Nichiren Daishonin, regarding the correct behavior of priests, said, "True priests are those who are honest and who desire little and yet know satisfaction" ("The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood," WND, 747). Nikko Shonin, expressing his desire for priests to behave themselves, said, "You should be pious priests like our teacher" (Gosho Zenshu, 1619). In word and deed, Nichiren and Nikko epitomized how a priest should conduct himself.

The behavior of current priesthood, which mirrors that of High Priest Nikken, is precisely the opposite. It exemplifies extravagance and corruption in the extreme. High Priest Nikken, for example, regularly entertains himself at the most expensive hot spring resorts. It has also been publicized that rather than building himself a modest temple to reside in after his retirement, he had made plans for several palatial mansions in exclusive districts of Tokyo. Each would have cost millions of dollars. Although the news leaked ahead of time and the projects were subsequently cancelled, his first mansion in Tokyo had plans for an underground swimming pool and spa.

Many priests at branch temples have learned to copy Nikken's lavish lifestyle by indulging them- selves in expensive hobbies and frequenting high-class clubs and expensive hot spring resorts. In addition, more than a few have built residences also costing millions of dollars. These priests seem to make financial gain and enjoying the perks of their religious status a priority, while while avoiding going out of their way to support, guide or assist believers, or taking on the difficult task of propagating Buddhism.

Nichiren Daishonin characterizes priests who exploit Buddhism as no better than animals, stating, "Without admonishing slanders of the Law, and only engaging in entertainment and idle chatter day and night, they are animals that cut the flesh of their master or teacher" (Gosho Zenshu, 1386). He strictly admonishes them as being "Law devouring hungry spirits" ("The Origin of the Service for Deceased Ancestors," WND, 191). He also states, "One who reprimands and corrects an offender is a voice-hearer who defends the Buddha's teachings, a true disciple of the Buddha. One who rids the offender of evil is acting as his parent. Those who reproach offenders are disciples of the Buddha. But those who do not oust offenders are betraying the Buddha's teachings" ("The Opening of the Eyes," WND, 286). Those dedicated to practicing Nichiren Daishonin's teachings must also thoroughly admonish and expose such corrupt priests. It is their responsibility to do so.