NICHIREN SHU
The Nichiren Shu is a Buddhist Order founded by the religious prophet and reformer, Nichiren Shōnin (1222-1282). He espoused the doctrine that the Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika-Sutra) represents the embodiment of the genuine teachings of Śākyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, the Saviour of this world.
Our belief in this doctrine is affirmed by our chanting of the Odaimoku (Sacred Title) “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” that is, “Adoration to the Scripture of the Lotus of the Perfect Truth.”
We believe that Nichiren Shonin was the messenger of the Buddha who has guided us in cultivating our Buddha-nature, a quality inherent in all beings, and establishing a way of life consonant with the eternal truths preached by the Buddha.
We vow to the Buddha and Nichiren Shōnin that we will strive to engender peace within ourselves and throughout the world by disseminating the teaching expounded in the Lotus Sutra.
Minobusan Kuonji Temple, established by Nichiren Shonin in 1274, is the Head Temple of the Nichiren Shu. It is the most sacred place of worship for followers of the order and is located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The administrative head-quarters of the order which governs more than 5,300 Nichiren temples is located in Tokyo.
ENLIGHTENMENT
Śākyamuni Buddha stresses in numerous sutras that all living beings possess the Buddha-nature, one’s true nature. Accordingly, everyone has the potential to attain Buddhahood or enlightenment. All human beings, regardless of apparent differences in faith, difference in nationality, race or color, are Buddhas in essence. To achieve enlightenment is then to live according to one’s true nature.
The Buddha states in the Lotus Sutra: “This is my domain and all the living beings in this world are my children.” “I shall guide the living to enter the unsurpassed Way and to quickly become Buddhas.”
Stimulated by such compassion, Nichiren Shonin dedicated his life to cultivating the Buddha-nature in all beings. The key to this salvation he believed was to be found in the Lotus Sutra.
NICHIREN SHONIN
Nichiren Shōnin, the founder of the Nichiren Shu was born on Feburary 16, 1222, in Kominato, in what is now Chiba Prefecture, Japan. At age eleven, his parents sent him to a monastery to study. From an early age, he began to wonder why there were so many schools of Buddhism, while the Buddhism expounded by Śākyamuni Buddha was but one? He was ordained a priest at Seichoji Temple at the young age of fifteen. After considerable study of all the Buddhist schools, Nichiren Shonin concluded that the Lotus Sutra indeed represented the perfect culmination of the true teaching of the Buddha.
Following a period of intense prayer during seven days of seclusion, he found that he was now ready to embark on his plan of reformation and proclamation of his new gospel. His grand declaration with a resounding cry of the Odaimoku took place atop the summit of a hill overlooking the wide Pacific; it was in the early morning as the sun broke through the morning haze. This was Nichiren’s proclamation of his gospel to heaven and earth with the all-illuminating sun as his witness. The date was April 28, 1253.
Soon after, he left for Kamakura, then the seat of the government, and began preaching the Lotus Sutra. Discord prevailed among the governing clans and rumors were widespread predicting impending political coups. In addition, the people were suffering from a series of natural calamities – typhoons, flooding and earthquakes. Fear-provoking comet-sightings compounded the impact of these events amidst famine and rampant plague. All of these occurrences drove the citizens into panic.
Witnessing these disasters Nichiren Shōnin was motivated to write the Rissho Ankoku Ron, (Treatise on Spreading Peace Throughout the Country by Establishing Righteousness). In it he attributes the disasters to the foolishness of the government and the degeneracy of the people who were following superstition and misguided religious beliefs. He admonished the people to convert to Nichiren Shōnin’s faith based on the Lotus Sutra.
A copy of the treatise was presented to the government authorities and the message of that work was repeated in his preachings on the streets. The work drew a very hostile reaction from those people criticized by Nichiren Shōnin. Fueled by the rage of the religious authorities whom Nichiren Shōnin accused of false teachings, the treatise triggered a succession of persecutions. Notable among these punishments were the persecution at Matsubagayatsu, the exile to Izu peninsula, more persecution at Komatsubara and Tatsunokuchi and the nearly three years of lonely exile to Sado Island.
Throughout these adversities, Nichiren Shōnin’s missionary zeal was unrelenting. His subsequent writing of four more major works demonstrates his resolve. While in exile on Sado Island, Nichiren Shōnin completed two works. The “Kaimoku Sho” (Opening the Eyes) expressed Nichiren Shōnin’s state of mind as a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra. In the “Kanjin Honzon Sho” (The Spiritual Introspection of the Supreme Beings), he expounds on the idea of unity between the Eternal Truths and the Eternal Buddha. To underscore this thesis introduced in this latter work, Nichiren Shōnin shortly thereafter rendered a graphic representation of his underlying theology. This representation is the Mandala Gohonzon.
In 1274, Nichiren Shōnin entered Mount Minobu, which was to be his home of voluntary exile during the last nine years of his life. It was a period dedicated to the consummation of his mission and perpetuation of his religion. Two more major writings were created during this period.
In his work entitled the “Senji Sho’: (Selection of Time), he affirmed the righteousness of his propagating the Lotus Sutra and predicted the victory of his convictions. In March 1276, his old master, Dozen died. In his memory, Nichiren Shōnin wrote the “Hoon Jo” (Recompense of Indebtedness).
Wracked by failing health, in September 1282, Nichiren Shōnin left his beloved Mt. Minobu with the intention of visiting a hot spring for its recuperative effects. His failing health, however, caused him to stop short of his destination. On October 13, 1282 at Ikegami, Tokyo, Nichiren Shonin, surrounded by his disciples and followers, ended his 60 years of eventful life. His will, “please build my grave on Mt. Minoubu where my heart resides forever,” was faithfully carried out.
THE LOTUS SUTRA AND BUDDHA
The Buddha appeared in this world to purify all beings by hav-ing them open the treasury of the Buddha-wisdom which they are unaware of possessing within them-selves. The Buddhas appeared in this world to show the Buddha-wisdom to them. The Buddhas appeared in this world to have them understand what the Buddha-wisdom is. The Buddhas have appeared in this world to lead them into the path of the Buddha-wisdom.
The Lotus Sutra is composed of twenty-eight chapters which the faithful believe “transmit the Law” representing the culmination of the essence of the teachings of Śākyamuni Buddha. The Law is transmitted in beautiful prose and verse in terms of humorous parables, allegories, metaphors, fantastic descriptions of supernatural visions and metaphysical discussion. This panoramic totality gives it dimensions of cosmic pro-portions 111 space and time. The variegated nature of the Lotus teachings is associated with Śākyamuni’s inclination to exercise “tactfulness” and “expedience” to accommodate all manner of capacities and temperaments that exist among his listeners. Ultimately these different gateways lead to the Path.
Two broad themes reveal themselves in the Lotus Sutra. The first, developed over the first fourteen chapters, is the reality of intrinsic commonality that prevails in the nature of all human beings. Achieving Enlightenment consists of awakening this seed of Buddhahood in an individual.
The other broad theme, expound-ed over the remaining fourteen chapters is the eternalness of the Buddha. That the historical Śākyamuni Buddha, born and attaining enlightenment in India, was but a temporal form of the primeval Buddha who was enlightened in the remotest past and lives on eternally with no birth or death. Regardless of the age we live in the Buddha is always among us and points to the Path of Buddhahood.
THE ODAIMOKU
The form of worship instituted by Nichiren Shonin is the repetitive recitation of the Scripture’s Sacred Title or the Odaimoku: “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” that is “Adoration to the Scripture of the Lotus. of the Perfect Truth.”
His profound understanding of theology caused him to see the need for a simplified practice of affirming our affinity to Buddha and his true teachings. The answer he asserts is found in uttering the Odaimoku. According to Nichiren Shonin, the Odaimoku is not a mere representation of Buddha’s Truths. Rather it is the embodiment of Buddha’s Truths when the formula is uttered with a firm belief of the truths contained in the Lotus Sutra and with full acceptance of Buddha as the Saviour.
GOHONZON
The Great Mandala, is the Gohonzon for the faithful. Whereas the inspiration of the Odaimoku comes from a verbal display, the Gohonzon provides for a visual interaction as well. The Gohonzon is the graphical representation that expresses the oneness between the Great Truths (Dharma) and personage of the Eternal or Primeval Buddha.
Inspiration wells from reverent gazing of the Gohonzon coupled with the chanting of the Odaimoku. For the faithful the experience is one of being bathed by the rays of wisdom and compassion that emanates from the Eternal Buddha. Thus are we embraced in the Buddha’s realm of enlightenment and brought to a state of “Kanno Dokyo,” a resonance between the Buddha’s power and our spiritual receptivity.
MINOBUSAN KUONJI TEMPLE
Minobusan (Mt. Minobu) Kuounji Temple, founded by Nichiren Shonin, is the head temple of the Nichiren Shu and is the most sacred place of worship of followers of the order.
On May 17, 1274, Nichiren Shonin entered Mt. Minobu with the support of the lord of this area, Sanenaga Nambu. There he established the Kuonji Temple on June 17, 1274. Mt. Minobu was to be home for the last eight years of his life. During this period his missionary work for the Lotus Sutra was completed. He produced two major works during this period of his life.
On September 8, 1282, Nichiren Shōnin left Mt. Minobu for Hitachi Spa to cure his illness. But on the way, he passed away at Ikegami, Tokyo, on Oct. 13, 1282. In accordance with his final wish, “Wherever I may die, please build my grave on Mt. Minobu where my heart resides forever,” his ashes were brought back to Mt. Minobu and enshrined in a grave there.
PRACTICE OF THE NICHIREN SHU
“Practice and study to strengthen your faith. Without practice and study, Buddhism cannot exist. To practice and to study are caused by your faith. Follow these yourself and influence others to do the same. Even if only a word or a phrase, spread it to others.”
<“Shoho Jisso Sho” Nichiren>
Nichiren Shōnin’s faith was based strongly on his profound understanding and his practices in everyday living. He studied Śākyamuni Buddha’s teaching expounded in the Lotus Sutra, and he practiced His teaching in his life.
Buddhism is not merely theory nor knowledge. It is a living religion and becomes so when we practice its teaching in daily life.
Practices of the Nichiren Shu introduced here are necessary for all followers of Nichiren Shōnin to strengthen their faith.
When one aspires to enlightenment by practicing the teachings of the Buddha as a priest or nun, a Tokudo Ceremony will be observed under one’s master. His or her name will be registered in the Nichiren Shu Headquarters at the Docho Ceremony, which is held at Seichoji Temple where Nichiren Shonin made the first vow to the Buddha.
SHAMIKO
Shamiko is a retreat for children, 10 to 15 years old, who will become future N ichiren ministers. Here they study the basics of the Nichiren Shu’s teachings and practices. These retreats last one week in summer at large and famous Nichiren temples in Japan.
SHINGYO DOJO
Shingyo Dojo is a special training session at a monastery for those who want to become N ichiren priests or nuns. Here they train for advanced practices and seriously study N ichiren Buddhism for 35 days. Prospective priests or nuns cannot make outside contact during the training. These training sessions are held at the monastery at Mt. Minobu each spring and summer. After this training, they are recognized as N ichiren priests or nuns.
Aragyo is a very strict and austere ascetic practice of the N ichiren Shu. This special and demanding training lasts 100 days from November 1 to February 10 every winter for N ichiren priests.
Strict observances are held to cleanse the mind and body by throwing cold water over the body seven times a day. They spend all of their time chanting the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku from 3:00 AM. until midnight.
DANSHINTO KENSHU DOJO
Danshinto Kenshu Dojo is place for Nichiren believers to train and practice Nichiren Shōnin’s teaching. People who attend this training chant the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku, trace and copy the Sutra, and attend discussions about their faith from 4:30 AM. to 9:00 P.M. for three days on Mt. Minobu.
The purpose of this program is to provide for interaction between young N ichiren members in Japan and the U.S.A Since 1987, the retreat has been held every summer in Japan or the U.S.A to foster better understanding of culture and practices between our countries.
RINBAN HOSHI
Rinban Hoshi is the practice of cleaning and caring for Nichiren Shōnin’s grave and reciting the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku before his grave at Mt. Minobu.
The six great disciples of Nichiren Shonin originated the practice of Rinban Hoshi when they established among themselves a schedule for taking care of Mt. Minobu.
In the practice of Shakyo, through the act of copying passages from the Lotus Sutra, the faithful seek to cleanse their soul, pray in memory of their ancestors, pray for universal peace and happiness and ultimately discover the Buddha’s true mind.
HOKKE WASAN
Hokke Wasan are the songs in praise of Buddhism. These songs express teachings and pious acts of Śākyamuni Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Nichiren Shōnin and famous Nichiren priests. Chorus group singing of Hokke Wasan is becoming popular in Japan.
HOLY DAYS OF NICHIREN SHU
- The Buddha’s Nirvana Day, February 15
- After 45 years of preaching, Śākyamuni Buddha entered into Nirvana, perfect tranquility, at the age of 80 in Kusinagara.
- Nichiren Shonin’s Birthday, February 16
- Nichiren Shon-in was born on February 16, 1222, at Kominato, Chiba.
- Sakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday, Apri1 8
- Sakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, on April 8, 565 B.C., as a pricce of the Sakya Clan.
- Proclamation of the establishment of a new order, April, 28 ·
- Nichiren Shonin declared he would establish his faith in the Lotus Sutra at Seichoji Temple in his home town, Kominato on April 28, 1253.
- Exile to Izu Peninsula, May 12
- In 1260 Nichiren Shōnin presented his work, the “Rissho Ankoku Ron” and admonished the government against believing wrong teachings. On May 12, 1261, he was exiled to Jzu Yeniosula because of his admonition.
- Matsubagayatsu ‘ Persecution August 27
- The presentation of the “Risshō Ankoku-ron” caused rioters to attack Nichiren Shōnin and they set fire to his hermitage at Matsubagayatsu on Aug. 27, 1260.
- Tatsunokuchi Persecution, September J2
- In 1271 the government was displeased by Nichiren Shōnin’s propagating acts and he was arrested and exiled to Sado Island. On September 12, on the way to Sado, he was about to be executed at Tatsunokuchi, but his life was saved by a mysterious light from the sky.
- Sado Exile, October 10
- After Nichiren Shōnin escaped execution at Tatsunokuchi, he was exiled to Sado Island on October 10, 1271. He was there for three years.
- Oeshiki, October 13
- On the way from Mt. Minobu to Hitachi Spa to cure his illness, Nichiren Shōnin ended his 60 years of eventful life at Ikegami, Tokyo, on October 13, 1282.
- Komatsubara Persecution, November 11
- Nichiren Shōnin and his disciples were attacked by the lord Kagenobu Tojo, and his conspirators on a path in the forest of Komastubara in Tojo’s territory on November 11, 1264. Nichiren Shōnin was injured on his head and one of his disciples and one follower were killed.
NICHIREN SHU
NICHIREN SHU HEADQUARTERS
1-32-15, Ikegami, Ota-ku, TOKYO
Phone 03-3751-7181
Edited by: Nichiren Order of North America
Design: Nichiren Shu Shimbun Co. Ltd.,
©1991 Printed in Japan
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