Nichiren Daishonin History
In what year did Nichiren Daishonin declare Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?
1253
In the Gosho Letters to the Brothers, what did Nichiren Daishonin mean when he stated, “Buddhism is reason, and reason will win over your lord”?
He meant that the principles of the Law (faith, wisdom, and correct practice) are sound and just, and that even those in authority will be convinced by the truth and righteousness of the Buddhist teachings; it emphasizes relying on the Law rather than fear or worldly power.
What are the Three Obstacles and Four Devils?
Three Obstacles: obstacle of earthly desires, obstacle of karma, and the obstacle of retribution. Four Devils: hindrances of physical and mental functions, the hindrance of earthly desires, the hindrance of death and the hindrance of the devil king of the sixth heaven.
Both T’ien-t’ai and Nichiren Daishonin regarded this teaching as superior to Hinayana Buddhism. What type of Buddhist practice or teaching is this?
Mahayana Buddhism
After the brutal demise of his predecessor and being released from prison by the military authorities in 1943, how did second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda rebuild the Soka Gakkai?
President Toda strengthened members’ faith under adversity, inspired courage and practice, encouraged study of the Gosho, and revitalized propagation efforts, laying the foundation for post-war growth and the eventual global expansion of the Soka Gakkai.
After retiring to Mount Minobu 1274, what prompted Nichiren Daishonin to inscribe the Dai Gohonzon 1279?
He inscribed the Dai Gohonzon to serve as the ultimate object of devotion for all followers.
In the Gosho Hero of the World, who was Nichiren Daishonin writing to, and why?
He was writing to Shijo Kingo to encourage him to uphold his faith in the Lotus Sutra despite his Lord demanding him to renounce it.
What are the Ten Worlds, from Hell to Buddhahood?
Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Rapture, Learning,
Realization, Bodhisattva, Buddhahood
In the Treasure Tower chapter of the Lotus Sutra, four bodhisattvas emerge as the successors entrusted with propagating Buddhism in the Latter Day of the Law. Who are these four bodhisattvas?
Superior Practices, Boundless Practices, Pure Practices, Firmly Established Practices
What was the Osaka Campaign, and how did it influence the growth of the Soka Gakkai?
A major propagation effort initially led by Josei Toda and fulfilled through the dedicated actions of his disciple Daisaku Ikeda. It resulted in increasing the Soka Gakkai to 750,000 households in Japan, strengthening members’ faith, establishing a robust organizational foundation, and laying the groundwork for future international expansion.
Who was Nichiren Daishonin’s loyal disciple, who, as a samurai and acclaimed doctor, lost his fief but regained it through continual faith in the mentor-disciple relationship with Nichiren, curing his lord of illness and later converting him to Nichiren Buddhism?
Shijo Kingo
According to Nichiren Daishonin in The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life, what attitude should disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren maintain in order to fulfill the true goal of his propagation?
Nichiren Daishonin teaches that all disciples and lay supporters should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of “many in body, one in mind.
What is the Devil of the Sixth Heaven?
A strong negative influence causing practitioners to discard their Buddhist practice.
Nichiren Daishonin explains to Saoren-bo that unity is of utmost importance in fulfilling the vow of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. President Daisaku Ikeda writes that “Nichiren urges his followers to transcend all differences, become inseparable like fish and water, and unite with the spirit of many in body, one in mind”—calling this the pivotal principle for inheriting the ultimate Law of life. How does this concept translate into our everyday Buddhist practice?
It means practicing unity in faith through mutual respect, encouragement, and shared purpose.
After the death of his predecessor in 1959, the young, newly appointed Daisaku Ikeda took what actions to expand worldwide peace and fulfill his mentor’s dream?
Daisaku Ikeda launched international dialogue initiatives, cultural and educational programs, and global peace movements. He traveled extensively and launched his first overseas trips, establishing SGI chapters and districts in the United States, Brazil, Canada, and other territories. These efforts promoted understanding, goodwill, and kosen-rufu on a global scale while applying Nichiren Buddhist principles to modern social issues.
Who was Nichiren Daishonin’s successor?
Nikkō Shōnin
Name the gosho this passage is from: If you wish to free yourself from the suffering of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and obtain without fail unsurpassed Enlightenment in this life you must perceive the Mystic True originally inherent in all living beings.
On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime
What are the 10 Factors, which we chant three times at the end of our daily recitation from the Excerpts from the Gosho (Jukkai)?
Appearance, Nature, Entity, Power, Influence, Internal Cause, Relation, Latent Effect, Manifest Effect, and Their Consistency with the Environment.
Explain the concept of shakubuku?
Shakubuku is the compassionate practice of sharing Buddhism directly and courageously to help others awaken to their Buddha nature.
This individual received over 400 honorary degrees, academic honors worldwide, wrote annual proposals to the United Nations for over 40 years, and dedicated his life to peace, culture, education, and the happiness of ordinary people, all grounded in Nichiren Buddhism. Who is he?
Daisaku Ikeda