Dialogue has been an essential element of all true religions. Shakyamuni taught his teachings through dialogues with individual people and small groups. Nichiren revealed his teachings through dialogue as well. Nichiren refused any offers to establish temples; instead, he traveled or invited people to his domicile for dialogue. It can be said that Nichiren conducted the original discussion meetings that are such an important part of our tradition.
Most of the Gosho are in the form of correspondence to individual followers. Most of his treatises, such as the Rissho Ankoku Ron, are also in the literary form of dialogues.
Questions for Shinga Takikawa and Yuzui Murata
In the days of Nichiren, disputes about doctrine and practice were throughly pursued through discussion and debate. Should current interpretations of Buddhist practice be resolved through some form of formalized discussion?
How have you tried to organize dialogue to resolve issues between Nichiren Shoshu and the Soka Gakkai?
What kind of dialogue is permitted between Hokkeko and SGI members?
Would you support or permit a series of fair, open and public forums between NST and SGI members to explore ways of resolving outstanding differences? Would you support individual discussions between members of the SGI and NST?
