The Many Cults of Japan: Soka Gakkai

[@Erteywie]

I have a friend who joined because of his wife. He give 30% of his paycheck to them. All the mutual Japanese friends have stopped talking to them, and all refer to it as a cult. Southern California

[@ArmandoRodriguez-im5pn]

You know you're in trouble when ANY group says the rest of them are devils and doing it wrong. First red flag

[@A_Muzik]

Massive red flag

[@krangdrol]

Well, Nichiren was an end-time practitioner, s believer and proponent of Apocalyptic beliefs-much like Evangelical Christians today. Your comment is funny-but it was Nichiren himself who raised the first red flag when he said that the calamities Japan was facing-such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami’s-were due to and happening because all the existing Buddhist sects in his day were all WRONG. He himself said that the Zen and all other schools were wrong, and he could fix this by producing the RIGHT practice-thus he produced the Gohonzon. If Nichiren were alive today, he would probably be diagnosed as having a Borderline Personality disorder-or some similar mental health diagnosis. It is no surprise he was banished to Sado Island. His outspoken nature and accusations that all Buddhist practices were wrong not only insulted those schools, but he also insulted Dharma and the many students who came before him. Today, I am a Tibetan practitioner and monastic, but before I took vows, I practiced NSA in US and Canada. Sadly, I was in a cult for 7 years, and eventually, I left, realizing something was wrong. It was only after a 7 years break that I realized just how off the Soka Gakkai was. Today, I examine the basic principles of compassion, enlightenment, creating merit, emptiness, meditation, etc. Even the Noble stated that enlightenment could not be attained without meditation, and the SGI does not meditate. While I was a NSA member, I often asked why none of these concepts were embraced/practiced/debated in SGI or NSA, but all I got were non-a swears. LIKEWISE, many practitioners have chosen to believe everything SGI teaches and have ignored the Buddhist traditions and practices that are Buddhism. All in all, the SGI-in Japan, and wherever it is found-has greatly diluted Buddhist teachings, and is a cult.

[@MiguelDLewis]

@@krangdrol But Evangelical Christians have a positive concept of Armageddon. They seem to be happy about calamities because it's a sign that their Messiah will return. It's the exact opposite of the Nichiren view.

[@Krrazed]

Y'all know why they were wrong? They were treating people as if they did or did not have the right to become a Buddha, but true Buddhist teaching tells you that we all have that ability, not any "choose few" that is what was wrong with them. Interesting how treating people with equality should be a red flag.

[@lunanico64]

A little bit of knowledge is a terrible thing. SGI is about peace in our time by giving people one way to bring happiness to their lives, whatever they may be going through. We recognize the truth, and that is this we're born we live, then we pass. While we're living, why not choose to be happy instead of living negatively. ❤

[@KielBrito]

I left SGI a few years ago. didn't stay long though. I noticed that nobody had ever read the Lotus Sutra! Only Ikeda's books.

[@darealtgreenman]

I'm a SGI member. I've read volumes 1 and 2 of writings of nichiren daishonin. I'm halfway through the lotus sutra.

[@darealtgreenman]

I still practice.

[@pinkifloyd7867]

Thats the problem 🎉 stick to ND's original teachings, forget them 😊

[@pinkifloyd7867]

​@@Graciafindingpurpose never give up, question and seek tge truth wit ND. Follow the law ❤ never the people 😊

[@pinkifloyd7867]

​@@darealtgreenman Keep rocking 😊

[@jawz2005]

Educational and hilarious! The Chrono Trigger theme was a pleasant surprise too 😂

[@jeremysmith8370]

I'm an atheist who accompanied a friend to an SGI meeting recently in the USA out of curiosity.They were a great group of people - a big emphasis on peace and making each other happy. Mostly well-dressed professionals and retirees who loved chanting and making friends. My two disappointments at the meeting were an absence of discussed philosophy - although again atheist myself I like to hear spiritual thoughts - and a disturbing youth propaganda video showed at the end with white-shirted ranks of young followers listening to the leader surprisingly extolling Zhou Enlai. Apart from that SGI seemed nowhere near a cult in the negative sense and has potential to bring happiness and community to people.

[@OhMyShad]

Thats right, I know a lot of people (both in my family and outside) who where in very disperated situations and by studying and practicing the SGI knowledge they were able to find a way out and now they are in a better situation. The thing I appreciate of them is that they did not force you and they say even if you follow their "method" your life wouldn't be easier but you are going to be able to "fight" the bad situation in a better position, being able to have hope in for the unknown future outcomes. Btw my dad and sister are member since years, Im very sceptical that's why first of all I try to grasp more videos/cointent as possible before jumping on a new experience.

[@Flariom]

I think you only had a very superficial look at theyr cult, while im not a specialist either, i live in japan and have frequented theyr gatherings several times out of curiosity, and in japan they are quite cultish, theyr involvement in politics is quite frown upon (i personaly dislike it having religious dogmas beeing pushed into law, not that they are strong enough to do it, but from what theyr leaders say the will is very much there). Theyr use of "volunteer" work is also something that i dislike, though from what i have seen and discussed with said volunteers its not that bad. Over all, they are a pretty shady cult, but there is much worst in japan.

[@tichneck]

There are many more disturbing things than just that in the cult. Give it time.

[@xijinping10923]

Whats wrong with Zhou Enlai?

[@turnipsociety706]

But that is not in japan. They don't push hard in countries where they are not strongly grounded. Also they attract oddballs and seekers, which are generally open-minded and tolerant people

[@theknowledgevan3706]

Thank you for sharing. I recently left the SGI after 6 years of practice. I was always uncomfortable with some aspects (sensei worship, little focus on Nichiren himself and entirely on the current president's books, having to propegate the SGI in order to attain your own enlightenment, monthly subscriptions for texts that are intended to be for everybody's enlightenment, top heavy organization and calling leaders you'll never meet "mentor", excessive focus on supposed religious persecution by nichiren shoshu and the world) but bought into their explanations of these issues being for the purpose of everyone's happiness. Couldn't ignore them anymore and sometimes question my choice to leave. This helps.

[@theknowledgevan3706]

Interestingly, I haven't heard daimoku in 6+ months but still could chant along with the clip here easily. We are supposed to chant it at least twice a day and whenever we are having tough moments throughout the day.

[@arnoldgoldenadkins558]

All religions have Cultish aspects. Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is a powerful practice based upon this law. Yes, there are parts of the organization can seem overbearing. However that is all religions. Make and master your own mind.

[@arnoldgoldenadkins558]

I am not drinking the kool aid. I’m chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Which is beneficial Organization or not. However difficult to practice alone. Some of these statements are false or don’t apply to countries outside of Japan.

[@prophetofnonsense666]

Thank you for your insight. I was aware of the "Ikeda worship" accusations, but was unsure if it was just people mocking the organisation, or if it actually had credence.

[@brandon7482]

I also felt uneasy with the “cult of personality” thing. I still chant in private and enjoy that… but you don’t need some big organization for that.

[@tucki666]

I don't know what's going on Japan but over here in Germany 🇩🇪 the sgi is as harmless as it gets. No money involved. Dialogue. Humanism. Respect for other religions. These are core values. We don't show up at your door to drag you into some sort of spooky new Religion Scientology style. It is, maybe has matured into a legit buddhist school. But. I see the points. Ikeda? He was sure influential (now he's dead, which was worth half a page on the German sgi website and an improvised low key memorial service). Some people worshipped him too much, maybe. Interestingly, he never demanded that, he can't do more than stressing "I'm not special" 10000 times. Dissing other religions and Buddhist schools? Academic discussions from the 13th century, 100% irrelevant today. Though I'm sure that the boss Nichiren himself might have been an unpleasant person. But he had the balls the formal education to gain respect. Shakubuku? Very good point, might have been a thing in Japan which is a different culture. Here? No way. Of course you don't actively hide your Buddhist lifestyle. But shoving it down everybody's throat whether they want it or not? Come on, no way 🤣

[@bobbygold3889]

It's a highly political organisation spreading global communism. Ikeda has written tonnes of books likening buddhism to communism. Their brand of communism is technocommunism: pushed by the WEF and Club of Rome. An elite that own everything and a minority that happily comply on the basis of an earth worshipping religion.

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

Do you know Nichiren Shonin?? Or you people want to be a bosh increasing awareness here?. Trully never Nichiren Shonin aasked for these nonsense spreading such false teachings around the world. Japan.🧑‍🦳

[@ZoroasterIII]

hmm SGI member New Zealand here. I don't experience what you are accusing Soka Gakkai of. We pay no membership fees. No-one is asking to fight other buddhist branches. Sure, there's been too much focus on Ikeda over time. That might change now for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, he died a good bloke. However, your comparison to Aum Shinrikyu, a band of killer freaks type Charles Manson is hilarious. Tina Turner and Herbie Hancock are SGI members. Your video is clearly not simply the best. Cheers. Thanks for covering us though.

[@prophetofnonsense666]

Membership fees are an aspect of Soka Gakkai Japan, which I stated, and this is why I gave the price in yen. My source for this is "Religion and Politics in Contemporary Japan: Soka Gakkai Youth and Komeito" by Anne Mette Fisker-Nielsen, who is not only a member of Soka Gakkai, but is a lecturer at Soka University. At no point did I suggest that Soka Gakkai "fights" other Buddhist branches; they do have a section of the website however dedicated to denouncing Nichiren Shoshu and highlighting their faults. The Aum Shinrikyo metro attack of 1995 created mass anger which was directed at all new religions in Japan. Both Aum and Soka Gakkai are classified as new religious movements in academic writing, but I didn't say that they were alike. Celebrity membership is irrelevant. If you're going to engage in apologetics, at least pay attention to the video. Thanks for the comment though.

[@lindseyfraser4408]

Thank you for saying this I wish people would just stop with the slander.

[@vietashroffoliver2521]

@@prophetofnonsense666 Here in the UK we don't have a membership fee. Never have had. I've been a member since 1987 and a some of what you say is abject nonsense. Thanks for posting nevertheless

[@vietashroffoliver2521]

@@tyamada21Thanks very much for taking the time to write this detailed explanation. I've tried to copy and paste this but I can't seem to.

[@CT-qk4nr]

I have been living in JPN for over 2 decades….l unfortunately got involved with a Japanese lady for a couple years. Everything seemed normal and nice for the first few months…..then the demands came. !!!!!????? Join or or life will be hell… she was fanatically involved….cult 100%

[@kellebandea]

I can only speak to my own experience, but this doesn't sound like the Soka Gakkai in the UK at all. I'd say it's the exact opposite of a cult.

[@bobbygold3889]

SGI UK is a prime example of a benign cult. Take it from me - member of SGI UK for 37 years. It's just a stooge for the Club of Rome - the 13th Power.

[@JUNESTUNESFM]

Discovered tihs and was shocked by the amount of quality but lack of views or even subscribers, was researching this group and this genuinely was an insanely informative but nice video, it's been 6 months but I do hope you cover another group one of these days

[@linda4787]

This is the first time I have heard of "membership fees". (around 7:26) Is it only in Japan? Maybe you are referring to the one-time cost of getting a Gohonzon? Of course, donations are highly encouraged (a gentle word- there is a lot of pressure), especially at certain times of the year (varies according to the country), but it is not required to maintain membership.

[@prophetofnonsense666]

The membership fee is specifically a feature of Soka Gakkai Japan, yes

[@black_sheep_nation]

Potato, potahto

[@tanushreekulkarni9022]

We are never pressurized into making donations. You can donate 1 dollar too and no one will ask

[@clayhamilton3551]

As a Soka Gakkai member, I’ve never once been required to pay for anything or been pressured to do anything that I didn’t want to do. Members only pay for what they want to (the gohonzon, etc.) and it is never mandatory to pay anything. No such thing as a “member fee”. Chanting the Daimoku is not a magical wish granting spell. It’s a focused meditation that creates a positive psychological effect to change our lives through our own effort. No one claims that it will just magically bring you prosperity.

[@elizabethf3596]

but if you do not you will not have fortune, what a load of horse shit. People who do not chant- how do you explain their fortune?

[@tucki666]

@@elizabethf3596good point, though not quite correct imo. Of course you can be lucky without chanting . ☺️ the chanting is believed to be a machine for luck, a systematic practice to elevate your life state (as they/we say). So it gives you the extra push, affirmation to work for your goals. That's all nothing magic here. ☺️

[@maxb306]

Out of curiosity, do you think there are other, different things you could do that would provide equal or greater positive psychological effect to change your life?

[@tucki666]

@@maxb306 maybe, why not, positive affirmations tailored for you are great too.

[@Arigatou_dhanyawad]

Don’t lie

[@bee1zebub]

my aunt invited me to hear her "faith experience" at a soka gakkai meeting and it was the weirdest "spiritual" meeting i've ever been to. they wanted me to buy their books which made it sound like a pyramid scheme to "enlightenment". they also kept talking about how great nichiren buddhism was compared to other buddhist sects and acted as if doing chanting was going to cure yourself of cancer or something along that line. just really weird and uncomfortable all around, it felt like they were talking about "sensei" as if he was their dear leader lmao

[@gracejimenez7123]

How is your aunt doing? Did you hear her experience? Did she look happy? And chanting itself does not cure you of cancer but chanting does allow you to ease your mind into finding a solution to your illness that is hard to come by with a clouded mind. I hope you go again to a meeting but this time with the spirit of supporting your aunt.

[@diebesteversionmeinerselbst]

Thanks for great work!

[@arnoldgoldenadkins558]

There are over zealous members in every organization.

[@jordangraham2340]

My mother and grandmother were very involved when I was growing up and I was often at community centers and peoples home where members would have meetings. I was a part of youth groups and even though I didn’t really have a full grasp of the religion i had very positive experiences overall.

[@singingtree7619]

I can see you did alot of research for this vid and it is well put together. I think talking the to people who practice with the SGI would have given you quite a different perspective and tone to it though. I am Irish (like you by the sound of it!) and practice Nichiren Buddhism here with SGI-Ireland. I initially started practicing abroad 20 years ago. I have seen how members practice in many countries (including Japan). There are so many inaccuracies in this presentation I dont even know where to begin! Maybe you will cross paths and get to know an SGI member some time and be pleasantly surprised by what yiu have misunderstood. I hope so 🌞

[@FLock366]

As a practicing member myself. I find this outsider perspective valuable to possibly scrutinize my faith and its principles. However, I do not see exactly how these points labeled here make us different from any other religion.

[@ReachingHigher001]

❤ 🙏

[@elcastro5000]

Maybe you should examine that. The fact that these criticisms extend to other religions doesn't make them any less valid. And if anything should reinforce examining your own religion and others.

[@tichneck]

More like "I do not see how these points make us different from any other cult."

[@black_sheep_nation]

First red flag: WE are the TRUE Buddhism. All the others are false. "Can't the branches equally honor one another?" "No! Because they're false!" Second Red Flag: Study groups (of women) on the life of the "mentor" Daisaku Ikeda. "I don't care about his life. I would like to study Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra, and the founder of this branch, Nichiren. "You can! Through the mentor, sensei, and his interpretation FOR you" I don't need his interpretation, not do I need to study HIS life, thank you. And if that isn't enough, Red flag 3: "Forever Sensei" song😱

[@heeralrathod9816]

I absolutely agree with you 💯 I have been a member for the last 8 years and left a few months back. What a relief .

[@METALUNICORNLTD]

In the UK we do not pay membership fees, but we are encouraged to donate to the kosen rufu fund. I was told that money was donated to charities. But it isn’t. It goes back to Japan. When the Soka Gakkai decided to back Komeito’s support for the Iraq war I was horrified. They were due to have a meeting about this at taplow court the weekend after the 7/7 bombings. SGI japan is in partnership with Mitsubishi, which used to advertise heavily in the newspaper (owned and run by SGI). Mitsubishi is an umbrella company made up of many divisions. Including weapons manufacture. Remember, Komeito was started by SGI, and has many, many SGI members in its ranks. SGI Japan members are encouraged to vote for them too. All of this is online. But a lot of it is in Japanese.

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

Dont worry here in Japan Komeito party loose the election the past few years.Many many Soka members went back to Shoshu.Japan.🧑‍🦳

[@caitebon2]

That is creepy. Always pushing for contributions but where does the money go?

[@METALUNICORNLTD]

@ I would think it goes to the paid staff, the higher ups, investment, their media endeavours, and business dealings. However, that’s not really in keeping with Buddhism. Maybe even Nichiren would argue against such things.

[@caitebon2]

@@METALUNICORNLTD "I would think" is not a definitive answer. Nonetheless, I cancelled my sustaining subscription. Am still in SGI in name, only for district activities, where I receive encouragement. Once you go higher up the chain, it becomes less and less meaningful. The org is pulling away from the a district-centered practice even though Toda said the district is the core.

[@Jigokucake-lg1xj]

Great video, but as a Nichiren enthusiast (not an SGI member and will never be), I wanted to add a few clarifications: 1. "Gongyo" can refer to any daily Buddhist liturgy, not necessarily ones related to Nichiren or the Lotus Sutra (although passages from the Lotus Sutra are not at all uncommon in such practices). 2. Shakubuku was referenced by Nichiren himself in his writings and (I believe) was based on earlier treatises by the Chinese Tiantai school. It was contrasted with a more gentle and gradual conversion approach called "shoju." Nichiren claimed that the strategy required could change depending on the time period. 3.The idea that refuge in the Lotus Sutra can bring material prosperity does not necessarily contradict the sutra itself, but the fact of the matter is that Nichiren himself had a very difficult life full of persecution and often told his followers to expect the same, sometimes claiming that they would have to wait until their next life to reap any substantial reward due to their karmic circumstances and the wicked nature of the latter age. He elaborates on this in his book "Kaimokusho." Ironically Ikeda admitted in his books that he and his mentor wanted their organization to take on a more secular and scientific slant, away from what they saw to be deleterious elements of mysticism and superstition common in popular Japanese religion, yet this "prosperity" component stayed (likely as a way to help them bring in more impoverished and downtrodden individuals).

[@patcolpe81]

I left SGI after 12 years of practice. I needed a more philosophical base. I didn't like the cult around Ikeda. I respect people who continue practicing, but it is no longer my path.

[@vinushasilva9179]

Same here after 9 years of practice

[@iskandartaib]

This reminds me of a movie I watched last year, called "Father of the Galactic Railway". There have been a number of movies about the poet Miyazawa Kenji (most notably the anime "Spring and Chaos") but this one was about Miyazawa Kenji's father. As a young man, Miyazawa Kenji was influenced by several enthusiasms, but it was his embrace of Nichiren Buddhism that caused his estrangement with his family. I get the impression that the Nichiren sect was a cult before the term was ever invented.

[@diebesteversionmeinerselbst]

Thank you for promoting our loved Soka Gakkai! Those who had had bad experiences often are those who habe the courage to make a video about it. And those thousands who have great experiences remain in silence which is the opposite of what Nichiren taught. I really appreciate your video, your point of view , everyone should manifest their Pont of view with respect . I practice it for 20 years now and I have had awesome experiences with it! Thank you, thank you. Thank you 🙏🏿🙌🏼🙏🏿🙌🏼

[@เรียนภาษาอังกฤษวันนี้]

You forgot a lot of stuff: the coverup of Ikeda's death, his rapecase, his friendship with dictators like Chaushesku and Jiang Zhemin (Chinese Hitler), the paying for graves and the multimillion dollar art fraud.

[@gracejimenez7123]

Ikeda was friends with Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela and students of Ghandi and Martin Luther King. He met with powerful people in the brink of war to stop war. To speak to them about family and values. Because Ikeda believed in the inherent goodness of human beings. Ikeda died on November 15th and his Death was announced on November 18th. It was a decision made to allow the members, who had worked hard for the festivities of our November 18th general meetings, to focus on their determinations. When he died, sincere people felt like they lost a father, a teacher. People the likes of whom I hope you can surround yourself with one day.

[@earthlingrob5644]

Am I hearing things or is there Starcraft music in the background?

[@Mr22thou]

I was active in Soka Gakkai back in the late '80s. It did not fit any of the negative definitions of a cult and this video doesn't say otherwise. I can honestly say that it did have a positive spiritual effect on my life. I stopped however because it was not sufficient in helping me with certain problems in my life and I overheard the membership being reduced to income to the organization. But I have found that to be true in most religious groups I know of. Religions have expenses of course, but there's also tons of money that can be made from followers. Even run of the mill gurus can do quite well. But it was my introduction to Buddhism and for that, I am grateful. By the way, they had courses for those who wanted to learn more about Buddhism than simply chanting, but as I recall, they were costly. All in all, it was a good religious group - good spiritual community - about as good as any and better than many.

[@marcelo90z]

Considering some first-hand accounts in the comments and the video, it seems as if Soka Gakkai is when Buddhism meets Evangelical Christianity (mainly that prosperity theology bit), and amounts of nuttiness can vary from place to place. The thing about the cadence when reading the Lotus Sutra isn't weird, it is a traditional buddhist practice to have a specific rhythm when reciting classical texts. Considering other Shinshunkyo out there, like the World Messianity, Sokka Gakkai is one of the "less weird" (still an oddball, nonetheless) As a matter of fact, I would love if you could cover World Messianity as the next of your japanese cult videos, there are some churches from them here in Brazil and they have some weird ideas about spiritual healing

[@ReachingHigher001]

2:05 - This is mistaken. There are many forms of prosperity, not just financial.

[@A_Muzik]

When people are introduced to the SGI, it’s through the promises of financial prosperity. Maybe recruiters should stop doing that.

[@thebigbeautycutie]

@@A_Muzik that is perhaps your own personal experience, I have never experienced that. I have been practicing for almost 11 years. If so, then I am sorry this happened to you.

[@Mohit-gg2vd]

This is a video without any research. You shoold speak to soka gakkai members who are still practicing. Most of them are educated. Its a philosophy for the happiness and prosperity of an individual.

[@reijiropaws6593]

Exactly, we chant for ourselves and the betterment of the ones closest to us. I was born into the practice and never have I ever been required to pay a fee.

[@tucki666]

@@reijiropaws6593 that's what I experience. Not more not less. Casual yet profound. In particular I do not experience any "hidden agenda". In the past (10y ago) when people were a little.... over-motivated and maybe under-educated in Buddhism, I see where the "cult" thing is coming from. It's a shame, we need to work on this. Today kn Europe? Legit stuff, no cult wherever. Vids from Japan turn me off.

[@TheSunNoise]

Great video! Please make a video about 顕正会. Just got one of them knocking at our door and apparently they're also from nichren shoshu like soka gakkai.

[@prophetofnonsense666]

I'll have to look into them a bit more myself, but thank you for your suggestion

[@mirimiriya_90]

Nichiren Shoshu is the original teaching of Nichiren Daishonin. Not daisaku ikeda.

[@carlosacta8726]

I've been a member of SGI for over a decade and haven't experienced anything you describe!! If they're making $$$ wads of cash I don't see how!!! No one here wastes any time badmouthing anybody...

[@tucki666]

@@carlosacta8726 same here I truly don't know where the cult thing is coming from. Mr Ikeda wasn't even a spiritual authority just someone explaining Buddhism.

[@LeoSomnolentus]

Nichiren path is he only religion i know which does not invoke superior entities outside of itself

[@jamesanderson8712]

I was born into the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and agree how the SGI handles its finances for continuing its mission to span worldpeace.

[@elizabethf3596]

to achieve world domination through world govt of unelected leaders you mean. Look at ikeda's membership into CLUB of Rome that stated it's goals in 50's to use climate change to do it, and notice how Maurice Strong, and many dialogues are with commies- and they are involved in all sorts of criminal activities, since Ikeda is a yakuza thug

[@bobbygold3889]

I was also born into it. World Peace = World Subjugation. Who will enforce the peace? Can't you realise they're trying to usher in a totalitarian form of global government.

[@justjoxo]

I grew up in an SGI house but never partook except to sneak in at the end for free biscuits. I remember not liking the chanting bc it was loud and hurt my ears and people chanted out of sync (turns out I’m autistic so it was probably a sensory thing). I remember being a teenager and going on anti depressants for the first time and having a conversation with it about my dad bc he’d seen me take my meds one morning. He said something along the lines of “blah blah medication bad, why don’t you just chant instead, it’ll work so much better” and I was like “dad saying some words I don’t understand in a language I don’t speak isn’t gonna stop me wanting to take a bath with the toaster”. It then got a bit heated bc he was insistent that he would and I finally just screamed at him to shut up and stormed off. Our relationship is better now, despite him still being a member of SGI. Also both my parents at some points were leaders. SGI have a hq in the uk, which I’ve been too and it’s actually really fucking pretty and calming I won’t like. However when my mum w@ a leader they required her to go up and volunteer for a weekend like once every few months and when I went with her one time bc I was going to see friends near there after. I was beyond shocked by the fact they were getting so much free labour out of here yet still charging here for food in the cafe. Like the fuck she’s driven a few hundred miles, is doing some admin work for free and you’re not even able to provide one hot meal and she was like “oh SGI doesn’t make that much, they can’t afford it”. Because I’m me i then went and looked them up on companies house and l then piped up and was like “says here they have 47 million in funds carried forward, I think they can afford to give you a sandwich mum” but that got sort of blown off and I got some looks from the other women volunteering. Ehh but you know the one good thing about it, is that even when I was at my lowest and on the spirituality/manifestation side of TikTok. I never got fully sucked into it bc in the back of my mind, all I was thinking was “my parents would say chanting will solve all your problems and get you anything you want but I’ve literally never seen that happen for them and this is like that just instead of chanting it’s positive affirmations and manifesting”

[@mambakuroii8125]

Follow the law not the people

[@penand_paper6661]

There's a mistake here though: a fair amount of these New Religions are quite innocent. Tenrikyo is probably the best example: it's really no worse than the average religion. In fact, they're actually quite pleasant as people go. This is to say nothing about the more humanistic Shinshukyo, which honestly are just spiritual art clubs.

[@Yabroproductions33]

Anyone claiming the “one true religion” is by default NOT the “true religion”

[@wachamakolit1]

All my wishes have been granted since my practice in 2017....

[@archanaverma9675]

Hi plz help and guide me to how u practice iam going through alot plz help

[@Drawson663]

@@archanaverma9675it’s fake and they can’t help you, they don’t even have the time to reply to you

[@DreamingWhileAwakeMusic]

@@archanaverma9675 find a local chapter and meet with

[@TheBitterSarcasmOfMs.Anthropy]

For some reason halfway through the video I got the urge to play Starcraft. I have no idea why😂

[@Ameythste]

What do you mean we can't leave? I was shunned a few week-end ago.

[@prophetofnonsense666]

I can't seem to find what part of the video you're referring to. People can (and many do) leave Sōka Gakkai

[@theknowledgevan3706]

I interpreted that as meaning it's made very difficult to leave. When I ghosted the organization, some leaders would reach out occasionally and ask me to dinner to chat, but after ignoring them, I think I have been shunned too. Even by some people that I believed to be good friends. Did you announce to them that you were leaving or stop showing up? Just out of curiosity

[@Ameythste]

Actually, I called them out on the fact that they state they value human rights. I went to the Montreal Cultural Centre during an open house. I tried to talk to the headquarters leader about the fact that I didn't like the way things were down in the SGI's cease-fire declaration at the United Nations. I don't think he understood what I was referring to and just walked away. I then spoke loudly and said something only a human rights activist would clearly understand then I left. A few days later I got a message from my district leader stating I would not be invited to meetings because I had scared children when I spoke loudly and I had brought my political agenda to the SGI. I only heard from him again to tell me President Ikeda had died.@@theknowledgevan3706

[@Krrazed]

Be very sure nowadays to check your sources. It's not a cult, you don't even have to practice if you don't want to. I've had zero pressure put on me to chant and have made one donation since I've been in the practice in 2019. I wish I could help them more monetarily, but I am broke most of the time. They understand and are only there to support me through my struggles. It's what we in the human services would call a support system. I wish I could help them more monetarily, but they understand that not everyone is able to. Did you do any actual research on the subject? Interview any Buddhists? Or are you regurgitating something you've heard or read, from people who also do not know about it? Be very sure nowadays to check your sources.

[@preshengovender7956]

Been with Sgi SA since 2009 Some of the best people I have ever met . Humble and helpful and the most accepting non judgemental from all over the world . Dont be sheep Many hate or disrespect what they dont understand . Its 2024 Hard to believe people so indoctrinated that every other belief system is a cult or evil

[@Mohit-gg2vd]

Soka gakkai is going strong because it works for peppke happiness. It is looked at cult from outside becsue they do not understsand it. Its actually working for people hapoines and anyone who says something else is actually talking from a superfcial viewpoint. There is also no membership fees.😂😂 😂😂 Whoever told u so

[@pinkifloyd7867]

No fee except in India 🤑

[@heeralrathod9816]

Are there is no fee in India as well.

[@elizabethf3596]

they push world government through their global citizen garbage, SDG just a cover for unelected tyrants ruling world. no borders equal no country

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

I am a witness my friend . Japan.

[@elanenakataisolda3707]

This video is a lie!!! I am a member of the Soka Gakkai Gakkai of Brazil, and they never forced me to pay anything!!! Quite the contrary, it was the members who gave me all the support!

[@arnoldgoldenadkins558]

We are worshipping society. Daisaku Ikeda is a great man. The proof is in his actions and results. Greatness is appreciated and sometimes worshipped. People worship athletes, pastors, actors. The true message is if you chant you can transform your life.

[@thorjia3732]

U r lost blackman

[@A_Muzik]

You really ingested that Kool-Aid. And this is coming from someone who was in SGI for four years and practiced and studied assiduously Ikeda’s writings, Gosho, Lotus Sutra, and Ongi Kuden. If the message was just about chanting, then 50K would not have been about promoting Daisaku Ikeda’s failed idea of a single human revolution being able to change the destiny of humanity.

[@elizabethf3596]

the ccp loves ikeda, lol he is a anti japanese, anti american commie, or was until he died 13 years ago, but nobody was told until his commie friend Kissinger died too

[@Daniela-zk1yf]

​​@@A_Muzikin questi 4 anni non hai fatto nessun progresso? A volte per vedere effetti straordinari serve più tempo...e si, sicuramente oltre al canto servono le azioni e questo per appunto lo affermano anche le guide della SgI

[@user-qb8qm4mp5n]

Just because everyone else does it (worshipping athletes and celebrities) doesn't make it right.

[@dapremetv1225]

But sgi isn’t new

[@maggimezzo1575]

I am sorry to tell you that Soka Gakkai is NOT a cult. It is an organization and a wąy of life. It isnt true that member only read Ikeda's books. Thats shit. I learned the original Lotus Sutra, and Nichiren's writings. I don't pay anything, and I go all the time, you can pay if you have money. It is not compulsary. You can read Ikeda's books if tou want.

[@vietashroffoliver2521]

I can attest to that. I've been a member here in UK for 37 years. I have an assiduous practice of the mystic law, enjoy daily life, am self empowered and realise that the Buddha nature is "the true nature of all phenomena". I've never been asked to pay a fee. Yes in the last 2 decades it did begin feel like the cult of Ikeda, but the Buddha was clear when he instructed us to "diligently seek your own salvation, rely on the self and the (mystic) law. Oneness of mentor and disciple has been banged on about a lot. The "oneness" is what I identify with. A lot of people who left were poor at practice, in-depth study and opening their life. I hope they too find what they're looking for

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

Those books are not Nichiren Daishonin wrote and taught at all. Japan.

[@vietashroffoliver2521]

@@1027HANA-lc5ke evidence please?

[@leoaouad3804]

You dont know much about Soka Gakkai! Nam myoho rengekyo saved my life! You' do not understand the essense of this great practice!!! Next time dig deep! Nam myoho rengekyo 😅

[@epsilonjay4123]

I would argue that not all new religious movements are cults. We often hear about the ones that cause serious harm to people, and those ones are cults, but I would say that there are many new religious movements that haven't caused harm, and do not belong to that categorization.

[@imaginativewriters-animate2163]

I was a member of Soka Gakai for 30 years in NYC. Great experience until the infighting with priesthood and a few other things that turned me off

[@cephun]

Same here, I was in it in the late 80's/early 90's when it was called NSA. We left when it split, my Dad said if they can't get along then that's it. lol

[@franktrinkle4279]

EXACTLY! I wrote on the same thing in a comment here!

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

Soka Gakkai started these fighting first. And are a cult.Japan.

[@amysnewlife84]

They do charge some fees every year in INDIA.

[@pinkifloyd7867]

🤣 thats hilkarious 😅

[@krangdrol]

@@heeralrathod9816 when I was a member of this cult, we had to buy our incense, our candles, there were magazines, books, subscriptions. then there were trips, and events. And when I said I didn’t have money for it, they would belittle me, or others: “Don’t be heavy!” They had a whole lingo and terminology-like a pyramid scheme-which is what SGI is and was, to encourage reticent members to spend money, and/or do activities they didn’t want to. And then there was the trip to Japan, to the major temple, and they pushed that pilgrimage like I never saw anything like that before. And let us not forget that they pay senior leaders to do what they do. it was and remains a cult. MORE importantly, the Buddhism that SGI embraces is not “real’ Buddhism. I say that because I have since been studying and practicing Buddhism for 20 years, in Zen centers, in I sight meditation centers, and as a Tibetan monk and SGI doesn’t embrace or practice meditation, and many other Buddhist practices. they focus in the one mantra, never meditate, don’t discuss Bodhisattva ideals, don’t take lay vows, do not discuss Emptiness and countless other Buddhist basics. I’m sorry but chanting for boyfriends or partners, money, and all those things I saw people chanting for is NOT Buddhist.

[@thebigbeautycutie]

@@heeralrathod9816 I think they are talking about the OPTIONAL May contributions.

[@Donal01]

Wow!

[@BerthaCordova-j5n]

Estamos con la Ley no adoramos ni oramos a las personas . Teníamos un gran maestro Ikeda, sus orientaciones me fortalecieron.

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

The great teacher are The Nichiren Daishonin . Priets taught Soka Gakkai everything .

[@Embargoman]

Soon they will form some Christian religion in Japan and yet there is a certain church formed in Japan.

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

That is A korea cult you talking about.

[@Embargoman]

@1027HANA-lc5ke Nope not the Moonies!

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

Hello. Yes there are many cults in Japan as well over the world. Then which religion is not a cult??? But Nichiren Shoshu are totally a diffrend teaching as Soka Gakkai. Yes they became wrong and destroyed Nichiren Shonin's teachings and priets was bullied through them. Komeito was at the back and Soka Gakkai became a multimedia oower house.. Instead people must follow Nikko Shonin the honest second priets after Nichiren Daishonin passed away since 1290 at Nichiren Shoshu their Soka members woreship I mad middleman Ikeda from making Books about human revolution and world peace. But He did not wrote it himself but the gostwriter did so. Not was a member at all. And the illicit behavior against priets was the problem. Now here are you people that leval of any experiences??? I am so confused. First of all you 👉 people around the world dont know what buddishm mean and about Nichiren Shonin true history at all. What is The Lotus Sutra means?? Only Nichiren Shonin attain enlightenment to describe all human life and meaning from 800 years ago in Japan. Buddha and God wont give you a state of mind. What about Jesus attain enlightenment before he became Christ?? An invisible god that was not proofed cannot created itself. And to teach that one is a sevant of god in heaven is proof of not being a true religion. Without a teaching that we ourselves can become Buddha or a god., where can we find salvation? The Buddha depicted in the Lotus Sutra does not claim that he created the world. That is because the True Law is no one's possession and everyone's possession at the same time. Nichiren Shonin taught that Buddha revealed to us the Law, which is the basic core of all living things. With his life Nichiren Shonin demonstrated how people can fuse the LAW and their way of living. Initially, all Bodhisattvas were ordinary people like us who believed and practiced. Therefore, the believe that a being created the world is also both false and vainglorious. So there is a Law before god ect. I am practincing and happy with my big family practincing in Nichiren Shosho since 1970 without no doupt and nothing fearing me at all. Soka Gakkai must wake up and follow the Three Great secret law not A cult like Soka Gakkai and other false after Nichiren Sects. Shoshu the verry firtst Nichiren temple started in Japan since 1290 soon after Nichiren Daishonin passed away and Nichiren Shonin only passed down The doctrins and Gohonzon to Nikko Shonin. Nichiren Shoshu praticing are the only teaching bringing true human happiness for us from a deeper understanding. Thankyou. Japan🧑‍🦳

[@TaygoaraNunes-tx5be]

Toda religião é um processo em andamento, Tudo Muda Inexoravelmente, A Lei Da Impermanência É Implacável!

[@malibusky8701]

This has got to be bait XD

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

???

[@JonaMonteverde]

Philippine equivalent is Iglesia ni Cristo

[@mambakuroii8125]

Ikeda Sensei is the embodiment of Nichiren teachings, the Lotus sutra itself, if you chant for egotistic reason as being rich only and not working out is just stupidity…that’s why people give up , you cannot bargain with your own self

[@carolewells505]

The Soka Gakkai is not a cult it is True Buddhism we get to decide on what ever we want to do any teacher is a mentor we have already attained enlightenment we are already Buddhas you purchase monthly subscriptions for any newspaper or magazine we read the Gosho which is all about Nichiren Daishonin , And Nichiren Shoshu follow & worship the Priesthood

[@elcastro5000]

Cope. Every religion thinks it's the "true religion". You guys barely even believe anything the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas taught. Chanting will not bring you material happiness. Material happiness isn't even something you should be looking to achieve.

[@MrEjidorie]

@@elcastro5000 One man`s meat is another man`s poison. Good religion for one person could be cult school for another person. Nobody believes any religions if they think they are wrong.

[@gusbean]

B*llshit. Total cult-- Greedy shady and gross Your baloney is proof of the brainwashing SGI thrives on. + True Buddhism? ...Really lazy is more like it! 😂

[@rainpoem2]

U stop talking rubbish

[@MrEjidorie]

@@rainpoem2 Yes, personality cult of Daisaku Ikeda is really rubbish!

[@ilovelongcox]

sound like heretics

[@shreyasdongare6152]

Your total video is waste

[@TheDOOMDisciple]

I AM PROOF SOKA GAKKAI IS TRUTH DEVIL KING IN THE FLESH ALL OUT OF JUICE

[@yvonnemarcher9792]

❤ agree,not a cult

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

Soka Gakkai just became a big multimedia power house. Japan.🧑‍🦳

[@vinnysing1324]

Soka Gakkkai is a cult. No Buddha Dharma is taught at their center, only praising ikedha. Same as Nichiren Buddhist Cult. Cult that deny Buddha Dharma can save sentient beings. Only nichiren can save sentient beings today. If nichiren is a Buddha,why he didn't tell about his past lives, why didn't teach Lotus Sutra. Only chanting lotu sutra. Japan has too many cults. Be careful, be aware.

[@franktrinkle4279]

When I was still NSA member back in the 80's, it was already crazy how the Ikeda worship was expanding. I remembeer a large Youth Group Convention in Los Angeles where we were all required to "PRACTICE" our welcoming cheer for Ikeda's arrival on the stage. 10 TIMES! My comfort level was seriously damaged that day and was really the stepping stone for me to leave SGI even before they were excommunicated by the Head Temple and Chief Priest. Fortunately, those of us who left SGI at the time, and who were still very active practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhists, were given the opportunity to become direct-temple members which later encompassed the lay group "Hokkeko" who only get their guidance and teachings directly from the priesthood. I've now been a Nichirent Shoshu Buddhist for 40 years and happy that I saw the dangers of SGI very early in my practice and left without damaging my beliefs in Nichiren's teachings.. The Lotus Sutra and Nichiren's teachings endure ONLY from the ORIGINAL Dai Gohonzon, inked by Nichiren himself, and situated in Taiseki Ji Temple at the base of Mt. Fuji. SGI had the audacity of actually creating their OWN Gohonzon as inspired by Ikeda!

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

Who and what is A Dharma. ??

[@kenwong1555]

We focus on chanting南无妙法莲华经，Sensei and Nichiren Dahsonin emphasized d same, Sensei intepreted d lotus sutras teaching apply to our daily lives, what's wrong with Sensei?

[@elizabethf3596]

every leader he met with is a commie for starters Maurice strong, he is amember of club of rome, do your research

[@1027HANA-lc5ke]

What is wrong with Nichiren Shoshu priets? On what about Ikeda attain enlightenment about.Japan🧑‍🦳