@Backnforth
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The MDM (mentor disciple mistake) is really, really all wrong. This makes more sense to me: first of all, there is a mentor (teacher) and a "student", one learning from the mentor/teacher, so that goes together. On the other hand, there is a disciple ( a follower or a believer). So a mentor and a disciple don't even really go together (or am I crazy)? What's with this idea of coupling a mentor with a follower or believer of the mentor instead of a student of the mentor. Then there is the "Oneness of, which is just way, way, out of this world. So, this is where I am even today: I can accept Daisaku Ikeda as a teacher, and I have enjoyed being a student and have learned a lot about faith and determination. I have appreciation. Pretty much end of story.
The whole MDM issue is worrisome, partially for what you raise about Ikea's cronies wanting to keep themselves relevant into the future, but also the fundamental misdirection that SGI is being absorbed by in the name of MDM.
How can anyone be certain that they are following an organization that is committed to anything other than money and a cult of a personality in which there is no introspection. Good leaders are balanced, but more and more it looks like the imperative has shifted from following Nichiren's teaching over to preserving this particular flavor of the cult. How anyone can continue to support that sort of thing is beyond me. I recall reading once (maybe it was Ikea's "guidance") that the "organization" was the shadow of the "one true law". Following that model, if the core of Buddhism and Nichiren's teaching is being eroded away, then the organization will become the image of something else, entirely different.
Bumper sticker slogans may give the "look and feel" of buddhism, but the actual actions of the leaders and the members is a far better measure of whether the organization is headed for glory or to hell.
A pity!
Wakatta