Bottom 3 Japanese Cults (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–21 … My Adventures in Japan)
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“Wreaking havoc by killing and spreading poison in certain peaceful neighborhoods”
Deep in the heart of Japanese culture, there exists a strong aversion to things that are different. Things like weird cults and so on. But on the surface, the Japanese do not want to be seen as being intolerant, judgmental, or disapproving in any way.
Those nice spiritual folk … not!
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Only after the cultists released the highly toxic sarin gas on the crowded Tokyo subway did the cops realize that those sickos had to be prevented from doing any more harm.
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Evil is not OK. Controversy is OK.
As for Soka Gakkai, it is somewhat controversial. Over the years, I’d heard plenty of bad stories about the group of lay Buddhists, and I had numerous friends and acquaintances tell me to stay clear of them. However, there’s really no evidence that the general membership has ever done anything criminal or even wrong.
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Meaning that, if Soka Gakkai had in fact been shady or even questionable, she would never have joined or even considered joining. She is a smart and very sensible woman, and I trust her judgment on this.
Therefore, please consider the above comment on Soka Gakkai out of date. From all indications, it is nothing more than a group of lay Buddhists – ordinary citizens who go about their lives trying to do good and maybe even improve their society. (Image source)![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSYCjnoWmWHRwCkVMVxRTSoCfx1iXmkp7sb2919wxySvK/image.png)
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Top 3 Missing-in-Action
Top 3 Kidnappings
Top 3 Crimes against Humanity Suffered by the Japanese
... and more
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Links to my Other Series …
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Guide – "Guide to Entries" (right-click on title)
Index– "Index" to all Chapters and Sections (right-click on title)
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Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2" (right-click on title)
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This is an expository piece. Short, but full of enlightening points about the nature of cults in Japan. The Aum cults
is, in short, very deadly. We were told in my Criminology class that they were the first group to use biochemical weapons in terrorists attacks. They even went as far as poisoning water sources. So, now, your story provides a fresh perspective into the discourse.
As for Soka Gakkai, I cannot say categorically whether it is evil or not. However, I generally do not believe in joining cults. Most cults do evil, whether it is admitted or not.
Above all, thanks for these valuable info.
I am Japanese and this post is definitely true!
Soka is very difficult to say good or bad. One of my Korean friends is Soka and graduated from Soka University. She is smart and not a dangerous person. But Japanese Soka people are sometimes a little bit pushy when they invite others to their religion. This point might make a trouble because Japanese prefer 和 harmony...
Thanks for your input. I know that SG is controversial. But at the same time, I've also dealt with a few people who belong to it, and they were fine people.
Just as in any group, religious or otherwise, there are always some "bad apples," and there are always some leaders who do things that the general membership would never do.
Peace ... and harmony.
Yeah mostly the Japanese are disciplined and minding their work type of people. There is hardly anything to fear about them.
The highest point in Japan in Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776m (12,388ft).
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Beautiful cuntry of japan...
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Although Japan can be considered a relatively insular society, it is still a great country to visit as Japanese are generally cordial.
I would have tagged this story as "metaphysics" if was related to science lol but I see it is more of fiction. This is an interesting story and above all, I envy your usage of grammar. Cheers!