Nikken Gohonzon Exchange Experiences
TRuby2b
“Why did you exchange your Nikken-transcribed Gohonzon?
“As long as there’s an organization of the Daishonin’s followers
practicing as the Gosho teaches, that’s where you’ll find me. I’ve broken
through too many dependencies to backslide now and deny that I alone have
the power to access my own Buddhahood. How could a high priest even
consider obstructing this privilege we each inherently possess? I
exchanged the Nikken Gohonzon not because of his calligraphy but rather to
stand up and support the movement and wonderful fellowship of believers
called the SGI.” -- Richard Casselman, West Hollywood, Calif.
“In December 1990- January 1991, we witnessed in Japan the great
difference of attitude between SGI members and Nikken’s followers. For the
very first time we felt that our true mentor was Mr. Ikeda, because he was
struggling against the evil, the hypocrisy and the ingratitude as Nichiren
would have done. When the day came, we were happy and honored to receive
the Gohonzon from the SGI, as we believed (and still believe) that Mr.
Ikeda’s policy in promoting kosen rufu is the right one in accordance with
the ‘26 Admonitions’ by Nikko Shonin.” -- Stefano Cirelli and Lucia
Battaglioli, Milan Italy
“When our priest said the temple issue began with SGI President Ikeda’s
speech against authoritarianism, my mind was made up. The temple continues
to regard itself as superior to us. Too much suffering is caused with that
kind of thinking. I also asked our priest what his concept of world peace
was. His answer was that we should all center on the local temples. The
SGI has spread this Buddhism like no one else ever has! I returned the
Nikken-transcribed Gohonzon to let him know that I want world peace.” --
Tessie Metcalf, Wheaton, Md.
“Nine years into my practice, in 1983, I received a Gohonzon transcribed
by Nikken. Even though it had a gorgeous green-gold satin backing, I was
immediately depressed by it and puzzled by my reaction. I hadn’t felt this
way before. Excommunication by Nikken spurred my desire to exchange this
Gohonzon. Right away I felt a clear difference in chanting to the Gohonzon
transcribed by Nichikan, a lightness and joy. Clear proof that the
life-condition of the transcriber deeply affects those who chant to it. It
has revolutionized my practice and helped me to continue to chant.” -- Jane
Douglas Young, New York
“I participated in the Gohonzon exchange because I saw it as a special
opportunity to breath new determination and vitality into my practice. I
was experiencing many obstacles, my life-condition was low, and my practice
was in a slump. Since receiving this beautiful new Gohonzon, I have
overcome several significant obstacles, introduced a friend to the
practice, challenged myself by teaching weekly ‘Gosho school’ for new
members, and improved my attitude toward my practice.” -- Amy Lathecrow,
Bakersfield California
“”After I had spent a few years in the temple movement, I saw how empty
and threadbare it truly was. I returned to the SGI and began to feel how
lifeless chanting to the Nikken Gohonzon was. I decided to make the choice
for ‘life’ -- to receive the new Gohonzon. I feel refreshed and vigorous
since then, and I have received many benefits.” -- Patricia Woolman,
Alhambra, California
These and more experiences were reported in the Sept. 5 WT
Terry
Roy Boyce
1. Terry Ruby has posted some of the statements from the
September 5, 1997, World Tribune by SGI victims who have been
induced to give up the Gohonzon. Overall, these statements reflect
a shallow, confused understanding of the object of worship in
Buddhism.
2. For instance, one victim says: "Right away I felt a clear
difference in chanting to the Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan, a
lightness and joy. Clear proof that the life-condition of the
transcriber deeply affects those who chant to it." For some reason,
Terry omitted the statement immediately preceding that which
explains why the victim gave up her Gohonzon despite recognizing
that "When the opportunity arose to exchange the Nikken Gohonzon
for the Nichikan Gohonzon, I knew there was nothing wrong with the
one I had had all that time . . ." Perhaps Terry recognized the
obvious contradiction since one statement indicates that the Gak
fake is superior, whereas the other opines that both are OK.
3. Also, what is the basis for the suggestion that Gohonzons differ
based on the life condition of the person who transcribed it? That is
a strange doctrine, especially for an organization that claims that it
is eliminating "mystical" doctrines. These types of bizarre theories
reflect confusion about the object of worship.
4. Terry also omits the following statement: "Recently, members in
my district were encouraging me to exchange my Nikken Gohonzon.
I did not see the value in doing this exchange. However, after
chanting I realized that exchanging the Gohonzon would a cause to
stand up to Nikken. If I were to keep the Nikken Gohonzon I would
be encouraging injustice. On July 2, I received the Nichikan
Gohonzon. I have never felt so close and connected to my practice
and the SGI." This statement reflects that the SGI is actively
pressuring its membership to give up their Gohonzons, if that is not
evident from the mere fact that they publish propaganda of this
nature.
5. I remember that during the "Awaken Danto" campaign that
occurred shortly after the announcement that the SGI would issue
the fake honzon, I was visited by a number of SGI members. I
asked several of them about the prospect of members being
expected to exchange their Gohonzons for the fakes. I was piously
assured that this would not happen -- the fakes were only for new
members. Obviously, either they were lying or -- more likely -- their
organization had lied to them. It has doubtless always been the
SGI's design to wholly eliminate what it slanderously refers to as the
"Nikken Gohonzon."
TRuby2b
Mr. Boyce uses the word “fake” to describe the Nichikan Gohonzon issued by
Joen-ji Temple. If he were more knowledgeable he would know that copies of
the Nichikan Gohonzon were issued by a local temples, to the earliest
Gakkai believers. I recall vividly seeing my first Nichikan Gohonzon in
the home of a pioneer member who was shakabukued during the tenure of Josei
Toda. It was a beautiful experience.
When Mr. Boyce calls these beautiful Gohonzons “fake” he is slandering not
only The Great Restorer of Nichiren Shoshu, he is also slandering the
Gohonzon itself.
An SGI member said: “Recently, members in my district were
**encouraging**me to **exchange** my Nikken Gohonzon.” Mr. Boyce twists
this statement into “This statement reflects that the SGI is actively
pressuring its membership **to give up** their Gohonzons.” He twists the
word “encouraging” into “pressuring”. Interesting. He also twists
“exchange” into “give up”. More interesting.
I have attended meetings where people have given experiences about
receiving the Nichikan Gohonzon and they have been extremely encouraging.
I still have a special Nikken Gohonzon. I hope to exchange it soon for
the beautiful Nichikan Gohonzon.
When I chant to the Nichikan Gohonzon I have a deep sense of appreciation
for his understanding of Buddhism. He said:
"This is the origin of all Buddhas and sutras and the place to which they
return. The blessings of the myriads of Buddhas and sutras throughout
space and time, without a single exception, all return to this Gohonzon
which is the Buddhism of the seed. It is just like the tree's hundreds and
thousands of branches and leaves which can all be traced to the same root.
This Gohonzon therefore provides vast and boundless benefits. Its mystic
functions are vast and profound. So if you take faith in this Gohonzon and
chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo at all, no prayer will go unanswered, no sin will
remain unforgiven, all good fortune will be bestowed, and all righteousness
proven."
This is what Mr. Boyce slanders when he slanders the Nichikan Gohonzon
Terry
The arbn Truth Detector
>When I chant to the Nichikan Gohonzon I have a deep sense of appreciation
>for his understanding of Buddhism.
"Nichiren had no delusions about priests. He never taught they were
superior to others. In fact he taught the opposite.
"Good Catholic parents made the mistake of thinking that priests were
better than others. They entrusted their sonsand daughters to them. The
priests sodomized their sons and daughters. Do not teach your children to
trust priests!
"Nichiren Daishonin’s Gosho, the Lotus Sutra, the Nirvana Sutra, the
Vimalakirti Sutra and countless other sutras warn believers against putting
trust in priests. Ignore the warnings of the sages at your own peril."
Terry Ruby
Date: 1997/09/03
Message-Id: <19970903174...@ladder02.news.aol.com>
Newsgroups: alt.religion.buddhism.nichiren
Hypocrite.
Craig
Step right this way folks! That's right!
Come to the incredible SGI Circus! See the magical magician Rev Terry!
transform the Gosho before your own eyes! Watch the happy-
face clown-priests shumagoozu while the crowd giggles at their funny
antics! See the amazing Marilyn! paint a Gohonzon on a napkin
and pray to it! Watch ringmaster Rev Soren! and his shumagoozu show-
including the incredable Jim Trail! the Human Gohonzon
as he worships Himself!!!! Listen to him tell stories of Jesus
and the amazing mystic Edgar Cayce! Watch the incredible Keith! the
yes-man SGI priest who can explain away anything- and make it
appear as normal!!! See Jim Cub! the arbn Clown
tell innumerable 3 liners and insults! Watch as the incredible Kathy!
deftly performs death-defying feats! Watch her demonstrate her skill at
twisting and distorting the Gosho putting all other contortionists to shame.
Come and see the amazing transvestite Miyoko! the funny clown who
shoots himself out of a cannon and crashes in a ball of flames into the stands-
as the crowd roars with laughter!!!!!!! Watch the incredible
Jack! as he gets into a bag, is swung several times over the head
of Master Ikeda, and let go! Listen to his amazing, cussing fits that would shock
a sailor!!!! Watch the court jester, the funny Julian! run around jumping like a
drunken little monkey, playing tricks and shumagoozuing at the every whim of Master Ikeda!!!!
See Richard Hower the clown as he worships and deifys Master
Ikeda as a Buddha for the Modern age!!! Watch the unbelievable
Reverend Dave! transform a coconut tree into a Gohonzon before your
eyes! Witness the SGI clowns all worship hand-carved dog turds!
A barrel of laughs guaranteed for all!!!!
Jim Cub 3D
In article <5v9khb$o...@dfw-ixnews4.ix.netcom.com>,
rwb...@ix.netcom.com(Roy Boyce) writes:
>
>1. Terry Ruby has posted some of the statements from the
>September 5, 1997, World Tribune by SGI victims who have been
>induced to give up the Gohonzon. Overall, these statements reflect
>a shallow, confused understanding of the object of worship in
>Buddhism.
Golly, after 60 years of hearing about it from Nichiren Shoshu, how could
anyone be confused, I wonder?
>2. For instance, one victim says: "Right away I felt a clear
>difference in chanting to the Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan, a
>lightness and joy. Clear proof that the life-condition of the
>transcriber deeply affects those who chant to it." For some reason,
>Terry omitted the statement immediately preceding that which
>explains why the victim gave up her Gohonzon despite recognizing
>that "When the opportunity arose to exchange the Nikken Gohonzon
>for the Nichikan Gohonzon, I knew there was nothing wrong with the
>one I had had all that time . . ." Perhaps Terry recognized the
>obvious contradiction since one statement indicates that the Gak
>fake is superior, whereas the other opines that both are OK.
What? I'm sure the person felt there was "nothing wrong" with the Nikken
Gohonzon. I'm sure she would still feel that way about her Nikken
Gohonzon. The second one had a completely different experience. Of the
Nikken Gohonzon, she says (odd you left this out) "I was immediately
depressed by it." Both are subjective experiences, aren't they? You think
the power of the Gohonzon is such that everyone immediately starts thinking
the same thoughts when they chant to it?
The first time I saw the Dai-Gohonzon, I chanted for a couple of minutes
before I realized it's NOT bright gold with flaming red characters. I know
others who have immediately fallen asleep. If one's feeling toward the
Gohonzon is a function of the Gohonzon, and not of one's subjective faith,
then why don't we all react the same way?
>
>3. Also, what is the basis for the suggestion that Gohonzons differ
>based on the life condition of the person who transcribed it? That is
>a strange doctrine, especially for an organization that claims that it
>is eliminating "mystical" doctrines. These types of bizarre theories
>reflect confusion about the object of worship.
Pehaps they originate from the bizarre theory that only one person at a
time is infused with the mystic power to transcribe a valid Gohonzon.
Possessing the Living Essence of the entirety of the body of the law of all
existence, after all, implies a life condition in which, evidently, one's
handwriting becomes that of the True Buddha.
Personally, I don't subscribe to the "life condition theory". The
propagation of the Gohonzon is a function of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
"How awesome that Nichiren was the first to inscribe this great mandala as
the banner of propagation.."(Real Aspect, MW1, 212). "[Myoho-renge-kyo] is
the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth"
(Heritage, MW1 24). "Only they [the BoE] are qualified to inscribe the
object of worship" (Entity, MW1 90).
Only the person (or group)demonstrably working to propagate the Mystic Law
throughout the world is qualified to issue Gohonzon. As long as Nikken,
even nominally, supported that group, and enjoyed its support, he was
qualified to transcribe Gohonzon. Once he disassociated himself from it,
he lost the qualification , and it fell to that group itself. And the
concensus within that group was that the Gohonzon to be propagated is that
transcribed by Nichikan. That makes IT the valid Gohonzon.
So it's not life condition per se -- which changes from moment to moment
for most of us human beings in the Ten Wordls -- but one's devotion to
kosen-rufu. That's my opinion. That's why it's my firm belief that
Gohonzon transcribed by Nikken since 1990 are not valid Gohonzon, and bring
no benefit to those who put faith in them.
>
>4. Terry also omits the following statement: "Recently, members in
>my district were encouraging me to exchange my Nikken Gohonzon.
>I did not see the value in doing this exchange. However, after
>chanting I realized that exchanging the Gohonzon would a cause to
>stand up to Nikken. If I were to keep the Nikken Gohonzon I would
>be encouraging injustice. On July 2, I received the Nichikan
>Gohonzon. I have never felt so close and connected to my practice
>and the SGI." This statement reflects that the SGI is actively
>pressuring its membership to give up their Gohonzons, if that is not
>evident from the mere fact that they publish propaganda of this
>nature.
Encouragement = pressure. Wowie zowie, what a concept.
As for the article itself -- why not? From the time the SGI was able to
foil Nikken's attempt to use the Gohonzon as a blackmail device, up to the
present moment, Nichiren Shoshu has been in a snit, proclaiming the
Gohonzon "counterfeit" and "infested by devils". Why not share the
experiences of those who have the Gohonzon, who demonstrate what a crock
the Nichiren Shoshu contentions are?
>5. I remember that during the "Awaken Danto" campaign that
>occurred shortly after the announcement that the SGI would issue
>the fake honzon, I was visited by a number of SGI members. I
>asked several of them about the prospect of members being
>expected to exchange their Gohonzons for the fakes. I was piously
>assured that this would not happen -- the fakes were only for new
>members. Obviously, either they were lying or -- more likely -- their
>organization had lied to them. It has doubtless always been the
>SGI's design to wholly eliminate what it slanderously refers to as the
>"Nikken Gohonzon."
Don't look now, but someday there will be a different High Priest, and
then another, and another...and the Nikken Gohonzon will be seen less and
less.
Every SGI member here KNOWS that there is no pressure to exchange. I
think at least two ARBN participants still have the Nikken Gohonzon, though
one has said he will soon exchange it out of his own desire to do so. My
chapter has a few, and I was surprised a month ago when one of the people
who had one, that nobody has talked to about it for years, suddenly, of her
own volition, showed up at the CC wanting to switch. It's so HARD for you
guys, from your jaundiced perspective, to imagine anyone doing anything on
initiative, without first getting the word to do so from some authority.
I wonder where that comes from.
Jim
TRuby2b
The "Truth Deflector" unable to respond intelligently to my post, calls me
a "Hypocrite", apparently because I can tell the difference between a bad
priest and a good one.
The Nikken personality cult worships a man who was born into a life of
privilege; has never done an honest days work in his life; looks down on
lay believers while living extravagantly off their sincere offerings, wants
you to worship him as a living Buddha; who spitefully had hundreds of
cherry trees destroyed, brutalizes young boys in his charge, and lies
rather than face the truth about himself -- this is Nikken.
The SGI admires a man who was born to the lowest class; excelled as a
student, was grateful for what little he had, fought against the priestly
perversions of his time and always struggled for the sake of the common
people -- Nichiren Daishonin.
Though the Nikken personality cult proclaims that Nikken is better than
Nichiren Daishonin, I have seen no evidence that he is. If you admire
Nichiren Daishonin you cannot worship Nikken.
History will record that Nikken attempted to destroy Nichiren’s Buddhism
and failed.
Free Nichiren Shoshu!
Terry
Mr T
In article <19970912150...@ladder02.news.aol.com>, tru...@aol.com
(TRuby2b) wrote:
There continues to be a steady stream of SGI members fed up and coming to
our temple in Los Angeles. Every month.
They, like so many others, just don't accept the propaganda that you embrace.
Kurt
--
To reply by E-mail, please delete the extra "m" before "martman" on my address.
_______________________________________________________
http://www.primenet.com/~martman/TDG.html
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TRuby2b
Jim,
Excellent. Thoughtful post!!!!
Free Nichiren Shoshu
Terry
Alan
In article <mmartman-ya023480...@news.primenet.com>,
mmar...@primenet.com (Mr T) wrote:
>
> There continues to be a steady stream of SGI members fed up and coming to
> our temple in Los Angeles. Every month.
> They, like so many others, just don't accept the propaganda that you embrace.
>
> Kurt
COOL!!! Myohoji temple will be the first to have a revolving door!
Alan
-------------------==== Posted via Deja News ====-----------------------
http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Post to Usenet
Mr T
> In article <mmartman-ya023480...@news.primenet.com>,
> mmar...@primenet.com (Mr T) wrote:
> >
> > There continues to be a steady stream of SGI members fed up and coming to
> > our temple in Los Angeles. Every month.
> > They, like so many others, just don't accept the propaganda that you
embrace.
> >
> > Kurt
>
> COOL!!! Myohoji temple will be the first to have a revolving door!
>
> Alan
>
Hate to burst your bubble, but they all seem to be staying...
RisshoARon
Oh, they're not fed up. Just spying on you.
Nikken is doomed. His castle is being destroyed from within. Bye Bye.
Rogowdoc
RisshoARon, you write:
>>>>>Oh, they're not fed up. Just spying on you. Nikken is doomed. His
castle is being destroyed from within. Bye Bye.>>>>>
EXTRA EXTRA
By Pete Hamill, Ex-New York Daily News Editor In Chief in
conjunction with Cindy Adams, New York Post Correspondent.
Can the tragic death of the Nichiren Shoshu be far off? Craig
Bratcher and Ken Burchell, two of the three "living icons" of the Nichiren
Shoshu were indicted today for spying on the very religeon they purported
to follow. The suspects were rounded up in the Purple Panther transvestite
bar known to be frequented by Rue Paul, Dennis Rodman and Marv Albert. Marv
Albert was heard to exclaim, YESSSSSSS, as the two suspects were handcuffed
after a brief struggle. So distraught was Rue Paul he lamented, "that cute
Craig Bratcher could never have done such a thing. He's got such tight
buns". Three cops at the scene were slightly injured when Dennis Rodman
attacked them shouting, "Kenny is with me!!!!". Rodman was not arrested.
An anonymous police source, present during the interrogation,
reported that Craig Bratcher wouldn't shut up revealing every detail of the
sordid affair: " President Ikeda gave me one of the Renoirs destined for
the Tokyo Art Museum and promised I would become the first non-Japanese
Vice President of the Soka Gakkai". Ken Burchell on the other hand, pleaded
with the detective in charge to speak with his Joint Territory Chief but
the detective refused. He had already used up his call, telling Dennis
Rodman how much he loved and admired him.
This same source also reported that several pictures of Nikken
doing gongyo in panties with garters, were recovered but there is some
question whether the photos were airbrushed: Mr Bratcher claimed they were
and Mr Burchell claimed they weren't. A small statue of Nichiren Daishonin,
was also found in Mr. Bratcher's duffel bag. Mr Bratcher claimed he stole
it from the holy shrine at Taisekaji in order to cover the fact of his
ignorance for not knowing it was there. Mr Bratcher was quoted as saying,
"it would have blown my cover as a Nichiren Shoshu icon if I was perceived
to not to know of it's existence, so I stole it." On Mr Burchells person
were found two tickets to Brazil and the address of the SGI Kaikan. A
picture of Dennis Rodman and President Ikeda were also found on Mr.
Burchell as well as a Nikken inscribed Omamori Gohonzon. Mr Burchell became
adamant that he get the pictures of Rodman and Ikeda back but the detective
threatened him with the "Abner Louima treatment" and Mr Burchell sulked off
to the back of his cell.
Fred Zaitsu the General Director of the SGI who was
interviewed shortly after their arrest denied knowing either Mr Bratcher or
Mr Burchell but reported he was a great fan of Marv Alpert and Rue Paul.
Mr. George Williams, ex SGI General Director remembered them vaguely as two
former members who lacked faith.
The two have been charged with several counts organized
mousketeering and face up to several kalpas in the Avici Hell.
Mark
Jack Shoults
Great work!
Absolutely first-rate stuff.
This doesn't mean that I agree with your views on Buddhism so please don't go email crazy on me :-)
Maybe we should change the rules of the debate to "whoever posts the funniest stuff, wins."
Well, Craig's lost before he's begun.
As of now, I would say that the following would be front-runners
Mark
Paul
Jim
Jack (based on the fun I had writing them and the feedback)
Any other nominees??
____________
Jack Shoults-SGI
Use the following to reply by email:
jsho...@pacbell.net
________________________________