The Many Cults of Japan: Soka Gakkai
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- Опубліковано 31 жов 2023
- Japan is full of religious crazies. Here are the Buddhist ones.
MUSIC USED (in order):
-Motavia Town - Phantasy Star IV
-Corridors of Time - Chrono Trigger
-Drone - Commnand and Conquer
-Arilou Theme - Star Control 2
-Terran Theme 2 - Starcraft
-The Synapse - Deus Ex
-Lively Town - Shining Force 2
You know you're in trouble when ANY group says the rest of them are devils and doing it wrong. First red flag
Massive red flag
Well, Nichiren was an end-time practitioner, s believer and proponent of Apocalyptic beliefs-much like Evangelical Christians today.
Your comment is funny-but it was Nichiren himself who raised the first red flag when he said that the calamities Japan was facing-such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami’s-were due to and happening because all the existing Buddhist sects in his day were all WRONG. He himself said that the Zen and all other schools were wrong, and he could fix this by producing the RIGHT practice-thus he produced the Gohonzon. If Nichiren were alive today, he would probably be diagnosed as having a Borderline Personality disorder-or some similar mental health diagnosis. It is no surprise he was banished to Sado Island. His outspoken nature and accusations that all Buddhist practices were wrong not only insulted those schools, but he also insulted Dharma and the many students who came before him.
Today, I am a Tibetan practitioner and monastic, but before I took vows, I practiced NSA in US and Canada. Sadly, I was in a cult for 7 years, and eventually, I left, realizing something was wrong. It was only after a 7 years break that I realized just how off the Soka Gakkai was. Today, I examine the basic principles of compassion, enlightenment, creating merit, emptiness, meditation, etc. Even the Noble stated that enlightenment could not be attained without meditation, and the SGI does not meditate. While I was a NSA member, I often asked why none of these concepts were embraced/practiced/debated in SGI or NSA, but all I got were non-a swears. LIKEWISE, many practitioners have chosen to believe everything SGI teaches and have ignored the Buddhist traditions and practices that are Buddhism. All in all, the SGI-in Japan, and wherever it is found-has greatly diluted Buddhist teachings, and is a cult.
@@krangdrol But Evangelical Christians have a positive concept of Armageddon. They seem to be happy about calamities because it's a sign that their Messiah will return. It's the exact opposite of the Nichiren view.
hmm SGI member New Zealand here. I don't experience what you are accusing Soka Gakkai of. We pay no membership fees. No-one is asking to fight other buddhist branches. Sure, there's been too much focus on Ikeda over time. That might change now for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, he died a good bloke. However, your comparison to Aum Shinrikyu, a band of killer freaks type Charles Manson is hilarious. Tina Turner and Herbie Hancock are SGI members. Your video is clearly not simply the best. Cheers. Thanks for covering us though.
Membership fees are an aspect of Soka Gakkai Japan, which I stated, and this is why I gave the price in yen. My source for this is "Religion and Politics in Contemporary Japan: Soka Gakkai Youth and Komeito" by Anne Mette Fisker-Nielsen, who is not only a member of Soka Gakkai, but is a lecturer at Soka University.
At no point did I suggest that Soka Gakkai "fights" other Buddhist branches; they do have a section of the website however dedicated to denouncing Nichiren Shoshu and highlighting their faults.
The Aum Shinrikyo metro attack of 1995 created mass anger which was directed at all new religions in Japan. Both Aum and Soka Gakkai are classified as new religious movements in academic writing, but I didn't say that they were alike.
Celebrity membership is irrelevant.
If you're going to engage in apologetics, at least pay attention to the video. Thanks for the comment though.
Thank you for saying this I wish people would just stop with the slander.
I left SGI a few years ago. didn't stay long though. I noticed that nobody had ever read the Lotus Sutra! Only Ikeda's books.
I'm a SGI member. I've read volumes 1 and 2 of writings of nichiren daishonin. I'm halfway through the lotus sutra.
I still practice.
Thats the problem 🎉 stick to ND's original teachings, forget them 😊
@@Graciafindingpurpose never give up, question and seek tge truth wit ND. Follow the law ❤ never the people 😊
@@darealtgreenman Keep rocking 😊
Discovered tihs and was shocked by the amount of quality but lack of views or even subscribers, was researching this group and this genuinely was an insanely informative but nice video, it's been 6 months but I do hope you cover another group one of these days
I can only speak to my own experience, but this doesn't sound like the Soka Gakkai in the UK at all. I'd say it's the exact opposite of a cult.
I grew up in an SGI house but never partook except to sneak in at the end for free biscuits. I remember not liking the chanting bc it was loud and hurt my ears and people chanted out of sync (turns out I’m autistic so it was probably a sensory thing). I remember being a teenager and going on anti depressants for the first time and having a conversation with it about my dad bc he’d seen me take my meds one morning. He said something along the lines of “blah blah medication bad, why don’t you just chant instead, it’ll work so much better” and I was like “dad saying some words I don’t understand in a language I don’t speak isn’t gonna stop me wanting to take a bath with the toaster”. It then got a bit heated bc he was insistent that he would and I finally just screamed at him to shut up and stormed off. Our relationship is better now, despite him still being a member of SGI.
Also both my parents at some points were leaders. SGI have a hq in the uk, which I’ve been too and it’s actually really fucking pretty and calming I won’t like. However when my mum w@ a leader they required her to go up and volunteer for a weekend like once every few months and when I went with her one time bc I was going to see friends near there after. I was beyond shocked by the fact they were getting so much free labour out of here yet still charging here for food in the cafe. Like the fuck she’s driven a few hundred miles, is doing some admin work for free and you’re not even able to provide one hot meal and she was like “oh SGI doesn’t make that much, they can’t afford it”. Because I’m me i then went and looked them up on companies house and l then piped up and was like “says here they have 47 million in funds carried forward, I think they can afford to give you a sandwich mum” but that got sort of blown off and I got some looks from the other women volunteering. Ehh but you know the one good thing about it, is that even when I was at my lowest and on the spirituality/manifestation side of TikTok. I never got fully sucked into it bc in the back of my mind, all I was thinking was “my parents would say chanting will solve all your problems and get you anything you want but I’ve literally never seen that happen for them and this is like that just instead of chanting it’s positive affirmations and manifesting”
Educational and hilarious! The Chrono Trigger theme was a pleasant surprise too 😂
I was born into the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and agree how the SGI handles its finances for continuing its mission to span worldpeace.
to achieve world domination through world govt of unelected leaders you mean. Look at ikeda's membership into CLUB of Rome that stated it's goals in 50's to use climate change to do it, and notice how Maurice Strong, and many dialogues are with commies- and they are involved in all sorts of criminal activities, since Ikeda is a yakuza thug
I'm an atheist who accompanied a friend to an SGI meeting recently in the USA out of curiosity.They were a great group of people - a big emphasis on peace and making each other happy. Mostly well-dressed professionals and retirees who loved chanting and making friends. My two disappointments at the meeting were an absence of discussed philosophy - although again atheist myself I like to hear spiritual thoughts - and a disturbing youth propaganda video showed at the end with white-shirted ranks of young followers listening to the leader surprisingly extolling Zhou Enlai. Apart from that SGI seemed nowhere near a cult in the negative sense and has potential to bring happiness and community to people.
Thats right, I know a lot of people (both in my family and outside) who where in very disperated situations and by studying and practicing the SGI knowledge they were able to find a way out and now they are in a better situation. The thing I appreciate of them is that they did not force you and they say even if you follow their "method" your life wouldn't be easier but you are going to be able to "fight" the bad situation in a better position, being able to have hope in for the unknown future outcomes. Btw my dad and sister are member since years, Im very sceptical that's why first of all I try to grasp more videos/cointent as possible before jumping on a new experience.
I think you only had a very superficial look at theyr cult, while im not a specialist either, i live in japan and have frequented theyr gatherings several times out of curiosity, and in japan they are quite cultish, theyr involvement in politics is quite frown upon (i personaly dislike it having religious dogmas beeing pushed into law, not that they are strong enough to do it, but from what theyr leaders say the will is very much there). Theyr use of "volunteer" work is also something that i dislike, though from what i have seen and discussed with said volunteers its not that bad.
Over all, they are a pretty shady cult, but there is much worst in japan.
There are many more disturbing things than just that in the cult. Give it time.
Whats wrong with Zhou Enlai?
But that is not in japan. They don't push hard in countries where they are not strongly grounded. Also they attract oddballs and seekers, which are generally open-minded and tolerant people
Thank you for sharing. I recently left the SGI after 6 years of practice. I was always uncomfortable with some aspects (sensei worship, little focus on Nichiren himself and entirely on the current president's books, having to propegate the SGI in order to attain your own enlightenment, monthly subscriptions for texts that are intended to be for everybody's enlightenment, top heavy organization and calling leaders you'll never meet "mentor", excessive focus on supposed religious persecution by nichiren shoshu and the world) but bought into their explanations of these issues being for the purpose of everyone's happiness. Couldn't ignore them anymore and sometimes question my choice to leave. This helps.
Interestingly, I haven't heard daimoku in 6+ months but still could chant along with the clip here easily. We are supposed to chant it at least twice a day and whenever we are having tough moments throughout the day.
All religions have Cultish aspects. Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is a powerful practice based upon this law. Yes, there are parts of the organization can seem overbearing. However that is all religions. Make and master your own mind.
I am not drinking the kool aid. I’m chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Which is beneficial Organization or not. However difficult to practice alone. Some of these statements are false or don’t apply to countries outside of Japan.
Thank you for your insight. I was aware of the "Ikeda worship" accusations, but was unsure if it was just people mocking the organisation, or if it actually had credence.
I also felt uneasy with the “cult of personality” thing. I still chant in private and enjoy that… but you don’t need some big organization for that.
Great video! Please make a video about 顕正会. Just got one of them knocking at our door and apparently they're also from nichren shoshu like soka gakkai.
I'll have to look into them a bit more myself, but thank you for your suggestion
Good posts and absolutely💯.
There are over zealous members in every organization.
This is the first time I have heard of "membership fees". (around 7:26) Is it only in Japan? Maybe you are referring to the one-time cost of getting a Gohonzon? Of course, donations are highly encouraged (a gentle word- there is a lot of pressure), especially at certain times of the year (varies according to the country), but it is not required to maintain membership.
The membership fee is specifically a feature of Soka Gakkai Japan, yes
Potato, potahto
We are never pressurized into making donations. You can donate 1 dollar too and no one will ask
Wow!
As a practicing member myself. I find this outsider perspective valuable to possibly scrutinize my faith and its principles. However, I do not see exactly how these points labeled here make us different from any other religion.
❤ 🙏
Maybe you should examine that. The fact that these criticisms extend to other religions doesn't make them any less valid. And if anything should reinforce examining your own religion and others.
More like "I do not see how these points make us different from any other cult."
First red flag: WE are the TRUE Buddhism. All the others are false.
"Can't the branches equally honor one another?"
"No! Because they're false!"
Second Red Flag: Study groups (of women) on the life of the "mentor" Daisaku Ikeda.
"I don't care about his life. I would like to study Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra, and the founder of this branch, Nichiren.
"You can! Through the mentor, sensei, and his interpretation FOR you"
I don't need his interpretation, not do I need to study HIS life, thank you.
And if that isn't enough,
Red flag 3: "Forever Sensei" song😱
I absolutely agree with you 💯 I have been a member for the last 8 years and left a few months back. What a relief .
I was a member of Soka Gakai for 30 years in NYC. Great experience until the infighting with priesthood and a few other things that turned me off
Same here, I was in it in the late 80's/early 90's when it was called NSA. We left when it split, my Dad said if they can't get along then that's it. lol
A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'...
My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE, when I was struck by lightning during September 1970.
Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave.
The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist.
For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is.
Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment.
The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing.
The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence.
The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists.
Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’.
On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication.
For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything.
NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.
2:05 - This is mistaken. There are many forms of prosperity, not just financial.
As a Soka Gakkai member, I’ve never once been required to pay for anything or been pressured to do anything that I didn’t want to do. Members only pay for what they want to (the gohonzon, etc.) and it is never mandatory to pay anything. No such thing as a “member fee”. Chanting the Daimoku is not a magical wish granting spell. It’s a focused meditation that creates a positive psychological effect to change our lives through our own effort. No one claims that it will just magically bring you prosperity.
but if you do not you will not have fortune, what a load of horse shit. People who do not chant- how do you explain their fortune?
A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'...
My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE, when I was struck by lightning during September 1970.
Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave.
The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist.
For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is.
Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment.
The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing.
The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence.
The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists.
Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’.
On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication.
For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything.
NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.
I don't know what's going on Japan but over here in Germany 🇩🇪 the sgi is as harmless as it gets. No money involved. Dialogue. Humanism. Respect for other religions. These are core values. We don't show up at your door to drag you into some sort of spooky new Religion Scientology style.
It is, maybe has matured into a legit buddhist school.
But.
I see the points. Ikeda? He was sure influential (now he's dead, which was worth half a page on the German sgi website and an improvised low key memorial service). Some people worshipped him too much, maybe. Interestingly, he never demanded that, he can't do more than stressing "I'm not special" 10000 times.
Dissing other religions and Buddhist schools? Academic discussions from the 13th century, 100% irrelevant today. Though I'm sure that the boss Nichiren himself might have been an unpleasant person. But he had the balls the formal education to gain respect.
Shakubuku? Very good point, might have been a thing in Japan which is a different culture. Here? No way. Of course you don't actively hide your Buddhist lifestyle. But shoving it down everybody's throat whether they want it or not? Come on, no way 🤣
Ikeda Sensei is the embodiment of Nichiren teachings, the Lotus sutra itself, if you chant for egotistic reason as being rich only and not working out is just stupidity…that’s why people give up , you cannot bargain with your own self
They do charge some fees every year in INDIA.
🤣 thats hilkarious 😅
Nope they don't. I was a part of it.
But they do encourage them to subscribe to their monthly publication
@@heeralrathod9816 when I was a member of this cult, we had to buy our incense, our candles, there were magazines, books, subscriptions. then there were trips, and events. And when I said I didn’t have money for it, they would belittle me, or others: “Don’t be heavy!” They had a whole lingo and terminology-like a pyramid scheme-which is what SGI is and was, to encourage reticent members to spend money, and/or do activities they didn’t want to. And then there was the trip to Japan, to the major temple, and they pushed that pilgrimage like I never saw anything like that before. And let us not forget that they pay senior leaders to do what they do. it was and remains a cult. MORE importantly, the Buddhism that SGI embraces is not “real’ Buddhism. I say that because I have since been studying and practicing Buddhism for 20 years, in Zen centers, in I sight meditation centers, and as a Tibetan monk and SGI doesn’t embrace or practice meditation, and many other Buddhist practices. they focus in the one mantra, never meditate, don’t discuss Bodhisattva ideals, don’t take lay vows, do not discuss Emptiness and countless other Buddhist basics. I’m sorry but chanting for boyfriends or partners, money, and all those things I saw people chanting for is NOT Buddhist.
What do you mean we can't leave? I was shunned a few week-end ago.
I can't seem to find what part of the video you're referring to. People can (and many do) leave Sōka Gakkai
I interpreted that as meaning it's made very difficult to leave. When I ghosted the organization, some leaders would reach out occasionally and ask me to dinner to chat, but after ignoring them, I think I have been shunned too. Even by some people that I believed to be good friends. Did you announce to them that you were leaving or stop showing up? Just out of curiosity
Actually, I called them out on the fact that they state they value human rights. I went to the Montreal Cultural Centre during an open house. I tried to talk to the headquarters leader about the fact that I didn't like the way things were down in the SGI's cease-fire declaration at the United Nations. I don't think he understood what I was referring to and just walked away. I then spoke loudly and said something only a human rights activist would clearly understand then I left. A few days later I got a message from my district leader stating I would not be invited to meetings because I had scared children when I spoke loudly and I had brought my political agenda to the SGI. I only heard from him again to tell me President Ikeda had died.@@theknowledgevan3706
A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'...
My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE, when I was struck by lightning during September 1970.
Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave.
The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist.
For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is.
Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment.
The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing.
The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence.
The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists.
Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’.
On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication.
For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything.
NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.
I've been a member of SGI for over a decade and haven't experienced anything you describe!! If they're making $$$ wads of cash I don't see how!!! No one here wastes any time badmouthing anybody...
Estamos con la Ley no adoramos ni oramos a las personas . Teníamos un gran maestro Ikeda, sus orientaciones me fortalecieron.
Follow the law not the people
This is a video without any research. You shoold speak to soka gakkai members who are still practicing. Most of them are educated. Its a philosophy for the happiness and prosperity of an individual.
Philippine equivalent is Iglesia ni Cristo
This has got to be bait XD
We are worshipping society. Daisaku Ikeda is a great man. The proof is in his actions and results. Greatness is appreciated and sometimes worshipped. People worship athletes, pastors, actors. The true message is if you chant you can transform your life.
U r lost blackman
You really ingested that Kool-Aid. And this is coming from someone who was in SGI for four years and practiced and studied assiduously Ikeda’s writings, Gosho, Lotus Sutra, and Ongi Kuden. If the message was just about chanting, then 50K would not have been about promoting Daisaku Ikeda’s failed idea of a single human revolution being able to change the destiny of humanity.
the ccp loves ikeda, lol he is a anti japanese, anti american commie, or was until he died 13 years ago, but nobody was told until his commie friend Kissinger died too
@@A_Muzikin questi 4 anni non hai fatto nessun progresso? A volte per vedere effetti straordinari serve più tempo...e si, sicuramente oltre al canto servono le azioni e questo per appunto lo affermano anche le guide della SgI
Soka gakkai is going strong because it works for peppke happiness. It is looked at cult from outside becsue they do not understsand it. Its actually working for people hapoines and anyone who says something else is actually talking from a superfcial viewpoint.
There is also no membership fees.😂😂 😂😂
Whoever told u so
No fee except in India 🤑
Are there is no fee in India as well.
they push world government through their global citizen garbage, SDG just a cover for unelected tyrants ruling world. no borders equal no country
You dont know much about Soka Gakkai! Nam myoho rengekyo saved my life! You' do not understand the essense of this great practice!!! Next time dig deep! Nam myoho rengekyo 😅
❤ agree,not a cult
The Soka Gakkai is not a cult it is True Buddhism we get to decide on what ever we want to do any teacher is a mentor we have already attained enlightenment we are already Buddhas you purchase monthly subscriptions for any newspaper or magazine we read the Gosho which is all about Nichiren Daishonin , And Nichiren Shoshu follow & worship the Priesthood
Cope. Every religion thinks it's the "true religion". You guys barely even believe anything the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas taught. Chanting will not bring you material happiness. Material happiness isn't even something you should be looking to achieve.
@@elcastro5000 One man`s meat is another man`s poison. Good religion for one person could be cult school for another person. Nobody believes any religions if they think they are wrong.
B*llshit. Total cult-- Greedy shady and gross Your baloney is proof of the brainwashing SGI thrives on. + True Buddhism? ...Really lazy is more like it! 😂
U stop talking rubbish
@@rainpoem2 Yes, personality cult of Daisaku Ikeda is really rubbish!
I AM PROOF
SOKA GAKKAI IS TRUTH
DEVIL KING IN THE FLESH
ALL OUT OF JUICE
We focus on chanting南无妙法莲华经，Sensei and Nichiren Dahsonin emphasized d same, Sensei intepreted d lotus sutras teaching apply to our daily lives, what's wrong with Sensei?
every leader he met with is a commie for starters Maurice strong, he is amember of club of rome, do your research
A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'...
My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE, when I was struck by lightning during September 1970.
Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave.
The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist.
For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is.
Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment.
The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing.
The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence.
The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists.
Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’.
On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication.
For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything.
NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.