05-21-2008, 11:25 AM
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
Founder
Founded by Nichiren Daishonin in A.D 1253 at Mt. Hiei, Japan. Current headquarters on Mt. Fuji near Tokyo Japan.
Writings
The Lotus Sutra (a sutra is a book claiming to give the literal words of Gautma Buddha). The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin plus writings of Daisaku Ikeda
Who is God?
The mystic law of cause and effect (karma) is the essence of reality. It is embodied in the Lotus Sutra and in the Japanese title of the book
Who is Jesus?
Jesus Christ is not part of this belief.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is not part of this belief
How to be saved.
Enlightenment, prosperity, and healing come from chanting “nam-myoho-renge-kyo,” a phrase expressing devotion to the law of karma fulfilling worldly desires brings enlightenment.
What happens after death?
Repeated reincarnation until one is awakened to the Buddha nature. Then reincarnation stops. No heaven or hell.
Other beliefs or practices.
Group chanting of the phrase of devotion out of Law of the Lotus Sutra (the law of karma). Traditional Buddhists consider this group a cult, since the object of Buddhism is desirelessness and the object of Nichiren Shoshu is fully gratifying one’s desires. Followers worship a parchment, the Gohonzon, which contains the names of deities.