Book Description
Translated by Senchu Murano, this volume contains two works by Nichiren (1222-1282), founder of the Nichiren Shoshu school: Risshoankokuron or The Treatise on the Establishment of the Orthodox Teaching and the Peace of the Nation and Kanjinhonzonsho or The Most Venerable One Revealed for the First Time at the Beginning of the Fifth of the Five Five Hundred-year Ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Definite Must Read
Being a 22 year old mother and one who grew up in this philosophy, this book provides a truly wonderful explanation of why we believe in the eternity of life.In fact, before reading this book I was confused oncertain aspects of this practice which I was able to understand afterwards. It was also very comforting in terms of dealing with a recent suicide of afriend, knowing that for lifetimes to come I will always be with my friendsand family again.

Life and death discussed in an open and refreshing manner.
This in-depth look at the very nature of life and death portrays the extensive knowledge and wisdom of Dr. Ikeda on the title subject.I found it to be fascinating and informative and would highly recommend a look atthis profound view of our own humanity.

Deeply thought-provoking and enlightening
This thought-provoking book is a clear, concise introduction to life and death as viewed by Buddhism.Daisaku Ikeda writes that Buddhist philosophy and its practice provide a vehicle by which people can understand theessence of the universe and therefore surmount the anger, despair, greed,and envy that often arise from ignorance about the true nature of life. Daisaku Ikeda finds a particularly relevant message - that enlightenmentcan be found in the daily lives of ordinary people - in the teachings ofthe thirteenth-century Japanese Buddhist sage Nichiren.

In the firstpart of the book, the author examines issues of birth, longevity, health,sickness, and death as they affect people today. Later chapters areconcerned with explaining fundamental concepts in Buddhist theory.Throughout the book, he illustrates the fascinating correspondence betweenBuddhism and current scientific thought. Complete with a glossary, index,and foreword by noted astronomer Professor N. C. Wickramasinghe, this bookis a wide-ranging, vigorously-written exposition which will challenge andabsorb the non-Buddhist reader as well as those more familiar withBuddhism.

One of the best books I've ever read
I can't praise this book enough.To sum it up briefly:

Buddhism teaches that all individuals innately possess infinite power and wisdom, and reveals the process whereby these qualities can be developed.In this incredible book, Daisaku Ikeda, leader of the world's largest Buddhistorganization, the Soka Gakkai International, explores this premise and itsmeans of realization, while charting the universal relevance of Buddhistthought and practice in today's world.

Buddhist patterns of thought canoffer release from the suffering of birth, old age, sickness and deaththrough a progressive understanding of their place in the cycle ofuniversal existence.

This book is a wide-ranging, vigorously writtenexposition which will challenge and absorb the non-Buddhist reader as wellas the Buddhist.

Highly recommended.

Truly Comforting
I read this book after the death of my mother and reading this book has completely put me at peace with her death and with death and dying in general. ... Read more

Book Description

Written as a companion to Eliot's 3-volumeHinduism and Buddhism, this title begins with a brief survey of Buddhism as practiced in India and China before delving deep into the history of Buddhism in Japan. It traces the evolution of the Buddhist movement in Japan from its "official" introduction in AD 552, through the Nara, Heian and Tokugawa periods, detailing the rise of the various Buddhist sects in Japan, including Nichiren and Zen. Thoroughly researched and well-written, it was the last work published by Eliot, one of the great scholars of Eastern religion and philosophy at the time.

Customer Reviews (1)

A compelling look at the origins of Japanese Buddhism
To come to the point right at the beginning of my review, let it be said that "Japanese Buddhism" is an exciting and immensely rewarding book. The author, Sir Charles Eliot, served as British ambassador to Japan from 1920 to 1925 and both his knowledge of Japanese thought and culture as well as the fact that as a scholar he had dedicated his life to the study of Asian religions may have made him the one non-Japanese expert of his time best qualified to write on the subject. Sadly, Sir Charles did not live to see his work published as he died - shortly before its completion - in 1931, but thanks to the efforts of his publishers and of George B. Sansom, an eminent Japanologist who wrote the last chapter, the book was finally printed in 1935.

Apparently, "Japanese Buddhism" is complementary to an earlier work by Sir Charles on Hinduism and Buddhism. Nevertheless, he does well to again describe Buddhism as it originated in India and how it made its way to China and finally reached Japan during the sixth century, as the evolution of Buddhism in Japan cannot be completely grasped without knowing Buddhism's history in India and China. The book thus is divided into three parts: As mentioned above, the first part deals with the characteristics of Buddhism as it was (and still is) practised in India and China, the second part is dedicated to a general history of Japanese Buddhism from the sixth century till the end of the Tokugawa period (mid-19th century) whereas the third part explains in considerable detail those "sects" - or "schools", as they are most often called today - that arguably played a decisive role in shaping the particularly Japanese interpretation of the original Buddhist tenets, namely the schools of Tendai, Shingon and Zen Buddhism as well as the schools of Amidism and the one founded by the charismatic Nichiren.

What is remarkable about Sir Charles' book is that it has withstood expert criticism and continues to be an excellent portrayal of Japanese Buddhism in spite of the 65 years that have elapsed since it was first published. True, the book offers no information whatsoever on the development after 1868 and thus no mention is made of the disestablishing of countless Buddhist temples after the Meiji Restauration - let alone the so-called "new religions" (shinshukyo) that were organized as lay Buddhist movements and which appeared only after Sir Charles' death - but anyone interested in the pristine forms of Japanese Buddhism may confidently turn to Sir Charles' book. The only reason why I do not rate "Japanese Buddhism" a 5-star-book is that in my opinion the Jodo school - which evolved side by side with Zen Buddhism and the Nichiren school - is not given the attention it deserves. Apart from this minor weakness, however, this is a rather comprehensive book on the origins of Japanese Buddhism and offers fascinating reading for everybody interested in the subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Interesting Analysis and Information about Buddhism in US
My best friend is a Buddhist who chants with the Soka Gakkai (SGI-USA) and she gave me this book to learn, from an unbiased scholar's viewpoint, what the Soka Gakkai in America is all about.I am very glad I read it, andhave since read many other wonderful books by Daisaku Ikeda as well as aBritish book called "The Buddha in Daily Life," which is myfavorite book on the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Buddhism.(I think that bookis only available at amazon.co.uk for the moment.)In any case, Irecommend this book "Soka Gakkai in America" by Jane Hurst as aninteresting analysis of history and information about the Soka Gakkaireligious movement in the United States.The author's insights into the"ethos" of this relatively new religious movement are wellconsidered, very interesting and well presented.

SGI Disappoints in America
This book looks at the past and present of Soka Gakkai, its interpretation of BuddhismCits current philosophies and its growth in America. In looking at what attracts Americans to this lay-buddhist organization, the authordescribes how faith in Soka Gakkaifs particular brand of proselytizingBuddhism leads to supposed self-development, happiness, peace andprosperity. Nothing is written of how SGI-USA has helped to garner popularsupport for American atrocities across the globe by purposely failing toenlighten SGI-USA members of those atrocities.

In dealing with therelationship between capitalism and Nichiren Buddhism, the author goesfurther awry. Nothing is mentioned of Soka Gakkaifs lucrative businessrelationship with Japanfs largest arms manufacturer while proselytizingSoka Gakkaifs peaceful agenda.

Nothing in this book informs the readerof the dark side of Soka Gakkai: the initiation of infants into theirreligion, Soka Gakkai's business relationships with Japan's largest armsmanufacturer and Soka Gakkai president Ikeda's tacit consent of the humanrights abuses of the world leaders he so often meets.

If one is lookingfor an obective and discerning view of Soka Gakkai, its philosophies andpractices, one won't find it in this book.

Interesting.
Being a SGI member I approched Mrs Hurst book with some resevation. A lot of ink has been spilled about our organzation and beliefs,however the vast majority of the writers had little to say.I am happy to report that this book actully looks beyond selective reporting and moves into thinking about the framwork of the belifs and cluture of our organzation, both past and present.The best part of the book is the interpatation of the interelationship between capitalism and Nichiren Buddhism. A well thought out book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Pnin-like
One of Pals's lesser known works, but well worth seeking out.Pals's little-known association with the Shoshu "cult" is recounted here in this endearingly humorous and poignantly sad memoir.The image of Pals standing on the side of the road, in the rain, chanting for the next bus to come along (he'd lost the schedule), is one I will never forget.

Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

The Encyclopedia of Buddhism provides a comprehensive overview of one of Asia's most important religious and social forces, describing the Buddhist worldview, basic teachings and practices, history, and the different schools and sects. This intriguing set illuminates a religion that is a mystery to most Westerners by exploring Buddhist scriptures, art, architecture, saints, demons, monastic orders, festivals, rites and ceremonies, as well as the different forms Buddhism has taken in different parts of the world, and how it has blended with other religions like Shinto, Confucianism, Daoism and Christianity.

Customer Reviews (1)

Senji -sho reveals that Nichiren is, (Jogyo Bodhisattva)
The Senji-Sho was one of Nichiren Daishonin'sFive Major Works. In thebeginning of the Senji-Sho (Essay on the Selection of Time) , the Daishoninstates "To study Buddhism, first of all we must know the right time.Nichiren states that Shakyamuni Buddha did not expound the Lotus Sutra formore than 40 years. As said in the Sutra, it was because "the time was notripe" . The Senji sho points out that he did not expound the Lotus Sutrathen because it was not time to reveal his eternal life as stated in the16th chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Which is in perfect accordance with theLotus Sutra it self. The time periods as stated by Nichiren in theSenji-Sho are as follows: During the 1st,, 500 years after the death of theBuddha, there will be many who attain Buddhahood. The 2nd, 500 years willbe the period many will study Buddhism and practice meditation. This willbe the state of Buddhism during the 1st 1000 years after the death of theBuddha. The 3rd, 500 year era people read Sutras intensively to increasetheir knowledge.The 4th , 500 year period, many people will build Templesand Stupas in search of happiness and virtue. This will be the state ofBuddhism during the 2000 years after the death of Shakyamuni. The 5th, 500year period will be the Latter Day of the Law. This wonderful essay ofNichiren says further that"Although both Mahayana and Hinyana Buddhismflourished for 2000 years following the death of Shakyamuni, which was theage of the True Dharma and the Imitative Dharma, they will all perishduring the Latter Day of the Law." (Senji-Sho). It is said in the LotusSutra in chapter 23, that it would be spread throughout the world in the5th , 500 year period after the death of the Buddha lest it should be lost. "The wonderful way of the Lotus Sutra will spread benefit far in the 5th ,500 year period! Which is clearly elucidated in this Senji-sho. Dengyodeclares "The age of the True Dharma and that of the Imitative Dharma areabout to end and the Latter Day of the Law is around the corner. This isthe time for the One- Vehicle teaching of the Lotus to spread." TheDaishonin states in the Senji-Sho "The 50 years of Shakyamuni's appearancein this world, the 2000 year period of ages of the True Dharma and theImitative Dharma, and the 10,000 years of the LATTER DAY OF THE LAW are allincluded in this period, during which human longevity decreases from 100years to the minimum of 10 years.Nichiren Daishonin states again in theSenji-Sho "In the 5th, 500 year period, when all the teachings of theBuddha are about to disappear, Bodhisattva Jogyo will be intrusted with the5 ideograms of Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo"Nichiren further states "afterall I, asa messenger of the Buddha, am only tring to spread "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo"in this period of disputes and quarrels. " The Senji-sho is a must forsomeone who wants to truely understand the truth of Nichiren's AuthenticTeachings which is that the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni is in essence theLotus Sutra i.e. "The true Object of worship" the Gohonzon. Irecommend this essay to all Nichiren Buddhist and scholars alike! Gassho,Steven (lotuseek) ... Read more

Book Description

The Encyclopedia of Buddhism provides a comprehensive overview of one of Asia's most important religious and social forces, describing the Buddhist worldview, basic teachings and practices, history, and the different schools and sects. This intriguing set illuminates a religion that is a mystery to most Westerners by exploring Buddhist scriptures, art, architecture, saints, demons, monastic orders, festivals, rites and ceremonies, as well as the different forms Buddhism has taken in different parts of the world, and how it has blended with other religions like Shinto, Confucianism, Daoism and Christianity.