Hi,
1. ok, for the 1st
point i forgot about the broader definition of the term so i take
that back.
2. Then why in
earlier SGI books (or at least, during my short stint in SGI in
1999-2000) are there definitions that Nichiren is the "Eternal
Buddha" or 本佛, while Sakyamuni is 跡佛?
>> Good
question. Eternal (本佛) and Provisional ( 跡佛) Buddha - it is
not about status of supremacy that as implied by the name in case
you are thinking along that path. Provisional Buddha meant that
what Shakyamuni Buddha had preached is fixed at the certain point
of life in the past (dust particle kalpas) whereas what Nichiren
himself preached is with the Mystic Law that is eternal in its own
entity since beginningless time. If you refer to the Lotus Sutra,
it is mentioned "I have preached the Law in many ways, devising
many means. But in these more than forty years, i have not yet
revealed the truth"..and the truth is the Mystic Law...but it is so
hard to preach. Put ourselves in the shoes of the Shakyamuni
Buddha, trying to think hard how to convince his followers. just
imagine if one tells us one that 1 + 1 doesn't equal to 2, after so
many years of belief. And the Law exists no where exist ourselves,
the answer is in us, the cause of our suffering. That is why, if
you refer to other Sutras, you can find a common thread that he is
trying to preach the Law but to the capacity of the intellectual
capacity of the people, as no one can accept that the Law exists
within himself and can be a Buddha like Shakyamuni (if you have
read the story of the father and his sons analogy in the Buddhist
sutra)...sorry i deviate again :D
3. I live in Japan,
so i know what I'm saying. Of course, most Gakkai members are urged
to vote for Komeito, and to support Komeito.
>> Definitely,
but even those in priest robes may not be preaching real Buddhism
if their intent is not correct, as long as they are human and have
wrong intent.(Shakyamuni Buddha had even warned about priests who
do not preach the real Buddhism) Moreover, it is the duty of
the members to speak and highlight. Sometimes it just take one
person to undo all the good efforts that have been put in by
others. Being any political party, who wouldn't want to have all
the votes? But it is still the choice of the members to choose who
they want to vote to utimately
4. Not forgetting
that Gakkai and Shoshu are still at loggerheads at each other. I
remember attending meetings on both sides (1999-2000), and was
asked to chant the Daimoku and pray for one to "attain victory"
over the other.
>> Indeed,
Gakkai and Shoshu have been at loggerhead since the spilt due to
different practice ideological. It is nothing new, if you knew
about the Christians side, the Methodist, Protestants etc..even
between the Muslims and Christians during the Crusade. Sorry, i
have drifted but i think the idea is there. If one sees evil and
choose to be silent and not do anything, one is no different from
the doer of evil. Speaking from Gakkai side, if not chanting for
the victory against the Shoshu, what kind of compassion, righteous
are we showing to the rest? It is precisely the reason that Shoshu
has goes reversal the real essence of Nichiren Buddhism that
victory must been seen.
Also, when an
American friend of mine wanted to take Refuge in Buddhism at my
temple in Japan, his then girlfriend from Gakkai objected to it. If
Gakkai recognizes the value of other Buddhist schools, was there a
need to object? It was only after they broke off did he manage to
come down again to take Refuge.
>> it is
anticipated reaction because who's wouldn't want one partner to
practice the same as ones? would you object if someone who has been
practicing close to you choose to join Soka Gakkai? As you have
mentioned, it is his then girlfriend who object not Gakkai as an
organization objects to him not practising Nichiren
Buddhism.
========================================================
Sorry but i can't
help to share with you this..perharps this is the contrast i see
between Nichiren and Shakyamuni Buddha.
Nichiren: Life as a
fisherman's son (lowest status of the society) Shakyamuni: Life as
a prince (highest status of the society)
Nichiren: Persecute
by all Buddhist schools and Court officials of entire country at
that time including his followers (execution for 3). Almost being
beheaded. Live in exile. Shakyamuni: Not much persecution of that
degree.
Nichiren: Reveals the
Truth to all people in the Lotus Sutra despite getting troubles
with the officials. Inscribe the object of worship that symbolized
the Law within ourselves and for us to see via "the mirror" so that
we can "see" who we are. Shakyamuni: Taught the different vehicles
to all so that their intellectual level can be at the level to
accept the One vehicle. But did not reveal the Truth. He assigned
the burden of following the preaching of the Law to his followers
that is us to carry on preaching the Law.
============================================================
Hi macTea,
I wish to highlight that this thread here is about giving useful
advice to someone who is "Interested
in learning about Buddhism". Thus, it would be better if
info on basic Buddhism & suggestions on which mainstream
Buddhist organisations in S'pore to approach will then be more
beneficial; rather than deviate from the main topic & engage in
sectarian debates which may be confusing & demoralising to the
would-be Buddhists who are new to the Buddha Dhamma.
Just to share with you, I am a Buddhist who specialises in the
Lotus Sutra & Nichiren Buddhism. In lieu of this, I would like
to suggest to carry over sectarian debates here to Nichiren
Buddhism Sgforums http://NichirenBud.sgforums.com/ .
With respects here to the moderator of the Buddhism Sgforums, what
do you think?
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo!
Namu Kuon Jitsujo Honshi Shakamuni Butsu!
Namu Rissho Daishi Nichiren Daibosatsu!
Yours in Lord Buddha's Grace
With Gassho,
Supa Naga