ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º º BuddhaNet: Buddhist Info Network Buddha Dharma Education Assoc. º º Web Site: www.buddhanet.net PO Box K1020 Haymarket NSW 2000 º º Email: bdea@buddhanet.net Tel: +61-2-92123071 AUSTRALIA º º º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS IN BUDDHISM (NOTES) NICHIREN SHOSHU SOKKA GAKKAI Makiguchi - Founder Josei Toda - second President Daisaku Ikeda - Current President Nichiren Sect True object of worship - Gohonzon True Buddha - Nichiren True Dharma Daimoku - Namo Myoho Renge Kyo Recitation is means of acquiring saving power. Shakubuku - break and subdue Komeito RISSHO KOSEI KAI Founders:- Nikkyo Niwano and Myoko Naganuma Niwano still heading the organisation Nichiren Sect Object of worship - The eternal Buddha manifested in Shakyamuni - Nichiren honoured as advocate of the study of the Lotus Sutra. Chanting of Daimoku practised but emphasises it as an affirmation of faith rather than conferring of special powers. Hoza or group counselling also known a Dharma Circle. Unlike many other Nichiren sects - teaches Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path and Dependent Origination. Uses traditional Shakyamuni Buddha image as object of worship but has no Sangha. It is a lay Buddhist organisation headed by President Niwano. NIPPONZAN MYOHO JI Founder:- Nichidatsu Fujii also known as Fujii - Guruji Nichiren Sect Based on the Lotus Sutra and the teachings of Mahatma Ghandi Noted for its radical pacifism - Monks have walked across the United States at least three times chanting the Daimoku. Monks strictly celibate and consider machinery of any kind decadent and to be avoided. Fujii Guruji worked for the revival of Buddhism in India and Nepal since the end of WWII Builds peace pagodas in many countries - one in London Prominent for beating their drums and chanting the Daimoku at peace rallies throughout the world WON BUDDHISM Founded by Chung-bin Park also known as Soteasan - Korea's answer to Nichiren Its Motto:- As material civilization develops, cultivate spiritual civilization accordingly. Born in 1891 he attained Enlightenment in 1916 after twenty years of struggle. Object of worship is the Ill-Won-sang or perfect circle which represents the Dharmakaya Buddha. No Buddha statues. Doctrine based on Three Principles - Cultivation of spiritual stability, study of Facts and Principles, Selection of Right Conduct as well as cultivation of the four graces of Heaven and earth, Parents, Brethren and the Law. Also emphasises the practice of Son - meditation at all times. Aims to build towards United Religions (U.R) and is active in many international bodies such as the W.F.B., W.C.R.P. and Asian Conference on Religion and Peace. SANTI ASOKE Founder:- Rak Rakpong, a former television personality, known as Phra Potirak Puritanical Buddhism - No Buddha images - ordains women eats only food offered in bowl (Pindapat) Ran foul of ecclesiastical authorities in Thailand by con- demning the Sangha Council for its luxuries,practises of occultism and amulets DHAMMAKAYA FOUNDATION Movement within Thailand to enlist students and educated people to train as Buddhist monks. Reputedly, supported by Thai military, hence an intensely nationalistic movement with military like discipline. Meditation technique unorthodox - uses combination of visualisation - crystal ball - and recitation of the mantra "Samma Araham". Uses modern techniques for propagation such as television, computers etc. CHING HAI Ching Hai was born in Vietnam. She was brought up as a Catholic but learnt the basics of Buddhism from her grandmother. At age eighteen, went to England to study. She later went to France and Germany where she worked for the Red Cross. She married a Doctor whom she met in Germany. After studying with various meditation teachers. She felt that she would have to pursue a spiritual path herself. She claims to have received transmission from a Himalayan Master and as a result claims to have attained enlightenment. She became a Buddhist nun following this enlightenment. Her teaching is a mixture of Christianity, Hinduism and elements of Buddhism. Her followers, referred to as Messengers of Kwan Yin, believe that by chanting her name that immediate enlightenment will be attained. She promotes strict vegetarianism and is a great admirer of Imelda Marcos who she feels was persecuted by the Aquino regime. YENG SHI TANG Founder:- Vajra Master Lu Shen-yen Teaches a form of Tantric Buddhism and claims to be the living Buddha. Entices followers by promising success in business and riches in this world. FRIENDS OF THE WESTERN BUDDHIST ORDER Founded by an English monk, Ven.Sangharakshita in 1967 A form of Buddhism without cultural accretions especially designed to appeal to Westerners. It draws from all Buddhist traditions but attempts to place itself firmly within the European cultural tradition, without throwing out the essential teachings of the Buddha. The order does not have monks or nuns as these are considered inappropriate in a Western setting. However there is a form of ordination which is carried out by Sangharakshita himself or by a senior member of the order. On ordination the initiate is given an order name which is usually derived from the Sanskrit or Pali language. At meetings or ceremonies these order members wear a Kesa, a strip of brocade emblazoned with the three jewel symbol which is the symbol of the F.W.B.O.. A white Kesa being for a non-celibate member and a gold one for celibate ones. Most order members live in residential communities. Before entering the order, a person may become a Mitra or friend. This is someone who is committed to the Movement and intends to remain involved in the foreseeable future. The Order has become well known for its active support of the Ambedkar movement in India. Dr.Ambedkar, an "Untouchable" or now known as scheduled caste established Buddhist missionary work among the scheduled castes to introduce them to Buddhism. Some, including the Order, consider this a successful missionary activity which enables these people to gain social mobility by lift- ing them from the 'caste' system. Many critics are doubtful if these people really have a true commitment to Buddhism and suggest that they are really still Hindus at heart but embrace Buddhism outwardly for purely economic reasons How can one know their true motivation? <*** End of File ***>