Why does there seem to be a certain emphasis on adoration of Pres. Ikeda?

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Permalink Reply by Kanani on May 20, 2008 at 9:14am

Oh my goodness, I haven't heard ZANGE in such a long time... we of the "old tradition" used to do it every evening to cover our daily mistakes...Good comment. k

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Permalink Reply by Bodhisattva of the Earth on May 13, 2008 at 1:13pm

Hello Henry,
Thank you so much for this topic.
I also felt the same way at one point of my practice. To be honest with you I have a personal connection to Nichiren Daishonin, any time a read a Gosho is like he wrote is for me. :).
In regards to the Monthly the Videos of sensai some times they are encouraging other times I do not get much from them.
Finally the leaders: I received guidance a while ago because I felt one of my leaders used any/every opportunity to chastised me, I was told this Individual/ leader that does this to me needs some Guidance of their own; and It would be helpful to get the guidance together to discuss mutual behavior.
The fact that this person is a leader doesn't mean he/she is correct all the time.
Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Henry Gonzales on May 13, 2008 at 1:31pm

Thank you Edilma, your comments are helpful. This site has been very helpful to me, anyway I've chanted about this and I continue in my practice, what is important, is the great benefit we get from chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. It never fails to amaze me how this practice has helped me over the years. You have a great day.

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Permalink Reply by Linda on May 13, 2008 at 2:56pm

I joined in 1974 and was in the Fife and Drum Corp. My YWD Group leader went on and on about President Ikeda. I performed in Hawaii at the convention in 1975 and saw him for the first time. I was on the beach near the viewing stand where he was sitting. I took his picture. It seemed he saw me and he bowed to me. I didn't know what to do and so I bowed back. He smiled and then said something to Mr. Williams who looked over to me and bowed as well. Since that time, I have had the fortune to see him a few more times. I always observe him bowing in respect to others. He always repects everyone. For me, this is such an important lesson he is teaching me. It's his behavior that I can say sets an example for me. In those moments, he is mentoring me on a faith level that I feel in the depths of my heart. When he is lecturing on the monthly videos it's amazing to me to hear his voice and I do my best to learn from him directly. I feel he is mentoring us in a way that is difficult to describe except that it is our great fortune to be exposed to him through these videos each month. Not everyone can lecture and teach the deep concepts of Nichiren Buddhism. He is remarkable and has an incredible grasp of Buddhist concepts and history as well as many other topics. So I feel that it isn't an unhealthy adoration for Sensei, but rather a seeking mind that is key for us to understand what he is imparting to us. So for me, I sit in appreciation during those monthly videos.

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Permalink Reply by Henry Gonzales on May 13, 2008 at 3:31pm

Interesting insights, I started practicing and received Gohonzon in 1972. I saw him in Denver back in 1996 or 97, anyway, I guess some people are visual oriented. You are right, I am very impressed with his intellect, as I read his interpratations of the Daishonin's writings as well as the Lotus Sutra. His knowledge of history, literature and philosophy is also quite impressive. I believe his most important lesson to all of us is to go forward into the world and exceed his successes, that is what especially the young folk's mission is. That is how we will achieve kosen rufu. In one of the goshos, the Daishonin uses an example about how a poor nieghbor counts his nieghbor's wealth, which won't help the poor neighbor to achieve his own wealth. Appreciate on. What a great place to dialogue, I know I've probably said that on every response.

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Permalink Reply by Kanani on May 20, 2008 at 9:23am

Linda, when I joined in 1982, I was so apprecitative to have an organization such as this. I was elated when I was able to attend the Hawaii convention in 84 (Hawaii is MY home and I hadn't been home is 16 years)... My life condition was so high from chanting many hours of diamoku that when I "saw" Pres Ikeda at the Royal Hawaiian, even though I didn't get to shake his hand or be part of the youth gathering, HE SAW ME.. and when we connected, I knew that I was going to be ok and that all was going to be fine if I just stuck with Nam Myoho Renge Kyo... Then later that evening, I was walking down Kalakaua and a white Limo stopped at the red light, right where I was at... since I was wearing the color of the women's division uniform, when the car stopped, the window were rolled down and there he was; just a few feet in front of me... Mr. Williams and Mr Ikeda acknowledged me and I had them all to myself for about 3 minutes... I cried because I had not felt that warm even around my own biological father... Yes... appreciation and a connection... He has read so many books it is amazing at the people he has met and inspired... I welcome those videos just at the chance of chanting with him and seeing his smile... his love for children and for people puts me in a "united world environment". k

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Permalink Reply by Charu Arun on May 16, 2008 at 2:28am

Hey Henry!
I think its a very good question. What u seem to suggest is not ur own adoration and respect of Sensei,but ur concern of excessive pomp of adoration shown to Sensei.
When I think from members point of view, I think, we tend to be emotional in judging this kind-a issues, coz thru our challenges in life, we have found a deep connection with him.
On the other hand, being rational, I agree, this way we tend to make room for people, who take opportunities in criticizing our mentor.
But, one thing which I remember always, is the fact about the great compassion of our mentor to accept us as we are and the fact that rest assured, he has connected us all to the eternal mentor NMHRK. Nothing matters than the praise we recieve from Shoten Zenjin and our mentors in faith.
Criticism by non-members becomes shallow, then.
Definitely, out of our passion for protecting Gakkai, we must raise such issues and prevent them from going overboard and keeping us out of focus in faith.
Thanks. Please take exceptionally good care!!
LOL!

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Permalink Reply by Henry Gonzales on May 16, 2008 at 10:55am

You are so right on. You hit it on the nail, exactly whaty you say is what I was trying to convey. I don't have a problem in appreciating Sensei, but when it becomes excessive, it has a sense of fanaticism. And yes, it is also abput protecting the Gakkai, because there are many out there who are ready to criticize our organization, we don't need to give them more fuel. You have a wonderful day.

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Permalink Reply by Charu Arun on May 17, 2008 at 2:39am

Thanks Henry!
Atleast I could reach ur heart & understand what you wanted to convey..
Its a very good issue and for sure, 'one' to keep in mind for coming centuries of years ahead & more....
All the very best! LOL!
Deepest regards,
Charun

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Permalink Reply by Henry Gonzales on May 17, 2008 at 10:14am

All the very best to you. This has been a very good and important dialogue. It is nice to connect with members from all over.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Burton on May 17, 2008 at 11:22am

Hi Henry,

I haven't been on in a while so when I saw your question I felt a need to add my "two cents". I think that the question you ask is outstanding and it is something that we as members may need to look at in terms of what our true relationship with Sensei (mentor-disciple) should be. I too have practiced for too many years :) and have had the great fortune of meeting Sensei in the early 80's (Chicago). Most of the posters mentioned most of the points I'd have made though I will repeat one, and that is if any leader made you feel chastened or if you felt forced to stay and watch the video, I'm sure that Sensei himself would not be very happy with that kind of attitude from leaders, I know that here it is strictly on your own accord whether you stay to watch or leave. (Which I have done both and, NEVER been approached). One other thing, the speeches that are a part of the video are also usually published in the WT so if it's some thought there that the video is the only place to get the guidance Sensei is conveying that, of course, would be incorrect. Anyway, the thing I love, to use the term someone else used, is seeing how the "old man" is doing with the understanding that he's not going to be around here too much longer and the one thing that the videos do convey that you can't get from reading the WT version is his playful nature and that everything can be Buddhism. That kind of joy of life, at least for me is something that I was fortunate to see up close and personal and is one of my golden memories that I'll cherish the rest of my life. With all of that in mind It also reminds me that we are all, Pres. Ikeda, in the sense that we are the ones responsible (if we choose to take responsibility) for moving this Buddhism into the 21 Century in the good ole' US of A in a way that Americans can understand. I've only been thru NM once so I can imagine that it might be a little pioneer-ry. Sounds like you have a great mission my friend. Never stop questioning and never stop chanting.

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Permalink Reply by Henry Gonzales on May 18, 2008 at 6:40pm

Thank you very much, it has been enjoyable reading all the various thoughts on the subject. This is why I am an SGI member because we are able to dialogue to make sure we don't deviate from the true path of Nicheren Diashonin's Buddhism. You are also correct that Pres. Ikeda would be the first to raise concerns if leaders were to become over zealous about any aspect of our practice. Buddhism is based on reason and not in blind or unquestioning faith. Thank you for your encouragement, I will never stop chanting and practicing Nicheren Daishonin's Buddhism.

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