The Path of Nichiren Buddhism

Nichiren Buddhism

When you first begin your journey into Buddhism it can be quite confusing. There are many different branches found within the Buddhist culture. It can be difficult to absorb all of the knowledge that is out there. Most of the words are foreign and are confusing and you will spend a great deal of your time looking up the definitions, which leads to an even bigger search. Add to the fact that there are different sects, such as Nichiren Buddhism, Buddhism Tibetan, Chinese Buddhism and many more, and suddenly you have your hands full. Many of the basic mantras are the same but they differ on how to achieve enlightenment.

Just as there are different variations of the same religion found in the United States, i.e. the Baptist faith versus the First Baptist etc., there are different branches of Buddhism. What the Zen Buddhist studies differs from what the Tibetan Buddhist studies. The Buddhism Nichiren taught was based on a different set of mantras handed down from Buddha in his later years. These teachings were known as the Lotus Sutra. These Buddhist teachings allow for people to find their own way to enlightenment through following his studies but Nichiren felt differently about the other branches of Buddhism. He thought that they had become splintered and fractured due to not following the correct path to enlightenment.

Back in the 13th century, a Japanese Buddhist monk by the name of Nichiren Daishonen became disillusioned with the way other Buddhists were spreading their version of the great Buddha's mantras. He believed that the Lotus Sutra chants and prayers were what Buddha wanted his followers to learn. In Nichiren Buddhism, the chanting of the Lotus Sutra helps a person to attain universal knowledge and find their enlightenment.

Nichiren believed that the Buddhist teachings of others were wrong. It was not about just abdicating earthly possessions. It was about reaching out to your fellow man to overcome trials and adversity together. His Buddhist studies allowed him to show that everyone, regardless of age, gender or status, could reach enlightenment. This opened up Buddhism to many new people and showed them that there was a possibility of overcoming problems to attain peace.

So is Nichiren Buddhism the right path to follow to reach enlightenment. Well, it comes down to what you believe in. All followers of Buddhism do have the great man himself in common. It is just which mantras to follow where the split comes. Buddhism is a world-wide religion and philosophy that have many seeking higher goals within their lives. You may be interested in discovering this path for yourself.