Tuesday November 24, 2009
Anthony "Amp" Elmore
Nichiren Shoshu Member 35 years
1035 Semmes
Memphis, Tennessee 38111
901 452-4330 office
901 650-4651 cell
www.proudblackbuddhist.org
www.mybuddhistdiary.com
www.buddhisminafrica.com
anthony@elmorecarpets.com
Rev. Shingi Iwaki
Myogyoji Temple
P.O. Box 403
West Chicago, IL 60186-0403
Phone: 630-293-5235
Re: Formal request that our concerns be sent to 68th High Priest Nichinyo Shonin
Dear Rev. Iwaki:
Please note that this letter is a formal request and we ask that this communication be forwarded to our 68th High Priest the honorable Nichinyo Shonin. Please note that the Gosho "Paying Debts of Gratitude" reads; "But if one intends to repay these great debts of gratitude, one can hope to do so only if one learns and masters Buddhism, becoming a person of wisdom. If one does not, one will be like a man who attempts to lead a company of the blind over bridges and across rivers when he himself has sightless eyes. Can a ship steered by someone who cannot even tell the direction of the wind ever carry the traveling merchants to the mountains where treasure lies? If one hopes to learn and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task. And if one wants to have time to spend on the undertaking, one cannot continue to wait on one's parents, one's teachers, and one's sovereign. Until one attains the road that leads to emancipation, one should not defer to the wishes and feelings of one's parents and teachers, no matter how reasonable they may be.
The true Buddha Nichiren Daishonin makes it clear that we should not wait on our teachers, it is clear that our Nichiren Shoshu Priests are our teachers, but respectfully it is time that Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in America take bold and courageous steps to introduce this wonderful religion in America. In November of 2008 the United States of America took bold and courageous steps by electing the first African/American President in our country's 233 year history.
Rev. Iwaki I make the point clear that I am an American and in no way am I Japanese and in our culture it is an insult for Priests to treat us like we are Japanese. Our American President Barack Obama made a speech in Japan on November 13, 2009 and President Obama said in his speech said that he came to Japan for the reason of reestablishing mutual interest and mutual respect.
President Barack Obama in Japan on November 13, 2009
Honorable High Priest Nichinyo Shonin there exists a "Cultural Divide" in America among the Nichiren Shoshu Priests and the Laity. In my personal case I clearly know the difference of my experience with dealing with our Priests in America and dealing with Priests in Africa. In February of 1998 I was the official Video photographer at the first Nichiren Shoshu Temple in Africa in Accra, Ghana. I personally documented the words of Rev. Dojo Yorshita and I have spent over a decade traveling back and forward from Ghana to America and we have documented our many visits to Ghana. I see the relationship and the actions of Priest in Ghana and the actions of Priest in America. The one temple in Ghana has more members practicing than all of our temples in America combined.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin I documented the strong handed cultural behavior of the SGI and how they disrespected the culture of Black people in Memphis, Tennessee and how they destroyed Buddhism in Memphis, Tennessee. Later enter Hokeko and at first Nichiren Shoshu was open to members and there was mutual cultural respect, however Nichiren Shoshu initiated similar "heavy-handed" policies that have literally destroyed Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in Memphis, Tennessee. In the past during the temple anniversary celebrations Memphis Nichiren Shoshu members would charter a bus to bring members to the Temple in Chicago. In 2009 the amount of members coming to the celebration can fit into one car.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin there is no joy in the Nichiren Shoshu Temples in America and there is a "Cultural Void" in America that is seriously inhibiting the growth of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in America.
In the Gosho "Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Nichiren Daishonin encourages us to awaken faith through doctrine. The Gosho reads; "The first volume of Great Concentration and Insight says, "How does one hear, believe in, and practice the perfect teaching to attain perfect enlightenment?" The first volume of On "Great Concentration and Insight" says, "To 'believe in the perfect teaching' means to awaken faith through doctrine and to make faith the basis of practice.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin Nichiren Shoshu teachings in America is "Culturally Inhibiting" and American members have lost their confidence and there should be a "Re-organization and an establishment of a new and free Nichiren Shoshu Lay organization in America." There should be a clear delineation between the Priest and lay organizations that allows American members to practice "more freely."
Our 1st suggestion is that Nichiren Shoshu Japan provide the seed money to launch a new "Nichiren Shoshu Monthly publication" operated by Nichiren Shoshu lay members. The publication should give lay members creative control and the uninhibited ability to communicate Buddhist Teachings "America Style." We want to incubate a renewed spirit of Buddhism in America and create a culture where Buddhism grows naturally and integrates itself as an entity into our American culture.
In addition to a monthly publication we ask for your endorsement of Nichiren Shoshu "Lay Members official Website." The lay members' website will have life and it will be exciting, controversial and uninhibited by the Priesthood. Please note that this website will cost no money to Nichiren Shoshu and we can bring the best minds and talent of Nichiren Shoshu members who can contribute to this site.
We in America will use the highest of modern technology to propagate these wonderful teachings. The Internet will allow for Nichiren Shoshu to integrate cultural relevance in our practice in America. America is a country of immigrants of multiple cultures and we are not one amalgamated people called Americans, we have cultures within cultures in America.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Ho don-in Temple in 1996 during my 1st Tozan visit to Japan and I had the pleasure of documenting my visit and I have placed our meeting on our website at www.mybuddhistdiary.com . When I learned that you were selected as our 68th high Priest I knew that it was mystic that we have already met. After the meeting at your temple in Tokyo we all enjoyed a wonderful meal at a Chinese restaurant. If you ever have occasion to visit America please visit Memphis, Tennessee a city that was once the "Slave Capitol" of the world. In 1968 Noble Peace Prize Winner and civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King died in Memphis, Tennessee. Please come to Memphis and offer a special prayer to our beloved Dr. Martin Luther King. Also during my visit to Ghana we created the 1st All African style Home in America and we created the 1st African made Busudan in America that we are very proud of.
Secondly please arrange a future visit to Senmyo-Zan Hokkeji Temple in Accra, Ghana the Largest Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Temple outside of Japan and pay honor to us people of African decent whose ancestors suffered the horrors of slavery where millions died during the middle passage of coming to America. Please encourage Americans to join you us Africa for this auspicious occasion of paying respect to our ancestors in Africa.
Finally, In a March 31, 1979 speech by Nichiren Shoshu 66th High Priest Nittatsu Shonin to the Myokan-Kai (A group of priests who received training directly from Nittatsu Shonin) 66th High Priest Nittatsu Shonin emphasized to Nichiren Shoshu Priests as well as to Nichiren Shoshu lay members regarding the importance of study. High Priest Nittatsu Shonin said" In the past, at the Rissho, ( a well-known school run by the Minobu sect), Buddhist study was introduced at the high school level. Even the Rissho Ankoku Ron was taught to the High school students. Today, however, such a lecture is unavailable until one reaches the university level. That is why the people of the past had a clear understanding of general Buddhism. Today, for the most part, Buddhist study has been neglected. For this reason, please attend a university even now and absorb the available lectures on Buddhist studies, even if they involve other sects. Redouble your efforts to study the teachings of our sect to correctly prepare yourselves."
Let me make this point clear; in 1992 I departed the SGI Buddhist organization regarding the issue of the Black Buddha and correct history. In Nichiren Shoshu I asked well respected Priests in America about this subject only to learn that they too are misinformed about this history and Rev. Murata refused to even discuss the subject. The doctrines in Nichiren Shoshu writings are correct on this subject in that that identify the historical Buddha as a Dravian, but Priest in America whom I talked to are misinformed and a well respected Priest told me that he thought Shakyamuni was of Aryan decent. I challenge Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist to not only rely on the Priest but learn historical Buddhism for yourself and challenge even a Priest to teach the history of this religion correctly and make sure that you are respected. In America many of our Nichiren Shoshu Priest only remain in the realm of Japanese culture and if we expect this wonderful teachings to move into society then we must adopt to American culture. The Nichiren Shoshu 66th high Priest encouraged Priests and lay people to get a correct understanding of the historical Buddhist teachings if one does not understand racism in India and the history of the caste system you cannot get a clear picture of Buddhism in India and how Buddhism was later taken over by Brahmanism or Sanctified racism that exist in India today. It was the Blacks in India that practiced Buddhism while the Aryan Brahmans practiced Hinduism.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin we live in a modern technological society where information is available instantly on the Internet and people of mappo are educated and it is wrong for a Nichiren Shoshu Priest to give incorrect Historical information about Buddhism. It was your student Rev. Kwabi who told me that he thought that the historical Buddha Shakyamuni was an Aryan while Nichiren Shoshu writing correctly list him as a Dravidian. The Dravidians, Chandalas, Sutras, Dalits, Outcast and now called the "Slumdogs" were the Black people of India.
While this subject may not be relevant in Japan we African/Americans seek to lift ourselves up through our culture and history and this part of Buddhist history is important, moreover African/Americans who learn this history are encouraged to take an interest in Buddhism because they find a cultural connection because of the history of Buddhism.
During a meeting in Memphis, Tennessee I asked Rev. Murata about this historical fact and he disrespectfully refused to discuss this issue. During a visit to Taisekiji I brought up this issue and the subject was averted.
This is a picture of me at Taisekiji in August of 2001 at an exchange meeting between American members, young Priest and Japanese members. I brought up the issue of culture and the importance of young Priest understanding the culture of America. I made the point that we must respect all cultures in Nichiren Shoshu.
In the world including Japan there is institutional racism that must be addressed and during the visit of President Barack Obama to Asia this month it was brought up in the Asia press that Asia must take a different view of racism. More importantly Japanese people have held a long history of Racism against Black people in America. Black leaders in America years ago had to deal with this issue and it was noted to Japanese leaders that it was African/Americans who purchase many of the Japanese made products and Japan recently changed many of its policies and they hired African/American marketing companies and put African/Americans in commercials selling Japanese products in America.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin February in America is Black History month. We have Black history month because of institutional racism discarded the contributions of African/Americans from world history books as in Japan where Buddhism started around the 7th century. The icons in Japan clearly prove a historical Black past.
This statue in the ancient capital in Nara Japan built in 749 clears shows a Black historical past and one can see by the hair on this statue that such a past did happen. Black history month is in February and I would like for you as our high Priest to do a Black history month lecture on this Black Buddhist past and present a policy of respect for all people and help to root out prejudice not only in America but this will help also in Japan. I have written several lectures on this subject on our website www.proudblackbuddhist.org .
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is the greatest religion in the world and we should lead the world in our 21st century and we must take progressive steps to grow and move into the mains stream of the world.
This communication is a formal request; please provide us with a rapid formal response. It is the culture of Japanese to answer by not giving an answer. In the Gosho Nichiren Daishonin always took the time to answer questions and we pray that you act in the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin and respond back to our formal letter.
Sincerely,
Anthony "Amp" Elmore
Anthony "Amp" Elmore
Nichiren Shoshu Member 35 years
1035 Semmes
Memphis, Tennessee 38111
901 452-4330 office
901 650-4651 cell
www.proudblackbuddhist.org
www.mybuddhistdiary.com
www.buddhisminafrica.com
anthony@elmorecarpets.com
Rev. Shingi Iwaki
Myogyoji Temple
P.O. Box 403
West Chicago, IL 60186-0403
Phone: 630-293-5235
Re: Formal request that our concerns be sent to 68th High Priest Nichinyo Shonin
Dear Rev. Iwaki:
Please note that this letter is a formal request and we ask that this communication be forwarded to our 68th High Priest the honorable Nichinyo Shonin. Please note that the Gosho "Paying Debts of Gratitude" reads; "But if one intends to repay these great debts of gratitude, one can hope to do so only if one learns and masters Buddhism, becoming a person of wisdom. If one does not, one will be like a man who attempts to lead a company of the blind over bridges and across rivers when he himself has sightless eyes. Can a ship steered by someone who cannot even tell the direction of the wind ever carry the traveling merchants to the mountains where treasure lies? If one hopes to learn and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task. And if one wants to have time to spend on the undertaking, one cannot continue to wait on one's parents, one's teachers, and one's sovereign. Until one attains the road that leads to emancipation, one should not defer to the wishes and feelings of one's parents and teachers, no matter how reasonable they may be.
The true Buddha Nichiren Daishonin makes it clear that we should not wait on our teachers, it is clear that our Nichiren Shoshu Priests are our teachers, but respectfully it is time that Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in America take bold and courageous steps to introduce this wonderful religion in America. In November of 2008 the United States of America took bold and courageous steps by electing the first African/American President in our country's 233 year history.
Rev. Iwaki I make the point clear that I am an American and in no way am I Japanese and in our culture it is an insult for Priests to treat us like we are Japanese. Our American President Barack Obama made a speech in Japan on November 13, 2009 and President Obama said in his speech said that he came to Japan for the reason of reestablishing mutual interest and mutual respect.
President Barack Obama in Japan on November 13, 2009
Honorable High Priest Nichinyo Shonin there exists a "Cultural Divide" in America among the Nichiren Shoshu Priests and the Laity. In my personal case I clearly know the difference of my experience with dealing with our Priests in America and dealing with Priests in Africa. In February of 1998 I was the official Video photographer at the first Nichiren Shoshu Temple in Africa in Accra, Ghana. I personally documented the words of Rev. Dojo Yorshita and I have spent over a decade traveling back and forward from Ghana to America and we have documented our many visits to Ghana. I see the relationship and the actions of Priest in Ghana and the actions of Priest in America. The one temple in Ghana has more members practicing than all of our temples in America combined.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin I documented the strong handed cultural behavior of the SGI and how they disrespected the culture of Black people in Memphis, Tennessee and how they destroyed Buddhism in Memphis, Tennessee. Later enter Hokeko and at first Nichiren Shoshu was open to members and there was mutual cultural respect, however Nichiren Shoshu initiated similar "heavy-handed" policies that have literally destroyed Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in Memphis, Tennessee. In the past during the temple anniversary celebrations Memphis Nichiren Shoshu members would charter a bus to bring members to the Temple in Chicago. In 2009 the amount of members coming to the celebration can fit into one car.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin there is no joy in the Nichiren Shoshu Temples in America and there is a "Cultural Void" in America that is seriously inhibiting the growth of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in America.
In the Gosho "Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Nichiren Daishonin encourages us to awaken faith through doctrine. The Gosho reads; "The first volume of Great Concentration and Insight says, "How does one hear, believe in, and practice the perfect teaching to attain perfect enlightenment?" The first volume of On "Great Concentration and Insight" says, "To 'believe in the perfect teaching' means to awaken faith through doctrine and to make faith the basis of practice.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin Nichiren Shoshu teachings in America is "Culturally Inhibiting" and American members have lost their confidence and there should be a "Re-organization and an establishment of a new and free Nichiren Shoshu Lay organization in America." There should be a clear delineation between the Priest and lay organizations that allows American members to practice "more freely."
Our 1st suggestion is that Nichiren Shoshu Japan provide the seed money to launch a new "Nichiren Shoshu Monthly publication" operated by Nichiren Shoshu lay members. The publication should give lay members creative control and the uninhibited ability to communicate Buddhist Teachings "America Style." We want to incubate a renewed spirit of Buddhism in America and create a culture where Buddhism grows naturally and integrates itself as an entity into our American culture.
In addition to a monthly publication we ask for your endorsement of Nichiren Shoshu "Lay Members official Website." The lay members' website will have life and it will be exciting, controversial and uninhibited by the Priesthood. Please note that this website will cost no money to Nichiren Shoshu and we can bring the best minds and talent of Nichiren Shoshu members who can contribute to this site.
We in America will use the highest of modern technology to propagate these wonderful teachings. The Internet will allow for Nichiren Shoshu to integrate cultural relevance in our practice in America. America is a country of immigrants of multiple cultures and we are not one amalgamated people called Americans, we have cultures within cultures in America.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Ho don-in Temple in 1996 during my 1st Tozan visit to Japan and I had the pleasure of documenting my visit and I have placed our meeting on our website at www.mybuddhistdiary.com . When I learned that you were selected as our 68th high Priest I knew that it was mystic that we have already met. After the meeting at your temple in Tokyo we all enjoyed a wonderful meal at a Chinese restaurant. If you ever have occasion to visit America please visit Memphis, Tennessee a city that was once the "Slave Capitol" of the world. In 1968 Noble Peace Prize Winner and civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King died in Memphis, Tennessee. Please come to Memphis and offer a special prayer to our beloved Dr. Martin Luther King. Also during my visit to Ghana we created the 1st All African style Home in America and we created the 1st African made Busudan in America that we are very proud of.
Secondly please arrange a future visit to Senmyo-Zan Hokkeji Temple in Accra, Ghana the Largest Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Temple outside of Japan and pay honor to us people of African decent whose ancestors suffered the horrors of slavery where millions died during the middle passage of coming to America. Please encourage Americans to join you us Africa for this auspicious occasion of paying respect to our ancestors in Africa.
Finally, In a March 31, 1979 speech by Nichiren Shoshu 66th High Priest Nittatsu Shonin to the Myokan-Kai (A group of priests who received training directly from Nittatsu Shonin) 66th High Priest Nittatsu Shonin emphasized to Nichiren Shoshu Priests as well as to Nichiren Shoshu lay members regarding the importance of study. High Priest Nittatsu Shonin said" In the past, at the Rissho, ( a well-known school run by the Minobu sect), Buddhist study was introduced at the high school level. Even the Rissho Ankoku Ron was taught to the High school students. Today, however, such a lecture is unavailable until one reaches the university level. That is why the people of the past had a clear understanding of general Buddhism. Today, for the most part, Buddhist study has been neglected. For this reason, please attend a university even now and absorb the available lectures on Buddhist studies, even if they involve other sects. Redouble your efforts to study the teachings of our sect to correctly prepare yourselves."
Let me make this point clear; in 1992 I departed the SGI Buddhist organization regarding the issue of the Black Buddha and correct history. In Nichiren Shoshu I asked well respected Priests in America about this subject only to learn that they too are misinformed about this history and Rev. Murata refused to even discuss the subject. The doctrines in Nichiren Shoshu writings are correct on this subject in that that identify the historical Buddha as a Dravian, but Priest in America whom I talked to are misinformed and a well respected Priest told me that he thought Shakyamuni was of Aryan decent. I challenge Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist to not only rely on the Priest but learn historical Buddhism for yourself and challenge even a Priest to teach the history of this religion correctly and make sure that you are respected. In America many of our Nichiren Shoshu Priest only remain in the realm of Japanese culture and if we expect this wonderful teachings to move into society then we must adopt to American culture. The Nichiren Shoshu 66th high Priest encouraged Priests and lay people to get a correct understanding of the historical Buddhist teachings if one does not understand racism in India and the history of the caste system you cannot get a clear picture of Buddhism in India and how Buddhism was later taken over by Brahmanism or Sanctified racism that exist in India today. It was the Blacks in India that practiced Buddhism while the Aryan Brahmans practiced Hinduism.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin we live in a modern technological society where information is available instantly on the Internet and people of mappo are educated and it is wrong for a Nichiren Shoshu Priest to give incorrect Historical information about Buddhism. It was your student Rev. Kwabi who told me that he thought that the historical Buddha Shakyamuni was an Aryan while Nichiren Shoshu writing correctly list him as a Dravidian. The Dravidians, Chandalas, Sutras, Dalits, Outcast and now called the "Slumdogs" were the Black people of India.
While this subject may not be relevant in Japan we African/Americans seek to lift ourselves up through our culture and history and this part of Buddhist history is important, moreover African/Americans who learn this history are encouraged to take an interest in Buddhism because they find a cultural connection because of the history of Buddhism.
During a meeting in Memphis, Tennessee I asked Rev. Murata about this historical fact and he disrespectfully refused to discuss this issue. During a visit to Taisekiji I brought up this issue and the subject was averted.
This is a picture of me at Taisekiji in August of 2001 at an exchange meeting between American members, young Priest and Japanese members. I brought up the issue of culture and the importance of young Priest understanding the culture of America. I made the point that we must respect all cultures in Nichiren Shoshu.
In the world including Japan there is institutional racism that must be addressed and during the visit of President Barack Obama to Asia this month it was brought up in the Asia press that Asia must take a different view of racism. More importantly Japanese people have held a long history of Racism against Black people in America. Black leaders in America years ago had to deal with this issue and it was noted to Japanese leaders that it was African/Americans who purchase many of the Japanese made products and Japan recently changed many of its policies and they hired African/American marketing companies and put African/Americans in commercials selling Japanese products in America.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin February in America is Black History month. We have Black history month because of institutional racism discarded the contributions of African/Americans from world history books as in Japan where Buddhism started around the 7th century. The icons in Japan clearly prove a historical Black past.
This statue in the ancient capital in Nara Japan built in 749 clears shows a Black historical past and one can see by the hair on this statue that such a past did happen. Black history month is in February and I would like for you as our high Priest to do a Black history month lecture on this Black Buddhist past and present a policy of respect for all people and help to root out prejudice not only in America but this will help also in Japan. I have written several lectures on this subject on our website www.proudblackbuddhist.org .
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is the greatest religion in the world and we should lead the world in our 21st century and we must take progressive steps to grow and move into the mains stream of the world.
This communication is a formal request; please provide us with a rapid formal response. It is the culture of Japanese to answer by not giving an answer. In the Gosho Nichiren Daishonin always took the time to answer questions and we pray that you act in the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin and respond back to our formal letter.
Sincerely,
Anthony "Amp" Elmore
Here is a letter that I emailed Rev. Shingi on November 24, 2009. In Japan the practice is no answer is your answer. This website has over 125,000 visit a year and we believe that our message will get to the Nichiren Shoshu Temple.