To All Hokkeko Believers
artie
As the New Year comes, and as you prepare for the New Year's tozan, I
would ask you to think about, and do your best to investigate several
matters.
Unlike the Shoshinkai (who concede that there were instances of High
Priests who distorted the Daishonin's teachings, and times when the
essentials of the teachings were upheld by other than the High Priest
alone), the present Nichiren Shoshu has insisted that the Kechimyaku has
been passed flawlessly, from the time of the Daishonin, through the
successive High Priests, until this day.
Given the importance which the current Nichiren Shoshu places on the
inheritance itself, it should be of utmost importance to Hokkeko members
to satisfy themselves that Rev. Abe truly received the Kechimyaku from
the late Nittatsu Shonin.
Rev. Abe stakes his claim to the High Priesthood on a conversation,
which he says took place on April 15, 1978, approximately one year prior
to Nittatsu Shonin's death. He has offered no corroborating evidence to
support his claim. The date in question happens to be Nittatsu Shonin's
birthday. According to Rev. Tono, those priests who have searched their
recollection of that day can recall no opportunity for such a meeting.
Regardless, if such a meeting were to be the basis on which Rev. Abe
claims to be the High Priest, one of two things should have happened -
either Nittatsu Shonin designated him as his successor, or he actually
transferred the Kechimyaku to him. Let us take these one at a time.
According to bylaws of Nichiren Shoshu, promulgated during Nittatsu
Shonin's tenure as High Priest, the High Priest is to designate his
successor from among the priests holding the spiritual rank of Noke. The
only exception to this is the case where circumstances are "urgent and
unavoidable". This was clearly not the case at the time. Further, upon
such designation, the selected priest is elevated to the spiritual rank
of GakuTo. These matters are announced publicly, precisely so that there
can be no dispute as to the legitimacy of the High Priest. On the date
in question, Rev. Abe was of the spiritual rank Dai-Sozu (one rank below
Noke). He remained in that rank until Nittatsu Shonin's death. At the
time of Nittatsu Shonin's death, there were four priests holding the
spiritual rank of Noke. Rev. Abe was not among them. Nor were there any
priests of the rank GakuTo.
Some have pointed out that Rev. Abe was the head of the Nichiren Shoshu
study bureau and that GakuTo is translated as "chief teacher". Priests
generally hold two titles, an administrative title and a spiritual
title. The High Priest, for example, holds the spiritual title of Hossu,
and the administrative title of Kancho. The head of the study bureau is
an administrative position, not a spiritual one.
The suggestion that he actually received the Kechimyaku at that time
raises other questions. Quite simply, it is the tradition in Nichiren
Sboshu that when a High Priest passes on the Kechimyaku, he steps down
and allows the new High Priest to assume the leadership of the sect. The
retired High Priest takes the title of Zen-Hossu. Clearly, this did not
happen in 1978 either.
So the question for those who insist that it is essential to follow a
High Priest because he has received the transfer of the Kechimyaku is:
On what basis do you believe that Rev. Abe received the Kechimyaku?
You may find it instructive to pose these questions to your own local
priests, or to those at Taisekiji. Questions of this nature have been
posed by Shoshinkai priests without response (other than
excommunication).
Several other questions are worth asking on this matter.
Some believers have asked, "If Rev. Abe is not the High Priest, then who
is?" Underlying this question is apparently the belief that it is
impossible for a High Priest to die without passing on the Kechimyaku.
In fact, the 62nd High Priest, Nikkyo Shonin died without naming a
successor. The sect is fortunate in that Nikkyo Shonin was survived by
several Zen-Hossu.
For those who believe the High Priest is the ultimate authority in the
sect and is not to be questioned, it would be instructive to learn more
about the tenure of the 58th High Priest, Nitchu Shonin. He inherited
the lineage directly from the 57th High Priest, Nissho Shonin. His
succession was never in question. Within two years, however, the
priesthood as a whole viewed his conduct as so irresponsible that they
moved against him, drawing up a statement of 8 charges against him, and
refusing to accept him as the High Priest. He was ultimately removed
from office by the Japanese Ministry of Education. He reluctantly named
a successor and passed on the Lineage. He thus became part of the
claimed unbroken chain of succession. These events demonstrate the
responsibility of the priesthood as a whole for protecting the integrity
of the teaching, even if it means opposing the High Priest.
The Shoshinkai priests have raised these matters, and others, with Rev.
Abe, without response. Since the Shoshinkai are denounced as slanderers,
one would think that, in keeping with the Daishonin's teachings, Rev.
Abe would be anxious to refute their claims, but his responses have been
purely administrative, not substantive.
Here in the US, Rev. Tono has offered more than once to debate with Rev.
Nagasaka, of Myosetsuji Temple in New York. The only preconditions were
that it should be in person, in public, in English, and on doctrine. He
has received no response. I have personally raised these questions in
writing, again without response.
Perhaps those of you who are going on Tozan will have better luck than
the rest of us. And if you see Rev. Nagasaka, tell him the offer is
still on the table.
Artie
Reginald Carpenter
read your posting, and reply just to let you know that it was not
unnoticed. At this time, this is only my opinion as an individual
Hokkeko member. First, the "January Tozan", as you refer to it, is not
an annual Hokkeko "event" as you apparently perceive it. To go on
Tozan in the month of January, especially on and after New Year's day is
a tradition for Japanese members due to their culture heritage. There
are probably individuals and groups in Japan going to Taisekiji at that
time, but I don't know if anyone of them are arbn. readers. In the NST,
there are no group Tozan trips organized for it that I know anything
about yet. There are probably a few individuals who will go to
Taisekiji at that time, but they probably aren't arbn. readers either.
Therefore, you probably will not be receiving any responses to your
posting from the aforementioned people.
Secondly, the policy of the Nichiren Shoshu apparently is to not
discuss any matters with the Shoshinkai group of SLANDERERS & TRAITORS
who were EXCOMMUNICATED from the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood! There is
no policy for Hokkeko arbn. posters who participate as individuals on
this forum.
Lastly, the info. that you presented about the formalities or
secrecies concerning the changing of high priests, to express the matter
simply, was very interesting, but comes to me about twenty years too
late, I reckon! I would prefer to be informed about it from the
Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood, rather than from your info. you received
from a group of people bearing a grudge and a legal dispute against it.
Why do't you think about and investigate that yourself, Myodog? Happy
New Year to you and your family and loved ones! } : < { 0 Peace!
<<< Stone Eagle >>>
Airborne in Cyberspace*
myo...@dcdu.com
Dear Chief,
Thanks for your response. I do believe the current Tozan is somewhat of a
formal affair. I know Rev. Nagasaka (of New York) is traveling there with
several of the (how would you say this?) senior lay believers. I have another
friend who wanted to go on an individual tozan and was told that the only
Gokaihi ceremonies (I believe Jan 3 and 4) would be for these delegations
from various Nichiren Shoshu temples.
I have thought about, and done some investigation of the issues regarding
Rev. Abe's succession. Frankly, alot of what I've found out was contained in
the post. Since the current Nichiren Shoshu is adamant that Rev. Abe is the
legitimate High Priest, I would expect them to provide details to contradict
what I put forward. Can you imagine Nichiren Daishonin setting forth a policy
of not refuting slander??? I can't.
While the party line on the Shoshinkai priests may be that they are slanderers
and traitors (albeit slanderers whose slander Nichiren Shoshu refuses to
refute), they were (imho) among the best and most sincere of Nichiren Shoshu's
priests. Their fundamental slander was to disobey orders of Rev. Abe which ran
contrary to the guidance of Nittatsu Shonin and the fundamental spirit of
Nichiren Shoshu. You might do well to meet one or two of them.
I too wish you had heard this material 20 years ago.
Happy New Year to you, as well.
Artie
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
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dc
While the party line on the Shoshinkai priests may be that they are
slanderers
and traitors (albeit slanderers whose slander Nichiren Shoshu refuses to
refute), they were (imho) among the best and most sincere of Nichiren
Shoshu's
priests. Their fundamental slander was to disobey orders of Rev. Abe
which ran
contrary to the guidance of Nittatsu Shonin and the fundamental spirit
of
Nichiren Shoshu. You might do well to meet one or two of them.
I too wish you had heard this material 20 years ago.
Happy New Year to you, as well.
Artie<<<<<
And what is the current position of the Shoshinkai as to WHO the
legitimate High Priest is supposed to be? Somehow this undergound
"knowledge" has not been dessiminated.
I knew some of the Priests who were defrocked and I also knew other
priest who felt that they were why off base. But as we know talking
about this is no longer of any value unless you and other could be
persuaed to realize that unity is far more improtant then all this
nonsense. The obstacles for Kosen rufu are so transparent, yet why have
so many failed to see the forest through the trees?
dc
Reginald Carpenter
shucks, your info. about this January '99 Tozan was correct. I don't
know how "outsiders" get to know "inside" info. before the membership is
informed, but they do. I stand corrected; you are the "man", Myodog!
Because things are changing and/or moving faster in NSH than an average
member like me is told about. Info. is dessimated mostly by word of
mouth on a need to know basis within my local temple.
Well, you let the cat out of the bag re. this Tozan. I just found out
about a small group leaving from Myogyoji temple when I was there on New
Year's Eve. This was the first time we've had a "delegation" from our
temple to go on Tozan in January. It was not open to the "average"
member. There is a special purpose for the participants to be there
this time. That's all I can say about it, because another
Japanese-speaking member just told me about it on New Year's Day.
You apparently make a comment about a part of my previous posting to
you which you referred to as the "party line". Well, you're right about
that, too. I have my personal views which may differ from the "party
line" about an issue, subject or topic, but I mainly participate on
arbn. to present the facts of the Nichiren Shoshu view on our
discussions to support the priesthood. I am free to tell you my
personal opinion that in retrospect, it seems like the Shoshinkai and
Rev. Tono got a raw deal for being right about SGI when they spoke
against them. However, they were commissioned to be Nichiren Shoshu
priests, and not a dissident group. Insubordination is not tolerated in
any type of hierarchical org. that I know of, and the penalty for such
is sometimes as severe as the word 'severe' implies: a person is
severed from the organization, fired handed a pink slip, given the old
heave-ho, etc. Too bad for Rev. Tono & company that they were ahead of
their time to confront SGI before the High Priest and the rest of the
priesthood was ready to do it! However, there were supporters or
sympathizers who were priests that obeyed the High Priest, too. So,
there are at least three sides to that issue.
Approx. those 20 years ago, the only info. I had about Rev. Tono and
the Shoshinkai's behavior was from New York NSA/SGI members who mailed
a booklet to me about what was going on at the temple at that time.
Did you ever know about it, entitled "Toward Our Goal of the Correct
Attitude in Faith"? It shocked the sh*t out of me! I have to admit
that I admired the out-front approach that the members took to present
their views to NSA members nationwide, but I recall that I did not agree
with everything they said at that time. And, I never got anything
"official" about it from any other involved party, either priest(s) or
laity. So, I am not able to offer you any facts or an informed opinion
about it.
Lastly, you're wrong about something about me. I cannot imagine what
the Daishonin would say or do regarding "a policy of not refuting
slander" coming from the Shoshinkai and/or its' supporters lke yourself.
IMHO - I would fall into the same category of being insubordinate to the
High Priest & priesthood as they were before he excommunicated them.
OTOH - you as an individual are free to exercise your right to express
yourself on the issue(s) the way you see fit. I shall continue to read
your postings with interest, sir. } : < { 0 Peace!
dc
David,
I don't know if there is an official Shoshinkai position, but I know
Rev.
Tono believes that Nittatsu Shonin died without naming a successor. Some
have
said that such a thing is impossible, but, in fact, the 62nd High
Priest,
Nikkyo Shonin died without designating a successor. Further, there are
Nichiren Shoshu bylaws which specify how a successor will be selected in
the
event that a High Priest dies without naming a successor. Just for the
fun of
it, you might ask whether Rev. Abe has designated a successor.
Shoshinkai
will also point out that whether or not one has legitimately succeeded
to the
High Priesthood, they would be obligated to oppose him if his teachings
ran
contrary to the Daishonin's. From history, we find the example of 58th
High
Priest, Nitchu Shonin, who was effectively deposed as a result of
opposition
from the priesthood at large. Itai doshin is not unity, and if the
obstacles
to Kosen-rufu are so transparent to you, then I think you need a
profundity
injection. Regards.
Artie<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Sorry Artie, none of what you say is based in fact. it is rev Tono in
error. So WHO is the High Priest?
Nichiren Shoshu polices itself. realize that if someone is really right
on in Nichiren Shoshu, his attiude will be such that he will be able to
convince all of Nichiren Shoshu. Tono wasn't able to do that. Why?
because he was wrong, becaue he was angry, because he had resentment in
his heart. If someone is right on then there opinion will be heard and
be known to be true. You have to have more faith. Tono had too many
axes grinding and too many angry firews to put out. He threw away his
robes himself, thinkning arrogantly he could be High Priest.
dc
myo...@dcdu.com
David,
I don't know if there is an official Shoshinkai position, but I know Rev.
Tono believes that Nittatsu Shonin died without naming a successor. Some have
said that such a thing is impossible, but, in fact, the 62nd High Priest,
Nikkyo Shonin died without designating a successor. Further, there are
Nichiren Shoshu bylaws which specify how a successor will be selected in the
event that a High Priest dies without naming a successor. Just for the fun of
it, you might ask whether Rev. Abe has designated a successor. Shoshinkai
will also point out that whether or not one has legitimately succeeded to the
High Priesthood, they would be obligated to oppose him if his teachings ran
contrary to the Daishonin's. From history, we find the example of 58th High
Priest, Nitchu Shonin, who was effectively deposed as a result of opposition
from the priesthood at large. Itai doshin is not unity, and if the obstacles
to Kosen-rufu are so transparent to you, then I think you need a profundity
injection. Regards.
Artie
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
Mr T
>
> David,
>
> I don't know if there is an official Shoshinkai position, but I know Rev.
> Tono believes that Nittatsu Shonin died without naming a successor. Some have
> said that such a thing is impossible, but, in fact, the 62nd High Priest,
> Nikkyo Shonin died without designating a successor. Further, there are
> Nichiren Shoshu bylaws which specify how a successor will be selected in the
> event that a High Priest dies without naming a successor. Just for the fun of
> it, you might ask whether Rev. Abe has designated a successor. Shoshinkai
> will also point out that whether or not one has legitimately succeeded to the
> High Priesthood, they would be obligated to oppose him if his teachings ran
> contrary to the Daishonin's. From history, we find the example of 58th High
> Priest, Nitchu Shonin, who was effectively deposed as a result of opposition
> from the priesthood at large. Itai doshin is not unity, and if the obstacles
> to Kosen-rufu are so transparent to you, then I think you need a profundity
> injection. Regards.
>
> Artie
>
As I understand it, the succesor was picked when he became High Priest.
This is traditionally how the lineage is protected.
I'm curious as to who Rev. Tono thought should have been the successor.
Any thoughts?
--
Kurt
My new anti-spam measure:
to reply send to: martman at primenet dot com
myo...@dcdu.com
Kurt,
I don't believe there is any tradition of picking one's successor on assuming
the High Priesthood. There is a specific spiritual rank given to one who is
designated as the successor (GakuTo), and such a designation would be public
information. Further, the fact that Nichiren Shoshu has bylaws covering the
procedures for selecting a High Priest if the High Priest dies without naming
a successor or passing on the Heritage suggests that it was a possiblity
which needs to be accounted for. Also consider that when 62nd High Priest
Nikkyo Shonin perished in a fire, he had neither named a successor, nor
passed on the Heritage.
I have never asked Rev. Tono who he thought should have succeeded Nittatsu
Shonin or who he thought Nittatsu Shonin would have had in mind. DC's postings
to the contrary, I don't believe he entertained any thoughts that he should
become High Priest, nor does he now.
mbh
mbh
HMishra
>From: myo...@dcdu.com
>Date: Thu, Jan 7, 1999 20:52 EST
>Message-id: <773ocb$u78$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>
Shoshu believers live in their own world of fake assumptions... naive.. they
consider all that is told by the scheming priests... or even apply their own
arbitrary thinking to create doctrines...
>There is a specific spiritual rank given to one who is
>designated as the successor (GakuTo), and such a designation would be public
>information. Further, the fact that Nichiren Shoshu has bylaws covering the
>procedures for selecting a High Priest if the High Priest dies without naming
>a successor or passing on the Heritage suggests that it was a possiblity
>which needs to be accounted for. Also consider that when 62nd High Priest
>Nikkyo Shonin perished in a fire, he had neither named a successor, nor
>passed on the Heritage.
That refutes the face-to face bestowal doctrine that Shoshu desperately
invented to justify Nikken's position.
>
>I have never asked Rev. Tono who he thought should have succeeded Nittatsu
>Shonin or who he thought Nittatsu Shonin would have had in mind. DC's
>postings
>to the contrary, I don't believe he entertained any thoughts that he should
>become High Priest, nor does he now.
>
>Artie
>
>
You can't claim that...Shoshinkai priests had their own political
agenda...Lacking the spirit of propagation, they interpreted SGI's bold efforts
to propagate as a threat and deviation from the Daishonin's teaching. they
resembled those priests in the history of Buddhism who would be happy with
"so-called" preservation and didn't realize that the Daishonin's true intent
was to propagate the Law. They slowly polluted even the minds of Nittasu Shonin
against the Gakkai. Yamazaki may have joined their ranks in preparation for
being jailed. Nikken chose to be with the SGI knowing that it was the
"cash-cow" and a bigger party. he pushed President Ikeda to apologise (which
he never did by himself) to temporarily placate the Shoshinkai priests and late
when the fire gets colder, excommunicate them - two birds with one stone.
Shoshinkai may have been in one way more doctrinal that the rest of the
priesthood - more vocal and pressing - however they too represent corruption in
the priesthood of its own kind - wanting a more central role for themselves.
The priesthood in awe with the opulance provided by the SGI, became arrogant,
political, and theoretical. Anyway they never learned how to take actions for
the kosen-rufu - only appearing in a ceremonial way at the time of "gojukai"
or likes.
The Daishonin time and again warned against such priests who lacked the purpose
of Buddhism.
- HMishra
CHolte1058
I never did receive a direct response from Nichiren Believers (I suppose they
don't know). Maybe Reverend Tono would be kind enough to answer that question
for me.
I know that from what I've seen from you, he isn't all that bad of a priest.
I'm sorry he got such a raw deal in 1978/1980.
Christopher H. Holte
CHolte1058
loved Nittatsu and had been less than impressed by Nikken, and who also had
been less than impressed by the Soka Gakkai. They may have had incorrect
views on some subjects, but they also had some legitimate questions and
concerns. Instead of treating those concerns and discussing them, they were
ordered to obey Nikken's orders. If the issues had been discussed honestly
back then, then either the split would have happened much sooner, or a
resolution to them could have been made. The Shoshinkai weren't angels, but
they weren't intentionally devils. Reverend Tono for example initially made
minor criticisms of the NSA's deviations from tradition and traditional
doctrines. He had a little booklet that explained the meaning of the silent
prayers and the beads (it was pretty good on that score). His criticisms
escalated over time, and eventually he was repressed, but he was never refuted
or debated.
Now the exact same arguments he used at the time are being used by the Shoshu
(except for the issue of the High Priests infallibility).
Christopher H. Holte
myo...@dcdu.com
hmi...@aol.com (HMishra) wrote:
> >Subject: Re: To All Hokkeko Believers
> >From: myo...@dcdu.com
> >Date: Thu, Jan 7, 1999 20:52 EST
> >Message-id: <773ocb$u78$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>
> >I don't believe there is any tradition of picking one's successor on assuming
> >the High Priesthood.
>
> Shoshu believers live in their own world of fake assumptions... naive.. they
> consider all that is told by the scheming priests... or even apply their own
> arbitrary thinking to create doctrines...
Harsh,
I just have to ask you - How long have you been around? What is your basis
for these statements? Nichiren Shoshu is hardly the only one capable of
creating doctrines - Human Revolution? Value Creation? Chanting for your
desires leads to Enlightenment? Follow the leader and you will be protected?
You seem to be echoing the World Tribune party line, but I wonder if your
statements are based on any real experience. Do you know any Nichiren Shoshu
believers on a personal basis? Are these statements you would make about them
to their face? (I'm fairly certain you don't know any Shoshinkai believers.)
Since you have no dog in this fight, why do you feel compelled to but in?
> >There is a specific spiritual rank given to one who is
> >designated as the successor (GakuTo), and such a designation would be public
> >information. Further, the fact that Nichiren Shoshu has bylaws covering the
> >procedures for selecting a High Priest if the High Priest dies without naming
> >a successor or passing on the Heritage suggests that it was a possiblity
> >which needs to be accounted for. Also consider that when 62nd High Priest
> >Nikkyo Shonin perished in a fire, he had neither named a successor, nor
> >passed on the Heritage.
>
> That refutes the face-to face bestowal doctrine that Shoshu desperately
> invented to justify Nikken's position.
>
That is a doctrine which was advanced with equal vigor by the Sokagakkai when
Rev. Abe was on their side.
> >
> >I have never asked Rev. Tono who he thought should have succeeded Nittatsu
> >Shonin or who he thought Nittatsu Shonin would have had in mind. DC's
> >postings
> >to the contrary, I don't believe he entertained any thoughts that he should
> >become High Priest, nor does he now.
> >
> >Artie
> >
> >
>
> You can't claim that...
Not only can I claim that, but I do. Who are you to say I can't? What is your
experience with Shoshinkai?
> Shoshinkai priests had their own political
> agenda...Lacking the spirit of propagation, they interpreted SGI's bold
efforts
> to propagate as a threat and deviation from the Daishonin's teaching.
As Nittatsu Shonin said, widespread propagation is no cause for rejoicing if
it is not the True teaching. Shoshinkai priests have repented that they were
not eager enough in their propagation efforts and that they were not strict
enough in correcting the errors of Sokagakkai. Has Sokagakkai repented for
distributing Gohonzons as if they were raffle tickets? By what powers do you
gain your insight into the thinking of the priesthood?
> they
> resembled those priests in the history of Buddhism who would be happy with
> "so-called" preservation and didn't realize that the Daishonin's true intent
> was to propagate the Law. They slowly polluted even the minds of Nittasu
Shonin
> against the Gakkai.
What do you know of this? Were you even practicing when Nittatsu Shonin was
High Priest? Have you read any of his writings? Do you have any insight into
his thinking?
>Yamazaki may have joined their ranks in preparation for
> being jailed. Nikken chose to be with the SGI knowing that it was the
> "cash-cow" and a bigger party. he pushed President Ikeda to apologise (which
> he never did by himself) to temporarily placate the Shoshinkai priests and
late
> when the fire gets colder, excommunicate them - two birds with one stone.
> Shoshinkai may have been in one way more doctrinal that the rest of the
> priesthood - more vocal and pressing - however they too represent corruption
in
> the priesthood of its own kind - wanting a more central role for themselves.
> The priesthood in awe with the opulance provided by the SGI, became arrogant,
> political, and theoretical. Anyway they never learned how to take actions for
> the kosen-rufu - only appearing in a ceremonial way at the time of "gojukai"
> or likes.
Harsh, it is much easier to find corruption and jealousy in others than in
onself. I would suggest you go back to the famous "mirror guidance", examine
your own thoughts and motivations, and see if you can acquire a bit of
humility and a sense of your own ignorance in the process.
>
> The Daishonin time and again warned against such priests who lacked the
purpose
> of Buddhism.
He also warned time and time against slanderers, and at times, against those
who thought themselves versed in His teachings.
>
> - HMishra
myo...@dcdu.com
cholt...@aol.com (CHolte1058) wrote:
> Actually Harsh, the Shoshinkai was formed initially of priests who had really
> loved Nittatsu and had been less than impressed by Nikken, and who also had
> been less than impressed by the Soka Gakkai.
Chris, I'm afraid this really trivializes the origins of the Shoshinkai
movement. While I'm sure the priests had emotional feelings about both
Nittatsu Shonin and Rev. Abe, their actions were based on doctrinal concerns,
not feelings of more or less love.
> They may have had incorrect
> views on some subjects, but they also had some legitimate questions and
> concerns. Instead of treating those concerns and discussing them, they were
> ordered to obey Nikken's orders. If the issues had been discussed honestly
> back then, then either the split would have happened much sooner, or a
> resolution to them could have been made. The Shoshinkai weren't angels, but
> they weren't intentionally devils. Reverend Tono for example initially made
> minor criticisms of the NSA's deviations from tradition and traditional
> doctrines. He had a little booklet that explained the meaning of the silent
> prayers and the beads (it was pretty good on that score).
More than raising issues, Shoshinkai was more devoted to teaching correct
doctrine and refuting slander and mistaken teachings. The current Nichiren
Shoshu is in the unfortunate position of having passively accepted
Sokagakkai's teachings from 1981 to 1990, so when they finally got fed up
with Sokagakkai, they were left to argue about things like Ode to Joy and
Sokagakkai's attitude to the High Priest.
I'm not sure what booklet you are referring to, but Rev. Tono's pamphlet,
which he published in 1981 certainly couldn't be described as containing
minor criticisms. (For the price of a snail mail address, I'll be happy to
send you a copy, as well as some other materials so you can judge for
yourself.) At any rate, it inspired the New York Youth division and the
infamous Rev. Shiina to publish a pamphlet which was distributed to the
entire readership of the World Tribune.
I'm glad you thought this booklet was "pretty good", but you sound more like a
teacher grading a student than someone who is seeking the True Teaching.
> His criticisms
> escalated over time, and eventually he was repressed, but he was never refuted
> or debated.
>
Not by Nichiren Shoshu and not by Sokagakkai either. The youth division
pamphlet dealt with none of the substance of the pamphlet.
> Now the exact same arguments he used at the time are being used by the Shoshu
> (except for the issue of the High Priests infallibility).
>
They were true in 1981. They are remarkably timely today.
> Christopher H. Holte
lio...@my-dejanews.com
me a copy. Your answers to my posts have confirmed some matters and raised
questions about others.
In article <77lrms$pr8$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>,
Chris Holte :) visit these sites for more info;
http://www.sgi-usa.org/
http://www.clearingup.com/