“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).
What Can I Do
1. Seattle Incident Libel Case Withdrawn
