@ Anticult I guess one should be careful what this forum, or rather thread, is about. If one encountered Buddhism and Nichiren Buddhism in particular only via SGI then I would tend to say that that person can only have gathered little or no knowledge on Buddhist philosophy. SGI had close links to Nichiren Shoshu, a tradition that within Nichiren Buddhism holds a somewhat peculiar position. SGI t
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Concerning the latest discussion I believe its important to mention that at least from my point of view anyone who has been in SGI and believes to have practiced Nichiren Buddhism could not be more off track. Nichiren Buddhism has a quite interesting history and compared to any traditional forms of Nichiren Buddhism SGI's views are a VERY distilled interpretation. Not mentioning the whole Me
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I have no idea if you have noticed. But have any of you noticed that some in SGI would in meetings try to copy a Japanese accent by omitting articles? Wonder if that happend in other languages too :-) I am also quite sure that after Mr. Ikedas passing, if that not has already taken place, he will be venerated as a Buddha - any bets?
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I remember a phone call … must have been around 2005 with a so called leader, although here where I live we used the term “responsible” i.e. a person with responsibility. I do not even recall what the conversation was on about exactly anymore … at any rate he we argued about an issue, guess was about the HQ bulletin (which was popular even beyond the HQ as we did what we basically wanted to do an
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

@ Shavoy I actually think its much worse. Anyone in SGI daring to develop independent thoughts based on his or her “Buddhist” practice, thoughts on peace or REAL intereligious dialogue that would be noticeable to the outside world is taking the spot-light away form you all know who. I know for a fact that individuals in the US who seeked friendly contacts to other Nichiren Buddhists including Ni
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Speaking of Soka University --- is it not odd that they do not even have a philosophy or even Buddhist studies department? Okay in a way it makes sense as if they did it would mean to enter into a serious philosophical and religious discourse with other institutions … it would mean more that just citing a ikeda poem where he cites those who cite others and this not even always correctly and have
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

@ Hitch Its funny that you should mention the education issue. While skipping through the talk pages in Wikipedia I noticed that some in SGI are quite willing to condemn academics critical of SGI as being mislead by tabloids while those speaking in favour are best next to sliced bread. Looking at the edits and propaganda going with it … some in SGI have not the faintest idea on propper academic
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I guess the best what we as ex-members can do is to get the word out. As good as it may be to have this site here what also is needed neutral information being published on aspects that are critical concerning SGI. I wonder myself to get active in Wikipedia but following the exchange finding sources that are neutral seems to be a big problem. Getting media, journalists and academics interested wo
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Good lord !!! I sat here watching the youtube clip mouth open. I left more than seven years ago but this is getting bizarre to say the least !!! They should sell the lyrics and music to North Korea might be able to collect some revenues. Its obscene in a way.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

@ Nichijew I find his own talk page quite hilarious actually and must say that at least they try to keep him at bay. Somehow though its also unmasking and he does not even realise it. @quiet one Exactly, I think in a way being in SGI does actually detach one from the rest of society in a big way … its actually quite worrying as this tendency seems to be getting worse. Levi McLaughlin who
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

@ Quiet One I find it quite sad I must say. By now I follow or ctach up with SGI members life from a distance - even a family member is still with them. What should I say - its sad. I still practice this buddhism, accroding, not with yet, Nichiren Shu. Nichirens buddhism, as any other forms of buddhism are to me a guideline to live ones life, but does not mean to seperate oneself from society. I
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

@ quiet one Even though the occasion was a truly sad one your observations led me to think if not a good portion of people with so called responsibilty in SGI suffer from burnout. At times people invest so much time in activiteis that would make one believe that they have two jobs at once ... the day time one and the one caused by activities. What I gather from here and in "real life&
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hi Luz, I can understand how you feel. From my perspective and experience I would agree that especially with staunch long-term SGI members there is a kinf of sadness at times - at a time they aspired for so much by using this parctice and now all thats left is SGI to them. I still do practise (not in with SGI though). Personally I believe that quote about using the startegy is a teribble misin
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Hi have been dormant for a while. Lately there yet again have been attempts to whitewash the articles on SGI in Wikipedia. Anyone active in Wikipedia - needs sources though?
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I agree heard the same name mentioned myself ... disgusting though that Mr. Ikeda uses this for his benefit. disgusting is what comes to my mind when thinking of SGI anyway.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

maybe I was not explicit enough in my earlier post about the new hall in california. I actually meant the new concert hall (!!!!???) Concert hall technically etc a sound building, but using it is not for free and it just makes me wonder what sgi is all about ... with its prices it seems cheaper to rent than any other facilities in the area ... quick revenues financed by donations .... I guess
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

wished some journalist would take notice ... the poem scam is one thing what about the new hall erected at soka university in california? allways good to know where the money goes :-)
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I would agree with ScoobyDooby here ... the personality cult is one of the most obvious signs that SGI is a cult. Another one is the study material, one is heavily discouraged to seek outside sources in terms of Buddhist studies let alone contacting other Buddhist traditions. Not to forget the 'Them and us' fashion in which SGI speaks extremely ill of other Nichiren schools – its okay
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

comes in handy that when asking for financial transpareny is being gergarded as a lack of faith .... uh how evil.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

SGI already fails on two of the supposed qualities an NGO has to come up with. 1.financial transparency 2.democratic structures 3.religious intolerance Someone would have to fight this through in the UN though or even bring it to their attention not any of us have the funds to do that though. Again its the press that that could really get this issue out to the public.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotedoubtfulis SGI that bad? where does bad begin? where does it end? do not mix the social warmth experienced with whitewashing SGI the bad is in my books unbuddhist teachings, defamation of other faiths and those who left. not even mention leader cult - not my cup of tea.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotespamsterDaisaku Ikeda has written some of the best interpretations of Nichirens writings, that are available Have you ever read any other interpretations?
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

hi there have not been in here for quite a while. any news on membership in SGI going down? just noticed on the yahoo forum that there seems to be not much going on besides messages from "our dear leader"
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quoteevergreenbacknforth - how do you chant for self and others if you aren't part of a group? Well, where do you see a problem in that? When Nichiren first chanted he was alone. The group to chant for can be your partner, family and even community you live in – your environment. That's what others in a true sense would mean. Its not restricted at all to the Sangha.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I just thought about some issues the other day. We often pointed out the somewhat dysfunctional family situations some members had at home – mainly leaders. I often wondered about that typical viscous cycle taking place in life according to SGI. One is thought to care for fellow members (which at first sight sounds honourable). When looking back did any of you guys never thought that some memb
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I agree with chirider, but yet again I have never heard of SGI trying to get hold of members money who have passed away. I have however heard of some who donate huge amounts while alive and some leaving money specifically to SGI. In my booky both scenarios a sign of shear madness, but I am an evil enemy now anyway ;-)
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotehertford65I SIGNED A FORM WHEN I RECEIVED MY GOHONZON AND I'M CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF MY DEATH SGI WOULD BE ABLE TO BREAK INTO MY WILL AND TAKE MY INHERITANCE INSTEAD OF MY FAMILY GETTING ANYTHING?? Happy New Year to you hertford65 !!! thanks for sharing your story, since I left more than 5 years ago the MD stuff seems to have got more severe these days. But concerning your q
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

not to forget the sgi-only partys or sgi-mainly-lets-shakubuku-the-guests partys on new year :-)
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Happy New Year to all of from over the big pond too :-) Lately I've been getting the odd calls form high (very high) national leaders on my answer machine -- five years onwards LOL.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

concerning "aliciaenfermeira" Even though I am not a moderator in here I would warn to communicate on MSN or Skype with somebody who just turns up here. The contact details would be out in the open and if a cam is involved also one's anonymity is lost. I do not trust SGI and maybe I am hysterical but it could be a trick to unveil some people's identity. @ aliciaenferme
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families