Well, I am not against nor hate Soka for in regards to their
manner in observance of Buddhist practice, although I personally do
not always agree with their particular methods or style of
propagation, I must say that it is wonderful that they teach people
to chant the Lotus Sutra and Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. What
is important to remember is that you have met the Lotus Sutra and
that you are embracing faith right now. It is because of your
relationship with the Buddha (called "en" in Buddhist terminology)
in the past that you have been able to encounter the Lotus Sutra
today. For this you should be grateful to whoever introduced you to
the Lotus Sutra and the testimonial teachings of Nichiren
Shonin.
Btw, I need get the facts straight : SSA is not recognised in the
mainstream Buddhist community for way back in 2003 their
application to S'pore Buddhist Federation (SBF) was NOT approved as
they couldn't fulfil 3 SBF conditions of Recognising Sakyamuni
Buddha as the Founder & Original Teacher, Fly the Buddhist Flag
& Celebrate Vesak Day in May. Plus, their mother org in Japan
are not part of Japan Buddhist Federation (JBF) nor are a member of
the Federation of New Religions in Japan.
Whether it is Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu or SGI, all chant the
Lotus Sutra (not Script) in Sino-Jap. For materialism, SGI seems to
hold on to this alot as Josei Toda (2nd President) quoted before
the Gohonzon is like a "happiness-making machine" where one can
pray happiness, including material happiness, to it. E.g. to pray
for a car, a house, good grades, chant odaimoku.
Actually, both Shoshu & Soka are deviated from mainstream.;
whereas Nichiren Shu is in the mainstream. I meant the President of
SGI, Ikeda, who has become its spiritual leader & the members
read his works like Guidance Today & study Lotus Sutra thru
Words of Wisdom written by him instead of the Lotus Sutra
itself.
