In Buddhism the Sick Child derserves more attention Page 5

Again Nichiren Daishonin writes: “: "Suppose that a couple has seven children, one of whom falls ill. Although the parents love all their children equally, they worry most about the sick child."

In the case of Anthony “Amp” Elmore and in the case of Nichiren Shu my idea is that they as leaders should worry most about the “Sick Child.” While a parent loves all of their children equally it is the “Sick Child that needs attention

In my personal case it is not my business how Nichiren Shu conducts its affairs in Memphis, Tennessee. But in the case of Anthony “Amp” Elmore I am a parent who is committed to looking after his sick Child. The idea that I Anthony “Amp” Elmore is focusing on his sick child has nothing to do with how Mr. Shaka Khalphani runs his affairs at his home in Memphis. At my home at Memphis, Tennessee and in my life I am giving my attention to my " Sick Child".

Mr. Shaka Khalphani expressed concerns about how the name Memphis Proud Black Buddhist will impact potential White people and how such a name or group will impact Nichiren Shu's public image. Let me be clear, I do not share the fear or concern that the name “Memphis Proud Black Buddhist” may effect some pontential White people. The situation in Memphis, Tennessee in my case is the fact that I happen to be a proud African American. In my personal life I engage in my community in many traditional African American cultural traditions. In my personal life my Buddhist practice manifest in my African American culture.

In Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist meetings just recently a year ago I attended a meeting at the home of my friend Ms. Roslyn Parks. Roslyn manifest the perfect "Japanese Buddhist Model." At the home of Mr. Gerald Hopkins and other Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist in Memphis they all have perfectly adopted the "Japanese Buddhist Model" at their homes. The Japanese Priest love these African American Memphis Buddhist. Rev. Shini Iwaki came to my home and asked me to leave culture out of Buddhism. What he meant was that I should cool it with the Black Culture.
Now the Japanese culture was cool, but the Black stuff was in his opinion not acceptable.

Now at the home of Anthony “Amp” Elmore we are purposefully engaged in creating Sangha rooted in African American Culture. When you travel to Japan the Sangha is rooted in Japanese Culture. Memphis, Tennessee is “Rooted in African American culture. We are the birthplace of Blues, Jazz, Soul and Rock and Roll. The phenomenon of Memphis is rooted in its culture.

National Geographic magazine list Memphis, Tennessee as one of the 20 must visit cities in the world. When you read the article Memphis is a must see city because of Graceland, The Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street and the Stax Museum. Memphis is called "Soulsville USA." We hold that the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin should reflect the culture, history and morals of the culture of Memphis. Memphis, Tennessee is not a top 100 Music styled City. We have a distinct culture and history that should be manifested in our Buddhist practice.

Again Nichiren Daishonin writes: : "Suppose that a couple has seven children, one of whom falls ill. Although the parents love all their children equally, they worry most about the sick child."
Nichiren Shoshu and the SGI taught Buddhism in Memphis whereas they had no concern or never made special attention to take care of the "Sick child." Buddhism among African Americans died in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mr. Shaka Khalphani made clear to me that he has a "Sangha in Memphis." When I met with Shaka I made clear to him regarding building a "Sangha" that is purposefully not only African American Culturally friendly, our aim is to target market the African American Community to join Nichiren Shu Buddhism.

The SGI or Nichiren Shoshu would never "Target market" the African American community. Just last week in America a phenomena happen at the movie Box office. The movie "Best Man Christmas" almost beat the Block buster movie "Thor." Such a phenomena that a Black movie with no "superstars" or the name Tyler Perry attached to it could bring in over 30 million dollars in its opening debut. The phenomena demonstrated that African Americans looking for a quality movie that involved Black culture. The theatre was jam packed I did not see one White Person at the theatre watching this Black movie. We Africans Americans also desire a religion where we can express our culture. I mention to Shaka that many things that I see in Nichiren Shu would be a "Cultural Shock" to many African American people. We bring up the fact that we as African Americans can package the religion that is friendly to African American people.

Mr. Timothy McKay is an example of a White who has no problems with engaging in the culture of African Americans. Those Whites who have no issues with African American culture will have no issue attending a Buddhist meeting in a dominate African American cultural environment.

In Memphis old Buddhist friend Mr. Barry Sneed called and said he would like to check out Nichiren Shu. We organized a website, got a Telephone number and put marketing ideas in place. Out of the clear blue Shaka called and accused me of "Starting a separate" organization. Shaka said that he could not be part of a "Separate Organization." Shaka accused me of causing "Confusion." He made clear to me that he represents or that he is an extention of Nichiren Shu Center in Houston, Texas. In essence it seems like the African American Priest pulled Shaka's Coat tail and told him to pull back. I could be wrong. I want to know what changed things? The way to get things straight to ask direcly about the Nichiren Shu African American policy. I would like to know before I commit my self any further to the Teachings of Nichiren Shu Buddhism.