Buddhism, Part 1: Nichiren Buddhism

Perhaps you’ve heard Tina Turner talk about her Buddhist practice, or Marianne Pearl, wife of the assassinated Pakistani newspaper, portrayed by Angelina Jolie in the movie “A Mighty Heart.” Both practice, Nichiren Buddhism, along with 18 million other people in 165 countries.

Nichiren Buddhism has its origins in the teachings of Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), who lived in India 2,500 years ago. Leaving his financially and socially comfortable position, Siddhartha Gautama went to the desert in search of enlightenment, and spent forty years traveling from town to town, spreading his teachings, compiled in writing called the Sutras.

Seven hundred years later, Nichiren Daichonin established rules for the interpretation of the teachings of Buddha based on the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren Buddhism practitioners gather at the Soka Gakkai Internacional (SGI). They believe that Buddhism is a practical philosophy that helps people achieve their full potential through deep personal transformation. This process transforms fear, egoism, anger, wisdom, and compassion. The three basic principles of Nichiren Buddhism are faith, practice, and study that will help practitioners reach a Buddhist enlightened state that everyone is capable of reaching. Enlightened individuals can then help others achieve that state.

Reciting the Mystic Law, or “nam-myoho-renge-kyo,” and the reading of two chapters of the Lotus Sutra, a ritual called “gongyo,” along with devoted study, reflection and personal changes, will lead to enlightenment for Nichiren Buddhist practitioners and will help them show others the road to enlightenment and peace.
For more information about Nichiren Buddhism, please visit: www.sgi.org