Because it's Japanese Buddhism

Two words can answer this question: Why is Soka Gakkai's* version of Nichiren's Buddhism so popular in Japan? Because it's:

Japanese

Buddhism

My emphasis on the first word is entirely intentional – and accurate. Out of the 12 million SGI members worldwide, 10 million live in Japan. By the way, those two numbers are the same as I heard back in the heady days of the early '70s, when SGI thought it was going to lead the world to the Promised Land.

That didn't happen. What did happen was early, explosive growth in post-war Japan due to the efforts of two charismatic leaders – Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda. And their success was completely understandable. The Japanese militarists were thoroughly discredited – Japan, much like other societies, hates losers. I'm sure the ordinary Japanese citizen at the time duly noted that their puffed-up military brass didn't commit hara-kiri when they lost. Even though their earlier rhetoric extolled the virtues of the samurai ethic.

And when the United States became the world's first nuclear terrorist by dropping two atomic bombs in Japan, those same ordinary citizens became acquainted with the western concept of hell fire. It's not surprising, then, that a good number of these citizens converted to Christianity. That's a pity, since it's always a mistake to embrace the “might is right” philosophy.

The SGI's major error was in failing to de-Japanese their movement. Their silent prayers bear ample testimony to this failure – members are asked to offer prayers of gratitude to six people – all Japanese:

The first three of the temple's high priests (who lived in the 13^th and 14^th centuries) and the three presidents of the SGI lay organization (who were alive when World War II broke out).

I especially object to the inclusion of the currently living SGI president. There seems to be something very premature in offering eternal gratitude to someone who is still alive and can therefore still fall into evil ways. But more importantly, I have to ask: Where is there any prayer expressing appreciation for Shakyamuni Buddha who had given the world the Lotus Sutra*, Buddhism's highest teaching? Even the founder of the SGI's religion – Nichiren Daishonin – agreed with that and identified himself as a disciple of Shakyamuni.

And yet, no prayers of gratitude go to that Indian prince of antiquity, who gave up his throne to save the world. Maybe because he wasn't JAPANESE? I really hope that's not the reason, though it might explain the SGI's odd abandonment of the Lotus Sutra. On the one hand, they have their members chant “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo,” calling the chant the fundamental law of the universe which can be used to tap into one's buddha nature.

It's ironic, though, that all these chanters are repeating, over and over again, is, “I devote myself to the Lotus Sutra.” That's the literal definition of NMRK. How can they claim to devote themselves to the Lotus and yet fail to read, study, ponder it, and teach it to others – as Shakyamuni himself defined as Buddhism's highest practice?

Instead, SGI members are taught to read the writings of the founding monk Nichiren Daishonin, who declared that he was not a buddha though SGI claims he is. Back in the 70's, I remember SGI-USA's Young Men's Division members being encouraged to memorize one of President Ikeda's poems. Why not, instead, memorize a short section of the Lotus Sutra, with each member being encouraged to select a section based on his own preferences?

But, no. Daisaku Ikeda fancied himself a poet and, being in charge, was in a position to “suggest” - “Why don't you memorize my poem?” He was also in a position to “suggest” to legions of Japanese housewives - “Why don't you stand on street corners and sell my newspaper?” And they did, because they thought they were putting out a good cause in the name of faith. Perhaps so, but today Daisaku Ikeda is a very wealthy man due in part to their efforts. As for those women? Not so much wealth for them.

So we have Daisaku Ikeda on the one hand who amasses great material wealth and who makes a showy spectacle of hobnobbing with world leaders and cadging honorary doctoral degrees from an obscene number of the world's universities. On the other hand, we have Shakyamuni Buddha, a prince who gave up his wealth and kingdom and abandoned any lust for worldly glory.

And worse? Nowhere in the SGI's silent prayers are members encouraged to pray for the attainment of enlightenment for themselves or for others. The SGI is profoundly guilty of dumbing down Buddhism because they're actually afraid of members who might stop swallowing SGI's oversimplifications once they start making serious spiritual progress. And then they might start questioning the leadership – heaven forbid.

Based upon these concerns, I established the Virtual Samgha of the Lotus Sutra. There is no organizational structure in this Samgha. No membership lists, no dues, no requests for donations, no 501c(3) status, no hierarchy, no temple or other property, no dress code, and no commandments other than to read, recite, ponder, and preach the Lotus Sutra. As for taking action to promote Buddhism within the larger society, I'm open to suggestions and I'll make suggestions, especially within the posts on this blog. As for the worthiness of any suggestions, we should leave that to our own enlightened nature to determine.

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Steven Searle, just another member of the

Virtual Samgha of the Lotus Sutra and

former candidate for USA president (in 2008 & 2012)

Contact me at bpa_cinc@yahoo.com

Footnotes:

Soka Gakkai's* - SGI-USA refers to the part of the Soka Gakka International (SGI) based in the United States. Though headquartered in Japan, this international organization has branches in many of the world's nations.

Lotus Sutra* - The Lotus Sutra is traditionally considered to consist of, broadly speaking, three sutras – the Opening Sutra (“Immeasurable Meanings”), the Lotus Sutra, and the Closing Sutra (“Universal Worthy”). These consist of about 400 pages in English, with the Lotus being by far the longest. It takes me about 35 days to recite all three. I've recited the Lotus over 150 times, but have included the other two sutras about two years ago.