Nichiren

While most stories indicate that good is over here and evil is over there, existing independently of each other, he reveals them as mutually inclusive; neither exists without the other. Where there is one, also there is an ever-present potential for the other. The eastern concept of Yin and Yang also parallels this idea of inseparable opposites that is vital to existence itself. Good and evil have been inherent in life since the beginning of time, but this doesn’t mean that good and evil are equal, or even tolerable. In Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Nichiren, a Buddhist scholar states, “By recognizing the potential for good with an evil, we can challenge injustice and wrong while striving to stimulate and nurture good. At the same time, by being aware that within good exists the potential for evil, we can develop the ability to recognize evil when it appears within ourselves or others, and have courage to take action to counter…

Nichiren’s religious vision is competitive, harsh, critical and aggressive. In his letter to Nishiyama Nyudo in 1275, Nichiren discusses the execution of Mongol envoys, and the possible Mongol invasion to come. Nichiren writes, “I have also received your news about the beheading of the Mongol envoys. How pitiful that they have beheaded the innocent Mongol envoys and yet failed to cut off the heads of the priests of the Nembutsu, Shingon, Zen, and Ritsu sects, who are the real enemies of the…

Compared to Pure Land Buddhism and Zen Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhism focuses solely on the teachings and doctrines of the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, believed that the Lotus Sutra is the only true and direct teaching of the Buddha (Earhart 138). Nichiren also criticized other forms of Buddhism while promoting his own. Nichiren believed that “Nenbutsu leads to…Hell, Zen is a devil, Shingon will destroy the nation, and Ritsu is a traitor” (Earhart 138). Nichiren…

period (1185-1333) saw the birth of one of Buddhism’s most influential and infamous priests: Nichiren (1222-1282). During the time of Nichiren, Buddhism had become the official religion of the Japanese state, and as Masaharu Anesaki (1916) explains, “its hierarchies had attained the power and dignity of state authorities, but inner decay was manifesting itself, and the corruption of the clergy was appalling. The central government, firmly established since the seventh century, was disintegrating…

teachings of Nichiren are followed by many people, nearly 8.3 million citizens of Japan. There are various criticisms towards the religion because of its close ties with education and political participation. The Gakkai have seized the opportunity of postwar Japan, a time of religious, cultural, and ideological hollowness. Japanese society has focused on economic growth for several decades, increasing a need for religious exploration. The effects of industrialization and urbanization have taken…

enlightenment through the power of Nichiren Buddhism. “Many one body, one in mind”. One of the famous quotes president Daisaku Ikeda and the presidents before had said to encourage the people in the organization of SGI. Buddhism began 2,500 years ago in India. Currently there are more than 360 million members worldwide and over a million in America. Buddhism has influenced the western culture as a whole, mainly in meditation and non-violence. Buddhism was based on the teaching of an Indian…

Nichiren Buddhism was an elitist revolution that was very much seeking power. Like Amida, Nichiren Buddhism capitalized on the sense of anxiety the Japanese commoners had. It had a message of common appeal, but was aggressively trying to convert people to join. Nichiren, who believed he was the soul of Japan, further demonstrates Buddhism’s duality to appeal to both peaceful times and times of terror when he denounces Emperor Shomu’s interpretation of Buddha. His interpretation relied on the…

Confucianism, Buddhism pass into Japan. In the seventh century, Japan established a centralized state based on the emperor as the center. In Nara period, national fiercely protect Buddhism. Therefore, Buddhist culture and Buddhist art began to flourish. Because local politics is very confusing, then warrior Group becomes more powerful. In the early 11th century, Yoritomo established the first shogunate in Kamakura in the history of Japan. In culture part, Japan's feudal era was characterized by…

The type of Buddhism that I practice is called Soka Gakkai Nichiren, which I was first introduced to ten years ago. However, I didn’t start practicing Buddhism until late last year. When I first joined this practice I was going through a lot of struggles. I was aimless and pessimistic, but I was determined to be happy and get my life together by chanting nam-myoho-renge-kyo, our Buddhist mantra. With the help of this practice I was able to overcome all of my obstacles. It helped me get back on…

the direction of a king, his father isolated him from the all suffering and religious teachings. Obviously, Siddhartha’s father attempt to keep his away from religion failed. Siddhartha wanted to end human suffering, he searched for the “Middle Path” and soon was enlighten after meditation under a Bodhi tree. When Siddhartha reached enlightenment he became Buddha meaning the “Awakened One.” Siddhartha travelled around various regions gaining an assembly of followers, teaching the 4 noble truths…