[Biography] Nichiren - The monk who spread the 'Lotus Sutra' and wished for peace in Japan -

A booklet on the Science of Happiness that can be learned by parents and children Monthly 'Hermes Angels' No. 266 open_in_new introduces the biography of Nichiren.

Nichiren (1222-1282)

Nichiren loved studying from a young age. He aspired, 'I will become the wisest person in Japan.' and diligently learned teachings after entering a temple at the age of 12.

As he practiced, Nichiren's long-standing doubts grew stronger.

"If the Buddha's teachings are supposed to be one, why do various sects say different things...?"

In search of the answer for 20 years, he trained at famous temples in Kamakura and Kyoto, and finally arrived at a single conclusion.

"Each sect teaches a part of the Buddha's teachings, but the complete teachings are written in the 'Lotus Sutra.' This is indeed the Buddha's teaching!"

※Sect: A division within the same religion. During the Kamakura period, there were many such as Rinzai, Jodo Shinshu, and Soto.

At that time, the country was experiencing famine, outbreaks of disease, earthquakes, and floods one after another.

"This is because people believe in wrong teachings."

Convinced of this, Nichiren submitted a document titled 'Rissho Ankoku Ron' to the shogunate, stating, 'If you believe in the 'Lotus Sutra,' Japan will become peaceful.'

However, this drew backlash from the shogunate and other sects, leading to his exile to Izu (Shizuoka Prefecture) and Sado (Niigata Prefecture), where he faced many hardships.

Just as Nichiren was about to be executed after being captured by the shogunate, a round light suddenly appeared in the sky, and the execution was called off! Nichiren expressed his gratitude, saying, 'The Buddha has protected me.'

After that, Nichiren continued his passionate activities and spread the Buddha's teachings until he passed away at the age of 61.

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