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.