Masaharu Anesaki

Nichiren

The Japanese Buddhist priest and author Nichiren is one of the most significant spiritual figures of his time, elevating the status and sophistication of Buddhism in Japan. Through his writings and records of the era, we learn of Nichiren's deeply-held conviction that he was a reincarnated Bodhisattva sent by Buddha to further establish the religion in Japan. Nishiren's efforts led to his being the namesake for Japan's branch of the Mahayana school of Buddhists. He established methods of religious education, the zenith of which were a number of teachings unique to the faith. Nichiren also corresponded with followers, offering condolences, advice and wisdom to those who sought counsel. All of these deeds are recorded in this well-informed biography, which describes how Nichiren lived through a tumultuous time in Japanese history. Persecutions by non-believers, the invasion of the Mongols, plus periods spent in exile, made Nichiren's life difficult. Despite such obstacles he managed to found his school of Buddhism, introduce comprehensive doctrines for the temple, and convert a great many Japanese to the faith before dying at the age of sixty. Later judged to be an exceptional figure, he received posthumous honors from Japanese Emperors, and his teachings remain popularly studied by students and adherents to Buddhism in modern Japan.