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Daily Justice
“Since the days of Shakyamuni, Buddhists had based themselves on the equality of all parties taking part in discussion.
“These Buddhists always based themselves on reason, and even if their mistakes were exposed, they would never explode in anger. Rather, on such occasions, they would joyfully abide by reason.
“Authoritarians, however, hate to have their assertions subjected to public scrutiny, and so refuse to discuss things on even footing with others. When someone does not follow their pronouncements, they unilaterally punish the person.
“Herein lies the standard for clearly determining who is a Bud­dhist and who is an authoritarian” —SGI President Ikeda (June 17, 1991 World Tribune, p. 4).
The priesthood refused to dialogue in 1990 and 1991. Their position remains unchanged: “Never in a million years will Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai have a discussion” (Dai-Nichiren, November, 1994) (July 2008 Nichiren Shoshu Monthly).
 

4. All About Politics

Soka Gakkai began to focus on strengthening and modernizing its facilities and infrastructure in 1972.

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

(Originally published, World Tribune, June 6, 1997)

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