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4. All About Politics
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By Craig Green & Jeff
Farr
Los Angeles
With the completion of the Grand Main Temple in 1972,
the Soka Gakkai began to focus on strengthening and modernizing
its facilities and infrastructure. However, voices of
apprehension began to arise from the priesthood, soon
turning to voices of accusation.
In 1974, the Soka Gakkai began preparations to establish
the Nichiren Shoshu International Center for supporting
the expanding international membership. However, there
was a fear within the priesthood that NSIC would be used
to eventually take control of Nichiren Shoshu. Around
this time, there were also occasions where SGI President
Ikeda was criticized for lectures and articles he wrote.
These criticisms grew so intense that the Soka Gakkai
was forced to publicly acknowledge “doctrinal deviations,”
appeasing accusations that it was straying from the teachings.
Throughout this period, President Ikeda met often with
Nittatsu Shonin, then high priest of Nichiren Shoshu,
to try to work out their differences. But by 1979, the
voices of discontent in the priesthood were too great.
In April 1979, President Ikeda was forced to step down
as president and take the position of honorary president
of the Soka Gakkai.
It was all becoming too clear. This was not a dispute
over matters of faith. This was not about clearing up
doctrine. It was all about politics.
No. 4 in a series
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(Originally published, World
Tribune, June 6, 1997)
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