"Ways to evaluate a group's
control over personal freedom"[From Chapter Four of Combating Cult Mind
Control (Park Street Press, 1990) by Steven Hassan]
Problematic SGI & Nichiren Shoshu
Link Page for members who want to know the truth!Links on Nichiren Shoshu i.e. Soka Gakkai problematic Doctrine's also listed below
Destructive mind control can be understood in terms of four basic components, which form the acronym BITE:CULT INFORMATION
AWARENESS
I. Behavior Control II. Information Control III. Thought Control IV. Emotional Control.
These four components are guidelines. Not all groups do every aspect or do them extremely. What matters most is the overall impact on a person's free will and ability to make real choices. A person's uniqueness, talents, skills, creativity, and free will should be encouraged, not suppressed.
Destructive mind control seeks to "make people over" in the image of the cult leader. This process has been described as "cloning". This "cult identity "is the result of a systematic process to dissociate a person from his or her previous identity including important beliefs and values as well as significant relationships. The result is the creation of a dual identity, what I refer to "John-John" and "John cult-member". Is the organization open or closed? are there organizational secrets? Are there "in-groups and "out" groups? Are there restricted teachings for initiates only?
Are there secret texts and publications "for your eyes only? Is there real financial accountability? If a group says that you can look at its accounting records, does it actually provide access? The only way to know is to ask to see the records. If you are afraid to ask, what does this say about the atmosphere of the group? What structural checks and balances exist within the organization to prevent abuse of power? Are there divisive sectarian biases, even in the name of interdenominational ecumenicism and universality? Is there an independent "ethics" committee to challenge and change policies of the group?
If there are abuses or injustices, what structure exists to correct them? Can anyone legitimately question the actions of the leader without threat of emotional withdraw or
fear of expulsion to "hell"? Do the rich and powerful get preferential treatment? Are "indulgences" (spiritual pardons) sold? Is there a "Sicilian" code of
silence against unethical behavior of leaders?I. Behavior Control 1. Regulation of individual's physical reality. Where, how and with whom the member lives and associates with b. What clothes, colors, hairstyles the person wears. What food the person eats, drinks, adopts, and rejects. How much sleep the person is able to have. Financial dependence. Little or no time spent on leisure, entertainment, vacations.
2. Major time commitment required for indoctrination sessions and group rituals 3. Need to ask permission for major decisions 4. Need to report thoughts, feelings and activities to superiors 5. Rewards and punishments (behavior modification techniques- positive and negative). 5. Individualism discouraged; group think prevails 6. Rigid rules and regulations.
7. Need for obedience and dependency II. Information Control 1. Use of deception a. Deliberately holding back information b. Distorting information to make it acceptable. Outright lying
THE FOLLOWING LINKS WERE PUBLISHED BY
DISGRUNTLED NICHIREN SHOSHU AND SGI MEMBERSThe Truth About the Soka Gakkai International-
SGI-USA Information Many Links-Go Here First!THE DARK SIDE OF SOKA
GAKKAI INTERNATIONALAum Shinri Kyo feared & Japan Fears Another
Religious Sect the SGI (San Francisco Chonicle)General Manuel Noriega received funds to operate
his drug trafficking business from Ikeda and Soka Gakkai.
*Cult InformAtion Resources
Cult Operated Web Sites!
Lets recap the problematic doctrines:
"The Eternal Life of Shakyamuni Chapter 17, pg. 263, (Three Fold) "Yet any good son or daughter Who, hearing me declare my [eternal] life, believes it with but a single thought this ones reward surpasses his. If anyone be entirely free from all doubts and misgivings And in his deepest heart believes it but a moment, Such shall be his reward. If there be bodhisattvas Who have followed [good] ways for innumerable kalpas And hear of my announcement of my [eternal] life, they will be able to receive it in faith. It further states
in this chapter "This mans merit will be infinite and boundless and able to bring forth perfect knowledge." Since it is still the Later Day of the Law I hope people in the SGI/Nichren shoshu will read for themselves and read the Lotus Sutra. To take out the Lotus Sutra and the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, is to take out any possibility of attaining enlightenment in this lifetime. The correct teaching of the Buddha is the concept of "Kuon-Jitsujo" - Attaining enlightenment from the life of the Buddha [ i.e. the Lotus Sutra] (from the Kaimoku-Sho). Our enlightenment is through the concept of "Kyogan Sojo" enlightenment from the Succession of the Scrolls of the Sutra, not from any special lifeblood transmission or succession of priests, leaders or any persons. You are the master of your own mind and enlightenment. The three treasures are as St. Nichiren states: The Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, The Law Namu-myorengekyo and the Samgha, the community of believers of Shakyamuni, including Nichiren.Below are links to the members web pages of SGI & Nichiren Shoshu. The on
going battle between these two factions, and the fact that they are still fighting
after 10 or more years is disgraceful , very disturbing, and a bad example of Nichiren's Buddhism. It is important to know that real Buddhism is not represented by the SGI or Nichiren Shoshu, and is far from what the Buddha, or Nichiren Daishonin taught. Hence, Nichiren Shoshu's theology is non-Buddhist doctrine. It is my desire to enlighten people to the fact that these groups do not understand or practice Buddhism as Nichiren or the Buddha taught. In fact, it really has absolutely nothing to do with the Lotus Sutra, or St. Nichiren's Buddhism; nor does it relate to what he wrote in his Gosho's (Letters). Nichiren taught the Buddhism of the Buddha, which teachings people not to follow leaders or some person! If you just read about cults (above) and how they control people you will discover that these groups in fact clearly use mind control tactics; my own experience is that they are cause for many problems in one's life; and according to the Buddha himself, their teachings are extremely slanderous towards Buddhism, and the Lotus Sutra.These groups activities and doctrines, are mixed with many forgeries and other philosophical mind-cult tactics, they go so far as to place their OWN writings before the Lotus Sutra. Their theology is more like scientology , Shingon or Zen than True Nichiren thought. These sects do NOT follow St. Nichiren's teachings, or do they practice to St. Nichiren's true intent; in fact they are doing what all of St. Nichiren's adversary did; they place other inferior teaching, such as, Ikeda's and Nikken's teachings (much like Honen did) before the Lotus sutra; it is a matter of public record that Nichiren Shoshu mixes many forged Goshos within their non-Buddhist theology and than place it before the Lotus Sutra. Proof of this lies within Nichiren's authentic text. Their actions, activities, and teachings are clear proof of the fact they do not follow the principles of Buddhism or even the principles of cause and effect; they only adopt Nichiren's name to try and legitimize their teachings.
They are really treating Nichiren as the Tathagata (Buddha) that is their intention this is what they teach. And what is truly sad is their converts do not know any better, most
of the SGI & Nichiren Shoshu members really have no idea about how these groups originated (the true doctrinal and historical history) or how they are being mislead by them; The Buddha said my wish is to make all equal to me. They do this for control only!
It is a great injustice and the worse kind of spiritual abuse because the INTENT to deceive is for personal gain; to purposely and intentional do this; it is so ABUSIVE, cruel and slanderous; however, as Nichiren makes so clear, it becomes the practitioner's responsibility to discern the truth, or it becomes their slander as well' you become part of the problem... I have seen them turn good people into cult leaders. In fact all their leaders are trained cult leaders and should be considered as such!Nichiren refer to himself as Bodhisattva Jogyo; the foremost votary of the Lotus Sutra in all of Japan. But they deny that he referred to himself as Bodhisattva Jogyo, even though it is written in his own hand, and clearly outlined in the Lotus Sutra and their own writings. Their theology just doesn't make full circle. You can't take the Buddha and his teachings out of Buddhism... No other Nichiren sect has such a peculiar view of Buddhism as Nichiren Shoshu & SGI...
I believe we must ask ourselves are we votaries of the Lotus Sutra and are we practicing Buddhism, or are you a votary of Ikeda, or Nikken a cult member? What would Nichiren tell you? The Sutra says "this Sutra is the most difficult to believe and most difficult understand." If you discard the Lotus Sutra, are you not going against what St. Nichiren persevered and endured great hardship for throughout his life. And isn't this what he tried to eliminate though out his life, false teachings that take control over peoples lives, and the lack of adherence to the Lotus Sutra? He teaches us that only through faith in the Lotus Sutra can we escape Samsara and reach (Ryōjusen) our Buddhahood... So why is it that the study department for SGI & Nichiren Shoshu, and their Priest proclaim that Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra are provisional, and completely alter the relationship between Shakyamuni Buddha & St. Nichiren. Shakyamuni Buddha is clearly the Eternal Buddha if you read the entire Lotus Sutra, "The THREEFOLD Lotus Sutra" (not Burton Watsons trans.), and read St. Nichiren's five major works, while paying attention to what Nichiren Shonin is really saying, it is impossible not to see the truth; unless you are completely brainwashed... It is written in black and white!
The claims of NS & the Soka Gakkai does not compute with St. Nichiren's doctrine. He declares all through his writings that the Lotus Sutra is foremost, and that Shakyamuni Buddha is the Original Eternal Buddha. Nichiren never calls himself the true Buddha. In fact, the phrase "True Buddha", or the term "Kuon Ganjo" is never mentioned in any of his writings (Only in the back grounds and glossaries MW. & Gosho Zenshu); however, this is typical of Nichiren Shoshu's non Nichiren theology... Their lineage and history is one of theological diversion, doctrine lacking in verifiable authenticity; including no proof of authenticity of so-called Dai Mandara (Dai-Gohonzon, which is never mention by St. Nichiren in any of his Goshos (letters))..
Nichiren Shoshu claims they have this special one of a kind main Dai-Gohonzon; and they have exploited it as much as possible, in fact, they have taken millions of dollars from the members to build the "SHOHONDO TEMPLE" i.e. their grand main hall (Now demolished) all because of this so-called Dai-Gohonzon, the one that was for peace for all mankind (note: The term Kosen-Rufu does not translate to the mean peace, it means simply spread the Hokekyo (lotus Sutra) far and wide). This last point alone completely demolishes their claims!
The fight over their temples and this so-called Dai-Gohonzon, has now lead to "hate" and "THE WAR" between the laity and priesthood (SGI vs Nichiren Shoshu members mostly fighting with each other), and these two groups arguing, fighting and law suits, will I am sure, span many years..... all on a lie! I was there for more than 20 years. I was indoctrinated at 17 , I was with Mr. William and Top leaders (Mr. Zaitsu) bla bla, and unfortunately became a leader myself, head quarters, chapter, soka all those non- Buddhist activities because I was going to do "Kosen-rufu" (NO MATTER WHAT). In retrospect, 7 years ago I realized that we never studied about the Buddha or Buddhism, it was mostly just about Ikeda, and campaigns to raise money, and there were always lots of meetings, and cash donations and trips that cost a bundle (almost every month for leaders); THEY KEEP YOU VERY BUSY. The strange thing is when I discovered the truth, after actually learning something about Buddhism, I discovered that these groups only use Buddhism as a front for personal profit, and to build their empires...
It is a fact that when Ikeda and Nikken split, it caused the members to split also and they have been fighting a very insidious religious war among themselves ever since. All while Ikeda & Nikken live lavish life styles; enjoying their extreme wealth. As Buddhism teaches, to seek wealth goes completely against what the Buddha taught and the way Nichiren Dai-Shonin lived.
"Nichiren Shoshu" claims that only through their life-blood or this special transmission from the pure lineage of their priesthood can one achieve enlightenment, only by joining their sect, and adopting faith in their theology which includes this so-called Dai-Gohonzon that has been proven by well known scholars in Japan to be a fake, and not from Nichiren's own hand. This again completely contradicts the Sutra and Nichiren....
There are articles about this so-called
"great mandara" in links belowSee link at top of page. SGI believed in this same theology, doctrine and Priesthood, true Buddha, transmission stuff, but now they have abandoned the Priesthood's claim to this special transmission, and in some places they are claiming their Ikeda as the living and true Buddha... The Nichiren Shoshu's lifeblood doctrine has also been proven to be forgeries by scholars, but they deny all scholars, excepting only their own self taught scholars (Their Priest); this is also widely practiced by the Soka Gakkai (SGI), so now only the NS claims this special lineage. The SGI has now adopted the value creation society in full bloom, this philosophy was established by their first president T. Makaguchi, and propagated by Toda and Ikeda.
The Buddha says in the Lotus Sutra, all Bodhisattva's enlightenment belongs to this Sutra, Buddhahood is achieved through faith in the Lotus Sutra not through persons or buildings. These lies or maybe in some cases just ignorance, is why they are now in a bitter battle among each other. It is cause and effect for distorting the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren teaches us in his five major works, that it is slanderous, to twist the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren said they will be "warped, twisted", those are his own words (Noppa). These groups by proof of their own actions, lack the wisdom of the Buddha, and the Lotus Sutra and the true orthodoxy of St. Nichiren's teachings; his authentic text.
When I look back- in retrospect, at my many years under their control, one thing is real clear, the NSA (SGI), was most definitely not teaching us about Buddha, the Sutras or Buddhism. And of course therefore, as hard as it is to admit, I sure was not practicing Buddhism; their practice consists of the idea that if you chant for material things, you will eventually obtain them. This is the opposite of Buddhism, plain and simple! They sell material fortune to the members, and as a matter of fact, the Organization is run more like a sales organization then a Buddhist community. Their members are never taught the true meaning of the "Myoho Renge Kyo"- (Lotus Sutra), it is the Sutra's very title! We have tried to explain to them this point, and that it is not a magical spell or incantation, nor is the Gohonzon a lucky charm or magical lantern. The Buddha taught non-attachment, which leads to Buddhahood. Thus, the sacred title of the Lotus Sutra is "Myoho renge kyo", and when we recite this title with faith in the Lotus Sutra, with this purpose, which will naturally lead a person to understand the purpose of Jigyo Keta (practice for oneself and for other beings), one will then become automatically endowed with the attributes of a Buddha, this is called the six paramitas (the Bodhisattva practice). This is the effect of practicing as Nichiren did, chanting the sacred title of the Lotus Sutra and upholding the teachings it contains. This is one of the most important points of faith!
This benefit "Concept" the Nichiren Shoshu
and SGI teaches is the opposite of Buddhism
The real merit or benefit is the endowment of the six paramita; entering the realm (world) of the eternal Buddha where all' Buddha's abide. Thus, it is the transfer of merit form the Eternal Buddha that is the greatest "benefit" that one seeking Buddhism can receive. The merit of achieving non-attachment in this saha world (Triple world), in this time of mappo, [IS] freedom. Not to be controlled by this worlds sallow pursuit of the super mundane. The Lotus Sutra teaches us that it is our earthly desires craving (tanha) that leads to suffering. In fact, Buddha teaches us that life is suffering. No one can escape lives inevitability's: life, sickness, death, and many others. The problem with the Nichiren shoshu and SGI lies in the complete dis-regard for the "Myoho renge kyo" (Lotus Sutra). In other words, they use its "TITLE" for an intent that distorts the real meaning, but the more insidious cause they are making is their members and especially their leaders, have become convinced (brainwashed) they are practicing the right teachings. They won't even begin to listen. Despite the fact that the writings they themselves have published, unequivocally and clearly, contradict what they preach! It seem so insane, I just cannot figure it out! When I was told the truth, I read for myself, the Lotus Sutra and all the "Five Major works" of Nichiren. What I discovered in about 30 days, is the Lotus Sutra is the good medicine. And what they had been teaching was a made up version of a teaching that is like a very strange mixed salad. Thus, the teachings of Buddhism must accord with the teaching of Buddha.
Nichiren Shoshu makes its own admittance to the lack of academic verity for the authenticity of the compiled Goshos Zenshu (letters in the cover of its text -- see front
page & preface of the Gosho Zenshu). Read for yourself, and keep in mind that the
Major writings (NSIC versions) were translated from the Gosho Zenshu, and so their are alteration in its true meaning and intent. For more Information please fell free to e-mail
us below.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Kemponhokke@usa.net
59th Priest. of Nichiren Shoshu 64th High Priest. of Nichiren Shoshu Chapter Three Lotus Sutra Ceremony in the Air Consecrating Shakyamuni Funeral Nikko Gisaku Dai-gohonzon Gohyaku Jintengo So-Called Dai-Gohonzon Jogyo Bodhisattva So-called pure Lineage of Nichiren Shoshu What about Master & Disciple relationship Nichiren Shoshu's Honzons Nichiren Quotes about the Buddha Shakyamuni SGI & Nichiren Shoshu SGI & Nichiren Shoshu in Conflict with the Buddha's Teachings Shakyamuni & Jogyo Letter to the Brothers Shakyamuni & Nichiren The Two so-called Transfer Documents True Entity Gosho The True Cause Gosho Yamanaka Kihachi After the Buddha's Death Nichiren is Bodhisattva Jogyo NST Priest Disputed Writings What about Master & Disciple relationship Nichiren Shoshu's Honzons Forgeries NST SGI & Nichiren Shoshu Gohonzons We find on SGI & Nichiren Shoshu Honzons Lets Go Back to St. Nichiren Nichigen is first to proclaim Nichiren as true buddha Nichiren Proclaims himself Messenger of the Buddha After St. Nichiren's Death About SGI & NST Honzons Ongi Kuden Let recap the so-called dai-gohonzon
Home Page