The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin

The image people have of Buddhism is often based on a combination of things: statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, saffron-robed monks in ornate temples. Vegetarianism? Probably. Pacifism? Certainly.

While the philosophy may be seen as interesting, for many, Buddhism might appear to be rather idealistic and ‘other worldly’. In fact, the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is rooted in daily life, and offers a profound and pragmatic approach to facing and overcoming the difficulties of life.

Buddha means ‘awakened one’.

Although it is often perceived as a transcendent state of life separate from daily reality, Buddhahood is a state of life which we all inherently possess – a state of being aware or awakened to the true nature and potential of life. This awakening brings with it such characteristics as energy, courage, determination, compassion and wisdom.

There are no rules to follow in Nichiren Buddhism. Basing ourselves on our higher life-state, combined with an understanding of cause and effect, transforms the way we act and react to our world.

Buddhists do not believe in the concept of heaven or an afterlife, but rather that life is eternal. If we take the ocean as an analogy for the energy of the universe: waves appear on the surface and then merge back into the ocean.

Although our existence in this life may appear temporary, Nichiren Buddhism teaches that our life energy constantly repeats a cycle – at times being ‘manifest’ and at others ‘non-manifest’. Within this cycle, death provides a period of rest and revitalisation, in the same way as a good night’s sleep refreshes us for the next day.

Buddhists believe that life is to be enjoyed. While recognising the sufferings of life, we are given the tools challenge them. Through this, we grow as human beings and, with all our potential at our disposal, become strong – improving both the quality and circumstances of our own lives and that of others.