also, an outsiders view about the Gohonzon.
First off, if you bought it, you own it, of course.
Even if it was a "gift", you still own it.
If SGI are saying they "really" own it, that sounds like a SGI manipulation tactic frankly, to try and make people NOT leave SGI.
Like a spoiled kid taking the baseball equipment home if the other kids don't do what he says.
They don't own it.
What to do with the Gohonzon from someone who is Ex-SGI, is of course their own decision and business.
But to break free from any sect, it takes a bit of radical action.
And chanting in front of an SGI Gohonzon could be reinforcing SGI each time a person chants, even unconsciously.
Getting rid of the daily reminders of any sect is VERY VERY important to begin to get away from it. For example, you can't really break out of the Byron Katie group, and still do her daily "worksheets", and look at her photos and videos daily, as they reinforce the entire Thought-Reform system.
[IDEAS on how to KICK-OUT byron katie from your Mind-Soul-Life forever] [
forum.culteducation.com]
Personally, if it were me, I would get rid of the SGI Gohonzon, and all the SGI baggage, and just go on a trip, and buy a new one from somewhere that is neutral.
Or, even better, design and make one yourself, with your own symbolism.
Or not even use one.
Of course, that is each person's own personal decision.