REFLECTIONS - SPECIAL EDITION
an e-journal for SGI-USA members

Issue 8 - May 17, 2001

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If you wish to subscribe to Reflections, please send a blank email
message to:
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IN THIS ISSUE:

-- Editors' notes
-- SGI-USA Memo PLN-030
-- About this e-journal - subscribe/unsubscribe - disclaimer

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Editors' notes

-- In this special edition we are publishing a memo distributed by
the SGI-USA which addresses issues regarding Gohonzon distribution,
and the Independent Reassessment Group (IRG). The memo addresses
some issues which have previously been discussed in Reflections, and
because it also mentions Reflections, we are publishing our comments
about that portion of the memo.

-- We have received several queries regarding the authorship of the
article titled "Beyond Nichiren Shoshu" in Issue 7. We apologize for
any confusion. The article was a collaborative effort by the
Reflections editors. In the future, we will be sure to say so when
this is the case.

-- You may view previous issues of Reflections by going to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Reflections_e-journal

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Reflections and the IRG

In the memo (below), the SGI-USA has included Reflections in
its "points to keep in mind" regarding the IRG, giving the impression
that Reflections is an IRG publication. It is not. The memo says
this:

"-- IRG members have now started promoting an e-mail newsletter
called Reflections, which to this point has offered only mild
opposition to the SGI's direction. Because Reflections presents
itself as "an e-journal for SGI-USA members," many members across the
country have been confused as to whether Reflections is an official
journal of the SGI-USA. It is not. "

While it may be the case that members of the Independent Reassessment
Group (IRG) individually support or promote Reflections, this e-mail
newsletter is not now, nor has it ever been, a vehicle for or of the
IRG. The Reflections Editorial Committee consists of nine SGI-USA
members who met during dialogue on the IRG discussion board. Of
these nine, only three are members of the IRG.

The purpose of Reflections, since its inception, has been to provide
an open forum for discussion of any and all issues of concern and/or
interest to the SGI-USA membership - an opportunity not currently
afforded by any publication officially sanctioned by SGI-USA. Our
intention is to provide a forum where members can freely say what
they believe needs to be said, whether or not it complies with
official SGI policy.

Memo PLN-030 below seems to imply that there is something inherently
wrong with disagreement with SGI policy. We disagree with this
stance, as we believe the 1990 guidance issued by President Ikeda
implores us to return to the fundamental ideals of our country's
founding. In 1990 President Ikeda said: "People of faith should
strive to become outstanding citizens of their respective countries.
There is no need for you to try to imitate others or force yourself
into following any specific pattern of behavior." (ST, 03/90, p. 28)

More particularly, we believe it necessary to dispel the illusion
that SGI-USA is a monolithic community of believers. The officially
sanctioned publications (World Tribune & Living Buddhism, and the
Justice Chronicle on line) generally reflect one particular point of
view. SGI-USA, however, represents a continuum of thought and
intellect reflecting the diversity of America. We do not always
agree, yet it is this very diversity that makes SGI-USA such a
remarkable organization.

According to President Ikeda, "It is important for leaders to be fair
and impartial and to hear out opinions that differ from their own.
Having the broad-mindedness to consider others' views will win you
the respect of your juniors. If you have the humility to treasure
members who offer good suggestions, you will be able to raise many
capable people. By giving sincere consideration to diverse opinions,
you can develop a broad, flexible outlook and make stable progress."
(ST, 03/90, p. 49)

Further, he states, "I would like to emphasize the importance of
fostering an atmosphere where members feel free to speak their minds
to leaders and say what they feel has to be said - for we are all
equally good friends (zenchishiki) who are dedicated to the same
cause. Buddhism teaches that, 'He [who is willing to reprimand and
correct the offender] makes it possible for the offender to rid
himself of evil, and thus he acts like a parent to the offender'
(MWND, Vol. 2, p. 211-12). From the standpoint of faith, to keep
silent when one sees something amiss is tantamount to lacking mercy.
Although to criticize and censure someone out of petty emotionalism
is of course incorrect, it is necessary that constructive and
valuable opinions be aired. If a leader is broad-minded enough to
listen with a sense of appreciation, both he and the person sharing
his views can expand their state of life." (ST, 03/90, p. 51)

It is our hope that this 1990 guidance is indeed the standard by
which SGI-USA operates. We believe this guidance suggests a
reciprocal relationship among members to support each other. The
recent memo challenges that hope; however, we believe that
maintaining an open dialogue and discussion about issues of concern
to our diverse membership will only serve to promote the growth and
renewal of the SGI-USA organization.

While we are saddened by the innuendo in this memo, we are not
deterred from our fundamental purpose. We will continue to welcome
the participation of any and all members in the 'pages' of
Reflections, even those with whom we disagree. We are and will
remain an 'unofficial' open forum.

We hope that SGI-USA will reconsider its stance concerning
Reflections. If it does not, then we suggest that the SGI-USA find a
way to provide a similar venue for the exchange and discussion of
diverse ideas.

Regarding any confusion about the unofficial status of Reflections,
our invitation letter contains this statement:

"Reflections is not authorized or sanctioned by any official Soka
Gakkai International organization and/or any affiliated
organizations."

Our disclaimer contains similar language. There should be no
confusion.

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MEMO: PLN-030 - April 30, 2001

TO: All Region, Zones and Office Managers

DISTRIBUTE TO: All SGI-USA Members

FROM: SGI-USA Member Services Center

SUBJECT: Distribution of Gohonzon and Statement about the IRG
___________________________________

It is hoped that the following memo will help all SGI-USA leaders
share a correct understanding about the distribution of Gohonzon and
about the Independent Reassessment Group (IRG).

If you have any questions, please contact Margie Hall at the Member
Services Center at (310) 260-8933 or via e-mail at mhall@....
___________________________________

Heritage of Faith Is Key to Bestowal of Gohonzon

In recent months, some SGI-USA members have received or distributed
reproductions of Gohonzon from various sources, including Internet
sites. Some have also scanned these Gohonzon, including the Nichikan-
and Nikken-transcribed Gohonzon, and uploaded them to their own Web
sites.

While Internet distribution of the Gohonzon is a fairly recent
development, Gohonzon from several Nichiren sects have been available
in Japan for decades. Since before second Soka Gakkai President Josei
Toda's time and continuing today, many of these sects have sold
Gohonzon at their temples. These groups do not respect the Gohonzon
as the ultimate object of devotion in the Latter Day of the Law but
rather view the Gohonzon merely as a good luck charm of sorts that
can be commercially sold.

In the United States, we have had little opportunity to encounter
these various Nichiren schools, though some of their supporters have
now become active on the Internet. In Japan, however, Soka Gakkai
members have witnessed a stark contrast between the advancement of
the SGI and these other groups and between the benefit of their
respective followers. Because these groups mostly descend from
the "five senior priests," who betrayed the Daishonin and his
teachings soon after his death, they therefore misinterpret the
Daishonin's Buddhism, and their followers misunderstand the
Daishonin's intent. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that any Soka
Gakkai member would receive or pray to a Gohonzon from such sources-
even if it were a replica of a Gohonzon inscribed in the Daishonin's
own hand.

The Daishonin himself very carefully chose those believers for whom
he inscribed and
conferred the Gohonzon. "Faith like yours is so extremely rare that I
will inscribe the treasure tower [Gohonzon] especially for you," he
wrote his disciple Abutsu-bo, "You must never transfer it to anyone
but your son. You must never show it to others unless they have
steadfast faith. This is the reason for my advent in this world" (The
Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 300). In "Reply to Niiama," he
writes, "Because your resolve does not seem to wane, I will give you
the Gohonzon (WND, 469).

The Daishonin granted the Gohonzon only to those who demonstrated a
high degree of commitment. His successor, Nikko Shonin, also
maintained this strictness. The Daishonin's community of believers
understood that such strictness was an expression of his compassion.
To save people from slandering the Gohonzon by taking it lightly, the
Daishonin did not want to give it to people unaware of its deep
significance.

Today, the SGI has accepted the responsibility to confer the Gohonzon
in this strict and compassionate spirit. As part of this body of
believers dedicated to fulfilling the Daishonin's will, each of us
share in that responsibility.

When it comes to matters concerning the Gohonzon, faith is most
important. As Nichiren Daishonin states: "Never seek this Gohonzon
outside yourself.... This Gohonzon also is found only in the two
characters for faith" (WND, 832). For us, this means the heritage of
faith we share as members of the SGI. The Daishonin describes this
heritage in part as unity. "All disciples and lay supporters of
Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in
body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves
to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim,"
he writes. "This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal
transmission of the ultimate Law of life and death. Herein lies the
true goal of Nichiren's propagation. When you are so united, even the
great desire for widespread propagation can be fulfilled. But if any
of Nichiren's disciples disrupt the unity of many in body but one in
mind, they would be like warriors who destroy their own castle from
within." (WND, 217)

The Gohonzon that we pray to together is, in one sense, a focal point
for the unity the Daishonin is referring to.

As SGI members, we honor, support and share in the responsibility to
protect and propagate the Gohonzon and correct faith in it. As the
most responsible and diverse group of believers in Nichiren
Daishonin's Buddhism, we have spread his teachings to 163 countries
and territories; we have made his writings and other study materials
widely available; we have built community centers throughout the
world-all carried out in the spirit of realizing the Daishonin's will
for kosen-rufu, the eternal happiness and security of humanity. This
proves that the SGI possesses the heritage of faith. No other body of
Buddhist practitioners today is doing so.

Other groups or interests engaged in distributing Gohonzon fail to
regard the Gohonzon with the spirit and faith the Daishonin intended.
To receive or distribute the Gohonzon from such sources is tantamount
to supporting their misconceptions. To do so would only create
confusion and disharmony within the SGI's community of believers and
thus may serve to undermine one's own faith and that of others.

Therefore, out of reverence for the Gohonzon and concern for the
happiness of those who receive it, SGI-USA wishes to clarify that it
supports the conferral of Gohonzon only as done within the SGI, the
correct body of believers upholding the Daishonin's teachings today.
We do not support or condone the distribution, receipt or
reproduction of any Gohonzon in any other manner.
___________________________________

It is hoped that the following will help all SGI-USA leaders share a
correct understanding about the Independent Reassessment Group (IRG).

SGI-USA's Statement on the Independent Reassessment Group (IRG)

Many SGI-USA members have been asking about the activities of the
Independent Reassessment Group, which has stated its intention
to "help our organization to continue its development." SGI-USA
always welcomes dialogue, and always strives to improve the
organization, but here are some points to keep in mind regarding the
IRG:

-- In recent months, the IRG, which maintains its own web site and
message board, has been highly critical of the SGI leadership. It
has opposed several core positions and policies that are based on the
Daishonin's writings. Here are some examples: IRG members have
argued that the mentor-and-disciple relationship is not part of the
Daishonin's Buddhism and that the SGI is a cult of personality; that
refuting erroneous teachings has no basis in the Daishonin's
writings; and that anyone who wants to can distribute or create
Gohonzon.

Essentially, the IRG is offering views that go against the SGI and
the Daishonin's teachings.

-- The IRG has seven official members but a large number of people
have participated in the wide-ranging dialogue sponsored on its
message board, including SGI-USA members, Minobu sect members, and so-
called "independents" (people who say they are practicing the
Daishonin's Buddhism on their own).

-- IRG members have now started promoting an e-mail newsletter called
Reflections, which to this point has offered only mild opposition to
the SGI's direction. Because Reflections presents itself as "an e-
journal for SGI-USA members," many members across the country have
been confused as to whether Reflections is an official journal of the
SGI-USA.

It is not.

-- The Independent Reassessment Group is not an officially recognized
part of the SGI-USA organization. Many of the positions it promotes
deviate from or contradict Nichiren Daishonin's teachings and the
policies of the SGI-USA. For this reason, promotion of the IRG's
activities is unacceptable at SGI-USA activities.

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For those interested in more information on the IRG and responses to
that portion of Memo PLN-030, you may go to: http://daimoku.com/memo4-
30-01.html

You may also view the Memo and further comments at:
http://BuddhaJones.com

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About this e-journal - subscribe/unsubscribe - disclaimer

Reflections is an e-journal for SGI-USA members and interested
others. Reflections seeks to publish opinions and perspectives from
many sources, and strives to provide a forum where a variety of views
and information on issues affecting the SGI-USA organization may be
fairly presented, deliberated and evaluated. Reflections is offered
with the hope that it may be useful in advancing our organization's
mission as the great vehicle for the wide spread of Nichiren
Daishonin's Buddhism in the United States of America.

Reflections is not authorized or sanctioned by any official Soka
Gakkai International organization and/or any affiliated
organizations.

This e-journal is published by the Reflections editorial committee,
SGI-USA members who are (in alphabetical order): Giorgio Baroni, Las
Vegas; Lynda Caine-Barrett, Houston; Mick Gregory, Indianapolis; Andy
Hanlen, Spain (returning to Long Beach, CA in summer of 2001), Dana
Hanlen, same as Andy; Jeff Jones, Miami; Norman McCormick,
Indianapolis; John Nicks, Phoenix; Dee Sutliffe, Niagara Falls

Please submit your comments, suggestions, questions, articles and
experiences to:
Reflections_editors@yahoogroups.com

Reflections welcomes all submittals, including but not limited to:

-- Organizational structure, leadership, policy, financial matters
-- Temple Issue, Soka Spirit, propagation issues
-- Study, Gosho, Lotus Sutra, doctrinal issues
-- Local challenges, personal experiences

The length of each submission should be 1000 words or less. If longer
items are submitted, they may be considered for serialization in two
or more issues, and should be structured accordingly (see disclaimer
for details).

Republication rights are freely granted. We encourage members to
forward, print, copy, fax and distribute Reflections to other members
(see disclaimer for details).
____________________________________________

If you have friends on line who are interested in Buddhism and would
like us to send them an invitation to subscribe to Reflections,
please provide us their email address by sending a message to:
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To view Reflections' archives please go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Reflections_e-journal

To view Reflections' disclaimer statement please go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Reflections_e-
journal/files/Disclaimer.txt

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END OF REFLECTIONS ISSUE 8

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