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2. The Underlying Intent |
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By Craig Green & Jeff
Farr
Los Angeles
When the dispute between the SGI and the Nikken sect first
broke in late 1990–early 1991, to some it seemed
focused on charges of disrespect. There was a flurry of
correspondence back and forth regarding desired apologies
and clarifications (the priests asking for apologies,
the SGI asking for clarifications).
For many members in America, the dispute began to hit
home only when the Nikken sect?s interpretation changed
regarding the fundamental philosophy of the practice,
as we explained last time (March 7 World Tribune). Most
people begin to practice Nichiren Daishonin?s Buddhism
with this one, elementary — and very correct —
understanding: Any person, regardless of race, color or
sex, can bring forth his or her inherent Buddha nature
by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
But why, when the split occurred, did the Nikken sect
begin to take a different track? Suddenly, the priests
were saying that, even though all people were equal, the
high priest had a higher wisdom than we could ever attain.
The Nikken sect explained that since we had not been a
part of the lineage of high priests, we could not bring
forth the same Buddha nature that Shakyamuni or Nichiren
Daishonin did. It was like something the priests had “forgotten”
to tell us.
The priests? underlying prejudice against lay believers,
which manifested in 1991 but had existed for many years
prior, can explain all of the priesthood?s actions up
to that point and since then.
No. 2 in a series
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(Originally published, World
Tribune, April 4, 1997)
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