Re: Video just posted by Hitch. That video of the Elementary school division, with the "Woo hoo" at the beginning is very creepy at the end with the projected presence of Fandancin' Mentor . "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" I want to say to the children. "You have a basic human right to not be exploited like that!"
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thank you for sharing even this much Cultfree. The postings from new visitors to this forum are especially helpful in providing yet more reminders of what I already know. The programming runs deep so it always helps to hear what someone else went through.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteHitchMust say, I honestly don't much recognize the pseudo-buddhist cult org. that I grew up in and was a part of. If anything, it looks to be even LESS about "buddhism" than ever: 1. Something downright odd and strange 2. Stranger yet, rapping for Cousin Rufus Both videos just put up this month. Interesting to note that the cult org. doesn't even have the c
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Scoobydooby and other forum members - We have had some forum members in the process of breaking free from SGI who would not be considered full-fledged "former members". Especially since full extrication from the SGI community can be a difficult process, I hope we stay open to a degree and not discourage those on the fence. I agree that kasumi sounds suspicious, and will leave it at th
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NSA/SGI leaders would mention that Sensei has great hope for the U.S. and its members as being the leaders in kosen rufu. The creative types are kept busy chasing the carrot knowing that celebrity worship is huge in the U.S. and the "behind the scenes" members who probably actually work harder, and this is profoundly noted in pronounced whispery stereotypically 'Asian' tones
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Upgrayed - I can relate to your use of the word "Bullshit" as a survival mechanism. And it is helpful reading that word in the context of what was always to be considered infallible teachings. There are several moments in this forum in which I thought people were pushing the envelope in what seemed fair to say about SGI, but that started on page 1 for me and only because my own expe
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Thanks Nichijew for providing "abusive relationship" to the soundbite possibilities if I feel compelled to give a quick answer to the Culties. Just one of many reasons to give. I am finding that I never see SGI members in public anymore- For Quite A long time. Months? So no engaging in discussions with them. As I have written recently, I have been trying to put the imagined voices of me
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Board Members- thank you for demonstrating diversity in your responses. I'm glad we can do this on this thread. It is generally regarded that emails, texting and online chats what have you , don't easily allow accurate emotional content. If we study logical fallacies, we can say that " It is generally regarded" may be challenged also. Maybe it is just me who has read articles
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I think the main way I used to whip up the Ichinen in myself, that seeming summoning of the high life condition in the moment, was thinking, "I'm doing all this crazy $h!t, I sure as hell better be getting myself to another plane, besides, people are watching and they'll leave me alone and just smile when they look my way. Ah, peace and conformity. Mindless richness of shutting dow
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Yes, Hitch. I hope the org members do begin the process. I am not actively talking to former members about SGI issues, though it was on my 'wish list' some pages back to have the opportunity to find some resolve and understanding with them that would also get them seriously questioning SGI methods.
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Its best to zoom in a bit when looking at Shinanomachi station as I describe looking at the street view in my previous post. Then the blue-lined street view options are available.The busy thoroughfare is under the station and heads north. A good landing spot is to the upper left of the station
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteHitchSoka gakkai cult brainwashed young mother/housewife reacts to being filmed (but only to the lady filming): at the 2:19 min. mark, there is a discussion going on between the protestors and a gakkai cult member, who happens to be a young mother toting an infant. She obviously isn't happy with the anti-gakkai protestors and has a visceral reaction when a camera lady approaches t
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Lots of good posts lately and videos that make me want to upchuck. I've been trying to open my mind to being moved by these animated sequences of bright sunrises and flowery words, to see if I remember how to be moved, but nothing will take. That's a very good thing. Songs sung by the elders are seen as poignant and profound reminders of strong faith within the ranks but now I see them
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteFreeheartandmind"This drove me crazy when I was in SGI -- all the manufactured emotion. Leaders would mention some upcoming big meeting -- and everyone would start cheering. It was as if they'd pushed a button. All this excitement -- for what?" AAO! AAO! AAO! We didn't even know what AAO meant, but it didn't stop us from screaming it with fanatic fervor. I HATED A
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Do not seek President Ikeda outside yourself, that's why you have to see yourself as Shi' inichi Yamamoto, the counterfeit Ikeda.
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Upgrayed - Okay. Consensus Circles. First of all, I have attended New agey, not so scientifically based magical thinking events and other Eastern based modalities, splinter groups, guru gatherings, what have you while trying to replace the "magical thinking' and group think of SGI/NSA throughout the years and have been a repeat presence with some of these, but ALL of these have been fr
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

My wish to share these ideas with members, I'm sure, would be met with them trying not to be manipulated, defending their right to their beliefs, etc. It is true that we weren't kept in some physical compound and not allowed to leave but there was strong encouragement about buying into the new way of life and not looking back. Now if someone came to your door selling "The Miracle S
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Upgrayed - At least one leader in my Area would say we are meeting to study the "Novel", referring to the New Human Revolution. This probably applied to this publication of more recent alleged events since some living members might remember the truth. I will add more thoughts to what has been posted lately. My last post was fragmented because I wanted to quickly get the thoughts o
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks for the in depth analysis, Upgrayed. Most people in Western Culture have a touch of neuroses at times but this group waters the garden and allows it to proliferate like weeds. In the videos, when we see elements of culture from the real world, like a Michael Jackson song sung by a member in which the singer gets to "own' the song for a moment in their own heartfelt way but for
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteHitchSpeaking of media interest, I wasn't aware that there was an "Inside Edition" episode focusing on the $oka Gakkai Cult in Japan, , back in the early 90's. Taken from "Infighting, Division, and Scandal Afflicting Nichiren Shoshu Buddhists." "The article states that certain cult-watching groups, including the Cult Awareness Network, charge that it
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QuoteHitchRattyboy, I definitely don't pursue dialogue with the current cult members, unless I just happen to run into them, in which case they always come to me (not vice versa). It's a waste of time, though. Depending on my mood (when they catch me), I might blow them off or engage them a bit. If it's the latter, I like to leave them blinking their eyes and scratching their he
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Yes, Hitch. It is a cult! I'm just trying to ignore my wish to discuss this with some of the SGI members who seem to have a sense of intelligence, humour, and political awareness in their daily lives. Luckily I haven't seen any SGIers in a while. I guess my basic questions would be: "Why do you think this group is alright when you: (have strong opinions about corrupt corporati
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

You couldn't even be inspired to study another gosho that the group wasn't studying right then or you'd be considered "Out of rhythm".
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Hitch - Even willing to accept all the superstitions and expectations around chanting I wasn't going to accept the conclusion written on that card as a reasonable summation. Maybe I was "out of rhythm", but I wanted my daily chant to not be stupidified. Later,as part of my distancing process I felt I had to consider throwing out the idea of the chant also. Consider at first,
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Shakabuku Card story: Around one of the times I was trying to get pumped up about the practice some leader gave me a few NMRK business cards from SGI-USA. On the back there was an explanation that kept me from sharing this card with any non-member: The practice of Nichiren Buddhism centers on chanting NMRK to the Gohonzon. It is so wondrously simple that anyone can do it, yet so profound it
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

In the mid to late 80s : Weren't some groups named after local leaders; "Smith Group", "Johnson Group" etc. ? It changed to location by 1990. "Jonestown District" , "Waco Chapter" etc. (These are made up names, of course).
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

jlynneda63, I don't know if we can explain further. I am reminded of how two Women's division members quickly split off to both sides of a table to keep me from exiting an auditorium. (Other details of this event posted in this forum, back a ways). In other situations, I found that my honest expressions of disapproval gave me more evidence of the crumminess of this collective, beyond i
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

In the Gakkai Fest video its amazing how bored Prez ikeda looks while clapping after human pyramids were constructed. Here's a few selections from an Associated press article by Tim Sullivan (5/16/12) : Seeking logic in North Korea's mass spectacles. "The crowds bow before the statues in practiced unison and shake bright, fake flowers in choreographed praise. Some weep
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@sirmrtony: I was visiting a crowded SGI community center with some friends and walking through the center of the auditorium with a big smile on my face when a beautiful young woman with perfectly conditioned hair stepped in front of me with her entourage of smiling girl friends around her and said to me very flirtatiously: "I bet you shakabuku a LOT of people". I couldn't help bu
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QuoteHitchQuoterattyboysirmrtony - I'm glad I read your entire post. What helps me from what you wrote, besides reading this anecdote of recent events, is reading: "I didn't want to be rude and leave. I stayed until I could find a GOOD reason to go home". Like my experience of feeling trapped in an auditorium and countless other incidents, there was basic social politeness be
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families