Nichiren Daishonin

Nichiren Daishonin, born on February 16, 1222, in a small fishing village in Awa Province (modern-day Chiba Prefecture, Japan), emerged as one of the most influential figures in Japanese Buddhism. Originally named Zennichimaro, he was the son of a fisherman, yet his spiritual curiosity led him to enter the priesthood at age 16 at Seicho-ji Temple. Ordained as Zenshobo Rencho, he embarked on an intense study of Buddhist scriptures, seeking the true essence of the Buddha’s teachings. His quest culminated in his conviction that the Lotus Sutra, or Saddharma Pundarika Sutra, held the ultimate truth for universal enlightenment. On April 28, 1253, he declared his mission by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for the first time, founding what would become Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. This moment marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to spreading the Sutra’s teachings, despite immense challenges.

Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings were revolutionary and controversial in 13th-century Japan, a time rife with political turmoil, natural disasters, and social unrest. He boldly asserted that the Lotus Sutra was the sole path to attaining Buddhahood, criticizing other Buddhist schools like Pure Land and Zen as incomplete or misleading. His seminal work, Rissho Ankoku Ron (On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land), presented in 1260 to Japan’s ruling authorities, argued that societal suffering stemmed from abandoning the Lotus Sutra. This critique of both religious and secular powers provoked hostility, leading to repeated persecutions, including arrests, exile to Izu in 1261, and a near-execution at Tatsunokuchi in 1271. Yet, Nichiren Daishonin viewed these hardships as validations of his mission, famously declaring that his trials proved he was the “votary of the Lotus Sutra.”

Central to Nichiren Daishonin’s philosophy is the practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, which he taught as the key to unlocking one’s inherent Buddha nature. He believed that this invocation, rooted in the title of the Lotus Sutra, enables anyone—regardless of status or era—to achieve enlightenment and transform their lives. Nichiren Daishonin emphasized that this practice not only fosters personal happiness but also contributes to societal harmony. He inscribed the Dai Gohonzon, a mandala representing the universal Law of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, as a focal point for devotion and practice. His teachings empowered lay practitioners, challenging the elitism of traditional Buddhist institutions and appealing to common people seeking hope amid Japan’s chaotic Kamakura period.

Nichiren Daishonin’s life was marked by relentless perseverance. Exiled to Sado Island in 1271 under harsh conditions, he wrote some of his most profound treatises, including The Opening of the Eyes and The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind. These works clarified his doctrine and solidified his legacy. Despite ongoing threats, he attracted devoted followers who carried his teachings forward. In 1274, after his exile was lifted, Nichiren Daishonin settled at Mount Minobu, where he spent his final years training disciples and writing letters to encourage practitioners, known as Gosho. His compassion shone through in his personal correspondences, offering guidance tailored to individuals’ struggles, reflecting his belief that faith in the Lotus Sutra could overcome any obstacle.

Nichiren Daishonin passed away on October 13, 1282, at Ikegami, leaving behind a transformative spiritual legacy. His teachings, preserved by his disciple Nikko Shonin, continue to inspire millions through Nichiren Shoshu Temples. For practitioners today, Nichiren Daishonin’s life exemplifies courage, conviction, and the power of faith in the Lotus Sutra to create value in any circumstance. Nichiren Daishonin’s enduring impact lies in his unyielding commitment to the truth of the Lotus Sutra, a light that continues to guide seekers worldwide.

Daily Buddhist Practice (Gongyo)

Gongyo is to recite the Lotus Sutra and chant Daimoku in front of the Gohonzon. The practitioners of Nichiren Shoshu have been carrying out the practice of Gongyo since the time of Nichiren Daishonin and Nikko Shonin. We recite the first part of the Hoben (“Expedient Means” – 2) Chapter and the entire Juryo (“Life Span” – 16) Chatper of the Sutra and chant the Daimoku, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, to the Gohonzon.

Practicing morning and evening Gongyo allows us to establish happy lives and create our own desirable futures. It is crucial to perform Gongyo everyday without fail.

We perform all five silent prayers in the morning and three silent prayers in the evening. 

Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism -Slow  Gongyo 

https://youtu.be/veFXBQGuKko?si=kyR9e8JkiHEsu__m  

The Gohonzon

The object of worship of Nichiren Shoshu is the life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. In order to save his disciples and believers who would take faith after his passing, the Daishonin inscribed his enlightened life in the form of a mandala as the object of worship. It is called the Dai-Gohonzon. By inscribing the Dai-Gohonzon, Nichiren Daishonin established the cause for the universal propagation of true Buddhism and the securing of peace throughout the world. All Gohonzons enshrined in temples and homes of believers are transcriptions of the Dai-Gohonzon and derive their power from it. When we are seated before the Gohonzon, we should realize that we are in the presence of the True Buddha.

Our devotion to the Buddha, expressed through our sincere chanting of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, is the means by which we can fuse our lives with the life of the Buddha. While in this state of fusion, the powers of the Buddha and the Law permeate our existence, purifying our minds, extinguishing our evil karma, and planting seeds of wisdom, compassion, and virtue in our lives.

Having established the correct object of worship and the correct way of faith and practice to manifest the Gohonzon’s beneficial power within the lives of believers, the Daishonin transferred the living entity of his inner enlightenment to his sole successor, the Second High Priest, Nikko Shonin. This transmission, entrusted to a single person, is the basis upon which each successive High Priest transcribes the Gohonzons that are bestowed upon disciples and believers of succeeding generations. This unbroken flow of the Buddha’s life between master and disciple is the means by which the Daishonin’s enlightenment will remain in the world to save all mankind throughout eternity.

All believers of Nichiren Shoshu are granted a Gohonzon that is loaned to them by the Head Temple, so they can worship in their own homes. The Gohonzon is transcribed only by the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu. The chief priest of the local temple bestows the Gohonzon to believers who are ready to receive. 

The benefits from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

 The benefits from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo are limitless. Often, early on, people will notice things “going smoother" – somehow being inexplicably in the right place at the right time, being protected, being able to think more clearly, finding the best answer to a problem, becoming less angry, feeling more at peace, calmer, more hopeful, more creative, less anxious or afraid. Practicing Nichiren Daishonin's True Buddhism and our daily lives are not separate. When we exert ourselves in our daily Buddhist practice, we will, without fail, receive the actual proof of great benefit and enjoy the greatest life condition of Buddhahood throughout our lives.   

Over time, we experience  changes, such as recovering health,  solving long-term financial problems,  finding our life’s work, learning how to love and respect oneself, deepening and  strengthening relationships, feeling  greater compassion for others and  discovering our true purpose in this life. 

All these benefits will manifest both in  conspicuous and inconspicuous ways.  Along with benefits, we also at times  encounter difficulties or obstacles in  our practice. Buddhism teaches the  principle of turning poison (or difficulty) into medicine. The key is to continue  chanting to the Gohonzon through  your problem and to not give up. As  you continue a persistent practice, not only will the problem be solved but you will have gained additional fortune, insight and confidence in faith.  

“In a letter called “Reply to the Lay Nun Myoichi” (“Myoichi ama gozen-goshosoku”), Nichiren Daishonin states:

”Those who maintain faith in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, since ancient times, has anyone heard of or seen winter turn back to autumn. Nor have I heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra turning back into a common mortal. The sutra states, ‘If there are people who listen to the true Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood.’”

— Gosho, p.832 

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

 

Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the ultimate Law or true entity of life permeating the universe, the Law of Cause and Effect.  It also signifies the name of the True Buddha as Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the same and identical with the life of the true Buddha from the beginningless past. Another interpretation of Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the essence and the heart of all sutras, and the most supreme and correct Law. 

The meaning of each of the words is infinitely profound and goes beyond a literal definition. "Nam" originally derives from ancient Sanskrit.  The closest translation of "Nam" is "devotion of our mind and body." Next, "Myoho-Renge" signifies the ultimate reality of the universe to which the Original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin is enlightened, and "Kyo" indicates the expressed teaching of the significance of "Myoho-Renge." 

Why chant?

At the core of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is the promise that each one of us has within us an extraordinary potential that goes largely untapped -- a potential for great understanding, wisdom, joy, vitality, compassion and connection to life and each other.   It is the possibility of an unbounded life --happiness that doesn't depend on outer circumstances.  

If we accept that such a great life may exist within us, how then do we manifest it?  True Buddhism teaches that Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the name of our highest potential or Buddha nature and the law that underlies all life.  By chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo faithfully and consistently, our negative and counter-productive thoughts, influences and patterns of behavior will over time drop away.  Everything that is life-affirming, positive and truly best for us will start to appear in our daily lives, seemingly, of its own accord.

Many people have heard of the Buddhist concept of karma.  It simply means that each of us is, in this moment, the sum total of everything we have done, thought and said.   Rather than being controlled by some mysterious fate, this means that not only have we created our own destiny over countless lifetimes, but that we continue to create new karma every moment of our lives.   To chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and to teach others to do the same is to create the highest cause for our present and future happiness.  Chanting to the supreme object of worship, called the Gohonzon, lessens the karmic debt that each of us has accumulated, assuring great future fortune.