Rothaus: Not really disputing that, just think the void is getting his info from the thread not inside the SGI. that's all.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

[...] I think there are more of us out there that hate to say goodbye but have to because we finally see the SGI is way, way off course. Many saw this coming more quickly than others. I'm just glad I finally did.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

The Void said in part: "It's good that you can appreciate how annoyed and ripped off we all feel, when you see that Soka is a cult of personality, where you cannot get away with disagreeing over matters such as the ridiculous M/D issues, or the fact the you never study the Lotus Sutra because according to Soka we are all too stupid and can't understand any of it, unless Ikeda ex
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Rattyboy, your devoted practice helps you to see clearly; the errors the SGI is making are not your problem at all. It is hard to imagine reform within the organization. They definitely have their agenda and it may be financial (political?) in nature more than anything. Were you around in the NSA days? If so you are having a de'ja'vu like me. Gohonzons are easy to come by - just as
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Interesting list Mark. I can tell you want to be 'right' about this list. Are you trying to say it all applies to SGI? How long were you a member and did you learn the chant or gongyo and do the practice consistently? I have reviewed the list and can say there are many, MANY that do not apply, but several that really do! Here is my take: 1, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20,
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hello FMWT, just wanted to answer that No, I wasn't picking up anger from you. I enjoy your perspective. I didn't realize you spent 4 years in the SGI and I was concerned that you were much newer. It sounds like you gave the practice a good try. I sincerely wish you the best. Someone accused me of being insincere and another has stated I am in the life condition of animality. So a
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Cyclops - I will go back and look for posts by Blue Lady. So you don't lead a district but it sounds like you still attend sometimes and still chant? (not trying to get your infomation, just thinking we're in about the same boat). Do you ever look for other Nichiren groups? We've been so conditioned that all others are definitely on the wrong path and the Gakkai spirit is the
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thank you Morgaine, it was nice to read your reply. I don't know quite how to respond to those that just want to get on here and criticize each other. I would rather we encourage each other. No one is ever going to believe the same way, the same things anyway. I began to chant back in the 80's - was inspired by a co-worker turned sponsor that was just so fun to be around. The chant
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Do you go to district meetings anymore? I don't yet feel the need to stop because we operate rather independently; we study and chant and share the good and the bad together. Our district leader is like you - started in the 70's. I hope more people will question things and wake up. I don't really know where all this mentor stuff is going . . . . . . glad I woke up.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hello - Finding my Way today. I read some of your writings. That relationship with your sponsor is special. It sounds like she is a true friend. Many in the SGI now are not focused on the right things; it's back to the old style of desperately increasing the membership and there are often casualties to this type of 'membership drive'. I'm sorry if you were not treated rig
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Most of my practice has included studying the gosho but it really would depend on the content of the meetings and who planned it. Some people are intimidated by the study of Buddhism as it fairly complex. I am happy to have a district leader very well versed in the gosho and each meeting contains study of this; never just books by Ikeda. I do look back on some of the activities and say &q
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hi, I tried to post yestday and felt really clear on my message. The post was deleted - I guess I didn't do it right. I will find out if I do it right this time if it gets posted so I will be brief. I have been a member of SGI-USA for 26 years and not embarrassed to say that. I chose the experience - they did not control me. Many years were very happy, lots of 'golden' memori
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Moderator note: I attempted to merge a new post on a new thread created by this message board member with this thread. Unfortunately the post was placed at the top of this thread instead of the end where it belonged. I have deleted the post and it was necessary to change the title of the thread back to the original. Sorry. Next time someone attempts to start a new SGI thread I wil
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families