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basknforth
Dialogue folks - - it's what makes peace happen, starting with you and me.
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backnforth
Rothaus, I meant 'dialogue' on this forum. Why would we not let someone come on and voice their opinion? Are we like the SGI?
Agree. Dialogue is dead in the SGI.
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newbud
I have been involved with SGI for only about six months. I have approached this group like I do any group – warily. Early on I looked up the definition of cult. By Webster’s definition it looked like just about any religion was a cult. By other definitions in order to qualify as a cult the organization controlled your money, kept you from family, and controlled the way you thought, and forced beliefs on you.
I didn’t mind the “religion” aspect of things at SGI and no one asked me for money or forced anything upon me. I have definitely been put off by the pedestal they put Ikeda on. But I have been willing to overlook that for the pleasure of meeting with other members. So here is my dilemma. I came in around April/May when there was a big fund-raising push. I was told that they only do that one month out of the year. I did not give them any money toward their fundraising drive. I did give them $30 for the Gohonzon but also got a 1-year subscription to their magazine which is $30 so I didn’t mind. I have literally not been asked for one cent since then.
These posts (I’ve read just about all of them) concern me. So far, I enjoy the meetings and I enjoy chanting with others. Chanting in a room with 50 others is a very powerful experience. I am also looking at Buddhism through a Zen Buddhist Retreat Center. I have shared this with members and no one has told me it was wrong.
I’m new to all of this but have been drawn to Buddhism and will continue to search and learn. I like being part of a “community.” The people I have met so far in SGI like so many others have said are “really nice” and not glassy-eyed happy-people but sincere and genuine individuals. At first I was sorry I hadn’t come upon this group years ago. Many members have been practicing for over 30 years.
Now I am questioning my involvement with them and hesitate to bring any new guests to meetings. I like the chanting and the study and would like to continue. I guess my question is – is Nichiren Buddhism really Buddhism. I like the lay aspect of SGI and don’t feel inclined to seek out the priest-led Nichiren groups but will be pulling back from my involvement as I feel my enthusiasm wane based on the bitter feelings of those former members posting here and elsewhere and the aggressive tactics they describe. Though I don’t feel I have been victimized in the least, I sense the potential and want to avoid that at all costs. Is it possible they have modified their tactics to be less offensive and controlling? The SGI of the 70’s and 80’s sounds like a very different organization than the one I walked into 6 months ago. And is it possible the groups negative aspects vary from one center to another?
Some say Nichiren was insane. He ran around telling other sects they were wrong in their beliefs. Some say this is not the behavior of a real Buddhist.
I’ve seen others write that Nichiren Buddhism isn’t really Buddhism. It is just new age greed. Or is that just the SGI version – chant for a car, chant for wealth and, of course, don’t forget to chant for others.
I will continue to study and learn. I’m comfortable going alone although I have enjoyed the company of others. It helps to have a community to bounce ideas off. The dialogue and questions and answers and reinforcement can be positive. I would like to keep chanting. In addition to studying the Lotus Sutra I still feel inclined to study some of the Zen and Tibetan teachings and continue with other forms of meditation. These postings have been very helpful and I appreciate everyone’s honest assessment of SGI and sharing their very personal and sometimes painful experiences.
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bachnforth
I just have the strong feeling that they are building up to something; a major announcement. Not just that Ikeda will pass away (soon?) but they may have a new name for the organization, new silent prayers, new Gohonzon? I don't know what is coming, but I just sense that something major will change . . . and so many others, like us, will attempt to question, be silenced and will also leave.
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bachnforth
I just have the strong feeling that they are building up to something; a major announcement. Not just that Ikeda will pass away (soon?) but they may have a new name for the organization, new silent prayers, new Gohonzon? I don't know what is coming, but I just sense that something major will change . . . and so many others, like us, will attempt to question, be silenced and will also leave.
Well to be honest it would not surprise me one bit ... comming up with an Ikeda-Gohonzon would release them of the catch 22 situation they are in right now by handing out what basically is a NST gohonzon.