UPDATED 5th January 2015
In response to my post "CULT vs SGI", Mark (Buku) posted a list of thirteen reasons why the SGI is a destructive cult by definition (see Cult vs SGI - Part 2). I responded to these at Cult vs SGI - Part 3 and this page originally had links to Mark's responses to the first four of these points.Around June 2013 Mark deleted his old pro-Kempon Hokke blog, launching his Eagle Peak Blog, which is still predominantly anti-SGI, and explained why he left the Kempon Hokke. Unfortunately, this meant that the links on this page were now dead.
Since then I have updated this page a few times with explanatory footnotes to explain why the links were dead as well as an ongoing commentary on Mark's lack of response to the final eight points despite him having mentioned in a comment in June 2012 that he would do so, and returning to this page to leave comments in September 2013 and January 2014. It wasn't until five months ago, on 31 July 2014, that Mark finally reposted the first four points and responded to points 5 to 13.
Today, having noticed that this page is currently "trending" in my list of popular posts, I have decided to tidy it all up, deleting all of the dead links, updates and footnotes, and clearly marking below the links that respond to all of Mark's 13 responses. Please enjoy ...
Mark responds to point 1
Mark responds to point 2
Mark responds to point 3
Mark responds to point 4
Mark responds to points 5 & 6
Mark responds to points 7, 8 & 9
Mark responds to points 10 & 11
Mark responds to points 12 & 13
Mark's concluding words
Since you have posted your comments to my short Esssay, the Soka Gakkai is a Destructive Cult by Definition, Alan, I will continue with points 5-13. I believed that when you failed to reply to my rebuttals of your points 1-4 that the matter was closed. Apparently not.
ReplyDeleteAre you two sure that this dialogue is actually achieving anything at all? I just received a couple of comments from Buku (presumably) on buddhastate.com - I'll approve them. I am not sure where this will lead... Robin, I think you are on a hiding to nothing. My own opinion of the SGI's view of Nichiren as the original Buddha, and the veneration of Ikeda is somewhat fringe, but I remain a member.
ReplyDeleteSteve: The SGI does not view Nichiren as the "original" Buddha. There is no "original" buddha. In fact, there have been unlimited numbers of past Bddhas and future Budhas...as you, youself, are a potential Buddha...yes? Let us clarify: Nikko acknowledged Nichiren as the lord of teachings in the Latter Day of the Law while viewing Shakyamuni as the lord of teachings in the Former and Middle Days of the Law.
ReplyDeleteWho cares how SGI or even Nikko views Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Daishonin? How does the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin view Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren? The Lotus Sutra and the authentic writings of Nichiren Daishonin are the ultimate authorities. As a side note, Nikko never made such a distinction, only the Soka Gakkai. You are welcome to debate this issue on my blog. I will post the Lotus Sutra's and Nichiren Daishonin's view of Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren and you may post the Soka Gakkai's view and we can let the reader determine whose view is correct.
ReplyDeletehttp://markrogow.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWell Mark...to be honest, who cares, at least I do not, what your interpretation of the Daishonin's view of Shakyamuni is? Or...why would I be interested in what your blog has to say about your view of the Lotus Sutra? And...how is your blathering even germane to my response to Steve? Are you something of a Text expert, a priest or are you just trolling?
ReplyDeleteMark...you are so arrogant. I would like to think that you come to this site, because, subconsciously, you really do seek answers from the SGI perspective. Thus, I would like to think you are looking for truth instead of being the dreaded enenmy of the votaries of the Lotus Sutra. Daimoku for your seeking.
ReplyDeleteIn “Encouraging Devotion,” the 13th chapter of the Lotus Sutra,
Shakyamuni describes three types of people who will persecute
and try to stop the sutra’s votaries from spreading its teachings
(see The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras,
pp. 232–34). These are: 1) arrogant lay people; (2) arrogant priests;
and (3) arrogant false sages who conspire with secular authorities
to persecute the sutra’s votaries. The common thread among these
“three powerful enemies” is arrogance—their belief that they are
better than others.
Common factor here is: Arrogance...ch?
The enemies of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Daishonin, those who alter his teachings and insert their own biases are those who should be afraid. Very afraid. You have been warned.
ReplyDeleteAh...again I see that you fall under: (2) arrogant lay people who will persecute and try to stop the sutra's votaries (read SGI members). Not creating very good karma now, are you Mark? Tsk, tsk, such an unhappy doom and gloomer kind of guy. I will chant daimoku for you and others whom you might have tainted.
ReplyDeleteThose who oppose the votaries of the Ikeda sutra gain fortune from ten thousand miles afar. They are known as the disciples and believers of Nichiren.
ReplyDelete