What is Nichiren Shu Buddhism?
Nichiren Shu is a school of Mahayana Buddhism founded in 13th-century Japan by the revered priest Nichiren Shonin (1222–1282). Our tradition is distinct because we uphold the Lotus Sutra as the supreme and complete teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha. Our practice centers on connecting with the eternal wisdom of the Buddha through chanting and study.
What is the central practice of Nichiren Shu?
Our central and primary practice is chanting the Odaimoku: Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō.
- Namu (or Nam) means “devotion” or “adoration.”
- Myōhō Renge Kyō is the title of the Lotus Sutra.
By chanting this phrase, we express devotion to the ultimate truth of the universe—the Wonderful Dharma—and align our lives with the essential teachings of the Buddha. Chanting is often supplemented by reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra, particularly Chapters 2 and 16.
Who is Nichiren Shonin?
Nichiren Shonin (literally, “Nichiren the Revere Priest”) is the founder of our school. He was born in Japan and, after deep study of all Buddhist scriptures, concluded that the Lotus Sutra contained the full and final teaching of the Buddha. On April 28, 1253, he made his first public proclamation of the Odaimoku, marking the founding of Nichiren Buddhism. He is regarded not as the Buddha, but as the Votary of the Lotus Sutra—the messenger entrusted by Shakyamuni Buddha to spread the essential Dharma in the Latter Day of the Law
What is the Lotus Sutra (妙法蓮華經)?
The Lotus Sutra (Myōhō Renge Kyō) is one of the most influential scriptures in Mahayana Buddhism. It is revered in our school because it teaches two core principles:
The Eternal Buddha: Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment in the unimaginably distant past (Chapter 16) and continues to guide and teach all beings eternally.
Universal Buddhahood: All beings, without exception, have the potential for enlightenment in this lifetime.
What is the difference between Nichiren Shu and the other Buddhist Sects?
| School | Central Scripture/Text | Difference |
| Nichiren Shu | The Lotus Sutra (Myōhō Renge Kyō) | Believes the Lotus Sutra contains the final and complete teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, perfectly suited for the present age (Mappō). |
| Zen | Various texts, with a focus on Prajñāpāramitā Sutras; emphasis on direct experience | Practice is centered on seated meditation (Zazen) to achieve sudden enlightenment. |
| Pure Land | The three Pure Land Sutras (e.g., Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life) | Practice is centered on chanting the Nembutsu (Namu Amida Butsu) to gain rebirth in Amida Buddha’s Western Pure Land. |
| Theravada | The Pāli Canon (Tripitaka) | Focuses on the historical Buddha’s early teachings, monastic discipline, and individual enlightenment (Arhatship). |
What is the Dai Mandala Gohonzon (大曼荼羅)?
In Nichiren Shu, the Gohonzon (Honorable Focus of Devotion) refers to the written mandala created by Nichiren Shonin. It is the visual representation of the assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas described in the Lotus Sutra during the “Ceremony in the Air.”
What is the purpose of chanting?
Nichiren Shonin taught that in the present age (the Latter Day of the Law), chanting the Odaimoku is the direct and perfect way to:
- Fuse One’s Life with the Dharma: By chanting, practitioners align their own lives with the universal, eternal truth of the Lotus Sutra.
- Reveal Buddha Nature: The practice enables one to awaken the innate potential for Buddhahood that exists within all people.
- Receive the Buddha’s Blessings: It allows practitioners to receive the benefits and merits of the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha.
Supplementary Practices (Gongyō)
While the Odaimoku is the core practice, the daily devotional service, known as Gongyō (Diligent Practice), usually includes:
- Chanting the Odaimoku (The central element).
- Recitation of Portions of the Lotus Sutra: Specifically, the Expedient Means (Chapter 2) and the Lifespan of the Tathāgata (Chapter 16). These chapters summarize the key doctrines of the Sutra (universal enlightenment and the eternity of the Buddha).
- Recitation of Prayers: Including prayers of apology, aspiration, and transference of merit.
In essence, the core practice is the Odaimoku, with the recitation of the Sutra chapters serving to deepen the understanding and strengthen the faith behind the chant.
“…the Thus Come One dwells here forever and never enters extinction. Yet, because of his skill in expedient means, he appears to enter extinction… Those who single-mindedly desire to see the Buddha, not begrudging their own lives, the Buddha then appears before them on Mount Grdhrakūta to preach the Law.”
— The Lotus Sutra, Chapter 16 (The Lifespan of the Tathāgata)