Denver-area SGI-USA member Jan Tyler sent the following letter to the University of Denver last week regarding the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Exhibit. She gave me permission to post it here:
Mr. Leon Giles, President
University of Denver Faculty Senate
University of Denver
Denver, CO 80208
February 19, 2004
Dear University of Denver Faculty:
I am disappointed that DU is hosting the "Gandhi, King, Ikeda" exhibit, which was paid for and produced by Morehouse College in conjunction with Soka Gakkai International. The exhibit equates charismatic Japanese sect leader Daisaku Ikeda with Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
I have been a member of SGI and a student of Ikeda for more than 14 years, and I feel that this exhibit is dishonest and misleading.
For more than 40 years, Daisaku Ikeda has been the leader of Soka Gakkai, a multi-trillion-yen religious corporation that claims to promote the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism. Because of his inclusion in this exhibit, one might assume that Ikeda has distinguished himself as a peace activist, engaging in boycotts and sit-ins and being jailed for his principles as were both Gandhi and King. But Ikeda is a different kind of activist. He was jailed overnight in the 1960s on charges of electioneering related to the Komeito, a political party founded by Soka Gakkai. Ikeda was cleared of all charges and went on to build a religious empire. The New Komeito, a re-fashioning of the old Komeito, now holds a place in Japans ruling coalition.
Many in Japan view Ikeda as a kingmaker, a savior or a corrupter who wields enormous influence. A Los Angeles Times profile of Ikeda is available online:
http://www.buddhajones.com/SGI/LATimes1.html unavailable
Today, Ikeda wears tailored suits and rides in limousines. A few years ago, he opened Soka University of America, a liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, California, with a more-than-$300 million endowment, and fewer than 200 students. SUA was sued for religious discrimination and wrongful termination last year by former professor Linda Southwell. In the out-of-court settlement reached in that case, Southwell was restored to her faculty position, which she then promptly resigned. Sources say that SGI and Soka University paid $4.5 million to Southwell in the settlement.
I'm not suggesting that a religious leader needs to renounce wealth in order to be legitimate. But please consider: Ikeda's vast wealth is not used to further civil rights nor to provide for people in need. It is used to build and furnish multi-million-dollar mansions for Ikeda in the United States and to purchase the favor of those like you in academia.
The article "Millionaire in Harvard Square," about Ikeda's Harvard connection, spells out SGI's attempt to buy credibility in American academia.
http://www.worldtrans.org/CyberSangha/mckinsp96.htm dead link
While Gandhi and King both championed democracy, it is worth noting that in the religious corporation headed by Ikeda, members have no voting rights, no grievance procedure, and no way of ensuring that the leaders of their organization heed the voices of rank-and-file members. Dissent is discouraged and deemed "impertinent" in official organizational communications. And, although Ikeda has devoted some rhetoric in recent years to the status of women, women have no status in leadership of the SGI. The leadership in the United States is a puppet regime devoted to executing the commands of an elite group of mysterious, elderly Japanese men.
Recently, Ikedas name was enshrined in the SGIs Buddhist liturgy. Members are now instructed to "pray to repay my debt of gratitude" to Daisaku Ikeda who is identified in new prayer books printed by SGI as and "eternal model of selfless dedication to the propagation of the law." The level of adulation and idolization of Ikeda is very high in SGI, and the top leaders, including Ikeda, encourage it.
While Soka Gakkai International now owns several hundred-million-dollars worth of real estate in the U.S., and millions more worldwide, SGI-USA declines to disclose its finances even to members who ask for information about how much money the organization has, where the money comes from and how it is allocated. For example, the SGI recently sold beachfront property in Malibu, California for $14.5 million, yet leaders plead poverty when members inquire about finances. Top leaders tell members that precisely because the SGI-USA owns so many multi-million-dollar properties in the U.S., the organization is cash poor and needs more financial contributions from members to make ends meet.
Importantly, the exhibit apparently ignores the fact that Soka Gakkai and Ikeda champion a form of Buddhism taught by a medieval Japanese monk named Nichiren, whose teachings have never been famous for their emphasis on nonviolence. Quite the contrary, many of Nichirens early followers were warriors, and Nichiren taught that there are times when killing is unavoidable and even necessary -- a view abhorrent to those committed to nonviolence.
It is also significant to me that Ikeda does not write his own books. I can state this with confidence because I know one of his ghostwriters personally. Ikeda has a staff to crank out book after book, creating the impression that he is a prolific writer and scholar.
So I wonder why DU has chosen to host this misleading exhibit. I wonder, too, why so many colleges and universities have honored Ikeda in the past. Some speculate that these honors are issued in exchange for hefty donations and awards from SGI and Soka University, and have nothing to do with Ikedas accomplishments or scholarly merits. For instance, Alfred Balitzer, a professor at Claremont McKenna College publicly sang Ikedas praises to the Los Angeles Times (in the link cited above) and to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, vouching for Ikeda as a scholar and dismissing notions that Ikeda is the leader of a cult. What Dr. Balitzer did not mention was that he was paid by SGI -- in addition, he was later hired as Dean of Faculty at Soka University. Balitzer was dismissed from his position at Soka when the Southwell discrimination lawsuit came to light.
Why isn't DU taking a hard, critical look at Ikeda and SGI? I am extremely disappointed that DU did not vet Ikeda more carefully before agreeing to host this exhibit.
Respectfully,
Jan Tyler
[address deleted]
Denver, CO
[phone number deleted]
cc: Robert Coombe, Provost
Comments
Jans letter,
A pathetic plea of a clear jealousy.
Micha
Well, I am certainly uncomfortable with the GLK exhibit, but the way to critique it is not with exaggerations, distortions, and irrelevancies. I am astounded that Jan quotes that old article from Cybersangha, which I know first-hand to be full of half-truths and falsehoods. I am equally amazed that somehow the Southwell case gets stuck in here. The Southwell case is certainly an important issue for SUA, but it is also not at all an unusual sort of thing to find in a brand-new university, and what its relevance to the GKI exhibit might be is beyond my ken. I should add that I also dismiss the idea that PI is the leader of a cult, and I am certainly not paid a single dime by SGI. If it is a cult, it's a pretty ineffective one that allows people like me to stay in it.
It is certainly a legitimate question to raise: what have been PI's contributions to peace, and do they rate comparison to Gandhi's and King's? I have not seen the exhibit, so I do not know how this issue is addressed. Moreover, Jan's intemperate language and exaggerated charges, e.g., "puppet regime," certainly weaken the force of her argument. - Brian Holly
Hi Brian --
You say it's not unusual for a university to be sued for religious discrimination and be referred to as a cult in the complaint...and for the suit to have enough merit that it is settled for millions of dollars? Sounds pretty unusual to me.
I think the Southwell suit is relevant because the case underscores the fact that SUA and SGI are parts of the same entity, a corporation run by Daisaku Ikeda. Saying that SUA is irrelevant to Ikeda is like saying Microsoft is irrelevant to Bill Gates.
Whether one agrees with her or not, I'm glad that Jan had the guts to frankly state her concerns to the university. I know others who share her concerns but are afraid to speak out because they know how SGI attacks everyone it perceives to be an "enemy."
Take care,
Lisa J
Well, no, Lisa, I didn't say that. I do say that that kind of faculty dispute is par for the course with a new college or university. I know, I say close-up the first four years of the late, lamented Kirkland College.
And yes, that dispute is largely irrelevant to Ikeda, who, I'm sure, had no part in the decision. And the Gates is absurd. Ikeda has a full identity quite independent of SUA, which is just a small part of his resume. Gates has no identity independent of Microsoft.
I'm sorry you've become so rabidly anti-Gakkai, Lisa. It seems to have affected your sense of proportion, and it makes BuddhaJones less useful. It certainly means that you no longer listen to anything I say with a view to understanding what my point might be. Too bad. Ta-ta - Brian
Brian, I'm sorry that this has thrown you so off balance. Bill Gates has launched considerable philanthropic initiatives since Microsoft boomed, but I doubt we'll be seeing a Gandhi-King-Gates exhibit anytime soon.
SUA was sued for religious discrimination by people who called it a cult in court documents, and they ended up with a big chunk of SGI's money. Rail against this fact and call all criticism of Ikeda "rabidly anti-gakkai" if you need to, Brian. But maybe you should ask yourself: Why do you need to?
You said that SGI must be an ineffective cult to keep someone like you as a member. Hmm. I suggest you take another look at Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan.
All best,
Lisa J.
The GKI exhibit has been to my area several times. I even helped to set it up, then breaking it down at our public library and our local junior college. I was able to spend copius amounts of time studying it and people's reactions. The message book we had accompanying the exhibit was very telling. Except the mean spirited comments from Jesus freaks, the positive response was overwhelming.
I had no problem with the content. It seemed to me as if the exhibit was very well done. There was documentation about the influences of Gandhi, King, and PI. It seemed very tasteful to me.
After seeing it the second time, I thought of how blue collar I am compared to PI. Here's a guy who travels in the circle of the world's most influential people. Here's someone who it can be said is on par with the greatest of the great. Then I thought - these two other legends were assassinated - how do you compare a living person to two dead heros? It seemed to me odd that we would have the chutai brass balls to do that.
At first I thought, "All right." Then I was troubled. It would seem that Nelson Mandella or the Dalai Lama might be better selections than PI Why are we trying to deify PI? What are our motives?
This subject needs much more consideration. I don't really have a conclusion in my mind. What are we in the SGI trying to do by such comparions and putting PI in the prayer book? Why such brazen PR, shady business and financial secrecy? What if it turns up that the doubters are wrong and it's all good? What if it's worse than anyone suspected?
We should keep digging and admit when we are wrong. When we're right - that should be known as well.
Charles
In addition to the obvious absurdity of comparing a living, rich, comfortable guy, grown happily old now, and who has never walked a picket line or defied authority in his life with the likes of a Gandhi or a King, there's another important question to ask (for those who are able and willing to ask questions - don't worry about it Micha).
Why does Mr. Ikeda allow this kind of thing? Would you? Would any of us? What are we to think of a man who allows auditoriums, buildings, parks and community centers to be named after him, and who even presides at the dedication of some of those? Yeah, maybe an honor or two, but dozens and hundreds?
And are we to believe that Mr. Ikeda himself thinks that he is indeed comparable in stature and achievements with Gandhi and King?
What would be encouraging, in my view, would be for Mr. Ikeda to have sponsored a Gandhi-King-Makaguchi exhibit.
I dunno. Your mileage may vary, but this one struck me wrong when it first appeared about four years ago, and it still smells. I don't need to tie it in to Soka U. or Japanese politics or anything else, and Jan's point about the Denver U. folks (and all the others who have been duped into receiving this exhibit) not doing their homework is a good one.
Cheers!
Andy Hanlen
I also find Jan's letter to be "over the top"..it even implies that a believer in nonviolence ought not follow Nichiren...
I've been a critic of the Gakkai...but always with a sense of appreciation for the practice and the people who have worked so hard to spread it..and always with the purpose of helping the SGI to be a better organization...
It seems this site has devolved from its very admirable status as an alternative website for constructive criticism and study...the so called "Soka Underground"...there is now very little "soka" (value creation) here...in fact, Jan's letter sounds not unlike any number of SGI hate sites...and I don't think that is the original intent of Lisa Jones' internet presence...
Let me be clear...yes, the GKI exhibit is "disingenuous", to be polite...it represents everything I dislike about my beloved SGI...excessive glorification of the leader,manipulation of factual history, and most importantly,this almost "desperate" attempt to legitimize the SGI and President Ikeda as great world leaders for peace...
As Nichiren buddhism spreads, the work of President Ikeda may ultimately produce more value and happiness than the efforts of either Gandhi or King...after all, I believe this buddhism must save the world...
But at this time in history, such a comparison is embarrassingly self serving...and inappropriate...
I often ask myself why president Ikeda allows such things...remember the giant 50 foot pictures of Ikeda...Washington...Franklin at our giant ultra patriotic conventions?
I was told by Mr. Williams at that time that his intent was to gain the trust and respect of American leaders to assure that there would never be any persecution of NSA members in America...I believe that was his intent...of course, his understanding of American culture and conscience left a lot to be desired...
Likewise, I honestly think President Ikeda feels that praise for his work is the same as praise for the Gakkai...he feels the two are really one entity...I truly believe his intent is to win trust and praise for the members...not for himself...which is why he so proudly trumpets all of his awards and plaques...even though most thoughtful people realize they have limited value and are testaments only to the devotion of his followers and their financial and political influence...
In addition, I think it would be almost impossible for any human being to be so totally idolized and literally "worshipped" by so many for so many decades and not have that affect one's reality...Think about it...multitudes of Japanese leaders bowing and adulating and hanging on to his every word...convinced that he pisses ginger ale and shits Snickers bars...
How could any human be unaffected by such idolatry? Yet, I still remain convinced of his ultimately noble intent...and if he has an ego the size of Godzilla...well, that goes with the territory...
Finally, it is simply not true that all the top leaders of the SGI encourage this insane adulation...
I am in communication with a couple of vice general directors who readily admit that this is a problem...they choose to address it by their actions....but, yes, many leaders seem to have a need to idolize "Sensei"...
These progressive leaders feel the proper attitude is "emulate...don't adulate"...and I'm seeing more and more of this attitude filter down into our organization...These leaders realize that we must be prepared for the post Ikeda era, which shall certainly be upon us soon..
Bottom line...is Jan writing this as a member trying to improve the organization..or as a critic intent on painting us as a hideous, twisted cult?...the truth does not require animosity...
Lisa, you always walked this line skillfully...convincing me that your intent was to help correct our course and remain a powerful force for happiness and peace...but lately, much of the material here seems inspired by anger...or even a desire for revenge...
What are your intentions, Lisa?
I think you can do a better job here...I'm one of your supporters...yet you make that position harder and harder to justify...and God knows I'm no brainwashed clone!
Your friend;
David
David --
My intent for BuddhaJones is for it to be a forum where people, including me, can voice opinions about Buddhism, SGI and related subjects. On my blog (this is my blog) I plan to post whatever I'm interested in posting. Jan's letter is pertinent to both my site and my blog.
Jan's letter was addressed to DU, not SGI. It's a powerful letter. I find it interesting that instead of prompting you to question the motives of SGI and the exhibit, you instead question her motives and mine. Jan and I have made our views regarding GKI quite plain in our respective postings. Even you agree that the exhibit is disingenuous -- yet what are you doing about it?
I'm not looking for supporters, David. I'm not interested in having people "defend" me. I can speak for myself, and people can draw their own conclusions.
I see many SGI members twist themselves into knots to make excuses for bad and/or deceptive behavior coming from the top levels of SGI -- claiming that they are motivated by "gratitude for the organization." Then they say something like, "But I'm no brainwashed clone."
I used to do that too. I was quite good at being a cult apologist. Brainwashed? No, of course not. Deceived? Manipulated? Emotionally blackmailed? Yes, David. That's how cults work, including SGI. You can read about it in my future posts, or not. It's really your choice.
Take care,
Lisa J.
Lisa:
You wrote:
"...I used to do that too. I was quite good at being a cult apologist. Brainwashed? No, of course not. Deceived? Manipulated? Emotionally blackmailed? Yes, David. That's how cults work, including SGI..."
Child, you cut me to the quick!
But,in my own defense, I don't think I bend over backwards to rationalize the imperfections of the Gakkai....I admit them openly and directly...and I don't think there are any sinister or scandalous motives at work at all...just human error...
I think I understand why the SGI mounted the GKI...in a sincere but misguided attempt to introduce Ikeda and the SGI as leaders of a great grass roots movement of individual and world liberation through non violence and the absolute liberation of the individual...
And while both Ikeda and the SGI may ultimately be just that, it does not follow that we have a right to try to "glom" onto the glory of two icons who approach the status of saints or semi-deities in our secular world...
What can I say, Lisa?
It embarrasses me deeply...
But do I think there's any evil motive here? A secret plan for world domination?...Lust for power , money, influence?..No...I don't....because I've never seen that tendency in the lives of these leaders, many of whom I've known for three decades...
I see overzealousness...misdirected loyalty...lack of common sense...
Are the American leaders a "puppet regime"?
Actually, that one hurts the most, because it's both an unfair description and one that bears the sting of truth...
But the reluctance of American leaders to cut their umbilical cords with the Japanese has run its course...it must die off in the organization to come...
I'm not an apologist for the SGI...and my support of your site is just my opinion...not meant to patronize...we are both honest and direct people...
I guess what I'm saying is...what do you think the SGI is up to? Do you see some sinister agenda?
The SGI sometimes falls into cultish behavior..it is also succeptible to the "Iron Law of Oligarchy"...as are all such organizations...
I welcome the fact that you bring these inconsistencies to light in our community...
Having done so, what will you do to help fix things?
I'm doing everything I can...
Thanks
David
Just a question for clarification: where in the SGI material is this infamous phrase I pray to repay my debt of gratitude? It has been referred to by two readers (by Jan here and a letter-writer named BB) so I assume its there somewhere. I fail to find it in the new prayer book, in SGI USA Memo ORG-37 (Ive pored over it a number of times), nor in material concerning the new prayers available here in Canada. No one who has read my posts would accuse me of being an uncareful reader. Maybe its staring me in the face and I just cant see it perhaps its blind faith finally taking its toll
Brian
Third Silent Prayer: For the attainment of kosen-rufu.
"I pray that the great desire for kosen-rufu be fulfilled, and that the Soka Gakkai International develop in this endeavor for countless generations to come. I offer appreciation and pray to repay my debt of gratitude for the three founding presidents--Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda, and Daisaku Ikeda--as eternal models of selfless dedication to the propagation of the law."
Awful! Funny, that's not what my SGI Canada prayer book reads ... nor SGI USA Memo ORG-037, which has identical wording. As follows:
I offer my most sincere gratitude to the three founding presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda, and Daisaku Ikeda, for their eternal example of selfless dedication to the propagation of the law.
That's it. C'est tout.
I suppose the wording must have been changed by your Federal Reserve Bank, or whatever you have down there... I feel sorry for you!
Greetings All,
When looking at this letter, it is important to know that Jan Tyler has politcal aspirations. I believe this will help to put things in proper perspective. She has her own agenda. I think it is a shame that no one brought up this point.
-robert
OK, Robert, let's talk about agendas. Your wife works for the University of Denver and you're both staunch SGI members. Does that mean you have an agenda in the debate about the GKI exhibit?
As for political aspirations, Maria Guajardo Lucero is a trustee of both Soka U. and the University of Denver, and she holds a position in the Denver mayor's administration. Does she have an agenda vis-a-vis the GKI exhibit? Political aspirations, maybe?
Jan Tyler is a former Denver Election Commissioner. She is not running for any office nor does she plan to. She works in the private sector. Does that disqualify her from having and expressing an opinion about GKI? No, everyone's entitled to their views, including you.
But it's pretty slimy to allege that Jan has an agenda when you don't even bother to disclose your own considerable bias, Robert. Just my opinion.
Lisa J.
In regards to the last comment posted and your reply to it Lisa. Old old game - "can't win the argument then discredit the source".
RG, S
Are you saying that I am not allowed to have an opinion? I just think if you are going to state these issues, you could be more inclusive. as for my wife, she has her own viewpoint.
Post script - if you did your homework, you would know that my wife does not work at DU. But perhaps it's easier for you to gloss over the facts to make your point.
-robert
Second Post Script - I must have struck a nerve, otherwise you would not have responded the way you did. Sometimes the truth hurts.
-robert
I told you LJ is a great tabloid writer.
Her "Mai Ji sa ze ne igaryo toku nyo Mujodo soku Joju Busshin"
Is trnaselated to: "How can I trash the Buddha's children so I can attain a non hellish regression"
Micha
I am sorry for Micha. I still remember the endless admonitions in our publications stating in effect that many evil accusations will be leveled at us and we will be slandered by the press. At what point does someone completely lose their objectivity? I know that only a few years ago I would try and refute anyone that said anything negative about the SGI. No matter what it was - they were wrong and we were being maligned. 14 years ago I wrote extremely mean letters to two old friends who left the SGI in controversy. I shook them up. I refused to believe that anything was wrong with the SGI. All accusations were baseless and functions of the king devil of the sixth heaven.
At some point the evidence became overwhelming, even to a fanatic like me. One would have to have their head really buried up their bum to not begin to wonder if, perhaps, there just might be some merit to some of the accusations.
When you insinuate Hell for questioning an organization on legitimate matters, you have arrived at a point where you have no objectivity - you are a fanatic and will cease growth.
I feel very disturbed when an organization and its members believe that they are beyond scutiny.
Lisa or Jan don't need anyone to stick up for them. These two women are smart and tough. What they are saying is far less disturbing than unquestioning robo-zombies quoting sutras out of context and believing that it is evil to question an organization veiled in secrecy.
Charles
Robert Sanchez asks (above): "Are you saying that I am not allowed to have an opinion?"
I can't speak for Lisa, but it is my observation that not only CAN you have one, she ENCOURAGES you to have, and express, one.
Problem is, on this issue, you have yet to do so. What, specifically, that Jan or Lisa said about the G-K-I exhibit is, in your opinion, untrue or in error?
Please, give us your opinion.
The problem with you True Believer types is that you are unable to defend that in which you profess True Belief. Look at Micha, above. He (she?) has yet to offer any substantive argument or point which counters what Jan or Lisa have written, and instead just offers inane condemnations. Likewise you. All you've done is attack the messenger.
What is your opinion of the message, and what facts can you offer to support that opinion?
As an example, look at Brian Holly's criticism above. He is clear and specific in what his objections are. David Johnson above is also quite clear. Whether Lisa agrees does not matter; at least she is able to understand the criticism and respond. You only offer hot air, with no substance at all. Where's the beef?
Cheers!
Andy Hanlen
this is my only point, if i know where you sit , then i can understand where you stand. in this case, since i know jan, i have a good understanding of where she is coming from. presenting fair and balanced viewpoints, and then we can decide if we agree or not.
when i look at things, i like to see both sides and determine for myself what i agree with or not.
if i find that both sides are not presented, then i no longer beleive them. lisa and jan may have some good points, but with all the shouting, it's hard to hear what they are saying.
that's my only point.
you probably don't remember me, but at one time we knew each other. hope you are doing well.
-robert
Robert - you are sooo going to the hell of the thousand ninjas.
You see, as a Buddhist I can't really put a Nichiren Buddhist curse on you because - well, it would come back on me.
However I train in Battojutsu with a Mikkyo Buddhist priest and I am going to put a Fudo Myo curse of a thousand ninjas on you.
You're toast. Get ready.
Rev. Greg, Shidoshi
thanks greg,
i guess that means i'm done
Charles wrote:
>>>I know that only a few years ago I would try and refute anyone that said anything negative about the SGI. No matter what it was - they were wrong and we were being maligned. 14 years ago I wrote extremely mean letters to two old friends who left the SGI in controversy. I shook them up. I refused to believe that anything was wrong with the SGI. All accusations were baseless and functions of the king devil of the sixth heaven.<<<
Charles with all due respect, dont assume that just because you defended SGI from a fanatic stand point and wrote mean letters to your friends for leaving SGI, so those who defend SGI now, are to be branded as fanatics and mean spirited that will go at any cost to refute the critics of SGI.
I have never stated that SGI is a perfect organization, and many like me, are not oblivious to the changes that still needed to be implemented in SGI to befit a movement for a global propagation.
My take on Lisa, Jan and people like them who are supposedly fighting for SGIs image to correct itself, is aimed at how they say it, not what they say. My concern is what is the motive behind of what they say.
To me SGI is like a family (maybe not to you).
To me this family is far from being perfect and may never be perfect because we are dealing with family members who are imperfect to begin with (including ourselves) and that is the reason why we are all started to chant.
The point is that, as long as we remain family members of this organization as part of the whole not for the purpose of trying to perfect those who seem imperfect, then we have no problem to belong to this family. However, the moment we reach a point that we no longer tolerate our family members actions, disposition, shortcoming, faults, shabby appearance, flaws and many other more descriptive reasons to trash our family, that is the moment that we on the path of trying to change someone elses karma not our own and no matter how much we chant to change this family, the family will never change to our likings until we change this basic tendency.
You may call those who feel part of this family, fanatics, or you may call them brainwashed, or you may call them coltish and many other derogatory verbs you can find. That does not make them so. If you came to the conclusion that you defended SGI for being this way, it is your conclusion and not necessary has to fit all who defend this family. You, Lisa, Chris, Andy and many others have chose to trash revile denounce criticize condemn this family in any way possible and removed yourselves from this imperfect family chastising it as if you are already perfect yourselves. Im sure you will never say that you are perfect. However the stand that you Lisa and others are taking is based on the imperfection you see in your family not your own flaws and shortcomings and such.
That is what Im attacking.
To me you are not practicing Buddhism to me you are practicing Atkinism Lisajonesism Andyism were you thrive on exposing others imperfections. I do not argue with you that there is room for a change in this family but dont brand your father as an alcoholic for having a drink and dont brand your sister a prostitute for making love before marriage or calling your family a cult because others in a court presiding accused your family of being a cult, so you are going to side with the accuser?. For what.? Why? to awaken every member in the family to see it that way? Is this the mission you are taking upon yourselves to accomplish?
Is this is the reason you are practicing Buddhism? If you do than I feel sorry for you for you are going to be disappointed. The family will change not because of what you think of it but because the dynamics of time and space will allow it to change and you are the ones who are going to be the loser not the family
Micha
Micha:
Sorry, Micha, but you still don't get it. This is an open forum to discuss Buddhism and for the moment to put a microscope on the SGI. As far as I know, everyone who writes for this site is intent on spreading the Daishonin's Buddhism. I'm all for the SGI - 100%. It's my organization as much as yours or any one elses. Something is wrong, dude. If you don't get that or can't see that, there's nothing left to say.
"To me you are not practicing Buddhism to me you are practicing Atkinism Lisajonesism Andyism."
I am a disciple of Nichiren and Shakyamuni and don't practice Atkinsism or Ikedaism or anything but the Buddhism of the Lotus Sutra and Gosho. Where did you come up with that crap? Believe as you will, but it's too late. The genii is out of the bottle.
Best wishes,
Charles
Reading these was like watching "The Burbs". Thanks.
Leisure
Just a note, folks:
Please don't mistake Micha as representing the typical SGI member...
Far from it...
Micha's been on the net a while...he's a Gosho-thumping fundamentalist...a Gakkai Jerry Falwell...
He damns nine people to Hell before he has his morning coffee...and finds evil slanderers lurking behind every tree and under every rock...
Micha practices fundamentalist Michaism...he is the sole judge and jury of all our faiths...he has no clue whatsoever about the true teachings of Nichiren...IMO
Just a note, folks:
Please don't mistake Micha as representing the typical SGI member...
Far from it...
Micha's been on the net a while...he's a Gosho-thumping fundamentalist...a Gakkai Jerry Falwell...
He damns nine people to Hell before he has his morning coffee...and finds evil slanderers lurking behind every tree and under every rock...
Micha practices fundamentalist Michaism...he is the sole judge and jury of all our faiths...he has no clue whatsoever about the true teachings of Nichiren...IMO
Thanks for the warning David - Micha is clearly a cultie.
My ninja minions are on the way as we speak.
Rev. Greg, Shidoshi
David,
Buddhism and SGI are like the ocean.
You can wash yourself in this ocean find treasures in it or simply piss in it if you with to.
One thing you cannot do is mold people to be in this ocean to your liking.
It takes all kinds of people to make that ocean even you are accepted in this ocean. Does that mean that all good SGI members have to think and have your choice of living or thinking? I dont think so.
Of course you dont think like me or like any other SGI member.
You can profess all you want to call yourself a Buddhist SGI member. It is not the title that you give yourself that makes you one but it is your actions.
I dont know about your actions but some of you words I read on the board does not particularly depicting a loyal SGI member. Im not here to judge you whether you represent the typical SGI member or not but for sure you have the right to be an SGI member and display your opinion. The question is. Is it in accord with the teachings of Buddhism or it is in accord with your Buddhism.
Many of you chose to call yourselves SGI members but at the same time trash the SGI from all directions like Lisa, Jan and many others.
In my opinion all she has written thus far has very little to do with Buddhism.
Her collections of writings are no more than a tabloid sensational material that is irrelevant to practicing Buddhism correctly.
Micha
David,
Buddhism and SGI are like the ocean.
You can wash yourself in this ocean find treasures in it or simply piss in it if you wish to.
One thing you cannot do is mold people to be in this ocean to your liking.
Misha brings discredit on the SGI every time he opens his mouth. A hundred critics could never do the damage he does. It's embarassing. - Brian
Mr. Holy,
Im begging you to enlighten me how do you measure this damage?
Maybe we should suggest SGI plaza to incorporate a prerequisite for new SGI members to visit BuddhaJones for extra boost before becoming a member. Or maybe go to Yahoo board to read some of your crap and others like you who moderately trash SGI compared to Miss Jones and shun those posts who defend SGI to make sure these new people have a true image of SGI before committing to this great practice of Buddhism. Ha?
The GKI Exhibit was one of the major factors in my decision to leave SGI after only two years of membership. Aside from creating and maintaining a snazzy, wordly self-improvement organization that utilizes Nichiren Buddhist practices, I failed to see what Ikeda had done to deserve a comparison to two of the greatest men in the 20th Century.
The marketing ploy to attract new SGI members doesn't mention adoring Ikeda and including him in prayers of gratitude. I felt bamboozled, and embrassed of my affiliation with the organization--especially after encouraging friends and family to chant.
The GKI Exhibit reminds me of The Emperor's New Clothes--though I think Ikeda knows good and well he's prancing around naked in front of everyone (ewwwww!!!!). :)
Dwight,
If one wants to leave SGI there are one thousand and one reasons to do so
This one is the poorest reason I can think of.
It is your loss for leaving SGI not the other way around.
MA
Micha, I said it was one reason...not *the* reason. I felt that Ikeda's global importance was being exaggerated. No one was able to give me a single example of anything Ikeda had done that made the world a better place--aside from, of course, leading SGI.
As far as other reasons for leaving, that isn't the topic on this particular message board. We're talking about the GKI Exhibit. Trust me, I had many.
It's wonderful if people are finding happiness through SGI, but personally I didn't see that. I saw people who, like myself, were simply trying to get through life, and they couldn't understand why all of their chanting and good works for SGI wasn't expiating their negative karma. The "official explainations" from SGI seemed far too similar to fundamentalist Christianity for me--"It wasn't meant to be that way" or "Your faith is weak". I needed something more--even if it meant a philosophy that simply stated "crap happens", no excuses.
If SGI works for you, Micha, that's wonderful. Life is full of suffering, and if anyone can find a spiritual/philosophical path to help them sleep through the night, they've accomplished a difficult task, indeed. However, I've noticed you've spent a great deal of time and emotion in shooting down people that post here in Lisa's blog, and I have to wonder if this isn't your way of reassuring yourself that you are indeed happy with SGI despite your own personal doubts and dissatisfaction.
I've been there myself--that need to not only criticize those who criticize my faith--but make them seem weak and unimportant. It's a symptom of an illness--and the illness is fundamentalism, Micha. Look inside yourself for a bit, and take care of yourself. Life is too short to spend it fighting other people's battles.
Best wishes to you and yours.
Thanks for analyzing me Dwight,
But you are dead wrong! You dont really know me and I for sure dont know you.
If those who left SGI would have been satisfied with leaving SGI and continue on with their lives, I would not have displayed a single word against their decision. What Im quite disturbed by is that just because you and others are not happy with SGI does not means everyone else suppose to be this way and therefore make it your life-ling struggle to prove it to those who are still with SGI. That is called slander.
This particular web site is dedicated to trash SGI and there are many others. Lisa must have an agenda for devoting so much time and efforts to trash SGI. She should be happy for leaving (if she did) so why continue to trash SGI is it because she is not quite sure of her decision? Or because she wants to drag and confuse many others who have not study deep enough to understand the function that she is fulfilling by doing so.
MA
Micha wrote;
(To Dwight)...
"...It is your loss for leaving SGI not the other way around..."
Once again Micha demonstrates his ignorance of Nichiren buddhism...
Dwight is obviously a sincere and intelligent person...of course, his loss is a great one to the SGI...every member is a priceless treasure...
Every loss is a great one...this is the essence of Nichiren buddhism...
Only a fundamentalist idiot believes that it is just people who think like him are valuable to the organization...
You really should think before posting your hateful excrement, Micha...you demean and slander the SGI through your small minded comments...
Wow. Just... wow. The onshitzu is strong in this thread.
I'd like to chime in for a brief moment to bring it back to calm and reason.
First, a bit of personal background.
I practiced with the Denver organization for maybe a decade or so before returning to my Gakkai roots here in Colorado Springs. I've been a member since 1982.
I've been fortunate in the respect that I've been brought up "old school", surrounded by and supported by many "pioneer members", some of which have been practicing this Buddhism longer than some of us have been alive. In the past few years, I have been fortunate to be able to practice in earnest again, alongside those that have supported me in my life and in my practice for so many years. It is with a sense of profound appreciation for these members of the SGI that I in turn am now able to support them as we take the organization into a modern American society.
Why am I still a member of this organization after 22 years?
Here's why: I believe that the values and principles that the SGI espouse are valid and relevent expressions of the original intent and purpose of Shakyamuni's teachings.
As an organization that has as its sole purpose to bring about a peaceful and non-violent world, I believe that the inclusion of President Ikeda alongside Gandhiji and Dr King is appropriate.
One does not have to be a martyr to be considered a champion of peace, although all too often, those that promote non-violence are subjected to violence.
In fact, if it is viewed in the context of the life of Nichiren, he was not a martyr, but a survivor, overcoming the persecution of the government, attempts on his life and exile.
The SGI, as an organization that promotes peaceful revolution, not in the world arena, but in the arena of the human heart, is in my opinion, and equally valid and equally important undertaking in the same league as the accomplishments of Gandhiji and Dr King.
The roots of movements for modern non-violence come from India, and one particular Indian that dedicated his life to establishing a democratic, non-classist and egalitarian Indian society. Not only did Gandhiji fight the oppression and exploitation of the British Empire, he fought for the abolishment of the Caste system within Indian society itself, and also for the peaceful resolution of centuries of inter-religious and inter-cultural strife between Hindus and Muslims. In the end, what he attempted to accomplish was brought to an abrupt end by a Hindu fanatic, but the British Empire, not able to fight two wars, begged out of India. What was left was a divided India, one Hindu, and one Muslim (Pakistan), and the establishment of a democractic Constitution.
Dr King sought an end to racial discrimination for us colored folks by using the same methods that Gandhiji employed: peaceful protest, directly confronting the government and using the media to show the seedy underbelly of American society and American culture. Again, violence prevailed, and Dr King was assassinated in Memphis, but due to his efforts, I can drink from the same water fountain as white folks ;-) .
President Ikeda has brought Buddhism and the cause for world peace and non-violence to the masses. As reported by Tricycle Magazine (http://www.tricycle.com/new.php?p=articles&id=123 dead link "Born in the USA: Racial Diversity in Soka Gakkai International") the SGI-USA has accomplished something that no other Buddhist organization has been able to do: the establishment of a truly diverse and culturally integrated membership, a membership motivated by mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual dialogue.
Is this not what Gandhiji and Dr King fought and died for? And since the SGI-USA, under the direction of President Ikeda, is determined to carry on this struggle for a peaceful world, not in the streets, not in the media, but in the individual hearts of the people of America, why is he not "worthy" to be alongside these cultural icons of non-violence and progressive, peaceful societies?
As for the exhibit, not only will I be attending it this weekend, I'll also be contributing to it. I'm fortunate enough to have a friend that has done me the huge favor of visiting the Gandhi Institute and bringing back a memento of his visit. As a gift, I have recieved a seriograph of Gandhiji, from his grandson. I've had it framed and made ready for exhibition, and I'm mailing it to President Ikeda as an expression of thanks for his efforts in the struggle for world peace.
The SGI is like family: you can argue, you can call each other names, you can criticize, but in the end, when it comes down to it, you still support each other. :-)
Cheers,
Bland
Dear Bland Rooker;
I have a question for you that will require some homework.
Is Mr. Ikeda alone in the capacity to stand beside Gandhi and King? Can you name five other persons from which another can be selected in lieu of Mr. Ikeda?
You mention "peaceful protest, directly confronting the government and using the media to show the seedy underbelly of American society and American culture." Can you name specific examples where Mr. Ikeda has led peaceful protest?
You stated, "The roots of movements for modern non-violence come from India." Gandhi credited this to his understanding of Christianity. Can you elaborate further?
You stated, "Not only did Gandhiji fight the oppression and exploitation of the British Empire, he fought for the abolishment of the Caste system within Indian society itself, and also for the peaceful resolution of centuries of inter-religious and inter-cultural strife between Hindus and Muslims." Please give concrete examples of how Mr. ikeda has done similar?
I could go on but it might be pointless. My questions cannot be answered out of the context of him being PResident Ikeda so he must be great.
We will soon be gifted too with a visit of the exhibit. I have already made my observations known to the organization.
Regards.
Mike Y.
Hi Mike!
Let's take it one question at a time.
"Is Mr. Ikeda alone in the capacity to stand beside Gandhi and King?"
In my opinion, no. Many have worked and struggled for societal change, the people that pop into my head are people like Nelson Mandela. However, to head an organization dedicated to world peace, based on a philosophy of individual responsibility that has members worldwide is no mean feat. However, the point that I am making is not that others are not unworthy of such an exhibit, rather, President Ikeda is equally worthy.
"Can you name specific examples where Mr. Ikeda has led peaceful protest?"
Sure. He's helped to lead a peaceful protest within my very life, to allow me to fight the innate darkness and negativity within myself.
That's a point that I'm trying to make. One does not have to lead protests, march in the streets or get themselves splashed on every TV screen in the world to lead a revolution or to change the world.
"Gandhi credited this to his understanding of Christianity. Can you elaborate further?"
Sure. Here's a good internet resource:
http://web.mahatma.org.in/index.jsp dead link
Throughout his life Gandhiji pulled from more than one spiritual and cultural reference point, he was inclusive of Christians, Hindus, Jews, Jainists, Muslims and Buddhists.
"Please give concrete examples of how Mr. ikeda has done similar?"
See, that's the thing: to fight does not necessarily mean to confront.
President Ikeda has used another means of addressing social and world issues: diplomacy and dialogue, not protests and demonstrations. He has been invited to engage in dialogue with every major world leader for years, from every major world power, except for one. He has engaged world leaders and "big thinkers" in discussion of world issues in every major nation except for one. The United States is the only major world power that has not sought dialogue or has not recieved President Ikeda "officially", even though the SGI has a presence and an official office in the UN.
Why is that? In my humble opinion, America is not a nation that wants a peaceful society, but thrives on conflict. As recent events show, our administration reflects the tendency to use force and violence to further its aims rather than cultural understanding, MUTUAL respect and dialogue.
So, in the spirit of propagating world peace, the SGI is eschewing governmental dialogue and taking it straight to the people.
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised".
;) ;) ;)
Bland, I see that you have dined well at the SGI propaganda buffet. SGI is recognized by the UN as an NGO. That's a lot different than having "a presence and an official office in the UN."
As for your preposterous assertion that Daisaku Ikeda "has been invited to engage in dialogue with every major world leader for years, from every major world power, except for one" -- umm. The government of France has identified SGI as a cult (or "secte," pardon my French.) So even the French -- those peace-loving people who opposed the invasion of Iraq -- aren't exactly fond of Ikeda and SGI.
When did Ikeda ever meet with Tony Blair or Queen Elizabeth II? Or Vicente Fox or any other president of Mexico? Or Paul Martin or any other Canadian prime minister?
Your uncritical hero-worship of Ikeda coupled with your ill-informed "blame America first" attitude makes me think you don't know what you're talking about. Do you?
Lisa J.
"Your uncritical hero-worship of Ikeda coupled with your ill-informed "blame America first" attitude makes me think you don't know what you're talking about. Do you?"
I think that I do, and I know for certain that you do not a thing about me. Can you stop with the ad hominem attacks and gross generalizations? I expect more than argumentum ad hominem from others, especially if the aim is to promote discussion.
For one thing, I have been highly critical of the SGI in the past. In fact, I took an almost half decade long hiatus from the organization because I didn't feel comfortable with the direction that it had taken, and I still don't in some respects. You probably have met me in person, since I was in Bill and Bobbi Jone's district, hung out with Carol West, Mike Driscoll, Amy and quite a few of the "alternative" crowd, was involved in S Group, G Group, Brass Band and Roller Gymnastics and just about everything else. I kinda got "lost" when the changeover occurred between the old NSA days and the fledgling SGI days. I got "lost" because the cultural background of the old NSA was based upon my mother's cultural heritage, being Japanese, and I felt very comfortable in it.
That brings up another point: one of cultural perception and the context in which a person's cultural memes shape the way that people perceive different things. For example, I still see the Japanese underpinnings of the activities of the SGI, but I understand them and am able to incorporate them into my current American cultural filter. There's a few things that I don't agree with, especially when it comes to organizational decision making, but I understand it, so I take it in stride and can function rather well within it. Others can't, won't or don't, so I consider myself fortunate. What some people consider "cultish" I perceive as an extension of Japanese collectivist cultural roots.
We as an American society are staunchly Individualistic, whereas the SGI is very Collectivistic in operation. If one is to understand the SGI, its workings and its methods, one must first study the history and culture of Japan. Observe how organizations are run. Look at the history of the Zaibatsu and trace its roots to the days of the Shogun and the Daimyo, and see how those ways of doing things are entrenched in Japanese culture. Then, compare it to how the SGI has been developed and operated in the last 4 decades.
That is true, constructive criticism of the SGI and President Ikeda.
In terms of cultural understanding, I would suggest these textbooks from my winter 2003 quarter (I'm an International Business major. It's strange being a Sophomore at age 42. ;) )
"Riding The Waves of Culture", (Trompenaars, Hampden-Turner, McGraw Hill), "On Change", (Harvard Business Review), "Organizational Behavior, 10th Ed.", (Hellriegel & Slocum, Thomson/South-Western), "A Manager's Guide to Globalization", (Rhinesmith, McGraw Hill) and "Human Resource Management, 10th Ed.", (Mathis/ Jackson, McGraw Hill).
However, instead of remaining critical, bitter and condecending, I've rejoined the group, fully supporting it, and helping to guide it in new directions. My focus is in being able to practice Buddhism and to help OTHERS practice Buddhism by changing MYSELF internally. In fact, the practice of Buddhism is internal criticism, not external, which is why so many people have a hard time with it.
Where did I blame America for anything? I stated my opinion that we as a society thrives on conflict. Witness this current administration's "pre-emptive" attacks on Iraq, with a lot of popular support, and see how this administration is now back-pedalling, blaming "faulty intelligence" as the reasoning behind these actions. Witness how every societal issue has to be binary, whether it be politics, race relations, gender equality, economic disparity and Welfare or even something as banal as Mc Donald's has to be framed in terms of good/bad, yes/no, positive/negative, I'm right/you suck. "No Fear" is the mantra of youth. There is no grey area, no flexibility, no compromise, and most importantly, no genuine dialogue or attempts at understanding.
As for the French, well, they seem to take issue with anyone and anything that isn't French. ;) Witness their recent attempts to ban traditional Muslim clothing for women. Perhaps their sense of fashion is offended? (that was a joke. ;) )
"When did Ikeda ever meet with Tony Blair or Queen Elizabeth II? Or Vicente Fox or any other president of Mexico? Or Paul Martin or any other Canadian prime minister?"
How about Gorbachev? Or Linus Pauling? Arnold Toynbee? How about Arun Gandhi? Leaders of Asia? And how is your question relevant to whether or not the exhibit is worthy of presentation, which is the central theme of the thread?
Instead of attacking me and my "feeding at the trough of SGI propaganda", how about stating why, in your opinion, SHOULDN'T the exhibit be presented at DU?
Oh, I forgot one other book to recommend: "The Fifth Discipline", (Peter Senge, Doubleday). This book was our central text for our "Critical Thinking and Problem Solving" class. The crux of the class is to learn holistic and synergistic methods of learning, not based on contention and discussion, but on cyclical and holistic observation, rapport and dialogue.
Bland.
President Ikeda paid Toynbee $7,000 for the meet. It's in Metreaux's book on the SGI and Metreaux is considered a friend of the SGI. It's available at the LA Main Library. Soka University of Japan pays speakers ungodly amounts of up to $100,000. It's common knowledge on the lecture circuit. And Rosa Parks foundation got about $30K. It's about quid pro quo, rub my back I'll rub yours. They are not friends.
As far as the GKI exhibit goes, would you support a similar exhibit put on by SGI if instead of an I we used a Z, for Zhou En-Lai? This is a serious question as there is an exhibit presently touring Japan put on by SGI that extolls his virtues as a great humanitarian. BTW, most historians credit Communist China for murdering over 45,000,000 of their own people and as a commie bigwig he had the chance to do something about it.
There's a website out there somewhere with loads of photos which is sponsored by the Tianamin Mothers, who, BTW, are up for the Nobel Peace Prize. Check out the neat pics of Chinese young people squished by tanks. These are not nice people who run that country.
I agreee with many of your points about SGI. Please don't get me wrong. But, SGI-USA has some major changin' to be doin' and they just don't want to do it.
Unless they wake up soon history will pass them by. they can have all the successful special zaimu campaigns they want and drag as many members as possible through these exhibits but, five, ten or twenty years from now we'll still be a tiny little cult doing the same old same old because we refuse to grow up.
Mike Y. & Barbara S.
Hi Mike and Barbara!
Yep, change in the SGI takes place at a seemingly glacial pace. However, to put in context, it's a monumentally huge challenge to incorporate ideas, concepts and ways of doing things from one culture to another. It's even more amazing that the SGI has become a worldwide presence, given the huge obstacles that humanity itself faces in the task of achieving a modicum of cultural understanding.
One quote from the preface of the afore-mentioned "Riding The Waves of Culture" is quite telling: "Those who are married know that it is impossible ever completely to understand even people of your own culture". The fact is that if something works in one culture, there is little chance that it will work in another.
And therein lies the rub: there is no one "right" way for organizations to work, just a conglomeration of cultural interactions.
As a student of business, currently there is a huge push for diversity training, cultural understanding and global thinking. The consensus is that unless we as individuals in our respective societies learn to view things from the cultural perspective of others, there is little chance for that global organization to flourish.
And it's hard. Very hard. But, I'm determined that by acting locally and thinking globally, I can help to make a positive change, not only in the SGI, but in the world.
For instance, I've taken the initiative to aid our local organization in translating the "old school" Japanese ways of the Pioneer Members into terms and concepts that are relevent to today's American society. It's a daunting task, but I feel that it's worth it.
I wholeheartedly agree that unless things change, the organization will cease to grow. But, guess what? Senior leadership is well aware of the situation, and I feel that things are in the works, but I'm not clear on its direction. If I can help it grow in that direction, then I feel that I am of value.
For instance, I'm in the process of designing the Rocky Mountain regional website. It has a primary function of being what we call "brochureware", as an informational and communications nexus for the Denver community.
In its design and development, I'm attempting to make a bridge to the past and the future, and to make it and Buddhism itself timely and relevent to our modern American society. That's not an easy thing to do either. I'm reminded of the Dilbert strip where the PHB requests that the site be "webbish" but "not too webbish". Dilbert bangs his head on the desk. ;)
As for the exhibit, I went to see, and got some great pictures. I was glad to see it, and one picture in particular: a photo of the 1984 San Diego convention. I could have sworn that I could make out my face in the crowd! But, I knew that I couldn't, as I know full well that the instant President Ikeda started speaking, I fell asleep from exhaustion. Happened ever time! ;)
As for the exhibit, there was a lot of information there, but in my opinion, it was too typeface dense and hard to put it all in context. But, it did invite contemplation and drawing of one's own conclusions. From my marketing background, I draw these observations.
While I was there, I did get a chance to check out the Daniels School of Business curriculum and facilities. Hey, if paying fees for a display offsets the anticipated rise in tuition in all higher learning institutions, I'm all for it! It keeps me from chanting extra Daimoku for higher tuition. ;)