Nichiren Buddhism
Nichiren Buddhism (Japanese: 日蓮仏教, romanized: Nichiren bukkyō), also known as Hokkeshū (Japanese: 法華宗, meaning Lotus Sect), is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism based on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese Buddhist priest Nichiren (1222–1282) and is one of the Kamakura period schools. Its teachings derive from some 300–400 extant letters and treatises either authored by or attributed to Nichiren.
Nichiren Buddhism generally sources its basic doctrine from the Lotus Sutra claiming that all sentient beings possess an internal Buddha-nature capable of attaining Buddhahood in the current life. There are three essential aspects to Nichiren Buddhism:
The faith in Nichiren’s Gohonzon
The chanting of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo with varying recitations of the Lotus Sutra
The study of Nichiren’s scriptural writings, called Gosho
After his death, Nichiren left to both his senior disciples and lay followers the mandate to widely propagate the Gohonzon and chanting the Daimoku in order to secure the peace and prosperity of society.
Traditionalist Nichiren Buddhist temple groups are commonly associated with Nichiren Shōshū and various Nichiren-shū schools. In addition, modern lay organizations not affiliated with temples such as Soka Gakkai, Kenshokai, Shoshinkai, Risshō Kōsei Kai, and Honmon Butsuryū-shū also exist while some Japanese new religions are Nichiren-inspired lay groups.
The Soka Gakkai International is often called “the most prominent Japanese ‘export’ religion to draw significant numbers of non-Japanese converts”, by which Nichiren Buddhism has spread throughout the world.
Nichiren upheld the belief that the Lotus Sutra alone contains the highest degree of Buddhist teachings and proposed a classification system that ranks the quality of religions and various Nichiren schools can be either accommodating or vigorously opposed to any other forms of Buddhism or religious beliefs. Various followers debate Nichiren status, as a Bodhisattva, a mortal saint, or an “Original Buddha” of the third age of Buddhism. Nichiren Buddhism is practiced in many countries. The largest groups are Soka Gakkai International, Nichiren Shu, and Nichiren Shōshū.
Nichiren Buddhism, founded by the Japanese Buddhist priest Nichiren (1222-1282), is a school of Mahayana Buddhism centered on the belief that all people possess the potential for enlightenment in their current lives. It emphasizes the importance of the Lotus Sutra and the chanting of “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” as the primary practice for achieving this enlightenment.
Key Aspects of Nichiren Buddhism:
- The Lotus Sutra: Nichiren Buddhism considers the Lotus Sutra as the core text, containing the ultimate and complete truth of Buddhism.
- Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: The central mantra, believed to unlock the inherent Buddha-nature within individuals.
- Gohonzon: A calligraphic scroll inscribed with the mantra and other elements, representing the universe and the Buddha-nature, often enshrined and venerated.
- Kosen-rufu: The vision of widely spreading the teachings of the Lotus Sutra throughout the world.
- Buddhahood in This Lifetime: Nichiren Buddhism emphasizes that enlightenment can be attained in the present life through faith, practice, and study.
- Social Activism: Nichiren Buddhism has a history of social activism, advocating for peace and justice based on Buddhist principles.
Different Schools:
Nichiren Buddhism has various schools and organizations, including:
- Nichiren Shoshu: One of the largest schools, with a strong emphasis on the priesthood.
- Soka Gakkai: A global lay organization with a focus on social engagement and individual practice.
- Soka Gakkai International (SGI): An international umbrella organization for Soka Gakkai.