"Nichiren" Buddhist contradicts Nichiren Daishonin: "Nichiren is the Original Buddha" 6

Passages to ponder without the SGI footnotes:

 "....but Shakyamuni [by bestowing upon us the character myo] has granted us as many benefits as if we ourselves had fulfilled all the practices of the six paramitas"

 "And among the Sutras, the Lotus Sutra is a manifestation in writing of Shakyamuni Buddha's intent; it is his voice set down in written word."

"Shakyamuni Buddha and the written words of the Lotus Sutra are two different things but their heart is one.  Therefore, when you cast your eyes upon  the words of the Lotus Sutra you should consider that you are beholding the living body of the Buddha Shakyamuni."

"However the Buddha recognizes each character as a golden Lord Shakyamuni.' This is the meaning of the statement that '[one who is able to hold this Sutra] thereby holds the Buddha's body' "

"The Son of Heaven utters not a single word in vain' and 'the words of the Dharma King contain no falsehood'.  A wise ruler will never lie, even if it should bring about his ruin.  How much less would Shakyamuni Buddha ever speak falsely!"

"Only the Lotus Sutra represents the wonderful teaching preached directly from the golden mouth of Shakyamuni Buddha, who is perfectly endowed with the three bodies."

"The nation of Japan today has turned its back on the Lotus Sutra and cast aside Shakyamuni Buddha."

"Therefore, the words of this Sutra are indeed the very soul of  Shakyamuni Buddha.  And since every single word constitutes the soul of the Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha will protect persons who practice this Sutra as though he were protecting his very own eyes. He will accompany such persons just as a shadow accompanies a body.  How then could the prayers of such persons not be answered."

"In the same volume in the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha says, 'for the sake of the Buddha way I have in countless different lands from the begining until now widely preached various sutras, but among them this Sutra is foremost'.  This passage means that Shakyamuni Buddha has appeared in countless lands, taking different names and assuming varying life spans."

"I Nichiren, humble person though I am, have recieved Lord Shakyamuni's royal command and come to this country of Japan."

"Nichiren" Buddhist contradicts Nichiren Daishonin: "Nichiren is the Original Buddha" 5

There is a real misunderstanding of Nichiren Lotus Sutra Buddhism on the part of the SGI and the NST, regarding Nichiren’s views on Shakyamuni of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. The SGI and NST members call the principle of the Eternal Shakyamuni [which is a pivotal part of Nichiren Lotus Buddhism] as “god-Shakyamuni”, a term that has no basis in Buddhism, let alone Lotus Sutra Buddhism. It is simply an offensive epithet for Shakyamuni Buddha, a slander that Nichiren never would condone.

The SGI and Shoshu members when discussing Buddhism, outside of a few isolated phrases, do not rely much on Nichiren’s writings. let alone the Lotus Sutra. In fact, SGI and Nichiren Shoshu members are relatively unfamiliar, with much of what Nichiren wrote. For example, Reply to Lord Matsuno’s Wife [Matsuno dono nyobo go-henji] reads:

“… In turbid water the moon does not abide; in a

withered tree there are no birds. A woman who keeps the

Hokekyo is like clear water, the moon of the Buddha

Shakya[muni] takes up residence there. For example,

although, when a woman is first pregnant, she is not aware

of it in her own body, as the months gradually add up and

the days repeatedly pass, she first wonders if it is so;

later she  thinks that it is certain [that she is pregnant].

A woman of insight even knows whether it is a boy

or a girl. The doctrine of the Hokekyo is thus. When

one believes Namu Myo Ho Renge Kyo in ones mind, the

Buddha Shakya is conceived with the mind as his lodging.

Though at first one does not know it, as the months

gradually add up, the Buddha in ones mind appears

in dreams and a joyful mind gradually emerges.”

Since the SGI and Shoshu members extricate the eternal Buddha Shakyamuni from their faith, can we believe them when they say that the Buddha-nature wells up in their lives? How can Buddhahood manifest while disparaging the central Buddha of the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha revered by Nichiren? Such an attitude towards Shakyamuni obviates Buddhahood from appearing. To uphold such a negative opinion of Shakyamuni while claiming Buddhahood can best be described as delusional.

Why do the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu members have this negative attitude towards Shakyamuni and adopt this blind belief? They haven’t researched the doctrines so they rely on the arbitrary opinions of their predecessors and leaders. They were simply told about these distorted views when they entered the SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu and they never questioned the validity of such views.

“If it is not the proper Object of Worship (gohonzon),

even though there be no falsehood [even

if the practitioner is sincere] it will not form the seed

[of Buddhahood]. The Daimoku of the Honmon [Doctrine

of the Original, found in the Lotus Sutra] is the seed of

Buddhahood. This is because the Eternal Shakyamuni of the

Honmon has put his Causal Practices (his myriad practices

that lead to enlightenment) and his Virtues of the Effect

[the merits of the effect, which is Buddhahood] into the

seven characters of Namu Myo Ho Renge Kyo.”

In light of the Lotus Sutra and teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, do the SGI and Shoshu members ever think that their dismissal of Shakyamuni is unwarranted? Shouldn’t they worry about the consequences? If there is no receiving and keeping of the Lotus Sutra and no proper Object [if Shakyamuni is thrown out], then there is no Buddhahood.

As for the statement made by SGI members, “you are a Buddha just as you are”, taken out of context, it is meaningless. You are the Buddha, just as you are, if you receive and keep the Lotus Sutra and embrace the correct Object of Devotion. This is the meaning of the above text. Out of context, as it is used by the SGI, it would mean that Adolph Hitler was a Buddha  just as he was and all the people he killed were also Buddhas. Stalin, Mao, Attila the Hun, and Osama Bin Laden too would have been  Buddhas by this reasoning.

The Zen sect too states, “you are the Buddha, just as you are”. The Zen sect also teaches, “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him”. Its not logical for SGI and Taisekiji to adopt such views. They are views based on a lack of knowledge of the Lotus Sutra, writings of Nichiren, and a lack of faith.

"Nichiren" Buddhist contradicts Nichiren Daishonin "Nichiren is the Original Buddha" 4

The moon is obscured by clouds. The Soka Gakkai are clouds that obscure the Dharma of Supreme Enlightenment. We, following in the footsteps of Nichiren Daishonin and our founder Nichiju, develop the mind of the Buddha while the “theology” of the Soka Gakkai leads to a defiled mind with perverted ideas and the members to remain in delusion. The delusion of greed and jealousy leads them to criticize us because we expose them for being clouds that obscure the Dharma.

Because there is the Daimoku Only doctrine in the Soka Gakkai, the believers in this cult pay special attention to the Honzon Mondo Sho Gosho which explains the object of worship in terms of Law. They neglect the teachings in the Five Major writings of Nichiren that explain the Gohonzon in terms of the Buddha. Leaving aside for a moment that this may be a forged Gosho, the Five Major Writings are the most important writings. Since they are Nichiren's most important works, worshipping the Original Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, as advocated in these works, is a fundamental and core teaching of Nichiren. The same principle is used when the Lotus Sutra Chapter 11 states, “Among the sutras I have preached, now preach, and will preach, [this Lotus Sutra is the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand].” No matter how many letters Nichiren wrote before, during and after writing his Five Major Works, the principles therein are the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand. They can never be overturned by his other writings, those written before, during, or after the Five Major Writings. This is the first point.

The second point is that we teach the Lotus Sutra exactly as Nichiren Daishonin. The Object of Worship is both the Daimoku and the Eternal Buddha, the fusion of the two. The Honzon Mondo Sho teaches this principle of devotion from the standpoint of the Daimoku and the Kaimoku Sho from the standpoint of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, for example.

The SGI’s assertions that Nichiren only taught the Object of Worship in terms of the Daimoku at Minobu, is a blatant falsehood:

“Rejecting Shakyamuni Buddha, who is the sovereign, teacher, and parent of our present world, they pray to escape to another world that is located a hundred thousand million worlds away and that belongs to Amida Buddha, a complete stranger.” –The Teaching that Accords With the Buddha’s Mind (1979)

“We will be envoys of the World-Honored One, facing the assembly without fear.” — (ibid)

“Those who, in the latter age, worship the image of the sage of the west, Shakyamuni Buddha, will forestall calamities and receive benefits.” — The Hero of the World (1277)

“….However, they are alike in that they all abandoned Shakyamuni Buddha. There is no doubt, therefore, that our country will be ruined. This is a teaching that has never yet been revealed. Keep it strictly to yourself.

If there are any among my followers who are weak in faith and go against what I, Nichiren, say, they will meet the same fate as did the Soga family…” (ibid)

“I have been ceaselessly praying for your sake to the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha, and the god of the sun, for I am convinced that you are a person who can inherit the soul of the Lotus Sutra.”(ibid).

“However, later seeking and entering the deep cave, you see a single hermitage. The voices of the reading and reciting of the Hokekyo echo against blue heaven and the words of discussing the doctrine of the One Vehicle are heard in the midst of the mountains. Informing [them, of your presence and requesting] admittance, you enter the chamber, place your mother’s bones before the Master of Teachings Lord Shakya, cast your five limbs to the ground, press your palms together, and opening your two eyes, look up to the Holy Face: Joy overflows your body and the pain of your heart suddenly ceases.” — On Forgetting Ones Copy OfThe Lotus Sutra (1280)

“But he reveres Shakyamuni Buddha and puts his faith in the teaching of the Lotus Sutra. Hence he is like a snake that grips a jewel in its mouth, or a dragon that bears sacred relics on its head. A wisteria vine by Twining around a pine, may climb a thousand meters into the air and a crane, because it has wings to rely upon, can travel ten thousand miles. It is not their own strength that allows them to do these things.” — On The Urobon 1280.

“In the entire land of Jambuduipa, there has never before been a hall or pagoda that produced the image of Shakyamuni Buddha of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. How could such an image fail to appear now.” — The Unmatched Fortune of the Law (1279)

“Although I live in such a forsaken place, deep in this mortal flesh I preserve the ultimate secret Law inherited from Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, at Eagle Peak.” The Person and the Law (1281)

“The character myo changes and becomes Shakyamuni Buddha seated on a lotus pedestal.” –Reply to Onichinyo (1280)

“Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra are like one’s wife and parents.” — Letter to Jakunichibo (1279)

“Had an object of devotion of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, who attained enlightenment in the remote past and his attendants ever been made during the Former and Middle Days, it would have been like the sun appearing at night or the moon shining during the day. — On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion (1277)

In Conclusion, this Gosho written in 1278 is a personal letter to the successor of Dozenbo at Seichoji temple, Jyokenbo. It explains the Object of Worship in terms of the Law (Namu Myoho renge kyo). Another Gosho that explains the Object of Worship in terms of the Law is the more important Gosho, the True Object of Worship which is a treatise rather than a personal letter.

Other more important Gosho than the Honzon Mondo Sho such as Repaying Debts of Gratitude and the Opening of the Eyes, explain the Object of Worship in terms of the Buddha.

The SGI’s latest assault on the Gohonzon and the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, is citing this Gosho in their attempt to diminish the stature of Shakyamuni Buddha. They are an evil cult who has absolutely no interest in the truth of Buddhism. Discover the truths of Buddhism for yourself. Read the Lotus Sutra and the Gosho and read all the various translations. We must reject the SGI teachings which, in contrast to Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings, slander Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra.

"Nichiren" Buddhist contradicts Nichiren Daishonin: "Nichiren is the Original Buddha" 3

An SGI member once arrogantly wrote me: 

<< "...It would be no small matter if those who slander me were to incur no punishment from Heaven in their present body. So those deities [who fail to punish them] will not only be destroyed throughout past, present and future, but even now are surely being called upon to account  to the Buddha for their actions.  And when that happens, it will be no fault ofNichiren's! Rather, by siding with those priests who slander the Law, they are summoning disaster upon themselves."    MWV 5, pp 203.... Observe Mark! >> 

Let us see who in fact is a slanderer and who is a votary of the Lotus Sutra so that we may be able to make a prediction as to our respective fates: 

Another SGI member wrote:: 

>>It is a world where laity is always second or third class--where Nikken is the biggest dog of 'em all and you can never be more than a toy poodle.>>

That's why Nichiren Daishonin pointed his disciples to The Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra as our Parent, Teacher and Sovereign and to the Law, thus to avoid any confusion as to whom and what we should follow. 

"Demonstrating ten great mystic powers the Buddha (Shakyamuni) transferred Namu Myoho renge Kyo to the four great bodhisattvas" (Ibid pg 77) 

Who transferred Namu Myoho renge kyo to the four great bodhisattvas? Nichiren Daishonin? No. The SGI? No The Kempon Hokke? No. 

"Shakyamuni is the original teacher for all people as well as their soverign and their parent" (MW vol 1, Admonitions Against Slander, pg 166) 

Who is the original teacher for all people? Ikeda? No. Your territory chief? No. Nikken? No? Nichiren Daishonin? Not even Nichiren Daishonin. 

"Shakyamuni is the father, soverign and teacher of all other Buddhas and all gods, of the whole assembly of men and heavenly beings and of all sentient beings." (MW vol 1, Letter to Nikke, pg 257) 

Who is the father, teacher and sovereign of all sentient beings? Ikeda? No? Danny Nagashima? No.Nikken? No. Nichiren Daishonin? Not even Nichiren Daishonin. 

"But because of this book by Horen, this Senchaku Shu, the Lord Buddha Shakyamuni is forgotten." (MW vol 2, Rissho Ankoku Ron, pg 23) 

Honen sounds like the Nichiren Shoshu and the SGI members to me. Who forgets Shakyamuni and replaces him with Nichiren Daishonin? SGI and NST priests, leaders, and members. 

"One should know that the Enlightened One, the Buddha, is a Great Teacher for all living beings, a Great Eye for them, a Great Pillar, a Great Helmsman, a Great Field of Plenty." (MW vol 2, Opening of the Eyes, pg 77) 

Not Ikeda, nor Nikken, your territory chief, not even Nikko or Nissho. 

"The doctrines that the Buddha taught over a period of fifty years number eighty thousand...The eight years during which he preached the Lotus Sutra he called the time when he 'now must reveal the truth'.  Thus Taho Buddha came forth from the earth to testify that 'All that you have expounded is the truth,' and the Buddhas that are emanations of the Original Buddha gathered together and extended their tongues up to the Brahma-heaven in testimony." (MW vol 2, Ibid, pg 79) 

Very clear, no? Only the Fuji schools and their adherents could ever be so blind as to mis-identify the Eternal Original Buddha. 

"The Buddhas of the ten directionss gathered in assembly, Shakyamuni Buddha announced that 'all of these are emanations of my being." (MW vol 2, Ibid, pg 141) 

                           
and 

"When Shakyamuni Buddha revealed that he had gained enlightenment in the far distant past and had since then been constantly in the world it became apparent that all the other Buddhas were emanations of Shakyamuni." (MW vol 2, Ibid, pg 149) 

Yes, Yakushi, Amida, Dainichi, Mahavairochaina and even Nichiren Daishonin (admitting that he is a Buddha) are emanations of Shakyamuni. But YOU deny the teachings. It is you who replace the Master of Teachings Lord Shakyamuni of the Original Doctrine with Nichiren Daishonin. It is YOU who does not practice according to the preachings. 

"Since the Buddha of the Juryo chapter is revealed as the eternal Buddha, it follows that the great bodisattvas such as Monju and Miroku and the great bodisattvas from other realms are in fact disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha." (MW vol 2, Ibid, pg 150) 

And the even greater bodhisattvas such as Anryugyo, Jogyo, Jyogyo, Nichiju, Nikko, all the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, Tientai and. Nagarjuna are disciples of Shakyamun Buddha of the Juryo chapter but not them [SGI and NST] ? Why? Because they have been misled by evil teachers such as Daisaku Ikeda. 

"All these beings are discples of Shakyamuni Buddha. Since the various Buddhas themselves are emanations of Shakyamuni Buddha, it goes without saying that their disciples must be disciples of Shakyamuni.  And of course the various deities of the sun, moon and stars, who have dwelt in the world from countless ages in the past must likewise be disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha." (MW vol 2, Ibid, pg 152) 

Absolutely every last being that has existed, exists, or will exist is a disciple of whom? Nichiren Daishonin? No. Nichiju Shonin? No. Nikko Shonin? No. Shinkei Marcheso? No. Daisaku Ikeda? No. I'll give you a hint, The Original Eternal Buddha. Who is that Paul? Why don't you say it. the Daishonin certainly wasn't stingy in his praise of this Buddha? Why is your master? Why are you? 

"The Lotus Sutra is nothing other than a scripture that reveals that Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment at a time even more distant than gohyaku-jintengo." (MW vol 2, Letter to the Priests of Seicho-ji, pg 268) 

Long before any other being, the Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment and then taught all the other beings the sum of his Supreme Enlightenement which is Myoho renge kyo. 

"Now the votaries of the Lotus Sutra are the children of Shakyamuni Buddha." (MW vol 3, Ibid, pg 49) 

         
Not the children of Nikken, Ikeda or even Nikko. 

"The Lord Shakyamuni assembled Taho Buddha as well as the other Buddhas, who were his own emanations, from throughout ten directions and left one great medicine-the five characters of Myoho renge Kyo-for the people of the Latter Day." (MW vol 3, The Munadala of the Mystic Law, pg 58) 

Who left us the medicine? The SGI? Ikeda? Nichikan? 

"Lord Shakyamuni treasured this Gohonzon in mind...He revealed it in the Juryo chapter..." (MW vol 3, Reply to Nii-Ama, pgs 64-65) 

Who revealed the Gohonzon? Nichiren? No. Ikeda? No. Nikko?  No. Nikken? No. Nichiju? No. Shakyamuni Buddha revealed the Gohonzon. 

"Shakyamuni Buddha, the World Honored One, declared, 'I am the foremost throughout the threefold world." (MW vol 3, Ibid, pg 176) 

Nichiren Daishonin points out that Shakyamuni declared, "I am the foremost throughout the threefold world". Ikeda declares Nichiren foremost but really means himself. Nikken declares himself foremost. The ignorant among the SGI members declare themselves foremost. Are you counted among the ignorant members of the SGI? Can I be counted among them? Think about this carefully. 

"However, they are alike in that they all abandoned Shakyamuni Buddha," and in the next paragraph it states, "If there is anyone among my followers who is weak in faith and goes against what I, Nichiren, say, he will meet the same fate as did the Soga family." (MW vol 3, The Supreme Leader of the World, pg 237) 

There are countless examples in the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu of the Daishonin's teachings on punishment. Nichiu developed white leprosy. Nikkyo burned up in a conflagration while his entrails remained. President Ikeda's firstborn son died of a bleeding ulcer. In this day and age that is nearly unheard of! Mr. Kasahara's firstborn son died from a massive brain injury. George Williams children are sociopaths. A top SGI senior leader was killed in the early eighties when a snow plow ran over his car. Another, in Detroit, died when a heavy metal stage hook took off the top of his skull. A men's division bagpiper was killed and mutilated by the Manson family on the way back from bagpipe practice. Bill Vogel and Brad Nixon are other examples. The list goes on and on. 

"They are monks and nuns by virtue of the Lord Shakyamuni." (Ibid, pg 65) 

Nichiren, Nikko, Nissho, Nichiju, Nikkyo and Rev. Kubota, for example, are monks by virtue of Lord Shakyamuni.Those who abandon Shakyamuni can not even be considered monks and are no better than beasts. 

"There are three reasons why Shakyamuni Buddha rather than any of the other Buddhas has a relationship with all the people of the world of the saha world.  First of all, he is the World Honored One, the soverign of all the people of this saha world... 

         

The second reason is that Shakyamuni Buddha is the father and mother of all the persons in the saha world.  It is proper that we should first of all pay filial respect to our own father and mother... 

         

The third reason is that Shakyamuni is the original teacher of all persons in the saha world." (Ibid, pgs 65-66) 

Perfectly clear, no? 

         

"For this reason, all the persons in this saha world of ours, if they detest the sufferings of birth and death and wish to have an object of veneration to which they can pay respect, should first of all fashion images of Shakyamuni Buddha...and make these their object of worship." (Ibid, pg 69) 

Not images of the Daishonin, Nikko, Amida, Nikken, or of Ikeda. Not even those most sublime images we may form in our own mind, save for one. Which one might that be? 

"Shakyamuni Buddha our father and mother, who is endowed with the three virtues of soverign, teacher and parent, is the very one who encourages us, the people driven out by all the other Buddhas, saying, 'I alone can save them'.  The debt of gratitude we owe him is deeper than the ocean, weightier than the earth, vaster than the sky. Though we were to pluck out our two eyes and place them before him as an offering until there were more eyes there than stars in the sky, though we were to strip off our skins and spread them out by the hundreds of ten thousands until they blanketed the ceiling of heaven, though we were to give him our tears as offerings of water and present him with flowers for the space of a hundred billion kalpas, though we were to offer him our flesh and blood for innumerable kalpas, until our flesh piled up like mountains and our blood overflowed like vast seas, we could never repay a fraction of the debt we owe to this Buddha!" (Ibid, pg 71-72) 

We owe our greatest debt to Shakyamuni Buddha as did the Daishonin. As the leader of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, Nichiren Daishonin (Jogyo) knew perfectly that Shakyamuni is the Master of Teachings and the person to whom we owe our deepest gratitude and allegiance. If we are Bodhisattvas of the Earth, we should follow the example of our leader Nichiren Daishonin, not the poor example of Ikeda, Nichikan, or your joint territory chief. 

"Japan and so on to the whole of Jambudvipa should uniformly take the Master of Teachings Lord Shakya of the Original Doctrine as the Object of Worship". (Hoon Sho). 

Nothing could be more clear. If you wish to practice the Daishonin's teachings rather than some inferior teaching, you should take Lord Shakya of the Original Doctrine as your Object of worship and chant Namu myoho renge kyo. 

"I have dedicated my life to Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra, extending compassion to all living beings and rebuking slanders of the Law."  (MW vol 5, A Sage and an Unenlightened Man, pg 107) 

     

The Daishonin dedicated his life to Shakyamuni Buddha not to Tientai, Dengyo, or Dozenbo. Why dedicate your lives to Nichinyo, Nikken, Nichikan, or Ikeda?. 

     

"When Shakyamuni Buddha in the clouds above the Sacred Mountain, in the mists of Eagle peak, summed up the essence of the doctrine and entrusted it to the bodhisattvas of the earth, what do you suppose that  teaching was? It was nothing other than these five characters, the essential law;" (Ibid, pg 110) 

       

Therefore, to  whom do we owe our most sincere gratitude? To Shakyamuni Buddha, of course. 

         

"I Nichiren, humble person though I am, have recieved Lord Shakyamuni's royal command and come to this country of Japan." (MW vol 5, The Pure and Far Reaching Voice, pg 143) 

       

The Daishonin received the royal command of Lord Shakyamuni not the command of the commoners Makiguchi, Toda, Nikken or Ikeda. 

       

"Shakyamuni Buddha is the lord of all buddhist teachings, the leader and teacher of all human beings." (Ibid, pg 143) 

       

Not clear?

       

"And among the Sutras, the Lotus Sutra is a manifestation in writing of Shakyamuni Buddha's intent; it is his voice set down in written word." (Ibid, pg 147) 

       

Whose intent? The SGI's? The Kempon Hokke"s? The Nichiren Shoshu"s, SGI's, Nichiren's? Nichiju's? Tientai"s? No. The intent of Shakyamuni Buddha. 

         

"Shakyamuni Buddha and the written words of the Lotus Sutra are two different things but their heart is one.  Therefore, when you cast your eyes upon  the words of the Lotus Sutra you should consider that you are ,beholding the living body of the Buddha Shakyamuni." (Ibid, pg 147)    

So, everytime you slander Shakyamuni Buddha, you are slandering the written words of the Lotus Sutra, the Gohonzon and Namu Myoho renge kyo. This is why those people I mentioned suffered divine punishment, not for any worldly misdeeds. 

       

"However the Buddha recognizes each character as a golden Lord Shakyamuni.' This is the meaning of the statement that '[one who is able to hold this Sutra] thereby holds the Buddha's body'.  Those who practice Buddhism but adhere to distorted views destroy this loftiest of Sutras." (MW vol 5, Reply to Soya Nyudo, pg 164) 

The worst transgressors are Ikeda and Nikken along with their followers. 

"Only the Lotus Sutra represents the wonderful teaching preached directly from the golden mouth of Shakyamuni Buddha, who is perfectly endowed with the three bodies." (MW vol 5, Letter to Myomitsu Shonin, pg 196) 

         

Shakyamuni is not just the Manifest Body, but also the Bliss Body and the Dharma body (Namu Myoho renge kyo.). Therefore, everytime you slander Shakyamuni Buddha, you slander Namu Myoho renge kyo. 

       

"Shakyamuni, the Lord of Teachings, is the foremost sage in the saha world." (Ibid, pg 199) 

        '

Who is the foremost sage? Let me hear you declare it? If you say Ikeda, you will fall into the hell of incessant suffering faster than Honen. 

"As we see from these passages of scripture, Shakyamuni, with his Buddha eye, observed the situation that would prevail at the begining of the Latter Day of the Law.  If, when the age has arrived, there were to be no persons of the type the Buddha describes then the World-Honored One would be guilty of false and baseless talk. [And if that were to be the case, then] who would put faith in the theoretical and essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, and in the doctrine of the eternally inherent Buddha Nature." (MW vol 6, Reply to Lord Hakiri Saburo, pg 40) 

       

Where does the doctrine of universal Buddha-nature, the SGI is so fond of expounding, derive? Repeat and believe what Nichiren Daishonin teaches and you might be spared a fate worse than Honen's. 

       

"Shakyamuni summoned the four bodhisattvas and entrusted them with the five characters of Myoho renge Kyo." (MW vol 6, Rebuking Slander of the Law, pg 60) 

       

What does anyone need Nikken or Nichinyo for? They should drop dead from shame for even intimating that someone, anyone must rely on him. Ikeda too, for promoting the SGI version of the master-disciple relationship and for promoting the SGI above Shakyamuni Buddha, should drop dead of shame. 

"We see from the Sutra that only these four bodhisattvas had been the disciples of Shakyamuni, the Lord of Teachings, since the remote past." (Ibid, pg 62) 

       

And that is why those of us who put our faith in the Lord Shakya of the Original Doctrine can also be counted among the multitude while you and your master are counted among the slanderers of the Lotus Sutra 

"The sons will disseminate the Law of the Father." (Ibid, pg 62) 

       

Whether you realize it or not, everytime you teach Namu myoho renge kyo to another, you are disseminating the law of your father Shakyamuni. If you slander your father, you are as good as killing him. You are committing one of the cardinal sins. You are committing another of the cardinal sins by altering the teachings and thus creating disunity. 

     

"The nation of Japan today has turned its back on the Lotus Sutra and cast aside Shakyamuni Buddha." (MW vol 6, Letter To Ichinosana Nyudo, pg 99) 

       

Just like the pitiful SGI and Nichiren Shoshu. 

       

"Shakyamuni Buddha is the Parent of all living beings in this world." (Ibid, pg 100) 

       

That  includes even the lowest beings such as those who benefit from their father's Law yet deny and denounce their father(the SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu believers). 

"The Lord Buddha Shakyamuni is the enlightened teacher for all living beings in the country of ours.  It is thanks to our teacher that we can understand who our parents are.  It is owing to Shayamuni that we can distinguish black from white." (Ibid, pg 100) 

       

We remain deluded by denying Shakyamuni Buddha, by failing to put our faith in Lord Shakya of the Original Doctrine. 

"It will be hard indeed to find anyone who can preach the Lotus Sutra just as it teaches in the Latter Day of the Law of Shakyamuni Buddha." (MW vol 6, Three Tripitaka Masters, pg 118) 

     

This is certainly the age of the Buddha Shakyamuni as the Daishonin states in On The Buddha's behavior: "Shakyamuni lives today; this is the age of the Buddha" --Nichiren Daishonin (On the Buddha's Behavior) 

"The Tathagata Shakyamuni, seated in the tower adorned with seven kinds of precious gems, entrusted the five characters of Myoho renge Kyo to Takahashi Nyudo." (MW vol 6, Reply to Takashi Nyudo, pg 124) 

         

And to us. The Buddha Shakyamuni entrusted us with the Five Characters. You either don't realize it or you deny it. Say it, Shakyamuni Buddha entrusted us with the Five Characters of the Daimoku. Not Ikeda. Not The SGI. 

     
"Were it not for Shakyamuni, the lord of teachings, how could such blessings as these be bestowed." 

       

But the SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu deny Shakyamuni his rightful place, as father, teacher, and sovereign to all mankind, promoting other teachers. Fearful [for you and the masses of beings that you convert]. We will die teaching you the truth. You should throw out those priests and  leaders who advocate Nichiren as Eternal Buddha or themselves as teachers, not Shakyamuni Buddha your orriginal father and teacher. No one comes close to Lord Shakya as a teacher. Why waste your time with other lesser spiritual teachers and advisers? Go directly to the source. 

       

"The Hokke [Lotus] sect is the sect founded by Shakyamuni." (MW vol 6, How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood, pg 175) 

       

That is why Nichiren Daishonin declared he never founded any sect. He deferred to his teacher, as all men of humility should emulate. But not Ikeda, Nichikan, Nichiu or Nikken. They are egoists of the highest magnitude. And you would hope to derive happiness and humility from worshipping their Gohonzons? You are deluding yourselves. 

         

"Therefore [the sect based on] the Lotus Sutra is known as the Buddha-founded sect and is also called the Hokke Sect."  (Ibid, pg 175) 

       

The SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu throw out the Lotus Sutra because they deny what is taught therein. So, though it may not be evident, only we can be numbered among those of the Buddha founded sect. It is also evident that the SGI and the Nichiren Shoshu can never be numbered among the Buddha's sangha. 

         

"The various other sects were founded by bodhisattvas or teachers in the period after the Buddha had entered nirvana....." 

     

Nichiren Shoshu, SGI, Shingon, Zen, Ritsu, Pure Land, Tibetian, etc. 

     

".....Should we now turn our backs upon the Buddha's decree and follow the sects established by the bodhisattvas and teachers?" 

       

Like the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu, and suffer a fate worse than Honen? 

"Or should we ignore the words of the bodhisattvas and teachers and follow the sect established by the Buddha." (Ibid, pg 176) 

       

You would be wise to ignore the words of Nichiu, Nichikan, Nikken,Toda, Makiguchi and Ikeda. Conversely, you would be wise to take to heart the words of the Daishonin. 

         

"The messenger of the Lord Buddha Shakyamuni has twice been paraded through the street." (MW vol 6, A Father Takes Faith, pg 242). This is self explanatory. 

"Because Shakyamuni expounded the Lotus Sutra in order to repay the debt of gratitude he owed to his father and mother, Taho Buddha, who had come from the land of treasure purity, praised him as a Buddha of true filial piety. And the Buddhas of the ten directions assembled and declared him to be the most filial among all the Buddhas." (MW vol 6, OnFilial and Unfilial Conduct, pg 290) 
     

Who is the most filial of the Buddhas? Hint, "most" is an absolute. 

       

"The various Buddhas [other than Shakyamuni], since they are known as World Honored One, may be regarded as Sovereigns.  But since they do not make their appearance in this saha world, they are not teachers.  Nor do they declare that '...the living beings in it (this threefold world) are all my children'.  Thus, Shakyamuni Buddha alone fulfills the three functions of sovereign, teacher and parent." (Ibid, pg 43) 

        
Who alone fulfills the three functions of Sovereign,Teacher, and Parent? Hint, "alone" is also an absolute. 

               

"The Shakyamuni Buddha who lived in a past even more distant than gohyaku-jintengo-became enlightened to the Lotus that is the entity of the Mystic Law. Thereafter, in age after age and lifetime after lifetime, he declared that he had attained the way and he revealed the fundamental principle of wisdom and reality." (MW vol 7, The Entity of the Mystic Law, pg 67) 

       

Who originally became enlightened to Namu Myoho renge kyo in the infinite past easy? Ikeda? No. Nikken? No. Not even Nichiren Daishonin. 

       

"In this passage, Shakyamuni Buddha explains that he is entrusting to the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, his original disciples, the five characters of Myoho renge Kyo which is the essence of the Lotus Sutra.  Shakyamuni, who attained enlightenment countless Kalpas in the past, says elsewhere, 'By now the original vows that I made have already been fulfilled.  I have converted all living beings and caused them to enter the Buddha way'(ibid pg 72). 

This is absolutely clear easy. There is no other way than one way to interpret correctly this passage or the other absolutely clear passages cited above. It is as the Daishonin explained when referring to the following passage in the Lotus Sutra in Chapter Ten: "Infinite thousand myriad kotis are the sutras I preach, whether already preached, now being preached, or to be preached in the future; and among them all, this Law -flower sutra is the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand." Even if one were to preach some other sutra in the future(for example the Taisekaji preachings that Nichiren Daishonin rather than Shakyamuni is the Original Eternal Buddha,) it could never happen that the teachings in the Lotus Sutra may be superceded. 

       

With your happiness and future enlightenment in mind 

                 

Namu Myoho renge  kyo 

                               

"Nichiren" Buddhist contradicts Nichiren Daishonin: "Nichiren is the Original Buddha" 2

SHAKYAMUNI, THE LOTUS SUTRA, AND NICHIREN DAISHONIN Author Unknown

PART ONE:

In the present time, word of the scared title of the Lotus Sutra
(Myoho Renge Kyo), is spreading throughout the western world under
the banner of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. However, this
propagation has illuminated and intensified a controversy that has
existed in Japan for hundreds of years. The controversy finds its
center in differing opinions about what status should be afforded to
Nichiren Daishonin in the record of Buddhist history. The Nichiren
Shoshu sect (NST) and their prior lay organization (SGI) have taken
the position that Nichiren Daishonin is the "true" (original and
eternal) Buddha.

Although, the issue is multifaceted in its complexity, their
assertion appears to fundamentally rest on the assumption that
because of Nichiren Daishonin's crystallization of doctrine and
practice and object of worship, and his greater proximity in
historical time, he is both the successor to and superior of
Shakymuni. This thinking runs counter to the more orthodox view that
Nichiren Daishonin was the patriarchal author of a landmark doctrine
for practicing the Lotus Sutra in the latter day of the law.

This orthodox view further holds that Shakyamuni is the father of
Buddhism and his essential teachings are the inspiration behind the
Buddha Dharma expounded in the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, from this
point of view, Shakyamuni is legitimately the original and eternal
Buddha regardless of the age in question.

The emergence of several different Nichiren based sects around the
world has caused a resurfacing of this controversy. The issues
surrounding this controversy are worth considering for several
reasons. First, consideration is warranted in the service of
insuring that the Nichiren Daishonin's orthodox Buddhism establish
roots in this country that are strong, correct, and lasting. Second,
because the SGI-NST belief is an apparent heterodoxy relative to the
other Nichiren based sects. The cultural issues and political
events that spawned this heterodoxy in Japan several hundred years
ago, are unquestionably complex.(1)

Nevertheless, because of the rather exclusive initial influence of
SGI-NST, many of us lived with their view of things right from the
beginning of our involvement. Hundreds of years and a half a planet
removed, we were oblivious to the historical splintering that had occurred
in Japan in the centuries after Nichiren Daishonin's death. With no accurate
historical information or alternative point of view to reflect upon, believing
that Nichiren Daishonin is the true Buddha could eventually became as
natural as chanting Daimoku (Namu Myoho Renge Kyo). Considering these
things, the belief itself is unquestionably a learned habit of thought and
understanding. The central issue of concern pertains to how correct or incorrect
this understanding actually is with regard to the true orthodoxy of Nichiren
Daishonin's Buddhism.

The chanting of Daimoku alone is very strong medicine. Taking faith
in the Daimoku, although ignorant of its meaning, can still produce
very substantial benefit. In turn, Nichiren Daishonin's philosophy
and doctrine is also very strong and compelling stuff. What emanates
throughout his writings (gosho), is the spirit of an extraordinarily
dedicated, courages, vibrant, and very human person. A person who
was great in compassion and practical wisdom, totally dedicated to
his mission, the welfare of his followers, the people of his country,
and the world. Many of us first encountered the Daimoku and Nichiren
Daishonin's teachings during times of great personal trouble and
need. The Daimoku, as Nichiren Daishonin taught, had the effect of
liberating us from much of the suffering imposed by our karma laden
life problems.

Thus, encountering the Daimoku and Nichiren Daishonin's teachings
had the effect of setting our lives straighter on course then they
had ever been before. In those dark hours of despair and
uncertainty, the wisdom of his teachings were like the steadying
hand of a loving parent. He gave us the courage to endure and press
on with certainty and purpose where nothing else had. For this, he
has our admiration, our revere, and enduring gratitude. Yet, herein
lies the potential crux of understanding with regard to original
causes. For many, the understanding may have been something like
this, "It was the wisdom of Nichiren Daishonin and his prescription
to chant the Daimoku that liberated me, not Shakyamuni. It was
Nichiren Daishonin's teachings that I followed, not the Lotus Sutra.
Therefore, Nichiren Daishonin is the true Buddha, not Shakyamuni."
In simple terms, the magnitude of Nichiren Daishonin's enlightenment,
relative to our own, can itself give rise to misleading views. In
turn, these misleading views can exploit thought and understanding in
many subtle ways.

Overcoming this kind of exploitation, I believe, entails a process
of apprehending the true import of Nichiren Daishonen's Buddhism in
both its historical and transcendent aspects. This is an important
issue regardless of whether one's interest in Nichiren Daishonin's
Buddhism originated with the SGI movement or not. It is important
because correctly understanding Nichiren Daishonin's historical and
doctrinal role is rather essential to the state of one's own belief
and understanding as a follower and practitioner of his Buddhism.
The series of three discourses that follow are dedicated to this end.
In Nichiren Daishonin's time, some two thousand years after Lord
Shakyamuni's passing, the cumulative documented record of Sutras,
supporting commentaries, and alternative meditation Buddhas and
deities had grown to huge proportions. Indeed, the Buddhist cannon
had grown so large and complex that even accomplished scholars
risked getting hopelessly confused beneath the load. The reason for
this, is that many of the sutras and commentaries emphasize some
specialized aspect of the Buddha Dharma or otherwise conflict with
one another in terms of the doctrines, artifacts, and practices they
prescribe.

Consequently, it can be very difficult to discern which among the
various teachings are authentic or counterfeit, which among the
authentic are only provisional (temporary or expedient teaching, a
partial truth), and which are true (a complete or essential teaching,
suited to the needs all people). Nichiren Daishonin's life work was
dedicated to sorting out the differences among the various teachings
and making the central (true, pure) Buddha Dharma again accessible to
the people. His success in this difficult endeavor was the product of
the reasonableness, clarity, and decisiveness of what he taught.
His success can also be measured by the fact that even after hundreds
of years, his teachings continue to grow in popularity. However, his
revelations about the true pure teachings of Buddhism caused a
perturbation throughout the entire sphere of popular religion as it
existed in Japan during his time. Seven hundred years later the more
universal importance of these revelations has not diminished.
In the Lotus Sutra, which is the essential sutra of Nichiren
Daishonin's faith, Shakyamuni repeatedly instructs us that, "this
sutra is difficult to understand and difficult to accept". Nichiren
Daishonin's insight and literary skills were such that he could
expound on matters of doctrine and practice with clarity and
simplicity. This made it possible for a broad spectrum of people
from grass roots voice hears to dedicated scholars to gain benefit
from his teachings. Moreover, his gosho writings possess a timeless
wisdom of encouragement that we common people can comprehend and
relate to in spite of being weighted down by the gravity of our own
needs and desires and the demands of a worldly life. He advocated
the essential practice of the Lotus Sutra in a way that could be
embraced with regularity, thus giving us a tangible device to
cultivate our faith in spite of the worldly nature of our lives.
In contrast, the practice of Buddhism expounded in the text of Lotus
Sutra reflects a very impeccable and very demanding ideal of personal
volition, life style, conduct, and selflessness. Indeed, many
people can initially shrink away in sheer intimidation from the very
committing account it contains. Because of this, Shakyamuni and the
written scripture of the Lotus Sutra can seem at first to be cold,
distant, and impersonal when viewed in contrast to the warm,
humanistic understanding embodied in Nichiren Daishonin's gosho.
Compared to the Lotus Sutra's highly ascetic description of the
enlightened life, Nichiren Daishonin's treatment of the matter
seemed so much more earthy, realistic, and attainable. Having
provided this very accessible and beneficial prescription, how could
Nichiren Daishonin possibly be other than the true Buddha? This is
indeed a profound question and therefore one deserving of careful
consideration.

In accordance with the central philosophy of the Lotus Sutra,
Nichiren Daishonin taught that Buddhahood (enlightenment) is an
inherent potentiality in each one of us. Further, the Buddhist
record suggests that many people throughout history have attained
enlightenment in greater or lesser degrees. Therefore, enlightenment
is an event that can occur in varying amounts from small to great,
and from momentary to non-regressive. In the light of these
distinctions, how then should the notion of "original" or "eternal"
Buddhahood be understood? By historical definition, the original
Buddha is the actual founder of the Buddhist faith, or Shakyamuni of
ancient India. By transcendent definition, the original and eternal
Buddha is the one who has been fully enlightened or fully awakened
since time without beginning. According to the liturgy of the Lotus
Sutra, that person was no other than the Shakyamuni revealed in the
16th or Juryo chapter. From this perspective, Shakyamuni is the
true Buddha in both the historical and the transcendent sense of the
word. Buddhahood is further characterized as being perfectly
awakened to and perfectly one with the great mystic Dharma. As a
votary of the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Daishonin's position was that
the Buddha Dharma expounded in the Lotus Sutra (Myoho Renge Kyo), is
the true pure teaching and the essential medicine that the Shakyamuni
ultimately prescribed to guide all people to enlightenment.
According to conventions identified in Nichiren Daishonin's gosho,
Buddhahood is characterized as manifesting itself in two forms:
provisional and true. A provisional Buddha is one who reveals only
some specific aspect or function of the Dharma, whereas a true Buddha
is one who reveals the Dharma in its entirety. In the "theoretical"
chapters of the Lotus Sutra, personages like Shakyamuni and Taho are
presented as provisional Buddhas. However, in the 16th Juryo
chapter, Shakyamuni clearly and unquestionably identifies his life
and teachings with the original Buddha, the illuminated one who has
been active in the universe and world since time without beginning.
In regard to this, Nichiren Daishonin wrote:

"The Juryo chapter reads: 'The time is limitless and boundless -- a
hundred, thousand, ten thousand, hundred thousand nayuta aeons --
since I in fact attained Buddhahood.' Present within our lives is
the Lord Shakyamuni who obtained the three enlightened properties of
life before gohyaku-jintengo, the original Buddha since time without
beginning ........ The Great Teacher Miao-lo declares: 'You should
realize that our life and its environment are the entity of ichinen
sanzen. When we attain Buddhahood, according to this principle, our
life pervades the entire universe both physically and spiritually. '" (2)

Clearly, Nichiren Daishonin viewed Shakyamuni of the 16th chapter as
the eternal Tathagata, the original benefactor and votary of the
Buddha Dharma. Therefore, from the orthodox standpoint of Nichiren
Daishonin's Buddhism, Shakyamuni of the 16th chapter is also the true
object of worship. In regard to this, Nichiren Daishonin stated:
"Had an object of worship of Lord Shakyamuni who attained
enlightenment countless aeons before and his attendants ever been
made during the Former and Middle Days, it would have been like the
sun appearing at night or the moon shining by day...... Now that we
have entered the Latter Day, an object of worship should be made of
the true Buddha flanked by his original attendants, since this is
the most appropriate time according to the Buddha's golden words.
Because this age corresponds to the predicted time, the Bodhisattvas
of the Earth will soon appear and establish an object of worship of
the four bodhisattvas. " (3)

Still, someone unconvinced may suggest, "Your thesis may be correct
so far as it goes. Shakyamuni was unquestionably the true Buddha for
his place in historical time. But, this is some three thousand years
later and only seven hundred years ago Nichiren Daishonin emerged to
expound the essential practice of Daimoku. As you have quoted, the
true object of worship is comprised of the four bodhisattvas and
didn't Nichiren Daishonin declare himself to be a reincarnation of
Jogyo who was the leader among these bodhisattvas? Also, you said
it yourself, the Lotus Sutra is difficult reading while Nichiren
Daishonin's Gosho is somewhat more accommodating. Furthermore,
Nichiren Daishonin prominently inscribed his seal on Gohonzon and
inextricably linked himself to the Buddha Dharma. Don't these things
suggest that Nichiren Daishonin is the true Buddha of the latter day
of the law?"

Nichiren Daishonin often used the tactic of creating imaginary
dialogues to address critical issues when he could not directly face
his audience on the floor of debate. So, in borrowing from this, the
questions above might be answered in the following way. "I can see
that your sense of respect for Nichiren Daishonin and his great
accomplishment is very deep and I share that with you. However, I
believe, it would be more correct to say that seven hundred years ago
Nichiren Daishonin emerged to further expound and elucidate the
essential practice of Myoho Renge Kyo. The process of translating
Lord Shakyamuni's essential Dharma teachings down to the central
practice of Daimoku, took over two thousand years and involved the
life work of all votaries of the Lotus Sutra that preceded Nichiren
Daishonin. Nichiren Daishonin did not invent the Daimoku. (4)

However, he was the first to broadly advocate its use as the
essential practice of the Lotus Sutra. Like all votaries before
him, Nichiren Daishonin revered the Lotus Sutra above all other
scriptures and made it the basis of his doctrine and dedicated his
life to fulfilling both its prophecy and dispensing its prescription.
Therefore, it would seem that any fair sense of respect or
indebtedness to him should include careful examination of what the
text of Lotus Sutra contains, what Nichiren Daishonin had to say
about the Lotus Sutra, about Shakyamuni, and what Nichiren Daishonin
had to say about himself."

It is true that Nichiren Daishonin declared his life to be closely
aligned with the predicted mission of bodhisattva Jogyo. Bodhisattva
Jogyo was one of Shakyamuni's principle bodhisattva attendants.
Nevertheless, it must be remembered that Shakyamuni had four
principle bodhisattva attendants, not just one. The four
bodhisattvas of the earth who take a place with Shakyamuni, are
considered to 'signify the four virtues of the Buddha's life: true
self, eternity, purity, and happiness'.( 5)

However, because each of these bodhisattvas represents only
one of the virtues (aspect or function) of the Buddha's life, anyone
of them alone is provisional by definition. Nevertheless, Daishonin's
frequent references to Jogyo and his landmark inscription of Gohonzon
are decisive characteristics of his Buddhism. In regard to this, Nichiren
Daishonin wrote:

"Then how can there be any doubt that I, Nichiren, am the teacher of
the Lotus Sutra? In other words, I almost resemble "the envoy of the
Thus Come One"; I am carrying out "the Thus Come One's work." I have
propagated the five characters of the daimoku which were entrusted to
Bodhisattva Jogyo when the two Buddhas [Shakyamuni and Taho] were
seated together within the jeweled stupa.(6) Does this not indicate
that I am an envoy of Bodhisattva Jogyo?"(7)

In the gosho, "The Selection of the Time", which Nichiren Daishonin
subtitled as "Nichiren, disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha", the
following statement is found.

"......Shakyamuni Buddha also extended his tongue, which is incapable
of telling falsehoods, until it reached the Akanishtha Heaven, saying
that in the fifth five-hundred- year period after his passing, when
the entire body of Buddhist doctrine would be about to disappear,
Bodhisattva Jogyo would come forward with the five characters of
Myoho-renge- kyo and administer them as good medicine to those
afflicted with white leprosy -- those persons of incorrigible
disbelief and those who slander the Law. And he charged Bonten,
Taishaku, the gods of the sun and moon, the Four Heavenly Kings and
the dragon deities to act as that bodhisattva' s protectors." (8)
and elsewhere

"The text of the sutra clearly states that at this time, Bodhisattva
Jogyo will make his advent and bestow the five characters of Nam-
myoho-renge- kyo upon all the people of Japan. It also makes clear
that he will face exile and execution. I, Nichiren, am like the
emissary of Bodhisattva Jogyo, because I am spreading this
doctrine.... ..The Jinriki chapter states: "Just as the light of the
sun and moon illuminates all obscurity, this person will practice
among the people and dispel the darkness of all beings." In this
passage, in the statement, "this person will practice among the
people," to whom do you think "this person" refers? I believe that it
must indicate the person who is the reincarnation of Bodhisattva
Jogyo."(9)

Judging from the literal import of these and other quotations,
Nichiren Daishonin clearly defined himself as a follower of the
Tathagata, but more specifically, the metaphorical if not literal
reincarnation of bodhisattva Jogyo. The most notable thing about
this, is that the rather explicit association with bodhisattva Jogyo,
unambiguously classified Nichiren Daishonin as a disciple of the true
Buddha rather than the true Buddha himself.

To further clarify, the whole issue needs to be considered in the
light of the doctrine of the three treasures: the Buddha, the
Dharma, and the Sangha. The term "Sangha" refers to the order of
disciples and followers of the Buddha. In Chapter 15 of the Lotus
Sutra, the bodhisattvas of the earth are described as Shakyamuni's
most ancient disciples, who had been under his training since the
indescribably remote past .(10) Therefore, the four bodhisattvas of
the earth metaphorically constitute the original sangha of the
original Buddha.(11) Consider ing these things, what significance could
or shouldn't be ascribed to Nichiren Daishonin's prominent seal at
the bottom of Gohonzon? In the "The True Object of Worship",
Nichiren Daishonin describes Gohonzon as follows:

"In the air above the saha world [which the Buddha of the essential
teaching identified as the pure and eternal land], Namu-myoho-renge-
kyo appears in the center of the Jeweled Stupa (5) with Shakyamuni
and Taho Buddhas seated to the right and left, and the Four
Bodhisattvas of the Earth, led by Jogyo, flank them. Around them are
Monju, Miroku and the other followers of the Four Bodhisattvas. All
the other bodhisattvas, whether they are disciples of the Buddha of
the theoretical teaching or of the Buddhas of the other worlds, take
their seats further below, like commoners kneeling on the ground in
the presence of nobles and high ministers. The Buddhas who gathered
from the other worlds in the ten directions of the universe all
remain on the ground, showing that they are only manifestations of
the eternal Buddha and that their lands are transient, not eternal
and unchanging." (3)

Given this description, Nichiren Daishonin Daishonin's seal at the
very bottom of Gohonzon places him beneath the lowest and most
provisional ranks among the followers of Shakyamuni and his four
principle bodhisattva attendants, below the personages of the six
lower worlds, and even below the votaries prior to the middle day of
the law. Consequently, to define Nichiren Daishonin as the true
Buddha is like calling the moon's reflection on the water the moon
itself, like believing that the heavens rotate around the earth
rather than the earth upon its axis. Undoubtedly, the issues of
function are complex and everything inscribed on Gohonzon is rich and
many sided in meaning. This notwithstanding, the position of
Nichiren Daishonin's seal at the bottom of Gohonzon could be seen as
symbolically representing the perennial bodhisattva of the earth, the
sangha leader preaching the Buddha Dharma in the saha world; or
variously, the embodiment of the latter day disciple kneeling on the
ground, chanting Daimoku in veneration and observance of the Dharma
body of the eternal Buddha Shakyamuni. Therefore the essential
relationship ofNichiren Daishonin to Lord Shakyamuni, is originally
and eternally one of disciple to master. Even in Nichiren
Daishonin's transcendent aspect as bodhisattva Jogyo, Nichiren
Daishonin's relationship to Lord Shakyamuni is still one of disciple
to master.

PART TWO:

Even so, our protagonist might respond, "I must admit I have little
defense against Nichiren Daishonin's own words or the evidence of
Gohonzon. Again, however, the Lotus Sutra is difficult to understand
and accept and therefore also Shakyamuni. If there are people that
can be liberated by the belief that Nichiren Daishonin is the true
Buddha, then haven't the true intentions of Shakyamuni been well
served? In other words, isn't it possible that because of their past
karma, that some people are unable to take faith in Shakyamuni and
the Lotus Sutra but can take faith in Nichiren Daishonin and the
Daimoku?"

Your question is searching and has some broad implications that need
to be considered. As Nichiren Daishonin taught, propagation of the
Dharma must be in accordance with the time, the teaching, and the
country (8). Of course, the essential problem of having the
Buddha's true Dharma confused with inferior doctrines and
philosophies is the same throughout the world. Nevertheless, because
of differences in cultural circumstances, the confusion is masked
behind a different composition of philosophies, and ideologies in
each country. Therefore, we must attempt to understand what is best
for the growth of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in this country.
With this in mind, I would answer your question by asking you to
consider the matter in the following way. In the 16th chapter of the
Lotus Sutra, the Tathagata employs the parable of the excellent
physician who attempts to administer medicine to his children after
they were infected with poison.

"Those among the various children who have not lost their minds see
that this excellent medicine is good in both color and fragrance and
at once swallow this, their illness is completely eliminated and they
are cured. As to the remainder who have lost their minds, although
on seeing their father coming they also rejoice and make inquiries
and request him to heal their illness, yet when he gives them the
medicine, they are unwilling to swallow it. What is the reason? It
was because since the influence of poison has penetrated deeply and
has made them lose their original minds they said to themselves about
thismedicine with good color and fragrance that it is not beautiful."
And later:

"I ever know the masses of beings proceeding on the way and not
proceeding on the way; according to what will save them, I preach for
them all kinds of Dharmas. I myself ever form this thought: by what
shall I cause the masses of beings to be able to enter the supreme
way and rapidly achieve the Buddha body?" (12)

In accordance with this, Nichiren Daishonin's ultimate aim was to
bring all people to direct faith in the pure Buddha Dharma of Lotus
Sutra itself. Any expedient that does not ultimately lead to this
end is not in accordance with what he taught. The notion that
Nichiren Daishonin is the true Buddha, is a heterodoxy that
originated in Japan several centuries ago among a small faction of
his followers long after his passing. (1) This fact should be taken
into careful consideration. A prevalent theme throughout Nichiren
Daishonin's writings is that eventual enlightenment can be assured by
the invocation of Daimoku alone. Undoubtedly, some benefit can be
gained by accepting Nichiren Daishonin as the true Buddha, provided
that this investment in faith leads to the actual chanting of
Daimoku. However, what of those people who cannot be won to the
Daimoku by such a subterfuge? This latter kind of people may very
well be the majority in this country. Shakyamuni of India, the
historical Buddha, also called Gautama, is rather commonly known
throughout the literate world as the original Buddha. This prior
information is the original cause that motivates many people to be
attracted to and seek out the devices of Buddhist practice. So,
what of these people, having a-priori cultivated respect for Lord
Shakyamuni, only to have that respect crushed off by the SGI
sentiment? Because of this, how many people have rejected the
Daimoku and Nichiren Daishonin before they hardly begin or never
attempted at all? And what of those people who after years of
practice realize the truth when examining the literal meaning of the
Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin's major writings uncorrupted by
the agenda laden interpretations of the SGI movement? What
potential difficulties can ensue after having become deeply bonded to
the subterfuge by years of community affiliation, friendship, and
even family? In other words, among those who were taught from the
beginning that Nichiren Daishonin is the true Buddha, how many of
them would have been better off believing from the onset that
Shakyamuni is the true Buddha? In turn, how many people were driven
away from the onset because no respect for the Buddha land of
Shakyamuni could be found?

The protagonist replies, "........ these questions raise difficult
issues and consequently do not lend themselves to easy answers. It
may not be very satisfying, but no one ever said it would always be
easy, certainly not Nichiren Daishonin. Earthly desires and
delusions are nirvana and the sufferings of life and death are
enlightenment. Matters of belief and understanding reside there as
well. Regardless, your answers have not yet adequately satisfied
some of my deeper concerns. As we have discussed, the Lotus Sutra is
difficult to understand and difficult to accept. How can the
majority of people be expected to directly read and study the Lotus
Sutra and usefully gain benefit from it? Further, we can both agree
that Nichiren Daishonin's contribution to doctrine and practice is
great indeed. As a matter of strategic concern, don't you fear that
the benefits of his contribution will be lost to posterity and the
spread of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo blunted if Nichiren Daishonin is not
endowed with the status of true Buddha?"

In response to the last part of your question, please consider the
following things. The latter day of the law (mappo), is defined as
the age of decline when the true Dharma is confused with inferior
teachings and consequently lost. For this reason, sowing the seed of
the true Buddha Dharma (Myoho Renge Kyo) has particular emphasis in
the practice of Nichiren Daishonen's faith. The term "shakubuku" has
been inextricably linked to the propagation movement. The term
shakubuku has multiple meanings. I understand that in one sense it
means, 'to crush or subdue', but in another sense it means 'to refute
heretical views'. It is sometimes hard to see the forest when
standing close to the trees. Considering this, I may ask in return,
isn't it actually possible that the successful propagation of Myoho
Renge Kyo has been compromised by the lack of universality of the
expedient you employ? Representing Nichiren Daishonin as the true
Buddha can easily cause some people to see him as just another
radical cult hero, a subversive fad, rather than as a legitimate
Buddhist master. If we are going to confuse the status of key
personages like Shakyamuni and Nichiren Daishonin, then how much
easier is it to misrepresent the status of others, thus leaving
Nichiren Daishonin's orthodox Buddhism and the propagation movement
open to exploitation and corruption? It is difficult to estimate
just how much damage this kind of phenomena has done to the
credibility of both Nichiren Daishonen and Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
itself. In any event, I think you must admit that the stand you
take creates verysubstantial limitations regarding to who among >the
populace that the seed of Daimoku can successfully be propagated.
As to the issue of the majority of people benefiting from direct
study of the Lotus Sutra, I must answer at considerable length.
First, I suspect that most of those who claim that the Lotus Sutra is
too difficult to study, also carry a similar attitude towards
Nichiren Daishonin's gosho. These are the kind of people who would
rather depend on what their leaders prescribe than bend to the effort
of studying the source documents themselves. With little exception,
basic literacy is rather universal condition in this country. There
is also a clear difference between what is difficult and what is
truly impossible. The Lotus Sutra admonishes us that in the age of
mappo we should depend upon the Buddha Dharma (the written sutra)
rather than on the words of others. And Nichiren Daishonin himself
admonished that we should "listen to the golden words of the Buddha,
not what others have to say". (13) Undoubtedly, Nichiren Daishonin's
Buddhism opens and closes with the Daimoku, it is the soul and
essence of the practice that he expounded. Without assiduous
return to Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, the rest of the elements of faith,
practice, and study are like the different parts of the lotus plant
severed from its root. Even so, Nichiren Daishonin wouldn't have
stressed the assiduous recitation of the Hoben and Juryo chapters had
he wanted us to chant Daimoku only. That is, he intended that we
become well acquainted with the heart of the Lotus Sutra, both in
sound-rhythm and in literal meaning.

There is very substantial practical justification for being attendant
upon literal meaning. As most of us first experienced, substantial
benefit can be achieved just by taking faith in the chanting of
Daimoku. However, to continue without study, is to base Daimoku on
the devices of one's karma laden past experience and insight alone,
rather than having that insight mediated by the written guidance of
the Buddha Dharma itself. After a certain point, progress in faith
and understanding is much slower without study into the literal
meaning of the Buddha Dharma. The lack of such study also makes
people vulnerable to the misleading views and guidance of others.
Nichiren Daishonin undeniably believed that the Lotus Sutra did fit
the capacities of the people of the latter day. The whole theorem
of the thing was that some two thousand years after the Buddha's
passing, the people were indeed ready for the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren
Daishonin, wouldn't have advocated the sacred title of the Lotus
Sutra as the central practice if he hadn't believed this. In so
doing, he strictly defined what was the essence, what was the heart,
and what was the body of the text of the Lotus Sutra. Now, some
three thousand years after the Buddha's passing, the Lotus Sutra
fits the capacities of the people just as well if not better. To
venture an analogy, when Albert Einstein first published his theory
of relativity, there wasn't anyone else on the planet that could
understand what he was talking about. Then, after a while, two or
three other physicists of his time got it figured out and then after
a while a few more caught on. Now, even less than a century after
his startling revelations, it would be difficult to earn a degree in
the physical sciences without having a basic handle on Einstein's
theory. Although, few people on the street (including myself) could
tell you much, there is hardly anyone in the modern world who hasn't
at least heard of Einstein and his revolutionary theory of
relativity. The technological and industrial edifice of modern
civilization is predominantly based on the older Newtonian physics
(14). However, the seed of relativity theory has been planted and is
inexorably working its way into the depths of the collective
and thus gradually altering our practical understanding of the
physical universe. It would be safe to predict that civilization of
one or two thousand years from now will be incalculably different as
a consequence. It is difficult to significantly change the
consciousness of an entire species of living being. As a species,
we have resided on the plateau of civilization for only five or ten
thousand years at best. In the life of the planet and our race, a
few thousand years can hardly be counted as a period of huge
extent. The true pure Buddha Dharma shares something in common
with relativity theory insofar as human kind as a whole has been a
long time in preparation to receive it. Thepredicted ten thousand years
of the latter age of the law marks a time when both the widespread
need and the capacity for the Buddha Dharma enjoys an extraordinary
convergence.

The Daimoku is the seed practice, but knowledge of the heart and
eventually the body of the Lotus Sutra is necessary in order that the
seed develop good roots and produce a well formed plant. In
the "Opening of the Eyes", Nichiren Daishonin quoted Miao-lo as
having concluded, 'if one fails to become acquainted with the Buddha
of the Juryo chapter, one is no more than a talented animal who does
not even know what lands his father presides over.' (13) Yes, the
Lotus Sutra it is difficult to understand, but so are many classical
works when read for the first time. Those who suggest that the
Lotus Sutra is too difficult to be worth the reading are seriously in
error.

I can anticipate your next question, "not all people are bookworms,
just how much reading and study must be done do to satisfy the
practice?" Of course, the essential answer is, "just one phrase,
'Namu Myoho Renge Kyo'". However, this one phrase is very deep in
meaning and the study of it, is consequentlya life long journey.
This journey can be greatly aided if time is taken to consult the
written Buddha Dharma of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin's
gosho. Nichiren Daishonin expressed a very focused and economical
stand on the prescribed scope of study when he wrote:

"'In all the Buddha's lands of the universe there is but one supreme
vehicle, not two or three, and it excludes the provisional teachings
of the Buddha,' and 'Honestly discarding the provisional teachings, I
will expound the Supreme Law,' and 'Never accept even a single phrase
from the other sutras.' Thus, ever since that time, the supreme
vehicle of the Mystic Law has been the only teaching profound enough
to enable all people to attain Buddhahood.' " (15)

Judging from this passage, it should be clear that Nichiren Daishonin
did not expect us to master the entire Buddhist cannon in order to do
justice to his faith. Study of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren
Daishonin's supporting gosho, are the central liturgical articles of
faith. Undoubtedly, first readings are difficult because there are
many unfamiliar terms and unusual styles of literary expression.
However, with repeated effort, the task of comprehension eventually
becomes easier. Although, huge in substance of meaning, the Lotus
Sutra is not a particularly long book. In turn, the entire
collection of Nichiren Daishonin's writings is a rather modest
holding, and his major writings constitute only a fraction of this
(16). Therefore, it is not an unreasonable expectation that the
majority of people gain direct familiarity with the contents of
both. As familiarity deepens, the Lotus Sutra is almost certain to
show itself to actually have excellent "color and fragrance". The
Lotus Sutra is the master plan that Nichiren Daishonin's faith rests
upon. One would be remiss in claiming to be his follower if he or
she didn't endeavor to build studied acquaintance with its content.
Unquestionably, it is the same imperative with the study of Nichiren
Daishonin's gosho, which serves as doctrinal guide for interpreting
and practicing the Lotus Sutra in the latter day. However, this is
only part of an answer to the complex question that is at the heart
of this discussion.

PART THREE:

It is said that one of the sacred titles of the Buddha is "the world
honored one". In the present age, there is hardly anywhere in the
literate hemisphere that one or another of the Buddha's titles is not
known. If he is not known as Shakyamuni, then he is known as
Gautama, or the "awakened one", or the historical Buddha, or simply
the Buddha. Moreover, there is no historical personage in the
larger Buddhist world culture that is more universally acknowledged
than Shakyamuni or any Mahayana sutra more highly revered than the
Lotus. Although, relatively few western people know much about the
essentials, it would be difficult to have any knowledge of world
religions and philosophies and not have heard of the middle way
doctrine.

The severe austerities that Gautama underwent in his quest to
discover, understand, and elucidate the fundamental causes and cures
of suffering, were an unprecedented display of courage, discipline,
and dedication. Moreover,after enlightenment, the social and
cultural austerities he endured to ensure the integrity of his
ministry and the purity of his teachings were a profound testament to
the strength of his faith (17). The diamond hard body of practical
and philosophical wisdom he fashioned in ancient India, left an
extraordinarily influential imprint on the very record of
civilization. Three thousand years later, the impact of his
historical turning of the wheel of the law, still reverberates across
the waters of human consciousness. His essential teachings have
inspired and guided seekers of the way ever since. His teachings
inspired his immediate disciples, his life and teachings werethe
inspiration behind the Lotus Sutra, he inspired all the bodhisattvas
of the former and middle days of the law, he inspired Nagajuna, T'ien-
t'ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo and he inspired Nichiren Daishonin. Without
the seed of Shakyamuni's original enlightenment, the accomplishments
of all these others, including Nichiren Daishonin, would be
practically less than dust. How could anyone reasonably doubt that
Shakyamuni is the Tathagata, the original parent, teacher, and
sovereign of the Buddha land, the world honored one? To deny this is
to literally cut oneself off from the life blood of the Buddhist
faith.

The life and legend of Shakyamuni reflects a very high ideal of human
existence. It reflects a standard of successful altruistic living
which is of history changing impact. This ideal speaks to both the
individual and the collective, even though embracing its full measure
seems far beyond either the desire or the capacity of us ordinary
people. However, that is not a bad thing, we need not turn away in
fear because it is neither our capacity nor our personal role in the
scheme of things to duplicate the details of Shakyamuni's personal
life or otherwise match his historical fame. The Lotus Sutra teaches
that we are all equal in our potentiality for enlightenment. However,
in matters of faith and wisdom, it is a very rare that anyone
succeeds in coming even near the historical and legendary stature
that Shakyamuni obtained. Indeed, Shakyamuni lived the life that he
did in order to produce a decisive legacy for the ages. The
wonderful thing, is that Shakyamuni's life was one that was lived
long for the standard of his time, and one lived with extraordinarily
impeccable intent and success. As a testimony to the most profound
teachings of Shakyamuni, the Lotus Sutra expounds the essential
causes and effects that lead to the universal eradication of
suffering. From this standpoint, it is an absolute certainty that
anyone can find something within its pages that is worth study and
reflection. If we have no ideals to regularly observe that are
clearly beyond our measure, than no possibility of beneficial
advancement in our own lives or in the life of the race is
conceivable. Such is the Lotus Sutra, the quintessential Buddhist
masterpiece of philosophical and cosmological writing, the crown
jewel of the Mahayana.

You say that you fear that Nichiren Daishonin's great contribution
will be lost if he is not endowed with the status of the true Buddha.
The sages tell us that, "those who do not learn the lessons of
history are bound to repeat them." I therefore suggest that you
should fear the loss of Shakyamuni's legacy every bit as much. This
is sometimes the hardest thing to understand, but the essential
diamond hard nature of Shakyamuni's original enlightenment cannot be
improved upon, it can only be studied and emulated. Nichiren
Daishonin's orthodox Buddhism and his own faith rests upon the legacy
of Shakyamuni's original enlightenment. What a shame it would be to
have the original antecedents of the Buddhist faith annihilated from
the memory of the race. To loose the jewel of wisdom and insight
that Shakyamuni crafted, would be on a par with loosing the gifts of
tool making and written language, like being relegated to the status
of wild animals in the wilderness who never learned who their own
parents were. If anything, the world suffers from lack of sufficient
knowledge about the life and teachings of Lord Shakyamuni. It should
therefore be clear that Nichiren Daishonin had very deep and far
reaching justification for defining the true object of worship as he
did. As followers of Nichiren Daishonin, we should endeavor to
cultivate respect in the manner that he prescribed.

Nevertheless, we are still left with the central issue of this
discussion. That is, "if Nichiren Daishonin is not the true Buddha,
then who indeed is he and how should we represent him?"
Historically, we know that Nichiren Daishonin was a Mahayana Buddhist
priest, a disciple of Shakyamuni, a Daimoku master, a mandala maker
of extraordinary accomplishment, and the foremost votary of the
Lotus Sutra in the latter age of the law. The unique character of
his accomplishment was punctuated by the prescription of Namu Myoho
Renge Kyo as the essential practice, clarification of the true
object of worship, inscription of Gohonzon, and the formulation of
landmark doctrinal standard forinterpreting and practicing the Lotus
Sutra. At the heart of it, he distilled the most essential
teachings of Buddhism down into a formula of faith, practice, and
study that common people like ourselves could regularly embrace
while continuing to build and live ordinary lives. This was indeed
an accomplishment of extraordinarily great insight, wisdom, and
compassion. The product of an enlightened life lived in the service
of the Eternal Buddha and the people of the earth. As a votary of
the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Daishonin's life vow was to practice,
expound, and propagate its teachings as the essential prescription
to overcome the karmic effects of slander and to extinguish
suffering.

By historical precedent, a Buddha is a sage who has achieved a state
of perfect illumination from practicing the teachings of the original
Buddha Shakyamuni. In regard to the matter, Nichiren Daishonin wrote:

"Although not worthy of the honor, Nichiren was nevertheless the
first to spread the Mystic Law entrusted to Bodhisattva Jogyo for
propagation in the Latter Day of the Law. Nichiren Daishonin was also
the first to inscribe the Gohonzon, which is the embodiment of the
Buddha from the remote past as revealed in the Juryo chapter of the
essential teaching, of Taho Buddha who appeared when the Hoto chapter
of the theoretical teaching was preached, and the Bodhisattvas of the
Earth who emerged with the Yujutsu chapter. No matter how people may
hate Nichiren Daishonin, they cannot possibly alter the fact of his
enlightenment. "(2)

In the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni vowed to make everyone equal to
himself in terms of the benefits of the enlightenment that he himself
obtained. Unquestionably, Nichiren Daishonin's own enlightenment is
an historically decisive instance of the fulfillment of Lord
Shakyamuni's promise. As the Buddha's disciple, Nichiren Daishonin's
enlightenment was the product of the original Buddha's most profound
teachings as they had been preserved and illuminated through the
succession of votaries of the Lotus Sutra to the time of Nichiren
Daishonin's appearance at the beginning of the latter age. Nichiren
Daishonen's Buddhism is orthodox Mahayana Buddhism refined and
expounded in accordance with the essential prescription of that
lineage.

The labor of successfully establishing Nichiren Daishonin's orthodox
Buddhism in this country, is a process of correctly establishing its
status relative to the original teachings of Lord Shakyamuni. Many
of us in this country began our journey as followers and
practitioners of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism based on the belief
that he is the true Buddha. As an expedient for centering on the
essential practice, this initial shaping of belief and understanding
was not really so incorrect as it could have been. This is
particularly so considering the myriad of less worthy personages and
teachings that one's faith could be invested in. It is also true
that because of this investment in Nichiren as True Buddha,
ironically, more people have ended up ascribing less significance to
Nichiren Daishonin than would be expected. Despite elevating Nichiren
to true Buddha status fewer and fewer people seem to have respect for
the Nichiren Lotus Sutra Buddhism. *Imagine, there are a group of
vociferous supporters of the vice president who claim that joe Biden
and not Barack Obama is the true head of state. Through no fault of
his own, joe biden being a loyal follower of president Obama, in the
mind of the vast majority of the people, his status has become that
of usurper. The people will in the end, turn away from Joe Biden, his
power and influence to support the president will be diminished and
people may even begin to harbor doubts about the programs of the
president and the Law of the land.*

The issue can also be looked at from the standpoint of the three
virtues of sovereign, teacher, and parent. The true orthodox stand
of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism specifies that the only personage
that legitimately possesses all three virtues is Lord Shakyamuni the
master of teachings. (18)(19) Nevertheless, anyone who takes
Nichiren's Daishonin's orthodox Buddhism seriously, will have some
functional tendency to ascribe these virtues to him. (2) However,
such an ascription can only hold orthodox validity when it is
understood that Lord Shakyamuni is Nichiren Daishonin's sovereign
lord and therefore the true sovereign, parent, and teacher of our
faith. The term "Daishonin" means "great teacher". Therefore, the
correct orthodox endowment of Nichiren Daishonin is with the virtue
of teacher of Lord Shakyamuni's Buddha Dharma. Failure to be
observant of this relationship between Lord Shakyamuni and Nichiren
Daishonin is tantamount to denying the true cause underlying Nichiren
Daishonin's own enlightenment. The original vow to bring all people
to enlightenment was Lord Shakyamuni's. In turn, all the Buddha's,
bodhisattvas, and guardian deities that attended the ceremony in the
sky, made their vows to Lord Shakyamuni. It was also to Lord
Shakyamuni that Nichiren Daishonin made his vow to propagate the
Lotus Sutra in the latter age. In Nichiren Daishonin's true orthodox
Buddhism, Lord Shakyamuni of the 16th chapter of the Lotus Sutra is
the original and eternal Buddha and therefore the original benefactor
of the Buddha Dharma, Myoho Renge Kyo.

As Lord Shakyamuni's disciple and emissary, Nichiren Daishonin's life
work was in the service of guiding all people to enlightenment
through the profound teachings of Myoho Renge Kyo. The most
fundamental linguistic identity of "Myoho Renge Kyo", is the actual
title of the written scripture of Lotus Sutra itself. Consequently,
the phrase "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" should clearly imply being
attendant upon both the Daimoku and the Dharma teachings expounded
within. In the final analysis, the very essence of Nichiren
Daishonin's faith, is the Buddha Dharma originally expounded by the
eternal Buddha Lord Shakyamuni. This Dharma is mirrored in the
depths of Gohonzon and in the depths of the written scripture of the
Lotus Sutra itself. A new Daimoku movement is emerging in this
country that is anchored in this original and eternal Buddhism of
Lord Shakyamuni. This movement is based on the true meaning of
Nichiren Daishonin's faith as it has been restored, preserved, and
taught by the succession of true followers since Nichiren
Daishonin's own time. The lineage of this succession is
exemplified by Nichiju Shonin, who founded the Kempon Hokke sect
of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism many centuries ago in Japan. (1)
It is through the vehicle of this movement that the people of this
country now have both the alternative and the opportunity to learn
and practice the Buddhism of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo as Nichiren
Daishonin truly intended.

So now, the present discourse has gone full circle to where it
began. Who then is Nichiren Daishonin? Of course, in the final
analysis, I can only speak for myself as Nichiren Daishonin's gosho
is the true doctrinal authority, not what I have to say.

Nevertheless, at least for me, under the original and eternal
sovereignty and parenthood of Lord Shakyamuni, Nichiren Daishonin is
my historical teacher and sangha leader in this latter day of the
law. He is the founder and patriarchal elder of the orthodox
Mahayana Buddhism that I practice. His gosho teachings are most
excellent. As Daishonen, he is the authority on how the Lotus Sutra
should be interpreted and how the essential practices of Buddhism
should be performed in this latter age. As lay follower and
practitioner of the Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, I endeavor to be
attendant upon the oneness of the true Buddha and true Dharma
revealed in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra of Shakyamuni as
Nichiren Daishonin prescribed.

"A passage from the Lotus Sutra reads, '...as though one had found a
ship to make the crossing.' This 'ship' might be described as
follows: The Lord Buddha, a shipbuilder of infinitely profound
wisdom, gathered the lumber of the four tastes and eight teachings,
planed it by honestly discarding the provisional teachings, cut and
assembled the planks, using both right and wrong, and completed the
craft by driving home the spikes of the one, supreme teaching. Thus
he launched the ship upon the sea of suffering. Unfurling the sails
of the three thousand conditions on the mast of the Middle Way
doctrine, driven by the fair wind of 'all phenomena reveal the true
entity,' the vessel surges ahead, carrying all believers who can
enter Buddhahood by their pure faith. Shakyamuni Buddha is the
helmsman, Taho Buddha mans the sails, and the four Bodhisattvas led
by Jogyo strain in unison at the creaking oars. This is the ship
in 'a ship to make the crossing,' the vessel of Myoho-renge- kyo.
Those who board it are the disciples and followers of Nichiren.
Believe this wholeheartedly. " (20)

NAMU MYOHO RENGE KYO

References and Notes:
(1) Kempon Hokke Bukkokukai Manual For New Believers, Hokke Kai
International, Eugene, OR, 1997.
(2) Nichiren Daishonin, "The True Entity of Life", Volume I, NSIC,
1979.
(3) Nichiren Daishonin, "The True Object of Worship - Kanjin no
Honzon Sho", Volume I, NSIC, 1979.
(4) Note: The term "Daimoku" means "title of a Sutra". The Hokke
Gengi, which is one of major works of Tien-T'ai, is said to have
expounded the premise that the essence of the entire Lotus Sutra is
expressed in the title. The Hokke Gengi is further said to provide
exhaustive interpretation of each of the five characters of Myo-ho-
ren-ge-kyo. It is unfortunate that no English translations of the
major works of Tien-T'ai have yet been made available.
(5) Dictionary of Buddhist Terms and Concepts, NSIC, 1983.
(6) Note: the actual wording of this translation had it as
the "treasure tower" in reference to the apparition in the sky
described in the 11th chapter of the Lotus Sutra. However, various
other English translations of the Lotus Sutra have this chapter
titled as the, "Jeweled Stupa", or "Precious Stupa", or
just "Stupa" or "Shrine". Therefore, the term "Stupa" was
considered more faithful to the original meaning.
(7) Nichiren Daishonin, "Earthly Desires Are Enlightenment" , Volume
I,
NSIC, 1979.
(8) Nichiren Daishonin, "The Selection of the Time", Volume III,
NSIC, 1985.
(9) Nichiren Daishonin, "This Person Will Practice Among The
People",
Volume VI, 1993.
(10) Hurvitz, Leon. "Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine
Dharma", Translated from the Chinese of Kummarajiva, Columbia
University Press,
New York, 1979.
(11) Kubota, Rev, Tetsujo; H.G. Lamont (translator) , "A Talk on
Nichiren
Daishonin Shonin's Object of Worship", Sankibo Buddhist Book Store
LTD. Tokyo, Japan1994.
(12) Kubota, Rev. Tetsujo; H.G. Lamont (translator) , "The Essential
Services of the Kempon Hokke Sect", Kempon Hokke Bukkoku Kai,
Japan, 1995.
(13) Nichiren Daishonin Daishonin, "The Opening of the Eyes, Part
II", Volume II, NSIC,1984.
(14) Note: It is interesting to observe that the older "Newtonian"
physics is viewed as a special instance of general relativity. This
is somewhat analogous to the Buddhist concept of a provisional
teaching, which is characterized as an expedient understanding or
partial truth. It would be incorrect to define the
physics of Einstein as a complete truth. Nevertheless, it
constitutes a more
complete truth about physical reality than Newtonian physics alone.
(15) Nichiren Daishonin, "On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings" -
"Nyosetsu
Shugyo Sho", Volume I, NSIC, 1979.
(16 ) Note: Parallel to the division between true and provisional
teachings, Nichiren Daishonin's gosho is made up of both major and
minor writings. His major writings are characterized as those that
elucidate the foundation of his orthodox Buddhism and were written
for general dissemination. In contrast, his "minor" writings are
characterized as those that were specifically written for a
particular person, an expedient medicine to deal with a unique
ailment or
> problem and therefore not necessarily applicable to all people.
(17) Lotus Sutra, Chapter 14, or Chapter 13 in the Kern Translation.
(18) Nichiren Daishonin, "The Teaching in Accordance with the
Buddha's Own Mind", Volume 7, NSIC, 1994.
(19) Nichiren Daishonin, "On Prayer", Volume 7, NSIC, 1994.
(20) Nichiren Daishonin, "A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering,"
Quotation extracted from "Kempon Hokke Bukkokukai Manual for new
Believers", October, 1997.
*Added by me*