 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
9. Why Are We Reaching Out
To Nichiren Shoshu Members? |
|
|
|
Juan Diego Hincapie
New Jersey
The most unfortunate victims of the scheme to attack the
SGI by Nikken Abe, the current high priest of Nichiren
Shoshu, are the Hokkeko members, those practicing under
the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood.
Since 1990, when High Priest Nikken changed the rules
and regulations of Nichiren Shoshu dramatically and started
to promote the erroneous doctrine that the high priest
is infallible in matters of faith, the Hokkeko members
have been led further and further astray from the correct
practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and the chance
to become truly happy.
This idea of the high priest's infallibility completely
violates the Daishonin's teachings and is, in fact, one
of the points that Nikko Shonin, his immediate successor,
warns against in his Twenty-six Admonitions. Article 17
states, Do not follow even the high priest if he goes
against the Buddha's Law and propounds his own views (Gosho
Zenshu, p. 1618).
This warning makes it clear that the high priest is not
infallible. The possibility for the arbitrary and authoritarian
abuse of the position of high priest is precisely why
Nikko Shonin cautions future believers in this way. With
the betrayal and slander of the five senior priests after
the Daishonin's death, Nikko Shonin no doubt foresaw the
very real potential for such abuse of power.
But the Hokkeko members are not the ones who have abused
this power-they are the ones who have been abused. The
Daishonin continuously states in his writings the importance
of having compassion for those who have been deceived
by authority and taking action for their happiness.
Therefore, as his disciples, it is our mission to strive
along the path of compassion that leads directly to enlightenment
not only for us but also for everyone. The act of highest
compassion is to lead people who are unknowingly being
misled by these priests to the correct path of faith.
The current high priest's excommunication of the SGI in
1991 completely betrayed the Daishonin's compassionate
intent. High Priest Nikken's actions constitute the most
serious offense in Buddhism-disrupting the harmonious
body of believers in the Law.
Why is this so bad? It blocks innocent people from the
road to enlightenment. It confuses people about where
their happiness lies, ultimately leading them down the
wrong path. The Daishonin thus states, It is the way of
the great devil to assume the form of a venerable monk
or to take the position of one's father, mother or brother
in order to obstruct happiness in one's next life (The
Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 81).
The Daishonin lived in a time of strife and confusion,
when priests of heretical sects were confusing believers
and destroying their chance for happiness. At such a time,
he writes, one must set aside all other affairs and devote
one's attention to rebuking slander of the correct teaching.
This is the practice of shakubuku (WND, 126). To reach
out to the members of Nichiren Shoshu-to encourage them,
to share the truth with them-is shakubuku. We ebuke the
slander of the Law through our own human revolution and
developing this kind of true friendship.
With strong faith and prayers for their happiness, it
is our duty to engage our friends in warm, patient dialogue;
friends who are being deceived by the false image of priestly
authority.
|
|
(Originally published in the World
Tribune, April 13, 2001)
|
|
|
|
|
