Former SGI-USA Leader Denounces Money Collecting Style

[fatzfoxwell]

My experiences in SGI-USA have been very opposite of what is presented in this "video." I have prospered financially and made many breakthroughs in my life with the SGI as my support group. This presentation is from the priesthood that excommunicated SGI in the 1990s and expected them to coming begging back. The result is totally opposite from what they expected.

[psymushy]

I'm a ex-sgi member and the reason I left is because of the the rentthey were charging for a conference in SGI territory in Florida and how daisaku has a big house in there and he never goes there and all build with members money. Plus the whole get members scheme. You gain members by living your life, not recruiting people. I wanna get more info about this shoshu organization

[DrEdFeraco]

To the speak of this video: you did not mind taking our money from the SGI and SGI land for your corrupt temples!

[smiley8525]

Dear Mr MK Sutra, You are simply wasting your time by spreading these false things about SGI, the devil king of the sixth heaven have truly possessed your mind, anyway you may keep on putting such futile efforts but this practice our mentor, Mr. Ikeda has taught to be compassionate towards who are suffering and be strict with people who are spreading false things about this practice(you can refer the Gosho). anyway we, the members of SGI would keep on putting daimoku for your life I pity you!

[swatirajsgi]

SGI is right. got it.

[pualani007]

I owe my life to this practice and everyone that encourages me is my friend not my enemy. This practice has enabled me to be better than I ever thought I could. This is why I contribute. to this cause. I have never been pressured into contributing anything out of guilt, shame, peer pressure, ect. I contribute because I want to; put of appreciation for this wonderful support. People actually care about eachother (selfless) in this practice and this is what I have experienced.

[radicalgnostic9]

I was a member of the Ikeda Soka Gakkai from 1984 to 1996. The fundraising was put in terms like those of the Christian "name it and claim it" groups, if you gave money generously you would generate "good causes". In groups that believe in "jesus" they said the same thing, place your seed ($) and "god" would shower you with blessings. I'm back home with Nichiren Shoshu and am done with this nonsense. Thank you.

[TheSynthZone]

SGI members told my friend that he was using a cursed scroll in his Ghohonzon that he had received from the head priest in 1983. That makes no sense as it was inscribed at the main temple in Japan by the Head priest. They offered to give him a new one...

[FriendofDaishonin]

SGI members deny they worship Ikeda. Let them. I choose to call a spade a spade and if something looks like Ikeda worship, and it feels like Ikeda worship, and the explanations for why it's NOT Ikeda worship just don't seem to logically work out, then it probably IS Ikeda worship. I saved SGI the trouble from denouncing and ex-communicating me, I beat them to the punch and denounced SGI!

[FriendofDaishonin]

Actually, use both Shakabuku and Shoju. I didn't mean down there to never use Shoju, but openly and gleefuly rebuke Christianty. If you don't bypass the mental force field called the Bible you will not get fundamentalist Christians to chant. That is the only way I started. I had to see the contradictions in the Bible. Once the Bible is accepted to be false by the new ex-Christian, then teach them the correct teaching. Do not only use one or only use the other, use both.

[FriendofDaishonin]

If you denounce SGI, chant for about 12 hours to break the emotional attachment to Ikeda and the organization and I personally guarantee it will be one of the best decisions of your life(aside from starting this practice in the first place). Find an organization that upholds the Gosho and the Lotus Sutra, never place a person before the Law.

[FriendofDaishonin]

The only way you will go into lower parts of the Ten Worlds if you denounce SGI is if BECAUSE of your EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT to SGI, YOU REFUSE TO CHANT. If you break that attachment to SGI, and you chant, your happiness will FAR EXCEED anything you got by practicing in SGI. I openly declare this to the world. Don't allow people to lie to you any longer and emotionally blackmail you like Christianity does to people because you are a Buddha.

[FriendofDaishonin]

I also hate this focus on "Buddhist celebrities". Who is Tina Turner? Who is Herbie Hancock? I know who they are but why do I care about them being SGI members? This tactic was used on me and I almost didn't receive a Gohonzon. Venerate the Law not the man. Tom Cruise is a Scientologist but does that make me want to practice Scientology? NO! Shakabuku, don't Shoju. Rebuke slander and honor the Gohonzon, renounce SGI!!!

[FriendofDaishonin]

The thing I find the most disturbing, many SGI members have never read the Lotus sutra. One of the members who got me to join-SHOJU not SHAKABUKU(they didn't refute any erroneous views I had)-kind of funny if Shakabuku is only for "Buddhist" countries when they used Shoju on me(this was in Japan), but one of them rolled his eyes and called the Lotus Sutra a fairy tale. I would NEVER say something like that-THAT IS SLANDERING THE LAW.

[FriendofDaishonin]

Many SGI members wouldn't know the first thing about the fundamentals of Buddhism-WHY this is the true teaching and not just this being the latter day of the law. Many deny that we can break attachments(Nichiren did talk about this). Many follow Ikeda around like a lost puppy dog. Many will NEVER attain elightenment because they suck up to Christianity therefore condoning evil-Pure Land is asian Christianity and Nichiren time and time again refuted it.

[FriendofDaishonin]

Also, even though Christianity slanders the Law, I was disrespected by more SGI leaders than I ever was by people in the church. When I say destroy Christianity I don't mean the people, just this attachment to "God". People are Buddhas, people are to be respected. What I can say with many SGI leaders around in my EXPERIENCE is DRAMA. Enlightenment comes by chanting in front of a Gohonzon, not worshiping Ikeda.

[FriendofDaishonin]

One other thing, there was a leader at a meeting one time before Rock the Era who stood up there and said "if you don't have the money in your account just give a check and chant for the money!" I could have pulled that off but my friend who also left SGI who was new would not have chanted for eight hours. If she had walked away due to her naivity, I would have BLAMED HIM FOR THAT. Denounce SGI and follow Nichiren, rebuke Christianity!!! Destroy Christianity!!!

[FriendofDaishonin]

I am now an Ex-SGI member and I am LOVING it. I have never felt so good and free to chant and be happy! Now I can do what the Gosho says to do and that is to rebuke religions such as Christianity similar to the way that people such as Richard Dawkins does because this is an Atheistic faith. SGI members suck up to Christianity which I have always been offended by as an ex-Christian. I am now a member of the Nichiren Buddhist Association of America and am an open Atheist.

[msakify]

the man who is speaking in the video does not even know how to speak . he is among those kind of people who are ready to say anything if there mouths are filled with some petty dollars. shame on such people.

[msakify]

you will reap negativity for youself and regret a lot one day

[TheCultsbusters]

Whom are you talking about. You guys are also blood-sucking predators, sucking donations from the members before you excommunicated SGI or Gakkai. Nikken was drinking Sake, eating meat, playing with Gesha-girls, wasn't he?  Shame on you liar piests! SGI/GAKKAI/NS are all evils!

[b42baritone]

I've been chanting since 72. I always had problems with how the money was collected. Just like I had problems with the YMD and TCD. To discipline for my likeing. I still love the members I got to know at the Santa Ana community center.  Now I live Glenwood Springs Col.

[dylanesque66]

@thobule No. It is SGI's bad karma to keep making bad causes that do the opposite of Shakabuku.

[throbule]

This of course is just sensationalist nonsense.

The organisation may have many faults, but one does not have to be a member to chant Nam Myoho renge Kyo.

Shakyamuni Buddha said:

"Follow the law, not the man".

And the law is Nam Myoho renge Kyo.

I've been practising for 25 years and have never been happier or more content with life, and chanting elevates my mental, physical and spiritual energy hugely.

Don't listen to these cynics - it is their Karma to have bad experiences.

[newyorkdogred]

the effect is gonna be bad , you are no better then others churches religions gettin paid for the happiness and future of all members and new members nishiren its already piss of f for wut "N.S.A" AND "S.G.I" ITS doin when all you corupted members die your faith will come as to become insects . and the 1 to practices the correct ways for realy peoples and happiness our spirits will be by nishiren sides so keep liyng and feedin yourself with there moneys. cause your faith is coming "aka"1

[newyorkdogred]

just chant to the gohonzo an do manmyohorenge kyo. if wut i say about sgi and nsa is not tru why always rush us to the book stores on kaikan. why a new gohonzo now. al of sudden , why change the way of readin the gongyo now why always world tribune ,and donations people aka leaders gettin paid on kaikan .if i was a leader i wouldnt get paid to help others happiness or help for world peace i will quit , its coruption for all those who gets paid your karma is going backwards cause and effect.

[newyorkdogred]

just chant to the gohonzo and do nam myoho renge kyo and dont forget nishiren daishonin . i being chanting for 35 years , and i think that if yu helpin others for happiness and peace yu should'nt charge no one money instead give.. everything . for free if yu care bout humanbeings on "N.S.A" AND "S.G.I" IS more bout money all this new human revolution books . all this new books comin out on both religions an cults just money on there pockets ,gohonzo and nammyohorengekyo its real ,

[dylanesque66]

Both the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu have the same exact same fallacies, while attacking each other. The SGI claims their President Ikeda is "essential" to SGI members' enlightenment.

Meanwhile, Nichiren Shoshu says all power forvenlightenment and even juzu beads is through the priests, especially Nikken.

These 2 cults are very different from the resl Nichiren DaIshonin, who said to follow The Law, not a person.

[MrJos1979]

The TRUTH is so easy to perceive it is the one that is working for peoples Happiness and Victory not the one that aims to destroy others. If there's one that demonstrate HATRED and DESTRUCTION...that person's organization is EVIL. SGI has numerous honors from around the world. This PROOF is enough to say that SOKKA GAKKAI is a WONDERFUL organization. Members are PEACE lovers.

[lurchutube]

You sound like you're still mad because the SGI exposed your high priest using your money for hookers in Seattle.

Instead of slandering others, why not try to embrace world peace, the gohonzon, and nichiren buddhism.

You ought to take a look at the video(s) on the Sho-Hondo some time. SGI members provided the majority of the financial support for that for the benefit of all Buddhists, and entrusted it to the high priest. Only it was lost, essentially over one man's wordly desires.

[electricrailwaygod]

SGI is a CULT! ...At least they act like one! Even here on YouTube, about 75% of their clips coments are moderated (hence "pending approval") This "democracy" that the Gakkai touts? To censor dessent is a sign of fascism! Is "World Peace, Disarmament, World Citizenship" that they tout? I am an ex.SGI member myself, I KNOW how they operate! The are a brainwashing cult targeting mainly YOUTH (40-)! This is an insult to NICHIREN the Daishonin himself! BTW their "gohonzons" are made in Malaysia!

[lionessqueen9]

How is it that so much energy is spent on being negative? Go chant about something positive and I will chant for your happiness.

[xstreamsurfer]

if this is true, then why did Nichren Shoshu build the Sho-Hondo, tear it down, and then build a Hoando? The priesthood completely wasted the sacrifices, efforts, and beliefs of its believers.

[ccaryh]

no face, no truth, the hell is in the deception of that voice

[u2me22]

Hate/Anti video's only show your lack of compassion and understanding of the Daishonin's Buddhism. Where are all your Shoshu member's? Why don't they support your efforts? So sad when you put up a lecture by Nichinyo Shonin and only 666 people view it (part 1) then (part 2) only 251 people view it. You need to work on your own membership before they see through your lie's and continue to join with the SGI in practicing true compassion with the SGI. mksutra is waisting his efforts....

[silee9]

...and even a prayer, whether the Lords prayer or any of the Abrhamics. For when people suffer from the accumulated delusions of life, these forms prayers or meditative practice act as a way of "washin the brain" from the delusions of the negativities of life. The cult is within the heart: not out their in the world. <3

[silee9]

People r deluded, people suffer r their many formals of "brain-washing", not just chanting a mantra, breathin meditation, transcendin meditation, koan

[kikugirl125]

The SGI has demonstrated actual proof that we are practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism correctly with over 12 million members worldwide, who are shining examples in their respective societies. The Temple membership has dwindled significantly over the years as their members become increasingly unhappy with the priesthood. It is the Temple that is a cult, closing itself off from society and spreading lies...this is not Daishonin's teachings...only the SGI is carrying out the Daishonin's will.

[BlueSunLLC]

The Heritage of the Law is NOT some magic, secret possession of the high priest.

The Nikken sect has refused, for 20 years, to engage in direct dialogue or debate with the SGI. Even here, you do not engage in either dialogue or debate.

You are a spiritual slave.

[Jasjitsm]

Please stop your false accussations of the SGI and the amazing beautiful members and leaders of this organization who are truly winning in their daily lives and helping others to do the same - we are here truly to create a peaceful society based on the humanistic principles propagated by Nichiren Daishonin stating that we are all equal and that we are all buddhas just as we are.

[Jasjitsm]

I also offer incense and my sincere prayer everyday to the gohonzon for the health and happiness of all my friends and family members - if you read the gosho you will know that offerings come from many different aspects - not just money! Treasures of the heart are most important above treasures of the body and treasures of the storehouse

[Jasjitsm]

I have changed so much of my money situations over the years from giving to the sgi, an organization that truly cares for its members and all of humanity. You simply do not know what your talking about.

[Mitty35]

Wow....and you say I'm confused. Get the gosho and write exactly what it says so everyone can see. Don't take my word for it. But then again.....you guys don't study do you? Please also let us know what Nicheren Shoshu is doing to promote world peace? What world leaders are they having a dialouge with? Tell us what the youth are doing? And make sure you can document what is happening around the world (especially in the US).

[Mitty35]

oh, so we are chanting to a computer generated Gohonzon? If there is only one "real" Gohonzon...then it should be available to everyone right? Maybe if you studied the writings of Nicheren Daishonin, you would know that he says "never seek the Gohonzon outside of yourself". I guess you can only be a true member if you live in Japan and are close to the "Real Gohonzon" huh? What nonsense. By the way......how do the priest get money? Do they work?

[mksutra]

@Mitty35

You confuse with the heritage of faith and the heritage of law.

By respecting the heritage of law, you can get the heritage of faith.

where is the heritage of law?

It exists within the High Priest of Taisekiji.

Please study Gosho and return to Nichiren Shoshu as soon as possible.

You are barain-washed by SGI..

[cellolvr27]

@mksutra

If you have ready any of the Gosho or any of Nichiren's teachings, you would know that this philosophy of Buddhism believes that any person can attain enlightenment without an intermediary ( ex. Priest). If you consider yourself a follower of his teachings, you should respect the fundamental values and ideas of this philosophy. Anyone who has read Nichiren's writings will see how false your accusations are.

[princev11]

@mksutra no mitty35 ur being brainwashed by whatever priest/business man ur talkin to

[MrJos1979]

@mksutra Obviously, the OBJECTIVE of this VIDEO is to DESTROY the faith of SGI members. Tsk...tsk...tsk to anyone who made this is a GREAT LOOSER! I have won over hard challenges in life because of Sensei Ikeda's Guidances. I have been a stronger person compare before. I'm full of hope because Sensei IKEDA guides me how to practice correct FAITH. I'm proud and glad to say..I am now leading a life with positive attitudes. Thank you Sensei IKEDA! MABUHAY! Pls visit the Philippines!

[HANSuplou]

@mksutra So why not you say you're brain washed by nichiren shoshu right??

[Groundbreaker09]

really? look who's talking?

your actions i think is the manifestations of following the corrupt priesthood

i think you are just insecure like nikken that.s why your having this video to destroy SGI but sorry we are not like you. and you know what you are just creating bad karma in your life.

[jeffjblack123456]

You just dont understand Buddhism. Take responsibility for yourself instead of blaming others. Nothing you present here is realistic. Bankruptcy isn't caused by karma, it is caused by poor handling of finances. You don't have any basis is faith in Nichiren's Buddhism. Niether does the priesthood, they have abandoned Nichiren's teachings many times in history. I bet they don't take any donations, right?

[mksutra]

@jeffjblack123456

I am sorry I don't know "Nichiren Buddhism", but I know "Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism".

I know one cult group who says "Nichiren Buddhism". Are you a member?

[HANSuplou]

@mksutra Nichiren Buddhism is Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is just a short cut of saying. Are you sure you know a lot before you say anything.

[Groundbreaker09]

really?

go on with your corrupt and abusive priesthood

and for us here in the Philippines we will propagaTE and will never allowed your priest to take hold in our land..i feel pity for you

[tamcakes1220]

We were excommunicated because we did not agree with the practices from the Shoshu temple. Why don't you check your finances? I am not mad..you are entitled to your opinion however I will NOT allow you to slander our good name!!

[Groundbreaker09]

@tamcakes1220 yes i agree with you

[tamcakes1220]

You need to stop slandering!! This is exactly what President Ikeda is talking about. What have we done to you for you to disrespect our religion? Who are you to decide what a cult is?! This is why I will remain with SGI, I have never been judged or asked for money. I have practiced for the last 7 years and have only donated money twice.

[Eddiemango1]

I joined SGI & started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 36 years ago. I was suicidal, begging to die constantly. I was doing all kinds of drugs, including heroine. No one in SGI judged me; they only showed me support, compassion & encouragement. No one has ever pressured me for money during these 36 years. I do contribute financially at times out of my deep gratitude for all SGI and this practice has done for me. Ive had phenomenal benefits, including helping my Mom overcome extensive bone cancer.

[Eddiemango1]

This is totally ridiculous. If anyone knows anything at all about SGI they know its all about creating value. SGIs actions speak much louder than words. SGI & President Ikeda are highly respected by thousands of world leaders. He has hundreds of honorary scholarships from the most prestigious universities. He's a major contributor to the Peace efforts of the UN & has built various school systems based on value creation, plus many other incredible things for World Peace & peoples happiness.

[gbates2824]

Actually the Nichiren Shoshu who uses the Dai gohonzon to gain power from the people. The Nichiren Shoshu excepted the talisman from the Japanese govt because they were to afraid to believe in the Lotus Sutra with their lives. Nichiren says do not believe a man because he wears robes. Believe in the law.

[Groundbreaker09]

what a false accusation if you have nothing good to say just shut up. for everyone try to visit sgi centers and observed if this is really happening because here in the Philippines we are growing harmoniously and we never do that kind of foolish things

[mksutra]

Oh, you are a cult SGI member!

Good for you to chant to D.Ikeda as a buddha

of Ikeda Sect.!!!

Let's enjoy chanting to the Fake Honzon mady by computer graphics.

[gbates2824]

@mksutra you have no clue as to what you are saying. SGI Chants to the gohonzon. If SGI was a cult then why did the Nichiren Shoshu lose in court? Why is the membership dwindling in the Nichiren Shoshu and why do the priest tell their members they cannot obtain enlightement without them? Most importantly why are you creating bad karma? You are the one who will suffer.

[Groundbreaker09]

@mksutra well you can only say that cause your group is not existing here in philippines.. well you too enjoy chanting with your corrupt priesthood

[Groundbreaker09]

@mksutra is that all you can say?

you don t have basis hahahahaha

if i were you join sgi

[HANSuplou]

@mksutra Everyone is a buddha. If you treat a high position person as a only buddha i think you're practicing in a wrong teaching. Ikeda Sect is ur ASSUME. So you're trying to say that you also chanting to Fake Honzon too?

[Goshogirl]

I am also a proud member of SGI-USA and I have been for 25 years. This is such bullshit, this is not based on any fact at all. No names, no dates. Isn't it silly that people waste their time with all this silly stuff? You should be chanting instead.

[Groundbreaker09]

@Goshogirl 

[rkn8r08]

I am a proud member of the SGI-USA. First of all, from the standpoint of this attack, it is weak. This speaker does not cite who spoke these words. Have the courage to cite who spoke those words. Do not try to avoid confrontation. It is the speakers fault if he is sued for libel.

Also, in the end, the true purpose of this video is revealed. This is a propagation video for the Nichiren Shoshu sect.

[mksutra]

a propagation ??????????

ahahahaha

[friuli]

lol. I have read thousands of anti-SGI propaganda, I have yet found one that even remotely displayed intelligence.

All the critics share the same qualities: twisted, vague, angry, paranoid, unauthentic, empty, and with a taste for begrudging.

My message to them is: are you sure you don't have something better to do?

[gbates2824]

In the SGI there is no obligation to do anything. Nichiren Buddhism is cause and effect based on the Lotus Sutra. Bottom line you make good cause you get good effect. No one is forced to do anything, PERIOD!! No brain washing.

[mdaniel202]

My experience with SGI & money. I was a new member at that time(1985). I was happy to make as many good causes as I could, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo abundantly, behind the sinces activities , attending all the meetings ,as well as sharing this buddhism with every one I meet. It so happens I was unemployed when this campaign was going on. I was happy to a check for $100. The leaders preparing the deposit found my check and held it,until they confirmed I could do this OK! 24 yrs w/SGI

[OneHeart52]

Yes...I concur with the crux of your comment. I had nothing but good, honest leaders and wonderful experiences when I was with SGI-USA...

[yunhanable]

belive in nichiren shoshu

[verdebuster]

I wouldn't be so surprised, since that's SGI USA main goal. SGI Japan cooperate with the New Komeito Party, which it kind of a conservative party. SGI USA is just about making profit from Americans. But let me ask you this, We can agree that SGI is evil, but what guarantee do you have that practicing Nichiren Shoshu will really bring happiness to its followers? Just asking, beware of the SGI and peace to all!

[Groundbreaker09]

@verdebuster beware of your self hahahah

sanshoshima

[takaoumehara]

This video shows no evidence and attack one particular organization. This type of contents only creates confusion and add no chance to objectively judge or consider the validity of it's content. The fact speaker do not show his face in this movie also make this video less credible.

[mzbacardi5]

That's your problem, sounds like you need to chant about it. A donation is a donation, comes from the heart, no one is forced to do it. I never heard of any such leaders, but that is NOT how the organization runs. Bad ppl exist, but SGI does not force ppl to give up money. There is a small percentage of priests that commit child molestation, but that does not make Catholic a bad religion, there are bad ppl that happens to be priests..