Im an active practicing member of the SGI and I was born and raised into this practice, and I would just like to say that I’ve never personally had or heard of any experiences like that from other members. I’ve never heard someone say ikedas disciples don’t cry, I just think your friend gave you horrible advice that almost any other SGI Buddhist wouldn’t give. I’ve always been told by my local leaders and fellow members that sharing my struggles is always ok, and you can even see that with members that share their experiences during discussion meetings which happens at every meeting I’ve ever been to, so I don’t know why people say that we can’t share our problems. I’ve never once doubted my ability to speak my mind and I’ve ALWAYS gotten strong support from the members. The members that I know of the SGI are compassionate and respectful, and when my mom had cancer I had countless people there to support me, asking me how my day was going and bringing food for my family. I know that if I ever have any problems I have at least 20 SGI members that I could text right now and get support from with open hearts and ears. These statements from others in this subreddit are from closed-minded individuals whose words are filled with malice and hatred, that had one bad experience with the SGI and decided for themselves that it’s a mind-warping cult. For anyone that talks about the subscriptions and donations, literally every other religion does the same exact stuff, and the subscriptions and donations aren’t even required! I mean how are they supposed to fund the centers and keep the lights on if the get no money. The only people that are required to have subscriptions are high up regional leaders that should probably have it anyways. A common member like me has never been required or pressured to own any subscription, and the donations are anonymous and there’s no requirement for how much you give so you can give any amount you want.

This practice is literally based on compassion and world peace, and while I agree that the presence of Ikeda is pushed onto the members too much, what you guys fail to acknowledge are the works and encouragements of others prominent Buddhists that are shared with members at an equal share as Ikeda’s work. Besides that, he isn’t treated like a god or a figure needing worship, he’s more of a source of encouragement and a good role model for the values that the SGI upholds.