The Japanese tradition of Nichiren includes all Buddhist schools that trace their origins back to the letters of Nichiren Shonin, a thirteenth-century Buddhist priest. While all the schools within the tradition uphold the Lotus Sutra as the Buddha's most important teaching, each one has its own distinct traditions and practices.
The school of Nichiren Shu originated in Japan's Kamakura period (1185–1333), an era of the country's history that saw the birth of the samurai and the establishment of feudalism. Nichiren Shonin, originally named Zennichimaro, was born in 1222 in a small fishing village in the present day Chiba prefecture, located east of Tokyo.
According to tradition, Nichiren entered the local temple at age 11 and became an ordained Tendai monk at age 16. During his studies, Nichiren constantly sought the essence of what he believed the Buddha wished to teach every sentient being. After finding the Lotus Sutra, he came to regard the text as the Buddha's one true teaching. Over the following years, Nichiren tried to convince the government to switch to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, but they didn't heed his plea. Instead, they persecuted him relentlessly.
Read Full Article »