Can someone please "enlighten" me about a particular strand of Buddhism?

[Tommy]

A friend has recently converted to Buddhism but the group that she belongs to s slightly different from the usual (about which I know a little). It originated in Japan but I can't remember what it is called (sorry!)

If anyone has any idea what I am going on about and could give me a bit more detail, I'd be really grateful as I am trying to understand a bit more.

TIA

[persephonesnape]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism

trust in wikipedia is that any help?

[dd666]

what a thoughtfull friend

[Tommy]

thanks for that. I think I don't really know what I'm looking for in all that though persephone!

I think this strand is considered to be a bit like Mormons saying they are Christians - i.e. not mainstream but since I don't know what it's called, I can't find anything out.

dd666 - I'm not that thoughtful - this friend is saying and doing things in the name of Buddhism that don't seem to fit in to the usual understanding of what Buddhism is IYSWIM so I'm trying to see where she's coming from with it all really.

[persephonesnape]

does anything in this article ring any bells?

www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/sects.htm


I'm by no means an expert on the smaller parts of buddhism - if we can jog your memory re the particular branch, i'm sure we can gain some enlightenment.

[Tommy]

thanks persephone - I think I've found it - does Soka Gakkai mean anything to you?

Thanks

[persephonesnape]

not a thing, but i'm sure we can have a good old google and see what everyone else thinks.

[Tommy]

LOL - thanks persephone

[Bonaventura]

If it's Japanese it's probably Zen. What kind of things does it involve that seem a bit peculiar? Because Zen is a bit peculiar. Monks striking each other over the head with staves, and saying "Wake up!" isn't what I expect at my Catholic services, but who am I to judge?

[Squeakybrushes]

sounds like SGI-UK. i have a few friends who are members of this sect of Buddhism and have attended a few meetings myself, which mainly consist of chanting the same phrase for half an hour to an hour. i'll be honest, it didn't do much for me personally and i found that although a lot of what was said was very insightful and humane, there's a strong emphasis put on accepting this one leader, who's based back in Japan, as your personal teacher which felt a bit cultish somehow. cult of personality or something.

[Tommy]

thanks for resurrecting my thread squeakybrushes - I think that is the one she's involved in. I really don't know very much about it at all. Interesting what you say though. Do you mind me asking whether you were of any other religious belief before and, if so, how does it compare?

[Squeakybrushes]

sorry i'm a bit slow at getting back to you -

to answer your question, i was brought up in the christian faith, but it was fairly open, and not really any particular denomination. although both my parents were themselves raised catholic originally, but that's another story. to be honest, having only attended two meetings, it's hard to make a fair comparison. Although Buddhism is obviously an ancient religion, SGI is a 20th Century organisation and centres around the teachings of 13th century buddhist scholar Nichiren Daishonin. Rather than having a sermon at meetings, members tend to chant for a set time and then discuss a set topic, in a more democratic manner, for example 'how Buddhism helps you in your daily life'. So i suppose depending on your view that could be an advantage over one of the 'big 3' religions where it's a lot more structured, or not.

I found that as with all religions, you are expected to make a leap of faith, namely that chanting 'nam-myoho-renge-kyo' morning and evening, along with some other set chants, you will become a better person, and live a better life. I definitely found it hard to make that leap, personally, but i know my friends who are in the faith truly believe it does help them in big, life- changing ways, so there must be some truth in it.

Right now, i'm feeling drawn back to my christian roots, perhaps because i find the idea of a creator God rings too true with me for me to be a Buddhist. Perhaps that's the main difference, that you don't have to believe in God to be a Buddhist, but in the innate life force which runs through everything, iyswim...?

also, i felt that although i was leant quite a few books on the subject to read up on, there were certain questions you weren't supposed to ask, esp to do with their leader, whose name escapes me at present, and also, unlike with the abrahimist religions, i didn't feel there was an awful i could really get my teeth into, literature-wise.

[Tommy]

thanks

this friend of mine was also brought up Catholic and when she first got involved in SGI used to "rubbish" a lot of Catholic tradition and belief but she has calmed down a little more now!

very helpful anyway - thanks

[Mountainsoutofmolehills]

This is SGI UK. I spent 3 years as a member and a year chanting before.

It's totally cultish, and please stay away from this organisation. It seems really light. Their huge HQ at Taplow Court makes one raise an eyebrow. I know it seems like a nice idea and it is for a bit, but the endless meetings, the need to chant, increases guilt... Google tax evasion SGI. etc.

They are always changing their translating and chants, it's too focused on Ikeda the leader... Very male dominated. Very little buddhist thought is actually discussed.