I used to be a member of the SGI

 

I used to be a member of the SGI

by Steve

(San Francisco, Ca )

I was raised in a SGI household and my mother was a pioneer member, I attended all the conventions in the 70’s and 80’s, and the general meetings , I was junior pioneer, YMD,MD, you name it I was there, even when when they made the gongyo easier for the sake of getting more members. For years I’ve listened to all the meetings, speeches from Ikeda, and always the same old slogans about challenging your life’s struggle, but what I cannot understand is this seeming close relationship between Ikeda and Beijing. Never once has Ikeda commented about the struggles of the Tibetan people or supporting their leader, Dalai Lama, it’s always a big parade of cameras and suits.

When I was a kid I gave pennies, nickels, and dimes from my savings to build the Sho Hondo, and now it’s gone. Both sides suck, both are greedy and spineless.

Hey Ikeda go to Miyagi prefecture and help out the poor people from the tsunami, get out of your community center and pick up a shovel, then I’ll respect you again.

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Aug 27, 2011

Happiness is the word!

by: Anonymous


FIRST, DOES CHANTING WORK FOR YOU? IF SO,DOES IT WORK FOR THE OTHER PERSON? – IS IT UNIVERSAL? To the would-be suicide bomber, does it offer hope of happiness in this life-time, in this world? Really now, is the Universe short of solutions for this human? I THINK NOT. WHAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILTY TO MANKIND? SIMPLY, TO BECOME HAPPY. THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF THIS BUDDHISM. HAPPY PEOPLE MAKE A HAPPY WORLD. IT IS A NATURAL EXTENSION TO SHARE THIS KNOWLEDGE. BUDDHISM IS DIFFICULT. ENLIGHTENMENT,however,is obtainable. The organization does not exist for itself, but for those who have taken up that struggle. A world of enlightened beings can only be beneficial. Like yourself, I have difficulties with organizations. But I understand that I need this organization for my happiness. Pres. Ikeda’s best usage is not at the end of a shovel!


Jun 09, 2012

Response to

by: Anonymous


The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, not the Daimoku of Ikeda leads to Enlightenment. Nichiren Lotus Sutra Buddhism, not Ikedaism, leads one to the joyful compassionate lifestates of Buddha and Bodhisattva. Ikedaism leads one to the lifestate of fundamental darkness, ignorance and greed. No wonder Steve the so-called ” SGI fortune baby” is disillusioned. He never had the opportunity to practice the Lotus Sutra as the Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin teaches. What a pity. What a shame. Even more shameful is your canned SGI response, “we good, you bad, Ikeda is great” to this person who has lost his faith in the Mystic Law thanks to your Ikeda cult.

By all means Steve, you should investigate the authentic schools actually based on Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings and faith in the Lotus Sutra. Ikedaism is a perversion of the Lotus Sutra and teachings of Nichiren.


Sep 03, 2012

Response to Response

by: Anonymous


Let us try to understand or feel the life-condition of Anonymous June 09, 2012. Putting aside the content, does this person project a life condition that is desirous – to you? Most readers would probably agree that the mind-set of the mentioned is a regression of where we are, and certainly that towards enlightenment. There is a web-site that is host to a Buddhist Sect whose participants astonishingly mirror this person’s mind (initials K-H). To Anonymous, please respond so that all can visit this site if you are one of them and let’s ask whoever if these people, who reflect their sect,have anything to offer humanity other than hatred.


May 26, 2013

SGI cult bullbaiting

by: Anonymous


Response to Anonymous’ response to KH Anonymous…

Typical cult bullbaiting nonsense about life condition. Life condition of the truth based on Myoho is by definition, Buddhahood. Better you should address the issues of Ikeda worship and SGI cherry picking the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin.


Jun 02, 2013

Dont believe in SGI now

by: Anonymous


I have been practicing for last 12 years and have been into the state of delusion now. Have seen the best and worst of it. Its not buddhism any more. Its Ikedism and I cannot see Mr Ikeda as God…I agree its a parade of cameras and suits. I am working as block leaders and have seen leaders bitching about members, manipulating them and making sure to make their life hell if one does not agree. Have seen throwing out members on one pretext or another. Have heard them saying members happiness is not their concern.

Dont agree with this bullshit. My point is if this is Ikedism teachings, I dont want to be part of that. Where is compassion for the members. Also, none of the buddhist concepts are taught. Just read about how Toda and Ikeda struggle for the Kosen Rufu…

I am not sure if people do understand the meaning of kosen rufu…I have seen members suffering and leaders avoid them because they have their own problem to cater to…

Also, there is no disclosure of the financial contribution….If one does not contribute, you are discarded….

I think I am on verge of leaving SGI…Can see the day coming….


Jun 09, 2013

Practice correctly

by: Anonymous


President Ikeda is not god, he is our mentor. He is our guide. SGI, like any other organization comes with its faults. No religious organization is perfect.

Some members misinterpret the writings of Nicheren Diashonin and do not understand the correct teachings. So it is up to you to read the Gosho with a seeking spirit and understand the workings of “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo”

Please have complete faith in the practise. Please do not get put off by in-apt leaders. After all they are human beings and will tend to err.

Follow the practise correctly –

1) Study the gosho and explanations by any of your favourite leader (for ex Linda Johnson) + encourage a member,

2)pray for the member/ non members problems as if they are your own

3) Have 100% faith in the Lotus sutra


Jul 04, 2013

Lol that old seeking spirit led me here…

by: EM


I respect your experience with the practice. I’m also a fortune baby. Not once have I ever been told to worship President Ikeda, that would be weird, he’s just another person. The ideal is that you change your own life to address whatever injustice you see.

As a leader within the organization myself, I struggle with helping others while going through upheavals or problems. I try my best to help center my members, but I’m also a person with successes and victories, weaknesses and strength. I’m not infallible and many other leaders also struggle with balance.

I sometimes think it would be easier if I was a monk working on mastering myself in isolation and select social situations, instead I’m an everyday person practicing mindfulness and compassion in a world where that’s not always encouraged or valued. I value it though. I also value the friendships I’ve made. Even if I were to leave, the core values of the SGI would remain with me, as well as an openness and willingness to make friends (of all faiths and backgrounds) and grow. My challenge to expand my life continues, as will yours. Thanks for your post, it really helped me!


Nov 14, 2013

Miyagi Prefecture

NEW
by: Anonymous


So Steve, what have you done for world peace since you emptied your piggy bank?

And when were you last in Miyagi Prefecture digging out after the tsunami?


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