What is Buddhism?
To understand Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, we need to understand the broader picture of 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 Buddhism?
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 concretely revealed the essence of all phenomena an the true entity of life in the universe as being Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. It is the enternal enlightened life o fthe True Buddha, and the Law to which he is enlightened.
The deepest purpose of Buddhism, to universally releive human suffering is achieved with the practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. He furthermore 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.
Introduction to Nichiren Shoshu True Buddhism (SF Temple) (html)
An excellent overview of our religion and practice from Myoshinji Temple, San Francisco.
Introduction to Nichiren Shoshu True Buddhism (LA Temple)
Learn more about Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, Published by Myohoji Temple, Los Angeles.
- Nichiren Shoshu and the Head Temple
- Nichiren Shoshu Temples
- Shakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin
- The Practice of Faith in Nichiren Shoshu
- The Road to True Happiness
- Unity Between Priesthood and Laity
Be sure to read Nichiren Shoshu Basics of Practice (pdf, 1.5mb). This is an 137 page book detailing the basics of practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.