Customer Reviews (11)

The middle road - the Buddha in Daily Life Nichiren Daishonin
The book is comprehensive, easy to follow, spans a wide spectrum of the Nichiren Daishonin beliefs. Richard Causton does an excellent job in writing for both East and West audiences. THe book is orderly, thought provoking, and a gift to read.

Well, this review is valid double...
... I suppose, if you consider the above comment being written by one of the most cynical human beings on earth (me)! Seriously, now: we are mostly accustomed to just "talk" about religions and the various approaches to life, crossing our fingers and hoping for not being too much hurt during our allowed "timeslot" on earth. But this book seriously opens a new perspective for yourself and your dears, too. Certainly recommended for your own soul or for an intelligent friend that you know in trouble. Nothing is left to the chance in life and if you are reading this brief review, well... it only means you deserved it!...

A fantastic book
This book is my favorite written introduction to Buddhism and one of my favorite references.I have been practicing Nicheren's Buddhism for fourteen years, and I think this book is both a clear explanation of Buddhism for someone who doesn't know much about it, and also wonderful for those who have been studying Buddhism for a while.The author did a fantastic job of clearly describing some deep concepts, and also the basics of Buddhist philosophy.

The Best Introduction
This is simply the best, and most thorough, introduction to Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism I have read. Mr. Causton is an excellent writer. He takes the complexities of life and Buddhist ideas about how to approach life and presents them clearly and understandably.

Practically explained Buddhism for our World.
Richard Causton does a brilliant job in this book explaining some of the most complex mechanisms of life and consciousness in a manner that is accessable for anyone to understand. Especially useful are the ancedotal stories and simple diagrams he employs to explain themes which can be rather deep.
This book is not only essential for the novice or practicing Buddhist. Its contents are of practical interest for anyone who has studied anthropology, psychology, religious studies, or sociology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Work on Nichiren's Writings
As with the 2nd volume, this first work is a much welcomed western academic publication of Nichiren Shonin's writings. Few sources of this quality are available in English, and I hope to see similar works in the future.

The two main works found in this volume are the Rissho Ankoku-ron and Senji-sho, both of which are foundational texts to Nichiren Buddhist doctrine. The book itself is very attractive, easy to use, has introductory comments for each letter, and includes a comprehensive glossary. Another attractive element is that footnotes are kept on the low side, and there is little editorial intrusion upon the body of the texts.

Entering Nichiren's World
This is an excellent volume in the ongoing translation project at the University of Hawaii.I understand that it will eventually be seven volumes.It is an excellent introduction to Nichiren's writings and his world.I found it well written, well translated, with a helpful glossary of terms and phrases peculiar to Nichiren's writings, and a good index.

Nichiren is one of the most influential Buddhist teachers in Japanese History.The largest group of Buddhists in the West follow one or more of the many Nichiren traditions.His teachings have a broad appeal across cultural and class lines.Those interested in Nichiren, Japanese Buddhism, and why this form appeals to so many westerners, will find this volume, and the rest from the U. of H. helpful in understanding this great Sage's comprehensive views of the Buddhadharma.

Dharmajim
... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Awesome
This book is great!!! Recently, we had a very very tragic loss in our family. My 21 yr old brother, all American college football player with absolutely no enemies, was randomly attacked and beaten to death one night while leaving a store by a group of 6 guys. It was a gang initiation beating. I turn to this book everyday for support. It seems like every single teaching, applies to me personally so it's helped me a lot through these past couple of weeks! Especially during this struggle I have with losing my younger brother so suddenly and in such a cruel manner.

The Best Way of Life
This is a book of Daily Encouragement, written by Soka Gakkai International(A world wide Buddhist organization) President, Daisaku Ikeda. However, it doesn't tell you to chant or meditate everyday but it teaches you how to live your life best way possible. Live your life with hope, courage and never give up spirit.

Perfect Gift
This is such an encouraging book by Daisaku Ikeda. We are giving them to
our fellow friends and members as birthday gifts. It seems that each birthday for each friend has a perfect quote that is meaniful to them.

I'm also planning to give this book to my friends that are not members
as they are "life truths" as a dear Christian friend said to me after she
read some quotes by Daisaku Ikeda.

Anna L in Lodi, CA

Buddhism Day by Day:Wisdome for Modern Life
Love it!Intelligent; insightful, inspiring...and current.It's also very light and easy to carry. Worth its weight in gold.

Fresh Guidance
This is a welcome update in the series of daily guidance offered to fellow Buddhists by Daisaku Ikeda.It is always helpful to start the day off with encouraging words, especially when they are fresh and not previously seen or at least not totally familiar. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Very inspirational
If I didn't already practice Nichiren Buddhism, I would after reading this book.The stories of how people change their lives, not just manage them, are truly inspirational.I especially liked the story by Marianne Pearl, the wife of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal writer who was murdered. She is a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism and you can see this in the film about her, A Mighty Heart.

I've given this book away to many people.

The Buddha next door is a Excellent book, every one can relate to it's stories. Mary S. San Jose, CA.
The stories in this book are very powerful.They are personal heart felt
struggles that people have walk through, and have gained wisdom and insight.In there strugggling to over come their personal obstacles, they as individuals are able to break through their own personal fears and win, through the struggle, redefine for themselves what is important,the experience within is peace.

Truly inspiring
As a practising buddhist (Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism) I have my own true stories to share and I am not surprised how this buddhism practice has brought about so many positive changes in so many people's lives.

Stronly recommend this book.

Inspiring and encouraging, "if they can, I can.." gem!
My friend, who's the SGI-USA bookstore manager in our community center, alerted me to this great book! She even lent me her copy and, like her, I was deeply impressed! (So I got my own from Amazon!)It reads like a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book, except with an SGI focus! It features George Aoyama's determination, who lost his father David among the American Airlines passengers who died on 9/11. (Many SGI members knew David who was an outstanding, dedicated SGI member; father; husband; and friend. ) George's courage, spirit, and similar dedication would make David proud, I believe!And these are all real, wonderful experiences of SGI members. So I give heartfelt recommendation to anyone seeking to eliminate doubt in one's own, or other's "Buddhahood!"Get it! Digest it! This book is simply great!!!If you "absorb" this, you can't go wrong!!! I thank everyone involved in bringing this gift to the public!

An uplifting read for a fellow SGI member
The Buddha Next Door is a great read for those looking into Nichiren Daishonin's buddhism and those that are already practicing. This book has real life stories on how individual members of the SGI (organization of Nichiren Daishonin's followers) have overcome, in most cases, devastating, heart wrenching obstacles. The world needs more encouraging stories like these that give us strength when we're down and feel like we can't go any further.

If you are brand new to the SGI and Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism you should read "The Buddha in your Mirror" by one of the same authors: Greg Martin. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

New version is better
The new version of this book, called "The Buddha in Daily Life" is much better than the older version.

I cherish this book
I have read this book, now titled "The Buddha in Daily Life - an Introduction to Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism," several times since I discovered it at Amazon of the United Kingdom.You can go there throughit's name at the bottom of the screen on the American Amazon site.Ihighly recommend this book if you are interested in Buddhism and interestedin Nam myoho renge kyo, or even if you have been chanting for many years. This book explains it all in the most amazingly profound yeteasy-to-understand way.

I was not a practicing Buddhist when I first readthis book.I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai by afriend in Spain and he told me that I should read "The Buddha in DailyLife" to learn everything I wanted to know about this Buddhism.Hewas right.

Needless to say, I did, and have been practicing NichirenDaishonin's Buddhism with the Soka Gakkai of Mexico ever since.I can'tsay enough good things about this book.It changed my life.It helped mediscover true happiness.Muchisimas gracias Richard Causton!

"The Buddha in Daily Life - An Introduction to Buddhism"
Mr. Richard Causton, or "Dickie" to those of us who knew and loved him, was the honorable General Director of Soka Gakkai International-United Kingdom (SGI-UK) until his death in 1995 at the age of 75.A couple of years before his passing, Mr. Causton initiated therevision of this book with the assistance of his good friend andprofessional writer Eddy Canfor-Dumas.In what would become one of thefinal major accomplishments of his life's mission, in 1994 Mr. Caustonfinalized the revised text and renamed this book "The Buddha in DailyLife - An Introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin."

Tome, "The Buddha in Daily Life" is the greatest book ever writtenin the English language about the practice and study of NichirenDaishonin's Buddhism.I have bought at least ten copies over the past 5years and given them to everyone I know and love - whether they areinterested in practicing Buddhism themselves or simply curious about myBuddhist faith and its philosophy...

Part one of"The Buddha in Daily Life" explains the Buddhist view of life -the theory of the Ten Worlds, the meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and a fewinspiring experiences from people who have used this practice to changetheir lives for the better.

Part two covers Buddhism in daily life - thethree pillars of Faith, Practice and Study, the Gohonzon and the SokaGakkai International.

I highly recommend Richard Causton's "TheBuddha in Daily Life" to everyone interested in learning more aboutthe practice of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as well as to everyone alreadypracticing.My own practice and understanding of Buddhism has been greatlyenriched by it - and for that, I am eternally grateful to the great Mr.Richard Causton.

Many insights
I loved this book.It helped me understand many practical applications of Buddhist ideas instead of the esoteric (and powerless) lessons contained in most books about Buddhism.

Before writing this review I read the previousones and I was suprised by the reviewer from Canada's reaction.Perhapsthey have an ax to grind?

Buy this book, read it, and make your ownjudgement.I found it very educational.

Book changed in later versions
The big problem with this book today is that it was significantly re-edited after Causton's death from the original version and after the lay organization, Soka Gakkai, was excommunicated from it's religion, Nichiren Shoshu. Causton, though a loyal SGI leader at the time, still wrote a good(yet controversial within the SGI at the time) book. Anyone interested inreading this book should try and seek out the early edition, not the later. ... Read more

Book Description
Nichiren Shonin was born in a turbulent time in Japanese history. Born as a fisherman's son in a small village, Nichiren was thrust into a world of deceit and treachery. He would be the object of the government's displeasure because of his calls for reform in Japanese society and a return to the truth of the Buddhist Dharma. Here is a chronicle of this important figure of Japanese Buddhism which tells of his conflicts with the rulers of his time and of his teachings. Nichiren was a Buddhist reformer, who saw the Lotus Sutra as the cornerstone of the Dharma. His life and teachings continue to serve as an inspiration and guide for people's lives today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Well worth the read!
This book is the best English language resource on the life of Nichiren available today. The author makes use of a broad range of truly scholarly sources, and yet his writing style is so engaging and dynamic that one almost feels like they are actually witnessing the events being described by the author. The author goes to the trouble of making a clear disticntion between the events in the life of Nichiren which are actually historical and the events attributed to his life which are based on popular traditional hagiography. Nichiren is a much misunderstood person; being seen quite often as someone who was intolerant of other religions only for the sake of establishing his own. This book clarifies that Nichiren's intolerance was towards religious and government policies that oppressed the common people. In this regard, the book almost reads like a "theology of liberation." It is well worth the read.

Good Biography on Nichiren Shonin
This small book contains an engaging biography of Nichiren Shonin, a Buddhist master who founded the Hokke (Lotus) school in 13th century Japan. In addition to the text itself, the book also contains glossy pages showing the life of Nichiren by way of painting, and is a nice addition. The writing-style of this book is quick, enjoyable, and easy to read. It is not overly technical or laden with terms, but does provide historical background to place Nichiren's life in context. One not need be a scholar to understand it, and it is very accessible to the beginning student of Buddhism.

This book contains only the orthodox views and teachings of Nichiren, and is one of the few biographies in English that are reliable on this account. Nichiren's teachings are also explored in this work, and his devotion to the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni comes through clearly. It can be said that this book is more of a devotional piece or a hagiography than an academic work. Nichiren Shonin emerges as a powerful figure at the center of this book, propagating the Lotus Sutra under the most stressful conditions imaginable.

This is an excellent introduction to Nichiren Shonin and his teachings, who is often misunderstood not only in popular culture, but academic circles as well! I do hope to see a larger and more in depth biography of Nichiren published in English in the near future to complement this enjoyable book.

Unconventional treatment
This volume on Nichiren, the 13th century Buddhist who founded a revolutionary school of Buddhism, is a work with certain merits.There are wonderful reproductions of rare prints depicting Nichiren in his time.I know of better source information on the life of Nichiren Daishonin available through the Soka Gakkai International organization. ... Read more

Product Description
This second volume in the Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin series includes two of his most important essays--the "Rissho Ankoku Ron" (On Securing the Peace for the Land through the Propagation of True Buddhism) and "Kaimoku Sho" (The Opening of the Eyes)--as well as fifteen letters to individual believers. The Gosho in this volume are chronologically arranged. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An interesting alternative
I had been looking forward to reading this book for some time.It is pretty easy reading, compared with more super-scholarly tomes (I'm thinking J.I. Stone).It has an easy, accessible prose style, and at times almost reads like a novel.

Montgomery takes a non-sectarian approach to Nichiren studies (what a relief!) and discusses first the Buddha Shakyamuni, then the Lotus Sutra itself, then Nichiren's life, and finally some of the sects which have grown up since Nichiren's passing.His coverage of the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu pre-dates the "divorce"of 1992, and is an interesting "take" on the old NSA.This chapter is entitled "Have a Gohonzon" after the old Gakkai song.All in all, I would recommend this book to a non-Nichiren beginner as an easy introduction to the history and doctrine of Nichiren Buddhism.I would recommend it to a sectarian believer as a refreshing independent view of how the schools developed.

The version I bought online at Amazon (through a vendor) was only $14, and in paperback.I think the prices being asked online for used copies at this point are way out of line. ... Read more

Product Description
This beautiful perpetual calendar will provide years of encouragement and inspiration as every day you can read a different passage from Nichiren Daishonin's writings. A different color photo graces each page, and important dates are noted. Measures approx. 12" wide by 5" tall. ... Read more

Product Description
15 ceremonies of this form of Buddhism are described in detail in this book. Illustrated. ... Read more