The purpose of this site is to promote dialogue between members of Nichiren Shoshu Temple (NST) and the Soka Gakkai International USA. Its focus is on the east coast of the US which is the home to two temples: Mysosetsuji (NY) and Myosenji (Washington D.C.)
Nichiren, a 13th century freedom fighter, was a ferocious master of dialogue. Although a common priest, he used the power of words and ideas to challenge the entire Japanese shogunate and religious establishment in his quest to free the people. Following his spirit, Nichiren Buddhism seeks to empower individuals to fight for justice and is always on the side of people.
The perspective of this site is that the priests of these two temples, Rev. Daido Nakamoto (Myosetsu-ji) and Rev. Yuzui Murata (Myosen-ji), as well as their predecessors, have misrepresented both the letter and spirit of Nichiren Buddhism. Not only have they mislead their followers, but they have presented a harmful image of Buddhism to society-at-large.
This website seeks to engage Rev. Nakamoto and Rev. Murata in publicly accountable discussions of their views. Nichiren was unequivocable about holding public debates to determine what is true and what is false. In contrast, NST priests have refused numerous offers to hold open public discussions. Don't you think it's time for genuine dialogue?
Buddhist Priest Slams Monotheism
August 2, 2010
Yuzui Murata, the chief priest of Nichiren Shoshu Myosenji Temple of Silver Spring, MD, issued scathing remarks about monotheism in a sermon he delivered on July 11th, 2010.
Interspersed within a lengthy explanation of the “Five Impurities of Thought,” Murata characterized Christianity, Judaism, and Islam as “truly erroneous and misleading religions [that] are responsible for so many of the sufferings and uncertainties which seem to be multiplying in this country and throughout the world.”
Murata further claimed “these inferior religions continue to make extremely negative causes for the people who believe in them.” He advised more people to join his temple “so they, too, can fundamentally cleanse from their lives the erroneous belief systems which are continuing to keep them imprisoned within their own private hell.”
“We are not the mindless and powerless puppets these erroneous religions would have us believe,” stated Murata. His sect, he urged, does not “produce the guilt, fear or helplessness which are characteristic of monotheistic belief systems.”
Murata’s comments contrast harshly to Montgomery County policies which are supportive of its rapidly increasing diversity. County Executive Leggett affirmed in May, “My administration is committed to promoting diversity in Montgomery County, which is already one of the most diverse communities in the country. Our residents come from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds to work together to make Montgomery County a better place to live and work.”
Murata’s Silver Spring temple burned in a fire on October 12, 2009. Since that event his congregation has been meeting in a temporary Rockville facility at 11540 Rockville Pike. Murata has rented the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center auditorium for an all-day August 8th meeting.
