Questions and Answers on the Temple Issue
12. WHAT EFFECT WILL THE PRIESTS' ERRORS HAVE
ON THOSE WHO FOLLOW THEM, AND WHAT CAN I DO FOR THOSE PEOPLE?
Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is clear when it
comes to describing the strictness of the law of cause and effect.
It expounds that great benefit and joy win accrue to those who
uphold the Mystic Law, while great loss or punishment will be
incurred by those who slander this Law or cause harm to its practitioners.
Even in the secular realm, those who disparage
a person of true integrity and character ultimately do damage
to their own integrity and character. This effect is even more
profound in the realm of Buddhism, which deals with the deepest
aspects of life. By disparaging those who uphold the Daishonin's
spirit and work for the happiness of others, Nikken and his followers
debase their own lives on a profound level, sowing the seeds for
tragic loss and future misery. This has already become clear from
the accounts of those who have come back to the SGI after practicing
with the temple for a number of years.
According to the Daishonin's teachings, inconspicuous
loss or punishment is the worst effect a person can receive from
slandering the Law, though it is not immediately apparent. He
describes this process as follows:
They are like men who have already been
sentenced to execution and are awaiting their turn in prison.
While they are in prison, regardless of what evil acts they
may commit, they will receive no further punishment other than
the death sentence already passed upon them. (MW-7,121)
In Buddhism, conspicuous gain or loss occurs
quickly, making it easier for individuals to realize the correctness
or error of their ways. Inconspicuous loss, on the other hand,
is characterized by a gradual downward spiral. While the word
punishment is used, it should not be viewed as retribution
from an external force or function. It corresponds to a deterioration
of one's inner state of life, which gradually comes to manifest
itself externally.
Since the priesthood and its followers have committed
or tacitly supported the great slander of trying to destroy the
Daishonin's Buddhism, falsely accusing SGI members of all sorts
of misdeeds and errors, they are surely accumulating inconspicuous
punishment.
It is only natural that we feel compassion for
those destined to suffer, even if they have denounced us. And
it is only natural to want to help them escape such misery. Though
the law of causality is strict, Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism
is based on compassion. The Daishonin asserts," It is important
to speak with even greater conviction to those who slander [the
Mystic Law]" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 1123).
Even Shakyamuni put more effort into saving Devadatta,
his greatest betrayer, than anyone else, stating that parents
are most concerned about their sick children. When we speak with
great conviction and compassion about the reality of the temple
issue, we eventually can convince temple followers to disassociate
from the temple and its slander or even rejoin the SGI.
People who have returned to the SGI from the
temple have reported experiencing a substantial revitalization
of their faith, a deepened understanding of Buddhism and increased
JOY. Many have also become vocal about the priesthood's behavior
they have personally experienced, so others will not make the
same mistake they did.
In speaking with temple members, as with anyone,
we of course need to use common sense and approach them with warmth
and respect. There is no set way to talk to anyone, no best place
or time. Each person is unique.
Through our strong and consistent prayer to save
people from misery and lead them to happiness, we can arrive at
the best way to approach them. Through this and ongoing dialogue,
the wisdom we summon forth in the process will create benefit
both for ourselves and the other person.
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