Why do SGI (buddhism) members call the result of their chanting "actual proof?"?

Question

To me calling the result from praying, chanting, whatever "actual proof" is an insult to other religions. This is a term I have heard SGI members use. I believe the term is accepted.

I find it really offensive every time I hear it. Maybe in Japanese or Indian the translation of this term is not so harsh, but the accepted English term is not "welcoming" to people wanting to learn from other religions.

My translation/feelings about "actual proof" is:
All other religions are wrong and do not produce results which the follower has wish/prayed/etc for, SGI is the only REAL religion that produces trackable results.

Answer 1

I've never heard of SGI prior and I'm not really sure what you mean without more context. I did a google search (SGI chanting "actual proof") and read a few things from SGI authored sites. This is something that sums it up:

"Faith -- in Buddhism, faith is based on experience. Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism emphasizes obtaining "actual proof" of the teaching’s power. Faith begins as an expectation or hope that something will happen. At the start of our journey, if we are willing to try the practice and anticipate some result, we will then develop our faith brick by brick as examples of actual proof accrue."

If this is what you mean by "actual proof", then it doesn't come from the chanting or from praying, but from experiences. For example, actual proof that flame is hot comes from sticking your hand in the flame, not from a book, a divine inspiration, or from a teacher. Each person's experience is "trackable results" to that person in all aspects of life. You don't have faith because you've been told, you have faith in whatever because you have your own proof through experience. You have "actual proof" that chanting the sutras works for you because you feel more peaceful or more in tune with yourself afterwards. That's a fundamental part of Nichiren Buddhism.

I am not a member of SGI and I haven't studied much of the Nichiren Buddhism teachings. I've been following the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Nichiren follows the Lotus Sutra (hence the chanting) rather than zazen, or sitting meditation which Zen follows. I don't think I can answer your question any more than I have. Others more familiar with Nichiren might help.

If you are being bombarded by Buddhist dogma that you have no interest in, then it might help to speak with the person or persons doing so and ask them to stop. Conversion is the only reason to pester people about religion when they don't want to discuss it and Buddhism generally doesn't preach conversion.

Answer 2

Sgi Chanting

Answer 3

I am sorry if that offended you in any way. I think you haven't understood fully/misinterpreted SGI 's teachings. Its about raising your life condition and living the life you desire. Its a practice that's extremely scientific in its approach and believes in getting the results you want in life. You throw a ball up in the air, it will come down. Similarly if you practice SGI Buddhism you will inevitably be able to surmount any obstacles that come your way and with persistence will eventually emerge victorious. That's all we mean when we say "Actual proof" - When you take up to this practice you will experience the profound changes that your internal and external world incur and that's how you will know that it really works.

Answer 4

Not so, Buddhism grades everything, not just religions on three proofs: Literal, as in a body of written down teachings. Theoretical, as in does it make sense. And Actual, as in the results you get in your life through using the teachings. You can apply that to buying a car or starting a health plan, anything. The point is: why do something in life if it doesn't show concrete benefits to yourself?

Answer 5

I think you're misunderstanding. I think when the SGI Buddhists talk about chanting as being 'proof', it is more like saying exercise is proof that your body feels better and is healthier after doing it. The 'proof' is in how you feel afterward.

On a side note, there are scientific studies that do find physiological differences between people who meditate (and I think chant) and people who don't. Their brain's alpha waves go sky high for example.