Quote
sgIwonder
I completely understand how you feel, doubtful, Tibbs and Nichijew. Even in my days of of being super-gung-ho I did my share of eye-rolling. But I wonder if you cut yourself off from the organization how you sustain yourself and where do you get your encouragement? Don't you find constantly being upset by things draining? Someone mentioned they get it here, but this is a poor substitute for in-person human warmth (fellowship as they say in some churches).
I stayed away a long time, but still missed the group. I could not find any other good substitute in all the things I tried.
Dear SGIwonder:
You feel the way you do because you were taught, over, and over, and over again by the SGI that, without them, you can't make it, either in the secular or religious world. Obviously, in the secular world, there are tons or rich and powerful people. In the Buddhist world, and more specifically, in the Nichiren Lotus Sutra Buddhist world, nearly any member from whatever sect, is more enlightened than Ikeda, let alone the general members and lower level SGI leaders.
I sustain myself through the Gohonzon for the Transmission of the Dharma, a Nichiren inscribed Gohonzon, the Lotus Sutra, my belief in Shakyamuni Buddha and my good friends in the Dharma, my fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth in the Kempon Hokke, the Nichiren Shu, the Independent movement, my wife, family, and pets. I chant with my converts and with my wife. When I travel to outlying areas [other regions], I chant with fellow practitioners there. These guys here too, aren't bad. When I think of Nichiren Daishonin's loneliness, vicissitudes, and travails, my hardships melt like dew in the noonday sun.
Mark
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/18/2010 03:50AM by Nichijew.