Daisaku Ikeda and the Dalai Lama

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Permalink Reply by cosmiclocksmith on June 9, 2008 at 11:15am

Also, just an additional comment on the Dalai Lama. While we seek not to attach ourselves to any one "aspect" of the ten worlds , the chapter concerning the "Universal Gate of World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva" illustrates the primary 'aspect' or 'characteristic' that the Dalai Lama is meant to manifest and, by extension, that we all can manifest by standing side by side with this great leader of compassion.

Permalink Reply by Linda on June 11, 2008 at 2:36pm

Okay, isn't it correct that Nichiren stated that by embracing the Lotus Sutra that the Lotus Sutra encompasses all teachings? Right. But does that mean deliberately turning our backs on other Buddhisms or other teachings. Certainly in Nichiren's time, he was facing the corruption of greed and government with other various Buddhisms and thier priests. He HAD to stand his ground. That was the times. Aren't we supposed to practice according to the times and country we live in? For us today, that is doing shakubuku as best we can.

I like the spirit of respecting the buddha nature in each and every person on the planet whether they manifest it or not. Certainly, the Dali Lama has studied Buddhism much more than say, George Bush right? But then George Bush met the Dali Lami, and certainly it maybe got GWB to "think" about Buddhism. Even if it wasn't the Lotus Sutra specifically.

I like historical Buddhism and I think Tibet falls under that category. I don't like for instance, Zen, because of "detachment" and it distorts the true teachings. I also don't like Baptism and Evangelicals which have nothing to do with Buddhism. But, each person, each human being still possesses a Buddha nature. So wouldn't it be befitting to say, "The enlightened buddha in me, respects and bows to the enlightened buddha in you" and you could add, "even if you don't acknowledge that condition in yourself and others."

Anyway, I don't want to ramble on, but I like the Dali Lama. I don't have a problem with him. I do have a problem with Billy Graham and evangelicals and their connections to politicians in the U.S. I do have a problem with the confusion Zen causes to people about Buddhism, but I think Tibetian Buddhism is more of an orthodox Buddhism while Zen is not. I also have a problem with the Nichiren Shoshu priests especially Nikken because of his blatent disregard for the precious members and Nichiren Daishonin himself. He is like the taliban of Buddhism, oppressive and restrictive saying that only through him can people attain enlightenment. Quite frankly I have never heard the Dali Lama even say something weird like that. He's very open and friendly, not like Nikken.

I think the Chinese oppressive occupation of Tibet is a function of the devil of the sixth heaven and perhaps it is happening to bring people's attention to Buddhism even if it isn't the Lotus Sutra. And maybe yes, it is a sign that it is an incorrect or imcomplete teaching as well.

I also very much am interested in the Giant Buddha's in Afganistan, even though they weren't from Nichiren or the Lotus Sutra. Historic Buddhism I feel does have it's place, but I think it important to understand the subtle differences between the Buddhisms. Nichiren does explain these subtlities, and if my mind was perfect, I could quote you on it.

As far as a meeting between Daisaku Ikeda and the Dali Lama, I haven't ever heard of one although I would bet that President Ikeda would be open to it as he has met and made friends with so many dignitaries. It would be quite cool if the Dali Lama could chant.

Permalink Reply by cosmiclocksmith on June 12, 2008 at 6:40am

Linda,

Great stuff. Although I know this meeting occurs every time we chant, I know that the mundane, physical meeting of these two great humanitarian leaders will also happen in time as our these matters accelerate and kosen-rufu grows and the , excuse the playful expression, 'karma markets' reach their equilibrium. When it looks as though the obstacles are insurmountable, this will be a victory for everybody.

As for the Dalai Lama and the Lotus Sutra, I can tell you that while it might not be readily expounded upon in his particular 'school' or lineage, the Lotus Sutra is , was, and will be the ultimate means for victory going forward in life and death. He does chant the mantra. The one major difference and mis-understanding(especially about this particular Dalai Lama) is that because , through this particular 'tulku" transmission and lineage requires the lama to perfect one purpose it is incorrectly viewed as a "superiority" rather than correctly viewed as an artistry. The purpose is the very specific ability to transmit the 'essence' in the physical or mundane environment. It is surely limiting and puts much constraint on the Dalai Lama, but this is his purpose, just as it is our purpose to not limit ourselves and choose to be what we want in this life and the next. What is revolutionary about this particular incarnation is his willingness and openess to expound the teachings for happiness and world peace. Surely, there are those in Tibet and in his "school" and other schools who slander him for it. What is most absurd and slanderous to me about the Chinese relationship to the Tibetan people is best reflected in the following:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2194682.ece

Permalink Reply by Linda on June 12, 2008 at 10:36am

Yes it can be very confusing and I think this is such an important discussion. I am so glad you are a bit more "scholarly" in your post, and certainly this particular Dalai Lama is very popular among the say "more liberal crowd" on the planet. I get your point about his being open to happiness in this world. I am sure that is what makes him more appealing to people without knowing the "guts" of the actual philosophy. I think what you said above, "it is our purpose to not limit ourselves and choose to be what we want in this life and the next" is the most important point and that should not be overlooked. To have a "superior" person or saint that stands between you and you experiencing actual enlightenment is limiting. And that brings us back to the gosho, "On Attaining Enlightenment" as looking for happiness or enlightenment "outside" yourself is in and of itself an incorrect teaching. So for a priest to be the "only one who can transmit the law" or in the Dalai Lama's case, the requirement of a "lama" to transmit the teachings of the Buddha is exactly what Nichiren admonishes us about in that gosho.

Wow. I didn't know I had that in me. Now please everyone, go to my blog as I am posting the theme song to your fundamental darkness. L, L

Permalink Reply by cosmiclocksmith on June 12, 2008 at 10:57am

Linda,

Yes, agreed, and what's most interesting is that the Dalai Lama is essentially saying the same thing as Nichiren, but as his current primary aspect is "compassion" or his assumed karmic role (perhaps his previous incarnations were very power hungry) so that he would not turn one away from honoring him. Essentially, he cares deeply for the cultural identity of his peoples and the tradition of his peoples as much as his buddha-nature cares for 'kosen rufu'. This struggle, the struggle for cultural identity amongst the 'scorched earth' policies of the Communist Party (I'm a bit of a Marxist as well, but these guys are, well, extremely confused) is a most difficult one that could have easily turned bloody long ago.

In any case, good discussion here.

peace

Permalink Reply by Ms. Tunstall on June 15, 2008 at 8:28pm

I dont think there have ever being a dialogue between the two. If there is not books or essays then it is likely it has not happen. I truely believe it would not be a good idea because it might confuse humanity about the true buddhism. I say that because the Dalai Lama represent a different fellowing and teaching and people may mix other teachings with Nichiren's Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra is the king of all Sutras...

Permalink Reply by cosmiclocksmith on June 16, 2008 at 6:10am

Ms. Tunstall,

Hmmm....I would just say that regardless of the specific sutra that we uphold, the Dalai Lama turns the dharma wheel with great strength, conviction, and faith. Outside of the fact that the words are different, the Vajrayana practice is a part of the Great Vehicle with the intention of revealing the innate buddha-nature in everyone who wishes to follow this path. Yet, even outside of whether we feel it is the inccorrect or correct path, when the voice of struggle against injustice and the need for compassion in our daily lives is heard, like the interlocking gears of some wonderful mechanism, the wheels turn in unison towards the common goal of the wonderful Law of the Lotus Sutra.

peace


Also, thanks for the opportunity to have a discussion.debate on this topic Charlie. Let's remember that we're all putting our faith in the Great Vehicle and we should study all teachings to better understand our actions and the teaching we choose to uphold.

Permalink Reply by John Haydon on June 16, 2008 at 5:40am

I have never heard of any dialogues either. However, that does not mean that President Ikeda and the Dalai Lama wouldn't be able to have a great dialogue!

Permalink Reply by Charlie Ulyatt on June 16, 2008 at 6:13am

Hi all .. have decided to close this post now as the time has past and I'd rather people focus on Nichiren Buddhism than Tibetan buddhism .. sorry if you disagree wityh me but we are here as Nichiren Buddhists thanks for all the posts

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