THE LIFE OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN
What vow did Nichiren make as a youth while studying at Seicho-ji temple?
(See The Basics of Nichiren Buddhism, p. 3)
"to become “the wisest person in Japan."
Nichiren Daishonin entered Seicho-ji temple to study at age 12 and prayed to become “the wisest person in Japan.” Receiving what he described as a “great jewel” of wisdom “as brilliant as the morning star” (“Letter to the Priests of Seicho-ji,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the heart and essence of the Buddha’s teaching, which is expressed in wise and compassionate actions to lead all people to enlightenment.
In this phrase, what does nam mean?
nam comes from the Sanskrit word namas, which means "to devote or dedicate oneself". In this context, it signifies a person's belief in and embrace of the law.
By embracing faith in the Gohonzon and striving sincerely in Buddhist practice for oneself and others, anyone can realize the state of Buddhahood in this present existence.
What is this principle called?
(See The Basics, p. 23)
This is the principle of “attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.
Nichiren writes: “The word ‘benefits’ (kudoku) means the reward that is represented by the purification of the six sense organs. In general we may say that now Nichiren and his followers, who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, are carrying out the purification of the six sense organs” (OTT, 147–48). What is the purification of the six sense organs? (See The Basics, p. 74)
also known as rokkon-shōjō, is the process of purifying the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind to eradicate earthly desires. It is a benefit of practicing the Mystic Law,
What significant event took place on November 18, 1930, involving Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda? (See The Basics, pp. 86–87)
November 18: Soka Gakkai Founding Day
When the government rejected the Daishonin’s final remonstration, he decided to leave Kamakura and, in May 1274, took up residence at Mount Minobu in Kai Province. What activities did he engage in at Minobu?
(See The Basics, pp. 12–13)
What does Myo mean?
Myo Means “to Open, to Be Fully Endowed and to Revive”
What does “establishing the correct teaching” mean?
(See The Basics, p. 30)
establishing the ideals of Buddhism—such as respect for the dignity of life and compassion—in people's hearts through our efforts to widely spread the teaching of the Mystic Law.
What are heavenly gods and benevolent deities in Buddhism?
(See The Basics, p. 76)
The gods that protect the correct Buddhist teaching and its practitioners. Gods who function to protect the people and their land and bring good fortune to both.
What is the meaning and significance of the word soka?
(See The Basics, p. 87)
to create value
What did Nichiren seek to do in writing and submitting this treatise?
(See The Basics, p. 6)
"to clarify the fundamental cause of people's suffering and set forth the means by which people could eradicate such suffering."
What does Renge mean?
Renge means lotus blossom. The lotus flower is pure and fragrant, unsullied by the muddy water in which it grows. Similarly, the beauty and dignity of our humanity is brought forth amidst the sufferings of daily reality.
What does “for the peace of the land” mean?
(See The Basics, p. 30)
means realizing peace and prosperity in society as well as safety and security for all individuals in their daily lives
“Many in body, one in mind” is a most essential principle and guideline for forming unity based on faith for the purpose of advancing kosen-rufu. “Many in body” means that our appearance, nature, qualities and talents, social position and circumstances differ from one another. “One in mind” means that we share the same intention and purpose. Based on Ikeda Sensei’s guidance, in modern terms, what does many in body, one in mind mean?
expresses the idea that a group can achieve its goals if they are united in purpose while valuing each individual's unique personality.
What did the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood do in June 1943 that constituted complicity in slander of the Law (slander of the correct Buddhist teaching)?
(See The Basics, pp. 88–89)
by abdicating its responsibility to protect the correct teaching and compromising with the authorities.
In triumphing over the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, Nichiren, while remaining an ordinary human being, revealed his original identity as a Buddha possessing infinite wisdom and compassion. This is called in Buddhism.
(See The Basics, p. 9)
In Buddhism, the concept of a human being revealing their original identity as a Buddha is called casting off the transient and revealing the true.
he Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings states: “Great joy [is what] one experiences when one understands for the first time that one’s mind from the very beginning has been ____________________. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys.”
(See The Basics, p. 21)
a Buddha from the beginning.
Nichiren Buddhism teaches that people can attain Buddhahood just as they are without having to be reborn or changing their present form as an ordinary person.
What is this principle called?
(See The Basics, pp. 25–26)
“attaining buddhahood in one's present form.” This means that people can realize the life state of a buddha just as they are without having to be reborn and changing their present form as an ordinary person.
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1, 905). What does this passage teach us?
in this passage would be comparable in today's terms to any responsibility or obligation we might have in business, at work, or in society in general.
What did Josei Toda do on September 8, 1957?
(See The Basics, p. 98)
made a key declaration condemning nuclear weapons as an absolute evil
The Daishonin died at Ikegami Munenaka’s residence on October 13, 1282. Just before his death, which writing did he deliver a lecture on?
(See The Basics, p. 15)
“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”
What does Kyo mean?
Kyo literally means sutra and here indicates the Mystic Law, the fundamental law that permeates life and the universe, the eternal truth.
What is Kosen Rufu?
Kosen-rufu is a Japanese phrase that literally means "to declare and spread widely the teachings of the Buddha". It has come to represent "world peace" based on the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren teachings, and is often interpreted as "world peace through individual happiness".
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being” (WND-1, 852). What does this passage mean?
(See The Basics, pp. 80–81)
This letter, which resounds with praise for the humanism of the Buddhist doctrine, stresses that the truth of Buddhism is to be found not in the words of the sutra alone, but in the Buddha’s aims as they are revealed in his actions as a human being.
in 1965, Ikeda Sensei began writing the novel The Human Revolution, which would eventually extend to 12 volumes. His purpose in doing so was to correctly transmit the history and spirit of the Soka Gakkai to future generations. As described in its preface, what is the main theme of the novel?
(See The Basics, p. 99)
The Human Revolution is the process of human revolution, which is the transformation of one's life and the world through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism.