Gohonzon & Gohonzon mandalas

[iainx...@gmail.com]

I referenced the Willow Gohonzon in a response over in the Gongyo thread and suggested opening a thread on Gohonzon and Gohonzon mandalas to share resources and the views across the Nichiren Buddhist landscape.

I found this Nichiren Shu lecture by Ben Capon really interesting and insightful. I've posted this before but am sharing it again here, to get the ball rolling in this thread.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fdCX1Llvp0E

Published on 10 Oct 2013

"This is a lecture given by Ben Capon at the 2013 London Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple, hosted by Kanto Tsukamoto Shonin. Produced by Choeizan"

On Alex's point about bringing in more high quality scholarly research, there is an essay in the Art of The Lotus Sutra by Jane Tanabe in "Readings of the Lotus Sutra" (Edited by Jaqueline Stone and Stephen Teiser) ISBN 978-0-231-14289-2.

This might help give more context to the place of visual representations in general, of which mandalas (and indeed statuary) form a part.

On a side note, an interesting question has just popped into my head on how accessible script mandalas are for people who are blind or sight impaired? Is anyone aware of a "braille" mandala or one that has raised characters that can be felt by a blind person to form the "image" in their heads? I'm not.

I wonder how Nichiren would have approached that with a blind follower who he would have wanted to confer a mandala Gohonzon upon?

Did he go ahead and confer a mandala anyway? Did he recommend a ststue arrangement? Or simply to enshrine the Sutra, as he recommended for other followers, or simply to concentrate in the sound of Daimoku and focus on that auditory Gohonzon?

Mindful of Katie's point about referencing the list of Gosho by confirmed authenticity/uncertainty/disputed etc. status, I think it would also be good to create a refernce list of the Gosho where Nichiren talks about the Gohonzon and mandalas.

I suggest it would be helpful to reference the dates of these Gosho and also to note whether a writing is in Nichiren's own hand, bearing his seal or, if a copy, whether it was made by one of his immediate  followers and whether the copy was made prior to the first schism and fragmentation of the Nichiren community.

If we are able to note where a writing is held, especially with copies, this could help readers consider the provenance of each work.

I'll start a list in the background and post a draft soon to get things going but would value Alex, Mark, Katie, Richard and others input to arrive at a list that's reliable, clear, complete and accurate.

Between even the small group of regular contributors we've got lots of knowledge, I think it would be good to pool our collective resources here and perhaps by doing that,  be able crowd source more contributions, to help others.  

Hope this helps. Please all be well :)

[iainx...@gmail.com]

What led to this thread? This post is included just as a reference point.

Skip this post if you don't want/need to know the context to this thread.

The discussion started over in the (really long and rambling) Gongyo thread and carried over in another thread current at that time.

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/a6zK7vvlH1E

This was Alex's point:

"Honestly we should try to go back to University authorities like
Jacqueline Stone or all
these brilliant intellectuals who have been trying to present Buddhism
to the western world.....
Think about it guys!!!
All the best
@lex"

I responded:

"I agree Alex, I think we should do just that. And having reviewed the recent posts, I sense a positive shift in the forum.

"Honestly we should try to go back to University authorities like
Jacqueline Stone or all
these brilliant intellectuals who have been trying to present Buddhism
to the western world.....
Think about it guys!!!
All the best
@lex"

As we may get interuppted by trolls but that doesn't need stop the flow of the exhange, if the genuine participants don't let it.

We always have the choice not to respond, or to simply respond to trolling posts by marking them out as such "troll alert". I guess it's up to each participant to recognise who is being genuine and sincere and who is not.

But if we can do that, then agreed this could be a great place for crowd sourcing resources and greater understanding. I've certainly valued those moments when you learn and grow because how someone else sees something has triggered insight, motivation and thought. And yes, I think we should get back to brilliant intellectuals and let their understanding inform disussion, rather than low quality materials that abound.

We know that translators have to make choices to render meaning accurately from one language to another. And that we rely on the phrasing and wording that are the product of the translators choices. Alex makes a good point ensuring the sense is correct but one can only do that if one has more than one translation, preferably several, or one has scholarly analysis.

Likewise, diverse but high quality materials by those brilliant intelectuals, could much better inform genuine discussion than the low quality pamplets or promolectures coming from some quarters.

I vote for more Gosho quotes coming from non SGI Library sources, more difficult though that is, so long as they're correctly referenced. That would put a different vibe into the mix.

So yeah Alex, I'm in favour. :)"

Katie chipped in with this, which I referred to in my start post for this thread:

"I AGREE-- let's get out of this thread-- and on to genuine discussion of pertinent issues relevant to correct practice and faith as Nichiren taught.... Be great if this forum became a wellspring for those of us who are seeking to solidify our understanding of the great benefits we have attained seeking Nichiren's teachings exclusively, AND a validated resource for those who are confronting their doubts about the SGI--and/or other Nichiren sects.

I think a good place to start would be posting a classification , or categorization of Nichiren's writings--
authentic vs. disputed-- There is a reference in Mark's blog archives-- be good to cross reference other sources, and discuss the impact of disputed translations and forgeries.

Cheers~
~Katie"

Then it picked up at the end of this thread:

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/xJD6LNGes-E

Katie in response to an SGI member's "competion discreditation" post (sad but true):

"Thank you, Chas for introducing the topic of "worship" as it pertains to our practice of Nichiren's teachings.

Hope it is okay with you that I clarify the definition of *worship*, using Webster's first definition.

" 1. reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred,"

I also think #7. is appropriate, " to feel an adoring reverence for (any person or thing)."

We, who claim to practice as Nichiren taught, acknowledge Nichiren's establishment of the basic elements of Buddhism, The Three Treasures; they are:

!. The Buddha, Shakyamuni
2. The Teaching, Myoho-renge-kyo (title of the Lotus Sutra's 28 chapters)
3) The Order: Nichiren and his followers.

Again, we who claim to follow Nichiren, base our practice on his writings exclusively. Nichiren is the one and only teacher, the foremost votary of the Lotus Sutra, identifying himself as Bodhisattva Superior Practices. It is a simple matter to conclude that *Superior Practices* are contained in is writings-- and nowhere else.

It is my teacher, Nichiren who declared the Gohonzon he inscribed as the supreme object of worship. How do I display *adoring reverence* for the Gohonzon? My Gohonzon is a copy of one inscribed by Nichiren- his Gohonzon, in own hand. My Nichiren Gohonzon occupies the highest place on my altar; it is protected within my altar cabinet; I make offerings of water, flowers, ever greens, fruit and incense to my Nichiren Gohonzon. I offer *my devotion*, offer my life, chanting the daimoku to my Nichiren Gohonzon,kneeling at my altar.

Basing my practice on Nichiren's writings, I have read thousands of his references to Shakyamuni and the Lotus Sutra, though unlike MY teacher, I have not committed the sutra to memory. I have no doubt that the Eternal Buddha, Shakyamuni is worthy of the same adoring reverence Nichiren shared from his own life, though unlike MY teacher, I have not studied all of Shayamuni's teachings and evaluated them in comparison to all other Buddhist teachings or read the treatises and commentaries that supported Nichiren's view of the supremacy of Shakyamuni's teachings. I wholeheartedly believe Nichiren's own declaration that he, Nichiren is a disciple of Shakyamun Buddha.

How do I display my own adoring reverence for Shakyamuni ? I have a small statue of Shakyamuni on the altar table beneath my Gohonzon. I bow in reverence to it and chant daimoku three times. I seriously consider what MY teacher would say about MY practice-- not taking any other *person's* opinion to heart.

I have an adoring reverence for Nichiren, MY teacher. I have read everything available to me, that he has written. I own the Major Writings vol 1-7 and the two volume set published by the Gakkai and recently encountered other translations of his works. I discard nothing of his writings, but I have to assume that there is a difference between a practitioner that focuses on *programmed* study, and one who has actually internalized the whole body of work that is, essentially Nichiren's teachings. You for instance, Chas have no reason to feel adoring reverence for Nichiren. It is not his writing that you internalize, therefore it is not the benefit of faith in his teachings that you experience.

WHAT do you worship Chas? --
The scroll that turned you into a Buddha --in the likeness of your sensei?
You show no reverence for the Gohonzon described by Nichiren.
But, You DO show adoring reverence for your Mentor, who ascribes to a perverse revision of The Three Treasures Nichiren taught; casting off Shakyamuni Buddha and assigning Nichiren a status Nichiren never claimed!
You show adoring reverence for the SGI that exemplifies no resemblance to Nichiren's own followers and true disciples. Could there be any greater disparity than that which exists between Nichiren's own followers and Ikeda's *genuine* disciples? I doubt it.


The SGI places the highest regard on material gain and worldly status !! Despite the SGI's pompous claims to promoting *value creation* and *human revolution* as the purpose and the benefit of Nichiren's Buddhism *for all humanity*, there is only evidence of the wealth SGI has amassed for its top leaders and the arrogant authoritarian behaviors of your elitist senior leaders. The SGI promotes itself, solicits members who are struggling and suffering and does nothing to contribute to society. Your self centered, organization-centric members do nothing to confront and transform the injustices that cause suffering; have no voice in the struggle for human and civil rights, you simply recruit those who are suffering as you align yourselves with the corrupt leaders and institutions who oppress and exploit *the people*.


Who do you feel adoring reverence for, Chas? Whose words and teachings have you internalized? To whom or what do you make offerings ? Definitely NOT Nichiren, NOT Shakyamuni Buddha and NOT the Lotus sutra!! Yet you claim to be practicing Nichiren's Buddhism?

This paragraph from your most recent scathing comment is really about YOU:

>>"Bowing down to images of another human being, they are like impoverished and starving children looking through the window outside of the supermarket, who will never get to eat the nutritious food inside, but will perpetually place all their devotion and desire on that food. "<<

You, Chas, are bowing down to the image of another human being, Your Mentor, and though you may now believe you are enjoying a banquet, I assure you I have no desire for anything on your menu, I have only pity for all of SGI *Buddhas* stuck in the 6 lower worlds. You have assumed that the world of *rapture* , that you experience after satisfying your longings, *hunger*, is the world of *Buddhahood*. Your superiority posturing is the world of *anger* and your unscrupulous tactics to defend your SGI is the world of *animality*. But how long can you protect the person you worship from the inevitable exposure of the actual proof that your beloved sensei has degraded the Daishonin and slandered the Lotus Sutra?

My teacher, Nichiren's life is fully documented; his teachings, his persecutions; his enlightenment ,and his enlightened state at the time of his death have all been recored and authenticated. Nichiren was in constant personal contact and continually received visits from his disciples and lay followers, and was surrounded by his treasured followers at the time of his death. There is no doubt that Nichiren is the Superior teacher of the Lotus Sutra for our time, attained Buddhahood.

Where is your Mentor, Ikeda? What is the condition of his life-- if he is still living?? And WHY are these matters of no interest to YOU?

How foolish you are to continue to speak with disparagement and ignorance about those who claim to be followers of Nichiren, based on the teachings of a *man* who has all but vanished from that BIG stage he built. You claim victories for SGI, insisting you & SGI are advancing kosen rufu on this stage--- yet no *curtain calls* for your precious, Mentor??

I won't engage in debating the doctrines of your aberrant sect with you, because iainx has already refuted your erroneous "mentor/disciple" doctrine and your false claims about the SGI. Nor am I engaging in any further correction of your petty accusations. I have read the writings attributed to Ikeda-- I needed nothing more than his silence in response to countless letters from me and very sincere SGI members to realize that he is not worthy of the respect you profusely expound here. Absent documentary proof of your Mentor's vigor and open arms for his treasured members, I find no reason to take you seriously.

In closing, I would like to say, with all due respects, that until you confront the evidence that your mentor is a phony and the SGI is a multi-level-marketing scam that provides wealth for a few of the most unscrupulous people on the planet, there is no potential for having dialogue or debate about the true teachings and doctrines of Nichiren's Buddhism with you. You have shown no desire to pursue serious investigation of the authenticity of your *doctrines. instead you show only disrespect and disparagement for those who have, like Nichiren, sought to clarify what is true.

BTW it bears noting that Mark Rogow references the whole body of Nichiren's writings, or Nichiren's "life work" as you put it. He is not the first, and clearly not the only practitioner who has noted the divergence from Nichiren's major writings that appear ONLY in the very FEW disputed documents you claim in support of your erroneous doctrines! So, it is YOU Chas, discarding the majority of Nichiren's teachings, and clinging solely to writings that appear well after Nichiren's death, in the hands of the Taisekiji priests.

My natural rejection of SGIs revision of The Three Treasures and fabrication of Mentor/Disciple as the *only* path to attaining Buddhahood was based on my own reading of Nichiren's life work and my faith in the truth written by , Nichiren himself, My teacher. I do, however, appreciate the scholarly efforts that have proven what I already believed.


" How you congratulate and reinforce each other's different delusions! What a deadly embrace. "-- YES! This describes you-- and your Ikeda worshippers aka, the SGI.

~Katie"

I then chipped in with this and the thread was born!:

"Thanks Katie for you're clear and thoughtful response.

To add to it, with regard "worship" or "devotion" as the SGI often translates this, you've really drawn out the focus of Chas's devotion and that of the SGI corporation, to Mr Ikeda. I'm sure you've seen it Katie, the pictures of Mr Ikeda, and sometimes the two other "presidents" occupying altar space in members homes or hung on the same wall that Gohonozon is placed on.

Also, whilst Nichiren urges people to make the Sutra their single focus, for them to "give themselves up to it", SGI members are urged by the corporation, to split that focus or redirect it completely onto Mr Ikeda, making a connection with him, understanding his heart etc. So Mr Ikeda occupies mental and spiritual space in their practice too. This comes about when SGI members "devote" themselves to studying SGI corporate "guidance" that encourages them to do this, reinforced by SGI corporate promolectures and corporate promoguidance, that do likewise and when they take that to heart and put it into practice, as those promocommunications urge them to do.

Devotion of thought, word and deed

It's striking that whilst you (and the many others who incorporate statuary on their altar set ups) are really clear about the correct object of worship and maintain focus on it, the SGIkeda corporation, is not and actively encourages it's membership to engage in devotion to it's leader in their faith, practice and study.

I watched a great Nichiren Shu lecture, where the lecturer made the point that with reference to Nichiren's teaching on the Gohonzon "this is one area that it is most important not to deviate or alter what Nichiren teaches" - "it is not permitted to do that".

Such a clear focus on the object of worship and exhortation to stay absolutely on point with Nichiren's teaching and flies in the face of the SGIkeda corporation's characterisations of Nichiren Shu and other Nichiren practitioners, misrepresentaion that is often repeated here by "Chas" as he seeks to mischaracterise 'the competition' in the face of the dwindling SGIkeda membership business.

It's also notable that whilst the SGIkeda corporation is content to reinterpret the Gohonzon in terms of its corporate "mentor-disciple" promoteaching, thus deviating from, adding to and altering Nichiren's teaching on Gohonzon, other Nichiren organisations and practitioners that SGIkeda claims are "slanderous", are clear that this should not be done.

What is Gohonzon?

According to Nichiren in the first Q&A in Honzon Modo Sho, the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is such. This is elaborated in the Opening of the Eyes in terms of the Buddha but reinforced in the "Willow Gohonzon" mandala that Nichiren inscribed, just before he faced likely beheading in the Tatsunakuchi persecution. Thus mandala is spare, the only ritual elements present are the Daimoku, Aizen and Fudo, all in their customary positions on the mandala.

Given this, the reinterpreration of the Daimoku itself in terms of SGIkeda corporation's "mentor-disciple" promoteaching, is likewise a deviation, alteration and addition to, Nichiren's teaching on the Gohonzon.

Given that Nichiren, when he inscribed the Willow Gohonzon mandala, had a very real sense that he was, at that time, facing the end of his life and that he didn't have much time, I'd argue that he incribed the most essential ritual elements on this mandala.

I'd also argue that he later elaborated on those elements as his thinking evolved and tailored those elaborations to the recipient, each of his extant mandalas are slightly different in terms of those elaborations but always the same in terms of their essentials.

The tailoring, is important, as you've drawn out, Nichiren had close and personal relationships with his followers, the network of votaries that he'd drawn together and facilitated (and he refers to other practitioners as "votaries of the Sutra").

Later efforts by priests who inscribed and tailored mandalas for a collective audience, can be seen in some of the sects, the Daigohonzon can be seen in this way. Whether it is right to do that and whether Nichiren actaully did that, is open to debate.

There are two ways of tailoring, one is to reflect a "perfect representation" in essentials and detail that will be relevant to all, which is the claim for the Daigohonzon. The other is to omit detail and strip it back to the essentials that apply to all. I belive this was Nichiren's approach when he wss facing immanent execution and that resulted in the "Willow Gohonzon" mandala.

If one is going to tailor for a collective, in the detail, I suggest it is important to ensure thise elements are approprate for all the different people who would use it, so deep consideration is needed.

With regard to the Willow Gohonzon mandala, although he didn't have much time, he also included the date, location and his seal.

In light of this, it is interesting he did not include further ritual details. Was the locational detail etc. more important? Or did Nichiren consider he'd rendered the most important ritual elements in the time available and was tgus content to place the mandala in time and space and affix his seal?

With regard to the current SGI mandala, although based on the Daigohonzon, it was inscribed and conferred on an individual, whose name was removed by SGIkeda, before the copy was widely distributed to SGI members. What difference that makes is open to debate.

In terms of the "mentor-disciple" SGIkeda corporate promoteaching and it's reinterpretation of Gohonzon mandala in terms of that promoteaching, that SGIkeda promointerpretation falls down in the face of the Willow Gohonzon mandala.

Chas can't claim that "mentor-disciple is on the Gohonzon" and point to the Buddha's and bodhisattvas on the Willow Gohonzon mandala, because they are not represented on that mandala. What is, is the Law.

Perhaps that's why Nichiren left this particular mandala when he wasn't certain he'd live much longer. A kind of benchmark if you will.

Based on this mandala, Chas might even complain that Nichiren only worshipped the Law and had divorced himself from the Buddha. I must say, it's rather heartening that I'm in such good company (even though neither Nichiren nor I have undergone such a divorce) though I'm still "mugwort growing in a field of hemp" or spending time with friends "in the orchid room" and have much to learn.

It might be worth opening a thread in Gohonzon and Nichiren mandalas and sharing the range of veiws / resources from across the Nichiren landscape? It's an interesting and important topic.

What say you guys?"

[Katie Higgins]

!
Thanks iainx ! I agree Ben Capon's lecture is insightful, and what a drastic difference between a scholarly and historic perspective on the *supreme object of worship* and the PR sales pitch the SGI called, "propagating the True Law".

Regarding the first first Gohonzon , or "Willow" Gohonzon that Nichiren inscribed on the eve of his exile to Sado (1271) for Priest Nichiro, the Gosho, "Letter to Priest Nichiro in Prison" Nichiren states:

"Tomorrow I am to leave for the province of Sado. In the cold tonight, I think of what it must be like for you in prison, and it pains me. Admirable Nichiro, because you have read the entirety of the Lotus Sutra with both the physical and spiritual aspects of your life, you will also be able to save your father and mother, and your six kinds of relatives, and all living beings. Others read the Lotus Sutra with their mouths alone, in word alone,but they do not read it with their hearts. And even if they read it with their hearts, they do not read it with their actions. It is reading the sutra with both one's body and mind that is truly praiseworthy! Since the sutra teaches that the young sons of heavenly beings will wait on him and serve him. Swords and staves will not touch him, and poison will have no power to harm him, certainly nothing untoward will befall you. When you are released from prison, please come quickly as you can. I am eager to se you, and show you that I too am well. With my deep respect. Nichiren" (WND vol 1 p. 304)


So, it appears that Nichiren's reason for inscribing the first Gohonzon was both acknowledging the pure faith of this disciple, which is stated in regard to *faith* in the Lotus Sutra, and showing his concern for the Priest Nichiro's protection. It is also noted that this is a tangible *reminder* for the imprisoned priest Nichirro, of his connection to Nichiren and their shared dedication to upholding the Lotus Sutra with body and mind.

*PLEASE take moment to compare and contrast Nichiren's spirit of bestowing Gohonzon to the method and purpose the SGI employs to *bestow gohonzon*-- as a means for a member to *access their own inherent Buddhahood*, thus * solve all of their problems, attain all of their dreams and earthly desires*.

For further discussion on the the *significance* of and the *bestowal of Gohonzon * - here are two more Gosho quotes.

FIRST, "On Offering Prayers to The Mandala"- generally supposed to be written to Sennichi, the wife of Abutsu-bo (1273) :

"I have offered prayers to the Gohonzon of Myoho-renge-kyo, Though this mandala has but five or seven characters, it is the teacher of all Buddhas throughout the three existences and the seal that guarantees the enlightenment of all women" WND vol 1 p. 414

Next page- "Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, brought together the Thus Come One Many Treasures and all the emanation Buddhas of the ten directions, and left one elixir- the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo---for the people of the Latter Day of the Law." (p.415)

*NOTE: Nichiren states he offered prayers to the Gohonzon, but in this letter there is no reference to his having bestowed this Gohonzon to the letter's recipient--However, Nichiren clearly describes the Gohonzon : " this mandala has but five or seven characters"-- which describes the first Gohonzon (above),
I assume Sennichi does not have the Gohonzon, as the last paragraph states:

" A woman who takes this efficacious medicine will be surrounded and protected by these four greg bodhisattvas at all times. When she rises to her feet, so too, will the bodhisattvas, and when she walks along the road they will also do the same. She and they will be as inseparable as a body and its shadow, as fish and water, as a voice and its echo, or as the moon and its light. Should these four great bodhisattvas desert the woman who chants Namu-myoho-renge-kyo, they would incur the wrath of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures and the emanation Buddha's of the ten directions." (WND vol 1 pg. 415)

*I think there are four main points re: the Gohonzon in this Gosho:
1) Myoho-renge-kyo-- The title of the Lotus Sutra, the Mystic Law is itself the *object of worship*--

2) Chanting Namu-myoho-renge-kyo , the essential practice, is the "Excellent Medicine" the "one elixir" left for us by Shakyamuni Buddha; .

3) When one "takes this efficacious medicine", chants the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, one can be assured of the protection of "these four great bodhisattvas at all times"

4) Therefore, though there is no disputing Nichiren's conviction that the medal he inscribed is the True Object of Worship for the Latter Day, here he seems to be saying that it is NOT the Gohonzon, but one's practice of and faith in "Myoho-renge-kyo" that is most important.

SECOND : "On Upholding Faith own the Gohonzon" written in Minobu (1275) to the lay nun Myosin:

"I have received the various articles that you so kindly sent.
I am entrusting you with Gohonzon for the protection of your young child. This gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. It is like the sun and the moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart of a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures and the pillar of a house.
When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all the Buddhas and the gods will gather around and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their rulers, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and grasses crave rain, and as birds depend on trees. You must trust in it with all your heart, With my deep respect, Nichiren (WND vol 1, p. 624)

* When I consider that Nichiren did not bestow Gohonzon on ALL of his followers and that not once did he say that the Gohonzon itself IS the ONLY means for attaining Buddhahood,

rather, he is saying that the Gohonzon is the objectified *image* of Myoho-renge-kyo-- and that, chanting with FAITH in Myoho-renge-kyo IS the essential practice.

"Trusting Gohonzon" IS = trusting Myoh-renge-kyo.

"Having this mandalal with us" = faith in Myoh-renge-kyo=never seek Gohonzon outside of yourself-

Returning to the prime point and the first stage of practice; arousing faith, believing in Myoho-renge-kyo is fundamental --- I suggest that Gohonzon is a reinforcement of the essential practice; perhaps could be viewed as a graduation certificate or diploma for those who have aroused joy ,faith and belief from chanting the Mystic Law; a focal point for concentration, or, correct thoughts when offering prayers for the protection and blessings one needs.

Back to Ben Capon's lecture. The practice of Buddhism historically involved erecting an altar and adorning it with objects that focused the mind of the practitioner during their practice, which usually consisted of meditation, mundras, chanting mantras. Though Capon does not say so directly, he indicates that it was some 18 years between Nichiren's declaration that Namu-myoho-renge-kyo IS the teaching/practice of the Lotus sutra for the Latter Day, and his establishing the true Object of Worship, which could be viewed as the *great difficulty* of creating a honzon or mandala that captured EXACTLY the object of worship as the LAW and not a person or persons (Buddhas/bodhisattvas)

Could it not be concluded that the emphasis SGI places on the Gohonzon , replete with ALL of their strict guidelines and prohibitions, IS but another example of their *business* agenda? By the same token, though claiming superiority in terms of *the true object of worship*; that, only their Gohonzon is valid, and benefit can only be obtained via THIS Gohonzon-- the SGI does a very poor job of showing the highest respect for the millions of Gohonzons* they* have handed out-- that have been discarded and destroyed.
How can we understand this contradiction between *teaching* and *practice* in the SGI?
1)Is it poor judgment regarding to whom a Gohonzon should be bestowed?

2) Is it insufficient knowledge regarding the prime point of faith and practice taught by Nichiren?

3) Is in an intentional divergence from Nichiren's teachings that serves to establish the SGI led by Daisaku Ikeda as *persons* to be trusted and revered -- worthy, correct teachers to whom one should offer alms??

~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Thanks Katie for a great post and some really good Gosho quotes, well reasoned. I'm short of time now to respond at length but just had to affirm a quality post.

I really like the themes you're drawing out especially around faith and also the notion that the "Gohonzon" mandala is seen by some as the means through which to achieve enlightenment, rather than "faith". Also that Gohonzon has been made synonemous with the script mandala by Nichiren Shoshu and adopted by SGI before the latter, as it became the SGIkeda Corp. started de-emphasising it and replacing it with it's "mentor-diciple" SGIkeda promoteaching.

I think it's useful to deaggregate the Gohonzon and the script mandala, which is the approach Icve taken in this thread title. I think that Gohonzon has a wider meaning for Nichiren than the mandala. I've got some Jaqueline Stone on Nikko and statuary altar arrangements, that I'll dig out. I know Mark has added some useful detail on that too, so it would be good to pull that into the thread too?

Got to dash, have a great rest of day and be well :)

[Mark Rogow]

(Recitation Text for Nichiju's young disciple, Nichimyo, who died at the age of eighteen)

"Here I reverently state.

A Matter of requesting to recite [the following text]:

Various offerings have been prepared for the Three Jewels and for the priests:

I faintly hear that the Wonderful Law of the One Vehicle has a strong fragrance which permeates the Ancient Garden of the Three Lands, and that the moon of Clear Light of Original Enlightenment shines brightly in the blue sky of Tranquil Light. But, the profound meaning of the Real Teaching, can it be measured?

As I contemplate it now, it is already one year since the death of Reverend Nichimyo; in spite of this, our mournful tears have not yet ceased to flow. Stopping our sorrowful tears, we hereby perform some small religious rites for the nourishment of his Bodhi [Buddhahood]. That is to say, we respectfully make a copy of the Precious Stupa Dai-mandala, respectfully recite the entire Lotus Sutra once, the Chapter of Expedient Means twelve times, the Chapter of the Measure of Life of the Tathagata one hundred and twenty times, the Ten Suchnesses twelve hundred times, the Jiga-ge Verses twelve thousand times, the Daimoku one hundred and twenty thousand times; we respectfully write "Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo" twelve thousand times, and we respectfully erect one Tablet Stupa. In this case, the Dai-mandala is the one that was respectfully transcribed before his death. We offer it here to perform some small rites as a memorial service for him.

Although this Dai-mandala generally represents the phases of teachings of "the Three Meetings at the Two Places", it particularly represents, "the One Ceremony of the Meeting in the Sky." Actually, the "Precious Stupa" means the palace where the Wonderful Law lies, the castle in the heart where the Buddhas abide eternally, the location where the Bodhisattvas assemble, the whole original aspect of the five constituent elements (earth, water, fire, wind and the void).

Taho (Tathagata Abundant Treasures) within the Stupa bears witness [to the Lotus Sutra]; Shakyamuni Buddha assembles the Buddhas who have emanated from Him and he opens the door of the Stupa- Sitting side by side [with Taho] within the Stupa, He [Shakyamuni Buddha] declares that He desires to bequeath the Lotus Sutra in order to make it remain existing. Then He invites the Guiding Teacher in the Age of the Latter Dharma, enumerating the Six Hard [Tasks] and the Nine Easy Tasks. Shakyamuni Buddha encourages the propagation of the Wonderful Law of the One Vehicle, showing that even Devadatta and the Dragon King's Daughter obtained Buddhahood. The Bodhisattvas who were cultivated by the Manifestation Buddhas earnestly volunteer to propagate, expressing how they will cope in the Evil Age.

Manjusri asks a question of how to propagate the Law, then the World-honored One, preaching the Four Methods, recommends to start the practice. These are exactly relating to the circulation of the Shakumon (Manifestation Doctrine). Then, Shakyamuni Buddha turns down the offer of these bodhisattva-mahasattvas, in numbers of the sands of eight Ganges rivers, to propagate, and [instead] invites the tranquilly beaming bodhisattva-mahasattvas welling up out of the Earth, who were converted by the Original Buddha.

Upon the question of Maitreya, Shakyamuni Buddha reveals the Distant Origin of His Attainment of Enlightenment in the Eternal Past. Preaching the responding activities of the Three-Bodies-in-One, Shakyamuni Buddha reveals His Great Compassion from the Eternal Past; [this Eternal Past] is compared to dust-motes of innumerable atoms. Measuring the merits of A Single Moment of Faith and Understanding, Shakyamuni Buddha praises the excellent merits of the Chain of Acceptance with Joy. Then, He reveals the excellent merits of the versatile use of the Six Organs. And, referring to an old anecdote about Bodhisattva Never Despise (Fukyo), He shows how one should dare to forcedly infuse the Hokekyo into those beings who have a Rebellious Attitude, and Shakyamuni Buddha reveals the circular meaning that a Rebellious Attitude (Gyaku-en) toward the Hokekyo is, ultimately, nothing but an Obedient Attitude (Jun-en).

Demonstrating the Ten Kinds of Miraculous Powers, Shakyamuni Buddha entrust [to these Originally Converted Bodhisattvas who had welled up out of the earth] the Essential Dharma which should be propagated in the Age of the Latter Dharma, and that is the great Dharma in the Honmon (Original Doctrine), which is to be circulated. This Essential Dharma is embodied in the Five Characters of the Daimoku. Therefore, this "Myoho-Renge-Kyo" is the Dharma- body of circular harmonization of the Three Truths (emptiness, provisional existence and the Middle Way); [it is the] inner enlightenment of the Ocean of Dharma Nature, in the phase of fruition; the general term of all practices of the various virtues; the most profound treasure in the Original Land. This is the substance of the Honzon (Object of Worship). Then, with regard to the [significance] of the two Buddhas, Shakya and Taho; first, in the meaning of Shakumon, the presence of the two Buddhas within the one Stupa signifies the non-duality of objective things and subjective perception. And the emanated Buddhas, seated under the jeweled trees signify the universality of compassion [benevolence]. So, the revelation of the virtuous bodies of these three Buddhas (Shakya, Taho and the emanated Buddhas) stands for the state of Buddhahood attained by the Manifestation Buddha.

Next, the meaning of Honmon is the clearing away of the Shigaku (attainment of enlightenment for the first time) and the revelation of the Hongaku (original enlightenment); the tearing down of the Manifestation Buddha and the establishment of the Original Buddha, [in other words] the objective entity, subjective perception and activity of the imponderable original state; that is, the body, spirit and conduct of the natural triple bodies [of the Tathagata]. Staying in the empty sky stands for the equality of the Saha-world and the Pure Land, which is called the Land of Eternal Tranquil Light. Revealing the origin in the distant past stands, for the self-enjoyment-and exercise of the body possessing the Three-Bodies-in-One. The activity spreads vertically and widely over the three time periods, and the benefit spreads horizontally and widely throughout the ten directions. Then, the four leaders of Jogyo, etc. are the disciples from the time of [Shakya's] Actual Attainment of Enlightenment in the measureless past. They are the Bodhisattvas who attained enlightenment at that time in the infinite past; they are the Bodhisattvas who were entrusted with the quintessence of the Hokekyo, and they are the leaders of its propagation. Basically, this Great Mandala is the mandala that represents non-duality of the subject and its surroundings; unity of the Buddha and the Dharma, oneness of all living beings and the Buddha, and the inter-possession of each of the Ten Realms; Therefore, since those who reverently listen to its name will eradicate the three persistent delusions (Kenji, Jinja and Mumyo) in an instant, and those who reverently gaze upon it, even once, will attain Sambodhi (perfect enlightenment); then this Great Mandala is a secret means of immediate enlightenment and a model of attaining Buddhahood in this very body. And, this sutra is the real Purpose for the advent of the Buddhas, and the direct way to Buddhahood for all living beings. Reading or reciting [this sutra] is the practice that is suitable for the organ of hearing, and these are the roots of goodness that have a connection with this [Saha] world. Copying [this sutra] is the root of making the life of the teachings ever-abiding, and is the great goodness of committing them to memory or keeping them in mind.

Next, the Daimoku is the real name (essence) of the Realms (ten realms), the Suchnesses (ten suchnesses) and the Three Thousand (the universe), and it is the inner comprehension of the triple-bodied Tathagata of complete enlightenment; it is the Heart of the two Doctrines of Manifestation (Shakumon] and Original [Honmon], and it is the genuine sutra that our teacher (Nichiren) propagated.

Hence, the Tablet Stupa is a manifestation of the all-sided transcendent power of the ultimate Dharma Body, and it is a symbol of the omnipresence of the triple-bodied Tathagata. With the power of the Buddha, the power of the Dharma and the uniting power of our faith, the noble soul [of Nichimyo] must enhance its Bodhi without doubt. If this is the case, in reward for the blessed karma of his having practiced the One Vehicle, Nichimyo's soul will open the flower of enlightenment of the Bodhi of the one sole Truth. Also, as a reward for the excellent karma of having practiced the Five characters of the Daimoku, his soul will enjoy the moon of enlightenment of the integrated Five Wisdoms (wisdom of the nature and the essence of the Dharma Realm, wisdom of the great circle mirror, wisdom of the nature of equality, wisdom of wonderful observation, and wisdom of concrete [actual] conduct).

May the rain of the Dharma universally pour down on the teachers of generation after generation to whom we are indebted, on the mothers and fathers of life after life, on the people who are interconnected, irrespective of closeness or not, and the danapati of the past and the present, so that they can accomplish the Wonderful cause, and that [all beings of] the Dharma Realm be equally benefitted.

Now, ringing a small bell three times, I reverently make the sound heard by the triple-bodied Tathagata. And, what I have requested to be recited is as stated above. This I respectfully stated.

The twenty-first day of the eighth month, in the second year of Kakei (1388)

Reverently,

Chief Head Priest Nichiju"

Mark

[Mark Rogow]

The Object of Worship of the Original Doctrine by Rev. Tetsujo Kubota (from the Tradition of Nichiren Doctrine)

"The Three Great Secret Dharma" refers to:

(1) Object of Worship of the Original Doctrine (Hommon no Honzon),
(2) the Title of the Original Doctrine (Hommon no Daimoku), and
(3) Precept (Ordination) Platform of the Original Doctrine (Hommon no Kaidan).

"Object of Worship" (honzon: "the Principal Revered or Holy One") means the Object of Faith or Belief. Incidentally for a disciple of Nichiren an explanation concerning the "Object of Worship" which goes beyond the Patriarch's teaching is not allowed. The teaching of Nichiren Shonin is absolute.

After founding his sect at age thirty-two Nichiren Shonin spread the teaching in Kamakura. At this time it seems that he worshiped the Title "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" alone with the Hokekyo placed in front of it. After he received the standing image of Lord Shakya at Ito at age forty, that is, after the Ito Persecution for the Dharma, according to the "Letter on the Kings of the Country of the Gods", he installed the image of Lord Shakya and the ten fascicles of the Hokekyo.

According to the "Letter to the Great Assembly of Seichoji" written about this time, he says, "Having written an oath of the utmost sincerity, I, Nichiren, prayed with hands joined, to the Object of Worship..." And the fact that he prayed joined to the hands of the Object of Worship is proof that he was worshiping the statue of Lord Shakya. (It is presumed that behind the statue of Lord Shakya he worshiped the single Title "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" but there is no evidence for this.) Moreover, as he says in his letter to the wife of Daigaku Saburo, "You worship the Seven Characters three times a day" (291), the believers at this time were worshiping the Single Title ("Namu Myoho Renge Kyo"
alone).

In the tenth month of the eighth year of Bun'ei (1271) after the Persecution at Tatsunokuchi Nichiren Shonin was kept in custody at the residence of the local chief (jito) of Echi (the modern Atsugi City), Homma Shigetsura. On the ninth, the day before they said he was to be exiled to Sado, he recorded an Object of Worship (gohonzon) with a willow twig. A single Title ("Namu Myoho renge kyo") (with Fudo to the right and Aizen to the left represented by Sanskrit characters, as we face it) and the side inscription "Written at the village of Echi in Homma in the Province of Sagami" with the year, month, and day of its revelation. It is said to have been written using a twig broken from a willow tree.

Throughout the first period after he had gone over to Sado, the Objects of Worship that he wrote had the Title, the Two Buddhas Shakya and Taho and also Fudo and Aizen written symbolically in Sanskrit characters, the side inscription "Drawn in the Province of Sado" and the year, month, and day of revelation. There are many examples of this form and it is called the "Hundred-copy Object of Worship of Sado".

In the second month of the ninth year of Bun'ei (1272) with the great motive that "they will put an end to the inconceivability of Nichiren" he composed "On Opening the Eyes (Kaimoku Sho)" and implied that in terms of his Original State (honji) he was the manifestation of the Bodhisattva Jogyo.

In the fourth month of the next year he composed On the Object Worship of Contemplation (Kanjin Honzon sho ). In this work, which he called "my own great matter", explained in doctrinal terms the substance of the Object of Worship of the Original Doctrine. On the eighth day of the seventh month in that same year he revealed and drew an Object of Worship called the "Mandala First Revealed on Sado" (Sado Shiken Mandara), but regrettably the original autograph has not come down to us. But fortunately a copy still exists, so from this we can understand its arrangement. There is one at the Head Temple Myomanji which the disciple Temmoku received and was given in the sixth month of the following year. (A version on silk) There is a side inscription, "The Shramana Temmoku received and was given [it]. For some reason it does not say, "Bestowed and given [to the Shramana Temmoku"]. The arrangement of this is closest to "Mandala First Revealed on Sado".

On Sado the Saint himself kept the image of Lord Shakya enshrined:

"When I was in the Province of Sado between mountains and wilds far away from a village was a samadhi place (gosammaisho: a cremation ground or graveyard) called Tsukahara. There was a hall with a single room and four walls in that place. In the roof the boards did not meet and four walls were ruined. In the rain it was like being outside and the snow Piled up inside. There was no Buddha [image]. Neither was there a single reed tatami mat. However, I set up [the statue of] the Master of Teachings Lord Shakya which I have kept from the beginning and grasped the Hokekyo in my hand, put on a straw raincoat and held up an umbrella, yet for four years no person appeared and they gave me no food." ("Reply to the Bhikshuni Myoho", STN, v. 2, 15)

He kept and guarded this image of Lord Shakya after he entered Minobu as well. ("On the Matter of Forgetting the Sutra Which He Kept") Furthermore, he bestowed mandalas on believers.

"Although this mandala in terms of its written characters is five characters or seven characters, it is the Teacher of the Buddhas of the Three Ages; it the certifying text of the attainment of Buddhahood by all women. It becomes a torch on the paths of the underworld; it becomes an excellent horse on the Mountain of Going Forth in Death. It is like the sun and the moon in the heavens. It is like Mount Sumeru on earth. It is the ship for the Sea of Birth-and-Death. It is the Guiding Teacher for the Attainment of Buddhahood." (On Offering to the Mandala of the Sublime Dharma, STN, v. 1, 698)

The Saint, himself an exile and, what is more, in the countryside on an isolated island, was not able simply to obtain Buddha images and perform the "Eye-opening" dedication. In this respect a mandala could be drawn as soon as paper, ink, and writing brush were to be had and also was easy to transport. Moreover, there was nothing more welcome for lay donors than the mandala, which was in the Saint's very own hand.

In the eleventh year of Bun'ei (1274) Nichiren Shonin entered Minobu and the laudatory text of the Mandala which he wrote out in the twelfth month of the same year is as follows:

"Since the Extinction of the Great Enlightened World Honored One there have passed in succession more than two thousand two hundred and twenty years. Even so among the Three Countries of India, Han [China] and Japan, there has not yet been this Great Obiect of Worship (dai honzon). Either they have known but not yet spread it or they have not known it. Our Compassionate Father, by means of the Buddha Wisdom, has hidden and retained it, leaving it for the Latter Age. At the time of the last five hundred years, the Bodhisattva Jyogyo come forth in the world and for the first time spreads and proclaims it."

What we should note on this Mandala is:

(1) The fact that the mandala is called the Object of Worship (honzon). There are those among one group of scholars who "say that the Mandala is not the object of Worship but assert as the Object of Worship the statue of the Buddha. However, the Saint himself said "the Mandala is the Object of Worship (honzon)".
(2) "Namu Tensho Hachiman to sho butsu" (Adoration to the Buddhas, Amaterasuomi-kami, Hachiman and so on) means he reveals the Original State (honji) of the national gods of Japan.
(3) He calls himself "the Bodhisattva Jogyo". The Saint was a person of humility and had only implied this in On Opening the Eyes (Kaimoku sho), the letter of the Revelation of the Person. It is on this Object of Worship that he first says this. The one other place he refers to this is only when he says through the mouth of Shijo Yorimoto, "His Reverence Nichiren Shonin is the Bodhisattva Jogyo, Messenger of the Lord of the Three Worlds, the Father and Mother of All Beings, the Tathagata Shakya." (The Deposition of Yorimoto, STN,v.2, 1358)

With the passage of time in the Bun'ei (1263-1274), Kenji (1275-1277), and Koan (1278-1282) periods the Saint inscribed the Mandalas at various times in all sorts of forms, the Abbreviated Style, the Quintessential Style and the Expanded Style. The Abbreviated Style consists of the Title ("Namu Myoho renge kyo"), the Two Buddhas Shakya and Taho with the Two Spell Kings (Myoo), Fudo and Aizen, in Sanskrit characters. The Quintessential Style means he added the Four Bodhisattvas Converted by the Original Buddha. The Expanded Style means the whole of the Ten Realms are included.

When we view the more than one hundred twenty extant autograph specimens of the Mandala, there are various sorts, those of the first part of the Bun'ei period all having "Namu" affixed to the various deities and those of the Koan period having it affixed only to the Four Holy Ones (the Two Buddhas Shakya and Taho, the Four Bodhisattvas, Jogyo and the others, Shariputra and so on), those where there are the Branch Body Buddhas (Bun'ei) and those where there are not (Koan) and so on. Former Teachers have divided them into the Unrevised (Bun'ei and Kenji periods) and the Revised" (Koan period), separated them into those Following Others' Intentions (zui ta I) (Bun'ei and Kenji periods) and those Following His Own Intentions (zui ji I) (Koan Period), and classified the Bun'ei era as the Practice Period, the Kenji era as the Adjustment Period, and the Koan era as the Perfection (or Completion) Period. (Note)* "Revised": the word "Revised" means to "redo something incomplete". And so there are scholars who say we must not use the word "Revised", viewing Nichiren Shonin in the same way as a unenlightened worlding. However, is not the fact that the Saint studied and thought these out something superlative?"

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Thanks Mark, I've skim read these tonight but really need to study them in depth and chant about them.

There's some great stuff in here, keep it coming. I note the answer given in the lecture regarding the mandala that it "is object of worship.".

I've got some questions on that which would be useful to think through with you/the forum, which I'll post in the coming days.

I need to re read Honzon Modo Sho, perhaps with some more context of that writing, the answer given by Nichiren seems to be slightly different but perhaps that's because the letter was answering questions directly on the mandala.

Thanks for a great contribution. it's certainly given me some food for practice! :D

Be well :)

[nyoz...@gmail.com]

Seriously, this shows how far off you guys are. This Is Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism! Now you want to make faithless commentaries it's Scriptures! How slanderous and indeed foolish! The Latter Day indeed is prevalent and shows in your ever increasing follies!

Sincerely, Richard

[iainx...@gmail.com]

"Seriously, this shows how far off you guys are. This Is Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism! Now you want to make faithless commentaries it's Scriptures! How slanderous and indeed foolish! The Latter Day indeed is prevalent and shows in your ever increasing follies!

Sincerely, Richard"

Seriously Richard this comment shows how far off you are. But I guess that's a good line to feed the Ikeda faithful to keep them hanging on his every erroneous word.

Let's just be clear about the priority. Rely on the Law, Lotus Sutra, Nichiren's Authentic Writings, commentary.

So much for making faithless commentaries it's scriptures. We'll leave that to SGIkeda and it's promolectures & promobooks. What's the favorite Human Revolution and New Human Revolution. Lool.

Be well :)

[Katie Higgins]

Hi ianix, -

> I think it's useful to deaggregate the Gohonzon and the script mandala,<which is the approach I have taken in this thread title.<<

For me that means starting by separating Gohonzon from script mandala by defining each with focus on differences in meaning and application.

Mandala,-- sanskrit , most ancient and universal symbol known to man, literally means "circle".
: a work of art that is *truly apart of the artist*
:depicting the interconnectedness of all life
:Speech & mind of a fully enlightened being
:whole- harmonious
:emits and attracts positive energy
:focal point for meditation/connecting with the true self

Honzon- "fundamental honored one"- principle image or effigy usually a Buddha or bodhisattva; either a statue or scroll that is enshrined and protected in a butsadan.
"Go"-Honzon- sacred, divine, *object* to be honored, object of worship; object of devotion

In the Gosho "Questions and Answers on The Object of Devotion"-- The Lotus Sutra is called, "that which gives birth to Buddhas" ; "The soul"-- which is the life energy of birth., and the daimoku which is the invocation of this *life force*-

http://markrogow.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-dai-honzon-of-1274.html?m=1

Above link is a both a focal point and a matter of historical importance--

>>"I think that Gohonzon has a wider meaning for Nichiren than the mandala."<<

Yes, I agree. I am particularly interested in the differences in the way Nichiren refers to the Gohonzon, and like the differences in appearance of the Gohonzon , I would also like to bring in the significance of these differences in terms of the personal relationship of the recipient to Nichiren.

Cheers!
~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Hi Katie,

"I am particularly interested in the differences in the way Nichiren refers to the Gohonzon, and like the differences in appearance of the Gohonzon , I would also like to bring in the significance of these differences in terms of the personal relationship of the recipient to Nichiren"

Likewise, I'm interested in the different referers Nichiren employs. I suggest these provide a holistic view of Gohonzon. Nichiren writes that "everything has it's essential point" and goes on to define that for the Lotus Sutra as Namu myoho renge kyo. Elsewhere, he talks of the Sutra as a whole.

I suggest that gives an insight into the way Nichiren's thought processes. An urge to identify the essence of "the thing", in his case Buddhism and it's correct application.

An almost pedantic eye for detail and close comparative scrutiny of those details.

Underpinning this is an insistance on quality sources, accuracy, completeness etc. systematically ranked against each other.

A great eye for the whole and the way parts fit together and make sense in terms of the parts and vice versa.

A comparison of different "wholes", different schools, teachings, commentaries etc. based on his study.

A thirst for knowledge, wide reading and analysis of buddhist, non-buddhist works amd other classics.

Diligent, methodic, reasoned, consistent, consientious, scholarly, educated, determined, curiousity, honest, impartial, open and aware all come to mind when I think of Nichiren and his approach.

I think this shows both in terms of his writing and suggest that it also reflects in his approach to his script mandalas.

With Nichiren, whether one agrees with him or not, he lays it out for you. "This is what I think, this is my conclusion and this is how I got there. This is what I considered and weighed, this is why I rejected this and accepted that. Of the things I accepted, this is how I put them together, this is how they relate to one another. These are my reasons for putting it together in this way and these are some of the reasons i didn't put it together in other ways. This is the range of information I considered. And based on that, this is my conclusion, this is what I think..." And then checking "...these are Sutra quotes that support my veiw".

The man was awesome in his scholarship.

He may often have been exhorting faith but it was a well reasoned exhortation of faith. And a well referenced one. No change of teachings with him, just a constant process of distillation around the essence of Namu myoho renge kyo and the sense of compassion and inquiry that drive him from the first. Nichiren was as radical as he was warm to people, progressive and "cool".

I think there is as much to be keared by looking at his thought processes, as layed out in this writings and the way he approaches the task as there is to the ideas and teachings he adovocates. That's a real gift and I'd like to bring that dimension into the discussion too, if at all possible.

Indeed, if I look at the posters here and elsewhere, that I favour, they show similiar traits. Consistency or a cogent and transparent reasons for a change of position, one can trace the path taken by that person. Actually, I think we all benefit from such people :D.

The converse is also true but I'm not going to dwell on the negatives! That brushwood is easily cleared when it overgrows the path.

Your point about personal relationship with each recipient got me thinking, yep that's something to bring in for definite.

I feel a bit of mapping coming on! Who said study isn't fun! And the prize, who wouldn't want that?

Thanks for your post.

Be well :)

[Katie Higgins]

Most people who were *introduced* to Nichiren's Buddhism outside of Japan, had no frame of reference for understanding the significance of the Gohonzon or the meaning and purpose of a mandala. Speaking as a member in the uniformed category of new members with very little knowledge of Buddhism much less Buddhist practice, I related the Gakkai explanations of the Gohonzon to the symbolism in the film, "2001- A Space Oddessy". Science fiction and fantasy still comprise the core curriculum of the SGI-USA study department. In my humble opinion.

In the lecture by Ben Capon [link posted by iainx above] the introduction is like a primer on how Buddhism was practiced when Nichiren began to propagate Myoho-renge-kyo in 1253. This background provides the context for Nichiren's challenges to establishing a practice for his *revolutionary* teaching. It also very clearly provides a foundation for including the Buddha in Buddhism and in Buddhist practice. Nichiren's practice accorded with the basic elements of Buddhism and a fundamental attitude of sincere reverence toward The Buddha. I think this historical background is key to a correct understanding of Nichiren's Buddhism, and a precise argument for appreciating that on a very basic level, the attitudes and the practice taught by SGI are non-Buddhist.

In the Gosho, "Questions and Answers on The Object of Worship" Nichiren shares his" resume"; he recounts the difficulties he encountered ; "being a person of limited abilities" and "having no one to teach me". His attitude in the face of this adversity was is clearly one of faith in "Buddhism" itself. Nichiren writes: "As it happened, I prayed to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas that I would gain the understanding of these matters [the exact origin of the 10 schools of Buddhism and their relative worth]."

In this Gosho Nichiren employs the method, unique to him, that iainx describes so well; (I am citing a few passages--- reading the entire Gosho is crucial to appreciating Nichiren's "method")

>>"With Nichiren, whether one agrees with him or not, he lays it out for you. "This is what I think, this is my conclusion and this is how I got there. This is what I considered and weighed, this is why I rejected this and accepted that. Of the things I accepted, this is how I put them together, this is how they relate to one another. These are my reasons for putting it together in this way and these are some of the reasons i didn't put it together in other ways. This is the range of information I considered. And based on that, this is my conclusion, this is what I think..." And then checking "...these are Sutra quotes that support my veiw".

Nichiren's view :"As the object of devotion one should select that which is superior. Thus, for example, Confucianism has selected the Three Sovereigns and the five emperors of antiquity as its object of devotion. And in like manner, in Buddhism, Shakyamuni should be regarded as the object of devotion."

Question: If that is so, then why do you not take Shakyamuni as your object of devotion, but instead make the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra the object of devotion?

Answer: You should look at the sutra passages and the commentary that I have quoted earlier. this is not a matter that I have decided for myself. Shakyamnui Buddha and T'ien-t'ai are the ones who have declared that the Lotus Sutra should be the object of devotion, And now, in this latter age. I Nichiren, too, following the example of the buddha, and T'ien-t'ai, take the Lotus Sutra as the object of devotion.
I do so because the Lotus Sutra is the father and mother of Shakyamuni Buddha, the eye of the Buddhas Shakyamnui, Mahavairochana, and all the other Buddhas of the ten directions were born from the Lotus sutra. therefore, as the object of devotion I now take that which is capable of bringing forth such life force."
2 paragraphs down, Nichiren writes: " The sutra passages indicate that the Buddhas are beings who are given birth, and that the Lotus Sutra is that which is capable of giving birth. The Buddhas are the body, and the Lotus Sutra is the soul." ( all above: WND vol 2 p. 788-9)

Returning to the significance of the historical background pertaining to the practice of Buddhism in Nichiren's time (Ben Capon's lecture), I think that references to Nichiren as a Buddhist "revolutionary" are inaccurate. In "Questions and Answers on the Object of Devotion" Nichiren's faith, study and beliefs are clearly in concert with True Buddhism. Nichiren's realization of the supremacy of the Lotus Sutra and his discovering the "excellent medicine" left for us by Shakyamuni, the Mystic Law, Myoho-renge-kyo presented a unique challenge in terms of propagation and practice, in essence it is this; stated by Nichiren in this same Gosho:

"At present in Japan everyone from the ruler on down to the common people is a child of Shakyamnui Buddha, the lord of teachings. As his dying instructions, Shakyamuni declared that one should "rely on the Law and not upon persons." To proclaim that the Lotus Sutra is foremost is to "rely on the Law." " (WND vol 2 p. 789-90 ) Nichiren describes "all who declare that the opinions of these great teachers is superior to that of the Buddha are behaving like disobedient children." That is to say, they were practicing inferior teachings, which bears some need for clarification in order to appreciate Nichiren's challenges to establishing the correct practice of True Buddhism.

The application of the sacred teachings of the Buddha to one's daily life was ordered around rituals that required mindful participation centered on objects that evoked reverence for the Great Teachers, and/or focused the practitioners mind on contemplation of the sacred teachings. Nichiren himself was well versed in all of these aspects of Buddhist practice, yet, when considering the correct practice of devotion to the Law, the Lotus Sutra, and specifically to the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren denounced ALL of the traditional Buddhist practices of his day. Again, he offers irrefutable proof for doing so:

"This is what the Lotus Sutra means when it says, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood." Here it speaks of those "who hear the Law". But if it were referring to those who attain Buddhahood through meditation, it would say, "If there are those who meditate on the Law.", and further on he states , "If the sutra meant that one could attain Buddhahood through contemplation of the mind alone, then why would it speak of "seeing, hearing,, reading, reciting"? This sutra makes "hearing" the sole basis of practice." (The Doctrine of Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life." WND vol 2 p. 87-88)

Nichiren's early or immediate followers, *heard* the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, the title of highest teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha. Nichiren's followers also *heard* the basis for his conviction that this was the practice for attaining Buddhahood in this latter age-- based strictly on passages of scripture for the Lotus Sutra, which Nichiren referenced incessantly-- and his followers *heard* Nichiren's refutation of the 10 schools who had abandoned Shakyamuni Buddha. Hearing, seeing, reading, reciting were the cornerstones of practice; arousing faith based on doctrine; reciting the daimoku (and the Lotus Sutra) developing steadfast belief based on correct practice----for 18 years !

Nichiren draws the first honzon-, a mandala for a disciple, the priest Nichiro who was imprisoned for his steadfast faith in the Lotus Sutra, when he Nichiren was facing death himself for the sake of the Lotus Sutra.

In keeping with Buddhist tradition, Nichiren claimed he had inscribed a mandala-honzon, which refers to the sacred meaning of this *obejrct of devotion*:

Mandala,-- sanskrit , most ancient and universal symbol known to man, literally means "circle".
: a work of art that is *truly apart of the artist*
:depicting the interconnectedness of all life
:Speech & mind of a fully enlightened being
:whole- harmonious
:emits and attracts positive energy
:focal point for meditation/connecting with the true self

Honzon- "fundamental honored one"- principle image or effigy usually a Buddha or bodhisattva; either a statue or scroll that is enshrined and protected in a butsadan.

Laying down his very life, literally, for the sake of the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren's *speech and mind* reflected his having become a *fully enlightened being*, capable of drawing a mandala that *emits and attracts positive energy-- the life state of the world of Buddhahood!

Additional historical background provides the context for the correct Buddhist practice that Nichiren innovated, created---

"The Object of Worship of the Original Doctrine by Rev. Tetsujo Kubota (from the Tradition of Nichiren Doctrine) [from Mark's comment posted above]

"In the tenth month of the eighth year of Bun'ei (1271) after the Persecution at Tatsunokuchi Nichiren Shonin was kept in custody at the residence of the local chief (jito) of Echi (the modern Atsugi City), Homma Shigetsura. On the ninth, the day before they said he was to be exiled to Sado, he recorded an Object of Worship (gohonzon) with a willow twig. A single Title ("Namu Myoho renge kyo") (with Fudo to the right and Aizen to the left represented by Sanskrit characters, as we face it) and the side inscription "Written at the village of Echi in Homma in the Province of Sagami" with the year, month, and day of its revelation. It is said to have been written using a twig broken from a willow tree.

Throughout the first period after he had gone over to Sado, the Objects of Worship that he wrote had the Title, the Two Buddhas Shakya and Taho and also Fudo and Aizen written symbolically in Sanskrit characters, the side inscription "Drawn in the Province of Sado" and the year, month, and day of revelation. There are many examples of this form and it is called the "Hundred-copy Object of Worship of Sado".

In the second month of the ninth year of Bun'ei (1272) with the great motive that "they will put an end to the inconceivability of Nichiren" he composed "On Opening the Eyes (Kaimoku Sho)" and implied that in terms of his Original State (honji) he was the manifestation of the Bodhisattva Jogyo.

In the fourth month of the next year he composed On the Object Worship of Contemplation (Kanjin Honzon sho ). In this work, which he called "my own great matter", explained in doctrinal terms the substance of the Object of Worship of the Original Doctrine. On the eighth day of the seventh month in that same year he revealed and drew an Object of Worship called the "Mandala First Revealed on Sado" (Sado Shiken Mandara), but regrettably the original autograph has not come down to us. But fortunately a copy still exists, so from this we can understand its arrangement. There is one at the Head Temple Myomanji which the disciple Temmoku received and was given in the sixth month of the following year. (A version on silk) There is a side inscription, "The Shramana Temmoku received and was given [it]. For some reason it does not say, "Bestowed and given [to the Shramana Temmoku"]. The arrangement of this is closest to "Mandala First Revealed on Sado".

On Sado the Saint himself kept the image of Lord Shakya enshrined: "

"He kept and guarded this image of Lord Shakya after he entered Minobu as well. ("On the Matter of Forgetting the Sutra Which He Kept") Furthermore, he bestowed mandalas on believers."

Such are my thoughts and humble opinions regarding the very crucial matter of developing the correct understanding of the Gohonzon. To believe, as Nichiren taught, that, "the Gohonzon exists in faith alone", it stands to reason that he is referring to faith in all of his teachings, not forgetting or discarding the 18 years that preceded his inscribing the first Gohonzon; when he expounded the basis for adopting the Lotus Sutra as the object of devotion; that Shakyamuni Buddha is the Eternal Buddha to whom we owe the greatest debt of gratitude. To do otherwise, is to revert to the non-Buddhist practice of the SGI, whose members discard the Buddha and Buddhism, literally.

On to the mapping??

Hi ho!!
~Katie












.

[Katie Higgins]

Hi iainx, I am looking forward to continuing this discussion and am hoping you will soon be able to post more info on this :

"I think it's useful to deaggregate the Gohonzon and the script mandala, which is the approach Icve taken in this thread title. I think that Gohonzon has a wider meaning for Nichiren than the mandala. I've got some Jaqueline Stone on Nikko and statuary altar arrangements, that I'll dig out. I know Mark has added some useful detail on that too, so it would be good to pull that into the thread too? "

The more I reflect on the transformations of my altar over these past 28 years, the more I appreciate the deeper meaning of how it reflects my faith. When you introduced this topic, I thought back to the very brief explanation new members received for the bare bones altar that they needed to set up to receive "The SupremeObject of Worship". Not uncommon to choose the cheapest butsadan, making a very huge contrast to the altar in the community center or the Temple where new members received Gohonzon until 1991. Right away, there is a disparity message-- the single members humble little make shift altar-- and the increasingly more lavish and ornamented altars of leaders up the chain of command to the kai kan, set up the tendency to make comparisons and attach significance to the superiority or inferiority of *persons* based on external, material symbols. I think maybe this was a set up for the individual to submit himself to the more comfortable and attractive environment of the *group*. Do members initiated this way, have any confidence in their own capacity ? Not unless they begin to read the Gosho on their own, is my theory.

Ultimately it is our own personal altar and our own self motivated devotion that is essential to our developing correct faith and practice; - facts clearly spelled out in the Gosho-- The exact opposite of SGIkeda's promo teachings, that make *SGI activities* another essential for attaining Buddhahood> How bizarre.

Looking forward to your contributions :-)

~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Hi Katie, I haven't forgotten, I've been travelling quite a bit over the last week and need some time to really sit down and systematically start map out the Gosho refernces to Gohonzon etc. I don't want to rely on the WND translations because so often, these use inconsisteny terms, I want to cross check with both the NOPPA translations and Major Writings series. Of the NOPPA I'm missing volume 4 and the newish vol 7 but have the rest.

Also, WND as well as sometimes refering to Gohonzon (usually where the mandala is concerned) but elsewhere refering to "Object of Devotion", is unhelpfully structured. Honzon Modo Sho (Questions and answers on the object of worship/devotion) is tucked away in volume 2 of WND, it apprears in the doctrine volumes of NOPPA along with Opening of the Eyes and Rissho Ankoku Ron etc., which makes much more sense.

For obvious reasons, I don't trust the WND versions because of the inconsistencies, the inclusion of dubious or disputed works, which of you're going to do at least mark them as such and because of the obvious substitutions following the split from the priesthood e.g. Buddhist Order for Priesthood in Repaying Debts of Gratitude. It's all a bit contrived.

I think it's too important a subject to be casual with but perhaps we can do this in smaller chunks? For me quality is the most imporatant.

You make good points regarding the distance between words and actions and also the butsudan status thing.

Have a good rest of the day! :)

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Hi Katie, I've managed to kick this off with a bit of research. Perhaps you Mark, Alex and others would like to add to it? I'll do more later.

In the SGI Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Volumes 1 & 2 series, the term "Gononzon" is refernced 24 times in these 12 Gosho:

Volume 1
On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon
The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
On the Treasure Tower
The Eight Winds
Reply to Kyō’ō
Reply to Niiama
Cover Letter On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
The True Aspect of All Phenomena
On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law
Letter to Jakunichi-bō

Volume 2
Letter to the Lay Nun Zenichi
Concerning the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Fashioned by Nichigen-nyo
The latter, written on the second day of the second month in the second year of Kōan [1279], is notable for the warmth with which Nichiren praises Nichigen-nyo for having fashioned a statue of Shakyamuni, having already bestowed the mandala on her sometime earlier.

It would appear even right at the end of his life, Nichiren shared none of Chas's squeamishness or ideological objections towards this act. Perhaps he might read it some day? It is true that there are hints even here of Honzon Modo Sho, a focus on the Sutra and the Law as the object if worship, which is as it should be.

The link is below:

http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-2/Content/307#para-0

Using Repaying Debts of Gratitude as an example, the SGI version renders this line thusm

http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/88#para-359

"I have inscribed the Gohonzon for you."

The NOPPA version sets it out this way:

"I have drawn a mandala gohonzon (Most Venerable One) for you."

University of Hawaii Press, Writings of Nichiren Shonin Doctrine 3 ISBN 0-8248-2931-X. Page 64.

For this we can probably surmise that in the SGI translation, the term "Gohonzon" is synonymous with the mandala or as SGI now likes to put it "scroll that members carry out their practice to".

This is most probably true of Nichiren Shoshu (NST) too but I'd have to check. The SGI translation stance makes sense in the context of the NST belief that the Dai Gohonzon carries the enlightened life of the True Buddha, which they teach is Nichiren, fused with the mystic Law.

Though it makes less sense now that SGI has moved away by increments from this position and it's denemphasis as Gohonzon as something embodying the life of the True Buddha and having a link to the Dai Gohonzon via an "eye opening ceremony" to make it effective, rather than simply being a reprographic copy.

Nichiren Shu however make it explicit, this is a script mandala by no less venerated for being so. It is a depiction of the Most Venerable One.

Nichiren covers the Most Venerable Ones of various sects in the Genological Chart of the Buddha's Lifetime Teachings in Five Periods. (ibid NOPPA page 250) or Rooster Diagram of the Five Periods of the Buddha’s Lifetime Teachings in the SGI translation.

http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-2/Content/367

Personally, I'd recommend reading the chart in conjuction with Opening of the Eyes and Honzon Modo Sho (Questions and Answers on the Object of Honzon (Object of Worship / Devotion)).

Very visual wasn't he, Nichiren? I'd never thought about that much before but it just struck me!

I hope this is all useful...

Be well :)

[Katie Higgins]

This is incredible, iainx- I am still studying your references and powering your insights.

Yes, I agree, Nichiren was very visual, and quite resolute in his veneration for Shakyamuni. I imagine he had multiple painted images of the Buddha that were awe inspiring. I just watched a youtube video posted by Mark on his site. It is a reading of Chapter 15 of the Lotus Sutra. The *visuals* are all images from the ceremony in the air. Quite an experience to listen to the Golden Words spoken by shakyamnui. How is it possible for anyone who follows Nichiren to discard Shakyamuni!

Thanks for this, too:

"Volume 2
Letter to the Lay Nun Zenichi
Concerning the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Fashioned by Nichigen-nyo
The latter, written on the second day of the second month in the second year of Kōan [1279], is notable for the warmth with which Nichiren praises Nichigen-nyo for having fashioned a statue of Shakyamuni, having already bestowed the mandala on her sometime earlier.

The images of Shakyamuni do help to explain Nichiren's resolve to uphold the Lotus Sutra-- The images of Shakyamuni are very reassuring that devoting one's life to the Lotus Sutra-- to offer one's life for the sake of the Lotus Sutra is the way to attain Buddhahood. Nichiren proved this beyond any doubt, and he warmly praised and encouraged his followers to do the same.

Cheers!
~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Thanks Katie, yes I'm struck by how often Nichiren references woodern and painted images.

I'm finding the process of laying these things out is giving me a deeper appeciation and surfacing elements I'd either not made an explicit connection with or that had got a bit lost. It's very refreshing and keeping it fresh! :)

I'd recommend this type of process to anyone who is seeking to deepen thier faith and understanding. It's a really good antidote to the passivity of the "prepared meals" served up by the various organisations (and in the case of some, junk food meals).

I think there's always a place for lectures etc. I found Ben's great and appreciated him taking time to share it but nothing beats rolling up your own sleeves and getting your hands dirty!

Also, today for many people, there is such an easy access to Sutra, Gosho and high quality materials there is less need for dependence on organisations, which always carry the risks of self interest and bias.

In fact, I'm beginning to think that it miggt be useful to extend this approach to other areas and key concepts. For example, where Nichiren discussed, Ten Worlds or 9 conciousnesses, ultimate reality etc., how he brought these together with other concepts and applied them. Just providing these links may help others explore them for themselves.

It may also help them spot and counter the bulls**t peddled by those who'd want to advance their own agendas, be they be for a need to feel individual superiority or to use the teachings for organisational exploitation and profiteering.

Lool, let's see how this thread turns out before I get too carried away! But it's a thought and if there's an appetite for it, well why not! :)

Be well :)

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Hi Katie, have you had a chance to think further in this topic or delve into any of the Gosho?

Compiling the second list using object of devotion as a search, I noted that several Gosho appear on both lists. I hope to get that finished over the next week or so. Then comes the trickier task of cross referncing the lists with authenticated writings.

I'd like to get to a point where theres a prioritised list of both and the cross over writings with writings that can be verified as Nichiren's at the top, less certain writings in the middle and questionable writings at the bottom.

I've been thinking more about what Gosho can tell us about Nichiren's motivation and behaviour.

I've stated in several places that Nichiren's project was the bodhisattva way in action (or words to that effect). With the SGI war with NST and any other competition, that seems to have gotten lost. I think we could all learn something from bringing that to the fire again, me included. What do you say?

Be well :)

[iainx...@gmail.com]

"...bringing that to the fore again..."

Correction!

[Katie Higgins]

Thanks iainx, I've been noting Goshos written in connection with Gohonzon bestowal , and guidance regarding Gohonzon in connection with prayer and practice. I had noticed years ago, and mentioned to SGI leaders that Nichiren's writings, or rather, his teachings appeared to contradict the approach adopted by SGI with regard to pushing new people to receive Gohonzon and their attitude towards the benefit of receiving it. Nichiren was very selective, sometimes voicing his reluctance to bestow Gohonzon or even his refusal to do so. The condition of his followers faith and their resolve were definitely foremost on his mind, but I am looking for more specific references to the follower's understanding of the Gohonzon, which I tend to believe is also related to the follower's understanding of the Lotus Sutra and reverence for Shakyamnui.

After all, the visual is symbolic of the object of devotion being the Law, the Lotus Sutra-- the specific teaching, the ultimate reality. As I understand the importance of one's mind when chanting daimoku, or reciting the sutra, I think of the Gohonzon in terms of the complexity it encompasses, which intensifies the profundity of chanting Namu-myoho-renge kyo. To have this realization that the entire Lotus Sutra is contained in the title, is to appreciate Daimoku as the essence of something infinitely expansive, or rather, life itself and all of its functions.

Appreciation and gratitude for the Law itself, is enhanced, or maybe only fully achieved when chanting to the Gohonzon. Nichiren stresses "believing in the Gohonzon with one's whole heart". Unless one were able to commit the entire Lotus Sutra to memory, having full understanding of the teachings and perhaps the capacity to visualize 3,000 realms in a single moment of life, one could not actually make The Lotus Sutra the object of devotion. I wonder how much of our latter day of the Law diminished capacity, due to our deluded minds informed Nichiren's composition of the mandala. How to inspire, incite or ignite one's faith and by doing so, open one's wisdom , must have been at the heart of Nichiren's motivation to create such beautiful drawings/visuals.

Since faith is the cornerstone of practice in this latter age, the writings, teachings and the object of devotion must originate from their interconnectedness. Shakyamuni, The Lotus Sutra, the Mystic Law are crystalized in the beautiful mandalas Nichiren drew-- and this crystallization renders the manual the supreme object of worship-- in my humble opinion.

I like the idea of organizing the Gosho to maximize our potential for getting to the heart of Nichiren's motivation and behavior-- because both of these aspects are crucial to practice and if we are to practice as Nichiren did, both are fundamental to our approach.

I agree with bringing the bodhisattva way in action to the forefront and having this as the goal for our study and discussion of the basic elements of Nichiren's teachings, practice and example -- his behavior as a human being devoted to upholding the Lotus Sutra for the sake of all living beings in this saha world.

Cheers!
~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

"Thanks iainx, I've been noting Goshos written in connection with Gohonzon bestowal , and guidance regarding Gohonzon in connection with prayer and practice. I had noticed years ago, and mentioned to SGI leaders that Nichiren's writings, or rather, his teachings appeared to contradict the approach adopted by SGI with regard to pushing new people to receive Gohonzon and their attitude towards the benefit of receiving it. Nichiren was very selective, sometimes voicing his reluctance to bestow Gohonzon or even his refusal to do so. The condition of his followers faith and their resolve were definitely foremost on his mind, but I am looking for more specific references to the follower's understanding of the Gohonzon, which I tend to believe is also related to the follower's understanding of the Lotus Sutra and reverence for Shakyamnui.

After all, the visual is symbolic of the object of devotion being the Law, the Lotus Sutra-- the specific teaching, the ultimate reality. As I understand the importance of one's mind when chanting daimoku, or reciting the sutra, I think of the Gohonzon in terms of the complexity it encompasses, which intensifies the profundity of chanting Namu-myoho-renge kyo. To have this realization that the entire Lotus Sutra is contained in the title, is to appreciate Daimoku as the essence of something infinitely expansive, or rather, life itself and all of its functions.

Appreciation and gratitude for the Law itself, is enhanced, or maybe only fully achieved when chanting to the Gohonzon. Nichiren stresses "believing in the Gohonzon with one's whole heart". Unless one were able to commit the entire Lotus Sutra to memory, having full understanding of the teachings and perhaps the capacity to visualize 3,000 realms in a single moment of life, one could not actually make The Lotus Sutra the object of devotion. I wonder how much of our latter day of the Law diminished capacity, due to our deluded minds informed Nichiren's composition of the mandala. How to inspire, incite or ignite one's faith and by doing so, open one's wisdom , must have been at the heart of Nichiren's motivation to create such beautiful drawings/visuals.

Since faith is the cornerstone of practice in this latter age, the writings, teachings and the object of devotion must originate from their interconnectedness. Shakyamuni, The Lotus Sutra, the Mystic Law are crystalized in the beautiful mandalas Nichiren drew-- and this crystallization renders the manual the supreme object of worship-- in my humble opinion.

I like the idea of organizing the Gosho to maximize our potential for getting to the heart of Nichiren's motivation and behavior-- because both of these aspects are crucial to practice and if we are to practice as Nichiren did, both are fundamental to our approach.

I agree with bringing the bodhisattva way in action to the forefront and having this as the goal for our study and discussion of the basic elements of Nichiren's teachings, practice and example -- his behavior as a human being devoted to upholding the Lotus Sutra for the sake of all living beings in this saha world.

Cheers!
~Katie"

Thanks Katie, your post is beautiful and really struck several chords. It was akso refreshing given the recent spate of posting from the disruptive elements that try to plague this forum.

It focusses perfectly on what has gotten obscured in what you aptly described as a 25 year small ego grudge match between high priest and high mentor (paraphrasing a bit there! I hope you don't mind!).

Thank you, what's important, the Sutra for sure and Nichiren's teaching but it's really important was why Nichiren did what he did, which comes down to compassion, trying and devoting his life to finding and spreading a solution to the human suffering he found all around him.

There is another voice in this forum who posts from time to time, who I have disagreed with because sometimes those who would spread false doctrine, such as buddgahood through a mentor, need to have their arguments challenged and exposed. Nonetheless, I have understood her point that the strife in the Nichiren community has the capacity to overshadow what Nichiren's Buddhism is all about. It is a point well made. As is Alex's that we should focus on quality sources.

I hope we are now at a point where the trolls are contained and the firum can start being a place where the balance shifts to positive enquiry and sincere exchange. I hope there will be increased participation from those other voices who feel likewise so together we make it so. There's a power in a collective that is diverse and focuses first on faith, sincere individuals who are as Alex put it, seeking the Buddha. I don't know about you but I find that encouraging, it spurs me onward.

Thanks for your part in that. You write well.

Be well :)

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Hi Katie, given the subject and that we're going through Gosho, it might be as well to bear this thread in mind.

Translation and Interpretations:

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/fCjPs7KuWGA

I'd forgotten what a positive discussion this was, especially with Alex. It was great to revisit it. This forim can be really great when it's positive! :D

I've also moved that thread up in the forum so it's more easily accessible to casual readers.

Hope this helps.

Be well :)

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Hi Katie, following on from your earlier post, I listing out some themes and it struck me that we should probably explore "women in the Gosho" and in Nichiren's life and Buddhism nore generally. What do you think?

I'm a bloke so I may be appraching thus from the wrong angle but my thoughts are that women are over represented in the membership of organisations like SGI and other sects but under represented in the leadership and key decision making/spiritual guidance of those orgs.

I'm not aware for instance of one General Director of any SGI Organisation anywhere in the world or any High Priestess of any other Nichiren sect (correct me if I'm wrong).

Given that a significant number of Nichiren's supporters were women and Nichiren went to great lenghths to encourage their faith and aspiration towards attaining enlightenment, being in my veiw, completely radical and way in advance of his time, it seems strikingly odd that this has not translated into modern times, particularly in the context of feminism.

For me, there is something in there about the extent to which organisations may consciously or unconsciously exploit the internal perceptions and internally imposed limitations of their female congregations. And to what extent their teaching reinforces and perpetuates those internal dynamics, rather than challenging and opening them out based on the Sutra and Nichiren's teaching.

As I said because I'm a man, necessarily my perception will be differnt, so I'd welcome your input and steer. I've lamented the lack of female voices in this forum but I completely understand why that might be the case - lool too many fragile male egos and waning testostrone levels make for massive over compensation!!! But it would be great if there were more women's voices and that they were heard and respected.

It's easy to get into the lazy "all women/men are this" but there are some important differnces of perspective that it would be good to include.

What do you think?

Be well :)

[Katie Higgins]

Another great topic, iainx!
As a member of the group of living beings who could not attain Buddhahood until Shakyamuni preached the Lotus Sutra, I appreciate your interest and your ideas for exploring "women in the Gosho"--

Nichiren's attitude toward replaying the debt of gratitude he owed to his mother is expressed by his vow to enable all women in Japan to chant the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra. I wonder if Nichiren's vow and his faith are the foundation for his exceptional high regard and deep respect for women, or if his practice reflected a preexisting , rare quality that he already possessed. My curiosity around what can be cultivated with faith is obvious, I suppose, since I am a woman who is still waiting to see dramatic transformation of the root of all evil >>Eve in the garden of Eden, the metaphor :-) for the plight and the destiny of women since the dawn of civilization in this saha world.

The Dragon King's daughter evokes similar images of the incredibly bad rap women have-- a very good choice for demonstrating the attainment of Buddhahood by a female, unless you are a woman LOL-- already contemplating her kinship to the 10 demon daughters!

Is it a good thing or a bad thing to be connected to the group whom everyone views as the least likely, due to having the worst karma, and the longest list of debasing attributes, which translates to STUCK, or screwed, or both. Cause to rejoice, or reason to lament ? -- over one's birth (suffering # 1`)-- it starts to go way down hill from there--.

Is it easier for a woman to endure harsh treatment for practicing & propagating the correct faith in the Law, because we are so acclimated to censure and double standard discrimination? Are we *genetically* predisposed to being good candidates to become votaries of the Lotus Sutra? If so, that explains the extra doses of hatred and jealousy we encounter for upholding the Law.=== insult added to injury-- bitten by a dog and stung by bee at the same time.

The Agonizing ordeals sure to arise when we propagate the Law exactly as the Buddha taught, are an especially bitter pill to swallow for women who have begun to thirst for way in the hopes of transcending the common place horrific ideals that go with the territory.

Well, IF the Dragon King's Daughter could attain Buddhoahood-- why not ___________ ?

But=== when will the lovely little reptile and _________ , encounter the enlightened prince who has opened his eyes to the Ultimate Reality , and shouts :

"Hey! Since ALL beings can attain Buddhahood-- WHY are we still so hung up on *divisions* and *differences*??

It's complicated--
to be continued....

~Katie

[Katie Higgins]

There are some very important points made about *women and Buddhism* and Nichiren's resolve based on faith, in the Gosho: " The Sutra for True Requital" written to the lay nun, Sennichi (1278)

Viewing all living beings in terms of equally possessing an inherent potential to attain Buddhahood, is clearly not a dismissal of the unique qualities and equally compelling obstacles that each of us has to negotiate in order to aspire to and practice *the way*. That said, the stereo-typical negative attributes that are assigned mainly to women have remained consistent throughout recored history-- and appear in Nichiren's writings, this one in particular, as a contrast to the woman follower he is praising.

A level playing field in terms of potential is theoretical. Only when the enlightened aspects of one's inherent full spectrum of attributes are displayed, is the playing field actually, or essentially level.

The *Never Disparaging* teachings are based on the theoretical level playing field, and meant to encourage the practitioner's development of self restraint for his/he own protection against committing slander-. Never Disparaging's example is not to discount the myriad trials and tribulations that are ever present and uniquely expressed by individuals or groups of similar individuals., but to expand and increase the partitioners capacity to share and inspire respect for Myoho-renge-kyo, or so I believe.

It would be un- natural, I think, to expect a gender bias free zone-- even amongst those who aspire to correct faith in the Law. The opportunity for sustained engagement and freedom of expression, written speech in this case, is the forte of an on-line forum. I mean to say that this venue fosters the potential to expand the theoretical to the essential teaching-- and that, imo is what creates a level playing field-- the effect, not the cause to *embrace the contributions of women* on this forum,

It is a benefit with striving for--

What do you think!
~Katie

[Katie Higgins]

In other words, I do not begrudge the retribution I must face for being born a woman-- with faith in the Lotus Sutra and devotion to following Nichiren , I have been praised by Nichiren as " a woman who surpasses all men* --- Surely this will incite particularly agonizing ordeals--

;-)
~Katie

[Katie Higgins]

Just wanted to bring this back to the Top-- since the contribution of women to ARBN and the attitudes of certain trolls here toward women have come up in recent threads--

;-)
~Katie

[Katie Higgins]

Question: What do you think Nichiren means when he writes :"I am bestowing this Gohonzon for your protection"

I~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Now that is a difficult one because any answer is likely to be speculative.

To answer such a question accurately one would need a clear understanding of the relationship between Nichiren and that believer and a clear understanding of that person's life and state of faith.

The subject of this thread, which youcve prompted to me to continue with, was a clearer understanding of what is meant by Gohonzon and Gohonzon mandala. NST and for some years SGI, until reacently was that the two were synonymous. Gohonzon = Gohonzon mandala.

Nichiren started using script mandala's in about 1272 but it is clear from his writings later than this date that the object of worship, the Honzon, that is fundementally worthy of respect, is not simply a mandala.

So it's a good question, what was Nichiren thinking about when bestowing a script mandala, which we know he did sparingly and not on all of his followers?

It almost certainly has to do with the strength of that persons faith. We know he only bestowed Gohonzon on people he judged to have strong faith. We also know that each mandala was personalised and tailored to each individual.

Although Namu Myoho Renge Kyo is always present, written down the centre, with Fudo and Aizen either side at the edge, there is variability in the composition of the rest and what is included or excluded.

My best guess, but it is only a guess, is that he felt that by bestowing a mandala on that person in that situation, it would facilitate and focus their faith further, this resulting in protection by way of their strentgened faith.

I say this because in other situatiins where people are facing difficulty, Nichiren always encorages them to strenthen their faith in the face of that situation.

Any other veiws?

Thanks for a great topic Katie! :)

[Katie Higgins]

Thanks iainx,
I agree that bestowing a mandala "would facilitate and focus their faith, this resulting in protections by way of strengthened faith"

As for *protection*, consider Nichiren's letter to Shijo Kingo(1276) "On consecrating an Image of Shakyamuni Buddha Made by Shijo Kingo"

Nichiren states :"Therefore, in performing the eye-opening ceremony for painted or wooden Buddha images, the only authority is the Lotus sutra and the T'ien-t'ai school" at the bottom of the next column on the same page, Nichiren continues:

" This Buddha of yours, however, is a living Buddha. It differs in no respect from the wooden images of the Buddha made by King Udayana, or that fashioned by King Bimbisara. surely Brahma, chakra, the deities of the sun and moon, and the four heavenly kings will attend you as a shadow accompanies a body, and protect you always." (WND 1 p. 684)


We know that Nichiren instructed his disciples and lay flowers for about 18 years before he drew the first Gohonzon-Mandala, the Willow Gohonzon, which as you point out was an enduring template :"Although Namu Myoho Renge Kyo is always present, written down the centre, with Fudo and Aizen either side at the edge, there is variability in the composition of the rest and what is included or excluded. "

Nichoren designated the Willow Gohonzon, his first inscription and bestowal of the Gohonzon-Mandala, for the *protection* of a priest who was imprisoned for upholding his faith in Nichiren's teachings.

The concepts of "Mandala's, painted and wooden Images of the Buddha" definitely had significance for their protective function, but only in connection with *how these were consecrated, or by what method teaching their *eyes were open*.

When I consider that the composition of the Gohonzon-Mandala became more descriptive of the Lotus sutra-- the ceremony in the air , two things come to mind--

1) As their practice progressed Nichiren's disciples and lay followers had a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Lotus Sutra.
and..

2) As their understanding increased, so did their NEED for protection!

As we know that these are the two conditions-- *practice progressing, and understanding increasing* that incites truly agonizing ordeal-- obstacles arise, devilish functions abound!!

From this perspective it only makes sense that bestowal of Gohonzon is a very special, sacred action that was taken by the foremost votary of the Lotus Sutra, who understood what dangers lay in wait for those who "practiced as he, Nichiren, himself, practiced." This same understanding is revealed when Nichiren bestows Gohonzon for a lay follower who has encountered the deep suffering of illness or death.

I think it is the very unique characteristic of painted, & wooden images of the Buddha and the Gohonzon-Mandala, whose *eyes are opened by one who has pure faith in the Lotus Sutra" that they "always protect" the practitioner whose pure faith has brought them *to life*.

"Always protect", does not equal -- "cause to attain Buddhahood"-- No where does Nichiren write that one cannot attain Buddhahoos unless one has his Gohonzon-Mandala. No where does Nichiren say that revering and consecrating a wooden image of Shakyamni Budda is the *cause* for attaining Buddhahood.

Nichiren taught and practiced the One Vehicle-- One's faith may be deepened or strengthened , depending on one's belief in the "Gohonzon", but if one were to believe that it is the Gohonzon itself that causes him to experience the world of Buddhahood, or is the MEANS for attaining Buddhahood, then he has misunderstood the meaning of ; FAITH alone determines one's ability to attain Buddhahood-- and therefore is seeking enlightenment *outside of himself*

There is not doubt that enshrining a Nichiren Gohonzon, whose *eyes were originally open by Nichiren himself*, and devoting oneself to chanting daimoku and reciting the sutra facing this Gohonzon-- the protection of the heavenly deities is unmistakable.

In my humble opinion--
~Katie

[Julian]

On 16/08/2016 10:23, Katie Higgins wrote:
> Question: What do you think Nichiren means when he writes :"I am bestowing this Gohonzon for your protection"

He was dealing with a superstitious medieval person
and so used appropriate to time and place expedient
means.

[Katie Higgins]

I wouldn't call the doctrine of the 3,000 realms in a single moment of life , "superstition"-

Nichiren was not indiscriminately bestowing Gohonzon - criteria seems to be based on faith in the one vehicle which Nichiren preached 18 years before drawing his first Gohonzon Mandala for the "protection " of a priest who was in prison .

No one who showed their steadfast faith in the Law over time, meeting criteria for receiving Gohonzon from Nichiten can be called ,"superstitious" or oblivious to the hostile environment they found themselves in. On the ci contrary these people were all the more convinced - with respect for actual proof.

~Katie

[Julian]

On 17/08/2016 08:14, Katie Higgins wrote:
> I wouldn't call the doctrine of the 3,000 realms in a single moment of life , "superstition"-

Me neither.

Neither would I confuse Buddhist philosophy, 3000 worlds etc,
with such magical thinking as believing a Gohonzon has
inherent powers to "protect."

[Julian]

Maybe "Buddhist philosophy" isn't quite accurate...
substitute Buddhist Theory or Theology.

[Katie Higgins]

And neither would Nichiren have bestowed upon you, his Gohonzon -Mandala , Julian, much less written to you personally to describe the experience you would not be having.

Thanks Julian. You are making the best argument for continuing the counter narrative to the *marketing* of the Buddha's teachings.

~Katie

[Katie Higgins]

Substitute *correct* practice for theory; *faith* for wisdom, *essential* for theoretical and you can determine the truth of the Lotus Sutra for yourself.

There is a formula. Julian. Refusing to apply it does not given credence to your disputes.

~Katie

[Julian]

I think you missed another fabulous opportunity to say nothing.

[Katie Higgins]

That would be silently condoning your slander. That would be complicity with slander of the Law.

I have learned through experience backed up by the teachings of Nichiren.

~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

In the almost spooky silence that has decended over the forum from Chas/Richard as they try to work out what to do about Daisaku Ikeda's inconvenient earlier teaching and guidance, I'd hard not to note the voice that's popped into it instead - good old Jules, the third prong of the "trio".

From a cursory review of your responses Katie, I'm guessing that Jules is pretending he knows something about Buddhism again, after revealing himself as a troll just a few weeks past.

No doubt he is professing some sort if higher self mastery or hinting at some greater grasp of teachings. You're right Katie, even if it was sincere, iy's entirely theoretical. But we'll never know, since Julian has declined to state what he believes, why he believes it and how he got there. He hid behind the clunky user interface of this forum amd the excuse that he had no need to, it was up to others ti search his posts, some of which he's deleted (just like Richard).

Personally, I'd just post the link to the thread where he did all that. He managed to discredit himself so well, I'm sure readers can work out what Jules is about for themselves.

In the spoof Star Wars vid you posted as some light relief, Jules is probably the guy who ends up in the vending machine ;) A bit part at best, not even Kylo Ren!

Be well :)

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Oh and this is the link to said thread. Readers will also see why I know longer bother reading Julian's posts.

Why bother with a self confessed troll who hides behind a dodgy search, shifts the onus onto others and deletes posts so they couldn't be found even if search was up to it?

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/fsE_HmYdxH8

Let's take this thread back to it's positive shall we and focus on some substantial discussion?

Hope it helps :)

[Julian]

On 17/08/2016 19:18, Katie Higgins wrote:
> That would be silently condoning your slander. That would be complicity with slander of the Law.
>
> I have learned through experience backed up by the teachings of Nichiren.

In truth you're a self appointed net nanny.

[Katie Higgins]

Thanks iainx,

I credit you with demonstrating that SGI/NST have *marketed* a self-serving teaching that bears no resemblance to the teachings of Nichiren; that their investment in promoting themselves exposes their non-Buddhist identities and their self serving agenda. THIS warrants an index, imo.

Also, commend you, iainx, for your Excellent timing for bringing forth the inconvenient truths about the Dai-Gohonzon, the *product* upon which both NST/SGI established their now* mutually exclusive * EXCLUSIVE claim to owning the *exclusive rights* to Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. How ironic that; Taisekij's corrupt priest's lie, SGI swears to this lie until it can establish itself as a *new* religion with its own claim to tax exempt status and a market share in promoting its own *brand*.

Chas and Richard have not removed the insignia of Dai-Gohonzon from their super hero uniforms- yet, which is why they are conspicuously absent lately, and Julian shows up to inadvertently substantiate the *ruse* of the Dai-Gohonzon--It all boils down to having no clear understanding of Nichiren's Gohonzon-Mandala, and to discounting that their lack of interest and seeking spirit toward Nichiren's teachings makes it all the more telling that they would choose to pontificate on the importance or lack thereof of the Gohonzon! Julian calls it an amulet infused with superstition; Chas and Richard call it the gateway to Buddhahood, and the purpose for Nichiren's advent in this world, and the REASON to view Nichiren as theOriginal Buddha--- all three are in agreement that the actual meaning and purpose for the Gohonzon-Mandala created, drawn, inscribed, by Nichiren is subject to their personal arbitrary beliefs.

It should also be noted that the way in which SGI particularly has chosen to deal with the problem of the *fake* Dai-Gohonzon, and all of the *stuff Tasekiji priests just made up* is to reduce it to another conundrum-- to be tossed into the basket of *too difficult for the members to understand*-evidence of their corruption of the Buddha's teachings,

Returning to the topic of Nichiren's teachings on the Gohonzon-Mandala, I think that many of us noted Nichiren made no reference to *THE* Dai-Gohonzon-- giving power and validation for ALL Gohonzons, to be shown only to those who can pay the price of admission to see it; yes, and just as Nichiren did not include this *for profit Dai-Gohonzon* in his teachings, he did not say that obtaining/purchasing a Gohonzon-Mandala was required for attaining Buddhahood, perfect enlightenment in this latter age. BOTH of these points hare relevant to our further investigation of Nichiren's Gohnozon-Mandala, imo.

For me, personally, the protection against the negative influences from erroneous teachings corresponds directly to my choosing and chanting, Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to a Nichiren Prayer Gohonzon -- that I purchased from amazon.com and placed in an acrylic frame. As humble or even hokey as that may strike Chas or Richard, it is, in fact, astounding actual proof of the crucial importance of correct faith and correct practice-- Nichiren's Gohonzon is providing me this invaluable protection-- just as the Willow Gohonzon protected the Priest Nichiro in Prison-- . In equal measure, I am certain, Chas and Richard are open to and accepting of erroneous and false teachings because they worship Gohonzon's copied from the FAKE Dai-Gohonzon, by priests who have been "making stuff up" and they follow a *mentor* who made up a whole new religion.


Hi ho!
~Katie

[Katie Higgins]

No, that is your opinion, Julian.

I will not attribute to malice that which can be explained as ignorance-- however,

You could have chosen to remain silent--based on your own personal philosophy---

and thus, your ignorance would have been only a matter of speculation-.

~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Thanks Katie, I think the protection of the Gohonzon is none other than to never lose connection with it! It is interesting that the Willow Gohonzon mandala simply has the Law - Namu myoho renge kyo, flanked by Fudo and Aizen, which are traditionally often seen as Buddhism's protectors.

Phenomenal reality changes from moment to moment. In phenomenal reality, things are born, grow, continue and die. The are dependently originated and subjuct to the rules of cause and effect. No one can outrun cause and effect. Karma is said to be either changable or unchangable, there is no changing death for a human, perhaps just the manner and timing.

So what is protection in the broadest and deepest sense? Protection of the person or protection of the Law or both? And what is beinh protected? What is transient or what is continued?

I think it is the core, the ability to continue to put down good roots, lifetime after lifetime.

Perhaps to be pondered more! :)

[JazzIs TvRicky]

This is the flat out 'hypocrite Lainx' post which goes against his Master 'Katie' Higgans the Devils Maiden' and fellow Statue worshipper Mark Rogow who has been caught by myself as a liar and doctrine thief!

Lainx wrote: "On the Gohonzon exchange, what an odd question! Why even would it matter if I had or had not exchanged the Mandala? Gohonzon is Gohonzon, is Gohonzon. But since you are curious about the Mandala I chant to, Omamori was bestowed in about 1998 and Tokabetsu was bestowed in 2005, you work it out. Just let's be very clear, Gohonzon is found in the two characters for faith. That's the really important thing, not the Mandala in and of itself."

Both of these Gohonzon Lainx has were issued by SGI!

Folks this is why you do not heed a word of these fake disciples of Nichiren Daishonin who consistently use the publications of the Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu because their own sect Nichiren Shu has no resources you can access or believe in.

I am not a member of SGI and seriously believe SGI is a full blown CULT. My practice is based on my NSA training and will forever be!

Lainx you are such a phony and fake it's shameful.

Sincerely, Richard H. Brown A Votary of the Gohonzon of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[Katie Higgins]

Right on cue, Richard !! 3 duplicate pastings of your attack du-jour--AND

Actual proof described in iainx's post today "The Truth will win out..."

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/t_InT2cGo5Y

Read what prompted TvRicky out of hiding !!

The Truth.

~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

"Lainx wrote: "On the Gohonzon exchange, what an odd question! Why even would it matter if I had or had not exchanged the Mandala? Gohonzon is Gohonzon, is Gohonzon. But since you are curious about the Mandala I chant to, Omamori was bestowed in about 1998 and Tokabetsu was bestowed in 2005, you work it out. Just let's be very clear, Gohonzon is found in the two characters for faith. That's the really important thing, not the Mandala in and of itself."

Both of these Gohonzon Lainx has were issued by SGI!"

Yes Richard, unfortunately they were and I wish I had not exchanged the one that had been bestowed on me by the priesthood at Gojukai. I offered to return these to SGI in exchange for the rerurn of my original mandala, when I left SGI.

Be well :)

[JazzIs TvRicky]

This is the actual proof Lainx is a hypocrite and sladerous fake. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is to be practiced by those courageous in faith! Not by duplicitous hypocrites who deviate and steer others in directions which go against Nichiren's Teachings.

"This is the flat out 'hypocrite Lainx' post which goes against his Master 'Katie' Higgans the Devils Maiden' and fellow Statue worshipper Mark Rogow who has been caught by myself as a liar and doctrine thief!

Lainx wrote: "On the Gohonzon exchange, what an odd question! Why even would it matter if I had or had not exchanged the Mandala? Gohonzon is Gohonzon, is Gohonzon. But since you are curious about the Mandala I chant to, Omamori was bestowed in about 1998 and Tokabetsu was bestowed in 2005, you work it out. Just let's be very clear, Gohonzon is found in the two characters for faith. That's the really important thing, not the Mandala in and of itself."

Both of these Gohonzon Lainx has were issued by SGI!

Folks this is why you do not heed a word of these fake disciples of Nichiren Daishonin who consistently use the publications of the Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu because their own sect Nichiren Shu has no resources you can access or believe in.

I am not a member of SGI and seriously believe SGI is a full blown CULT. My practice is based on my NSA training and will forever be!

Lainx you are such a phony and fake it's shameful.

Sincerely, Richard H. Brown A Votary of the Gohonzon of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo"

Lainx Admits his hypocrisy here:

Lainx response:

"Yes Richard, unfortunately they were and I wish I had not exchanged the one that had been bestowed on me by the priesthood at Gojukai. I offered to return these to SGI in exchange for the rerurn of my original mandala, when I left SGI."

But Lainx says earlier:

"On the Gohonzon exchange, what an odd question! Why even would it matter if I had or had not exchanged the Mandala? Gohonzon is Gohonzon, is Gohonzon. But since you are curious about the Mandala I chant to, Omamori was bestowed in about 1998 and Tokabetsu was bestowed in 2005, you work it out. Just let's be very clear, Gohonzon is found in the two characters for faith. That's the really important thing, not the Mandala in and of itself."

Never trust these thieves of Nichiren's Doctrines, Katie, Lainx, and Mark. They are poison in the lions bowels.

Sincerely, Richard

[Katie Higgins]

Richard,
I disagree with your *assessment* :

>
> Lainx response:
>
> "Yes Richard, unfortunately they were and I wish I had not exchanged the one that had been bestowed on me by the priesthood at Gojukai. I offered to return these to SGI in exchange for the rerurn of my original mandala, when I left SGI."
>
> But Lainx says earlier:
>
> "On the Gohonzon exchange, what an odd question! Why even would it matter if I had or had not exchanged the Mandala? Gohonzon is Gohonzon, is Gohonzon. But since you are curious about the Mandala I chant to, Omamori was bestowed in about 1998 and Tokabetsu was bestowed in 2005, you work it out. Just let's be very clear, Gohonzon is found in the two characters for faith. That's the really important thing, not the Mandala in and of itself."

YOU conclude: >>"Lainx Admits his hypocrisy here: "<<

This isn't hypocrisy, Richard, it is iainx's open and sincere expression of his thoughts, and evidence of the *process* of reasoning that human beings employ. Don't you recognize this *process* as the same you employed to make your conclusions about "Gongyo"? If we were perfect, Richard, we wouldn't need to chant the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra and pray to Gohonzon, would we?

Your rush to harsh, negative judgment speaks to another *process* that reflects a weakness on your part in employing the life states of "learning and realization" that also possess the the life state of "Buddhahood"--. How is it that you display lower states, like "anger and "animality " on a consistent basis in your comments on this board, while claiming to be the *only* trustworthy practitioner of Nichiren's Buddhism on this site? I'd say you are following the erroneous teachings and practice of the SGI.

You display the same belief in your superiority as Daiskau Ikeda exemplifies, as well as the same bent on defaming sincere practitioners that Chas and Julian display here.

Your comments are harangues, not teachings, as poorly disguised as your intentions and true identity.

But, Richard, you do exemplify in a pure sense, the effects of misinterpretation of the Three Treasures of Buddhism and misunderstanding of the practice of a bodhisattva . Both of these stark revelations are apparent in your comment here and elsewhere, in response to iainx's open sincere, well reasoned statements, are actual proof that you have not yet aroused faith in Myoho-renge-kyo and are unable to comprehend the purpose for practicing Nichiren's Buddhism.

Actually, Richard, your pronouncements, of iainx's Mark's and my *inferiority* in the context of your self proclaimed *superiority* are actual proof of degrading the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren-.
You act against the Buddha's intent and the Lotus Sutra as taught by Nichiren

The Three Treasures of Buddhism are the *basic elements*--. When you discard The Buddha, Shakyamnui, The teaching, Myoho-renge-kyo/Lotus Sutra and disbelieve Nichiren's own statements about his true identity as Bodhisattva Superior Practices, NOT the Original Buddha, you make the serious errors event in this comment, Richard.

It's that simple, Richard. You have not yet mastered the basics.

~Katie

[JazzIs TvRicky]

Really Katie, what have you called the Gohonzons Lain has? Need I go back and pull up your outright degradation of his SGI issued Gohonzons

[Katie Higgins]

On Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 10:02:36 AM UTC-4, JazzIs TvRicky wrote:
>>" Really Katie, what have you called the Gohonzons Lain has? Need I go back and pull up your outright degradation of his SGI issued Gohonzons<<"

TvRicky, please don't trouble yourself-- I have no reservations stating my beliefs regarding the Gohonzon, many were shared on this post BEFORE you and Julian appeared like a pair of Raptors bent on disrupting the discussion!

I am studying, chanting sincerely and devoting my life to practice for the sake of others- which I shared here recently in my post "Engaged Buddhism" to demonstrate it is a work in process-- NOT ever a finished *product*-- just like life, just like one's path to attaining perfect enlightenment, Buddhahood.

You defeat yourself by remaining in a hyper vigilant state predisposed to looking for some error you *perceive* is made by me, iainx or Mark-- then, already poised for attack from your *life state of animality* you spring into attack mode. [note: self preservation pervades the world of animality as does foolishness)

Rather than join in or enter into the flow of discussion here that does reflect the True reality of life's forward flow, here you are again in freeze -frame- mode, and getting stuck in what you obviously feel threatened by.

Again-- reflective of your not getting the basics-- .

To reiterate THESE are the basics, Ricky:

the correct belief:The Three Treasures of Buddhism;
the correct daimoku,;Namu-myoho-renge-kyo;
and the correct understanding that we practice to improve our abilities to perceive the True reality , and interact with others and our environment from higher states of life--

Without the basics you will fail to perceive anything meaningful about Gohonzon.

Yes, we all are *works in process*, but you will make no real progress toward enlightenment or even attaining the capacity for civil discourse and meaningful dialogue here unless you employ the *basics*

~Katie

[iainx...@gmail.com]

I've answered Richard here:

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/t_InT2cGo5Y

Be well :)

[Katie Higgins]

On Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 10:02:36 AM UTC-4, JazzIs TvRicky wrote:

> Really Katie, what have you called the Gohonzons Lain has? Need I go back and pull up your outright degradation of his SGI issued Gohonzons

Please, do. I hope I thoroughly denounced them as the counterfeit no-honzons they are !!

The last issue, Nichikan in palrticlaulr but the Nikken no-honzon they snatched back up and did who knows what with-- is also a boinker !!

And here is a bonus refresher in the *basic elements* of Buddhism for your trouble:

<<"The Three Treasures of Buddhism are the *basic elements*--. When you discard The Buddha, Shakyamnui, The teaching, Myoho-renge-kyo/Lotus Sutra and disbelieve Nichiren's own statements about his true identity as Bodhisattva Superior Practices, NOT the Original Buddha , you aren't apt to get anything else right <<"

Hi ho!
~Katie

[nyoz...@gmail.com]

Folks this is a post by Katie the Devils Courtesan in which her disciple Lainx asked me to prove the fact that Katie is a Gohonzon Burner who actually takes PLEASURE in her sick and demented perversions. Here it is Lainx

"Katie Higgins

>
> You are just angry at Nichikan, because he cleared out all the statue-worshipers from the Fuji School. And the statues, too. I can tell you form experience, that his Gohonzon works just fine: the source is not muddy and the stream flows clear.
>
> -Chas.

Clearing out 3 Nichikan no-honzons in one very respectful ceremony-- burning them as offerings to Devadatta... was an experience as profoundly joyful as my first encounter with daimoku in August 1988.

Whatever Nichikan did-- he is no longer infecting my home or polluting my faith--. RIP Nichikan!! (probably not)

I enshrined a Nichiren Prayer Gohonzon--, again, a profoundly joy filled experience!

I don't think Chas or anyone can appreciate the difference in authentic v. counterfeit Gohonzons unless you experience it , up close and first hand--

https://markrogow.blogspot.com/2015/10/nichiren-and-shakyamuni-buddha-or.html#comment-form

Pictures speak directly to this phenomenon.

Don't you find?
~Katie"

Now what do you think of this sick WITCH!

Sincerely, Richard

[Katie Higgins]

Tz Micky demonstrates his best "Buddha behavior"-

Expelliarmus!!

~Katie

[kahlei...@gmail.com]

Thanks

[spacetreasury]

Richard who wrote your Tokabetsu that was bestowed upon you in 2005. Was it Nichikan, Nitatsu, Nikken or someone else ?

[iainx...@gmail.com]

"Richard who wrote your Tokabetsu that was bestowed upon you in 2005. Was it Nichikan, Nitatsu, Nikken or someone else ?"

Why post that here Space Treasury? Dickie's in the next cubical in your SGI cube farm, just pop over and ask him or lync him. Or is he out of the office today?

I love rhetorical questions between SGI media team members, they're so...corporate. Lool.

Readers, there's an Index here, that only the most dim witted SGI troll could fail to have missed. The answer to Space's rhetorical question, who no doubt Richard will answer, since Chas (aka Space Treasury) already has, is right there plain as day. So why is he asking? You work it out. Corporate amplification device. Love it. :)

Carry on boys...

Be well :)

[JazzIs TvRicky]

I never received a Gohonzon as late as 2005 my friend....do I know you?

Sincerely, Richard

[Katie Higgins]

Too right , iainx!!

No more doubting this covert SGIkeda activity - like the cartoon , "Spy vs. Spy" -/ only they believe their actions and motives are "secrets"

Think about that in terms of " benefits "of wisdom and comprehension that one should expect from correct faith and practice of Myoho - Renge - Kyo .
We should not have to tell them they are several bricks short ----

~Katie

[spacetreasury]

You are one very sick puppy iainx, is this what your hatred for the sgi has done to you then i apologize even though I'm no longer one of them but was once blinded by hate like you. Focus on the teachings that are offered here and start fresh. Hanging onto past grievances will only eat us up . Draw on our Dharma nature for renewal and be well

[Katie Higgins]

<<"You are one very sick puppy iainx,is this what your hatred for the sgi has done to you<<"

These are very careless assumptions on your part @spacetreasury and reflective of some deficits in reading comprehension, I dare say.

iainx has expressed in detail his process of awakening and always acknowledges his debts of gratitude to SGI. There is absolutely nothing in his writing, which is as consistently honest as *yours* is deceptive and agenda oriented, to support he has *hatred for SGI*. I wonder if your deprecating remark comes from the *relization* that iainx is here sharing the great benefit of studying Nichiren's writings and the Lotus Sutra directly and chanting the daimoku as Nichiren himself WROTE it, "Namu-myoho-renge-kyo"??

This is the correct teaching, @spacetreasury, which those of us who follow Nichiren exclusively can attest to.

In regards to iainx's exposing *your* exposing your SGIkeda *covert* PR operations , one can read here- going back 4-6 months ,-how that process emerged from iainx's own correct faith and practice--- because the REAL evidence of your nonsense is what you yourselves have posted here--.in response to iainx!

In other words, your own actions speak loudest--
iainx offers commentary that resonates with those of us who can still employ reason from a rational mind--- and that, i am happy to report extends to many new *SGI members* reading here now.

It would be foolish for you to assume that the *weight* of the authority you pretend to wield here, is anything but your delusion-- . Like Donald Trump, our embarrassing presidential candidate, you are operating under the influence of the status ones gains from wealth---and surely, you @spacetreasury of all the SGI trolls should know that treasures of the storehouse are the least valuable of all treasures !!

~Katie

[JazzIs TvRicky]

You fools have got to be kidding! Gohonzon is now not necessary but Shayamuni's Dead Lotus Sutra and Statues are the Object of Worship! How silly your asinine made up religion is!

Sincerely

Note you must read these idiots, on the disparaging of Nichiren's Purpose. 'The revelation of The Gohonzon of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.' They say "Gohonzon is not needed!"

WOW!

[iainx...@gmail.com]

"What is?"

This is Richard.

Clearly you haven't read Nichiren nor studed his life history Richard.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichiren

But to answer your question very simply, Faith is the primary practice but faith in the Sutra - that is Namu Myoho Renge-kyo.

Gohonzon Mandala wasn't inscribed until late Nichiren's life at age 51. His first extant Gohonzon mandala, the Yoji Gohonzon is dated 9th day of the 10th month 1271.

Nichiren did not confer Gohonzon on every one of his disciples. Only on thosr with strong faith.

So for everyone, including Nichiren, from the establishment of his teaching in 1253 to 1271, no Gohonzon script mandala was available. If you are suggesting that during this period, Nichiren's followers weren't practicing correctly or wouldn't attain enlightenment then you are simply wrong. As Nichiren points out here:

Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra

Dated 1263

http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/8

"Lack of faith is the basic failing that causes a person to fall into hell. Therefore, the sutra states, “If with regard to this sutra one should harbor doubt and fail to believe, one will fall at once into the evil paths."

And later on Nichiren urges:

(Ibid)

"Everywhere other than the Capital of Tranquil Light is a realm of suffering. Once you leave the haven of inherent enlightenment, what is there to bring you joy? I pray that you will embrace the Mystic Law, which guarantees that people “will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences.” This is the only glory that you need seek in your present lifetime, and is the action that will draw you toward Buddhahood in your next existence. Single-mindedly chant Namu Myoho Renge-kyo and urge others to do the same; that will remain as the only memory of your present life in this human world."

With regard to faith, Nichiren in the section just before the first quote gives the analogy of the rope held out by the Buddha:

(Ibid)

"To illustrate, suppose that a person is standing at the foot of a tall embankment and is unable to ascend. And suppose that there is someone on top of the embankment who lowers a rope and says, “If you take hold of this rope, I will pull you up to the top of the embankment.” If the person at the bottom begins to doubt that the other has the strength to pull him up, or wonders if the rope is not too weak and therefore refuses to put forth his hand and grasp it, then how is he ever to get to the top of the embankment? But if he follows the instructions, puts out his hand, and takes hold of the rope, then he can climb up.

If one doubts the strength of the Buddha when he says, “I am the only person who can rescue and protect others”; if one is suspicious of the rope held out by the Lotus Sutra when its teachings declare that one can “gain entrance through faith alone”; if one fails to chant the Mystic Law which guarantees that “such a person assuredly and without doubt [will attain the Buddha way]," then the Buddha’s power cannot reach one, and it will be impossible to scale the embankment of enlightenment."

And in the section just before that he might as well have been talking about the current SGIkeda promoteachings and the incessant push to make SGI members reliant on SGI and the supposed wisdom of it's "mentor" Daisaku because they can't bring forth buddhahood on their own or without the SGI's help. All nonsense as Nichiren points out:

(Ibid)

"Answer: It is the way of scholars these days to assert that only those who possess superior wisdom and strenuously exert themselves in the practice of meditation have the capacity to benefit from the Lotus Sutra, and to discourage persons who lack wisdom from even trying. But this is in fact an utterly ignorant and erroneous view. The Lotus Sutra is the teaching that enables all living beings to attain the Buddha way. Therefore, the persons of superior faculties and superior capacity should naturally devote themselves to contemplation and to meditating on the Law. But, for persons of inferior faculties and inferior capacity, the important thing is simply to have a heart of faith. Hence the sutra states: “If there are good men or good women who . . . believe and revere it with pure hearts and harbor no doubts or perplexities, they will never fall into hell or the realm of hungry spirits or of beasts, but will be born in the presence of the Buddhas of the ten directions.” One should have complete faith in the Lotus Sutra and look forward to being born in the presence of the Buddhas in one’s next life."

This is what Mark, Katie, and I advocate Richard. This is what Katie's husband, Kahlei Jigoku and others are demonstrating in actuality.

(Ibid)

"The blessings gained by arousing even a single moment of faith in and understanding of the Lotus Sutra surpass those of practicing the five prāmitās; and the benefit enjoyed by the fiftieth person who rejoices on hearing the Lotus Sutra is greater than that acquired by giving alms for eighty years. The doctrine of the immediate attainment of enlightenment far outshines the doctrines of other scriptures; and the pronouncements concerning the revelation of the Buddha’s original enlightenment and his immeasurable life span are never found in any other teachings."

And this is what Nichiren has to say about those who would put their teachings on a par with the Lotus Sutra, as Daisaku Ikeda and the SGI has done by interpreting the entire Lotus Sutra to make it fit with SGI's mentor-disciple promo teaching and the lens of the Human Revolution it has used to guide all it's activities since Daisaku "wrote" it. And as SGI has done with itcs 2009 promo lecture on the Hetitage of the Ulrimate Law of Life, whuch speaks of "sutras of the future will say of SGI".

(Ibid)

"To ignore the supremacy of the Lotus Sutra and assert that other sutras stand on a par with it is to commit the worst possible slander of the Law, a major offense of the utmost gravity. No analogy could suffice to illustrate it. The Buddhas, for all their powers of magical transformation, could never finish describing its consequences, and the bodhisattvas, with all the wisdom at their command, could not fathom its immensity. Thus, the “Simile and Parable” chapter of the Lotus Sutra says, “If I were to describe the punishments [that fall on persons who slander this sutra], I could exhaust a kalpa and never come to the end.” This passage means that not even a whole kalpa would be time enough to explain the full gravity of the offense of a person who acts even once against the Lotus Sutra."

And this is what Nichiren has to say about people like you and Chas who defend the SGI teaching that Buddhahood is attained through "the way of mentor disciple" and defend a mentor who proclaims that buddhahood can only be attained by SGI members but not those who in any way criticise or disagree with the SGI or it's mentor, no matter how legitimate or reasonable those criticisms.

(Ibid)

"Taking a careful look at the world today, we see that, although people declare that the Law is worthy of respect, they all express hatred for the person who upholds it. You yourself seem to be very much confused as to the source from which the Law springs."

And this is what he observes about the type of behaviour you and Chas display to people who advocate the Law, direct to the Sutra and Nichiren and urge peole towards single minded faith:

(Ibid)

"Thus the sutra states, “If this person . . . on seeing those who read, recite, copy, and uphold this sutra, should despise, hate, envy, or bear grudges against them . . . When his life comes to an end he will enter the Avīchi hell.” This passage means that a person who despises, looks down on, hates, envies, or holds a grudge against those who read and embrace the Lotus Sutra will fall into the great citadel of the Avīchi hell after he dies.27 Who could help but fear these golden words of the great sage? And who could doubt the clear-cut pronouncement of the Buddha when he said, “Honestly discarding expedient means, [I will preach only the unsurpassed way]”?"

And the consequences, as you are so clearly demonstrating.

(Ibid)
"Hence, if the Law that one embraces is supreme, then the person who embraces it must accordingly be foremost among all others. And if that is so, then to speak ill of that person is to speak ill of the Law, just as to show contempt for the child is to show contempt for the parents.

You should realize from this that the people of today speak words that in no way match what is in their hearts. It is as though they were to beat their parents with a copy of The Classic of Filial Piety. When they know that, unseen by others, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas are observing them, how can they fail to be ashamed of such actions!"

Let's just be really clear, Daisaku Ikeda alone was excommunicated by Nichiren Shoshu for deviating in faith. He and the SGI then misled SGI members (me included) into thinking they had been excommunicated too, when they had not. Daisaku Ikeda still perpetuates that lie, sauing "when we recieved the ludicrous notification of excommunication".

He has subsequently changed SGI teachings to his own attainment of enlightenment through the way of mentor-disciple, with him as mentor, using the Lotus Sutra as a prop to try and legitimise himself. Has reinterpreted the Sutra and redefined the daimoku in the shape of that corrupt teaching. Created a "buddha of the SGI" attibuting it to Mr Toda and started referring to what good things sutras of the future will say of the SGI and him as mentor. And he and the SGI have elevated him and it's presidents to the status of "eternal mentors for 'kosen rufu'.

Meanwhile he and SGI have attacked and disparaged Nichiren Shoshu, Nichiren Shu and any other "competing" sect, not just as organisations but sweeping in all of their members, without reference to what their state and sincerity of their faith may actually be. And he and it have openly attacked independent practitioners who clearly and consistently advocate single minded faith in the Sutra and the Daimoku, Namu Myoho Renge-kyo.

SGI and Daisaku Ikeda encorages it's members to engage in such slanderous acts.

So, Richard, lets look at that again shall we?

(Ibid)

"You should realize from this that the people of today speak words that in no way match what is in their hearts. It is as though they were to beat their parents with a copy of The Classic of Filial Piety. When they know that, unseen by others, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas are observing them, how can they fail to be ashamed of such actions!"

Your actions have to match your words. A concept that you, Chas, Daisaku Ikeda and SGI cannot seem to get it's head around.

"You should realize from this that the people of today speak words that in no way match what is in their hearts. It is as though they were to beat their parents with a copy of The Classic of Filial Piety. When they know that, unseen by others, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas are observing them, how can they fail to be ashamed of such actions!""

What counts Richard, is chanting sincerely with faith to the best of one's ability - Namu Myoho Renge-kyo.

What counts Richard, is trying onrs best to match ones actions with the Sutra.

What counts Richard is "entry is through faith alone" and countering those who teach otherwise, especially when they do so deceitfully, using lies and manipulation and extra especially when they use the Lotus Sutra and the artifacts of Nichiren Buddhism to do so.

What does not count, is chanting 'daimoku' to a scroll that SGI values so littke it hands them out as a free gift for taking out a subscription to World Tribune, joining it's Daisaku glorification social club, whilst teaching itcs members to chant with Daisaku Ikeda, rather than the Sutra and the Law in mind.

That my friend is slander of the gravest kind. It profoundly damages those so taught as well as those who so teach. When those people suffer, that's SGI's respinsibility. When those suffering people leave as so many do but then completely lose their faith and slander the Sutra in their lives, through the disbelief the SGI has brought about, that is the SGI's responsibility.

It is no less than spiritual abuse, spiritual violence for no better reason than the pursuit of corporate gain.

It is the complete opposite of value creation, except the value that highly paid keaders and it's Board and leader derive on the backs of people who donate their hard earned cash and who work for free.

Put simply it is both evil and corrupt snd uses often very sincere, genuine and well intentioned people and pollutes and wrecks their faith.

And you and Chas are complicit, active supporters of that enterprise.

So Richard, "that"s what".

Now if you can - be well. And genuinely hope you will, despite your very best efforts not to be and to take as many as you can with you, plunging downwards out of all control.

Namu Myoho Renge-kyo.

[spacetreasury]

On Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 5:27:18 AM UTC+10, JazzIs TvRicky wrote:
> I never received a Gohonzon as late as 2005 my friend....do I know you?
>
> Sincerely, Richard

You already know me Richard I'm the new kid on the block.Sorry Richard I thought you were > Lainx wrote: "On the Gohonzon exchange, what an odd question! Why even would it matter if I had or had not exchanged the Mandala? Gohonzon is Gohonzon, is Gohonzon. But since you are curious about the Mandala I chant to, Omamori was bestowed in about 1998 and "Tokabetsu was bestowed in 2005", you work it out. Just let's be very clear, Gohonzon is found in the two characters for faith. That's the really important thing, not the Mandala in and of itself."

I'm not sure if lain has ever known a Nittatsu or a Nikken Gohonzon which I presume that you may have. If lain thinks "Gohonzon is Gohonzon is Gohonzon" and that the mandala is not important, then he and Mark, Katie Greg NS,KH ETC have a misdirected faith and would explain their present state of mind as you and others would understand from what I've witnessed from various postings.

Nichikan's gohonzon that the SGI use may have been given by Nichikan to someone for their personal use but 300 years latter their name was removed by SGI as NST claims.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Cu_6MyitE

Nichikan Shonin story above

A genuine Nichikan Gohonzon I thought would of resembled other transcriptions from the Dai gohonzon that other successive high priests like Nitatsu and Nikken made that are complete 10 world Gohonzons that dont have the Sharihotsu, Asura and Devadatta missing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBz9q22F394

But this mustn't be an issue for NST because in the above video they criticize the SGI for tampering with Nichikan's Gohonzon yet they don't even mention the missing 3 worlds of Learning, Anger and Hell are missing.. WHY???

For this reason an authentic 10 world Nichiren inscribed Gohonzon that fits the description in 'The real aspect of the Gohonzon' is the most reliable for those of us who are not members of NST, and SGI.

When Nichiren was alive he was like a walking talking 10 world gohonzon now we need 10 world gohonzon in the form of a Mandala since Nichirens meat body dissolved 700 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB3fTV74yco

At 5.31 min is our beautiful Denpo Gohonzon that came into our lives like a breath of fresh air in a stale and musty room.

We can down load from Nichiren Gohonzon gallery and then have it printed it out on parchment paper at a printers if we don't want to go through a particular person. I was given the down load from Mark Rogow and for that he has my appreciation even though we have big differences regarding what we have our faith in, he has always endured my different perspective on NB over the years without kicking me out from his blog over the differences.


Unlike what the Sgi did to my wife been a member 55 years for having an authentic Nichiren inscribed gohonzon and for being a Nichiren Buddhist of the Nikko line that they turned away from. Chas is also of the old school SGI that we embrace that is also of the Nikko lineage from what I've read of him so far

101
The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon


I HAVE received your offerings to the Gohonzon of five thousand coins, one horseload of polished rice, and fruit. To begin with, this Gohonzon was revealed in the last eight years of the fifty that the Buddha preached in this world, and in this period of eight years, in eight chapters [of the Lotus Sutra], from the “Emerging from the Earth” chapter through the “Entrustment” chapter. Now, during the three periods following the Buddha’s passing, in the two thousand years of the Former and Middle Days of the Law, not even the term “object of devotion of the essential teaching” yet existed. How then could the object of devotion have been revealed? Moreover, there was no one who was able to give it expression. T’ien-t’ai, Miao-lo, and Dengyō perceived it in their hearts, but for some reason never put it into words, just as Yen Yüan1 realized the true meaning of Confucius’s teaching, but never gave it expression. Yet the sutra itself and the commentaries of T’ien-t’ai and Miao-lo explicitly state that the Gohonzon will appear after two thousand years have elapsed following the Buddha’s passing, in the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law.


How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great mandala that even those such as Nāgārjuna and Vasubandhu, T’ien-t’ai and Miao-lo were unable to express. This mandala is in no way my invention. It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni’s emanations as perfectly as a print matches its woodblock. Thus the five characters of the Lotus Sutra’s title are suspended in the center, while the four heavenly kings are seated at the four corners of the treasure tower. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth are side by side at the top. Seated below them are the bodhisattvas, including Universal Worthy and Manjushrī, and the voice-hearers, including Shāriputra and Maudgalyāyana. [Beside them are] the gods of the sun and moon, the devil king of the sixth heaven, the dragon king, and an asura. In addition, the wisdom kings Immovable and Craving-Filled take up their stations to the south and north. The evil and treacherous Devadatta and the ignorant dragon king’s daughter form a group. Not only the Mother of Demon Children and the ten demon daughters, who are evil demons that sap the lives of people throughout the major world system, but also the Sun Goddess, Great Bodhisattva Hachiman, and the seven reigns of the heavenly gods and five reigns of the earthly gods, who are the guardian deities of Japan—all the various great and small gods, that is, the main gods, are ranged in rows. How then could the remaining subordinate gods be left out? The “Treasure Tower” chapter states, “[Shakyamuni Buddha used his transcendental powers to] lift all the members of the great assembly up into the air.”


Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two worlds and the eight groups2 who appear in the “Introduction” chapter of the Lotus Sutra dwell in this Gohonzon. Illuminated by the light of the five characters of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes that they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion.


This is what is meant when the sutra says “the true aspect of all phenomena.” Miao-lo stated: “The true aspect invariably manifests in all phenomena, and all phenomena invariably manifest in the ten factors. The ten factors invariably manifest in the Ten Worlds, and the Ten Worlds invariably manifest in life and its environment.”

It is also stated that the profound principle of the true aspect is the originally inherent Myoho-renge-kyo. The Great Teacher Dengyō said, “A single moment of life comprising the three thousand realms is itself the Buddha of limitless joy; this Buddha has forsaken august appearances.”

Therefore, this Gohonzon shall be called the great mandala never before known; it did not appear until more than 2,220 years after the Buddha’s passing

A woman who makes offerings to such a Gohonzon invites happiness in this life, and in the next, the Gohonzon will be with her and protect her always. Like a lantern in the dark, like a strong guide and porter on a treacherous mountain path, the Gohonzon will guard and protect you, Nichinyo, wherever you go. Therefore, you should take every care to ward off slanderers of the Law in the same way that you would never wish a courtesan even to come near your home. This is the meaning of “Thrust aside evil friends and associate with good companions.”


Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The body is the palace of the ninth consciousness, the unchanging reality that reigns over all of life’s functions. To be endowed with the Ten Worlds means that all ten, without a single exception, exist in one world. Because of this it is called a mandala. Mandala is a Sanskrit word that is translated as “perfectly endowed” or “a cluster of blessings.” This Gohonzon also is found only in the two characters for faith. This is what the sutra means when it states that one can “gain entrance through faith alone.”


Since Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters believe solely in the Lotus Sutra, honestly discarding expedient means11 and not accepting even a single verse of the other sutras, exactly as the Lotus teaches, they can enter the treasure tower of the Gohonzon. How reassuring! Make every possible effort for the sake of your next life. What is most important is that, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone, you can attain Buddhahood. It will no doubt depend on the strength of your faith. To have faith is the basis of Buddhism. Thus the fourth volume of Great Concentration and Insight states, “Buddhism is like an ocean that one can only enter with faith.” The fourth volume of The Annotations on “Great Concentration and Insight” explains this: “With regard to the phrase ‘Buddhism is like an ocean that one can only enter with faith,’ even Confucius taught that faith is first and foremost. How much more so is this true of the profound doctrines of Buddhism! Without faith, how could one possibly enter? That is why the Flower Garland Sutra defines faith as the basis of the way and the mother of blessings.”


The first volume of Great Concentration and Insight says, “How does one hear, believe in, and practice the perfect teaching to attain perfect enlightenment?” The first volume of On “Great Concentration and Insight” says, “To ‘believe in the perfect teaching’ means to awaken faith through doctrine and to make faith the basis of practice.”


A non-Buddhist document relates that, because the emperor of Han believed his aide’s report, the waters of a river froze on the spot another tells how Li Kuang, because he was eager to revenge his father, shot an arrow all the way up to its feathers into a boulder hidden in the grass. The commentaries of T’ien-t’ai and Miao-lo make it perfectly clear that faith is the cornerstone. Because the Han emperor believed completely in his retainer’s words, the river froze over. And Li Kuang was able to pierce a rock with his arrow because he fully believed it to be the tiger that had killed his father. How much more so is this true in Buddhism!


Embracing the Lotus Sutra and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in itself encompasses the five practices. It was this matter, the wonderful practice that includes the immediate completion of the five practices, that was transmitted to the Great Teacher Dengyō when he journeyed to T’ang China and met the Reverend Tao-sui. No other teaching is more important for Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters. It is referred to in the “Supernatural Powers” chapter.14 I will write again in detail.
Respectfully,
Nichiren

The twenty-third day of the eighth month in the third year of Kenji (1277)

Reply to Nichinyo

Noel Lyall Panton (Space treasury)

Namu myoho lenge kyo

[JazzIs TvRicky]

Noel your sincerity is moving. I appreciate your honesty and contribution.

Sincerely, Richard

[Chas.]

Readers will note that Mark Rogow and Katie smear along with what the KGB used to call the "useful idiot" Iain, while I quote the many history books to make my case against the un-indicted war criminals of Nichiren Shu, initiators and co-perpetrators of the Asian Holocaust against the peoples of the Pacific Rim and especially the Chinese people of Nanking.

These war criminals have never been brought to justice.

It is high time that they are hauled into court, because there is no statute of limitations on war crimes.

Justice for the victims of the Rape of Nanking and elsewhere, and prosecution of the war criminals of Nichiren Shu, whose radical militaristic followers and chaplains misled the Japanese people and the royalty into this abomination!

Their distortions of Nichiren Buddhism into Shinto statue worship is the cause, and that distortion continues to be perpetuated by Mark Rogow and Katie Higgins and their "useful idiot", Iain.

Their attacks on the SGI are merely a cover for their perpetual guilt over their complicity in war crimes while the founders of the SGI were cornered by Imperial Way Buddhism and their Shinto Talisman supporting the Pacifc War of Imperial State Zen. Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda were ultimately imprisoned in Tokyo until Mr. Makiguchi's death and Mr. Toda's release at the end of the War, while the forces unleashed by Nichiren Shu (and with the complicity of the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood) ran rampant over China and the Pacific Rim.

here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_war_crimes

and here:

http://www.pacificwar.org.au/JapWarCrimes/Cross-section_JapWarCrimes.html

The Rape of Nanking (1937), also known as the Nanjing Massacre

The Bangka Island Massacre (1942): Slaughter of Australian Army Nurses

The Bataan Death March (1942)

The Sandakan Death March (1945)

Murder and cannibalism on the Kokoda Track (1942)

Conscripting women for sexual slavery in Japanese Army brothels (1937-1945)

Mutilation and murder of Dutch civilians in Borneo

Murder and cannibalism - captured American pilots

-Chas

[Mark Rogow]

“It also says: “Evil monks, hoping to gain fame and profit, will in many cases appear before the ruler, the crown prince, or the other princes, and take it upon themselves to preach doctrines that lead to the violation of the Buddhist Law and the destruction of the nation. The ruler, failing to perceive the truth of the situation, will listen to and put faith in such doctrines, and proceed to create regulations that are perverse in nature and that do not accord with the rules of Buddhist discipline. In this way he will bring about the destruction of Buddhism and of the nation.” — On Dealing With Disasters

This is exactly the situation in Japan today with the SGI/Komeito preaching false doctrines and counseling the ruling party which is creating perverse regulations, for example, those severely curtailing free speech, those allowing manufacture and sale of arms throughout Asia and the world, those sanctioning an unprecedented post World War II military buildup, and those limiting assistance to TEPCO in the clean-up of Fukushima.

“The Great Collection Sutra says, “If he [the ruler of the state] sees that my teaching is in danger of perishing and stands idly by without doing anything to protect it, . . . his country will become the scene of three inauspicious occurrences.” — ibid

“The Lotus Sutra states: “In that evil age there will be monks with perverse wisdom and hearts that are fawning and crooked who will suppose they have attained what they have not attained, being proud and boastful in heart. . . . These men with evil in their hearts . . . will address the rulers, high ministers, Brahmans, and householders, as well as the other monks, slandering and speaking ill of us, saying, ‘These are men of perverted views who preach non-Buddhist doctrines!’ — ibid

“If we consider the matter in the light of these passages, we will see that evil monks fill the country and preach doctrines that lead to the destruction of the nation and the violation of the Buddhist Law. The rulers and the four kinds of Buddhist believers who live in that nation, failing to perceive the truth of the situation, listen to and put faith in their words. Therefore they reject and turn their hearts away from these Mahayana sutras.” — ibid

The Japanese rulers and the people have rejected and turned their hearts away from the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin and towards the Human Revolution, New Komeito, and Daisaku Ikeda.

“Answer: The Benevolent Kings Sutra says: “Those persons who should uphold and guard the three treasures of Buddhism will on the contrary become the destroyers of the three treasures, just as it is the worms that are born from the body of a dead lion that will feed on the lion’s flesh. It will not be the non-Buddhists [but in most cases the Buddha’s own disciples who will destroy this Buddhist Law of mine].”

If we go by this passage, those who destroy the nation and the Buddhist Law will come from among the disciples of the Buddha.” — ibid

SGI's Three Treasures are not the Three Treasures of the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren, and his disciples and supporters..

“Question: These evil monks who destroy the correct teaching—do they destroy it with a teaching that resembles the correct teaching, or do they destroy it with an evil teaching?” — ibid

Nichiren goes on to say that those who destroy the correct teachings are those who embrace a teaching that resembles the correct teachings. To the ignorant, Nam Myoho renge kyo, the Nichikan Gohonzon, and the SGI faith is the same as Namu Myoho renge kyo, the Nichiren Gohonzon, and the Nichiren faith. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“As these passages demonstrate, those who slander the Law fail to realize in full how their acts affect others and proceed to commit grave faults, bringing about the destruction of the nation and the destruction of the Buddhist Law.” — ibid

These egotistical SGI heretics actually think that they are the avatars of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren who will ensure the peace and prosperity of Japan. The reality and modern history of the Japanese nation and rise of the Soka Gakkai demolishes their unwarranted faith.

The Golden Light Sutra states: “He neither makes offerings to it [the sutra], honors it, nor praises it. . . Then many different types of disasters will occur in the country.” The Nirvana Sutra speaks of those who “hate and despise the unsurpassed Great Nirvana Sutra.” — ibid

Altering the Three Treasures, particularly changing the Three Treasures and converting the Three Treasures into Four Treasures [adding the Treasure of the Guru Ikeda which subsumes the Three Treasures of the Sutra and Nichiren] is to hate and despise the Three Treasures. Making offerings to the false Three and Four Treasures, is to dishonor the Three Treasures of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren.

"Question: If what you say is true, then why do persons who put their faith in the Mahayana sutras such as the Lotus Sutra or the True Word sutras encounter such disasters?

Answer: The Golden Light Sutra says: “The laws will be twisted until even the innocent are made to suffer.” The Lotus Sutra states, “They would bring unexpected disaster on him.”

The poor, unstudied, and unlearned SGI newbies are the innocents who are made to suffer. They expect to realize unsurpassed Supreme and Perfect Enlightenment but fall into the Lower Realms. This comes as a great shock to them.

"Judging from these passages that have just been quoted, such practitioners of the Lotus Sutra and True Word teachings have not yet reached any very profound level of practice, their minds are still weak in faith, and though their mouths recite the words of the sutra, they do not yet understand their meaning; they recite them only for the sake of fame or gain. –ibid

GAIN [“Goodness, Beauty, and Gain”] — The heart of the SGI teachings. A pity! A shame!

“Answer: The forces of karma do not operate in fixed ways. There is what is called karma that manifests itself in one’s present existence. Describing such cases, the Lotus Sutra says that a person “will in his present existence be afflicted with white leprosy. . . . And he will suffer from . . . severe and malignant illnesses.” The Benevolent Kings Sutra states: “If persons destroy the teachings of the Buddha, they will have no filial sons, no harmony with their six kinds of relatives, and no aid from the heavenly deities. Disease and evil demons will come day after day to torment them, disasters will descend on them incessantly, and misfortunes will dog them wherever they go.” And the Nirvana Sutra states: “If there are those who fail to put faith in this sutra, when they approach the time of death, they will encounter a world troubled by disorder, armed strife will break out, or they will find themselves the victims of the tyranny of rulers or the quarrels and contentions of warring families.”

Just so!

"Regarding the second type of karma, that which manifests itself in one’s next existence, the Lotus Sutra says, “If a person fails to have faith but instead slanders this sutra, . . . When his life comes to an end he will enter the Avichi hell.” And the Benevolent Kings Sutra states: “If persons destroy the teachings of the Buddha, . . . when they die, they will fall into the realms of hell, hungry spirits, and animals.” — ibid

Frightening!

“Question: What is the quickest way to put an end to these disasters?
Answer: One must quickly take measures to deal with those who slander the Law. If this is not done, then although endless prayers are offered, they will not put an end to these disasters.

Question: What measures should be taken to deal with them?
Answer: The measures are indicated in the sutras. In the Nirvana Sutra we read, “The Buddha said, ‘With the exception of one type of person, you may offer alms to all kinds of persons. . . . [Persons of this one type] slander the correct teaching, and go on committing these grave acts. . . . With the exception of this one group of people called icchantikas, however, you may offer alms to all others, and everyone will praise you.’ ”

From this passage it is clear that one should take measures to see that no alms are given to persons of this type. In addition, there are many other measures to be taken, but I do not have time to discuss them all here.”

What can we do in this time and this place? Do not offer alms during the SGI May Contribution Campaign [or ever], immediately renounce your membership, and join us in reprimanding them.

Proof:

"Answer: The Nirvana Sutra states: “Now I entrust the correct teaching, which is unexcelled, to the rulers, the ministers, the high officials, and the monks and nuns. If anyone should vilify the correct teaching, then the rulers, the ministers, and the four kinds of Buddhists should reprimand him and bring him to order. [In doing so, they] are not guilty of any fault.”

“Question: You yourself are a priest, and yet you are exposing the errors of other priests—is this not a blameful act?

Answer: The Nirvana Sutra says: “If even a good monk sees someone destroying the teaching and disregards him, failing to reproach him, to oust him, or to punish him for his offense, then you should realize that that monk is betraying the Buddha’s teaching. But if he ousts the destroyer of the Law, reproaches him, or punishes him, then he is my disciple and a true voice-hearer.”

When I read this passage, it seems to me that, in order to avoid being condemned as a “betrayer of the Buddha’s teaching,” I must not be fearful of how others may judge my actions,…” ibid

Trust Nichiren. Reprimanding the Soka Gakkai, you will be praised by the Buddha, the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, Nichiren Daishonin, and the Bodhisattvas of the Universe.

“But if, having once perused what I have written, they do not carry out the measures recommended in the passages I have quoted, then how can they escape the fate described in the Great Collection Sutra when it says: “Though for countless existences in the past the ruler of a state may have practiced the giving of alms, observed the precepts, and cultivated wisdom, if he sees that my teaching is in danger of perishing and stands idly by without doing anything to protect it, then all [the inestimable roots of goodness that he has planted through the practices just mentioned] will be entirely wiped out, and his country will become the scene of three inauspicious occurrences. . . . After his life has come to an end, he will be reborn in the great hell.”

This is surely the fate of Shinzo Abe and Daisaku ikeda.

"The passage in the Benevolent Kings Sutra states, “If a time should come when the good fortune of these rulers runs out, . . . then the seven disasters are certain to arise.” And the passage in the Great Collection Sutra says that “though for countless existences in the past the ruler of a state may have practiced the giving of alms, observed the precepts, and cultivated wisdom, . . . all [the inestimable roots of goodness that he has planted through the practices just mentioned] will be entirely wiped out.” — ibid

Ever more horrendous disasters are in store for Japan under Abe and the New Komeito. My heart bleeds for the innocents who will suffer.

"In view of these passages, should one not set aside all other affairs and consider first of all why these disasters occur? If one does not do so, then more and more such disasters are bound to occur!

SGI members see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe. They have not delved deeply into the truth of even their own teachings. Perhaps I can help them.

Nichikan wrote:

"We recite the Hoben Pon (2nd chapter) to smash the provisional sutras, we recite the Juryo Hon (16th Chapter) to smash the Hoben Pon, and we recits the daimoku to smash the Lotus Sutra".

Nichiren wrote:

“Nowhere in all the five thousand or seven thousand volumes of sutras listed in the K’ai-yüan era catalog do we find a single scriptural passage that expresses disapproval of the Lotus Sutra and advises one to discard it or to cast it aside, nor any passage that says it is to be classified among the sundry practices and abandoned. If you disagree, you had better find some reliable passage from the sutras that will support your view, so that you may rescue Shan-tao and Honen from their torments in the hell of incessant suffering."(Coversations Between a Sage and Unenlightened Man).

Yet you do Gongyo and chant the Daimoku every day to this slanderer's Gohonzon. Why would you ever think for a moment that you too could escape the torments of hell?

In the "Toke Sanne Sho [On the Three Robes of Nichiren Shoshu]," Nichikan Shonin cites Nikko Shonin and Nichimoku Shonin as the Treasure of the Priest when revealing the Three Treasures of Nichiren Shoshu, and then states, "I say that all the Masters, the successive direct successors to the bestowal of the Law, are in this way included in the Three Treasures." (Seiten, p. 971)

Nichikan's Six Volume Writings" (Rokkan sho) is composed of the following:

1)."The Threefold Secret Teaching" (Sanju hiden sho): In this writing Nichikan exhorts us us to abandon the Lotus Sutra and only embrace Namu Myoho renge kyo. This is bizarre since Namu myoho renge kyo means devotion to the Lotus Sutra (Myoho renge kyo).

2)."The Meanings Hidden in the Depths" (Montei hichin sho). In this equally bizarre writing he changes the Great Secret Law of the Object of Worship in terms of the person from the Original Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni to Nichiren Daishonin.

3)."Interpretations Based on the Law" (Egi hanmon sho). In this equally strange writing, Nichikan teaches that the Lotus Sutra was preached by Shakyamuni to explain Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism rather than Nichiren Daishonin explaining the Lotus Sutra through his commentaries.

4)."Teachings for the Latter Day" (Mappo soo sho). In this writing, Nichikan attempts to overturn the use of statues as Objects of Worship despite the fact that Nichiren utilized and revered a Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha as an Object of Worship throughout his life, praised both Dozenbo, Toki Jonin, and Shijo Kingo for fashioning statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, and wrote about both "wooden and painted" images.

5)."The Practice of this School" (Toryu gyoji sho). In this slanderous writing, Nichikan says we chant the Daimoku to smash the Juryo Chapter and chant the Juryo Chapter to smash the Hobenpon.

6). The "Toke Sanne Sho" (The Three Robes of this School) explains the origin and significance of the traditional gray robe, the white surplice and the prayer beads of the Nichiren Shoshu priests. Here, he also goes on to overturn the Three Treasures of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren by asserting that Nichiren is the Treasure of the Buddha and that the heritage of the Law, the succession, is through the bequethal to one sole individual or the successive High Priests of Nichiren Shoshu (the Treasure of the Sangha).

On the Juzu, he wrote:

"The Juzu is a means to guide persons of inferior capacity and force them into ascetic practices."

"Juzu require an eye-opening ceremony before use. This can be done at your local temple." (Six Volume Writings," Rokkan-sho, p. 225)

The Ryokkan Sho, far from being an Enlightened writing, is a bizarre writing.

Nichiren Daishonin, on the other hand, writes:

"When the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai applied the simile of ghee to the Lotus Sutra, basing himself on a passage in the Nirvana Sutra, he declared that among all the sutras the Lotus Sutra is worthy to be compared to ghee. The True Word teaching was introduced to China from India two hundred years or more after the time of T’ien-t’ai. How then could T’ien-t’ai possibly have stolen the ghee of the True Word teaching and called it the ghee of the Lotus Sutra? Of all strange events, this would be the strangest!

What evidence is there then for calling persons who lived two hundred years or more before the True Word teaching was even introduced to China thieves? Are we to put faith in these writings of the Great Teacher Kobo? Or are we to put faith in the Nirvana Sutra where the Buddha likens the Lotus Sutra to ghee?

If we are to regard the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai as a thief, then how are we to interpret this passage in the Nirvana Sutra? And if we accept the passage in the Nirvana Sutra as reliable and conclude that the writings of Kobo (Nichikan) are incorrect, then what are we to think of people who put faith in such erroneous teachings? All I can say is that one should compare the writings of the Great Teacher Kobo (Nichikan) and the pronouncements of the Buddha, and then put one’s faith in the one that proves to be correct." (On Prayer).

"But those who follow the teachings of Nichiren honestly discard the mistaken doctrines of the provisional teachings and the incorrect theories of the mistaken teachers, and, with all sincerity, put their faith in the correct teaching and the correct doctrines of the correct teacher. Accordingly they are able to gain the lotus of the entity and to manifest the mystic principle of the entity of the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. This is because they put their faith in the golden words of the Buddha indicated in the “Life Span” chapter of the essential teaching and chant Namu-myoho-renge-kyo."(Entity of the Mystic Law)

Since the SGI fails, on this one vital criteria of putting "their faith in the golden words of the Buddha indicated in the “Life Span” chapter of the essential teaching", their land is the land of devils and hardships and not the Land of Eternally Quiescent Light. Wherever the teachings of the SGI spread, the people suffer and more tragedies and calamities occur. On the other hand, even one true practicer of the Lotus Sutra in a city or a country will bring good fortune and peace to the people.

Nichikan also wrote:

"The three groups of shomon disciples
accumulated good fortune since sanzen
jintengo [before being guaranteed
enlightenment), and those who received
the seed and reached enlightenment on
hearing the first chapter of the Lotus
Sutra accumulated good fortune since
Gohyaku jintengo. How possibly could
those who first received the seed during
the lifetime of the Buddha all without
exception achieve enlightenment in a
mere two-thousand years? [They
couldn't!] The reason is this: the
effectiveness of Shakyamuni's teachings
begins at Kuon Ganjo, but ends with the
two-thousand years of the Former and
Middle Days of the Law. ... Therefore
the people of the Latter Day of the Law
all innately have yet to possess the seed
and so are of the capacity to receive the
original seed of enlightenment directly."
(Rokkan-sho, p.110)

Who can understand such nonsense? He is like SGI leaders. Nichikan just makes things up out of thin air. What ever pops into his head he writes and calls it the True Teachings. Nichiren says about such men who fail to preach with Sutra in hand, even though they be great bodhisattvas, don't listen to them. Nichikan wasn't even a Bodhisattva. He was a madman and he inscribed the Gohonzon to which SGI members fuse. How could every last member of the SGI fail to become a madman? Here is more proof.

Nichikan writes in his Montei Hichin-Sho ["The Teachings Hidden in the Depths of the Text"]:

"Therefore know this: *"One of Perfect Freedom"* is His true state (honchi). Bodhisattva Jogyo is His transient reflection. And Nichiren is the manifestation of His true state (kenpon).

Nichiren Daishonin never revealed it and he never held back anything. Nichiren Shonin teaches that his true identity is that of Jogyo and hidden in the depths of the Juryohon is that he, as well as we, are Three Bodied Tathagatas, one with the Original Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, our original teacher.

The Juryo (16) and Jinriki Chapters (21) of the Lotus Sutra and the Goshos, the Entity of the Mystic Law (Totaigi Sho), The Opening of the Eyes, The True Object of Worship, and Repaying Debts of Gratitude, explain why the Nichikan Gohonzon is a demon infested condition for the ruin of the individual, the nation, and the world.

"I likewise am the Father of the World,
The One who saves
from the various sufferings and travails" (Lotus Sutra Chapter 16)

"At that time the Buddha spoke to Superior Practices and the others in the great assembly of bodhisattvas, saying: "The supernatural powers of the Buddhas, as you have seen, are immeasurable, boundless, inconceivable. If in the process of entrusting this sutra to others I were to employ these supernatural powers for a immeasurable, boundless hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, millions of asamkhya kalpas to describe the benefits of the sutra, I could never finish doing so. To put it briefly, all the doctrines possessed by the Thus Come One, the storehouse of all the secret essentials of the Thus Come One - all these are proclaimed, revealed, and clearly expounded in this sutra. (Lotus Sutra Chapter 21)

Nichiren comments on this passage:

Answer: In this passage, Shakyamuni Buddha explains that he is entrusting to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, his original disciples, the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, which is the essence of the Lotus Sutra. Shakyamuni, who attained enlightenment countless kalpas in the past, says elsewhere, "By now the original vows that I made have already been fulfilled. I have converted all living beings and caused them all to enter the Buddha way." Thus, he has already fulfilled his earlier vow. Then, intending to charge his disciples with the task of accomplishing widespread propagation in the fifth five hundred years after his death," he called forth the Bodhisattvas of the Earth and entrusted them with the heart of the sutra, the lotus of the entity of the essential teaching. This passage represents the ultimate purpose for which Shakyamuni Buddha appeared in the world, the secret Law that he attained in the place of meditation. It is this passage that gives proof of the lotus of the entity that, for those of us who live in the Latter Day of the Law, assures the attainment of Buddhahood in both the present and future."

Accordingly, at the present time in the Latter Day of the Law, other than the envoy of the Thus Come One, there can be no one who understands and produces this passage as proof of the lotus of the entity. Truly it is a passage of secret meaning. Truly it is a matter of great concern. Truly it is to be honored and admired. Namu-myoho-renge-kyo, Namu-myoho-renge-kyo!" (Entity of the Mystic Law)

Answer: 'One: Japan and so on to the whole of Jambudvipa should uniformly take the Master of teachings Lord Shakya of the Original Doctrine as the Object of Worship." (Repaying Debts of Gratitude)

Now, when the Eternal Buddha was revealed in the essential section of the Lotus Sutra, this world of endurance (Saha-world) became the Eternal Pure Land, indestructible even by the three calamities of conflagration, flooding, and strong winds, which are said to destroy the world. It transcends the four periods of cosmic change: the kalpa of construction, continuance, destruction and emptiness. Sakyamuni Buddha, the Lord-preacher of this pure land, has never died in the past, nor will He be born in the future. He exists forever throughout the past present and future. All those who receive His guidance are one with this Eternal Buddha. (Opening of the Eyes)

In the same chapter, another passage reads: ‘The duration of My Life, which I obtained through the practice of the way of bodhisattvas, has not yet expired. It is twice as long as the length of time stated above: 500 dust-particle kalpa.’ This reveals the bodhisattva realm within our minds. The bodhisattvas described in the fifteenth chapter, ‘Appearance of Bodhisattvas from Underground,’ who have sprung out of the great earth, as numerous as the number of dust-particles of 1,000 worlds, are followers of the Original Buddha Sakyamuni who resides within our minds." (The True Object of Worship)

Nichikan asked us to abandon Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra. This is the purport of his Object of Worship. The Nichikan Gohonzon is neither based on the Lotus Sutra (Myoho renge kyo) nor on Shakyamuni Buddha of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. It is not based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. Chanting to this Gohonzon is as if you were to take and revere the offering of a sumptuous meal from the murderer of your parents or praising the one who has kidnapped your child. You along with the offender (Nichikan) will both fall into the Lower Realms and the Sutra's promise of peace and security in this life and a fortunate birth in the next will allude you.

Further Proof of my assertion is the fact that SGI would take up this Gohonzon as their banner of propagation in the first place; the bizarre worldview of the SGI where Daisaku Ikeda is revered and praised at the expense of the Sutra, the Buddha, and Nichiren Daishonin; the misfortune that invariably befalls its leaders; and the lack of insight of the general members.

If you send me your Nichikan or Nichinyo Gohonzon, we will see to it that it is burned respectfully as an offering to Devedatta, the Ten Demon Daughters, the Lotus Sutra, and Shakyamuni Buddha or you may burn it yourself while reciting the Daimoku and the Jiga-ge for the repose of Nichikan, the greatest destroyer of Buddhism in human history

As an Addendum

Nichikan teaches:

1. The twenty eight chapter book is the Lotus Sutra for Shoho [Former Day]
2. The Maka Shikan is the Lotus Sutra for Zoho [Middle Day]
3. The Dai Gohonzon is the Lotus Sutra for Mappo [Latter Day]

Nichiren teaches:

"To say that Great Concentration and Insight and the Lotus Sutra are identical in nature is to equate a commentary by a Buddhist teacher with the pronouncements of the Buddha himself, which is a very grave error. How much more fallacious is it, then, to assert that Great Concentration and Insight is superior to the Lotus Sutra! That such an assertion should appear at this time must be some plan of the Buddhas and gods whereby they mean the votary of the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Day of the Law to make clear to all the difference between the sutra teachings propagated by those who were taught and converted by the Buddha in his true identity and the teachings of those taught and converted by the Buddha in his transient status, between the Middle Day of the Law and the Latter Day of the Law, and between those entrusted with the theoretical teaching and those entrusted with the essential teaching. From this it is evident that among the followers of the present-day Tendai school those who put forth such a fallacious view are men who are unaware of the debt of gratitude they owe to T’ien-t’ai, the founder of their school, and that they cannot escape blame for this error."

"...none of the Buddha images in the temples and pagodas of Japan, though their forms resemble that of the Buddha are really Buddhas in mind. Rather they have the minds of ordinary beings who live in the nine worlds." -- Nichiren

He goes on to say:

"The custom of revering ignorant teachers as though they were wise men began with this."

"Such is my humble opinion. I leave it to others to accept or reject it.” -- ibid. (True Object of Worship)

Why doesn't SGI teach the writings of Nichikan the transcriber of their Gohonzon?

There are several reasons. Nichkan was Nichiren Shoshu through and through. He believed in and taught the sovereignty of the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu. Were SGI members to be taught the writings of Nichikan, they would learn of the depraved mind and character of the transcriber of their Gohonzon. This might destroy their faith in their mentor who chose for them Nichikan's inferior object of veneration.

"When you chant the daimoku of this sutra, you should be aware that it is a more joyful thing than for one who was born blind to gain sight and see one’s father and mother, and a rarer thing than for a man who has been seized by a powerful enemy to be released and reunited with his wife and children." -- Nichiren

SGI Singapore members, on the other hand, have become so delusional thanks to the SGI teachings that instead of feeling an auspicious opportunity for great gain, they feel a sense of great loss. It is thanks to the warped and bizarre SGI teachings and their evil spiritual "friend" [Ikeda] that they have become nothing but whiny cry babies. Who in their right mind would choose a Nichikan Gohonzon over a Nichiren Gohonzon? Now that they are free from the oppressive teachings of Ikedaism, they have the rare opportunity to trade rocks [the Nichikan Gohonzon] for jewels [the Nichiren Gohonzon]. We will show them how.

Mark

[lyal...@gmail.com]

Thanks Richard

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Excellent Mark. As with Katie in another thread, Sutra and Gosho is always appreciated.

Be well :)

[Chas.]

about which Goshos are fake and real, or whether chanting to statues and pagodas is good or not.

... After that, the formerly-fawned-upon become the target of ever-increasing criticism of their every word, they will twist everything you say into something horrible and take their twisted quote and trot it out in front of you like "nyah, nyah, nyah". After that it is open abuse on every turn.

And then always ending with an incredibly fake "Be well :)" Which rhymes with "Go to Hell." and really means go off somewhere and die and never come back into "Our Forum" with "Our Index", set up for "Our Kind of People ... you, not YOU, you, NOT YOU OR YOU!"

Eventually this forum will become too small potatoes for their new Iain sect, and they will move on to a website, or rent out an old chicken coop and set up shop to bilk the unwary and send them packing to Avichi Hell.

Kind of like EST that became the Landmark Forum, or Scientology, with greater expanding and more expensive courses of special Iain sutras for the greater paying believers and finally personal Iain sutras signed by his Holiainess in a moment of bliss.

And then comes the personal audience with himself. Something to really aspire to in one's life.

As opposed to the boring old mentor and disciple SGI, where everyone gets everything that Sensei and the SGI study and publications department write, and where everything Nichiren Daishonin wrote and the Lotus Sutra are online.
________________________________

What motivates Katie Higgins, Mark Rogow (Buku) and what the KGB calls their "useful idiot", Iain, to go on like this (aside from their inner demons cultivated by slandering the Law through chanting to statues and images), what causes them to attack the SGI so vigorously? They are connected to Nichiren Shu and Kempon Hokke and other temples and these temples are un-indicted co-conspirators in war crimes.

It's not just that their Nichiren Shu youth militia groups were the incendiary driving force behind the inner officer corps of the Imperial Japanese forces that pushed for expansion into the Asian Pacific War.

It's not just that their Nichiren Shu chaplains were on the front lines with those ravenous militias as they committed war crimes around the Asia Pacific, cheering them on and correcting their style of Zen beheading of innocents, and using bound captives for bayonet and other kinds of practice.

It's that at the very beginning, Nichiren Shu priests created the premise for invasion of China, they were the match that lit the conflagration.

They will deny the truth in their usual incendiary manner, but the two posts below quote many history books and you cannot deny the condemnation of history.

From: "Nichiren Shu (with Kempon Hokke Myomanji Sect) and the Asian Holocaust #1"
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/alt.zen/pfHcnbnjHus/B_RYwmkbCgAJ

and from "Nichiren Shu (with Kempon Hokke Myomanji Sect) and the Asian Holocaust #2"
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/alt.zen/QgGf39rK6jU/39hhlHcbCgAJ

So the answer to why they attack the SGI?

It's to cover up with flak the fact that Mr. Makiguchi died in prison, while Mr Toda spent the War in prison to be released at the end, for standing up the the imperial Way Buddhism and Imperial State Zen government perpetrating the Pacific War and its countless atrocities, which Nichiren Shu initiated, promulgated and rode the four horses of the Apocalypse straight through.

They can do no other than what they are doing to save the shreds of face that they still possess. That's why.

-Chas.

[Katie Higgins]

Factual history about the Gohonzon-- the original topic of this thread- for our new readers who learned ZERO about Gohonzon in SGIkeda

>>"I found this Nichiren Shu lecture by Ben Capon really interesting and insightful. I've posted this before but am sharing it again here, to get the ball rolling in this thread.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fdCX1Llvp0E

~Katie

[Tim Tam]

Years ago I was lead to believe that to practise Nichiren’s Buddhism correctly, one had to attend meetings and belong to an organisation. Nowadays I’ve come to understand that anyone, regardless of whether they become a ‘member’ of a group or not, can benefit from their own personal practice.
The reason for this is that the Law Itself represents the identity of what some now refer to as the ‘unified field of all consciousnesses’. In other words, it’s the essence behind all existence and non-existence, the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence is simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source.
Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the true creator of everything that is, ever was and ever will be, right down to the minutest particles of dust, each being an individual ripple or wave.
The big difference between chanting ‘Nam-myoho-renge-kyo’ and most conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a middle man to connect us to our state of enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves by tapping directly into it by way of self-produced sound vibration.
On the subject of ‘what or who is God?’, when we compare the concept of ‘God’, as a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to Nichiren’s teachings, the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people call ‘God’ is our enlightenment, which exists nowhere else but within us. When the disciples asked Jesus where the Kingdom of God is, didn’t he tell them that it was within them?
Some say that ‘God’ is an entity that can never be seen. I think that the vast amount of information that is constantly being conveyed via electromagnetic waves gives us proof of how an invisible state of what many call ‘God’ could actually exist.
It’s widely known that certain data being relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects, including instant global awareness of something or mass emotional reaction. As well as many other things, it’s also common knowledge that these waves can be used to detonate a bomb or to even enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars. However, none of this is possible without a receiver to decode the information that is being transmitted. Without the receiver, the information would remain impotent.
In a similar way, it’s very important for us to have our receiver switched on, so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our life, all other life and who we and all else that exists truly is. Chanting ‘Nam-myoho-renge-kyo’ helps us to achieve this, because it allows us to reach into the core of our enlightenment and switch it on. That’s because, as I mentioned before, the sound vibration of ‘myoho-renge-kyo’ represents the combination of the three major laws that underlie all existence.
‘Myoho’ represents the Law of latency and manifestation (Nature), and consists of two alternating states. One state of ‘myo’ is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists. This includes our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them, our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re not being expressed, our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma, and more importantly, our enlightenment. The other state, ‘ho’, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes obvious to us, such as when a thought pops up from our memory, whenever we experience or express our emotions, or whenever a good or bad effect comes forth from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it simply means that it has come out of the state of ‘myo’ (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ‘ho’ (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing something.
The second law, ‘renge’, governs and controls the functions of ‘myoho’ – ‘ren’ meaning cause and ‘ge’ meaning effect. These two laws, ‘myoho’ and ‘renge’, work together simultaneously and underlie all spiritual and physical existence.
The final and third part of the tri-combination, ‘kyo’, is what allows the law ‘myoho’ to integrate with the law ‘renge’. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects together all Life and matter, as well as the past, present and future. It is often termed the Universal Law of Communication. Perhaps it could even be compared to the ‘string theory’ that some scientists now suspect exists.
Just as our body cells, thoughts, feelings and all else are constantly fluctuating within us, everything in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux, in accordance with these three laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of ‘myo’ and ‘ho’ in a single moment than it would ever be possible for us to calculate or describe. And it doesn't matter how big, small, important or trivial anything may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now, or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of 'myoho-renge-kyo'. These three laws are also the basis of the four fundamental forces and if they didn't function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. Simply put, all forms of existence, including the seasons, day and night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation, rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two states of ‘myo’ and ‘ho’ in accordance with ‘renge’ and by way of ‘kyo’. Even stars are dying and being reborn again in accordance with the workings of ‘myoho-renge-kyo’.
‘Nam’ is like a password or key; it allows us to reach deep within our life and fuse with or become one with ‘myoho-renge-kyo’. On a more personal basis, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives from moment to moment, as well as our environment.
By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth turns and rhythmically chanting ‘Nam-myoho-renge-kyo’ repeatedly for a minimum of ten minutes daily, any of us can gain actual proof of its effects in our life. By building up a force from within, it allows us to pierce through even the thickest layers of our karma and reach directly into the ultimate wisdom of our and all other life. Unlike the fantasy of a magic wand to make our problems vanish, chanting ‘Nam-myoho-renge-kyo’ awakens our innate wisdom and brings to the surface our hidden potential, a much clearer realisation and understanding of our good and bad karma, and positive ways that we can both cope with and change our negative circumstances into positive ones. It also allows us to see and understand things outside of ourselves more clearly and, by way of the electromagnetic forces of which we are all a part, helps us to connect with, or draw towards us, any external circumstances or help that we need. Proof of this effect soon becomes obvious to anyone who chants ‘Nam-myoho-renge-kyo’ on a regular basis. Of course, the more sincerely we chant, the more powerful and faster its effect will be. (Tom Bird)

[Katie Higgins]

Sorry, but must correct your error--

>>" ‘Nam’ is like a password or key; it allows us to reach deep within our life and fuse with or become one with ‘myoho-renge-kyo<<"

Nchiren wrote the two characters, "Na" and "Mu"--Namu means to "devote one's life"--to the Lotus Sutra, "Myoho-renge-kyo" --
The SEVEN characters of the Essential practice for the Latter Day of the Law is thus:

Na-mu-myo-ho-ren-ge-kyo

"Nam"-- was written and taught by Nichiren Shoshu and continues to be tough by its child, SGI-- WE are making some progress here, finally--allowing many to encounter the True Law for the very first time!

How fortunate for you that you have found us !!

We are also introducing the authentic Nichiren Gohonzons here which NST and SGI are loathe to acknowledge-- a matter of grave concern--

Look closely at Nichiren's Gohonzon—

https://markrogow.blogspot.com/2016/08/four-gohonzons-for-transmission-of.html#comment-form

>>"Look again at the "rays of light" coming out from the Daimoku. Those coming from Namu suggest that the act of embracing (Namu) the Law (Myoho Renge-kyo), of reverantly offering ones life to it, is in itself "The Buddha's pure and far reaching voice" an act of enlightenment. And himself Nichiren says this and is based firmly on the Sutra when he does so.

Is this not beautifully expressed in the way Namu is depicted on the rock and on the Gohonzon mandala? <<"

Best,
~Katie

[JazzIs TvRicky]

The Relative Merit of Reciting the Daimoku and Amida’s Name WND Vol. II

"The words Nam-myoho-renge-kyo may be difficult to recite, while recitation of the words Namu Amida Butsu or Namu Yakushi Nyorai may be easier. But although the number of characters in the various formulas is approximately the same, the blessings to be gained through them are vastly different.."

This is no different than those who propagate Namu and slander those who recite Nam. Their Namu Myoho Renge kyo is equivalent to "Namu Amida Butsu or Namu Yakushi Nyorai" because they interpret Namu as something outside their own lives and call those who chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as deviations from Nichiren Teachings.

OI suppose this Doctrine of Nichiren is fake also! How revealing your constant arguments and slander of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is. Do you understand approximately?

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[iainx...@gmail.com]

Sorry Richatd but you can't use this Gosho. You don't accept Shakyamunicz Lotus Sutra and all of Nichitencs writing is built on Shakyamuni's Lotus Sutra.

Go and dig out a copy of tge human revolution or value creating thingy ma jig. Or one of SGI's sutracs of the future.

Yoh canct use something you dinct accept to bolster your arguments fir dictribal correctness.

You built your box, now inhabit it.

Be well :)

[JazzIs TvRicky]

So again you are the best advertiser of SGI's books and consistently directing readers towards SGI Practice. Why?

Caught again, what a deceptive and ignoramus devil you are! Pain is your honzon....

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[iainx...@gmail.com]

That's besides the point Richard. The point is you yourself have said you do not accept Shakyamuni's Lotus Sutra. You think there is some other "lotus sutra". I have asked you to provide it. So rin along, find it and provide it. Fully refernced of course.

SGI is relevant because you are a member of SGI. You quote it's 'mentors' here and elsewhere. You follow the "SGI Religion".

Be well :)

[JazzIs TvRicky]

This shows your hypocrisy and lack of reading Nichiren as he teaches. Dose Nichiren not say "practice as he dose"?

"This is what is meant when the sutra says “the true aspect of all phenomena.” Miao-lo stated: “The true aspect invariably manifests in all phenomena, and all phenomena invariably manifest in the ten factors. The ten factors invariably manifest in the Ten Worlds, and the Ten Worlds invariably manifest in life and its environment.” It is also stated that the profound principle of the true aspect is the originally inherent Myoho-renge-kyo. The Great Teacher Dengyō said, “A single moment of life comprising the three thousand realms is itself the Buddha of limitless joy; this Buddha has forsaken august appearances.” Therefore, this Gohonzon shall be called the great mandala never before known; it did not appear until more than 2,220 years after the Buddha’s passing."

Did Shayamuni say "Therefore, this Gohonzon shall be called the great mandala never before known; it did not appear until more than 2,220 years after the Buddha’s passing."?

Case closed...Nichiren Daishonin's Teaching are the Lotus Sutra of The Latter Day of the Law not Shakyamuni's Lotus Sutra!

Show me where anyone has ever revealed 'The Gohonzon of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo' by studying or Practicing Shakyamuni's Lotus Sutra!

How about that?

[iainx...@gmail.com]

All this speculation is irrelevant Richard. You don't accept Shakyamunics Lotus Sutra. Nichiren's teaching is founded on faith in the Lotus Sutra, exclusive faith in the Lotus Sutra, preached by Shakyamuni, who Nichiren takes as The Buddha.

You lose Richard. You put yourself in a tiny little box. Now live with it.

If you want to come out of your cramped little box, you'll have to break the attachments you have built to tie you into that little box.

Untill then, try to enjoy your cramped poky little quarters.

I can understand you wriggling, you're cramped and uncomfortable in that little box. Your choice Richard, your choice. Nobody ekse is fircing you to be where you are - at odds woth both the Sutra and Nichiren. You shouldn't have lisyened to the SGI Religion and followed it so closely. Your confused. Understandably. And you paid for the priviledge of becoming confused, well it keeps the SGI paid leaders paid I suppose, so your confusion serves them very well.

If you donct want to be confused, adopt a faith first practice of Shakyamunics Lotus Sutra, the only Lotus Sutra there is Myoho Renge-kyo and embrace it, offer your life to it - Namu.

Namu Myoho Renge-kyo with faith in that alone. All will then become clear.

Be well :)

Be well

Be well :)

[JazzIs TvRicky]

Again Lainx you consistently rant and offer no Doctrinal Proof of your personal and deceptive opines. From now on try following Nichiren's Teaching in the Gosho:'The Opening of the Eyes' WND Vol. I

"I must observe sadly that, although it would be simple enough to point out the error of the views propounded by these men, if I did so, the people of today would not even look in my direction. They would go on in their erroneous ways and, in the end, would slander me to the ruler of the country and put my life in jeopardy. Nevertheless, our merciful father Shakyamuni Buddha, when he faced his end in the grove of sal trees, stated as his dying instructions that we are to “rely on the Law and not upon persons.”167 “Not relying upon persons” means that when persons of the first, second, third, and fourth ranks168 preach, even though they are bodhisattvas such as Universal Worthy and Manjushrī who have attained the stage of near-perfect enlightenment, if they do not preach with the sutra in hand, then they are not to be accepted."

Can you read and comprehend? Lainx

Later

[iainx...@gmail.com]

For once I agree with Richard, read this read very well Readers, also use tge forum index to read the contributors across threads and see how consistent they are.

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/mZOJ0HRcgpI

Most importantly, read the Lotus Sitra directly and read Nichiren directly if you want to study. And disregard commentaries on those.

Even more importantly, follow the Law,by chanting Namu Myoho Renge-kyo in a faith first practice.

And of course - be very well 😃

For Sutra, Katie kindly put in a link to another online traslation of the Lotus Sutra - thanks Katie! 😃


http://www.rk-world.org/publications/ThreefoldLotusSutra.pdf

Katie posted it in this thread:

Three translations:
https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/8lVvkZY90K8

I recently put three Sutra Break Threads into the forum. Please enjoy!

Responding with Joy:

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/2c_04R5Z6Vc

Supernatural Powers:

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/z0kzBnSshG4

Teacher of the Law:

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren/F4qV8kylrAE

Be well :)

[Chas.]

Why statues are not to be chanted to -

On Friday, May 27, 2016 at 6:08:49 PM UTC-7, Mark Rogow wrote:
> Since SGI is wrong about the identity and nature of the Eternal Buddha why would you believe it is correct about anything else?
>
> The entire thrust of the Rissho Ankoku Ron is that the Treasure of the Buddha is Shakyamuni and the Treasure of the Law is Myoho renge kyo (Lotus Sutra).
>

Make a quote, please.

Taking just the first few horrible translations of the Gosho that you quote to "prove" your fictitious points...

> Nichiren says in "Reply to Lady Nichinyo": "I for the first time reveal, as a banner of the spread of the Hokkekyo the Great Mandala which even Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, and so on, and Tendai, Myoraku, and so on did not reveal. This is not at all something which I, Nichiren made myself. It is the Object of Worship which is from the print block of the Great Muni, the World Honored One within the Stupa of Taho and the Separate-Body Buddhas."
>
> Clearly, the Daishonin inscribed the Gohonzon as taught to him by the Great Muni.
>

Your text is a profound forgery and utter uglification of the true text of the Gosho, written to Nichinyo.

From "The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon", WND I, pp. 831-832:
http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/101#para-1

. How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more

. into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal
. as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great
. mandala that even those such as Nāgārjuna and Vasubandhu,
. T’ien-t’ai and Miao-lo were unable to express. This mandala
. is in no way my invention. It is the object of devotion
. that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One,
. seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and
. the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni’s emanations as perfectly
. as a print matches its woodblock. Thus the five characters
. of the Lotus Sutra’s title are suspended in the center,
. while the four heavenly kings are seated at the four
. corners of the treasure tower. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures,
. and the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth are
. side by side at the top. Seated below them are the
. bodhisattvas, including Universal Worthy and Manjushrī, and
. the voice-hearers, including Shāriputra and Maudgalyāyana.

. [Beside them are] the gods of the sun and moon, the devil

. king of the sixth heaven, the dragon king, and an asura. In
. addition, the wisdom kings Immovable and Craving-Filled
. take up their stations to the south and north. The evil and
. treacherous Devadatta and the ignorant dragon king’s
. daughter form a group. Not only the Mother of Demon
. Children and the ten demon daughters, who are evil demons
. that sap the lives of people throughout the major world
. system, but also the Sun Goddess, Great Bodhisattva
. Hachiman, and the seven reigns of the heavenly gods and
. five reigns of the earthly gods, who are the guardian
. deities of Japan—all the various great and small gods, that
. is, the main gods, are ranged in rows. How then could the
. remaining subordinate gods be left out? The “Treasure
. Tower” chapter states, “[Shakyamuni Buddha used his
. transcendental powers to] lift all the members of the great
. assembly up into the air.”
.
. Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great
. sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two
. worlds and the eight groups who appear in the
. “Introduction” chapter of the Lotus Sutra dwell in this
. Gohonzon. Illuminated by the light of the five characters
. of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes
. that they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion.
.
. This is what is meant when the sutra says “the true aspect
. of all phenomena.” Miao-lo stated: “The true aspect
. invariably manifests in all phenomena, and all phenomena
. invariably manifest in the ten factors. The ten factors
. invariably manifest in the Ten Worlds, and the Ten Worlds
. invariably manifest in life and its environment.” It is
. also stated that the profound principle of the true aspect
. is the originally inherent Myoho-renge-kyo. The Great
. Teacher Dengyō said, “A single moment of life comprising
. the three thousand realms is itself the Buddha of limitless
. joy; this Buddha has forsaken august appearances.”
. Therefore, this Gohonzon shall be called the great mandala
. never before known; it did not appear until more than 2,220
. years after the Buddha’s passing.

Your priests have corrupted this beautiful description and will suffer the ages in Avichi hel for it, and now you, too, for climbing on the bandwagon with them. They wanted to worship Shakyamuni as a god, because they think so little of themselves. They wanted to worship stupas, like the Hinayana believers of the Pali canon. This was the original error that led to statue worship, abandoning the teachings and taking up with images of men as your object of worship.

> "Thus it was revealed that Shakyamuni had long been the Buddha since the eternal past, and it became clear that various Buddhas in other worlds were all manifestations of Shakyamuni Buddha..[ ] now, however, as Shakyamuni was proved to be the Eternal Buddha, those Buddhas in the Flower Garland Sutra, or Buddhas in the Hodo, Hannya, or Great Sun Buddha sutras all became subordinates of Shakyamuni Buddha." (Kaimoku Sho, p. 174, translated by Kyotsu Hori, 1987)
>
> Same quote in the MW's:
>
> "When Shakyamuni Buddha revealed that he had gained enlightenment in the far distant past and had since then been constantly in the world, it became apparent that all the other Buddhas were emanations of Shakyamuni....but now it became apparent that Vairocana Buddha of the Kegon Sutra and various Buddhas of the Hodo, Hannya and Dainichi sutras are in fact all followers of Shakyamuni Buddha." (MW V.2, p.149)
>

Here is the actual quote from "The Opening of the Eyes", WND I, p. 256:
http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/30#para-187

. When Shakyamuni Buddha revealed that he had gained
. enlightenment in the far distant past, it became apparent
. that all the other Buddhas were emanations of Shakyamuni.
. When the Buddha preached the earlier sutras and the first
. half, or theoretical teaching, of the Lotus Sutra, the
. other Buddhas were pictured as standing on an equal footing
. with Shakyamuni, after completing their respective
. practices and disciplines. Therefore, the people who take
. one or another of these Buddhas as their object of devotion
. customarily look down on Shakyamuni Buddha. But now it
. becomes apparent that Vairochana Buddha, who is described
. in the Flower Garland Sutra as being seated on a lotus
. pedestal, and the various Buddhas who appear in the sutras
. of the Correct and Equal and the Wisdom periods, such as
. the Mahāvairochana Sutra, are all in fact followers of
. Shakyamuni Buddha.

There is simply no end to the distortions you can vomit forth, perjured for you evil purpose: to support your Hindu/Shinto practice of worshiping Shakyamuni as a god, which he would himself decry. Shakyamuni was added to the Hindu pantheon of gods to the end of enfolding and crushing the life out of the corrupted practice of Buddhism after it had passed into the East.

Your Middle Day of the Law practice of worshiping statues is NOT for the era Nichiren Daishonin, it is the hollow and ghostly practice of the dead. The practice of the Latter Day of the Law is to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon, not the image of any person, Shakyamuni or Nichiren Daishonin.

As I made clear earlier from this passage of the "Immeasurable Meanings Sutra", pp. 12-13, which is preached during the first chapter of the Lotus Sutra and is concurrent with it and not previous to the Lotus Sutra, and which is in no way provisional or to be discarded in any way. In fact the Lotus Sutra and the Gosho reference the true aspect, and without this definition, THEY WOULD BE INCOMPLETE!

Here's the quote that destroys all your statue worshiping, I have highlighted the key phrase so that you cannot miss it (although I fear your mind cannot read it):

. “When bodhisattvas have in this manner observed the
. beginning and end of these four aspects and have understood
. them in their entirety, then they will clearly perceive
. that all phenomena, never abiding from one instant to
. the next, are constantly being born anew and passing into
. extinction, and then they will immediately perceive the
. true aspect of birth, abiding, change, and extinction.
.
. “Once they have gained this perception, then they must turn
. to the capacities, natures, and desires of living beings.
. Because such natures and desires are immeasurable in
. variety, the ways of preaching the Law are immeasurable;
. and because the ways of preaching the Law are immeasurable,
. its meanings are likewise immeasurable. THESE IMMEASURABLE
. MEANINGS ARE BORN FROM A SINGLE LAW, AND THIS LAW IS
. WITHOUT ASPECT. WHAT IS WITHOUT ASPECT IS DEVOID OF ASPECT
. AND DOES NOT TAKE ON ASPECT. NOT TAKING ON ASPECT, BEING
. WITHOUT ASPECT, IT IS CALLED THE TRUE ASPECT.
.
. “When bodhisattvas mahasattva rest and abide in this
. understanding of the true aspect of all phenomena, then the
. pity and compassion that they put forth will be based on
. clear understanding and not groundless, and they will be
. truly capable of rescuing living beings from the sufferings
. that they undergo. And once they have rescued them from
. suffering, they will preach the Law for them and enable
. living beings to enjoy ease and delight.

Santai or the Three Truths can only be found in the Lotus Sutra, this is one of the glories of the Lotus Sutra. "The truth of non-substantiality, the truth of temporary existence, and the truth of the Middle Way." from the SGI Dictionary:
http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/dic/Content/T/183

The images of human beings are the images of their Temporary Existence alone, their impermanence.

I am impermanent and will vanish from the world, this is my destiny from birth: to be born is to die, that is the guarantee of the four sufferings. Birth, aging, sickness and death.

And yet, like an electron that has a particle and a wave function, I am also Non-Substantial and that was true before my birth, during my aging, sickness and after my death. In fact I am dying now, cells that were crucial to my function ar born and then die all the time. I am also like a wave.

In all those phases of my life I am in the Middle Way, the unification of the Three Truths.

Images of living beings are images of impermanence alone, and like "the Tripitaka teaching and the connecting teaching do not reveal the truth of the Middle Way and therefore lack the three truths," (from the definition of Santai) ... they do not possess the "true aspect."

The highest object of worship, the Gohonzon possesses the "true aspect" in the fact that it is an arrangement of characters and does not look like you or me or anyone you know. This is how it can reflect ALL THE LIVING BEINGS, not just here, but everywhere that life has or will develop in the ten directions and the three existences of past, present and future.

All living being possess the true aspect and they are all Buddhas, like the characters of an enormous version of the Lotus Sutra. However, not even the images of the Lord of Teachings, Shakyamuni or the Lord of Practice, Nichiren Daishonin reflect anything other than impermanence.

Only the Gohonzon reflects the true aspect. It is the highest object of worship and all others are pitiful in their aspect, by comparison: why would anyone chant the daimoku, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to any other object of worship?

How dishonorable!

-Chas.

[Katie Higgins]

Excellent, iainx!! Thanks again...

The threads are easier to follow now that Chas has established his repetitive *disruption* patterns and his "Boy Band" members are having trouble controlling their "tempers" :-)

In today's , *fact checking* as an essential practice,- world, Chas and his pronouncements sink lower than the falsehoods he contrives to discredit those of us who have *outted* him!!

Perfect!

Namu-myoho-renge-kyo!

~Katie

[Mark Rogow]

Tell that to Nichiren. Read and believe the Gosho, not Chas [or Mark, or Richard, or Taisaku Ikeda for that matter]. I suggest studying the Five Major works and then branching out from there. If you choose the SGI Gosho, please ignore the footnotes and background that spew SGI opinions and dogma. It would be safe to just read the Gosho without the SGI footnotes and background and just believe Nichiren. Then you can read the footnotes and background and make up your mind if they are faithful to the text. Please remember that Nichiren never once wrote Nam Myoho renge kyo [always Namu Myoho renge kyo] and SGI always writes Nam Myoho renge kyo and never Namu Myoh renge kyo. Since they are so deceitful about this most fundamental point of Nichiren's Buddhism, you should be careful about their translations in total. It would be wise to compare the SGI translations with the Nichiren Shu's, scholar's, and scholar priest's translations.

Mark

[Mark Rogow]

http://dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=21744

"Nin-Honzon" is a statue arrangement Gohonzon.

[Mark Rogow]

Rio Ventura: Mark, My issue is not with the SGI; I have already AGREED that I do not fall in line with their tactics nor their business model, so using my come-uppance to you as a thinly-veiled opportunity to spew more of your vitriolic diatribe is pointless and transparent. Also, debating me in matters of doctrine is useless and not at all impressive; I have access to all of the same texts as you do and have a nearly 30 year practice in them to draw from.

Mark R.: Good luck Rio but all the texts or years of SGI practice at your disposal will not help you in the least.

Rio Ventura: My response had NOTHING to do with the SGI. It had to do with YOU, and by your own hand you have helped to prove my point. You have:

1. vaguely admitted that you would see nothing shocking or slanderous in starting your ‘own’ brand of Buddhism because you have the “same mind as the Buddha [Nichiren]”, so the presumption (I suppose) is that everyone who asserts that they also do gets to make up it up as they go along (which justifies your gohonzon sideline), even though “some people” are not Bodhisattvas of the Earth [which is nonsense, as ANYONE who chants daimoku IS],

Mark R.: My brand is Shakyamuni Buddha's and Nichiren Daishonin's brand. "My teaching" is Shakyamuni Buddha's and Nichiren Daishonin's teachings without adding or subtracting a dot. From the writing, The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings, I am the third type of messenger, the extremely foolish one who would not think of adding or subtracting even a dot of the teachings because of my foolishness.

"The third type, being extremely foolish, will not presume to insert his own words and, being honest, will relay his lord’s message without deviating from it. Thus he is a better messenger than the second type, and occasionally may be even better than the first."

In another writing of Nichiren we read:

"In the same way, one who chants the daimoku as the Lotus Sutra teaches will never have a twisted mind. For one should know that, unless the mind of the Buddha enters into our bodies, we cannot in fact chant the daimoku."

The Buddha has entered my mind because I ceaselessly chant the Daimoku. Similarly, the term "Buddha's mind" signifies the Lotus Sutra itself or the Gohonzon. Since the Gohonzon I embrace not only has the physical aspect of a Nichiren Gohonzon but the nature or spiritual aspect of a Nichiren Gohonzon [Nichiren's abiding reverence for Shakyamuni Buddha for example], how can I possess anything less than the mind of the Buddha? On the other hand, the Gohonzon you embrace, its spiritual aspect, does not accord with the mind of Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren. It accords with the mind of the great slanderers Nichikan and Daisaku Ikeda who reject The Master of Teachings Lord Shakya of the Original Doctrine,

Rio Ventura: 2. passive-aggressively called me a “moron” in words you ‘held at your tongue’ (very enlightened of you…mind of Nichiren meets schoolyard).

Mark R.: Why don't you address the point? Let me refresh your memory:

Rio Ventura: - and NOW you yourself are taking personal, fiscal, and karmic responsibility for the transmisson of the True Object of Devotion for Observing One's Mind, the most sacred of objects, the GOHONZON [!!], and making it available for digital download?????????????? :-o Are you going to make up your own Buddhism while you're on a roll, because you're already behaving so insidiously shockingly that it seems like the next and most obvious outcropping? :-/

Mark R.: Exactly as did Nichiren. Were you too a Bodhisattva of the Earth, you could also take responsibility for the Transmission of the True Object of Worship. What do you think, Ikeda himself transcribes the Nichikan Gohonzon for the thousands of converts to the SGI every year? They too are digital downloads [as I bite my tongue in order to refrain from calling you a moron].

“This great portent [great earthquake] is a sign that our country is about to be destroyed by some other country. This will happen because the priests of the Zen, Nembutsu, and other schools are attempting to destroy the Lotus Sutra. Unless the heads of these priests are cut off and cast away at Yui Beach in Kamakura, the nation will surely be destroyed.”

Today the Great Earthquake is a portent that it is the priests and leaders of the Nichiren Shoshu and Soka Gakkai who are attempting to destroy the Lotus Sutra.

Nichiren had many choice words for his abusers and ignorant critics and how about the choice words your mentor and his leaders have for Nikken and those "Taiten" critics of the SGI? You are very selective and you are very hypocritical. Your argument about digital downloads is moronic.

Rio Ventura: 3. taken your less-than-thimbleful of knowledge about my life and experience as a YWD AND WOMEN’S DIVISION LEADER [thank you very much], and dismissed it out of hand calling me [and I quote] “insignificant” and “a liar”, simply and I suppose because my experiences don’t support your position, (very calculated, btw), and

Mark R: If you say so.

Rio Ventura: 4. positioned yourself as a high priest of this faith instead of even directing members to one of the myriad Nichiren Shosho temples across the United States, thus masquerading yourself as some self-imposed authority figure with the power to confer gohonzon, as if you know what that responsibility even means. I have at times regarded that avenue as the most unfortunate path I could imagine, intersecting with this incredible faith through a lineage of Japanese High Priests who assert themselves as intermediaries between a believer and the gohonzon, which ultimately lies in the core of one’s life and not in “a piece of paper”. I was wrong; this is far worse. Due diligence? Laughable. Oh, the terrifying arrogance.

Mark R.: Au Contrair mon ami. I am saying that anyone can bestow a Gohonzon on another or bestow a Gohonzon on oneself. It all depends on thinness or thickness of one's faith. It is the opposite of authoritarian, something I believe you can not understand being so enmeshed in the authoritarian Soka Gakkai. I also believe in diversity, unlike the SGI which only allows for the distribution of one sole Gohonzon and not even a Nichiren Gohonzon I might add. Any Nichiren Gohonzon is a valid object of worship and even any Gohonzon inscribed by a disciple of Nichiren who shares the same faith as Nichiren is a valid object of worship. A Nin-Honzon [statue arrangement Gohonzon] too is a valid object of worship since the Gohonzon exists in [correct] faith alone.

Rio Ventura: I think you have fought so hard to discredit my position, not because in some Bodhisattva manifestation you actually are moved to ‘protect’ me from some programming you are espousing the evils of. I think you just cannot grasp that anyone with a clearly higher life-condition than yours of Anger could ‘escape the grasp of the “evil empire”’ and yet look upon it with grace and deep appreciation for the opportunity and training it has given them to practice in this lifetime.

Mark R.: I think you discredit your own position. Since you lack a mirror [a valid object of worship] you fail to see yourself. You apparently aren't even aware of your Sensei's guidance on "righteous anger", let alone the Buddha's and Nichiren's. Rather than praise the SGI, have gratitude for the SGI, you should rather censure the SGI for leading you down the path of delusion and your inability to see yourself and to see clearly.

Rio Ventura; I think you are just angry with me, railing against the notion that I didn’t “fall for it”, that I never let the SGI tell me how to act or who to be, buy publications I didn’t want, or take part in drives for membership or financial support that I wasn’t motivated to get behind. I HAVE NO “mentor-aka-Ikeda/disciple relationship”, nor have I ever, and publicly so. I didn’t drink the Kool-Aid. No one harassed me; no one “cut me out”. I am sincerely sorry these things sound like they happened to you and it’s currently driving your behavior, but this is your path and all I can do is chant for your happiness and hope you don’t do too much damage whilst continuing to tumble into this abyss of bitterness and self loathing. For someone making the claims you are, even in our dialogue you have taken some pretty cheap shots, been simply caustic and nasty, unbecoming of the ‘enlightenment’ you supposedly possess. (I realize that I am just fueling your technique for the ‘next time’ you get into this with someone, helping you to ‘sharpen your tools’, so to speak, but after all, I AM NOT the one claiming to have “the same mind as Nichiren”, worthy of being a priest of this faith, which is what you’re essentially doing. I am certain this will not even live on the page long enough for the masses to read and decide for themselves, but if it reaches even one person, I will consider that enough.)

Mark R.: You offer more proof that by abandoning Shakyamuni Buddha you can not distinguish black from white. I am not angry at you in the least and no life could be fortunate than mine. I just don't believe you but if it were true, you will never be an SGI leader and therefore, you will never have the ability to influence others within the SGI. Perhaps for this reason, you are left to your own devices. I also believe that you are treading on dangerous grounds for excommunication. Just don't be too vocal if you wish to remain SGI. One need only see, read, and hear the SGI guidances, videos, and lectures to know that you are not in the mainstream of SGI thought, let alone the thinking of the SGI mentor and his leaders. In fact, were you to blog or widely disseminate your beliefs about the SGI, you had better boldly declare that they are not the views of the SGI [a disclaimer] if you wish to remain SGI. Let me say something about SGI financials. Go to the SGI USA official website [http://www.sgi-usa.org/] and at the bottom of every page there is a bold exhortation, Financial Contributions Support our Buddhist Movement for Peace, not an exhortation to deepen one's faith, study the Lotus Sutra or the teachings of Nichiren, nor an exhortation to demonstrate against Nuclear Weapons. Burying your head in the sand won't change the reality of SGI, their partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industrials and the LDP, for example.

Rio Ventura: The words that were removed from the original Nichikan gohonzon were simply “Daigyo Ajari Honshobo Nissho”, which was the language of conferral to one specific individual. In order to make it more universal, the name of the intended recipient for THAT SPECIFIC PIECE OF PAPER was omitted. That is the grievous slander the SGI is guilty of, thus rendering them “no-honzon” in your quippy and cleverly disparaging language? *rolling eyes* By your definition, these recipients could not chant to these Gohonzon and attain benefit because they weren't 'intended' for anyone besides the original recipient? Nonsense. On the other hand, the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood has asserted that gohonzon transcription is a ‘secret transmission based on the bequeathal of the lifeblood received by only a single person’, in other words, only the high priest has the authority, by right of lineage. (I guess he forgot to check with you first.)

Mark R.: You are so off the mark that I believe you have not read one thing I wrote about Nichikan or the Nichikan Gohonzon. This is the weak Nichiren Shoshu argument, not our argument. I could give a rat's patootie that SGI removed the specific conferral on the slanderer Nichikan's Gohonzon. It is the heart of Nichikan that is rotten and by the principles of Esho Funi [Oneness of Person and the Environment] and Shiki Shin Funi [Oneness of Body and Mind], so is the Nichikan Gohonzon.

Rio Ventura: Whereas this is ALL superstitious nonsense, of course, and no more in my opinion than a doctrinal tug-of-war between the SGI and the priesthood, my problem is simply with [now PAY ATTENTION] your decision to make gohonzon available to anyone for any reason, regardless of your ability to mentor them in continued faith.

Mark R.: Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin are the only mentors. Perhaps you are not aware that Nichiren was a scriptural Buddhist? Here is what Nichiren teaches:

“Now , when the Eternal Buddha was revealed in the essential section of the Lotus Sutra, this world of endurance (Saha-world) became the Eternal Pure Land, indestructible even by the three calamities of conflagration, flooding, and strong winds, which are said to destroy the world. It transcends the four periods of cosmic change: the kalpa of construction, continuance, destruction and emptiness. Sakyamuni Buddha, the Lord-preacher of this pure land, has never died in the past, nor will He be born in the future. He exists forever throughout the past present and future. All those who receive His GUIDANCE are one with this Eternal Buddha.” -- The True Object of Worship

“Since Sakyamuni Buddha is eternal and all other Buddhas in the universe are his manifestations, then those great bodhisattvas converted by manifested Buddhas are also disciples of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. If the “Life Span of the Buddha” chapter had not been expounded, it would be like the sky without the sun and moon, a country without a king, mountains and rivers without gems, or a man without a soul. nevertheless, seemingly knowledgeable men of such provisional schools of Buddhism as Ch’eng-kuan of the Hua-yen, Chia-hsiang of the San-lun, Tz’u-en of the Fa-hsiang, and Kobo of the shingon tried to extoltheir own canons by stating: “The Lord of the Flower Garland Sutra represents the reward-body (hojin) of the Buddha wheras that of the Lotus Sutra the accomodative body (ojin);” or “the Buddha in the sixteenth chapter of the Lotus is an Illusion; it is the great Sun Buddha who is enlightened.” clouds cover the moon and slanderers hide wise men. When people slander, ordinary yellow rocks appear to be of gold and slanderers seem to be wise. Scholars in this age of decay, blinded by slanderous words, do not see the value of a gold in the “Lifespan of the Buddha” chapter. Even among men of the Tendai school some are fooled into taking a yellow rock for gold. They should know that if Sakyamuni had not been the Eternal Buddha, there could not have been so many who received GUIDANCE from Him.” -- The Opening of the Eyes

I too am a scriptural Buddhist.

Rio Ventura: You have no bounds. I doubt you have the ability, the commitment, hell, even the infrastructure it would involve to make a lifelong commitment to mentoring each one of these individuals you are granting this solemn privilege to, regardless of their lack of understanding of the significance. If someone wants “to create [their] own little corner of the multiverse”, they don’t need a gohonzon to do it, because that’s not the solemn, lifelong oath they are taking to protect and propagate this faith in receiving one of your Hobby Lobby knock-offs.

Mark R.: It is a great slander to call the Nichiren Gohonzon a "Hobby Lobby knock off". Perhaps it is because you are a slanderer that you diminish the Nichiren Gohonzon or perhaps you don't really believe the teachings that "I am Myoho renge kyo" or "I am a Buddha". Were you to really believe these teachings, of course you would KNOW that you too are eminently capable of bestowing Gohonzon.

Rio Ventura: This is a grave slander and you should know better. What do you think will happen to these individuals, never taught how not to slander the gohonzon, never supported when their practice gets tough and inevitable challenges arise, when you have helped to facilitate Nichiren’s gravest [and as you said, “punishable”] fear, that this practice might be LOST because the bonus gift they receive by shopping at your gohonzon store is the mere cliff notes version of this practice??

Mark R.: And you accuse me of being presumptive! SGI gives out Gohonzon like Las Vegas escort fliers. I have given out fourteen Gohonzon in the last three years and mounted several more. The average length of time that these believers have practiced is SEVEN YEARS with the SGI, the Nichiren Shu, or as an independent and I insist that the new new member practices for at least 90 days, day and night and that he or she demonstrates a faith of "Not sparing their bodily lives" and all must sign one or both of the following oaths:

A DECLARATION OF FAITH IN THE HOKKE SECT

I, __________________________________, declare my faith in the doctrine of the Hokke sect:
1. I believe and accept the Hokkekyo or Lotus Sutra to be the Supreme Teaching of Buddha (The Jewel of the Dharma).
2. I believe the Eternal Buddha, Shakyamuni, revealed in the sixteenth Chapter of the Hokekyo, to be the True Object of Worship (The Jewel of the Buddha).
3. I accept the teachings of the Messenger of the Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, the Earthly Manifestation of the Bodhisattva Jogyo, just as they are stated in his own writings (Jewel of the Sangha).
4. I accept the Direct Succession of the Dharma through the Scrolls of the Sutra. Having sincere faith in these teachings, I request that a Gohonzon Mandala be bestowed on me and I solemnly undertake to treat it always with proper reverence and, should it become damaged or worn, I will return it to a priest for burning in the proper way.
Date: ___________________ Signed: __________________________


A DECLARATION OF FAITH IN THE HOKKE SECT


I, ______________, do hereby affirm the following:
“I am a member of Hokke Sect of Buddhism, I am chanting the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra (the Primary Practice), as well as, chapters 2 and 16 of the Lotus Sutra (Secondary Practice) on a regular basis (daily).”
“I believe that the Mandala Gohonzon represents the land of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Eternally Enlightened Original Buddha, at the time of His transmission of the Law of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth (Ceremony in the Air).”
“I also make the following renunciations:”
“I hereby completely reject the teachings of all non-Buddhist religions. I hereby reject the teachings of non-Hokke Buddhist religions.”
“I hereby also reject all heretical teachings that have infiltrated Nichiren’s Buddhism, such as the belief that Nichiren is the Eternally Enlightened Original Buddha; belief in the so-called Dai Gohonzon; worship of various supernatural entities as independent beings, etc.”
Signed and dated:

Rio Ventura: What you are doing is tantamount to gifting them a lucky rabbit’s foot and wishing them good-luck-and-godspeed. You, nor any support of ANY organization or community of believers, regardless of which we decide to align ourselves OR take exception with, will not be on deck to help them not abandon their faith at their crucial moments. They’re on their own with YOUR “object of worship”, not Nichiren’s. That is the difference I have a problem with.

Mark R.: SGI has done such a fantastic job. Of the nearly 600,000 people who received the SGI/NSA Gohonzon, at most 40,000 continue to practice [according to the inflated World Tribune circulation figures]. Not one of the people to whom we [not I alone] have bestowed Gohonzon have stopped chanting. You are wrong. You are deluded and blind [to the truth].

Rio Ventura: As Nichiren Daishonin put it, “…since the Law is respectworthy, the Person who spreads the Law is also worthy of respect.” In that, I have the deepest respect for your efforts in expounding the True Law far and wide. In the 26th Admonition of Nikko Shonin, he states: “You should treasure those practitioners who are skilled in difficult debate, just as the late master did.” We are both treasured in the eyes of Nikko Shonin, who is ALONE, ‘the Treasure of the Priest’.

But in Article #1 of those same Admonitions, he states: “The doctrines of the Fuji school must not differ in the least from the teachings of the late master.” To that end, NO WHERE in Nichiren’s teachings have I ever read that one should just go ahead and inscribe their own gohonzon, or just have a friend provide them with one… I would be [rhetorically] interested in knowing where you got the notion that it would be ok for YOU to start doing it, for all the reasons I have previously stated and that Nichiren Daishonin himself intended. You are simply not qualified, and either dangerously deluded if you believe yourself to be or willfully distorting the teachings for your own purposes, which is even worse if you ask me…but no one was asking, really, so I will say this in closing:

Mark R.: You would do well to read Pedro Ramo's criticism:

Ms. Ventura, do you realize you are quoting from apocryphal writings of no study value whatsoever outside your sect, and that puts you in a really sticky position?

First you quote from "On Attaining Buddhahood", not a Nichiren text by any credible scholarship standards and now from the 26th Admonition of Nikko Shonin?

Sorry, but you could chant less and get some facts straighten up before entering a discussion like this.

and Dr. Jacqueline Stone's Thesis, Some disputed writings in the Nichiren corpus:
http://www.princeton.edu/~jstone/dissertation.html

More importantly, the transmission is through the scrolls of the Sutra and authentic writings of Nichiren Daishonin, not the edicts of the corrupt preists of Taisekeji.

Rio Ventura: Arguing with someone who is clearly not of sound mind is tantamount to being oneself insane. I will simply leave THIS here for you in case you perhaps one day experience a moment of lucidity:

Your delusions of grandeur and megalomania are out of control. I implore you to seek the guidance of a medical professional. Mostly, I will chant for the people whose karma led them to you as an access point for this beautiful and profound practice, and for the happiness of those you might infect in the future. You spoke of there indeed being “tragedy” in this world; in this I stand corrected. Your adept distortion of the sutra and the Major Writings for your own gain in the pursuit of that warm feeling of self-righteousness is indeed tragic. You and your counterfeiting are the worse type of charlatanism, even more alarming because I think you actually BELIEVE IT, and that actually trumps the priesthood and their atrocities towards the practice in my book. I never even considered it could get worse than that; there I go, being wrong again. You are your very own Devil King of the Sixth Heaven, and that’s impressive in the most unfortunate of ways. I wish you better things.
Sincerely,

Mark R.: Your SGI cult nature is coming out. Bull baiting a votary of the Lotus Sutra is cause for regret.

Mark

[Mark Rogow]

An SGI member writes:

"Who will ever join a religion that teaches that statues are equal to Gohonzon."

Reply:

Of course you have never heard of statue Gohonzon or Nin-Honzon because SGI refuses to teach the entirety of the Daishonin's Buddhism.

The SGI would admonish Nichiren Dasihonin himself if he were alive. In the Gosho, Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Worship, nowhere does Nichiren Daishonin specifically address painted images in this work. He states only "statues" or "objects of worship".

In the writing, "The Unmatched Fortune of the Law (MW, vol. 7), the Daishonin uses the word "image" not specifying painted or sculpted: "In the entire land of Jambudvipa, there has never before been a hall or pagoda that produced the image of Shakyamuni Buddha of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra."

More revealing still are the Daishonin's words in the writing Rebuking Slander of the Law (MW vol. 6):

"During this period of twenty-two hundred years and more, worthy rulers and sage rulers have honored painted images or wooden images of Shakyamuni, the lord of teachings, as their principle object of worship. But although they have made depictions of the Buddhas of the Hinayana and the Mahayana teachings; of the Kegon, Nirvana and Kammuryojusutras; of the theoretical teaching of the Lotus Sutra and the Fugen Sutra; of the Buddha of the Dainichi and the other Shingon sutras; and of the Buddhas Shakyamuni and Taho of the Hoto chapter, the Shakyamuni of the the Juryo chapter has never been depicted in a mountain temple or monastery anywhere."

Please note the phrase "painted images or wooden images".

The Daishonin states, referring to a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha fashioned by Shijo Kingo:

"This Buddha of yours, however is a living Buddha. It differs in no respect from the wooden image of the Buddha made by King Udayana, or that fashioned by King Bimbisara. Surely Bonten, Taishaku, the deities of the sun and moon, and the Four Heavenly Kings will attend you as a shadow accompanies a body and protect you always." -- Consecrating An Image of Shakyamuni Buddha Made by Shijo Kingo)

We also see in the writing, The Learned Doctor Shan-wu-wei that the Daishonin was overjoyed that Dozen-bo had fashioned an image of Shakyamuni Buddha:

"I explained all this in detail to Dozen-bo at the time of our interview, though it did not appear that he completely understood what I was saying. Nor did the other persons present on that occasion seem to understand. Later, however, I received word that Dozen-bo had com to take faith in the Lotus Sutra. I concluded that he must have renounced his earlier heretical views and had hence become a person of sound belief, a thought that filled me with joy. When I also heard that he had fashioned an image of Shakyamuni Buddha, I could not find words to express my emotion....."

The name of an entire Gosho is devoted to the clarification of this point: Opening the Eyes of Wooden or Painted Images. If only painted Images were to be included, the title of the Gosho would have been, Opening the Eyes of Painted Images or of Inscribed Images. However, the name of the Gosho and its contents demonstrate unequivocally that wooden images (statues), may be valid objects of worship.

Other important passages are to be found in the Kanjin Honzon Sho, Nichiren's most important writing. He states with the utmost clarity:

"Both the Buddhist and non-Buddhist scriptures permit wooden or painted images to be used as objects of worship, but Tientai and his followers were the first to explain the principle behind this act. If a piece of wood or paper did not have both material and spiritual, or lacked the inherent cause to manifest a spiritual nature, then it would be futile to rely upon it as an of worship."

and

"Even though statues and paintings were made of these Shakyamuni Buddhas during the two millennia, no image or statue was made of the Buddha of the “Life Span” chapter. Only in the Latter Day of the Law will the representation of that Buddha appear."

We see that the Daishonin unequivocally sanctions statues as objects of worship. We also see that your view is based on emotionalism, clinging to false views, and an unwillingness to listen to anything besides what you learn in the SGI. Your views and philosophy (SGI) must be rejected as unorthodox.

Mark

[JazzIs TvRicky]

Nichiren writes:

The “Teacher of the Law” chapter in the fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states: “Medicine King, in any place whatsoever where this sutra is preached, where it is read, where it is recited, where it is copied, or where a roll of it exists, in all such places there should be erected towers made of the seven kinds of gems, and they should be made very high and broad and well adorned. There is no need to enshrine the relics of the Buddha there. Why? Because in such towers the entire body of the Thus Come One is already present.”

And you who request others to send you their Gohonzon's so that you can BURN THEM!

How sick...

[Mark Rogow]

The Nichikan No-Honzon is hardly a Gohonzon. Chanting to it is why you are as deluded as you are. I suggest you get a Nichiren Gohonzon and wake up. By the end of twelve months you will know for sure.

Mark

[Mark Rogow]

By the way, why don't you ask your top Japanese Senior Leaders what the SGI did with the 40,000 returned Nikken Gohonzons and are doing with the returned Nichikan Gohonzons? Did they put them in a sock draw? A repository? No, they burned them, hopefully while chanting the Daimoku. You are a particularly uninformed disciple of Daisaku Ikeda. Unfortunately, you are not alone.

Mark

[JazzIs TvRicky]

Fear is not one of Nichiren's Daishonin's Teachings Mark! I guess you have predicted your own fate. which will appear in 12 months. I will note that on my calendar and check on you then. Take caution as we all should!

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Sincerely

[Alex Beauroy]

On 10/10/2016 08:32, Mark Rogow wrote:
> By the way, why don't you ask your top Japanese Senior Leaders what the SGI did with the 40,000 returned Nikken Gohonzons and are doing with the returned Nichikan Gohonzons? Did they put them in a sock draw? A repository? No, they burned them, hopefully while chanting the Daimoku. You are a particularly uninformed disciple of Daisaku Ikeda. Unfortunately, you are not alone.
>
> Mark
>

Is that your justification, Doing what the SGI does???
Aren't you doing the same and preaching to do so, Mark????
how can you do so???
This is very disappointing!!!
Why would you ask ordinary people to take responsibility in burning
gohonzons?
You should go back to basics of Buddhism, & think about causality,
and stop thinking yourself as a well trained and ordained Buddhist
Priest or monk!!
Play by the rules and the dignity of a 3000years spirituality. Why would
you burn the inscription of Namu Myo-Ho Renge Kyo, Namu Shakiamuni
butsu, Namu Taho Butsu.....etc
Wake up!!!
Hope you will attain enlightenment through the "POISON DRUM RELATIONSHIP"
Best Regards
@lex

[Katie Higgins]

> Is that your justification, Doing what the SGI does???<<"

Hello @lex, I am replying to your comment because it shows the same reasoning you have employed to criticize my *respectful disposal* of the Nichikan NO-honzon. There is no similarity between the ceremonious burning of a "counterfeit" scroll created by a slanderous priest and SGI collecting and distributing scrolls, that they call "objects of worship" but hardly regard them that way. Consider the way SGI *gives out* these scrolls; that they are *for sale* and *promoted* in ways that do not reflect faith in Nichiren's teachings or respect for the Supreme Object of Worship.

Speaking for myself only, I employed faith and practice to make this decision-- I employed patience and respect, knowing that there was definitely something *not right* about the Nichikan scroll and most of what SGI promoted after the split from NST. You are making careless generalizations between very disparate groups of practitioners of Nichiren's Buddhism-- .

Your own *views* and attachments to priests or their scrolls is a personal matter, but then you extend your personal, and to some extent *emotional* subjective responses, projecting them on to practitioners, like myself, that you do not know. Then-- you *preach* direct and criticize!! And this is the most telling aspect of your behavior-- it is exactly what all *persons* of authority in NST and SGI do-- and it is the polar opposite of what Nichiren taught--

Nichiren based all of his teachings on the Lotus sutra--he urged his followers to depend their own faith in the same teaching he read with his very life. Most of what you, Richard, Chas, Space monkey and Julian offer here are "personal", subjective reactionary responses that do not accord with the teachings.

You fail to consider that Nichiren was highly selective in bestowing his Gohonzon-- that there was no *pomp and circumstance*-- ornate ceremonies invi=olved, nor did he elicit *vows* from his followers upon who he bestowed Gohonzon-- because he *knew them all* for many years, they were faithful to and respectful of what Nichiren taught. Today we have two large organizations claiming to be Nichiren Buddhists-- and neither behaves in any way resembling Nichiren. Right there, you are diverging off into *your own* teachings-- and only because you follow *priests*, whom YOU revere, do you continue to do this.

I find most of the attitudes expressed by SGI and NST members regarding Gohonzon fall into the *superstition* category-- on the most basic level none of you seem all that interested in researching the Supreme Object of Worship through Nichiren's writings , but the *renderings* of those who profit form you buying into their teachings. This is crazy, if you ask me-- and you won't consider i am a credible source here, but I did delve into the Gosho-- and ONLY the Gosho right from the start of my practice-- . People who knew me from day one in SGI can tell you I challenged the authenticity of the Dai-Gohonzon and blatantly refused to accept that Nichiren was the True Buddha and Shakyamuni merely a provisi0nal one. I did this from study and daimoku while studying-

There is more than enough evidence to support both of my misgivings-- and regarding Gohonzon, I have always been skeptical of the practices of SGI and NST-- So if you want to sensationalize the disposal of counterfeit scrolls, go ahead-- If you want to suggest some deficit in a person who does not honor vows that were elicited by corrupt , lying leaders and priests, go ahead-- . My respecting your right to express whatever belief you have holds-- but when you begin to challenge the character and the faith of those of us awakened to the true teachings and not swayed by the personal emotions; and superstitious leanings that seem to guide you, you will be challenged to support your accusations and innuendos from Nichiren's writings-- NOT what NST has indoctrinated you with--I don't respect the heretical views of licentious priests much less the made up teachings of common mortals who seek to profit from Nichiren's Buddhism.

You are the one deluded, here @lex-- according to Nichiren, not me.

~Katie

[Alex Beauroy]

Sure Katie, as you wrote below you are speaking for yourself!!!
I just emphasize on that you are speaking for your self only!!
with the virtue of copy/paste :

"Speaking for myself only, I employed faith and practice to make this
decision-- I employed patience and respect"

End of discussion!!!
The half of what I wrote does not mean anything, but I wrote it to allow
the other half reaching you
Best Regards
@lex

[Katie Higgins]

Your response is vague, @lex, , and again you avoid addressing the main points of this matter.
The decisions made by those who practice faith with a seeking mind for the Buddha is the matter at hand.
If you find Gosho passages that support Gojukai ceremonies, vows to priests and scrolls copied by priests who have distorted and even changed Nichiren's teachings, there would be a discussion.

There is nothing to discuss with any of you who promote the self serving teachings of common mortals, calling themselves *Buddha* because heretical priests gave them permission !!

I find nothing in Mark's actions that contradict Nichiren-- which should be your focus when deciding to reprimand him-- this I say upholding the teachings of Nichiren., hoping you decide to correct your errors.

Best,
~Katie

[Alex Beauroy]

The vows during a Gojukai ceremony are not for a priest there are your
personal commitment to protect the law. You got it wrong from the basis !!!!
Poor Katie, it is not bowing to a priest it is the expression of yearnly
desire to see the Buddha and to protect the Law!!!
And this is suppose to be a life commitment. So now you may understand
how disappointed I have been last month when I read that you had
betrayed your vows by turning in SGI your Nikken transcription of the
Gohonzon.
Best Regards
@lex

[spacetreasury]

This is the source of your delusion that is shared with Mark, Greg, Lainx and Shinkei who do not have faith in the mutual Possesion of the ten worlds which is the essence of ichinen Sanzen

"You must listen carefully and hear of the Thus Come One's secret and his transcendental powers."

"Good men, the scriptures expounded by the Thus Come One are all for the purpose of saving and emancipating living beings. Sometimes I speak of myself, sometimes of others: sometimes I present myself, sometimes others; sometimes I show my own actions, sometimes those of others. All that I preach is true and not false." LS chapter16

Why do I do this? The Thus Come One perceives the true aspect of the threefold world exactly as it is. There is no ebb or flow of birth and death, and there is no existing in this world and later entering extinction. It is neither substantial nor empty, neither consistent nor diverse. Nor is it what those who dwell in the threefold world perceive it to be. All such things the Thus Come One sees clearly and without error."

Any other way of not seeing and refuses to see what Thus come one Musa Sanjin Buddha is saying here by Shakyamuni is Hobo because you have mistaken the transient provisional Shakyamuni for the eternal unchanging abiding law that only the 3 bodied Tathagata Thus Come One is.


This is what you have accused the SGI as doing with Ikeda and NST with Nichiren how ironic and unfortunate that you cant see your reflection in them. Its about time that you all woke up to yourselves rather than being satisfied with shallow self serving explanations on Nichirens interpretations of Shakyamuni and the Lotus Sutra and see it all through clear eyes

[iainx...@gmail.com]

"This is the source of your delusion that is shared with Mark, Greg, Lainx and Shinkei who do not have faith in the mutual Possesion of the ten worlds which is the essence of ichinen Sanzen"

Excuse me Noel/Space Treasury but you are completely incorrect.

Let me correct you.

Sweeping aside your lack of knowledge about what I accept regarding Ichinen Sanzen, since we have never discussed it nor have I commented on this matter, you are way off base.

The fundemental issue is whether one can or cannot attain buddhahood by embracing the Sutra. The Sutra itself says that "Entry is through faith alone" that is faith in the Sutra by the way.

It also quite clearly sweeps aside your attempts to theorise your way into entering it. It does that in the Chapter you chant (presumably) in Gongyo.

Nichiren sets out the rationale for the Daimoku, based on the words of the Sutra, specifically the Dirani Chapter.

The whole point of the Daimoku is that people of all capacities, including those who may not have any understanding of ichinen sanzen (and therefore can have no "faith" in it) can successfully embrace the Sutra and actualise it's benefits, right here, right noe using no more than the power of their faith. If you read Nichiren, he tells you that, clearly, exiplictly and directly.

So, it's really very simple, Faith + Namu Myoho Renge-kyo = buddhahood. That is Nichiren's teaching. You either believe that or you don't, clearly you don't. But even if you don't and slander the Sutra, at some point you will. Like the rest of us, you have no choice, like you don't have any choice about growing older so long as you are alive. It's an entirely natural process that is inexorable, unstopable.

Lool the lengths some will go to in order to maintain the need for a "teacher" or should that be mentor.

Be well :)