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What is NICHIREN SHOSHU BUDDHISM?
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion that was established by Shakyamuni Buddha who lived in
India nearly 3,000 years ago. He observed the suffering of the people as a
result of birth, old age, sickness and death. He then realized, through
religious practices, that life is impermanent and subject to change, yet at
the core of all life is something eternal and immutable.
What is Nichiren Shoshu?
Nichiren Shoshu is the Orthodox School of True Buddhism founded by
Nichiren Daishonin over 700 years ago.
The purpose of practicing Nichiren Shoshu is to awaken to the awareness that
our lives contain the Buddha nature and bring forth that condition in our
daily lives.
Nichiren Daishonin is the True Buddha who revealed that all human beings
have the potential to attain the enlightened state of Buddhahood in their
current lifetime. Through the profound meaning of Shakyamuni's Lotus Sutra,
Nichiren Daishonin was able to reveal that all of life's phenomena manifest
the true entity of life, Buddhahood.
Nichiren Daishonin declared and established a practice that is applicable
to everyone. He correctly revealed the essence of all phenomena and the
true entity of life in the universe as being Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
The deepest purpose of Buddhism, to universally relieve human suffering,
is achieved with the practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
He further left us a specific object of worship, the Dai-Gohonzon, so that
we could call forth the enlightened state of buddhahood existing in the
depths of our lives.
The Head Temple
Located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan is the Orthodox School of
Nichiren Daishonin, the head temple Taisekiji. The Dai-Gohonzon, inscribed
by Nichiren Daishonin for the enlightenment of all people is preserved and
protected here. Each year, many believers come from all over the world to
worship the Dai-Gohonzon and study the doctrine of Nichiren Shoshu.
Nichiren Shoshu high priests have dedicated their lives to preserving the
purity of the teachings for over 700 years.
The Gohonzon
The Gohonzon is a mandala inscribed with Chinese charachters that embodies
the enlightened life of Nichiren Daishonin. When we begin to chant
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo in front of this Gohonzon, our lives become infused
with the Buddhahood embodied therein. Thus we are able to begin the natural
process of overcoming our problems and discover how to attain true
happiness according to our own individuality.
Daily Practice
Daily practice consists of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and the recitation
of portions of the Lotus Sutra, which is called Gongyo. Gongyo is recited
daily in the morning and in the evening. The practice of Gongyo and chanting
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo assures your life will be on the correct path to overcome
any problems and ultimately lead you to enlightenment.
The Benefits of Practicing True Buddhism
The ultimate benefit of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist practice is enlightenment,
or Buddhahood, the life condition of unshakeable happiness and the wisdom
to grasp the eternal true meaning of life.
As you practice day by day and strive toward this highest life condition,
the accumulation of wisdom and fortune is revealed in all aspects of
your life. Believers experience such concrete benefits as improved
health, better personal relationships, increased material fortune, and
the ability to overcome life's hardships. This is called the `actual proof'
of Buddhist practice.
How To Begin
The best way to begin is by attending an introductory meeting. Many such
meetings are held each month at the temples and in believers' homes.
Attending a meeting will help you learn to correctly pronounce
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and become familiar with Gongyo. It is a good idea to
write down any questions you have so they can be answered at the meeting.
For more information call your nearest temple.
"If the minds of the people are impure, their land is also impure, but
if their minds are pure, so is their land. There are not two lands,
pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or
evil of our minds. It is the same with a Buddha and a common mortal.
While deluded, one is called a common mortal, but once enlightened, he
is called a Buddha. Even a tarnished mirror will shine like a jewell
if it is polished."
(On Attsaining Buddhahood, MWND Vol. 1)
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