Introduction To Buddhism For African & African/Americans
Anthony "Amp"
Elmore Sr.
The Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist religion is
claimed as a universal religion for all people. This writing
is not official, sanctioned, authorized, encouraged or even
suggested by the Nichiren Shoshu religious order. This writing
is from the heart and mind of one single African/American
who has practiced Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism for 25 years and
I do not claim to be an expert or authority on Buddhist teachings.
This writing is only my personal insight into the character
and nature of Buddhism as I have learned for the past 25 years.
I claim not to be an expert on Buddhism, but I am an expert
at being an African/American Buddhist and I feel I can share
some insight of Buddhism to other African and African/American
Buddhist. In one Nichiren Shoshu publication I saw a Korean
page, a Chinese page and somewhere I saw a Spanish page. At
this time in Nichiren Shoshu there are no African or African/American
Nichiren Shoshu publications or writings. One African/American
female Nichiren Shoshu member practicing in Washington D.C.
indicated to me that she could not give an experience on this
African/American Web Site because her Nichiren Shoshu practice
has taken her beyond cultural, racial and political boundaries.
Although I am a Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist I do have my cultural
preferences that I take pride in. I heard a concern that by
this African and African/American Web Site could possibly
cause some racial division and some African/Americans are
scared to express their cultural preferences. I make this
point clear I am a Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist and a proud Black
Buddhist. At Tozan (pilgrimage) at our head Temple in Japan,
many racial and cultural divisions worship to the same object
of worship the Dai-Gohonzon. This writer of "Introduction
to Buddhism to Africans & African/Americans" cannot
understand how anyone can suggest that a writing of Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhism by an African/American to other Africans could
be a problem. The suggestion of teachings Ebonics to African/American
students in the American school system caused a lot of concerns
and controversy. On this Web Site Ebonics is encouraged. For
the Japanese or white people who may read this article, Ebonics
means speaking Black African/American English. Ebonics is
not just words but also the Black attitude. This article “Introduction
to Buddhism to Africans & African/Americans” is
not about Ebonics but simply attempts to introduce my sister
& brothers or my homees to Buddhism. Homey is a Black
term that the brothers & sisters understand, but if you
do not understand about the brothers & the sisters you
would not know about homey or what it means to give some skin
or five this is all Ebonics. This page is not racial but cultural.
Right On Home!!!!
Introduction To Buddhism
Black Style
If you find yourself reading this article,
based on the Buddhist teaching it is no accident. The Buddhist
religion is a religion based of the universal law of cause
& effect. Another explanation for the law of cause and
effect is the term Karma. Karma is the sum or total of causes
and effects. Buddhism teaches that we all enter this world
carrying causes & effects from past generations. The difficult
thing about Buddhism is that it contradicts western thought
or the way we were brought up. For the most of us we were
taught that God created us and if we follow his teachings
one day we will be blessed and go to heaven when we die. For
most African/Americans it has not come out that way, but this
is our most common belief system.
For the Average African
& African/American Buddhism Is Revolutionary
Most African/Americans were brought up in
a Judeo- Christian society in more common terms many African/Americans
have herd the quote "Baptist born, Baptist bred I will
be a Baptist until I am dead". The thought of an African/American
practicing Buddhism in America is very uncommon and very little
has been written about the subject and very few African/Americans
have been exposed to Buddhism. Buddhism is revolutionary because
it runs counter to the thinking in America and in the African/American
community Buddhism is even more revolutionary. In 1974 when
I began practicing Buddhism although I belonged to no religious
affiliation or church when I began chanting the Buddhist phase
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and chanting to the Gohonzon I was looking
over both shoulders hoping that a bolt of lighting would not
strike me for chanting. Many African/Americans or Americans
for that matter do not have basic common sense knowledge about
Buddhism. To further complicate the matter when I refer to
Buddhism I am talking about Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. When
one thinks of Buddhism instantly various images of the historical
Buddha Shakyamuni born in India comes to mind. Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism and the Buddhism of Shakyamuni Buddhism can be best
explained by my illustrating the concept of the caterpillar
and the butterfly. Shakyamuni's Buddhism is like that of the
caterpillar in that it served its purpose, but its relevance
today is in its form as a butterfly; Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.
Worldwide the concept of Buddhism is that of the Caterpillar
and not that of the Butterfly.
Nichiren Shoshu Is The Butterfly
Of Buddhism Not The Caterpillar
On April 28, 1253 the Butterfly of Buddhism
emerged in the form of Nichiren Daishonin who we refer to
as the True Buddha Nichiren Daishonin, The Person, The True
Buddha is not Shakyamuni born in India. I understand Nichiren
Daishonin and Shakyamuni are as one as the Caterpillar and
Butterfly and they are as different as the Caterpillar and
the Butterfly. On October 12, 1279 the True Law of Buddhism
emerged in the form of the True Object Of Worship; The Dai-Gohonzon,
The Law. Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism teaches a concept of the
oneness a person and the Law. If a human can become one with
the law that person can achieve an enlighten life condition
and become like a Buddha; enlighten.
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
Equates To Freedom
Practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is not
only revolutionary but also equates to freedom. In Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhism you learn that you are responsible for your
own life and that your fate or destiny is in your own hands.
Accepting Buddhism is the equivalent of moving from the dark
ages to inter-galactic travel as seen in the Star Wars and
Star Trek movies. Star Trek and Star Wars corresponds very
much to Buddhist teachings. Concepts of heaven, hells, commandments
and austerities as taught in Christianity and Islam are identical
to antiquated or what is call Hinayana Buddhist concepts.
In the Star Wars and Star Trek movies there is no mention
of God, Allah, or Jesus . However in those scientific movies
the law of cause and effect is apparent. Advance civilizations
are products of the law of cause and effect as well as primitive
societies. Most of the religious thoughts of today are primitive
in nature and could not past the test of scientific cognition.
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism on the other hand deals with human
nature and offers a practical solution to change one’s
destiny and to shapes one’s nature by providing a means
for an individual to fuse his or her life (subject) with an
object (Gohonzon) to change one’s reality. Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhism equates to freedom because each individual
learns that they themselves are the masters of their own faith
and inside they posse the freedom to change without waiting
on an outside entity. Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism offers a mirror
as a catalyst to each individual to look inside his or her
own life to develop the power, wisdom and fortune to change
inside and to effect a change outside.
The Difficulty Of Accepting
The Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Faith
There are millions of religions and people
attempting to sell a brand of religion. Many religions are
very clever at attracting converts and converts are bamboozled
or in ghetto terms pimped or played upon. I believe it was
P.T. Barnum that said "A Sucker is born Every Minute"
and many religions simply sucker converts. Navigating through
the perilous religious minefield is a difficult task. Most
people are Grand-fathered into religions, in other words they
just accept their family's religion. Many change a church
due to re-location, demographics and the solving of social
needs. In other words it is good business for many individuals
to belong to a particular church or religion. Some join a
church for social reasons, some churches offer prestige, some
offer comrade, some churches offer comfort. In the African/American
community the histrionics and theatre of worship are traditional.
The African/American preachers have a long history of oratorical
skills. In addition to the preachers oratorical skills, African/American
Churches offer a tradition of immaculate and angelic singing
which encompasses traditional African/American worship. Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhism differs in culture, tradition and practice
of traditional faiths in the African/American community. In
addition to one rejecting traditional faiths in the African/American
community, there is the fear that Christianity teaches with
states in effect "place no other Gods before me or you
will burn in hell ect.". Also transferring to Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhism from traditional faiths will lead to being
rejected, put down and often shamed by your friends and family.
These are just a few of the factors and difficulty Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhism. The most common factor of the difficulty
of practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is that in a lifetime
many will never be exposed or introduced to Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism or have the mind to accept. If you have been introduced
to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism consider yourself very, very fortunate.
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
In America
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in America is not
mass marketed via traditional marketing media’s. There
are six temples in the Americas and the propagation efforts
are shared by Nichiren Shoshu Priests and its Hokkeko lay
members. The propagation  efforts
have no high pressure sales techniques, the Nichiren Shoshu
Priests are not articulate orators like the African/American
preachers. There is no choir to cheer you up and no promises
of a mythical world absent of problems. Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
does offer a means for each individual to change his or her
life at the core. This religion goes beyond the car you drive,
the house you live in or the bank account you may or may not
posse. This religion goes beyond that wonderful mate or honor
or award you may strive for. From your life’s deepest
level via Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism you can understand your
reason for living and prepare yourself for this life and other
existences to come. Many in America have nice homes, cars,
jobs, mates, money and things unimaginable years ago. Despite
our wealth and growing income status people are becoming less
happy each day. Drugs are rampant, not only are there illegal
drugs being sold on the corners of the Ghetto, but it seems
that legal drug stores are manifesting on every major corner
in America. Each day there is a quick fix solution scheme
to solve life’s problems. Nichiren Shoshu Priests with
the assistance of Nichiren Shoshu lay members are dedicated
with a religious solution to help each individual to look
within his or herself to bring absolute happiness and to help
everyone to find the Buddha nature in his or her life.
The African & African/American
Buddhist Destiny
In my personal life I searched for Buddhism
prior to being introduced to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. I had
purchased Buddhist books and when I went to my first Buddhist
meeting I joined the Buddhist faith and I never looked back.
The one question that I wanted answered was why was I born
Black. Christianity never answered my question because I never
could believe in my heart how a God could allow any people
to experience the horrors of slavery. Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
answered my question and I now understand via this Buddhism
why I was born black. This introduction to Buddhism for Africans
& African/Americans is not my personal experience but
you my want to know why I was born black, its simple, I chose
to manifest this life as a Black man. During my late teenage
years I was a Black Revolutionary and as well as a Japanese
warrior. During my karate days I practiced Old Japanese Shotokan
karate and lived by the Japanese Bushido code. Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism helped me to put my revolutionary ideas, Japanese
culture in balance.
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
Is the Destiny Of Black People
In February of 1998 the first Nichiren Shoshu
temple opened in Africa in the country of Ghana. This temple
opening in Ghana is significant for African people. Ghana's
history and destiny signify the beginning of a new era for
African and African/American people. Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
is in Africa opened just in time for the new millennium. It
is estimated that 100 million Africans died on the middle
passage coming to Americas as slaves. Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
will free the spirit of the African people who died on the
middle passage. Many of the Nichiren Shoshu priests in America
could not understand why African/Americans wanted to travel
to Ghana to attend the Nichiren Shoshu Temple opening and
many priests in America discouraged or did not support African/Americans
going to Ghana. This idea of African/Americans desiring to
travel to Africa is a foreign concept to Japanese Priests.
In August of 1998 I was at the Nichiren Shoshu head temple
with thousands of other overseas believers. During my visit
I could understand why the Japanese people inherited the Buddhist
law. More importantly High Priest Nikken Shonin taught us
the importance of praying for our deceased ancestors. While
in Japan performing this ceremony as taught by the Nichiren
Shoshu Priests for my deceased ancestors I really appreciated
high priest Nikken Shonin teaching us about such a ceremony.
In the African culture such ceremonies are performed, but
not in America. While performing the special ceremony I was
thinking about my deceased ancestors who died in the middle
passage in Africa. My personal desire to visit Africa is because
my spirit is uneasy and I must pray for my deceased ancestors.
I realize that High Priest Nikken Shonin understands the pain
that many of us Africans and African/Americans feel about
slavery and the suffering of our people and it is the responsibility
of us living to pray for our deceased and change our karma.
We Africans & African/Americans made a cause and we as
a people receive the effects.
Ghana Helps African/Americans
To Understand Buddhist Destiny
During the February 1998 Nichiren Shoshu
temple opening in Ghana I was shocked and amazed at the amount
of Africans practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. During my
visit I produced a video documentary of the temple opening
and I talked to many Ghanaians. Ghanaians were not only broad
in Buddhism but they could go deep into complicated Buddhist
theory and they far surpassed Americans or African/Americans
in Buddhist practice. I learned from many African chiefs that
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is akin to traditional African religions
and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is natural to the African people.
In Ghana, they integrated African culture with traditional
Nichiren Shoshu teaching. The result of integrating the African
culture with Nichiren Shoshu teaching manifested a rapid growth
of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in Ghana. The destiny of Ghana
is changing for the better because of the Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism in Ghana.
How To Be An African/American
Buddhist In America
We who are African/American Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhist in America are only in our infant stages as Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhist. We who joined Nichiren Shoshu many years
ago was introduced to Buddhism by a former now excommunicated
Nichiren Shoshu lay organization called the SGI or Soka Gakkai
International who is now a new Buddhist sect who is officially
Nichiren Sekai Shu or World Nichiren Sect. Our research and
introduction to Buddhism by the Nichiren Shoshu Priests introduced
a genuine and sincere Buddhist religion. Americans and African/Americans
had to simply start over and learn the pure and direct Nichiren
Shoshu teachings from the Nichiren Shoshu Priests. For just
the few years of practicing with the Nichiren Shoshu Priests
Americans and African/Americans had to be literally deprogrammed
from the SGI purposeful brainwashing and manipulation of the
SGI. There is no single way to be an African/American Nichiren
Shoshu Buddhist in America, however our brothers and sisters
in Ghana has given us a fine example of people of African
decent practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. We African/Americans
can learn a great deal by following the Ghanian example. Nichiren
Shoshu of Ghana general director Joseph Asomani the first
African to practice Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism and the man who
lead Ghana members to defeat SGI oppression in Ghana by the
125 Billion dollar rich SGI, in a recent interview in February
of 1999; Mr. Asomani commented to a woman years ago whose
husband was a former SGI leader in an African country who
had been a victim of SGI racial oppression. Mr. Asomani advised
the former African SGI leader to be patient, sincere and to
study hard and his time would come. In Ghana the members were
sincere, patient and they studied Buddhism hard. Today Ghana
has the largest Nichiren Shoshu Temple outside of Japan in
the World. In Ghana the Nichiren Shoshu members African culture
is in tact. The SGI attempted to destroy the African culture
with SGI manipulation but their attempt failed. In Nichiren
Shoshu African/Americans must study hard. African/Americans
must delineate between Japanese Culture and Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism .
African/Americans must practice hard to perfect the Buddhist
teachings. Nichiren Daishonin writes "Practice &
Study arrives from Faith without Practice & Study there
can be no Buddhism " To be a Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist
in America African/Americans do not have to emulate Japanese
culture, however one does have to practice and study Buddhism
as taught by the Buddha. African/Americans are delineating
Japanese culture from Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. In Nichiren
Shoshu even our Nichiren Shoshu Priests are having to make
adjustments. Attitudes and teaching approaches taught to Japanese
is received or could be perceived as insulting to Americans
and Nichiren Shoshu Priests are learning each day. We African/Americans
are learning to put our teachings in proper perspectives.
The Hokkeko movement is in it infant stages in America, in
a short time we all will move past racial and cultural differences.
We African/American Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist must be ourselves
(true to our culture) while at the same time Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhist. Many African/American Nichiren Shoshu members are
demonstrating wonderful faith and cultural pride at the same
time.
Direct Teachings By Nichiren Shoshu
Priest Have Helped Members To Change Perspectives Of Buddhism
Earlier in this writing I said that the Nichiren
Shoshu Priests did not have the oratorical skills like the
African/American preachers but when it comes to their writings
and lectures on Buddhism these Priests are brilliant and their
knowledge of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is masterful.
In addition to these Priests knowledge, they posse a power
of influence to teach just by one being in their environment.
Without the fanfare or a passionate sermon Nichiren Shoshu
Priests are visiting homes of each individual Nichiren Shoshu
member and patiently teaching Buddhism by their demeanor,
action and respect for the Gohonzon. The Buddhist teaching
is not just theory and there are Nichiren Shoshu practices
that have been carried out by Priest and lay believers for
nearly 750 years. By taking faith, studying, and practicing
the Nichiren Shoshu teachings with the Priest one will come
into a clear understanding of this religion and will be able
to lead a happy and productive life.
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
For The Black Dilemma
African/Americans often speak of the Black
dilemma or poverty, racism, in-equalities, injustice and a
series of other dilemmas. My brothers often complain the white
man this, the white man that. Slavery, racism, poverty and
any of the Black dilemmas is a matter or our own Karma. Buddhism
is based on the law of cause and effect and if African/Americans
would do a serious study of Black history they would find
that Black people once ruled planet earth and we are getting
back some of the causes we made. Religions today only penetrate
the surface of problems and never get to the essence. People
are still waiting to die and find peace in an after life.
Buddhism teaches that heaven is a life condition and via this
practice you can find heaven on earth despite your personal
circumstances. It is difficult for a white person or a Japanese
to understand racism. In my personal case it is difficult
for me to understand how a person could take drugs or alcohol.
Buddhism teaches that each individual has his own fate or
karma and each individual has the power to change that fate
by practicing Buddhism. We as African/Americans have collective
karma as a people but individually we have individual karma
both good and bad. All black people do not suffer racism,
poverty, drugs. Some people are poor and happy and others
are rich and miserable. In the African/American community
I notice many women who have the education, the jobs, the
house the car, but no mate. On the other hand there are many
brothers who look to have everything but gives everything
thing up for women, drugs, gambling or other bad habits. Some
people have material things but have poor mental or spiritual
health. Everything in life boils down to our Karma or the
causes we have made in the past that is determines our present,
and the causes we are making today determines our future.
Practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism will help you to improve
your circumstances. In Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism you will not
be dazzled with grand emotional preaching, or your soul will
not be set afire with good gospel singing. But if you are
looking to change your life on a root level Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism is the way. When you first start to practice it may
be a bit scary but as you get into the practice you realize
that you are getting into yourself and the hardest person
to change is yourself.
Beliefs of the Group
Buddhism refers to teachings that are explained
by the Buddha and the process that one must completely understand
and follow in order to become a Buddha. Buddha understands
the nature of life and the past through what is seen in the
present, and Buddha also sees infinite future.
A Buddha needs to go through eight transformations, called
the Eight Events of a Buddha's Life, in order to bring all
of his or her life into Buddhahood. They are: (1) coming down
from the Tushita heaven; (2) entering the mother's body; (3)
being born from the mother's body; (4) leaving "home"
to enter the path of Buddhist practice; (5) subjugating demons
(overcoming inner darkness which prevent the attainment of
enlightenment); (6) attaining enlightenment; (7) turning the
wheel of the law (begin to preach the law in order to teach
all mankind), and; (8) entering Nirvana (death, having finished
teaching the law). The true purpose of Shakyamuni's presentation
of the Eight Events in the Life of a Buddha was to explain
the Lotus Sutra according to the followers. The True Buddhism
is Nichiren Shoshu.
The five major writings of Nichiren Daishonin, from which
many beliefs of Nichiren Shoshu come from, are the following:
On July 16, 1260, he wrote Rissho Ankoku Ron (On Securing
the Peace of the Land through True Buddhism), it discusses
the practice of life and the purpose of attaining happiness
and world peace.
In February 1272, he wrote Kaimoku Sho (The Opening of the
Eyes), and it identified Honzon in terms of a person who was
Nichiren Daishonin, as he called himself the True Buddha.
On April 25, 1273, he wrote Kanjin-no Honzon Sho (On the Supreme
Object of Worship) and he identified the true object of worship
as Gohonzon in terms of law. Each member's household has a
replica of a Gohonzon that Nichiren Daishonin inscribed.
On June 10, 1275, he wrote Senji Sho (The Selection of the
Time), and he identified the propagating Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
as the proper teaching for the time of Mappo.
Finally, on July 21, 1276, he wrote Ho-on Sho (Requital for
the Buddha's Favor), and he "stressed the importance
of appreciation and clarified the Three Great Secret Laws."
The laws are the true object of worship (Dai-Gohonzon), the
high sanctuary of True Buddhism (Hommon-no-Kaidan), and the
true invocation (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo). Nichiren Daishonin
then inscribed Dai-Gohonzon, the highest object of worship,
on October 12, 1279, and it is still located in the main temple,
Taisekiji.
The Nichiren Shoshu members' beliefs start with the premise
that a human's living condition in general is one of suffering.
Thus, even though people may think that they are happy, this
is a false perception. They believe the only way to gain happiness
is through practicing Nichiren Shoshu.
Nichiren Daishonin teaches that the only way to gain absolute
happiness is by fundamentally overcoming the universal sufferings
such as old age and death. Progressing one's faith in Daishonin's
True Law leads every believer to purify their life, to maintain
spiritual and physical health, and to change all misfortunes
into good fortunes.
It is further believed that nobody can accomplish complete
happiness until all humankind accomplishes it. Therefore,
the goal is Kosen-rufu, to change the world to a state of
happiness and peace by practicing Nichiren Shoshu, and to
propagate Nichiren Daishonin's teachings.
The believers' mission is to Shakubuku, that is, to propagate
the universal law and the true object of worship, Gohonzon.
One tool to do Shakubuku is to use sansho (three proofs).
The first proof is a literal one through written scriptures.
The second proof is a theoretical one through the religion's
rationality. The third proof is the actual one through how
the religion affects people's lives.
Nichiren Shoshu's view of life is stated in the theory of
ten worlds (Jikkai). This concept was originally proposed
by the T'ien-t'ai sect of Buddhism and then was borrowed by
Nichiren who incorporated it into his philosophy. Jikkai states
ten different states of everyday life from the lowest to the
highest. 37 :
1. Hell: state of intolerable suffering both physically and
spiritually; for example, when one experiences the death of
a loved one, divorce, loss of a job and so on.
2. Hunger: state of desires and greed such as for wealth,
fame, and power.
3. Animality: state where the person is goverened by instincts
rather than by reason and morality.
4. Anger: state of hostility arising out of competition and
egotism.
5. Tranquility: state where the person goes about his business
in a peaceful and passive manner.
6. Rapture: state of joy due to satisfaction, such as when
one wins an award.
7. Learning: state of exploration and appreciation of increasing
knowledge.
8. Absorption: state of joy deriving from creation, such as
art and literature.
9. Aspiration for Enlightenment: state where one devotes oneself
to help and improve others' conditions even at the risk of
his or her own well being. It is the world of the Bodhisattva.
10. Enlightenment of Buddahood: state obtained when one is
awakened to the true nature of the universe and experiences
true happiness.
Nichiren Shoshu teaches that these ten worlds are not external,
but exist within the individual. Most people experience life
within the range of the first six worlds. That is, they vacillate
back and forth from one to another within this range. Since
these different states are within one's self at all times,
"neither Heaven nor Hell is anywhere outside of us. Both
of them are found within our life."
This belief system suggests that humans are fundamentally
neither good nor bad. World 10, listed above, suggests that
Buddahood alone is the realm of true happiness. The members'
goal is to achieve absolute happiness and to share it with
the rest of society. The goal's value has three elements which
interrelate to each other. The first is beauty, and it refers
to an emotional value deriving from humans' senses. The second
is gain, and it refers to things that contribute to the maintenance
of one's life. The third is goodness, and it refers to a value
that is obtained only by sharing beauty and gain with others.
It is noted that the power to achieve true happiness by creating
value is possible only through spreading the concept to others
and practicing True Buddhism, which is to recite Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
39 This chant is considered to be the essence of Buddha's
teachings and the highest law in the universe. Nichiren teaches
that salvation, guaranteed happiness, and enlightenment can
only be obtained through recitation of "Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo"
and by spreading the chant and philosophy to others.
Nichiren Shoshu teaches that the Shakyamuni, the historical
Buddha, was also the original Buddha, and all mankind will
achieve eternity if they share the nature of Buddha. This
concept is explained in Sandai-Hiho (three great secret laws/mysteries).
The first mystery is the Honzon, the object of worship containing
the name of the Lotus Sutra and the divinities' names around
it. The second one is Daimoku which is the title of the Sutra.
Devotional chanting of the phrase "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo"
is practiced to salute the Lotus Sutra. The third mystery
is Kaidan, a place of ordination, which belongs to the "Lotus
of the Good Law."
By practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, individuals and society
obtain fulfilled wishes and happiness, and they are freed
from suffering. All of Buddhahood's benefits, originating
from the True Law and Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, are
obtained through the practice of faith in the Supreme Object
of Worship, the Gohonzon. Three essential elements of the
practice are faith, practice, and study.
Faith involves carrying absolute trust in the Gohonzon, the
teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, and the Supreme and Only
True Law.
Practice involves daily morning and evening Gongyo to the
Gohonzon. Gongyo refers to the chanting of the Daimoku (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo)
in order to purify one's life, since life-condition improves
whenever one chants to the Gohonzon. This serves to wake up
the Buddha's life inside one's self 41, to share the greatness
of Daishonin's teachings with families and friends, and to
pray for all mankind's happiness.
Study involves studying Nichiren Daishonin's teachings through
his writings, the Gosho, and the High Priests' sermons to
increase one's faith and joy of practicing the faith. In addition,
many Nichiren Shoshu believers annually visit the Taisekiji
temple near Mount Fuji. There is absolute ritual equality
in Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism as it assumes that all humankind
can achieve enlightenment regardless of age, race, or sex.
According to Nichiren Shoshu, the more one chants Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo,
the more he or she obtains benefits. Members chant not only
in the morning and evening but also whenever they feel the
need for protection or if they have problems. Members also
gather at least once a week to practice Daimoku Toso (chant
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo) together for hours. Then, all members
sit on the floor while one person, usually the highest ranked
male leader, leads. The leader is not to be between members
and Gohonzon but simply provides a rhythm for them. Believers
also should do Shakubuku for others and for themselves, which
is to tell others about Gohonzon and lead them to the path
of happiness. The goal is to propagate the teachings until
world peace is obtained, creating a whole new civilization.
This goal can be achieved by the repeated chanting of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
to the Gohonzon, daily performance of morning and evening
Gongyo, and the practice of Shakubuku (spreading the word
and bringing others to the Gohonzon and Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo).
By uniting many people through practicing Nichiren Daishonin's
Buddhism, the world can be changed into large scale.
Each Nichiren Shoshu temple in any country and location is
filled with the Three Treasures of True Buddhism, which are
the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood, and centers around
Gohonzon, which is passed down through generations from Nichiren
Daishonin to practice and propagate Nichiren Daishonin's teachings
correctly as it is their mission. Each temple also provides
visiting believers Buddhist services, ceremonies, and a place
to practice, and it educates lay believers to advance their
faith.
Nichiren Shoshu doctrine defines certain concepts as necessary
to achieve the "true world." Unity between the laity,
who correctly practice Buddhist Law explained by Nichiren
Daishonin, and the priesthood, who correctly protect and spread
the True Law of Nichiren Daishonin is of utmost importance.
Furthermore, these two groups' mutual effort for propagation
of the faith is crucial. Lay believers' organizations affiliated
with the Nichiren Shoshu temples are called Hokkeko, referring
name that Nichiren Daishonin gave lay believers when the establishment
of the Dai-Gohonzon took place. All Nichiren Shoshu lay believers
gather together at either a temple, a representative office,
or a community center to advance their understanding of faith,
to contribute in making a better society by being a better
person, and to accumulate good fortune by listening to priests'
sermons and by sharing experiences of faith within themselves.
48 Both the Law and High Priests' transmissions are crucial
to meet Buddhism since the High Priest is the only one who
owns the Three Great Secret Laws and the Dai Gohonzon. This
High Priest's transmission makes Nichiren Shoshu to be the
"warrantable Nichiren Sect."
Although Shodai, which is to chant daimoku or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
to the Gohonzon or the True Buddha, is Nichiren Shoshu's essential
practice, most people pray, which is to think about what they
want and need instead of focusing on offering daimoku to the
Gohonzon through shodai. Unless the intention is to offer
to the Gohonzon, any act including chanting daimoku for one's
own sake is considered to be a prayer.
Gongyo is one of the significances that can be seen in actual
words of the silent prayers. The first prayer is an offering
to Shoten Zenjin, whom the Law of Myoho-Renge-Kyo spiritually
fed. The second prayer is an offering to the Dai-Gohonzon,
which is the only true object of worship. The third prayer
is an offering to the Treasure of the Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin,
and the High Priests such as Nikko Shonin. The fourth prayer
is for an achievement of the Great Aspiration of Kosen-rufu,
which is the elimination of their past lies against the Law
and enlightenment. The fifth prayer is for ancestors, parents,
siblings, and the salvation of all existence.
The second significance is that Gongyo provides a way to return
appreciation to the Three Treasures of the Buddha, the Law,
and the Priest. Specifically, second and third prayers are
done to return appreciation to the Three Treasures, the fourth
prayer to all existence and to achieve Kosen-rufu, the fifth
prayer to parents, ancestors, and all existence as well. Gongyo
is also significant since only this is based on the transmission
of Daishonin's Buddhism's inheritance and ceremonies, and
also since it allows people to achieve Gohonzon's benefits,
to develop happiness conditions in life, and to purify their
minds and bodies.
What makes Nichiren Shoshu different from other Nichiren sects
is that Nichiren Shoshu claims to have clear succession of
Nikko Shonin who is Nichiren Daishonin's closest disciple.
In addition, Nichiren Shoshu owns two documents that Nichiren
Daishonin wrote, indicating that Nikko Shonin has authority
and that Nichiren Daishonin desires the True Sanctuary to
be built at the foot of Mount Fuji, Taisekiji, which is the
main temple of Nichiren Shoshu. Also, other sects see Nichiren
Daishonin's identity as Bodhisattva Jogyo while Nichiren Shoshu
views Nichiren Daishonin as the original Buddha. In addition,
other Nichiren sects do not have any fixed object of worship;
for example, some temples worship to Shakyamuni Buddha's statue,
and other temples worship to Four Bodhisattvas' statues. On
the other hand, Nichiren Shoshu believers worship to Gohonzon,
also known as Dai-Gohonzon, which is said to have been an
especially adored object by Daishonin. It is believed that
Gohonzon knows everything, including what is best for individuals
and what protects them. According to group members, these
differences make Nichiren Shoshu the only sect that practices
Daishonin's Buddhism correctly out of all the other sects.
Anti-Nichiren Shoshu Links:
Criminal Acts of Nichiren Shoshu
Priesthood
This anti-Nichiren Shoshu site is affiliated with SGI as it
criticizes Nichiren Shoshu, especially the Nikken sect, as
corrupt and as an anti-social organization. This page shows
strong opinions that are against the priesthood claiming that
the priesthood is all wrong, and it even calls Nichiren Shoshu
a cult. A number of links are provided which each of them
going to court cases that are against the priesthood. In addition,
there are a number of links to Sokagakkai web pages, including
several anti-Nichiren Shoshu pages.
http://members.aol.com/masataisei/shoshu/booboo.htm
Nichiren Shoshu Domei News Published by Nichiren Shoshu Reformation
Priests
This page shows how Nichiren Shoshu Nikken sect gives wrong
teachings to Nichiren Shoshu Hokkeko (followers) members as
they lead to unfortunate consequences such as death among
members for not being protected by Buddhist Gods. This page
is against the priesthood and seems to claim that Soka Gakkai
is the only true teaching even though they stated that they
are not affiliated with Soka Gakkai.
http://members.aol.com/domeinews/nichiren-shoshu/actual-proof/proof.htm
Anti-Sokagakkai Link:
The Clearing House Archives
This anti-Soka Gakkai page holds a collection of sites that
are relevant to human rights issues including bad acts by
Soka Gakkai. It contains reports of court cases that were
lost by Soka Gakkai and won by Nichiren Shoshu. They are provided
in different languages including English, Japanese, and French.
This page presents views of Nichiren Shoshu on Soka Gakkai
as it claims Soka Gakkai to be a dangerous political party
just borrowing the religious name for their own profit. In
addition, great graphics about Shohondo's deterioration are
provided.
http://www.coam.net/~kuvera/
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