The Incredible World of Nichiren Buddhism

BASICS OF NICHIREN BUDDHISM

Nichiren Buddhism is evolved from Mahayana Buddhism. The basis of this Buddhism is “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” which encompasses the entire teachings of the 28 chapter LOTUS SUTRA. It is a philosophy that teaches that everyone can attain enlightenment and Buddhahood in this lifetime by having faith in the ‘Mystic Law’ of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. It entails the practice of gongyo & chanting daimoku, having sincere faith in the ‘Mystic Law’ (Gohonzon), & study of the Buddhist teachings (scriptures), and above all putting into action what we have learnt, in our daily lives.

In Nichiren Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra, as expounded by Shakyamuni, is the teaching that is judged supreme as it enables all people, good or evil, to attain Buddhahood. Prayer takes the form of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, which reveals one’s inherent Buddhahood.

The twice daily practice of performing gongyo & chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, in front of the Gohonzon is an integral part in the practice of this Buddhism. Central to the Buddhist teachings is the ‘Law of Cause & Effect’. Positive causes are attained by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo & striving to affect a human revolution within our lives. The practice of ‘Kosen Rofu’ is an essential part of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.

Belief in the Gohonzon, chanting daimoku and spreading the teachings will certainly lead to enlightenment. Nichiren Daishonin clearly explained the ultimate reality of life, the ‘Mystic Law’ which is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Faith in the Gohonzon enables one to draw forth the essential reality of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (the Buddha nature), which has been inherent in our lives since time beginning. Nichiren Daishonin has opened the portals, of attaining Buddhahood, to all people.

In Nichiren Buddhism, the truth of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and the Gohonzon took over 2000 years of Buddhist thinking and practice to crystallize into its essential form. Buddhists do not believe in the ‘afterlife’ but rather in the eternity of life. In Buddhism the material & spiritual are of equal importance. It enables one to throw away all crutches & props to stand alone as fulfilled, wise, compassionate and creative human beings, living life to the full and creating value out of every situation, even seemingly hopeless ones. The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is rooted in daily life, and, as such, does not provide a spiritual panacea, but a practical system of thought, word & deed, with direct relevance to the lives of all who practice it. This is achieved by bringing out their inherent Buddhahood, by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to the Gohonzon. Nichiren Buddhism also teaches us “The Art of Living”, which is how to fundamentally improve the quality of our lives & that of others so that we may truly become fulfilled and happy in this lifetime. This value creating doctrine of Nichiren Buddhism brings out the inherent strength and wisdom which everyone possesses within themselves – their Buddhahood – by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. As Nichiren Daishon states “In Buddhism, that teaching is supreme which enables all people, whether good or evil, to become Buddhas. So reasonable a standard, can surely be grasped by anyone.” Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism teaches that nothing bests actual proof. In this regard it stands alone among the religions of the world.