Repudiating the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood under Nikken

Repudiating the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood Under Nikken

The relationship between the Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood underwent a major transformation in the early 1990s.

To understand what happened, it is useful to first understand the historical relationship between the priesthood and the Soka Gakkai, the rise of the priesthood under Nikken Abe, and the events that eventually led to what Soka Gakkai members refer to as their spiritual independence .

Some Background

Following the death of Nichiren Daishonin , Nikko Shonin carried forward his mentor's legacy.

The organization that later became known as Nichiren Shoshu was based on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, known as the Gosho .

For many years, people who wished to practice Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism would affiliate with Nichiren Shoshu.

This was also the case with Makiguchi Sensei , when he established the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai .

The Different Approaches of the Priesthood and Soka Gakkai

Over time, according to the perspective presented in this material, Nichiren Shoshu increasingly came to emphasize ritual practices , including temple visits, memorial services and funerals.

In this respect, it came to resemble many other Buddhist schools in Japan that placed considerable emphasis on ritual practice.

The Soka Kyoiku Gakkai, on the other hand, sought to operate in a more democratic and open manner , emphasizing what it regarded as the essential spirit of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

Its activities included:

Discussion meetings

Encouraging individuals to transform their lives

Helping people actualize happiness amid life's real challenges

Contributing to the peace and prosperity of society

The Shinto Talisman Issue

The difference became particularly significant during Japan's military period.

The military government mandated acceptance of the Shinto Talisman .

While Soka Kyoiku Gakkai and Makiguchi Sensei refused to accept it , the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood succumbed to the government's pressure and subsequently instructed Soka Kyoiku Gakkai to accept it as well.

Makiguchi Sensei refused.

This became one of the defining examples of his commitment to protecting the principles of his faith despite pressure from authorities.

The Soka Gakkai's Foundation

Since its establishment, the Soka Gakkai grounded itself in a faith directly connected to the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin .

Its fundamental aim was to:

Spread the Daishonin's teachings

Create happiness for all people

Advance kosen-rufu

Contribute to world peace

This became an important foundation for the development of Soka Gakkai under its first three presidents.

The Nikken Sect

The term “Nikken Sect” refers, in the framing of this material, to the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood under the leadership of Nikken Abe .

Nikken Abe claimed to be the 67th high priest in the lineage.

According to the Soka Gakkai perspective presented here, the priesthood under Nikken increasingly took the position that the high priest possessed absolute and uncontestable authority over matters related to Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.

The Parallel With Ryokan

This material draws a parallel between Nikken and Ryokan of Gokuraku-ji Temple , who lived during Nichiren Daishonin's lifetime.

Ryokan was outwardly respected and revered by many people, while, according to the Daishonin's writings, he harbored animosity toward Nichiren Daishonin.

He conspired to have the Daishonin persecuted.

Ryokan is presented as an example of the “arrogant sage” described among the Three Powerful Enemies in the Lotus Sutra.

In the contemporary period, this material identifies Nikken as a similar example of an arrogant sage who attempted to destroy Soka Gakkai, an organization striving to accomplish the Daishonin's will of kosen-rufu.

Although Nikken transferred the office of high priest to his successor, Nichinyo, in 2005 , the material maintains that the lineage he passed on continued to be affected by what it describes as slander of the Law.

Overview of the Priesthood Issue

As Soka Gakkai began making significant strides in spreading kosen-rufu not only in Japan but around the world under Ikeda Sensei , tensions with the priesthood intensified.

According to the Soka Gakkai perspective presented in this material, Nikken increasingly harbored animosity toward Soka Gakkai and felt that he was losing control over Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.

Operation C

In 1990 , Nikken conceived what was called “Operation C.”

The “C” stood for “cut” —with the aim of cutting the Soka Gakkai away from the priesthood.

The objective, according to this account, was to sever relations with Soka Gakkai and take control of its members, turning them into subservient followers of the priests.

December 1990 — President Ikeda Removed

In December 1990 , the priesthood announced that it was dismissing President Ikeda from his position as chief lay representative of Nichiren Shoshu.

The priesthood refused to conduct discussions with Soka Gakkai regarding the decision.

The conflict continued to escalate.

November 1991 — Disbandment and Excommunication

On November 7, 1991 , the priesthood sent Soka Gakkai a document titled:

“Remonstrance to Disband”

Then, on November 28, 1991 , it issued a:

“Notice of Excommunication.”

According to the Soka Gakkai account presented here, these documents did not provide justification based on passages from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin.

Instead, they repeatedly asserted that Soka Gakkai was not obediently following the priesthood.

The Gohonzon Issue

The priesthood also refused to confer the Gohonzon upon members of Soka Gakkai.

According to this account, the Gohonzon was used as an incentive to encourage members to leave Soka Gakkai and follow the priesthood.

In 1993 , Soka Gakkai, with the cooperation of a temple that had opposed Nikken's actions, decided to confer upon its members around the world a Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan Shonin .

This became an important development in the Soka Gakkai's subsequent practice.

The Demolition of Sho-Hondo

Another significant event occurred in 1998 .

The Nikken Sect demolished the Sho-Hondo , or Grand Main Temple, at the Nichiren Shoshu head temple, Taiseki-ji.

The Sho-Hondo had been built in 1972 through the sincere faith and contributions of approximately eight million people associated with Soka Gakkai .

Its demolition became a deeply significant event for Soka Gakkai members.

Major Offenses and Erroneous Doctrines of the Nikken Sect

According to the perspective presented in this material, the priesthood under Nikken promoted several doctrines and practices that were contrary to the essential spirit of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.

The Claim of a Secret Heritage or Lineage

One major issue concerns the premise that there is a secret and mysterious heritage or lineage passed from one high priest to another.

The material maintains that there is no evidence in the Daishonin's writings to support such a concept.

It argues that this idea is far removed from the essential meaning of the heritage of faith taught by Nichiren Daishonin.

According to this perspective, the concept became a later invention intended to strengthen the status and authority of the high priest.

The High Priest as Infallible

Another criticism concerns the belief that the high priest is superior to ordinary believers and must be followed without question.

According to this material, the priesthood began regarding the high priest as:

Infallible

An object of worship or veneration

Someone who must be followed without question

The material argues that this contradicts the fundamental spirit of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

The Admonitions of Nikko Shonin

One of the key passages cited in this discussion comes from “The Twenty-Six Admonitions of Nikko.”

Nikko Shonin states:

“Do not follow even the high priest if he goes against the Buddha's Law and propounds his views.”

This passage is presented as evidence that the high priest cannot be regarded as infallible.

The fundamental standard remains the Buddha's Law , rather than the personal authority of an individual.

The High Priest and the Dai-Gohonzon

Another issue concerns the claim that the high priest and the Dai-Gohonzon are inseparable and that faith in both must be absolute.

According to the material, equating a person with the Dai-Gohonzon is fundamentally contrary to Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.

The emphasis should remain on the Buddha's Law and faith , rather than elevating an individual to an unquestionable position.

Rituals and Religious Practices

The material also criticizes the increasing emphasis on religious rituals as a means of generating revenue.

These included:

Funeral services

Memorial services

Bestowal of posthumous Buddhist names

Issuing wooden memorial tablets to be placed beside graves

According to the perspective presented here, these rituals were not instituted by Nichiren Daishonin but became established in later periods.

The Daishonin emphasized that attaining Buddhahood depends upon one's faith and practice while alive .

Corruption and Self-Indulgence

The Nikken Sect is also described in this material as having behaved in a corrupt and self-indulgent manner, in violation of the Daishonin's instructions.

The central criticism is that religious authority and ritual should never become detached from the fundamental purpose of Buddhism:

Helping people attain happiness and advancing kosen-rufu.

Causing Disunity in the Buddhist Order

Another major issue raised is the offense of causing disunity in the Buddhist order .

According to Buddhist teachings presented in this material, causing disunity among Buddhist practitioners is one of the five cardinal sins .

The five cardinal sins are:

Killing one's father

Killing one's mother

Killing an arhat

Injuring a Buddha

Causing disunity in the Buddhist Order

According to the Soka Gakkai perspective presented here, Nikken caused disunity by creating disruption and division among Buddhist practitioners.

The material regards the attempt to destroy Soka Gakkai—an organization striving to advance worldwide kosen-rufu—as a grave slander of the Buddhist Law and a betrayal of the Daishonin's spirit.

Spiritual Independence

The date November 28, 1991 holds a special significance in Soka Gakkai history.

It was the day Soka Gakkai received the notice of excommunication from Nichiren Shoshu .

However, from the perspective of Soka Gakkai members, this day also became the day of their:

Spiritual Independence

Rather than viewing excommunication as the end of their Buddhist practice, members came to see it as freedom from what they regarded as a corrupt and misguided priesthood .

The Development of Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Following spiritual independence, Soka Gakkai continued to expand internationally.

According to the figures presented in this material, Soka Gakkai members are now practicing across 192 countries and territories worldwide .

The material contrasts this continued expansion with a decline in membership of the Nikken Sect.

The True Heritage of Nichiren Buddhism

The central message of this history is that the heritage of Buddhism is not determined simply by institutional authority or priestly lineage .

Rather, it is connected with:

Faith

Practice

Study

Spreading the teachings

Creating happiness for others

Advancing kosen-rufu

From this perspective, Soka Gakkai members believe that by striving to accomplish Nichiren Daishonin's will for kosen-rufu , they have inherited and carried forward the true heritage of Nichiren Buddhism.

Key Points to Remember

Nichiro? Wait — this section should remain focused on the priesthood issue rather than introducing unrelated names.

Nichiren Shoshu historically served as the religious institution with which Soka Kyoiku Gakkai was affiliated.

Makiguchi Sensei refused to accept the Shinto Talisman despite government pressure.

Soka Gakkai emphasized faith, practice, discussion meetings and the happiness of ordinary people.

Nikken Abe became the 67th high priest according to the material.

Operation C was conceived in 1990 with the objective of severing Soka Gakkai from the priesthood.

President Ikeda was dismissed as chief lay representative in December 1990.

The “Remonstrance to Disband” was issued on November 7, 1991.

The “Notice of Excommunication” was issued on November 28, 1991.

Soka Gakkai members regard November 28, 1991, as the beginning of their spiritual independence .

The priesthood refused to confer the Gohonzon upon Soka Gakkai members.

In 1993, Soka Gakkai began conferring a Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan Shonin .

The Sho-Hondo at Taiseki-ji was demolished in 1998.

The article discusses the Soka Gakkai's objections to doctrines concerning the high priest's authority and secret lineage.

The Twenty-Six Admonitions of Nikko are cited in support of following the Buddha's Law rather than blindly following a high priest.

The article discusses the five cardinal sins, including causing disunity in the Buddhist order.

Soka Gakkai views its post-1991 development as an expression of spiritual independence and the advancement of worldwide kosen-rufu .

Timeline

1990

Operation C is conceived with the objective of severing Soka Gakkai from the priesthood.

December 1990

President Ikeda is dismissed from his position as chief lay representative of Nichiren Shoshu.

November 7, 1991

The priesthood sends Soka Gakkai the “Remonstrance to Disband.”

November 28, 1991

The “Notice of Excommunication” is issued.

Soka Gakkai regards this date as the beginning of its spiritual independence .

1993

Soka Gakkai begins conferring a Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan Shonin upon members around the world.

1998

The Sho-Hondo at Taiseki-ji is demolished.

2005

Nikken transfers the office of high priest to his successor, Nichinyo , according to the supplied material.

The Central Lesson

The priesthood issue raises an important question:

Where does the true heritage of Buddhism reside?

From the perspective presented in this article, the answer is not simply in institutional position, priestly authority or lineage.

The heritage of Buddhism is expressed through faith, practice and the actions of ordinary people who strive to realize the Buddha's intent .

For Soka Gakkai members, that means striving to:

Practice → Encourage others → Create happiness → Advance kosen-rufu → Contribute to world peace

The spiritual independence of 1991 therefore came to be viewed not as the end of Nichiren Buddhism, but as the beginning of a new chapter in the Soka Gakkai's movement for worldwide kosen-rufu .