Peering through the temple gates, one question lingers. What makes \u65e5\u6b63\u5bfa so special? Let’s uncover its history.
\u65e5\u6b63\u5bfa is a temple of Nichiren Buddhism. It focuses on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese priest Nichiren.
Nichiren Shoshu, the Orthodox School of Nichiren, reveres Nichiren as its founder. He is believed to be the sacred original true Buddha. Nikko Shonin, his senior disciple, established the head temple Taiseki-ji near Mount Fuji. He became the first in a lineage of high priests.
Nichiren Buddhism faced divisions after Nichiren’s death. During the Meiji Restoration, the government consolidated many Nichiren sects. In 1900, Taiseki-ji split from Honmonshu. It became Nichirenshu Fuji-ha. In 1913, Emperor Taisho renamed it Nichiren Shoshu.
Nichiren Shoshu champions the Lotus Sutra. They believe chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the only path to Buddhahood. This path is open to everyone regardless of their circumstances.
Nichiren Shoshu claims over 700 temples in Japan. They also have 24 temples outside Japan. This includes over 800000 global adherents.
They believe Nikko Shonin was chosen by Nichiren. He was to continue propagating Buddhist practice. This propagation would occur throughout the Three Ages of Buddhism.
Nichiren Shoshu priests wear unique vestments. They wear only white and grey robes. They also wear a white surplice. They believe Nichiren did the same.
The sect rejects donations from non-members. They cite karmic impurity. This comes from non-believers and those of other religions.
The sect has specific categories for donations. These are for registered believers. They include sharing religious practice and offering food. Monetary donations sustain the local temple. Labor services such as cleaning offer merit.
Lay believers belong to Hokkeko groups. These groups encourage solidarity and study. They also plan pilgrimages to the head temple in Japan.
Nichiren Shoshu’s official symbol is the crane bird. It is in a rounded shape. The eight-spoked wheel also symbolizes the Noble Eightfold Path.
The sect views all other religions with vehement rejection. They refer to any syncretism as slander.
Nichiren Shoshu teaches about karma and rebirth. They say humans choose to be reborn to their parents.
The sect considers Shakyamuni’s teachings expired. They believe Nichiren fulfilled a prophecy in the Lotus Sutra.
Nichiren Shoshu interprets the Three Buddhist Jewels uniquely. They consider Nichiren the True Original Buddha.
They also have the Three Great Secret Laws. These involve precepts, meditation and wisdom.
The Lotus Sutra is central to their teachings. They divide it into Theoretical and Essential Teachings.
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo holds great significance. It represents devotion to propagating Myoho-renge-kyo and Nichiren Daishonin.
Nichiren Shoshu conducts various ceremonies. These include memorials and celebrations. They also celebrate life-cycle events.
Gohonzons are issued to lay believers. These are sanctioned specifically by Nichiren Shoshu.
The sect teaches enlightenment. It can be achieved in one’s present life.
The Dai Gohonzon is their object of worship. It is a calligraphic mandala inscribed on camphorwood.
\u65e5\u6b63\u5bfa stands as a testament. It represents faith, tradition and the ongoing legacy of Nichiren’s teachings.