tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post1031449782621572000..comments2023-04-30T02:42:46.237-07:00Comments on Adventures in Hectic Eclectic: Why I am an Independent Nichiren BuddhistTamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10856392661031577885noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-61602046351479226002021-05-21T09:41:38.397-07:002021-05-21T09:41:38.397-07:00Correcting wrong thought was the practice of Shaky...Correcting wrong thought was the practice of Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren. Certainly neither of them were tolerant of wrong thought. However, different from other religions, particularly Christianity and Islam which spread through military conquest, Buddhism has been a religion of dialogue and debate. Tolerance doesn't mean we have to agree with the various faiths. If I found a more rational hopeful faith, I would convert. After 40+ years, only Namu Myoho renge kyo resonates with me.Mark Rogowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05176132114346404556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-47347383892063967902018-09-29T22:06:10.132-07:002018-09-29T22:06:10.132-07:00Mark is doing well, fighting the good fight (prese...Mark is doing well, fighting the good fight (preserving Nichiren's teachings for posterity while refuting the revisionists: SGI; Nichiren Shoshu; Nichiren Shu; Kempon Hokke; Honmon Butsuryu Shu, Nipponzon Myohoji; and even secular Lotus Sutra Buddhism). Yes, I am a fundamentalist...Its Nichiren's way or the highway.Mark Rogowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05176132114346404556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-48401339289875883152018-04-19T01:53:27.218-07:002018-04-19T01:53:27.218-07:00If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, I may b...If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, I may be able to help. We would have to meet-up, though. You are probably aware that you can download them on the web, but I suppose you would prefer to get one through one of the various denominations. If you just need encouragement or advice as you go through the process of getting one, my e-mail address is in my 1/26/16 comment above.<br /><br />JohnAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01149656801373877641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-19203508203778527312018-04-18T02:05:56.736-07:002018-04-18T02:05:56.736-07:00hi i am practising independently. i have done for ...hi i am practising independently. i have done for 17 years but have no gohonzon any ideas how i can get one i attended a meeting yesterday and came away dis heartened so am going to stick to solo practice but am having alot of trouble regaring getting a gohonzon any help please guys nmrksolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05318064979113323410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-18521821403259040002018-04-18T02:05:56.092-07:002018-04-18T02:05:56.092-07:00hi i am practising independently. i have done for ...hi i am practising independently. i have done for 17 years but have no gohonzon any ideas how i can get one i attended a meeting yesterday and came away dis heartened so am going to stick to solo practice but am having alot of trouble regaring getting a gohonzon any help please guys nmrksolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05318064979113323410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-80346907169412814212018-03-12T21:11:56.506-07:002018-03-12T21:11:56.506-07:00Thanks for the inspirational post to this forum!Thanks for the inspirational post to this forum!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01149656801373877641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-31214131356817068712018-03-10T11:51:14.171-08:002018-03-10T11:51:14.171-08:00I left SGI and returned to Nichiren Shoshu. I'...I left SGI and returned to Nichiren Shoshu. I'm happy because of the object of worship. At 65 years old, 30+ years of practice, the worst karma ever, I'm happy and still hanging in there. Ushitora is the way! So thankful for this post. No matter what happens, never ever give up chanting. Everyone is different, connections to the Gohonzon is different, and chanting works on YOU. One cannot change anything until one realizes something needs changing. And things might not change! To work on oneself, work through something, is the greatest. It helped me to know my birth chart, life's roadmap. Gohonzon helps guide one on the journey with the map. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14135246929104090602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-37896706662538210972017-07-22T17:45:25.722-07:002017-07-22T17:45:25.722-07:00Still do gongyo.Still do gongyo.Lisihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12285647060536634451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-19349848061599108312017-06-23T23:36:16.797-07:002017-06-23T23:36:16.797-07:00David - My position is that the SGI could be “an o...David - My position is that the SGI could be “an organization to help unite us, to bridge the divide in the world,” but I don’t believe it is, as you assert. For me it is not about the “attacks and abuse,” the effects of which lasted only a few years after leaving them long ago, but rather the content of their devotional faith.<br /><br />In this regard, you may wish to consider an alternative point of view as expressed in the following website post:<br /><br />https://sites.google.com/site/buddhistrealism/home<br /><br />If you have the opportunity to read this post, it is hoped you will find a way to embrace Nichiren Buddhism and the unity it offers without preference to any of its sectarian divisions.<br /><br />You will also notice alternative prayers for each of the Nichiren sects to be read along with Gongyo, including an alternative version of the SGI’s silent prayers. Although these prayers are incapable of greeting you with “open arms,” I believe you will find them to be a much more unifying upgrade to those you are reading now. <br /><br />My best,<br />JohnAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14753134239473256980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-59845116259727536532017-06-15T23:34:05.175-07:002017-06-15T23:34:05.175-07:00Hello, I am an SGI member in the US. I find this b...Hello, I am an SGI member in the US. I find this blog fascinating. I'm solid in my practice both as a Nichiren Buddhist and as a member of the SGI organization.<br /><br />To all those who endured attacks and abuse, I'm so sorry to hear that. It's truly unfortunate. And you're right, that's not the behavior of a Buddhist. Perhaps it would be dismissive to say people aren't perfect because I don't think that leads to deeper understanding (although we often talk of doing our human revolution in the SGI).<br /><br />No organization is above criticism, and your experiences and concerns are all valid. I have lived in various places in the US and have experienced many things, good and bad. I continued to be inspired by my parents and the pioneering members who continued to push through, regardless of the challenges. They demonstrated, to me, the concept of "turning poison into medicine." Because of them, I have endured the challenges myself, and have focused on the bigger picture, kosen-rufu. It ultimately means, creating unity with fellow members, our family, friends, and neighbors, regardless of their beliefs, gender, sexual-orientation, etc. Losing sight of kosen-rufu leads to these kinds of negative experiences. I'm sorry you were targeted, but I also hope you can forgive them. We're only human, after all (that's not dismissive, but the truth).<br /><br />The SGI is an organization to help unite us, to bridge the divides in the world. Outside of the SGI, this blog, too serves as an organization, where many of you are reaching out to support one another. The SGI is not perfect, but does it's best to accomplish this task: uniting people toward a common goal. There are all kinds of people, at different levels, different places from different backgrounds. We're bound to have a few bumps in the road, but that's why such an organization is key. Anyways, I just wanted to represent the SGI on this blog, if even just a little.<br /><br />Anyways, I could never tell you what to do, but, if it's any consolation: "I welcome you back to the SGI, anytime, whenever or never, with open arms, no questions asked."<br /><br />Hope you all have a great day!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />medavid.beberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17912079255394371030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-57162192645862524582016-10-07T06:57:12.250-07:002016-10-07T06:57:12.250-07:00Dear Sir, do they still do Gongyo or just chant. T...Dear Sir, do they still do Gongyo or just chant. Thank YouDeborahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12744355406517320712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-52999360301799188412016-04-22T10:32:09.557-07:002016-04-22T10:32:09.557-07:00I am curious - how long did you chant? Are you now...I am curious - how long did you chant? Are you now experiencing transformation in the same way? I am doing Gregorian chant, but still resort back to Daimoku because I feel incomplete without it. I left Nichiren Shoshu because I can't stand terms like "this is the only way", this is "true buddhism" etc...Carl Heckelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08059219172432954764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-11318993563394155702016-01-07T00:55:01.955-08:002016-01-07T00:55:01.955-08:00Much light to you. Much light to you. Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10856392661031577885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-49768867825386609002016-01-07T00:54:42.440-08:002016-01-07T00:54:42.440-08:00No problem. I value the input.No problem. I value the input.Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10856392661031577885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-77246586081002571442016-01-03T20:37:21.675-08:002016-01-03T20:37:21.675-08:00I think I will try independently.I think I will try independently.Jhu262https://www.blogger.com/profile/02025407508556344957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-30471982169330646662016-01-03T20:36:52.579-08:002016-01-03T20:36:52.579-08:00I think I will try independently.I think I will try independently.Jhu262https://www.blogger.com/profile/02025407508556344957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-71250795347656832792015-12-26T08:11:33.179-08:002015-12-26T08:11:33.179-08:00Dear Alejandro -
I noticed your post on Tamarai&...Dear Alejandro - <br /><br />I noticed your post on Tamarai's website and wanted to respond. <br /><br />I agree, it is very difficult to practice alone but, at the same time, I believe it is something you can overcome with a good relationship with your Gohonzon. For me, breaking away from the SGI in the 1970s involved a lot of anger and finger pointing, but I stuck with the practice and found my own way without them. Fortunately, my family also practiced and, although they did not share my outlook about the SGI at the time, I was still able to do morning and evening prayers with them at our altar at home. In a way, therefore, I was never alone and I hope you are not completely alone as well. <br /><br />A similar situation developed for me when I migrated to Nichiren Shoshu. 20 years is a long time with any organization. For me, I could only handle about 5 to 10 years at each. It reached the point where I just could not take it anymore. <br /><br />When I look back on it, I realize that the separations had a lot to do with both their imperfections and mine. I have no hard feeling now and learned a lot from both experiences <br /><br />If you feel that you have developed a wholesome relationship with your Gohonzon and a daily practice and need some support, please feel free to contact me at the following email address: jrtate1947@gmail.com <br /><br />Also, you may wish to consider my secular views on the practice as expressed in my rather basic website: https://sites.google.com/site/buddhistrealism/home <br /><br />(Sorry Tam for repeatedly dropping links to my site in your blog.)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01149656801373877641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-38829753577080348172015-12-25T05:19:51.039-08:002015-12-25T05:19:51.039-08:00Excuse me if my English is not good, I am from a S...Excuse me if my English is not good, I am from a Spanish speaking country<br />I practiced with SGI for over 20 years. I felt good and achieved some things, but I discovered that most of my goals were not realized. They tend to blame yourself for your failures. However Nichiren teaches that you should have a good friend. Practice alone is very dificult. When I check with them about my difficulties they told me: your goals are incorrect, not going to make it or they are not for your human revolution . they are repressive, especially in sexual and economics matters. They are not authentic Nichiren Buddhist.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08903311915775254736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-10848073367178902182015-08-12T00:50:11.762-07:002015-08-12T00:50:11.762-07:00Phosezoe - I am glad you are finding a space for y...Phosezoe - I am glad you are finding a space for yourself in the SGI. Personally, practicing independently works best for my lifestate. Connect with Gohonzon and the teachings. That is all that you really need.Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10856392661031577885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-75133886545894213952015-08-12T00:48:50.825-07:002015-08-12T00:48:50.825-07:00Thank you for the silent prayers, John. I have sha...Thank you for the silent prayers, John. I have shared them on my blog.Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10856392661031577885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-59447206046497169042015-08-12T00:48:27.225-07:002015-08-12T00:48:27.225-07:00Sorry it's taken me so long to reply. SGI is a...Sorry it's taken me so long to reply. SGI is a good place to start, however, I personally felt the need to leave them after a time. Have you tried practicing independently?Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10856392661031577885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-40819888522695925872015-07-03T09:05:39.001-07:002015-07-03T09:05:39.001-07:00Love your blog. I have been interested in Nichiren...Love your blog. I have been interested in Nichiren Buddhism for a while now. I have read all the stories about SGI good and bad. And i have looked into Nichiren shu. If i had my choice i would pick Nichiren shu to start but there is no Nichiren shu whatsoever in my area but there is SGI so maybe that would be a good place to start? Any help would be great. Thanks!Jhu262https://www.blogger.com/profile/02025407508556344957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-88583833450007592562015-06-07T05:27:53.204-07:002015-06-07T05:27:53.204-07:00Hi - I joined the SGI in 1979 in San Francisco, bu...Hi - I joined the SGI in 1979 in San Francisco, but left them in 1986. When the Nichiren Shoshu temple and the SGI separated in 1991, I transferred with my spouse and four children to the temple. While my wife continues to align herself with the temple, I do not. Nevertheless, I continue with my morning and evening prayers to the Gohonzon with my wife at home. My children still practice and occasionally, when they visit, do Gongyo with me. <br /><br />Below is a link to my silent prayers, which I hope everyone who reads this post will consider adapting as their own. They may not be for everyone but, for those who believe that enlightenment is possible without belief in the supernatural and want to free themselves of sectarian righteousness, they may be of great help to your practice. <br /><br />https://sites.google.com/site/buddhistrealism/home/silent-prayers <br /><br />Thank you, <br />John Tate, Vallejo, CA <br />jrtate1947@gmail.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01149656801373877641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-17023024696277071322015-05-06T10:43:16.776-07:002015-05-06T10:43:16.776-07:00Hi again Tam,
I appreciate your help with the pray...Hi again Tam,<br />I appreciate your help with the prayers. After recently sorting out the ideological differences among the three Nichiren sects in North America - SGI, Nichiren Shoshu and Nichiren Shu (I was one of those who mistakenly thought Shu was shorthand for Shoshu), I've determined, with relief, that Nichiren Shu is the practice that suits me best in all respects. I've obtained one of their liturgy books, along with other study material, and am in the process of adjusting my daily practice. I've tried to contact the main North American Nichiren Shu organization to find out how and if I can obtain a Nichiren Shu Gohonzon (I would then return the one I'm currently using from SGI), but they have been unresponsive. Any ideas on this?<br /><br />I'm also trying to figure out a technical or stylistic aspect of reading the liturgy. I practice solo and am finding it a juggling act to follow the guidelines of ringing the bell at different points in the reading while still holding my juzu as I usually do. I've resorted to taking the beads from my right hand and letting them drape over my left pinky until the bell isn't rung as often, but that seems a little casual for a respectful practice. Any ideas on this one?<br /><br />(I've also been pleasantly surprised at the beautiful, meaningful prayers in the back of their liturgy. I'm using the first one currently.)<br /><br />Thanks, as always, for your thoughts and ideas.Saintchknhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06288263779928324573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9104250446541309694.post-58326049380870552562015-04-21T16:58:55.529-07:002015-04-21T16:58:55.529-07:00I joined SGI very recently and I think after all t...I joined SGI very recently and I think after all the reading of at least personal experiences (I won't get into doctrinal debates about who's "right"), it seems like SGI is good in some places and not in others, and it seems like a lot of discontent in the district level where one makes contact with SGI at first. <br /><br />I did look at different Nichiren sects and tried to approach a Nichiren Shu priest to see if they could advise me on how to start practice and I got a pretty cold reception (I live in Arizona which is ... to put it lightly ... far from any Nichiren Shu or other Nichiren-based organization except for SGI). <br /><br />But in the end, I ended up joining SGI because there was a lot of hospitality and genuine welcome for me, and even acceptance that I live in an interfaith household. There was some pressure for me to receive the Gohonzon, but nothing that I would call "high pressure". I think part of this is due to the fact that I live in a "frontier" or "pioneer" district and there aren't a lot of members here and no entrenched clique which I think helps a lot. <br /><br />Just some thoughts to share. <br /><br />Peace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com