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Chanter16
Interesting list Mark. I can tell you want to be 'right' about this list. Are you trying to say it all applies to SGI? How long were you a member and did you learn the chant or gongyo and do the practice consistently? I have reviewed the list and can say there are many, MANY that do not apply, but several that really do!
Here is my take:
1, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, 47, 51, 52, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 71, 77, 80, 81, 83, 85, 93, 98.
The highest level leadership position for me was a Youth Headquarters Leader and later years an adult division Vice Chapter Leader. I conducted a very consistent practice of the chanting and prayers, and still do. But I realize the activities have very little to do with Buddhism and more to do with membership drives most probably linked to financial goals and needs.
SGI-(USA) is all I can speak about and it has probably bordered on small-scale Cult behavior for many years, but in the last 3 years or so with the re-organization, it is leaning more heavily in that direction with the push for Oneness of mentor/disciple - which is their own invention. I don't see it as a dangerous, life-threatening organization. Membership is still by choice but once you have a Gohonzon you are on the list forever and even if no longer attending activities may be contacted on and off by someone that believes they need to 'wake up' inactive members to improve their own fortune. Maybe it is much more like a cult in Japan or other places.
Dear chantert 16:
9, isn't true [Nichiren Shoshu, Nichiren Shu Gohonzon worthless, five senior disciples]? To some extent they are all true, if not to one to another. I have been chanting consistently for more than 27 years out of the last 34 years and have maintained my altar for the entire 34 years. Five or six times I did a million Daimoku in 2-3 month span and I too once was a YMD headquarters chief. Now I am a general member of the Kempon Hokke and very happy.
According to the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin, they are Law Devouring Hungry Spirits.
Mark