Tag: Kamakura period
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The 13th-Century Monk Who Said ‘Ignore Everyone’—And Why It’s the Secret to Deeper Listening
Introduction: The Practitioner’s Paradox In any spiritual path, a fundamental tension exists between two essential guides: the wisdom of others and the truth of our own experience. On one hand, we have sacred texts, traditions, and teachers—a map charted by those who have already walked the path. To ignore this map is to risk getting…
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What a 13th-Century Monk, Exiled and Sentenced to Die, Knew About Resilience That We’re Just Rediscovering
We all know the feeling. Life is moving along, and then, without warning, a challenge appears that knocks us off our feet. It could be a professional setback, a personal crisis, or a wave of obstacles that leaves us feeling powerless and wondering what we did wrong. We strive, we hope, we pray, but sometimes…
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Three Revolutionary Ideas from a 13th-Century Buddhist Monk About Human Potential
Introduction: The Challenge of Unlocking Our Full Potential In our daily lives, we constantly fall into the habit of placing limiting labels on people, including ourselves. We categorize others as “good” or “bad,” “smart” or “stupid,” or decide that certain individuals are simply lost causes, incapable of meaningful change. This tendency to see human potential…
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The Doctrine of Hōbō (Slander of the Law) in Nichiren Buddhism
Date: August 27, 2025 Subject: An In-Depth Analysis of Hōbō: The Doctrine of Slander of the Law in the Thought of Nichiren Daishonin I. Executive Summary This briefing document provides a detailed review of Hōbō, or “slander of the Law,” a foundational and controversial doctrine in Nichiren Buddhism. Originating with Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282) during Japan’s…
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Nichiren’s Path to Enlightenment
This briefing document provides a comprehensive review of key themes and essential facts from the provided source, “Nichiren’s Path to Enlightenment,” focusing on the transformative power of consistent individual action within a collective context. I. Introduction: The Transformative Power of Persistent Individual and Collective Action The core message of Nichiren’s philosophy, particularly as articulated in…
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Nichiren’s Exaltation of the Lotus Sutra
I. Executive Summary This briefing synthesizes key themes from the provided sources, which primarily review and present an essay titled “The Transcendent Dharma: An Examination of the Lotus Sutra’s Supremacy in Nichiren’s Teachings.” The central argument explored is Nichiren’s radical assertion of the Lotus Sutra’s preeminence over the historical Buddha, positioning the Dharma (Law) as…
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The Lotus Sutra’s Enduring Call in the Latter Day of the Law
This briefing document summarizes the core themes and most important concepts presented in the provided sources, focusing on the Lotus Sutra’s significance, particularly through Nichiren’s interpretation, and its role in personal and societal transformation. 1. The Lotus Sutra: A Foundation for Universal Enlightenment The Lotus Sutra, or Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra, is a foundational text in…
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Nichiren’s Practical Path to Joy and Wisdom
This briefing reviews the core tenets of Nichiren Buddhism, with a particular focus on its accessible, everyday approach to faith and practice, as exemplified in Nichiren’s “Letter to the Nun Myoichi.” It draws primarily from an essay titled “Unveiling Everyday Faith: Nichiren’s Practical Path to Joy and Wisdom in the ‘Letter to the Nun Myoichi’,”…
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The Preciousness of Mind: An Analysis of Nichiren’s Guidance in the “Emperor Shushun” Letter
Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282) stands as a towering figure in the history of Japanese Buddhism, primarily recognized for his unwavering devotion to the Lotus Sutra as the supreme teaching for attaining enlightenment in the Latter Day of the Law.1 His extensive body of work, collectively known as the Gosho, comprises a rich tapestry of doctrinal treatises,…
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Steadfast Faith Amidst Adversity: An Analysis of Nichiren Daishonin’s Counsel to Lord Ueno
I. Introduction: Faith Forged in Adversity Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282) stands as a pivotal, influential, yet often controversial figure in the rich tapestry of Japanese Buddhist history.1 His teachings, centered on the supreme authority of the Lotus Sutra, sparked both fervent devotion and fierce opposition during the tumultuous Kamakura period (c. 1185–1333). This report undertakes a…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 