gakkai is the only organization that is practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism correctly."
"You're giving in to your fundamental darkness. If you don't do something now, it'll take over your whole life."
"Your life will only get worse if you leave SGI."
"You are ungrateful for everything that SGI has done for you."
The leaders had NOTHING to say -- other than criticize me for asking questions about SGI! To them, the problem is that I was dumb, weak, easily influenced by any dumb thing I read on the internet, dark and negative, making excuses, looking to stir up trouble, an ingrate. As the old song goes, "I'm on the Highway to Hell."
In short, all they had to offer was standard SGI guidance: (ie, lies and bullshit)
1. Ad Hominem: If they don't like what someone is saying, they will attack that person rather than address any points that the person makes.
2. Constant repetition of how wonderful SGI and President Ikeda are.
3. Negative Fortune Telling: Leave SGI and your life will be horrible.
4. Guilt-tripping: "But SGI has made your good fortune possible; you owe SGI a debt of gratitude!"
The truth:
1. SGI apologist will attack you because they DON'T HAVE any good counter arguments for anti-SGI arguments. If they had to stick to the facts, they'd lose the argument!
2. Just because someone repeats something over and over -- that doesn't make it true!
3. SGI leaders have no way of knowing your future. Bad things and good things happen to everyone -- both SGI members and nonmembers. I've found that my life is BETTER since I've left SGI...I think that many of us could say that!
4. My hard work has made my good fortune possible; just chanting and doing SGI activities didn't make good health and a good job fall into my lap. I wouldn't have what I have if I had not worked hard in school and on the job, saved money, exercised, and set goals. I have also donated money and given a great deal of time to working for SGI. President Ikeda would not enjoy the power and luxury that he has if not for members like me. Are he and the other senior leaders grateful to us?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/2009 12:27AM by tsukimoto.