Nichiren-shu

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Nichiren Hakii, portrait, 15th century, exhibited in Minobu-san Kuon-ji

The Nichiren-Shū ( Japanese 日 蓮宗 ) is the oldest and largest of the traditional schools of Nichiren Buddhism , its teachings refer to the monk Nichiren (1222-1282), who lived in Japan in the 13th century. This school is a confederation of about 5000 Buddhist temples, both inside and outside Japan, which feel part of the Nichiren-Shū. According to its own information, the Nichiren-Shu had around 3.8 million members worldwide in 2010.

Basics

The Lotus Sutra is given the highest priority in this Buddhist school. The so-called Goibun ( 御 遺 文 ) or Gosho ( 御書 ) are letters and treatises by the founder of the faith, Nichiren, and are used to study Buddhism. The respective authenticity of these scriptures is interpreted differently in the various Nichiren schools. One is particularly critical of the so-called Ongi Kuden , the orally transmitted teachings of Nichiren. Their authenticity is doubted in large parts of the Nichiren-Shū, but the study of such writings is not categorically rejected. Study of other Buddhist scriptures is also strongly encouraged. Thus the interreligious dialogue (also with other Buddhist traditions) is a concern to which some temples of the Nichiren-shū feel particularly committed. One of the holiest places of Buddhism for the Nichiren-shū is the Kuon-ji temple on Mount Minobu , which was founded by Nichiren and on whose grounds there is also his grave.

Main directions of the Nichiren Shu

The Nichiren-Shū is made up of a confederation of different Buddhist schools, all of which have their origins in Nichiren Buddhism. The main representatives here go back to Nichiren's closest students:

Religious practice

The Shutei Gohonzon (or Rinmetsudōji Gohonzon) of which copies are given to the followers of the Nichiren Shū. This is the Gohonzon inscribed by Nichiren himself from March 1280. The original is said to have been placed on Nichiren's deathbed in the house of the Ikegami family (today Ikegami Honmon-ji ) and is kept in Kamakura, in the Chōkōzan Myōhōn-ji.

At the center of religious worship is a mandala called a Gohonzon . However, the Gohonzon can also be a statue, common forms of the Gohonzon are in the Nichiren-shū:

  • A statue of the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha .
  • A statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, flanked by the so-called four bodhisattvas from the earth (these are: Jōgyō , Muhengyō , Jyōgyō and Anryūgyō )
  • A stupa with the inscription Namu-myōhō-renge-kyō , flanked by the so-called four bodhisattvas from the earth .
  • A calligraphy of the Odaimoku ( Ippen Shudai ).
  • A copy of a Gohonzon made by Nichiren himself, the so-called Shutei Gohonzon, or a copy made by a priest.

With "Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha" is meant the Buddha of the Lotus Sutra as he reveals himself in the 16th chapter or the second half of the Sutra (essential teachings). Independently of this, Nichiren explains long before the Sado exile that a statue of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni is endowed with the presence of a copy of the Lotus Sutra with all 32 characteristics of the Buddha. What is meant is the characteristic of the voice .

In addition to the worship of this mandala, the reciting of the Odaimoku ( 御 題目 ) "Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō" and the recitation of parts of the Lotus Sutra are key points of the practice. The recitation of Odaimoku is also referred to as a ceremony as Shōdaigyō (see below). The recitation of parts of the Lotus Sutra is called Gongyō (勤 行) or Shōjin (精進) or Otsutome and is usually done in the morning and evening.

There are no general rules for the type of procedure. The beginning of the 2nd ( Hoben pon , Skillful Means ) and 16th chapter ( The Lifespan of the Tathagata , Versteil Jigage ) of the Lotus Sutra are part of every ceremony. The process varies, however, especially on official occasions. Excerpts from other chapters such as B. Excerpts from the 2nd, 3rd, 10th and 11th chapters, called Yokuryōshū, excerpts from chapters 12 ( Devadatta ) and 13 ( Perseverance ) and from chapter 20 ( Bodhisattva Never Despising ), 21 ( The supernatural powers of the Tathagata ) as well as the Kannon chapter 25 ( Universal Gate of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara ) an integral part of the liturgy. They can also be recited in front of your own altar.

Otsutome

Usually, however, the following procedure is followed, especially at home with the Otsutome:

  • Short silent meditation or Odaimoku Sanchō (three times Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō )
  • Sanborai ( executed in the temple by the monks as Shōmyō ) bowing to the three jewels (treasures), according to the interpretation of the Nichiren-Shū these are:
  • Kanjō : Invocation (invitation to the Buddha, the founder Nichiren Shōnin, the Bodhisattvas and the Buddhist patron gods ( Shoten Zenjin ) to attend the ceremony)
  • Kaikyōge: Opening Verses to the Lotus Sutra
  • Shindoku :
    • Reciting the 2nd chapter of the Lotus Sutra ( Hōben pon )
    • Recitation of the 16th chapter of the Lotus Sutra ( Juryō hon / Jigage )
  • Goibun : Excerpts from Nichiren's writings ( e.g. Shoho Jisso Sho oa)
  • Shōdai : Chanting (repeated recitation) of Odaimoku ( Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō )
  • Hōtōge: reciting part of the 11th chapter of the Lotus Sutra
  • Ekō: prayer (or commemoration of the deceased, depending on the occasion)
  • Shigu seigan : Bodhisattva vows
  • Odaimoku Sanchō (three times Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō )

Bells are used to subdivide the sections and, depending on the size of the assembly, a wooden bell Mokushō, Mokugyō or an Uchiwa Daiko (hand drum). At large ceremonies, sometimes very large taiko drums. These are used to control the rhythm and tempo during the recitations.

It is also not uncommon to recite the entire Lotus Sutra over several days. The recitation of the sutra is usually done in Japanese pronunciation or in the usual national language. The calligraphic copying of the Odaimoku ( 写 経 ,) is also used. These exercises are part of the exercises that a Dharma teacher should practice in the Nichiren Shū . Together these are:

  • To receive and maintain the Lotus Sutra body and mind
  • Reading the Lotus Sutra with your eyes
  • Reciting the Lotus Sutra
  • Explain the Lotus Sutra to others
  • Copying the Lotus Sutra ( shakyō )

Buddhist concepts such as seeking refuge and the four noble truths are, in contrast to other schools of Nichiren Buddhism, regarded and applied as supportive.

Shōdaigyō

Shōdaigyō ( Japanese唱 題 行) refers to the recitation of the title ( shōdai ) of the lotus sutra, the Odaimoku, as a Buddhist practice ( gyō ) as part of a meditation specific to Nichiren Shu.

This does not replace the otsutome and is considered an important practice. Its purpose is to promote the internalization and effectiveness of Odaimoku. This method has been practiced in its current form within the Nichiren-Shū since the 1950s. It was introduced by then Archbishop Nichijun Yukawa with the involvement and further development of earlier forms of this practice. The center of the meditation is the "chanting" or recitation of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo . This exercise is framed by supplementary prayers and silent meditations and is relatively uniform within the temple. The silent mediations follow the traditional way in attitude and implementation, as they are also used in the other Buddhist schools, e.g. B. Zen be performed.

Sequence (exemplary)

  1. Raihai (礼 拝): deep bow
  2. Dōjō-Kan: Meditation on the Throne of Enlightenment.
  3. Honmon Sanki: Refuge in the 3 treasures : Buddha , Dharma and Sangha .
  4. Jōshingyō: Silent meditation for the harmony of body and mind. This serves to calm the mind in preparation for the recitation of the Odaimoku. Execution as in other schools sitting, half lotus or full lotus position.
  5. Shōdai: recitation of the Odaimoku. This is usually accompanied by a mokugyo and / or taiko , depending on the size of the gathering. You start very slowly, slowly increase the tempo, chant more intensely and finally reduce the tempo again until the end.
  6. Jinshingyō: Silent meditation on the Odaimoku.
  7. Kigan Ekō: prayer of gratitude for the benefits of mediation.
  8. Shigu Seigan: The 4 Great Bodhisattva Vows .
  9. Juji: Dedication and promise to keep faith in the Lotus Sutra.
  10. Raihai: Deep bow

Special holidays

A list of the most important holidays:

  • January 1-3, New Year ceremonies
  • February 15th: Nirvana Day: Shakyamuni Buddha enters Nirvana
  • February 16: Nichiren is born
  • approx. March 21: O- Higan , equinox , beginning of spring, commemoration of the deceased
  • April 8: Shakyamuni is born , see also: Vesakh
  • April 28th: ​​Nichiren recites Odaimoku for the first time , the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism
  • 13-15 July (or 13-15 August): Urabon , memory of Maudgalyayana who, according to myth, saved his mother from the hungry ghosts . On this occasion, particularly deceased family members are remembered. This day is celebrated together with the so-called Segaki , as a reminder that all beings are connected to one another.
  • September 12th, commemorating the Tatsunokuchi Persecution
  • approx. September 23 O-Higan , beginning of autumn at the equinox
  • October 13: Oeshiki , Nichiren's entry into Nirvana
  • November 11th, commemorating the persecution of Komatsubara
  • December 8th: Bodhi Day , Jōdō-E , commemoration of Shakyamuni's enlightenment. Is celebrated in the Nichiren-shu with a candlelight ceremony.
  • December 31 - January 1, Joya-no-kane , The temple bell rings 108 times

Important historical temple of the Nichiren-shu

  • Kuon-ji , founded by Nichiren. Main temple of the Nichiren-shū on Mount Minobu.
  • Ikegami Honmon-ji , refers to the place where Nichiren died and was also cremated.
  • Hokekyō-ji , Chiba Prefecture, repository of the most important writings, emerged from the Toki Jonins collection ( Nichijō ). Place of the annual ascetic Aragyo training.
  • Seichō-ji , originally a temple of the Tendai-shū , since the temple plays an important role in Nichiren Buddhism since 1949 a temple of the Nichiren-shū. Prospective novices take their vows here.
  • Myōhon-ji , in Kamakura. One of the oldest Nichiren temples in Japan. Storage place of the Rinmetsudōji-Gohonzon (see above)
  • Hōtō-ji , in Kyōtō
  • Kyōnin-ji , founded on the site where Nichiren is said to have been attacked in 1281.
  • Ryūkō-ji , founded on the site where Nichiren was almost executed.
  • Tanjō-ji , refers to the place where Nichiren's parents' house was.

The Nichiren-shu outside of Japan

Outside of Japan it has been shown that the Nichiren-Shu is subject to slow but steady growth. One reason for this is that, compared to other Nichiren schools, there was no increased proselytizing , which other Nichiren schools were sometimes accused of in the past and from which the Nichiren Shu consciously tries to differentiate itself.

On the other hand, the spread outside of Japan was closely linked to waves of emigration such as to the USA . So it is not surprising to learn that the first temple of the Nichiren-Shū in North America was founded in Los Angeles in 1914 .

In the last few years, non-Japanese have been ordained as priests to which, especially in the West, a growing number of women belong. The Tokyo-based Risshō University also plays an important role in the formation of the Nichiren-Shū priests . At this point it should be noted that priests of the Nichiren-Shū are allowed to marry.

In addition to the Renkoji in Italy, the Daiseion-ji in Wipperfürth is one of three Nichiren-Shū temples in Europe. The latter serves as a meeting and training center, but not to lead a community. The Renkoji Temple publishes the liturgy for the ceremonies in different languages ​​through Editioni Renkoji, including the first German-language liturgy of the Nichiren Shū.

Differences from other Nichiren schools

Apart from questions of religious practice, there are also differences in the various Nichiren schools as to which role Nichiren should be given as a person. Both the Nichiren Shōshū and the Sōka Gakkai that emerged from it see Nichiren as a Buddha . The Nichiren-Shū, however, revered Nichiren as an embodiment of the Bodhisattva Jōgyō (Sanskrit: Viśistacāritra ). Therefore one speaks in the literature of the Nichiren-shū also of Nichiren Shonin, whereby Shonin represents a kind of title and could be translated as saint or sage. Nichiren is also seen as a reformer of Buddhism , trying to bring the core of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings back to the fore. The only Buddha of our age, according to the beliefs of the Nichiren-Shū, is Shakyamuni himself.

Another difference is that the Nichiren Shū knows the priesthood, but this is interpreted less hierarchically than, for example, in the Nichiren Shōshū. A high priest , endowed with a status of infallibility, as in the Nichiren-Shōshū does not exist in the Nichiren-Shū. This office leads the Nichiren Shōshū back to the priest Nikkō, whom Nichiren is said to have determined as his successor. That such a regulation of the succession was ever initiated by Nichiren, however, is denied by the Nichiren-Shū.

literature

  • Margareta von Borsig (ex.): Lotos Sutra - The great book of enlightenment in Buddhism. Herder Verlag, new edition 2009. ISBN 978-3-451-30156-8 .
  • JA Christensen: "Nichiren: Leader of Buddhist Reformation in Japan", Jain Pub (April 2001), ISBN 0-87573-086-8 .
  • Jacqueline I. Stone, "Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism", University of Hawai'i Press (Jun 30, 2003), ISBN 0-8248-2771-6 .
  • Daniel B. Montgomery, "Fire in the Lotus, The Dynamic Buddhism of Nichiren", Mandala 1991, ISBN 1-85274-091-4 .
  • Sakashita, Jay (Ed.): "Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Doctrines," Vol. I-IV, University of Hawai'i Press
  • Lotus Seeds, The Essence of Nichiren Shu Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhist Temple of San Jose, 2000, ISBN 0-9705920-0-0 .
  • Max Deeg (ex.): The Lotos Sūtra. WBG, 2nd edition, 2009, ISBN 978-3-534-23020-4 .
  • Rev. Shoryo Tarabini, The Liturgy of Nichiren Shū, Lulu.com, August 23, 2019, ISBN 9780244195496

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Rev. Chishin Hirai, History of Nichiren Shū, Nichiren Buddhist International Center, The Bridge 53, p.1 (2010) PDF ( Memento from December 1, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
  2. ↑ Sakashita, Jay (Ed.): Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Doctrine 1-6, University of Hawai'i Press, 2002-2010.
  3. ↑ Jacqueline I. Stone, Some disputed writings in the Nichiren corpus: Textual, hermeneutical and historical problems, dissertation, University of California, Los Angeles, 1990. Digitized (PDF; 21 MB) accessed on July 26, 2013
  4. ^ Burton Watson, (trans.): "The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings", Soka Gakkai, 2005. ISBN 4-412-01286-7
  5. ^ The Nichiren Mandala Study Workshop: Mandalas of the Koan period . In: The mandala in Nichiren Buddhism . tape 2 , catalog no. 81 . Library of Congress, USA 2014, ISBN 978-1-312-17462-7 , pp. 150 ff .
  6. ↑ ShuteiMandala ( Memento of the original from July 9, 2004 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / nichirenscoffeehouse.net
  7. ↑ Nichiren Shonin: Opening the eyes of wooden and painted images . In: Kyotsu Hori (Ed.): Writings of Nichiren Shonin . tape 4 . University of Hawaii Press.
  8. ^ Dharma , Nichiren-Shu Service Book, Nichiren Buddhist International Center, ISBN 0-9719645-3-X .
  9. ↑ Rev. Shoryo Tarabini: The Liturgy of the Nichiren Shu . Ed .: Renkoji Edition. Lulu.com, Cereseto 2019, ISBN 978-0-244-19549-6 .
  10. ↑ Tairyu Gondo: The Journey of the Path of Righteousness . Ed .: New York Daiseion-Ji. 1st edition. New York Daiseion-Ji, New York City 2014, ISBN 978-1-312-26700-8 .
  11. ↑ Shodaigyo. Retrieved February 22, 2018 .
  12. ↑ Rev. R. McCormick: Shodaigyo meditation. Retrieved February 22, 2018 .
  13. ↑ Shoryo Tarabini: La Liturgia della Nichiren Shu Italia . Ed .: Editioni Renkoji. Editioni Renkoji, Cereseto (AL) 2016, p. 168 ff .
  14. ↑ Lotus Seeds , The Essence of Nichiren Shu Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhist Temple of San Jose, 2000, p. 92, ISBN 0-9705920-0-0
  15. ↑ Rev. Shoryo Tarabini: La liturgia della Nichiren Shu Italia . Edizioni Renkoji. Cereseto 2016, p. 8th f .
  16. ^ History of the Nichiren-shu in the USA
  17. ^ Fire in The Lotus , Daniel B. Montgomery, Mandala 1991, 1991, pp. 147-151, pp. 169, ISBN 1-85274-091-4

Web links