[ QuoteI pray to *whatever*, that an org leader has the decency NOT to say, "Something deep in your life caused this to happen". Ho ho ho! Welcome to the board, PollyAnna! I've really enjoyed this board and it's been a great source of information and support. The last thing I expected was derision. Wishing everyone the best on their journey, recovering from SGI.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

This is terribly sad about the attacked member. I pray to *whatever*, that an org leader has the decency NOT to say, "Something deep in your life caused this to happen". That's the heart of darkness in this programming. You've nailed it with the word "exploitation" This poor guy will come out braver and stronger, simply because he has to, but the org. will take all
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

If, for whatever reason, I ever visit a member again I will not accept the invite when they say: "Let's do Sancho". And that is if they don't suggest full blown gongyo. It seems like a fair trade to just do Sancho, but it carries rehooking power (in the mind..potentially). It isn't magic. Closer to science - the science of mind control, IMO. Yes, and remember the be
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Epic posts! Greetings to nuevopionero....(and sorry to sound like an MC!) ; p I'd like to add to T&P's list of NMRK in the movies. "Maybe I'll Come Home in the Spring", 1971 starring Sally Field. A bunch of hippies are roasting marshmallows around a campfire chanting raggeda$$ daimoku! (You can see this at 0:18:03 on Youtube) The chanting was added as a voic
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Welcome aboard, Sensi! It's hard to say "Congratulations" without it sounding like the old SGI script but congratulations are due. This mb is a real eye opener, isn't it?! Starting from page one, nonstop reading for days, if not weeks - a riveting combination of horror, hilarity, brilliance and above all, honesty. Your decision to make a complete break, though difficult, wi
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Wow, this butsuma/butsudan/butsugu tour was "triggering". I respect this man's desire for sanctuary and beauty, but that's what others exploit. For any visitors here, upgrading your butsudan/place of practice is an expression of appreciation for your improved "life condition" aka prosperity. IMHO, this aspect of the org. manipulates the aesthetic impulse and the
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Greetings, Taitan & Proud! Always enjoy your posts! Thank you for bringing up cult like jobs. There's a new? book, "Corporate Cults - The Insidious Lure of the All-Consuming Organization" Identical dynamic: absolute obedience, volunteering free time, loss of personal identity to shared corp. ideals, family time expendable, charismatic bossman, etc. Especially important t
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

For a good laugh, or brain rinsing (re: the absurdity of bad rock & religion), google Billy Connolly's video rant on Christian Rock. At your own risk - XXX bad language alert! Scotland's George Carlin. = D
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Notice how Ikeda waited a full five seconds after the last "power chord" before lowering his flag? ("The song ain't over 'til I say so") How he quickly turned his head to see if anyone noticed/followed his directive? Taking control of the audiences' attention, away from the performer and back to himself. Not to be upstaged!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

That feeling of being the only sober person or not quite fitting in is what "saved" us. I think it all starts with your family - where you fitted into the dynamic. If not at all, you seek a family elsewhere, or find a social situation that replicates what passed for normal. Maybe there was an unreasonable/tyrannical parent or relative everyone made constant excuses for - you were traine
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks, Nichijew for your greetings to us new folks here! Horrific. (re: Blockbuster News @ Buddha Jones) What remains to be seen is how the organization responds. Will the award be rescinded or will the whole thing be swept under the rug? Will the org. close ranks to protect its image or make a public statement against human rights violations? It's the worst case scenario of the fallacy
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

So glad we're back from the glitch - enough to make me paranoid! =o But a good thing for me to disengage from the mb for awhile to experience that real world we're talking about! ; ) Thanks Hitch, for the FNCC perspective. I thought the Buddah land was whereever we are "grappling in the midst of life" - not in enforced isolation! God forbid I should run into people on the o
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thank you, dear Meh! = ) You read my mind...this is the place when feeling wobbly. I've definitely experienced a slowing down, a lower energy level (Quelle horreur! Maybe's there's something to chanting afterall!) = o but then realize maybe I'm emotionally EXHAUSTED after years of feeling goal driven, conflicted and inadequate? Even if I wasn't active towards the end,
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteSporatica@eyzopn My primary goal is what to do with this gohonzon. I called the temple and they said that a local member would call me and arrange for pickup. I thought for sure I would be swamped with calls. So far... nothing. I am not of the mindset to drive out to Hollywood to return it. My mom still wants to look into the NST. I've shared with her all that I have read about th
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thank you so much Hitch! Your posts have had me shaking my head & laughing out loud. That helps me deal with the darkness of it - how stupid I was, how wanting to trust makes you accept the unacceptable and even puts you at risk. It's incredulity in retrospect, like after a relationship gone wrong. I'm not at the point of sharing stories. I really respect Sporaticus for saying &qu
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hi Sporatica! My advice is to rediscover the parts of yourself that were tucked away in a drawer - all the interests and aspects of your personality that were incompatible with the peer pressure of the past. Please keep checking in with this mb too where you'll always be encouraged. You don't need priests in order to feel whole. There will be empty places, but that's life, and i
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families