More Highlights from 20 June WT

The Spirit to Fight

In 1991, the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood excommunicated the entire SGI membership. In their insanity, the priests expected that the SGI members would join the local temple. But, Surprise! (not), the vast majority of members continued to practice with the SGI under the leadership of President Ikeda.

This came about as the result of the priesthood's corruption and authoritarianism. Whenever Soka Gakkai members called for reform, the priesthood became more arrogant. They demanded exorbitant sums in donations. They sought to make veneration and obedience to themselves as the most important aspects of a practitioners faith.

Nichiren Daishonin clearly denounced such behavior in his writings, emphasizing the self-empowerment of ordinary believers. SGI-USA members have come to understand that the spirit to fight erroneous teachings is an integral part of their practice to protect the Law.

Please read the article A Religious Revolution prepared by the Soka Spirit Committee in the 20 June World Tribune.