It's interesting, there is also a discussion on this topic on the Buddha Jones site:
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buddhajones.com]
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I remember one of my buddhist professors in college: when he introduced Nichiren he called him "a trouble making monk." He spoke of his letters as being incendiary. people have used his writings over time to suit their own need. Nichiren wanted to expose the corruption of his age - among priests, laity and political officials. I have always believed he wanted to emphasize equality as far as who had access to enlightenment. I'm sure he would be horrified at what the SGI has become.
Very true! I can only imagine what Nichiren would say! "
Mentor/Disciple!? When did I ever say anything about that? I always said, "Do not seek this Gohonzon outside of yourself," and here they are seeking it in their so-called "mentor." "Follow the law and not persons," I said. Wasn't anyone listening!? "
" I deliberately avoided worldy power and wealth because pursuing them would have meant compromising my teachings. I never had kotekitai, or young men doing pyramids on roller-skates at big shows! My hut on Sado didn't even have running water --except where the roof leaked -- much less gold-plated faucets! And they're chanting for
stuff? Wasn't I 'the richest man in Japan' -- without all that stuff?"
On the other hand -- Nichiren did believe that earthquakes and epidemics could be caused by rulers and citizens having "wrong" religious beliefs. In the thirteenth century, nobody knew about plate techtonics, or that there were such things as bacteria and viruses. There were no vaccines, antibiotics or even hand sanitizers. Certainly, he was a wise and courageous man, but he was also influenced by the time in which he lived.
So how does a person decide what religious teachings to accept or reject?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/29/2010 09:39AM by tsukimoto.