Nichiren Buddhism
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Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
Then why is rencheng trying to prepare earth for maitreya?
It is true that Maitreya will be the next Buddha, but that is certainly not Nichiren. Why? Because according to the sutras it will be 5.67 billion years before Maitreya Buddha comes. Before that, it will still be the era of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Maitreya will only come after a long period whereby the dharma [b]completely died out on Earth, that is to say, not a single sutra expounded by Shakyamuni Buddha survived, the Sangha totally dissolves, and nobody even knows the name 'Buddhism'. Even though we may be living in dharma ending age, such a stage whereby all sutras disappear has not even come yet. Since the sutras expounded by Shakyamuni Buddha still exists, for example, Lotus Sutra, it is IMPOSSIBLE for maitreya become Buddha now.
We cannot just 'anyhow anyhow' assume someone we think to be great as Maitreya. I believe Nichiren DID NOT claim to be Maitreya. He did not claim to be Buddha, did he?[/b] -
Preparing doesn't mean Maitreya attained Buddhahood what. During the time of Maitreya Buddha, Maitreya Buddha will praise Shakyamuni Buddha for planting the seeds of dharma in everyone, saying that it is Shakyamuni Buddha who created the cause for them to learn the dharma from him (maitreya).Originally posted by Cenarious:Then why is rencheng trying to prepare earth for maitreya?
http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/Maitreya.htm
And thereupon Maitreya, the compassionate teacher, surveys those who have gathered around him, and speaks to them as follows: "Shakyamuni has seen all of you, he, the best of sages, the saviour, the world's true protector, the repository of the true Dharma. It was he who has set you on the path to deliverance, but before you could finally win it you have had to wait for my teaching. It is because you have worshipped Shakyamuni with parasols, banners, flags, perfumes, garlands, and unguents that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have offered to the shrines of Shakyamuni unguents of sandalwood, or powdered saffron, that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have always gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because, in Shakyamuni's dispensation, you have undertaken to observe the moral precepts, and have actually done so, that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have given gifts to the monks -- robes, drink, food, and many kinds of medicines -- that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have always observed the sabbath days that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. -
Update: A Buddha must have 32 major marks and 80 minor marks. So far, none other than Shakyamuni Buddha possesses that. So obviously, no Buddhas has appeared since Shakyamuni.
If you look into the prophecy of Maitreya by Shakyamuni, it is totally unlike now or the period Nichiren lived in.
Sariputra, the great general of the doctrine, most wise and resplendent, from compassion for the world asked the Lord: 'Some time ago you have spoken to us of the future Buddha, who will lead the world at a future period, and who will bear the name of Maitreya. I would now wish to hear more about his powers and miraculous gifts. Tell me, O best of men, about them!'
The Lord replied: 'At that time, the ocean will lose much of its water, and there will be much less of it than now. In consequence a world-ruler will have no difficulties in passing across it. India, this island of Jambu, will be quite flat everywhere, it will measure ten thousand leagues, and all men will have the privilege of living on it. It will have innumerable inhabitants, who will commit no crimes or evil deeds, but will take pleasure in doing good. The soil will then be free from thorns, even, and covered with a fresh green growth of grass; when one jumps on it, it gives way, and becomes soft like the leaves of the cotton tree. It has a delicious scent, and tasty rice grows on it, without any work. Rich silken, and other fabrics of various colours shoot forth from the trees. The trees will bear
leaves, flowers and fruits simultaneously; they are as high as the voice can reach and they last for eight myriads of years. Human beings are then without any blemishes, moral offences are unknown among them, and they are full of zest and joy. Their bodies are very large and their skin has a fine hue. Their strength is quite extraordinary. Three kinds of illness only are known -- people must relieve their bowels, they must eat, they must get old. Only when five hundred years old do the women marry.
The city of Ketumati will at that time be the capital. In it will reside the world-ruler, Shankha by name, who will rule over the earth up to the confines of the ocean; and he will make the Dharma prevail. He will be a great hero, raised to his station by the force of hundreds of meritorious deeds. His spiritual advisor will be a Brahmin, Subrahmana by name, a very learned man, well versed in the four Vedas, and steeped in all the lore of the Brahmins. And that Brahmin will have a wife, called Brahmavati, beautiful, attractive, handsome, and renowned. -
Supa Naga,Originally posted by supa_naga:Dear all,
Nichiren Buddhism has been in the mainstream Buddhist circle as seen in the website of Japan Buddhist Federation (http://www.jbf.ne.jp/) where Nichiren Buddhist schools are members with exception to Nichiren Shoshu & Soka Gakkai.
Probably what needs to be banned from this forum is actually "Nichirenism". Well, I'll make a summary explanation of this.
In Japan, Buddhism is almost exclusively of the Northern tradition (Mahayana). The lineages are mainly from Tiendai (Tien-tai), Shingon, Jodo (Pure Land), Zen, Nichiren & Nara schools. Due to the sectarian nature of Japanese Buddhism, each lineage consists of subsects together with the main sect.
For Nichiren Buddhism, the main sect will be Nichiren Shu with subsects such as Kempon Hokke Shu, Honmon Butsuryu Shu, Honmon Hokke Shu & 3 offshoots of Hokke Shu. There are 2 sects that advocates "Nichirenism" instead & they are Honmon Shoshu, Nichiren Shoshu & its one-time lay organisation Soka Gakkai.
Here's the brief difference between Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu & Soka Gakkai:
3 Treasures of Buddhism
- Buddha
- Dhamma
- Sangha
1) Nichiren Shu
- Buddha : Eternal Sakyamuni Buddha
- Dhamma : Mahayana Tripitaka with the Lotus Sutra as base, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
- Sangha : Nichiren Shonin (with the monastics & lay community)
2) Nichiren Shoshu
- Buddha : Nichiren Daishonin
- Dhamma : The Lotus Sutra, Nam Myoho Rengo Kyo (with emphasize on the Goshos)
- Sangha : Nikko Shonin & successive High Priests
3) Soka Gakkai [2 types]
{A} Official
- Buddha : Nichiren Daishonin
- Dhamma : The Lotus Sutra, Nam Myoho Rengo Kyo (with emphasize on the Goshos)
- Sangha : Nikko Shonin
{B} In Reality
- Buddha : President Daisaku Ikeda
- Dhamma : Writings & Teachings of the President & Soka Gakkai
- Sangha : Soka Gakkai organisation & members
Reason for stating the above 3 organisations is that they are more known thru out the world & are ones with branches in Singapore.
For more info about Nichiren Shu, check out http://nichiren-shu.org/ , Malaysia branch (http://www.nshumy.org/) & Indonesia branch (http://www.nishi.org/)
Homage to the Original Teacher Lord Sakyamuni Buddha
Buddha's Grace,
Supa Naga
I see that you have some deep enimity to suggest that You got something against Soka Gakkai. Go check up your information. -
Herzog_Zwei:
Instead of saying Supa_Naga for having an emnity towards Soka, why not try to understand Buddhism outside the Soka's framework?
Many soka believers claim to practice the Lotus Sutra, but apparently, they don't seem to have read and study the Lotus Sutra, the whole 28 chapters of it on its own. Largely, their knowledge came from books published by Soka.
My advice is that, if you claim to be a Lotus Sutra follower, then read Lotus Sutra itself!
The Lotus Sutra itself in no way had mentioned Nichiren Shonin's name. I may respect Nichiren Shonin's effort in promoting Lotus Sutra, but definitely, like himself, only proclaim to be a messenger of Lord Sakyamuni.
I believe a healthy discussion on Lotus Sutra is needed if both parties do study the Lotus Sutra.
My advice is still the same, study the Lotus Sutra at its own, before fast proclaiming other people having emnity towards you.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo -
[useless post censored]
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Hi Herzog_Zwei,Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:Supa Naga,
I see that you have some deep enimity to suggest that You got something against Soka Gakkai. Go check up your information.
If there are misinformation on my part, I hope you can kindly assist to point out which are the parts of the misinformation so that I can correct them.
Thx...
Buddha's Grace,
Supa Naga -
Wasn't Zhu Yuan Zhang a monk in his earlier days? He came back to secular life in order to rid China of the Mongol cruelty.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Of course we are tolerant. Buddhists are tolerant of every religion in the world. We have never had a single historical record of wars
unlike many other religions...
But my point is SGI is certainly not mainstream Buddhism. -
Supa-Naga,
3) Soka Gakkai [2 types]
{A} Official
- Buddha : Nichiren Daishonin
- Dhamma : The Lotus Sutra, Nam Myoho Rengo Kyo (with emphasize on the Goshos)
- Sangha : Nikko Shonin
{B} In Reality
- Buddha : President Daisaku Ikeda
- Dhamma : Writings & Teachings of the President & Soka Gakkai
- Sangha : Soka Gakkai organisation & members
I believe you purposefully twisted information:
Meaning of Sangha-Traditionally, in Buddhism sangha almost always has one of two meanings: most commonly, sangha means the order of ordained Buddhist monks or nuns (that is, there is one sangha of monks and one of nuns). In a stricter sense, sangha can mean the assembly of all beings possessing some degree of enlightenment. Technically meaning all the priests under Nikko Shonin (including himself)or Priests for the reformation of Nicheren Shonshu and the lay believers. Since when do Sangha reflect only a single entity. ie Nikko?
Second, both Nicheren Shoshu and Soka Gakkai recite their dharma from the Hoben and Jigakei chapters of the Lotus Sutra as well as Nam Myho Rengo Kyo. Daisaku Ikeda's writings are for those who need a good example how to live their lives according to SGI. Technically, Daisaku Ikeda better learn how to live his life under more unidealistic conditions. As for Nam Myho Rengo Kyo, Nicheren once described it as Nippon represents the whole geography of Japan, so shall Nam Myoho Renge Kyo represent the whole Lotus Sutra which in any common sense or scientific sense represent crap.
By the way, has anyone seen Soka Gakkai members worshipping any of the books written by Ikeda or chanting the texts from such books? Then how the hell do you consider the books as dharma? Lastly, Supa-Naga, watch what you post for it reflects not only on your beliefs but your character as a person. -
Nicheren himself, said that the hoben and jigakei chapters of the Lotus Sutra are the most important and should be well-studied. And Nichiren recognises himself as the Bodhisattva Maitreya and thus will supercede Shakyamuni's instructions. Next they stupidly study the Gosho of Nichiren which are the letters and writings he wrote in his lifetime which is impractical and useless.Originally posted by yamizi:Herzog_Zwei:
Instead of saying Supa_Naga for having an emnity towards Soka, why not try to understand Buddhism outside the Soka's framework?
Many soka believers claim to practice the Lotus Sutra, but apparently, they don't seem to have read and study the Lotus Sutra, the whole 28 chapters of it on its own. Largely, their knowledge came from books published by Soka.
My advice is that, if you claim to be a Lotus Sutra follower, then read Lotus Sutra itself!
The Lotus Sutra itself in no way had mentioned Nichiren Shonin's name. I may respect Nichiren Shonin's effort in promoting Lotus Sutra, but definitely, like himself, only proclaim to be a messenger of Lord Sakyamuni.
I believe a healthy discussion on Lotus Sutra is needed if both parties do study the Lotus Sutra.
My advice is still the same, study the Lotus Sutra at its own, before fast proclaiming other people having emnity towards you.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Lastly, I claim to be an atheist but nevertheless someone who can only trust facts and not fiction, so I detest lies by people who never bothered to check it up.
I proclaim that Supa-Naga is having some enimity against Soka Gakkai because he can post a whole paragraph of diatribe without checking what is he posting about. -
Hi Herzog_Zwei,Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:Nicheren himself, said that the hoben and jigakei chapters of the Lotus Sutra are the most important and should be well-studied. And Nichiren recognises himself as the Bodhisattva Maitreya and thus will supercede Shakyamuni's instructions. Next they stupidly study the Gosho of Nichiren which are the letters and writings he wrote in his lifetime which is impractical and useless.
Lastly, I claim to be an atheist but nevertheless someone who can only trust facts and not fiction, so I detest lies by people who never bothered to check it up.
I proclaim that Supa-Naga is having some enimity against Soka Gakkai because he can post a whole paragraph of diatribe without checking what is he posting about.
Nichiren Shonin is said to proclaim as the messenger of Vishishtacharitra Bodhisattvs (aka Jogyo Bosatsu or Bodhisattva of Superior Practice). This is recognised in all authentic sects of Nichiren Buddhism. I can bring you to see a priest from Nichiren Shu if you want to meet her to get first hand account. I do not know where did you get the idea of Nichiren Shonin proclaiming to be the Matrieya Bodhisattva himself.
The problem with the soka follower is that they have little understanding of the general Buddhism. Ask any of the knowledgeable buddhists here, they will be able to tell you that Matrieya Bodhisattva will only appear when the Dhamma is near-extinction, so as to revive the Path leading to Liberation. Looking at the robust buddhistic activities around the world, I doubt this is the time, in fact, one of the sutras also mentioned about the coming of Matrieya and it's definitely not now.
Lotus Sutra practitioners will acknowledge that Lord Sakyamuni is the Eternal and Original Buddha, still, it's buddhists all around the world understands that all Buddhas possessed the same quality, including Wisdom, Compassion, etc. So it won't be correct to say Matrieya will supercede Sakyamuni.
Some of the goshos of Nichiren may be impractical, but some may be Faith-inspiring, which is important, as Faith will motivate one in his cultivation which further leads to understanding, practicing and eventually verifying and experience the benefit of Dhamma for onself.
It is true that chapter 2 and 16 are important, but it doesn't mean that one can forgo the understanding and practice of the remaining 26 chapters of the Lotus Sutra.
The undermentioned may provide you with some idea how does a nichrien buddhist should be practicing
http://www.nichiren-shu.org/practice.html
For your info, from what I understand, Supa_naga took the article from the undermentioned url, but I just tried to visit there but seems to be down at the monent. Anyway the one who wrote that seems to be from the soka practice and convert to nichrien shu and eventually ordained to become a nichiren priest. So he wrote what he'd experienced and observed.
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-01.html
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-02.html
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-03.html
Hope you have a nice day =) -
Don't bug me with offers to go to whichever denomination or sects, as I am not a buddhist in any way. According the Soka members, they believe the propagation of the Dharma is at end as there are many denominations around and yet no one attains enlightenment. For me, I prefer people not to misrepresent others' thoughts and ideas even though it may not be right.Originally posted by yamizi:Hi Herzog_Zwei,
Nichiren Shonin is said to proclaim as the messenger of Vishishtacharitra Bodhisattvs (aka Jogyo Bosatsu or Bodhisattva of Superior Practice). This is recognised in all authentic sects of Nichiren Buddhism. I can bring you to see a priest from Nichiren Shu if you want to meet her to get first hand account. I do not know where did you get the idea of Nichiren Shonin proclaiming to be the Matrieya Bodhisattva himself.
The problem with the soka follower is that they have little understanding of the general Buddhism. Ask any of the knowledgeable buddhists here, they will be able to tell you that Matrieya Bodhisattva will only appear when the Dhamma is near-extinction, so as to revive the Path leading to Liberation. Looking at the robust buddhistic activities around the world, I doubt this is the time, in fact, one of the sutras also mentioned about the coming of Matrieya and it's definitely not now.
Lotus Sutra practitioners will acknowledge that Lord Sakyamuni is the Eternal and Original Buddha, still, it's buddhists all around the world understands that all Buddhas possessed the same quality, including Wisdom, Compassion, etc. So it won't be correct to say Matrieya will supercede Sakyamuni.
Some of the goshos of Nichiren may be impractical, but some may be Faith-inspiring, which is important, as Faith will motivate one in his cultivation which further leads to understanding, practicing and eventually verifying and experience the benefit of Dhamma for onself.
It is true that chapter 2 and 16 are important, but it doesn't mean that one can forgo the understanding and practice of the remaining 26 chapters of the Lotus Sutra.
The undermentioned may provide you with some idea how does a nichrien buddhist should be practicing
http://www.nichiren-shu.org/practice.html
For your info, from what I understand, Supa_naga took the article from the undermentioned url, but I just tried to visit there but seems to be down at the monent. Anyway the one who wrote that seems to be from the soka practice and convert to nichrien shu and eventually ordained to become a nichiren priest. So he wrote what he'd experienced and observed.
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-01.html
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-02.html
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/SokaGakkai-03.html
Hope you have a nice day =) -
Hello Herzog_Zwei,Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:Don't bug me with offers to go to whichever denomination or sects, as I am not a buddhist in any way. According the Soka members, they believe the propagation of the Dharma is at end as there are many denominations around and yet no one attains enlightenment. For me, I prefer people not to misrepresent others' thoughts and ideas even though it may not be right.
I apologise that if you've mistaken me for offering you to any denomination or sects.
Like you, I do not like people who misrepresent others' thoughts, that's why I pointed out.
Propogation of the Dhamma should not be at the end, but should be all the time. -
Yamizi,Originally posted by yamizi:Hello Herzog_Zwei,
I apologise that if you've mistaken me for offering you to any denomination or sects.
Like you, I do not like people who misrepresent others' thoughts, that's why I pointed out.
Propogation of the Dhamma should not be at the end, but should be all the time.
Soka people said it was at end, how should I know? Do you personally know anyone who recieved enlightenment recently? -
Nope, and how will we know if a person is enlightened? That's why like I'd always say, refer to the Tipitaka. =)Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:Yamizi,
Soka people said it was at end, how should I know? Do you personally know anyone who recieved enlightenment recently?
Just like what I'd always tell other soka people as well, if they think they are pracitising the Lotus Sutra, then comprehend the Lotus Sutra itself, not by books written by another person.
Lotus Sutra is meant for us to comprehend and apply to our lives, not merely just a praying object.
=) -
I dare say yes, and quite a lot. But if I name them you probably wouldn't even believe, because your mind is probably fixed on the belief that there is no more enlightened people around, just because you have not met any.Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:Do you personally know anyone who recieved enlightenment recently?