No, Certainly Not a Cult!

A cult is a group of people who...

• Give total and unquestioning loyalty to a leader as a living deity or prophet, and use deception and manipulation to recruit and keep members.

Just based on this point alone, Soka is not a cult. Soka members are free to ask questions, but they have no need to, since all answers can be found in Sensei’s guidances and in the Gosho. We encourage free, open dialogue on pertinent, approved topics. Soka does not lie except as an “expedient means,” but this is a manifestation of practical wisdom, not lying. We would never dream of going against Soka, because to do so would destroy our good fortune. People join our movement because they want world peace and nonviolence based on the true Buddhism of Soka, not to give legitimacy to a cult. Recruitment, or shakubuku, is the only way to change your karma and create a happy world. People who don't support Soka don't support real peace.

• Has a leader who is charismatic, holds a uniquely exalted position, and claims an exclusive relationship with God, truth, happiness, etc.

Again, Soka is clearly not a cult. Daisaku Ikeda is a world-respected scholar, poet, art collector, diplomat and newspaper publisher. His accomplishments are celebrated around the world, which accounts for his benevolent influence over other world leaders. This is enlightenment, not charisma. Ikeda Sensei is an ordinary person who is humble and lives simply when he is not staying in one of his multimillion-dollar mansions, riding in chauffeured limousines and wearing expensive suits. These luxuries are necessary because he is an important figure on the world stage and is one of the top-twenty richest people in Asia. His status is proof that Soka is the correct way to practice Buddhism and that he is a Buddha. Only Ikeda Sensei can lead the world toward happiness based on his example. It is hard work, not an exalted position.

A cult expects...

• Complete and total loyalty and obedience to the leader.

This is ridiculous! We do not "obey" Sensei. We recognize his superior wisdom as a teacher. He is like a strict father who loves us. We can criticize Sensei and disagree with him freely, but we soon see that we are incorrect. What we see in Ikeda Sensei is really just a mirror of our own mind, so if we are critical of Sensei, it is not because of him but because of our own arrogance.

• Complete and literal acceptance of the leader’s teachings.

Again, Sensei points out the true path of how to live a humane life. It is our free choice whether we will follow it or else fall into hellish suffering. Sensei's teachings are profound and people of shallow faith cannot accept them. If you are foolish and cannot accept the teachings of Soka, it is your loss, not Sensei's. Eventually you will become a Buddha, so we don't hate you. But wouldn't it be better to follow Sensei, who can lead you to enlightenment in this lifetime?

• Unquestioning devotion to the group and its leader.

Sensei always says that you must question and find out for yourself. You should follow his guidance and ask questions. Then you will see that he is right. He has more experience and understanding than we do, so it is only natural. Devotion to Sensei develops over time, gradually. It does not happen instantly as in cults. Sensei can see into your heart and is compassionate even if you cannot accept him.

Cults are...

• Unethical in their practices.

Soka must always be held to a higher standard of ethics than other groups because we represent the will of the people. Naturally, the people are not allowed to vote or voice their opinion within the official channels of Soka, but we understand the heart of the people, and that is what we represent. Voting and democracy are mere popularity contests. We are creating Buddhist Democracy. That is why we must challenge ourselves to make greater financial contributions to Soka, thus accumulating more fortune in our lives. It is rude to ask the Soka leaders how much money our organization has and where it goes. We must give our gifts freely and expect nothing in return. Sincere contributions are based on trust.

• Designed to advance the goal of the group’s leader, often to the detriment of its members.

Sensei's dream is our dream. What's good for Soka is good for us. Slanderers are threatened by this profound, harmonious bond known as the oneness of mentor and disciple.

• Dangerous because they separate people from their families, friends and other support networks. In this way, cults foster in their members feelings of complete dependency and sometimes isolation from outside influences.

Soka is a family that welcomes families. Some Soka members chant for decades to convince their spouses and children to join the family of Soka. We must not give up. We must continue to shakubuku our friends, co-workers and families. This is the way to happiness. Do not put too much pressure on others to join. Just keep chanting and they will come to see the true nobility of Soka and will join. In any event, our fellow comrades of Soka are our true friends and family. They will stick with us even when our other friends and family members abandon us. We depend on our faith, not on other people. We will throw slanderers out of our homes, and never betray Soka even if it means disobeying our own parents. This is the true meaning of filial piety.

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