The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin

What is Nichiren Buddhism? Nichiren Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism based on the teachings of the 13th-century priest Nichiren Daishonin. Nichiren, who lived during a time of great conflict and upheaval in 13th-century Japan, empathized greatly with the plight of the people and searched for a way to overcome suffering. His intention was to become a true disciple of Shakyamuni, who taught Buddhism as a way to realize the genuine happiness and dignity of all people. Through his studies of the Buddhist sutras and his predecessors’ commentaries, Nichiren concluded that it is the Lotus Sutra that enables the infinite potential of all people to flourish and permeate throughout society.

What is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo? Troubles and difficulties are an inevitable fact of life. The essence of Buddhism is the conviction that we have within us at all times the ability to surmount such suffering. This power, inherent in the depths of our lives, is the function of the fundamental Law or principle that underlies the workings of all life and the universe. This law was perceived by Nichiren, a 13th-century Buddhist priest, who named it “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.” The practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can also be described as a vow, an expression of our determination to embrace and bring forth our Buddha nature. It is a pledge to oneself to never yield to difficulties and to win over one’s suffering. At the same time, it is a vow to help others activate this law in their own lives and achieve happiness.

What is the Soka Gakkai? The Soka Gakkai is a community-based organization upholding the Buddhist tradition that originated with Shakyamuni (Siddhārtha Gautama) and developed as it was inherited by Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu in India, Zhiyi (the Great Teacher Tiantai) and Miaole in China, and Dengyo and Nichiren in Japan. The specific Buddhist tradition embraced by the Soka Gakkai is based on the Mahayana scriptures and the Lotus Sutra in particular. The Soka Gakkai is engaged in faith practices and activities in society that correspond with the compassionate spirit of the Lotus Sutra in the contemporary world.

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The information on this webpage is made of excerpts from Soka Global
Page coded by Federica Marcucci 👩🏽