Nichiren Buddhism

last SG · 2006-04-06T10:45:50+00:00

Dear sgforumers in Dhamma, After seeing so much contributions to this thread, I see that all these Q&As should have cleared much doubts. Nevertheless, t...

bohiruci SG

Tell me ,Mr Spirit of Fire , Why does a religion like SGI needs to set up a Political Party in Japan to involve in politics .
The Political Party in Japan (Kai ming to ) what is it use as ?
Why are funds channel to the Japanese Political Party ?

Why are Politics and Religion muddling in each other ?

I feel your outright challenge to slander the Pureland ,your future Buddhaland seems pathetic ,I pity your one-time fiery attempt to take on other school without thinking you are lowering your own dignity

So does SGI taught you all this ???? To denigrate other and promote your school ??

Nah , I dun see your agenda being heard and please back off if you want to slap any school .

History have seen so much of your black radical SGI movement and your recalcitrant atitude doesnt seem to have any effect on tearing the Unity of Mahayana Faith in totality .

Just wonder any righteous SGI member in the forum willing to speak up and said something against this dissonant postings of SGI

You will not , and shall not suceed in your futile attempt ,becos this just show how much the saying goes

"Empty vessels makes the most noise "

neutral_onliner SG

err...pls relax bro Cool

Isis SG

think spirit of fire does not understand why soka isn't considered buddhism despite all the good things they have promoted.

REALLY I ABSOLUTE DO NOT REALLY UNDERSTAND WHY THAT PROMOTING PEACE, CULTURE & EDUCATION IS UNORTHODOX??? posted by spirit of fire

from his posting, soka in singapore has tried to promote peace, culture and education to benefit people.. which is a good thing right?

erm... but soka also has a history of violent. The actions of current president of soka are still very much in questioned ( note: not just on buddhism ). Why pay homage to the president in the chanting book and instead not homage to the buddha?

Even with all the good things they are trying to promote, the organisation does not have recongise Buddha as the teacher.. thus not considered school of buddhism.

i hope that spirit of fire now understands that pureland teaching is more than what he thinks it is. u should read up more on the teachings that you commented on and rather based on your understanding on your religion to have a deeper understanding.

May all have peace and happiness.

neutral_onliner SG

Originally posted by Isis:
think spirit of fire does not understand why soka isn't considered buddhism despite all the good things they have promoted.

[b]REALLY I ABSOLUTE DO NOT REALLY UNDERSTAND WHY THAT PROMOTING PEACE, CULTURE & EDUCATION IS UNORTHODOX??? posted by spirit of fire

from his posting soka in singapore has tried to promote peace, culure and education to benefit others.. which is a good thing right?

erm... but soka also has a dark history of violent. Even till now, the actions of current president of soka are still very much in questioned. I still don't understand why pay homage to the president in the chanting book and instead not homage to the buddha.

Even with all the good things they are trying to promote, the organisation does not have recongise Buddha as the teacher and thus are not being recongised as buddhism.

And i hope that spirit of fire now understand that pureland teaching is more than what he thinks it is. i think u should read up more on the other teachings and rather based on your understanding on your religion to have a deeper understanding.

May all have peace and happiness.

[/b]

hmm...maybe i should put it tis way.How could someone claim to be a christian when one does not recongise jesus as the saviour? So how could someone claim to be a buddhist when one does not recongise Buddha as the teacher ?

Cool

supa_naga SG

Dear all in Dhamma,

Articles on Soka by Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick (Assistant Minister at Myokakuji Nichiren Buddhist Temple of San Jose, CA) - http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/index.html

Birth of the Soka Gakkai - Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871 - 1944)
= http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-01.html

Rise of the Soka Gakkai - Josei Toda (1900 - 1958 )
= http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-02.html

Rise of the Soka Gakkai International - Daisaku Ikeda (1928 - )
= http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-03.html

As the online articles are too long to be paste to the forum page I have stated the URLs of them for your reference so as to better what SGI really is.

Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick's temple is actually one of the numerous Nichiren Shu temple in the US under the Nichiren Order of North America (NONA).

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.

Yours in Gassho,
Supa Naga

supa_naga SG

A response to questions from Soka Gakkai practitioners regarding the similarities and differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (Part 1)

Question:

I have been practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism for the last ten years in the SGI. I have heard some people have had negative experiences with the Soka Gakkai and would like to know what you think about this organization. This is also not because of idle curiosity or frivolous motives, but to deeply understand what is going wrong in the organization that has introduced us to this practice. Over the last few years we too have seen a number of negative aspects, and this has troubled us. It has not always been possible to speak out, as you are probably more aware than us. So please do be brutally frank, if you have to, without worrying about upsetting me! Also, please explain to me some of the differences between Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai. I hope I am not imposing on you and you do not mind receiving this e-mail from me. With warmest regards.

Reply:

Thank you for your e-mail and sincere question today. Now, about the Soka Gakkai... I must say in all honestly, I do hesitate to write about them and this has contributed greatly in my delay in responding to you. As you know we are both Buddhists and the Buddhist way is to not to speak ill of others, especially in regards to fellow Buddhists. Therefore, in response to your query, please allow me to speak about the Soka Gakkai based on Buddhist thought, history and doctrine. Even though I may take a critical view at times, I sincerely hope that my words will be not only truthful, but also respectful.

In regards to the Soka Gakkai's 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. They are very sincere in this. Also they study very much, this is also a very positive point. 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 teachings of Nichiren Shonin during this lifetime.

However, even though they put an extreme amount of effort to promote peace and culture, strangely enough this organization seems to have a very low tolerance level towards other religions, and especially towards other Buddhists from schools other than their own particular group. As you know, today their current biggest enemies are the priests and believers of their own ex-mother organization of Nichiren Shoshu and their ex-Head Temple, Taisekiji, with whom they had a falling out. In fact, they have been in a virtual war with each other for nearly 12 years, since 1990. This alone, to me speaks volumes of who they really are and what they actually believe. It is a stark contrast to the very compassionate teachings of the Lord Buddha. Even though Nichiren Shonin who lived during the Medieval times in Japan was a very strict man living in extremely turbulent times, he himself was filled with great tolerance and immense compassion.

(By Rev. Shoryo Tarabini of Nichiren Shu London Temple)

supa_naga SG

A response to questions from Soka Gakkai practitioners regarding the similarities and differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (Part 2)

The Lord Buddha Sakyamuni taught us to have the same compassion for others, whether they are Buddhist or not. He also encouraged us to have the desire to reach out and save others, thinking not solely of our own selves and our own well being. That is the spirit of the Bodhisattva, for which I am sure you are very aware. The Bodhisattva's vow is to strive for enlightenment, the Way of the Buddha, while at the same time trying to save others and help all those around him to be free from suffering. This is the very heart of Buddhist faith, practice and philosophy. If we do not have this fundamental spirit deeply planted within our hearts, faith and understanding of Buddhism, the teachings we claim to observe are not truly Buddhism.

In the Lotus Sutra, Sakyamuni Buddha specifically taught in Chapter 2 that contrary to his previous teachings, that in reality people from the two vehicles of Shomon and Engaku (in Gakkai terms... people from the worlds of listening and absorption, but in traditional Buddhism, they are people who have directly heard the voice of the Buddha and the Pratyekabuddhas - people who have come to a form of enlightenment or understanding on their own accord) could not attain perfect enlightenment. However, in chapter 2 the Hoben Chapter, Sakyamuni states that all people can attain Buddhahood and the portal or door towards that enlightenment is through nothing other than faith. In later chapters he gives examples using parables as easy-to-understand illustrative examples of this doctrine. For example, he compares the compassion of the Buddha in Chapter 5 to the clouds which rain equally on all - whether they are large, medium or small trees, or merely bushes or even grasses. Everything and everyone equally receives the great compassion of the Buddha, everyone can attain enlightenment, just as the rain falls equally on everyone - that is the true compassion and desire or hope of the Buddha for all beings.

To show you a further example of the Buddha's great compassion even when confronted by people who despised and hated him, who even attempted to destroy his work and kill him, we need only look to chapter 12 - the Devadatta chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Here, Sakyamuni Buddha predicts that Devadatta will without a doubt, become a Buddha. In chapter 2, there were five hundred arrogant monks who walked out and then turned their backs on Sakyamuni Buddha, but the Buddha taught that they too would become Buddhas. This is the spirit of the Buddha and all his teachings, and it is the very heart and guiding force of the Lotus Sutra. This same compassion is what Nichiren Shonin embraced and encourages us all to embrace. If we say we believe, study and practice the Lotus Sutra, then having a war for 12 years with priests and believers of your own original school, not to mention having ill will towards other Buddhists or religious groups who do not belong to the your personal faction or mode of belief, then we can not truly say we have the same spirit as the Buddha. It is also highly anti-social and destructive. Something our world today cannot afford.

This is a little more extreme, but I'll give you another example -- the great Buddhas of Bamiyan. These statues are estimated to have been carved into rock between the fourth and fifth centuries A.D. and are located in the Bamiyan area, 230km northwest of Kabul in Afghanistan. When I was visiting Mumbai, India last year, I heard that the Taliban threatened to blow them up. I was shocked and amazed that they could even consider doing such a horrible thing. After I left India, they did indeed keep their promise and destroyed the images of the Buddha, which had stood there for many centuries. I was angry, as were many others upon hearing the sad news. However, I also knew deep within my heart, and even though we did not know that much about the Taliban at that time, I told my congregations in both Japan and Italy, "Please watch... the Taliban now will fall because of their terrible deed. This is the beginning of the end for them." In fact, now looking upon the events of the past year, since they destroyed the sacred images of the Buddha, they did indeed fall. However, when they blew up the statues, I also told the believers in my congregation Do not hate these Taliban people. They will fall; they will now meet their end - due to their own actions and nothing else. Especially because the oppression and other things they did to their own people was much worse than the destruction of the statues of the Buddhas. However, in destroying these sacred statues that have stood and watched ove the people of Afghanistan for centuries, we must also profoundly realize that like Devadatta who tried to murder the Buddha 3,000 years ago, the Taliban people who committed this horrendous act have formed a very profound and strong bond with the very Buddha they tried to destroy. Mind you, the bond is a negative one, but a firm bond with the Buddha nonetheless. And, consequently, even though they may fall into hell, they will eventually be saved, freed from suffering and someday become Buddhas themselves. This is the great compassion of the Buddha taught in the Lotus Sutra - to save even those who, wish ill of us, or even attempt to harm or destroy us."

supa_naga SG

A response to questions from Soka Gakkai practitioners regarding the similarities and differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (Part 3)

There is no hatred in Buddhism, nor are their any doctrines or traditions teaching others to despise others. In Buddhism, there exists only a profound desire to eliminate suffering from all beings and lead them all to the true happiness of Buddhahood. Even demons have been converted to Buddhist faith and are transformed into sacred protective deities. An example of this are the demons such as Kishimonjin and Jurasetsunyo are on your Mandala Gohonzon.

The most important thing is to dedicate oneself to pure faith and never to loose one's humility, compassion and respect towards others. In speaking ill of others and dwelling solely on the past, there is no growth. Only through sincere faith coupled with dedicated study and Buddhist practice can growth be accomplished. This is living as a Buddhist. This is also living with dignity.

I will now explain some fundamental similarities and differences between 1) Nichiren Shu (and most other basic Nichiren Schools), 2) Nichiren Shoshu and 3) the Soka Gakkai. In just one simple e-mail, however, I cannot possibly explain all the similarities and differences. I must point however, that they are all believers of the Lotus Sutra, recite this sutra and chant the Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. Furthermore, all read the sacred writings of Nichiren Shonin (called Gosho or Goibun). Within Nichiren Buddhism, there are a number of lineages and schools which have derived from the original temples established by the six senior most or principle disciples of Nichiren Shonin.

In Nichiren Buddhism, there are 2 basic divisions - the "Itchi" and "Shoretsu" lineages. From here, other sub-divisions and movements grew and developed, such as the Happon-ha (Eight Volumes lineage), the Fuju Fuse (Don't receive from nor give alms to non believers lineage) and others. However, I won't discuss those schools or movements now.

In brief, the "Itchi" lineage read, study and recite (chant) the entire Lotus Sutra, with special emphasis placed on the significance of the 2nd and 16th chapters. However, all chapters are considered valid, and therefore all are regularly recited and thoroughly studied. In the case of the "Shoretsu" lineage, however, they place credence solely in the 2nd and 16h chapters. They recite only and study primarily these chapters.

Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai are extremely similar, because their origins are the same- their basis of faith and practice are founded on the way of observing Nichiren Buddhist faith as established by Taisekiji which up until recently was the Head Temple of both groups. Both Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (also know as the SGI) are derived from the Shoretsu lineage.

supa_naga SG

A response to questions from Soka Gakkai practitioners regarding the similarities and differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (Part 4)

Between the various Shoretsu schools, however, there is a further division. Taisekiji and consequently the whole of Nichiren Shoshu are derived from the lineage of one of Nichiren Daishonin's major disciples, Nikko Shonin. The original group of Nikko derived schools and temples (called the "Fuji Monryu" or Fuji lineage), however, is much larger. Not all these temples are part of Nichiren Shoshu. Some are part of Nichiren Shu, some are part of other schools, and some are today independent temples.

The Nikko temples, which are either connected or derived from Taisekiji temple, namely Nichiren Shoshu, Shoshin Kai, Kensho Kai and the Soka Gakkai all believe that Sakyamuni Buddha is merely an historical figure in the overall spectrum of Buddhism. They do not truly revere him as the original teacher or master of Buddhism. The only True or Original Buddha for this lineage is Nichiren Daishonin. Therefore, as a result, for this lineage Nichiren Daishonin's writings become even more important than the Lotus Sutra itself. This derivation in tradition is quite problematic. Although no one denies the great respect and veneration due Nichiren Daishonin, the near elimination of the Buddha goes directly against what Nichiren Daishonin preached. Nichiren Daishonin risked his entire life to bring the Buddhist world of Kamakura Japan back to orthodoxy. He was especially critical of the Pure Land doctrines, because they had abandoned Sakyamuni Buddha and replaced him with Amida Buddha as the Buddha of veneration. Nichiren spent his entire life trying to encourage the Buddhist schools and people of Japan of his era to return to basics - to return to faith in the Buddha Sakyamuni and his ultimate teaching of the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, replacing the Buddha Sakyamuni with Nichiren Daishonin goes directly against what the Daishonin spent his entire life trying to do, risking numerous persecutions, exile, starvation and countless attempts on his life.

In Nichiren Shu, the Lotus Sutra is central to faith, practice and study. However, the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin are also highly revered and thoroughly read and studied too. The writings of Nichiren Daishonin, called Goibun or Gosho, teach us how to approach and maintain faith. They also continually guide us back to the prime point of our Buddhist faith and practice the Eternal Buddha Sakyamuni and the heart of his teachings and his enlightenment the Lotus Sutra.

This particular train of thought of Nichiren Daishonin taking precedence over the Original Buddha, Sakyamuni, was initially brought to Taisekiji in the 1400s under its Ninth High Priest Nichiu Shonin (1409-1482) but further made into a truly central part of doctrine and a tradition of Taisekiji by their 26th High Priest, Nichikan Shonin (1665-1726), centuries later. The origins of this line of thought, however, began at a temple (now independent) near Taisekiji called Nishiyama Honmonji temple founded by one of Nikko Shonin's disciples, Nichidai Shonin (1294-1394). However, this unique way of thought, which differs greatly from the traditional lineages of the Nikko or other Nichiren schools, was adopted primarily by Taisekiji.

supa_naga SG

A response to questions from Soka Gakkai practitioners regarding the similarities and differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (Part 5)

When Taisekiji adopted this tradition, it began to cause friction between itself and other Nikko temples. The other Nikko temples felt that Taisekiji was straying and starting to create its own form of Nichiren Buddhism that had never been taught either by Nikko Shonin or by Nichiren Shonin. This new Taisekiji trend was followed with an insistence on exclusiveness, saying that only their temple maintained the validity of Nichiren Shonin's teachings. Not such an uncommon thing amongst the various Nichiren temples. Many competed with each other out a sense of rivalry to insist they had the best temple, facilities and teachings. However, in the case of Taisekiji, this competitiveness further developed into a new doctrine of "kechimyaku" or the lifeblood of faith. This new doctrine insisted that only Taisekiji and its successive High Priests had inherited the true teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. All temples that did not align themselves with Taisekiji would be branded heretics. To further convince others that their claims were true, they created two new writings of Nichiren Daishonin which had never been recorded either by Nikko Shonin or Nichiro Shonin (two of the master's six major disciples) nor by Nichijo Shonin (who had been Toki Jonin, but received the precepts and became a priest) who collected, documented, catalogued and stored as many of Nichiren Daishonin's writings as he could. These two "new" writings called the Minobu and Ikegami Transfer Documents directly contradicted Nichiren Shonin's directive which appointed six major disciples (Nissho, Nichiro, Nikko, Niko, Nitcho and Nichiji) and final wishes his disciples to collaborate together and equally share the responsibility of maintaining Nichiren Buddhism and propagating the master's teachings.

This finally culminated in Taisekiji's creation of the "Daigohonzon" from which Taisekiji claimed all other Mandala Gohonzon (the object of veneration and worship in Mandala form created by Nichiren Daishonin) gained their power and validity. According to this new doctrine, even a Mandala Gohonzon written by Nichiren Daishonin himself, if it was not in possession by Taisekiji or a temple directly affiliated with Taisekiji, did not hold the life of the Buddha and could not be considered valid. Furthermore, this new variation in doctrine insists that only through a temple, priest, or Gohonzon directly linked to Taisekiji could a person reach salvation. Although the Daigohonzon in itself is a valid Mandala Gohonzon, this concept of a super Gohonzon that empowers all the others blatantly contradicted Nichiren Shonin's teachings and consequently, created a great feeling of mistrust with other Nikko temples. This lead up to a rift and finally a division between Taisekiji and other temples of the Fuji lineage. Even between Taisekiji and other schools or groups derived from the Taisekiji lineage, this Daigohonzon has been a hotly debated issue. In further appears that recently some circles within Taisekiji itself may be researching and questioning this subject. Because of your letter, I began reading a number of Soka Gakkai publications and internet sebsites. I came accross the Kawabe Memo written by a Nichiren Shoshu priest as a memoradum of a conversation between himself and Taisekiji's present 67th High Priest, Nikken Shonin. Although no one in Taisekiji, Soka Gakkai or even other Nichiren schools for that mattter, distrust the validity of this Mandala Gohonzon as such - a Mandala Gohonzon, this particular memorandum calls into question the authenticity of the Daigohonzon in terms of being a Mandala Gohonzon genuinely inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin. In fact, Taisekiji's Daigohonzon is carved in wood which is something Nichiren Daishonin never did. All of his Mandala Gohonzons were drawn with brush and ink on paper.

supa_naga SG

A response to questions from Soka Gakkai practitioners regarding the similarities and differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (Part 6)

Nikko Shonin founded Taisekiji, but stayed there only briefly, leaving it in charge to one of his most trusted disciples, Nichimoku Shonin. Nikko Shonin then established nearby another temple and Buddhist seminary, called the Omosu Danjo (today it is called Kitayama Honmonji temple, -not- to be confused with the similar sounding Nishiyama Honmonji temple). The original Nikko school or Fuji lineage (before the Taisekiji break in tradition) was comprised of the main or head temples of: Taisekiji, Kitayama Honmonji, Shimojo Myorenji, Koizumi Kuonji (originally the

Renzobo temple within the Taisekiji compound), Nishiyama Honmonji, Hota Myohonji and Izu Jitsujoji temples. There are may other Nikko or Fuji Monryu temples, these are just the eight major ones that were originally all affiliated with each other. Today, these main temples of the Fuji Lineage are affiliated in the following manner:

Taisekiji - the Head temple of Nichiren Shoshu (from this temple were derived: the Shoshinkai, Myoshinko, Kenshokai, Soka Gakkai and SGI)
Kitayama Honmonji - Nichiren Shu
Koizumi Kuonji - Nichiren Shu
Hota Myohonji - Independent temple
Shimojo Myorenji - Nichiren Shoshu
Nishiyama Honmonji - the Head Temple of Honmon Shoshu
Kyoto Yoboji - the Head Temple of Nichiren Honshu
Izu Jitsujoji - Nichiren Shu

Interestingly, even though the Taisekiji line of schools and groups believe Nichiren Daishonin to be the True Buddha, Nikko Shonin considered Sakyamuni Buddha to be the Tathagata and Original Master of Buddhism, and Nichiren Daishonin as a Great Bodhisattva, leader of all the Jiyu no Bosatsu, or the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. However, after Taisekiji adopted its own unique stance with the elimination of Sakyamuni Buddha from the centre of Buddhism, the creation of the Daigohonzon and its new concept of kechimyaku (as the only true orthodox lineage and affiliation) flowing solely through Taisekiji, their stance became much more staunch and narrow-minded, and no longer permitted the feeling of a Nichiren brotherhood of believers which had previously existed. Under their 54th High Priest, Nichiin Shonin, Taisekiji broke away from the other Nikko temples and formed for the first time in 1912, a new and fully independent school called Nichiren Shoshu. The remaining Nichiren Buddhist lineages, however, continued in maintaining a feeling of brotherhood, even though their individual philosophical concepts and style of religious observance slightly differed.

Schools and groups derived from Taisekiji and Nichiren Shoshu also maintain as doctrine, the same feeling of exclusivity. In other words, each one of these groups believes that only -they- possess the true orthodox teachings of Nikko Shonin and Nichiren Daishonin. They even sometimes go as far as saying that the other Nichiren or even Taisekiji derived schools are heretics. One must point out that this is again, a very interesting phenomenon. During the 1500s in Kyoto, there were a total of 22 Head Temples (and of course a myriad of branch and other temples) from the various Nichiren lineages. Nichiren Buddhism came under attack by outlying temples from other schools due to their zealousness and success in propagation. These other temples declared war on Nichiren Buddhism and wished to eliminate it from Kyoto. In fact, at the time, propagation of Nichiren Buddhism had reached a great height. Almost the entire city had converted to Nichiren Buddhism, was reciting the Lotus Sutra and chanting the Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. When the armed warrior priests (from Mt. Hiei and other schools) entered Kyoto, they burned down many temples and killed thousands upon thousands of Nichiren clergy and believers. Consequently, all the Nichiren schools (including what constitutes today's Nichiren Shu, Honmon Shu, Nichiren Shoshu, Kempon Hokke Shu, etc..) banded together to protect and support each other. Consequently all of these different Nichiren schools and lineages strengthened their bonds as a Nichiren brotherhood. This spirit has lasted for centuries. Even though each lineage will protect their own particular school's traditions, heritage, and at times independence as a separate school, the overall feeling of a Nichiren brotherhood still remains. After all, we all embrace faith in the Lotus Sutra, and we all chant the Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo while following the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. Furthermore, until only very recently all Nichiren priests (regardless of the school, even the Taisekiji priests) studied at Rissho University, which was founded and is owned by Nichiren Shu. Rissho University is currently considered the largest centre in Japan, if not the world, for the study and research of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Buddhism. A few years ago, before its split with the Soka Gakkai, Taisekiji formed its own university in Tokyo for its priests called Nichiren Shoshu University and so its priests no longer attend Rissho University. The Soka Gakkai also founded its own Soka University many years prior.

supa_naga SG

A response to questions from Soka Gakkai practitioners regarding the similarities and differences among Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai (Part 7)

Finally, let's look at The Three Treasures of Buddhism, the fundamental basis in the observance of Buddhist faith, understanding and outlook in all Buddhist schools and traditions, regardless of country of origin:

The Three Treasures of Buddhism:
1) the Buddha,
2) the Dharma (the law or doctrine followed by the school), and
3) the Sangha (the priests, nuns and followers of the Buddhist community).
These three basic elements are observed by all Buddhist schools and traditions in all countries, but can vary according to the school or lineage. Now, let's look at how they differ between Nichiren Shu and two of the Shoretsu schools of Nichiren Shoshu and the newer religion of the Soka Gakkai.

Nichiren Shu:
1) Buddha: The Eternal Buddha Sakyamuni
2) Dharma: The Lotus Sutra, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
3) Sangha: Nichiren Shonin (leading all the priests, nuns and believers)

Nichiren Shoshu:
1) Buddha: Nichiren Daishonin
2) Dharma: The Lotus Sutra, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
3) Sangha: Nikko Shonin and successive High Priests of Taisekiji Temple.

Soka Gakkai (2 types):
(A) Official doctrine in theory:
1) Buddha: Nichiren Daishonin
2) Dharma: The Lotus Sutra, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
3) Sangha: Nikko Shonin
(B) The reality that is observed and practiced:
1) Buddha: President Ikeda
2) Dharma: The teachings and writings of the President and of the Soka Gakkai
3) Sangha: The organization of the Soka Gakkai and all its members.
The above can be divided into 2 divisions - 1) the General ("So" in Japanese Buddhist terminology) and 2) the Specific ("Betsu" ) application of that doctrine. In the case of the Soka Gakkai, I have divided this into A and B, A being the General with B being the Specific applications.

As a consequence of this application of the Three Treasures of Buddhism into the actual observance of religious faith, Nichiren Shu (as is the case with most Nichiren Schools other than the Taisekiji derived lineages) recites the entire Lotus Sutra, studies the entire 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra, the other basic tenets of Buddhist thought preached by Sakyamuni Buddha and taught also by the Great Master of the Dharma, T'ien T'ai of China, and all of Nichiren Shonin's writings. Nichiren Shoshu concentrates its recitation of the Lotus Sutra to solely the 2nd and 16th chapters. It studies mainly these chapters, but also other areas as well, plus the teachings of T'ien T'ai, but its primary import in the area of religious study is the Goibun (also referred to as Gosho) or writings of Nichiren Shonin. In the case of the Soka Gakkai, their area of recitation of the sutra is identical to Nichiren Shoshu, and they do study somewhat the Lotus Sutra, T'ien T'ai doctrine and Nichiren Shonin's writings, but its primary import in the area of religious study is placed on the writings of its 3rd and Honourary President Ikeda and other articles produced by the Soka Gakkai Study Dept.

I sincerely hope that this general background of Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai will serve you. I hope through this poor explanation, you can see how the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu way of observing Buddhism came into being and how it differs or is similar with the rest of the schools of Nichiren Buddhism.

What is most important is to practice our faith and study as the Buddha Sakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin taught us, so that we can grow, truly understand Buddhism, practice and live it just like the Buddha and Nichiren Shonin did; and so that we and all those around us can be freed from suffering, become satisfied with life, become happy, and attain perfect enlightenment just as the Buddha.

It is not necessary to harbour ill feelings towards the Soka Gakkai, nor towards anyone else for that matter. Maybe everything they taught you was not entirely correct, but their help has nourished you up until today. Maybe they have strayed from the main path of Buddhism. But they did introduce you to Nichiren Shonin's teachings and the Lotus Sutra. They opened a door for you. They have also created some doubts or profound questions in your life about Buddhism. For all of this, you should be grateful.

If you are having some doubts about the Soka Gakkai or question its validity for your own Buddhist faith, I suggest you return to basics... think about why did you originally take faith? What were your original expectations for Buddhism? Examine the facts of history and doctrine. Ask yourself, What are true and correct teachings? What accurately corresponds to history and Nichiren Shonin's own documented writings? Has what I have been believing and practicing, has it really been Buddhism? What was the Buddha's real intention and spirit? If Nichiren Shonin were to come back today, what would he say? Would he be happy at what he sees? How do Sakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Shonin really want us to observe our faith and practice? How should a Buddhist live? Who can truly teach me real Buddhism? These are all issues you may have to take a serious look at. I think we can begin to accurately understand these issues simply by sincerely reciting the sutra and chanting the Odaimoku, together with reading the Masters' living words - through the words of each of the 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Shonin's writings. Each chapter of the Sutra and each of Nichiren Shonin's writings has a message to covey to you, something to teach you, something to help you grow. Don't interpret or alter anything, saying, "this phrase is written in this way, but it really means this... Just open your hearts, read the words and try to understand what is written there. Let the Buddha Sakyamuni and Nichiren Shonin communicate their message to you. In chapter 15, Bodhisattvas from Underground, Sakyamuni Buddha stated in prose form:

Arouse your power of faith,
And do good patiently!
You will be able to hear the Dharma
That you never heard before.

Now I will relieve you.
Do not doubt me. Do not be afraid!
I do not tell a lie,
My wisdom is immeasurable.
The highest dharma that I attained
Is profound and difficult to understand.
Now I will expound it.
Listen to me with all your hearts.

Chant the Odaimoku to understand and become closer to the Buddha and Nichiren Shonin. You will discover a whole new world and a great joy ... the world of the Buddha awaits you. Please become a true Bodhisattva and earnestly search the road for Buddhahood. Take the courageous step to deepen your faith of many years, and permit the Buddha to step back into your life. If you genuinely wish to meet the Buddha and experience his life and enlightenment, you can. It all starts from the heart and from your own sincere faith - one step at a time. It is just as the phrase from the Juryo (16th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra that reads, Earnestly wishing to encounter the Buddha, they did not begrudge their lives. Not begrudge one's life means to not hold back.

As a priest, I am here to help you in any way I can, just as are all the other Nichiren Shu priests throughout the world. We want to help you to experience faith, grow and be happy. We want you to truly experience Buddhism. I will close with my hands folded in prayer form (Gassho) towards you, in profound respect. I bow and pray to the Buddha inside you.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Rev. Shoryo Tarabini

paperflower SG

we do not take refuge in ordinary beings like what... the president their regulations & political activities when comes to religious practice!

we take refuge in the triple gem - buddha, dharma & sangha. this has to be reminded again & again why because people still make the same ignorant mistakes over & over again!

promoting peace & harmony yet slandering what the buddha taught is a shrewd way of getting ppl to take refuge & believe in them & not the triple gem. & to use a fiery ''preacher'' to ''threaten'' those who do not follow will go to hell, then I would say those ''preacher'' are the ones going to hell!

no where in the proper buddhist traditions we are guided to be violent & to slander each other tradition. never! this goes to show that it is people create out of wrong path & cultivation - zou3 huo3 lu4 muo2.

AE86tofu SG

that i agree...they are used 2 be called "nikken sect" but now since their high priest stepped down diff story liao....they are in this for the $$$...which is sad

supa_naga SG

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) [http://www.jbf.ne.jp/m_membersList.html] nor are a member of the Federation of New Religions in Japan [http://www.shinshuren.or.jp/kyoudan.html] .

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 concept alot as Josei Toda (2nd President) had quoted before that 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 [See http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-02.html] .

Actually, both Shoshu & Soka have in fact deviated from the mainstream; whereas Nichiren Shu is in the mainstream & also one of the member organisation for Nichiren school in the Japan Buddhist Federation.

What I meant is that the President of SGI, Ikeda, who has virtually 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.

Btw, the term "Nikken sect" seems to be invented by SGI in their conflict with Nichiren Shoshu which still continues (though Nikken has stepped down) due to Soka not recognising new "High Priest" also. Anyway, this is just a political conflict between 2 pesudo-Buddhist cults that spreads "Nichirenism". Unfortunately, Nichiren Shu has been dragged into it even though they are not involved due to misunderstandings caused by similarities in their names.

Thus, I sincerely hope that SSA members & sympathisers such as AE86tofu,
Spirit of Fire, chunyong & dork3d (with his dad) could give yourselves a chance to open up your minds & see for yourselves what Nichiren Buddhism really is by visiting Nichiren Shu temple in Singapore (Lotus Sutra Buddhist Association) on Fri evenings & Sun mornings for their activities.
Address : 9 Lor 29 Geylang #07-01

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
Praise the Lord. Buddha is the Only Way.

Yours in Gassho & Lord Buddha's Grace,
Supa Naga

bohiruci SG

I would like to point out there are some thing that we shouldnt forgot at the dark era after the death of Nichiren ,that a huge bloody war was started by Nichiren on the Jodo Shinshu sect and other sect.

Buddhist religion have become outrageous when so many deaths in that era

I mention this not to condemn the past or Nichiren , but I hope the future of Buddhism in Japan must be willing to repent it bloody past and blossom in the correct path of Bodhi .

I think Sanath can provide more input on the dark past of Buddhist religion in Japan in the past bah Cool

earthling82 SG

Yes. The bloody past of Japan's religion ought to be look upon as a lesson to avoid future mistakes.

I like to point out that Tibet used to be a roughed country and the country frequently invaded neighbouring states, incld China. But under Buddhist influences, it gradually shed its culture of aggresiveness and took on a religious path.

neutral_onliner SG

Yo supa_naga,

Buddhism is not just abt understanding but Realisation.Just becos ordinary beings who manage to study the whole sutra they wanted to claim tat they hav becone buddhas?Stealing Lord Sakyamuni Buddha teaching and claim to be a founder?Yo..yo..yo got pay copyright or not???

i agree wf paperflower(which all TRUE buddhists do)

we do not take refuge in ordinary beings like what... the president their regulations & political activities when comes to religious practice!

we take refuge in the triple gem - buddha, dharma & sangha. this has to be reminded again & again why because people still make the same ignorant mistakes over & over again!

promoting peace & harmony yet slandering what the buddha taught is a shrewd way of getting ppl to take refuge & believe in them & not the triple gem. & to use a fiery ''preacher'' to ''threaten'' those who do not follow will go to hell, then I would say those ''preacher'' are the ones going to hell!

no where in the proper buddhist traditions we are guided to be violent & to slander each other tradition. never! this goes to show that it is people create out of wrong path & cultivation - zou3 huo3 lu4 muo2.

An Eternal Now SG

neutral_onliner, Nichiren Shu, unlike Shoshu and SGI recognises Shakyamuni Buddha.

bohiruci SG

to be frank i went to the buddhist association when it is first formed in 1997 bah Smile

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