January 12, 2006
Was Nichiren the First
to Chant the Daimoku?
Origins of Nichiren as True Buddha
Life and legends of Nichiren
Many SGI & NST members believe that Nichiren must be the Original Buddha of Kuon Ganjo because he and only he revealed Namu Myoho Renge Kyo; the Original Cause of Awakening. On the other hand, some opponents argue thst Nichiren was not teaching authentic Buddhism; because the practice is not grounded in the Dharma.
Here is a sample of what various Nichiren Shoshu, SGI, and related sources have to say:
"Very early on the morning of 28 April 1253 he chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time, thereby providing the key for all future generations to unlock the treasure of enlightenment hidden in their hearts." -- The Life of Nichiren Daishonin -- SGI European Study Web Site
"Returning to Seicho-ji, he chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time early on the morning of April 28, 1253, changing his name to Nichiren (Sun-Lotus)." -- Nichiren Daishonin's awakening -- sgi-sa.org
"He returned to Seicho-ji in 1253. There, shortly afterward, very early on the morning of the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month, he chanted Nam-myoho- renge-kyo for the first time, thereby providing the key for all future generations to unlock the treasure of enlightenment hidden in their hearts. He also changed his name to Nichiren (Sun Lotus)." -- Life of Nichiren -- nbaa
"There he chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time and proclaimed the founding of his new Buddhism on the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month in 1253." -- Background Info - Letter to Shomitsu-bo -- sgi-usa
"On this day, 743 years ago, the True Buddha in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren Daishonin, chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time. ... On the 28 day of April, 1253, when Nichiren Daishonin was 32 years old, he chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time." Siginficance of Risshu-e (1996) -- Nichiren Shoshu
Early on the morning of April 28, 1253, the then 32-year old priest faced the rising sun, and for the first time chanted “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo”. Later that day he changed his name to “Sun Lotus” or “Nichiren”. The Life Of Nichiren -- BIS
I think, from reading this, most would get the impression that this was the first time anyone, anywhere had chanted Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo.
