Questions and Answers on the Temple Issue

A Pamphlet Published by the Soka Gakkai International-USA, 1997.

SUGGESTED READING

• A general introduction to the temple issue is "An Overview of Priesthood Issue" (Seikyo Times, March 1992, Pp. 26-35).
• Issues Between the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood and the Soka Gakkai, vol. 1 -5, (1991 - 1992) provides a thorough background of the temple issue; especially, volume 5, a translation of "The Soka Gakkai's Request for the Resignation of Nikken Abe As Nichiren Shoshu High Priest" presents a comprehensive view of the issue.
• The internal condition of the priesthood is explained in Voices of Protest: Priests Speak Outfo the Reformation of Nichiren Shoshu (1993).
• Daisaku Ikeda's Selected Speeches: On the Basics of Buddhism (1993 ) Provides various discussions on the "eye-opening" ceremony, the meaning of the Gohonzon and the formality of gongyo.
• Reaffirming Our Right to Happiness: On the Gohonzon Transcribed by High Priest Nichikan (1996) is a reference issued by the SGI, that provides a point-by-point refutation of the priesthood's allegations about the Gohonzon as well as the history surrounding its issuance.
• Masahiro Kobayashi's "On the Transrmission of the Heritage of the Law" (Seikyo Times, December 1992, Pp. 26- 39) highlights the historical facts that disprove the infallibility of the high priest and sheds light on the often-elusive concept of the "heritage of the Law."
• Detailed accounts of the priesthood's behavior during World War II - including the priesthood's acceptance of Shinto talisman - can be found in "Demand for the Priesthood's Immediate Apology for Its Support of War" (Seikyo Times, October 1992, pp. 20-29).
• Also, please refer to Josei Toda's "History and Conviction of the Soka Gakkai" (SGI-USA Study Program Entrance-Level Textbook, pp. 105-120; Seikyo Times June 1991).