A Study Into Nichiren Buddhism Thought

Born in the flames of war in Kamakura,Nichiren with his unique practice of Chanting the Title of the Lotus Sutra(Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō)helped disseminate Buddhism with a strong presence.Nichiren School remains the only sect named after its founder.It is also,to date,the most local sect in Japan.Yet research on Nichiren School in China is rare.In order to better present Nichiren ’s Buddhism thoughts,the author introduces Nichiren’s life stories and the origin of his sect in the first two chapters.By studying classics,this article then discuss topics from four perspectives,i.e.critique theory,patriotism,the way of practice,and mentor-disciple relationship.On the front of critique theory,Nichiren declares the legitimacy of Lotus Sutra and Nichiren School by establishing criteria of a sect based on"five outlines"(teaching,talent,time,country,order)and“three demonstrations”(scripture,truth,reality)and by leveraging"Four Words"(zen the devil,vinaya the traitor,mantra subjugate a nation,Sukhavati leads to inferno).Regarding the concept of patriotism,Nichiren continues the long-standing tradition of protecting the country in Japanese Buddhism,which is not only the manifestation of his thinking of upholding the state,but also the evidence of his critique theory,and it is also one of the main themes of his life.Popularization of Nichiren School promotes a reform in Ways of Practicing,moving away from the previously elegant yet complex rituals to convenience and also pragmatism.Chanting the Title of the Lotus Sutra(Namu MyōhōRenge Kyō)thus becoming a Buddha provides the common people a way of practicing from bottom up(Gekokujō下克上).Chanting the title enable three essential elements,namely my title,my god and my precept platform to form the most important aspect of Nichiren Buddhism thoughts.Mentor-Disciple Relationship in any sects,in the author’s view,deserves detailed investigation.Nichiren is able to desiminate Buddhism theories against all odds because of Advaita Vedantic of Mentor and Disciple,which ensures his thoughts are time-honored to this very day.Although Nichiren lived in the remote past,Soka Gakkai,inheriting Nichiren’s thought,still exerts great influence on Japan and the world at large.It is therefore worthy of our attention and understanding.Nichiren’s thoughts,the source of Soka Gakkai ideas,are awaiting us for further exploration.It is also instrumental to consider balancing religious and social affairs as well as the relation between religion and life in current domestic and international contexts.Taking history as a mirror and reflecting on ourselves.This is the strength we gain from Nichiren,and also where his unique value lies.