Robin Beck

Defending Nichiren Shu?

It has been noted that I am seldom critical of Nichiren Shu; while I often pick on Nichiren Shoshu. In fact, I often find myself defending the "Shu." There are four reasons for this:

1. Taisekiji's three aberrant teachings are relatively well known in the west. As a result, many think that Nichiren's Buddhism is intended to supercede Shakyamuni's Buddhism. That is not the mainstream view even in Nikko's lineage. Wikipedia and others have modified their entries on Nichiren because of grass roots efforts.

2. As a Soka Gakkai member, I want SGI to "get it right."

3. A lot of the attacks on Nichiren Shu; such as those concerning the veneration of Daikoku-ten and Kishimo-jin, are straw men. There is no effort to understand these traditions in context. In this connection, I also defend Christians if I think they are unfairly smeared.

4. I follow the facts where they lead me. I have refuted some straw man attacks
on Nichiren Shoshu too. No one other than Ryuei seems to mention that.

That said, there is one Nichiren Shu tradition I would like to see them lose. I shall cover that soon ...

Also, I have several more things in the hopper:

1. "Daikokuten with a Sword" at Mama Guhoji Temple is connected to a legend of Nichiren either at, or on the way to, Minobu. I am looking for more data on that.
Also, other sword legends connected with Nichiren.

2. I have several more entries to complete "Nichiren and Nakayama Hokkekyo-ji; At Boso Hanto 1264-1267."

Posted by rbeck at December 30, 2006 09:57 AM