Kosenrufu Gongyo, World Peace Prayer, was held today at the DC Community Center. The agenda was predictable – experiences, chorus, readings, etc.
Some of the speakers apparently think that yelling as loud as possible is the same thing as enthusiasm. My ears still hurt.
The theme was Mentor and Disciple. This is a concept the SGI has been trying to shove down our throats for years. The constant barrage of M & D speeches might indicate that the campaign to instill this in the general membership has not been a great success. The gist of it is that we, as practitioners of Nichiren’s Buddhism, should revere SGI President Ikeda as out mentor in matters of religious practice. This is ok, I think, until it becomes a tool to influence the members to follow the SGI-USA plan of action. There’s no leadership or mentoring there, just encouragement to follow without thinking. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the authoritarianism of the preSGI organization, NSA (Nichiren Shoshu of America).
Another concept being talked about, dialog, gets a lot of lip service. but there’s not much room for dissent in SGI-USA. You follow or you don’t. Nobody really cares.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Nikken Quits!
From the World Tribune, January 13, 2006:
“On Dec 15, 2005, Nikken Abe stepped down from his position as the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu. His tenure as high priest will be remembered mostly for his antagonism toward the lay believers of the SGI, culminating with the demand that the organization disband and the excommunication of millions of members.
In Nikken’s place, Nichinyo Hayase has become the new high priest. The priesthood also recently appointed Gyoyu Urushibata as their new overseas bureau chief, and he has been visiting branch temples overseas.
The SGI will expand its network of truth and justice even further by continuing to refute the erroneous teachings of the priesthood. While Nichiren Shoshu seeks to control its followers through the authority of the cloth, the SGI will challenge its claim that “priests are above lay believers”.”
“On Dec 15, 2005, Nikken Abe stepped down from his position as the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu. His tenure as high priest will be remembered mostly for his antagonism toward the lay believers of the SGI, culminating with the demand that the organization disband and the excommunication of millions of members.
In Nikken’s place, Nichinyo Hayase has become the new high priest. The priesthood also recently appointed Gyoyu Urushibata as their new overseas bureau chief, and he has been visiting branch temples overseas.
The SGI will expand its network of truth and justice even further by continuing to refute the erroneous teachings of the priesthood. While Nichiren Shoshu seeks to control its followers through the authority of the cloth, the SGI will challenge its claim that “priests are above lay believers”.”
Monday, January 30, 2006
Leadership in the SGI
The SGI-USA has announced the commencement of a series of leadership seminars to take place on a bi-monthly basis during 2006 with a Leadership Certification Review for district chiefs in February 2007. Chapter leaders are welcome to participate but are not required to take the certification review. Too bad, some of them really need it. There will also be 4 general lectures for leaders throughout the year – the first was 29 Jan.
In a message about the importance of the district, General Director Nagashima wrote, “I believe district leadership is the most important responsibility in our SGI-USA organization.” (WT 13 Jan 2006 pullout). Do tell! I see my district chief maybe two or three times a year. He always has more important things to do. He’ll probably benefit greatly from the leadership series – if he has tine to attend.
In a message about the importance of the district, General Director Nagashima wrote, “I believe district leadership is the most important responsibility in our SGI-USA organization.” (WT 13 Jan 2006 pullout). Do tell! I see my district chief maybe two or three times a year. He always has more important things to do. He’ll probably benefit greatly from the leadership series – if he has tine to attend.