Reply to Mr. Hara
John Ayres
(Hara-dono Gohenji)
Note: Nikko writes about transgressions of Niko. He then says:
"Niko's transgressions are not only those. There have been one or two
people who have taken it upon themselves and painted the image of (inscribed
the mandala of) Nam' Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo and the "Master of the Teachings, the
venerable Sakyamuni", the "Tathagata of the Actual Attaining Enlightenment
of Kuon" that was the purpose of the appearance of Nichiren Daishonin.
Yet, no one in this school has ever made a wooden statue of Sakyamuni to
worship. In spite of that, Nichi-en Nyuudo, despite his extremely shallow
faith, is thinking about making a statue of Sakyamuni. There is no use for
a statue so he should stop thinking about it.
I learned that Niko suggested to Nichi-en Nyuudou that they should make
a Buddha statue about the size of the one Nichiren had, to replace it, as
Nichirou destroyed the will of the Daishonin and walked off with the one
that Nichiren had stated in his testament to have placed at his grave.
As far as I am concerned, I have some complaint if it is the statue that
Nichiren had placed in a shrine at his grave. But, they went so far as to
suggest they worship it. This idea is absurd because that statue is not
related to Jogyo Bosatsu of the four Bodhisattvas who (along with Sakyamuni
Buddha and Taho Tathagata,) are to be alongside (the "Master of the Teachings,
the Venerable Sakyamuni", the "Tathagata of the Actual Attaining Enlightenment
of Kuon"). It is the Dhuta (ascetic) Buddha of Hinayana Buddhism. As such,
even if one were to make (a copy of) the Buddha statue (that Nichirou walked
off with), it would never be an object for worship."
Nikko later states in the letter that, though he cannot understand why he
would want one, if he must have one, "He should wait until one of his
grand-children could make one for him. Until then, he should worship the
Mandala of Nichiren Daishonin."
This statement was made in an attempt to pacify the individual whose
faith was extremely shallow and whose view of Buddhism was incorrect.
John Ayres
lio...@my-dejanews.com
Ayres) wrote: Thank you John, Your post clarified what I was trying to tell
Bruce. The followers of Niko, and the other elders of the time, because they
failed to understand what Nichiren had meant when he talked about "Shakyamuni
of the True Teachings", taught the ideas that Bruce has been sharing with us.
Then when they lost debates on the object of worship they began talking of
the "eternal buddha Shakyamuni" to justify their using the "Dhuta" Shakyamuni
as an object of worship. The eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, is the Gohonzon.
You also have pointed out one of the problems that has ocurred within your
own sect. Did you see the back and forth about the "statues forming a
Gohonzon". Maybe you need to straiten out your Chief Priest. I know you can
do it if you try. Of course he'd probably excommunicate you like he did me
if you did so, so maybe you should keep quiet.
--
Chris Holte :) visit these sites for more info;
http://www.sgi-usa.org/
http://www.clearingup.com/
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
http://www.dejanews.com/rg_mkgrp.xp Create Your Own Free Member Forum
Nichiren Network
intionally misleading and corrupt.
Now, we in KHK do not worship the Human Shakyamuni,
you are mis-informed of that fact,
we worship Lord Buddha Shakyamuni of the 16th Chapter
of the Lotus Sutra, just like Nichiren did.
try: http://www.cris.com/~fujufuse/jogyo_proof.htm
Bruce
--
****************************
Kempon Hokke Kai
PO Box 5874
Eugene, Oregon 97405
http://www.cris.com/~fujufuse/nichirennet.htm
*****************************
lio...@my-dejanews.com wrote in message
<6s6u3g$24d$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
Mr T
> In article <6s27jm$bd5$1...@supernews.com>, tamo...@kitfox.anv.net (John
> Ayres) wrote: Thank you John, Your post clarified what I was trying to tell
> Bruce. The followers of Niko, and the other elders of the time, because they
> failed to understand what Nichiren had meant when he talked about "Shakyamuni
> of the True Teachings", taught the ideas that Bruce has been sharing with us.
> Then when they lost debates on the object of worship they began talking of
> the "eternal buddha Shakyamuni" to justify their using the "Dhuta" Shakyamuni
> as an object of worship. The eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, is the Gohonzon.
>
> You also have pointed out one of the problems that has ocurred within your
> own sect. Did you see the back and forth about the "statues forming a
> Gohonzon". Maybe you need to straiten out your Chief Priest. I know you can
> do it if you try. Of course he'd probably excommunicate you like he did me
> if you did so, so maybe you should keep quiet.
>
Every one of you SGI members has ignored my question:
If the issue of the addition of the two statues (Nikko and Nichiren) along
with the Gohonzon, a literal representation of the 3 Treasures (an archaic
practice there have been no statues made in over a hundred years, the only
ones in existance are in a few temples in Japan, including the Kyakudan and
Mieido at Taisekiji) is now such one of burning SGI contention, then why
did generations of SGI members including all the presidents have no problem
(or even wrote or spoke of a problem) with this practice?
They all worshipped in those temples.
Maybe it's because we all understood it in correct perspective- just as
those of us in NS still understand it.
Now the SGI seems once again use it's "selective memory" campaign to
rewrite history and confuse the newer membership.
This is a really good reason why the SGI can't be trusted.
--
Kurt
My new anti-spam measure:
to reply send to: martman at primenet dot com
holte...@my-dejanews.com
ne...@bobco.com (Mr T) wrote:
> In article <6s6u3g$24d$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>, tamo...@kitfox.anv.net wrote:
>
> > In article <6s27jm$bd5$1...@supernews.com>, tamo...@kitfox.anv.net (John
> > Ayres) wrote: Thank you John, Your post clarified what I was trying to tell
> > Bruce. The followers of Niko, and the other elders of the time, because they
> > failed to understand what Nichiren had meant when he talked about "Shakyamuni
> > of the True Teachings", taught the ideas that Bruce has been sharing with us.
> > Then when they lost debates on the object of worship they began talking of
> > the "eternal buddha Shakyamuni" to justify their using the "Dhuta" Shakyamuni
> > as an object of worship. The eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, is the Gohonzon.
> >
> > You also have pointed out one of the problems that has ocurred within your
> > own sect. Did you see the back and forth about the "statues forming a
> > Gohonzon". Maybe you need to straiten out your Chief Priest. I know you can
> > do it if you try. Of course he'd probably excommunicate you like he did me
> > if you did so, so maybe you should keep quiet.
> >
>
> Every one of you SGI members has ignored my question:
>
> If the issue of the addition of the two statues (Nikko and Nichiren) along
> with the Gohonzon, a literal representation of the 3 Treasures (an archaic
> practice there have been no statues made in over a hundred years, the only
> ones in existance are in a few temples in Japan, including the Kyakudan and
> Mieido at Taisekiji) is now such one of burning SGI contention, then why
> did generations of SGI members including all the presidents have no problem
> (or even wrote or spoke of a problem) with this practice?
>
> They all worshipped in those temples.
>
We have not ignored your question, I've responded to this question before, I
don't think anyone in the SGI has any problem with Nichiren Shoshu honoring
Nikko and Nichiren, the point is being made because of the incorrect attempt
to have members worship Nikko and Nichiren. They are not the object of
Worship, but the objects of respect.
> Maybe it's because we all understood it in correct perspective- just as
> those of us in NS still understand it.
>
> Now the SGI seems once again use it's "selective memory" campaign to
> rewrite history and confuse the newer membership.
> This is a really good reason why the SGI can't be trusted.
>
I believe that you sincerely believe this. However, there is no effort to
re-write history on our part, just to find out what it is. There is a
systematic effort to rewrite Nichiren Shoshu Doctrines going on at the
Temples however, and Paul may be overdoing it, but he makes that point.
Additionally some doctrines that we accepted uncritically before we are now
beginning to wonder why we went along with them in the first place. This is
my opinion, not any organizational one. In a general sense the membership is
growing up, and like many of the people who defected and are now attacking
the SGI from outside, have decided that the organization is salvage-able, but
at the price of demanding it's reform. That process began in the 80's, and
who knows, maybe it is the real reason Nikken kicked us out. We were
starting to examine the doctrines of Nichiren Shoshu and compare them to the
actions of both the Leaders and the Priests. Some individuals may have
passed muster but many were found lacking. Rather than sack them, we have
merely insisted that they listen to us, to President Ikeda, and that they
practice what they preach and preach what they practice.
> --
> Kurt
>
> My new anti-spam measure:
> to reply send to: martman at primenet dot com
>
All in all there has been a 1984 quality to many of the actors on all sides.
Instead of true debate and talk, there is slander and spin. Too damn much
politics. I have been thinking long and hard about this, but I still haven't
made up my mind on what to do about it. I know where Nikken went wrong, he
told me himself in his justifications for his actions. What to do about the
rest of us, well I can only try to practice what I preach myself!
--
Read the Gosho for yourself
Gosho can be found at:
http://dragon.lizardtech.com/
Mr T
> >
> > Every one of you SGI members has ignored my question:
> >
> > If the issue of the addition of the two statues (Nikko and Nichiren) along
> > with the Gohonzon, a literal representation of the 3 Treasures (an archaic
> > practice there have been no statues made in over a hundred years, the only
> > ones in existance are in a few temples in Japan, including the Kyakudan and
> > Mieido at Taisekiji) is now such one of burning SGI contention, then why
> > did generations of SGI members including all the presidents have no problem
> > (or even wrote or spoke of a problem) with this practice?
> >
> > They all worshipped in those temples.
> >
>
> We have not ignored your question, I've responded to this question before, I
> don't think anyone in the SGI has any problem with Nichiren Shoshu honoring
> Nikko and Nichiren, the point is being made because of the incorrect attempt
> to have members worship Nikko and Nichiren. They are not the object of
> Worship, but the objects of respect.
They aren't, the Gohonzon is.
>
> > Maybe it's because we all understood it in correct perspective- just as
> > those of us in NS still understand it.
> >
> > Now the SGI seems once again use it's "selective memory" campaign to
> > rewrite history and confuse the newer membership.
> > This is a really good reason why the SGI can't be trusted.
> >
>
> I believe that you sincerely believe this. However, there is no effort to
> re-write history on our part, just to find out what it is. There is a
> systematic effort to rewrite Nichiren Shoshu Doctrines going on at the
> Temples however, and Paul may be overdoing it, but he makes that point.
> Additionally some doctrines that we accepted uncritically before we are now
> beginning to wonder why we went along with them in the first place. This is
> my opinion, not any organizational one. In a general sense the membership is
> growing up, and like many of the people who defected and are now attacking
> the SGI from outside, have decided that the organization is salvage-able, but
> at the price of demanding it's reform. That process began in the 80's, and
> who knows, maybe it is the real reason Nikken kicked us out. We were
> starting to examine the doctrines of Nichiren Shoshu and compare them to the
> actions of both the Leaders and the Priests. Some individuals may have
> passed muster but many were found lacking. Rather than sack them, we have
> merely insisted that they listen to us, to President Ikeda, and that they
> practice what they preach and preach what they practice.
You guys are on a crusade to dispell the notion of priesthood- period.
Anything that might fuel that fire is in hot contention.
It's sheer arogance to "examine" 700 years of the priesthood and laity
trying to fulfill the Daishonin's plan only to accept or toss out whatever
is politically correct today in your religion's agenda.
As I mentioned before, the statues are left over from an old tradition that
the priests respected. No statues have been made in over 100 years, nor
have they been installed in any new temples (except in the case of the
Kyakudan).
One look at the SGI's campaign in it's "Fuji School" LB expose shows how
hard the SGI needs to hammer issues unfamiliar with the new SGI believers.
The worst part is the untruth and twisting of history by the Japanese SGI
study head (no sources are given, of course, except for his).
More on this later...
I have no problem accepting how Nichiren Shoshu teaches Buddhism today
simply because, unlike you, I took my issues (and still do) directly to
those who know (the priests - and those who know particular issues) for
clarification. You rely on the spin given by your SGI study heads with no
complete reference of these issues from the temple side to conteract it for
perspective. That "Fuji School" series is a fine example of that.
Your views are consequently clouded.
I sincerely beleive that you consider the SGI today as truly reforming True
Buddhism. I see it as moving further and further away from the Daishonin's
will and true intent.
It is your adulation of Mr. Ikeda that is the root of your problems. You
have let yourself be influenced by a good sales campaign.
lio...@my-dejanews.com
I wrote:
> > I believe that you sincerely believe this. However, there is no effort to
> > re-write history on our part, just to find out what it is. There is a
> > systematic effort to rewrite Nichiren Shoshu Doctrines going on at the
> > Temples however, and Paul may be overdoing it, but he makes that point.
> > Additionally some doctrines that we accepted uncritically before we are now
> > beginning to wonder why we went along with them in the first place. This is
> > my opinion, not any organizational one. In a general sense the membership is
> > growing up, and like many of the people who defected and are now attacking
> > the SGI from outside, have decided that the organization is salvage-able, but
> > at the price of demanding it's reform. That process began in the 80's, and
> > who knows, maybe it is the real reason Nikken kicked us out. We were
> > starting to examine the doctrines of Nichiren Shoshu and compare them to the
> > actions of both the Leaders and the Priests. Some individuals may have
> > passed muster but many were found lacking. Rather than sack them, we have
> > merely insisted that they listen to us, to President Ikeda, and that they
> > practice what they preach and preach what they practice.
>
In article <nert-ya02348000...@news.primenet.com>,
ne...@bobco.com (Mr T) wrote:
> You guys are on a crusade to dispell the notion of priesthood- period.
> Anything that might fuel that fire is in hot contention.
I'm not "you guys" on this. I am not part of any such effort. I am not
against good priests only against bad priests, evil priests, and people
wearing robes who don't deserve to be called priests. Before the split I
once spent an evening discussing the priesthood issue with John Ayers whom I
respected for his intellect. In that discussion I expressed my feelings,
even then (late 70's) that the priesthood needed to change. However, I have
never been against the priests. Many of my fellow SGI members have become
anti priest as paid-professional-position, but we all understand the need for
good scholars and practitioners of the Way.
> It's sheer arogance to "examine" 700 years of the priesthood and laity
> trying to fulfill the Daishonin's plan only to accept or toss out whatever
> is politically correct today in your religion's agenda.
It was considered "arrogance" for Nichiren to examine 700 years of Priesthood
and laity trying to practice Buddhism. It was "supreme arrogance" for him to
question the good efforts of Honen, Jikaku Daishi, Kobo Daishi, and the
various other eminent and wise men of his time. His followers were accused
of setting fires and committing violent acts. I was drawn to this newsgroup
by my interest in the truth, and what I thought was a somewhat sympathetic
view of the priesthood. However, what I see in your attitude as just
expressed as a sort of willful blindness. I agree with you that there is far
too much politics in the arguments between Nichiren Shoshu and the
Sokagakkai. However, I see the causes differently. Also many of the issues
currently being dealt with have to do with 200 year old traditions and
practices rather than 700 year old ones. Indeed the Gakkai is for restoring
700 year old practices to a Nichiren Shoshu that seems to have forgotten
them; (such as celibacy and vegetarianism for priests). Personally, I don't
mind married priests as long as they are humble priests.
> As I mentioned before, the statues are left over from an old tradition that
> the priests respected. No statues have been made in over 100 years, nor
> have they been installed in any new temples (except in the case of the
> Kyakudan).
>
I have not taken issue with the statues question, indeed I was trying to
explain what the statues origionally indicated. Paul is the one pointing out
the senior priests erroneous statements about "3 ...= 1." I care about the
issue so little that I haven't bothered to memorize the quote. However, had
the Sokagakkai done such a thing, we would never stop hearing about it.
Moreover, it does point out that nobody is perfect.
> One look at the SGI's campaign in it's "Fuji School" LB expose shows how
> hard the SGI needs to hammer issues unfamiliar with the new SGI believers.
> The worst part is the untruth and twisting of history by the Japanese SGI
> study head (no sources are given, of course, except for his).
> More on this later...
>
I'm looking forward to your rebuttle of the "Fuji School" history.
> I have no problem accepting how Nichiren Shoshu teaches Buddhism today
> simply because, unlike you, I took my issues (and still do) directly to
> those who know (the priests - and those who know particular issues) for
> clarification. You rely on the spin given by your SGI study heads with no
> complete reference of these issues from the temple side to conteract it for
> perspective. That "Fuji School" series is a fine example of that.
Either you haven't read all my posts, or your own view is as clouded as you
say mine are.. My decisions have been based on reading both sides, but
primarilly on the lectures, study materials and speaches given out in 1991
by Myozenji Temple. I have posted part of my take on those things already,
maybe not all of it yet. I am sick to death of watching people libel folks
they don't know based on what they've heard from people who don't know
either. I don't know about Ikeda, but Nikken's own words and deeds condemn
him as a fool. I don't hate Nikken, I don't hate priests, I am angry at the
foolish deeds of people who gird for war when they should listen to one
another! I do wish that people, all of us, will make greater effort to live
up to the Daishonin's words! When the Daishonin said "they should have their
heads cut off," in several cases he further explained that he didn't mean so
literally!
The Goal of Shakubuku is to cut off the head of Slander, not literal heads!
However, people, expecially Japanese people, hear martial words and then
march off like Samurai or Berserkers to fight with fists or swords! That is
not Shakubuku, that is slander of the Buddha nature! Ikeda said
disrespectful things about the High Priest. Instead of listening, war was
declared! I don't like it one little bit. The only lining in the situation
is that it has forced people to study Buddhism for themselves!
> Your views are consequently clouded.
> I sincerely beleive that you consider the SGI today as truly reforming True
> Buddhism. I see it as moving further and further away from the Daishonin's
> will and true intent.
>
My initial fear was that both groups would become more and more heretical.
This is how all of the other 36 or 38 sects of Nichiren Buddhism were
started. Except in most of those cases it was a chief priest who was staking
out debating points. No one gets the truth, everyone gets arguments over
whether the eternal Buddha is the Daishonin, Shakyamuni, the Law. Whether
the object of worship is a Statue, a scroll, a collection of statues, or a
carved wooden object. Stuff gets distorted into mirror image arguments,
some get the nose of the elephant, some get his ass, and all act like they
are blind! Instead of Unity you get war. Instead of a lion you get
parasites! You see my position as moving away from the Daishonin's intent,
because that is the extension of the position you staked out when you first
made up your mind. Your position is reinforced by all your freinds, by those
who you associate with, by the arguments you will listen to. Just as mine
is. Most of my freinds in the SGI are determined not to let the SGI become
Heretical. We are doing our best to make sure that we fulfil the
Daishonin's true intent. However, it was the priests actions have led me to
doubt their wisdom and to have to try to figure that out for myself. We have
been forced to act the part of priests as well as that of laymen by priests
who have been less than dilligent in following the Daishonin's will. If that
means considering Mark or John Petry's arguments as well as yours, that's
what it means. I would prefer to be practicing with Nichiren Shoshu, I love
the Wood Gohonzon's. I love the ancient traditions. On the other hand my
former certainty ( that all the questions were settled) has given way to a
need to find answers that will endure, that aren't circular, that can
thoroughly defeat counter arguments. I like the Japanese Gakkai, but I don't
love them. I respect Makiguchi because he reminds me of my own grandfather
who also was a teacher and the son of a fisherman. I respect Toda and
Makiguchi for standing up for their beliefs. But I love the American members
of this religion!
However, I don't believe that certain things that Nichiren Shoshu considers
doctrines are true: 1. The confusion of the position of Chief Priest. 2.
The current institution of the Priesthood with it's nepotism and
authoritarian approach. 3. The confusion of Doctrines and traditions. The
attitudes result from the structure as much as from the doctrines. 4. The
slander of the members of SGI by calling them "Ikedabots" and miscasting or
ignoring their legitimate concerns. (As you said previously - "it is none of
your business").
> It is your adulation of Mr. Ikeda that is the root of your problems. You
> have let yourself be influenced by a good sales campaign.
>
As to this last point you make, it reinforces point 4 above. I enjoy reading
President Ikeda's writings. I have no first hand knowledge of the man,
except for one close up encounter. He seems very sincere, very driven, and
very ernest, but I'm not in the SGI because of him. I'm in it because of a
lot of reasons: Study of the Gosho, benefits from chanting, good people.
Those kinds of things. I'm also in it because of the actions of the Temple.
I'm in it because I was forced to choose. I'd rather be Nichiren Shoshu
Sokagakkai, but Nichiren Shoshu is no more, or at least isn't for now.
Eventually Nikken is going to run out of priests to defrock and temples to
replace. Eventually he will change, die or retire. Eventually Ikeda will
pass into history. I fully expect Nichiren Shoshu to change, and when it
happens it will be like someone dumped Ice water for many people. It won't do
it because of Gakkai pressure, but because it is necessary and right. There
are many good people in both organizations, and it is a shame to see anyone
suffer. If it were up to me I'd lock Nikken and Ikeda together, alone or
with neutrals, in a hotel room until they hammered out their differences.
Meanwhile, I can do without wooden Gohonzons and lovely temples and
ceremonies. I've got plenty of bald heads around me.
So > --
> Kurt
>
Respectfully;
--
Chris Holte :) visit these sites for more info;
http://www.sgi-usa.org/
http://www.clearingup.com/
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
Jim Cub 3D
>
>If the issue of the addition of the two statues (Nikko and Nichiren) along
>with the Gohonzon, a literal representation of the 3 Treasures (an archaic
>practice there have been no statues made in over a hundred years, the only
>ones in existance are in a few temples in Japan, including the Kyakudan and
>Mieido at Taisekiji) is now such one of burning SGI contention, then why
>did generations of SGI members including all the presidents have no problem
>(or even wrote or spoke of a problem) with this practice?
>
>They all worshipped in those temples.
>
>Maybe it's because we all understood it in correct perspective- just as
>those of us in NS still understand it.
>
>Now the SGI seems once again use it's "selective memory" campaign to
>rewrite history and confuse the newer membership.
>This is a really good reason why the SGI can't be trusted.
>
>
In 18 years of practice before the split, including two visits to the head
temple totalling about 2 weeks on its grounds, I never once was told by anyone
that the statues "form a Gohonzon", as the Dai Nichiren very clearly says they
do.
There are Gohonzon inside the statues. In fact, Kurt, weren't those Gohonzon
put there at the request of the SGI, so its memebrs would NOT be chanting to
statues?
The statues themselves SARE the point of the Dai Nichiren explanation. It
doesn't even mention Gohonzon enshrined within them. It is making a point
about worshipping the Three Treasures. The Gohonzon is enshrined in the center
-- the Law. Nichiren's statue is to the left -- the Buddha. Nikko's is to the
right -- the priest. It says "In this way, we are able to offer our prayers to
the Three Treasures individually. Although this form is entitled 'The Three
Treasures in Separate Bodies', because they are enshrined as a trinity, the
form a single Gohonzon. It therefore follows that the Treasure of the Priest
is to be regarded with as much reverence as the Treasures of the Buddha and the
Law." (DaiN2, "The correct way of Faith in Nichiren Shoshu" p.12)
If there were just three Gohonzon enshrined in ordinary butsudans, it would not
have the sifnificance "Nichiren" Shoshu attaches. The point is the statues.
In this one case, your sect worships statues. Your sect says so itself.
Jim
Visit <bekkoame.or.jp/~bone>
Mr T
jimc...@aol.com (Jim Cub 3D) wrote:
> In article <nert-ya02348000...@news.primenet.com>, ne...@bobco.com
> (Mr T) writes:
>
> >
> >If the issue of the addition of the two statues (Nikko and Nichiren) along
> >with the Gohonzon, a literal representation of the 3 Treasures (an archaic
> >practice there have been no statues made in over a hundred years, the only
> >ones in existance are in a few temples in Japan, including the Kyakudan and
> >Mieido at Taisekiji) is now such one of burning SGI contention, then why
> >did generations of SGI members including all the presidents have no problem
> >(or even wrote or spoke of a problem) with this practice?
> >
> >They all worshipped in those temples.
> >
> >Maybe it's because we all understood it in correct perspective- just as
> >those of us in NS still understand it.
> >
> >Now the SGI seems once again use it's "selective memory" campaign to
> >rewrite history and confuse the newer membership.
> >This is a really good reason why the SGI can't be trusted.
> >
> >
>
> In 18 years of practice before the split, including two visits to the head
> temple totalling about 2 weeks on its grounds, I never once was told by anyone
> that the statues "form a Gohonzon", as the Dai Nichiren very clearly says they
> do.
Hey, Jim ,Nichikan's explanation was posted. He sure wrote it a few years
before we all came along.
>
> There are Gohonzon inside the statues. In fact, Kurt, weren't those Gohonzon
> put there at the request of the SGI, so its memebrs would NOT be chanting to
> statues?
>
You tell me.
> The statues themselves SARE the point of the Dai Nichiren explanation. It
> doesn't even mention Gohonzon enshrined within them. It is making a point
> about worshipping the Three Treasures. The Gohonzon is enshrined in the
center
> -- the Law. Nichiren's statue is to the left -- the Buddha. Nikko's is
to the
> right -- the priest. It says "In this way, we are able to offer our
prayers to
> the Three Treasures individually. Although this form is entitled 'The Three
> Treasures in Separate Bodies', because they are enshrined as a trinity, the
> form a single Gohonzon. It therefore follows that the Treasure of the Priest
> is to be regarded with as much reverence as the Treasures of the Buddha
and the
> Law." (DaiN2, "The correct way of Faith in Nichiren Shoshu" p.12)
>
> If there were just three Gohonzon enshrined in ordinary butsudans, it
would not
> have the sifnificance "Nichiren" Shoshu attaches. The point is the statues.
> In this one case, your sect worships statues. Your sect says so itself.
> Jim
You still neglect to answer the question posed at the end of the post.
Are you dispelling Nichikan's explanation?