Niciren Syosyu Indonesia dissolved, changes name
Niciren Syosyu Indonesia dissolved, changes name
JAKARTA (JP): The Niciren Syosyu Indonesia, a Buddhist sect
with origins in Japan, has been formally dissolved and the
members of the old organization have formed a new group called
Pesamuan Buddha Jambu Dwipa Indonesia (PBJDI), which is
registered as a socio-religious organization.
The new group's leaders announced yesterday that Jamu Dwipa
does not, like its predecessor, have any formal ties with the
Japanese sect. They said the organization's activities would
chiefly be social and charity work.
The interests of Niciren Syosyu followers in Indonesia,
estimated to number about 1.2 million people, will be
administered directly by the Tae Sekiji temple in Japan, the
mecca of the Buddhist sect.
Holy Monk Jitoku Kawabe, abbot of Niciren Syosyu followers in
Indonesia, said in Jakarta yesterday that the holy temple no
longer recognized any social organization using its name in
Indonesia.
The holy temple would continue to guide Indonesian Niciren
Syosyu worshipers in learning the sect's principles, he said.
"But we do not want to get involved in any matters outside of
religious matters," he added.
The Niciren Syosyu has sought to steer away from politics even
in its home base, Japan.
Three years ago, the temple broke off relations with
Sokagakai, the organization of the sect's members worldwide,
because of its increasing political activities.
"The holy temple does not have connections with Sokagakai
anymore," Kawabe said yesterday.
Sokagakai is now a political party in Japan.
The presence of the Niciren Syosyu Indonesia, which was begun
by the late Senosoenoto 30 years ago, has been the subject of
controversy.
In 1987, the sect quit the Indonesian Buddhist Council
(Walubi) because of differences over methods of prayer.
The organization has, however, continued to flourish. It has
established a base at Saddhapaributha temple in Bogor and has
been involved in various social works. It has also forged close
relations with Golkar, the ruling political group.
Since the death of its founder in 1993, the organization has
been beset by internal rifts. These led to the decision to
dissolve the group and establish Pesamuan Budha Jambu Dwipa
Indonesia (PBJDI) last month.
Aiko Senosenoto, the head of the new organization, told
reporters separately yesterday that the temple's decision to
sever links, while shocking, was understandable.
"We support it. We believe the temple wants us to be
independent," she said.
Aiko said that Jambu Dwipa hoped to be able to work together
with Walubi in achieving unity among Buddhist worshipers, as
requested by the government. (06)