Nichiren Buddhism

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 criticized the other forms of Buddhism because they did not have the Lotus Sutra as the central doctrine. Unlike Pure Land and Zen Buddhism, Nichiren believed that Amidism was not a way to reach enlightenment. Instead, Nichiren advocated for the repetition of…

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…

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…

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…

Buddhism is a philosophy in which one gains spiritual enlightenment which can free themselves from the cycle of rebirth, and I believe anyone can attain 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…

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…

Despite Japan’s advantageous terrain preventing foreign armies from efficiently invading it, Japan still faced a foreign threat that made another attempted Mongol Invasion look more appealing. This threat was Buddhism. Despite Buddhism’s current depiction being largely peaceful and amiable, Buddhism had quite a history of insubordination against various forms of medieval Japanese government. It was particularly effective because Buddhism shifted itself to fit the social landscape and capitalized…

To the 6th century, the Japanese formally accepted 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…

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 religion that I choose to explore was Buddhism, which is completely different from Christianity. I did not have many interactions with Buddhist or Buddhism growing up. I did grow up with a lot of Buddha statues in my house for decoration purposes, but never truly understand what or who the chubby man was. My knowledge prior to this exploration of faith was slim to none; I only knew that people of Asian decent prayed to him. Through this project I found out that it was a welcoming religion…