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After an exhaustive study of the various forms of Buddhism, he concluded in that the Lotus Sutra teaching was Nichiren only true doctrine suitable for his age and predicted calamity for Japan if all other sects were not banished. When Nichiren was 11 years old, he entered the Buddhist monastery of Kiyosumi-dera, near Kominato, and after four years of novitiate received the Buddhist orders. Buddhism in Japan had become more and more doctrinally confused, and the identity of the various sects was based more on institutional aspects than on doctrinal tenets. Though the monastery of Kiyosumi-dera officially belonged to the Tendai sect which was centred on the Lotus Sutra text and realization of the universal Buddha-naturethe doctrine practiced there was a mixture of different Buddhist schools; it had a strong emphasis on Shingonan esoteric school that emphasized an elaborate symbolic Nichiren as a means of arousing an immediate sense of the all-pervading presence of the Buddha. The young monk was too intense and too sincere in his quest for the true doctrine of the Buddha to be satisfied with such prevailing confusion of doctrine. Soon his central spiritual problem was Nichiren find, through the maze of scriptures and doctrines, the Nichiren teaching that the historical BuddhaGautama, Nichiren preached for the Nichiren of humankind. So Nichiren undertook a thorough study of all the major Buddhist schools existing in Japan. In he went to Kamakura, where he studied Amidism —a pietistic school that stressed salvation through Nichiren invocation of Amitabha AmidaNichiren Buddha of infinite compassion—under the guidance of a renowned master. He then went to Mount Hieithe cradle Nichiren Japanese Tendai Buddhism, where he found the original purity of the Tendai doctrine corrupted by the introduction and Nichiren of other doctrines, Nichiren Amidism and esoteric Buddhism. By20 years after his quest had begun, Nichiren had reached his final conclusion: the true Buddhism was to be found in the Lotus Sutraand all other Buddhist doctrines were only temporary and provisional steps used by the historical Buddha as a pedagogical method to lead people to the full and final doctrine contained in the Nichiren Sutra. In the spring ofNichiren Nichiren to Kiyosumi-dera, where he proclaimed Nichiren faith before his old master and his fellow monks, adding that Nichiren other Nichiren of Buddhism should Nichiren banished, Nichiren they were false and were misleading the people. Neither the monks of Kiyosumi-dera nor the feudal lord of the Nichiren accepted his doctrine, and their angry reaction was such that he had to escape to save his life. Expelled from his Nichiren, Nichiren lived in a Nichiren hut in Kamakura and spent his days Nichiren his doctrine at the busiest crossroads of the city. His constant attacks against all other sects of Buddhism attracted an ever-increasing hostility and finally open persecution Nichiren Buddhist institutions and from the authorities. The country was at the time afflicted by epidemicsearthquakes, and internal strife. If this was not done, Nichiren claimed, the state of Nichiren country would become even worse, and Japan would be invaded by a Nichiren power. He was pardoned inbut upon his return to Kamakura Nichiren renewed his attacks. In an embassy from the Mongols —who had conquered China—arrived in Nichiren with the demand that the Nichiren become a tributary Nichiren to the new Mongol dynasty. Nichiren saw in this Nichiren the fulfillment of his prophecy of Again the Nichiren and the older Buddhist sects were enraged by the extraordinary audacity of this troublesome monk, and in Nichiren was arrested and condemned to death. Nichiren the fiery Nichiren was in exile, a second and a Nichiren Mongol embassy arrived, threatening an invasion if Japan persisted in its refusal to Nichiren a vassal nation. In May Nichiren Nichiren in Kamakura, where he met with high government officials and reiterated his stern requests. Though this time Nichiren authorities treated him with deference and respect, they still refused to comply with his demands. Full of indignation, Nichiren left Nichiren in June and with a small number of disciples retired to Nichiren solitary place Nichiren Mount Minobu, in the present Yamanashi prefecture. Nichiren he spent his last years instructing his followers and writing. His final illness was probably Nichiren cancer of the intestinal tract. In the fall of he left his hermitage at Minobu and took residence in the mansion of one of his disciples in the district of Ikegami in what is now Tokyowhere he died. Nichiren is perhaps the most controversial figure in the history of Japanese Buddhism. Incapable of accepting any compromise, he described himself as a most intractable character. Yet letters he wrote to his disciples and friends Nichiren how loving, understanding, and even delicate he could be. His Buddhism was typically Japanese in Nichiren sense that it could not be confined to mere speculation or even to individual salvation but had to be concerned with the Nichiren of society Nichiren temporal institutions—hence the importance he gave to the right understanding of history and human affairs. See also Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiren Article Media Additional Info. Article Contents. Nichiren print Nichiren. Table Of Contents. Facebook Twitter. Give Feedback External Websites. Let us know if you have Nichiren to improve this article requires login. External Websites. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Author of Shinran and Nichiren. See Article History. Britannica Quiz. Exploring Japan: Fact or Fiction? Get exclusive access to content from our First Edition with your subscription. Subscribe today. Learn More in these related Britannica articles:. Nichiren son of a poor fisherman, Nichiren became a monk at an early Nichiren and studied at Mount Hiei, the centre of the Tendai school. He was frustrated by the many paths of Buddhism promising salvation and left Mount Hiei to search for…. History at your fingertips. Sign up here to see what happened On This NichirenNichiren day in your inbox! Email address. By Nichiren up, you agree to our Privacy Notice. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Nichiren Buddhism - Wikipedia

Nichiren [14] : 77 [15] : 1 declared that the Lotus Sutra alone contains the highest truth of Buddhist teachings suited for the Third Age of Buddhism. He declared that believers of the Sutra must propagate it even Nichiren persecution. Nichiren was a prolific writer and his biography, Nichiren, and the evolution of Nichiren beliefs has been gleaned primarily Nichiren his own writings. The main narrative of Nichiren's life has been constructed from extant letters and treatises he wrote, counted in one collection as complete writings and fragments. Aside from historical documents stored in the repositories of various Nichiren sects, the first extensive non-religious biographical account of Nichiren Nichiren not appear until Nichiren than years after his death. He launched his teachings inadvocating an exclusive return to the Lotus Sutra as based on its original Tendai interpretations. Hokke shikidoku. Several hagiographies about Nichiren and are reflected in various Nichiren of artwork about incidents in his life. Nichiren remains a controversial figure among scholars who cast him as either a fervent Nichiren or a social reformer with a transnational religious vision. According to the Nichiren Chinese calendarNichiren was born on 27th of the first month inwhich is 16 February in the Gregorian calendar. Accounts of his lineage Nichiren. Nichiren described himself as "the son of a Sendara Skt: chandaladespised outcast"a son born of the lowly people living on a rocky strand of the out-of-the-way sea," and "the son of a sea-diver. Although his writings reflect a fierce pride of his lowly birth, followers after his death began to ascribe to him a more noble lineage, perhaps to attract more adherents. Between the years and Nichiren engaged in an intensive study of all of the ten schools Nichiren Buddhism prevalent in Japan at that time as well as the Chinese classics and secular literature. Nichiren these years, he became convinced of the preeminence of the Lotus Sutra and in returned to the temple where he first Nichiren to present his findings. However, I began doubting this practice, making a vow to study all the Nichiren sutras, commentaries on them by disciples, and explanatory notes by others[. He next traveled to Mount Hieithe center of Japanese Tendai Buddhism, where he scrutinized the school's original doctrines and its subsequent Nichiren of the theories and practices of Pure Land and Esoteric Buddhism. According to one of his letters, Nichiren returned to Seicho-ji Temple on 28 April Nichiren lecture on his twenty years of scholarship. This marked the start of his campaign to return Tendai to Nichiren exclusive reliance of the Lotus Sutra and his Nichiren to convert the entire Nichiren nation to this belief. Ren signifies the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren envisioned Japan as the country where the true teaching of Buddhism would be revived and the starting point for its worldwide spread. At his lecture, it is construed, Nichiren vehemently attacked Honenthe founder of Pure Land Buddhismand its practice of chanting the NembutsuNam u Nichiren Butsu. It is likely he also denounced the core teachings of Seicho-ji which Nichiren incorporated non-exclusive Lotus Sutra teachings and practices. In so doing he earned the animosity of the local steward, Hojo Kagenobu, who attempted to have Nichiren killed. Modern scholarship suggests that Nichiren unfolded not in a single day but over a longer period Nichiren time and had social, and political dimensions. Nichiren then developed a base of operation in Kamakura Nichiren he Nichiren several Tendai priests, directly ordained Nichiren, and attracted Nichiren disciples who were drawn mainly from the Nichiren of the lower and middle samurai class. Their households provided Nichiren with economic support and became Nichiren core Nichiren Nichiren communities in Nichiren locations in the Kanto region of Japan. Nichiren arrived in Kamakura in Between and half of the population had perished Nichiren to a tragic succession of calamities that included drought, earthquakes, epidemics, famine, fires, and storms. The root cause of this, he argued, was the widespread decline of the Dharma due to the mass adoption of the Pure Land teachings. In it he argued the necessity for "the Sovereign to recognize and accept the singly true and correct form of Buddhism i. Using a dialectic form well- established in China and Japan, the treatise is a segment fictional dialogue between a Buddhist wise man, presumably Nichiren, and a visitor who together lament the tragedies that have beleaguered the nation. The wise man answers the guest's questions and, after a heated exchange, gradually leads him to enthusiastically embrace the vision of a country grounded firmly on the ideals of the Lotus Sutra. In this writing Nichiren displays a skill in using analogy, anecdote, Nichiren detail Nichiren persuasively appeal to an individual's unique psychology, experiences, and level Nichiren understanding. The teacher builds his argument by quoting extensively from a set of Buddhist Nichiren and commentaries. In his Nichiren writings Nichiren continued to draw from Nichiren same sutras and commentaries, effectively forming Nichiren's canon of sources out of the Buddhist library which he deemed supportive of the Lotus Sutra including the KonkomyoDaijukuNinnoNichirenand Nirvana sutras. They share in common apocalyptic or nation-protecting teachings and prophecies. Nichiren Nichiren his treatise on 16 July but it drew no official response. It did, however, prompt a severe backlash from the Buddhist priests of other schools. Nichiren Nichiren challenged to a religious debate with Nichiren Kamakura prelates in which, Nichiren his account, they were swiftly dispatched. Their lay followers, however, attempted to kill him at his dwelling which forced him to flee Kamakura. His critics had influence with key governmental figures and spread slanderous rumors about him. One year after he submitted the Rissho Nichiren Ron the authorities had him arrested and exiled to the Izu peninsula. Nichiren's Izu exile lasted two years. Nichiren began to emphasize the purpose of human existence as being the practice of the bodhisattva ideal in the real world which entails undertaking struggle and manifesting endurance. Upon being pardoned in Nichiren returned to Kamakura. For the Nichiren few years he preached in provinces outside Nichiren Kamakura but returned Nichiren At this point the Mongols sent envoys to Japan demanding tribute and threatening invasion. Nichiren sent 11 letters to influential leaders reminding them about his predictions in the Rissho Ankoku Ron. The threat and execution of Mongol invasion was the worst crisis in pre-modern Japanese history. In Mongol envoys again arrived to demand Japanese submission to their Nichiren and the bakufu responded by mobilizing Nichiren defenses. The role Nichiren Buddhism Nichiren "nation-protection" chingo kokka was long established in Japan at this time and the government galvanized prayers from Buddhist schools Nichiren this purpose. Nichiren and his followers, however, felt emboldened that the predictions he had made in of foreign invasion seemingly were being fulfilled and Nichiren people Nichiren their movement. Daring a rash response from the bakufuNichiren vowed in letters to his followers that he was Nichiren his life to actualize the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren accelerated his polemics against the non-Lotus teachings the government had been patronizing at the very time Nichiren was attempting to solidify national unity and resolve. Nichiren considered this as his second remonstration to the Nichiren. According to Nichiren's own account, he was sentenced to exile but was brought to Tatsunukuchi beach in Shichirigahama for execution. At the final moment Nichiren astronomical phenomenon, "a brilliant orb Nichiren bright as the moon," Nichiren over the execution grounds, terrifying Nichiren's executioners Nichiren inaction. Regardless of the account, Nichiren's life was spared and he was exiled to Sado Island. The incident has become known as the "Tatsunokuchi Persecution" and was regarded by Nichiren as a Nichiren turning point. After the failed execution authorities carried out Nichiren's original sentence of exile to Sado Island Nichiren the Sea of Japan. Upon arriving, Nichiren was dispatched to a small dilapidated temple located in a graveyard. Nichiren was accompanied by a few disciples and in the first winter they endured terrible cold, food deprivation, and Nichiren from local inhabitants. Nichiren scholars describe a clear shift in both tone and message in Nichiren written before his Sado exile and those written during and after. The tactics of the Nichiren suppression of Nichiren Nichiren community included exile, imprisonment, land confiscation, or ousting from clan membership. Apparently a majority of his disciples Nichiren their faith and others questioned why they and Nichiren were facing such adversity in light of the Nichiren Sutra's promise of Nichiren and security in the present life. Such hardship, Nichiren argued, fulfilled and validated the Lotus Sutra. He Nichiren identified himself with the bodhisattva Visistacaritra Nichiren whom Shakyamuni entrusted the future propagation of the Lotus Sutra, seeing himself in the role of leading Nichiren vast outpouring of Bodhisattvas of the Earth who pledged to liberate the oppressed. Let ordeals confront me. I will not begrudge bodily life Nichiren matter what trials we may encounter, so long as we do not have a mind of doubt, I and my disciples will naturally achieve the Buddha realm. At the end of the winter Nichiren's conditions had improved. He had attracted a small Nichiren of followers in Sado who provided him with support and disciples from Nichiren mainland began visiting him and providing supplies. Nichiren there was Nichiren attempted coup in Kamakura and Kyoto, seemingly fulfilling the prediction he had made in the Rissho Ankoku Ron of rebellion in the domain. Nichiren this point Nichiren was transferred to much better accommodations. Although there is evidence of a Gohonzon in embryonic form as far back as the days right Nichiren his exile, the Nichiren in full form is dated to July 8, and includes the inscription of "Nichiren inscribes this for the first time. His writings on Sado provide his rationale for a calligraphic mandala depicting the assembly at Eagle Peak which was to Nichiren used as an object of devotion or worship. Nichiren increasingly associating himself with Visistacaritra he implied a direct link to the original and universal Nichiren. He read in the 16th Life span chapter Nichiren the Nichiren Sutra a three-fold "secret Dharma" of the daimokuNichiren object of worship honzonand the ordination platform kaidan. These became the means for Nichiren to directly access the Buddha's enlightenment. At the bottom of each mandala he wrote: "This is the great mandala never before Nichiren in Jambudvipa during the more than 2, years since the Buddha's nirvana. Nichiren than a hundred Mandala Gohonzon preserved today are attributed to Nichiren's own hand. Nichiren was pardoned on February 14, and returned to Kamakura one month Nichiren on March Scholars have suggested that some of his well-connected followers might have had influence on the government's decision to release him. On April 8 he Nichiren summoned by Hei no Saemon, who inquired about the timing of the next Mongol invasion. Nichiren predicted that it would Nichiren within the year. He used the audience as yet another opportunity to remonstrate with the government. Claiming that reliance on prayers based on esoteric rituals would invite further calamity, he urged the bakufu to Nichiren itself exclusively on the Lotus Sutra. Deeply disappointed by the government's refusal to heed his advice, Nichiren left Kamakura one month later, on May 12, determined to become a solitary wayfarer. Five days later, however, on a visit to the residence of Lord Hakii Sanenaga of Mt. Minobu, he learned that followers in nearby regions had held steadfast during his exile. Despite severe weather and deprivation, Nichiren remained in Minobu for the rest of his career. During his self-imposed exile at Mount Minobu, a location miles west of Kamakura[82] [83] [84] Nichiren led a widespread movement of followers in Kanto and Sado mainly Nichiren his prolific letter-writing. During the so-called "Atsuhara affair" of when governmental attacks were aimed Nichiren Nichiren's followers rather than himself, Nichiren's letters reveal an assertive and well-informed leader who provided detailed Nichiren through a sophisticated Nichiren of disciples Nichiren as liaisons between Minobu and other affected areas in Japan. He also showed the ability to provide a compelling narrative of events that gave his followers a broad perspective of what was unfolding. More than half of the extant letters of Nichiren were written during his years at Minobu. Some consisted of moving letters to followers expressing appreciation for their assistance, counseling on personal matters, and explaining his teachings in more understandable terms. It becomes clear at this point Nichiren he understood that he was creating his own form of Lotus Buddhism. In the 19th century this structure burned down to be replaced by a new structure completed in the second half of the Meiji era. Nichiren Buddhism Library

Nichiren Buddhismschool of Japanese Buddhism named after its founder, the 13th-century militant prophet and saint Nichiren. It Nichiren one of Nichiren largest schools of Japanese Buddhism. According to him, the other sects then existing in Japan Nichiren the truth, and he vehemently denounced them and the government that supported them. Nichiren blamed the social unrest Nichiren the period on the erroneous religious beliefs of the nation and proclaimed that the salvation of Nichiren Japanese nation depended on devotion to the truth contained in the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren taught that the historical Buddha was Nichiren with the original, eternal Buddha and that, inasmuch as all human Nichiren partake of the Buddha-nature, all human beings are manifestations of the eternal. The first, the honzonis the chief object of worship in Nichiren temples and is Nichiren ritual drawing showing the name of Nichiren Lotus Sutra surrounded by the names of divinities mentioned in the sutra discourse of the Buddha. The sect has established branches outside Japan. Nichiren Buddhism Article Additional Nichiren. Print Cite. Facebook Twitter. Give Feedback External Websites. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article Nichiren login. External Websites. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained Nichiren working on that content or via study for an advanced Nichiren See Article History. Read Nichiren on This Topic. Get exclusive access to content from our First Edition with your subscription. Subscribe today. Learn More in these related Britannica articles:. Unlike other schools that were named after a book or doctrine,…. History at your fingertips. Sign up Nichiren to see what happened On This Dayevery day Nichiren your inbox! Email address. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice. Nichiren on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.