# Nichiren

> Founder of Nichiren Buddhism in Japan

**Wikidata**: [Q311478](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311478)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichiren)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nichiren

## Summary

Nichiren (1222–1282) was a Japanese Buddhist monk, writer, teacher, and philosopher who founded Nichiren Buddhism, a major religious tradition in Japan. He is best known for his influential treatise Risshō Ankokuron and his advocacy of chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" as the core practice of Buddhist faith. His teachings emphasized the primacy of the Lotus Sutra and established a distinctly Japanese form of Buddhism that continues to influence millions of practitioners worldwide.

## Biography

- **Born**: February–April 1222 (various dates: February 16, March 30, or April 6, 1222)
- **Died**: November 14–21, 1282
- **Nationality**: Japan
- **Occupation**: Buddhist monk, writer, teacher, philosopher
- **Citizenship**: Japan
- **Field(s)**: Buddhism, Philosophy, Religious Teaching
- **Aliases**: Dai-Nichiren (Great Nichiren), Risshō Daishi (Great Teacher of Rectification), 善日麿 (Zennichimaro), 薬王麿 (Yakunomaru), 是聖房蓮長 (Zoiseibō Renchō)
- **Notable Work(s)**: Risshō Ankokuron (treatise), and other works including Q17228075, Q17228203, Q17226288, Q17226279, Q5209003
- **Related Religious Traditions**: Nichiren Buddhism (founded circa 1300), Nichiren Shōshū, Nichiren Shū

## Contributions

Nichiren founded Nichiren Buddhism in Japan during the 13th century, establishing a distinct branch of Buddhism based on his interpretations of Buddhist teachings. His most significant contribution was the treatise Risshō Ankokuron, which argued for the supremacy of the Lotus Sutra and advocated for the implementation of Buddhist governance in Japan. He developed the practice of chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" as the fundamental devotional practice, which remains central to Nichiren Buddhist practice today. Nichiren created the Gohonzon, a hanging calligraphic paper mandala that serves as the object of worship in Nichiren Buddhism. His teachings gave rise to multiple Buddhist schools and sects, including Nichiren Shōshū (based at Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple in Tokyo, founded in 1282), Nichiren Shū (a confederation of four original Nichiren Buddhist schools), and numerous temple networks such as Myōhon-ji Temple in Kamakura (founded 1260) and Kuon-ji Temple in Yamanashi Prefecture (founded 1274). His philosophical framework combined Buddhist doctrine with nationalistic interpretations, a movement known as Nichirenism.

## FAQs

**What is Nichiren best known for?**
Nichiren is best known as the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, a major Japanese religious tradition, and for his influential treatise Risshō Ankokuron, which advocated for the Lotus Sutra as the supreme Buddhist teaching.

**What practice did Nichiren establish?**
Nichiren established the practice of chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" as the central devotional practice of his Buddhist tradition, a practice that continues to be used by millions of adherents today.

**What is the Gohonzon?**
The Gohonzon is the hanging calligraphic paper mandala created by Nichiren that serves as the primary object of worship in Nichiren Buddhism, representing the enlightened reality of the Lotus Sutra.

**Where did Nichiren establish temples?**
Nichiren's legacy includes several important temple establishments: Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple in Tokyo (founded 1282), Myōhon-ji Temple in Kamakura (founded 1260), and Kuon-ji Temple in Yamanashi Prefecture (founded 1274).

**What is Nichirenism?**
Nichirenism refers to the nationalistic interpretation of Nichiren's teachings that developed after his death, emphasizing the relationship between Buddhist practice and Japanese national identity.

## Why They Matter

Nichiren fundamentally transformed Japanese religious practice by establishing a distinctly Japanese form of Buddhism that emphasized the Lotus Sutra and created accessible devotional practices for ordinary people. His insistence on chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" democratized Buddhist practice, making it accessible beyond the monastic community. The religious tradition he founded continues to have millions of adherents worldwide, including prominent organizations such as Soka Gakkai International. His philosophical contributions influenced the development of Japanese religious thought and created a framework for understanding Buddhism that integrated spiritual practice with daily life. The temples established by his followers became centers of religious learning and cultural preservation. Without Nichiren, the landscape of Japanese Buddhism would be fundamentally different, lacking the emphasis on personal devotion and the specific liturgical practices that characterize Nichiren Buddhism today.

## Notable For

- Founder of Nichiren Buddhism, one of Japan's major religious traditions
- Author of Risshō Ankokuron, a seminal Buddhist treatise
- Creator of the Gohonzon mandala used in Nichiren worship
- Established the practice of chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo"
- Founded multiple important temple networks including Ikegami Honmon-ji, Myōhon-ji, and Kuon-ji
- Influenced the development of Nichirenism, a nationalistic interpretation of Buddhist teachings
- Titles include Dai-Nichiren (Great Nichiren) and Risshō Daishi (Great Teacher of Rectification)
- Posthumously honored with the title 日蓮大菩薩 (Great Bodhisattva Nichiren) and 立正大師 (Great Teacher of Correct Doctrine)
- Known as 上行菩薩 (Jōjō Bosatsu, "Ascending Bodhisattva")

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Nichiren was born in Japan during the early 13th century, with historical records indicating various possible birth dates in 1222 (February 16, March 30, or April 6). He was born into a society where Buddhism was already well-established as a major religious and cultural force, but competing schools of thought offered different interpretations of Buddhist doctrine. This religious landscape would later influence his own theological developments as he sought to determine which school represented the most accurate interpretation of Buddhist teachings.

### Formation as a Buddhist Monk

Nichiren entered monastic life and received the name 善日麿 (Zennichimaro), which was later changed to 薬王麿 (Yakunomaru) and ultimately to 是聖房蓮長 (Zoiseibō Renchō). He studied extensively at various Buddhist temples and became deeply familiar with the major sutras and philosophical treatises of Buddhist tradition. His education encompassed the complete Buddhist canon and the interpretive traditions of the major Japanese Buddhist schools of his time.

### Founding of Nichiren Buddhism

Nichiren founded Nichiren Buddhism in Japan around 1300, establishing a distinct religious tradition based on his interpretation of Buddhist teachings. Central to his doctrine was the belief that the Lotus Sutra (Myoho-renge-kyo) represented the supreme teaching of Buddhism, containing the ultimate truth of Buddhist enlightenment. He argued that all other Buddhist teachings were subordinate to and contained within the Lotus Sutra's philosophy.

### Risshō Ankokuron and Theological Works

The treatise Risshō Ankokuron (立正安国論) represents Nichiren's most significant written contribution to Buddhist thought. In this work, he argued that the prosperity and security of Japan depended upon the proper veneration of Buddhism and the implementation of Buddhist governance. The text presented his case for why the Lotus Sutra should be recognized as the national teaching of Japan. Beyond Risshō Ankokuron, Nichiren authored numerous other works including Q17228075, Q17228203, Q17226288, Q17226279, and Q5209003, which collectively form the doctrinal foundation of Nichiren Buddhism.

### The Practice of Chanting

Nichiren established the practice of chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" as the fundamental devotional practice of his religious tradition. This practice, which translates roughly to "I dedicate myself to the Lotus Sutra," became the central liturgical practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Unlike the more complex meditation practices of other Buddhist schools, this chanting practice was accessible to ordinary people, contributing to the tradition's widespread appeal.

### The Gohonzon Mandala

Nichiren created the Gohonzon, a hanging calligraphic paper mandala that serves as the object of worship in Nichiren Buddhism. This mandala represents the enlightened reality of the Lotus Sutra and serves as a focal point for devotional practice. The Gohonzon remains central to Nichiren Buddhist worship today, with reproductions found in temples and homes of practitioners worldwide.

### Temple Establishment

Nichiren's teachings inspired the establishment of numerous temples that continue to serve as centers of religious practice. Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple in Tokyo was founded in 1282 and serves as the head temple of Nichiren Shōshū. Myōhon-ji Temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa, was founded in 1260 and became an important center for Nichiren practice. Kuon-ji Temple in Yamanashi Prefecture was founded in 1274 and holds significant historical importance in the tradition.

### Development of Nichiren Buddhist Schools

Following Nichiren's death in 1282, his teachings gave rise to multiple distinct schools and organizations. Nichiren Shōshū (日蓮正宗) became one of the most influential branches, based at Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple. Nichiren Shū (日蓮宗) emerged as a confederation of four of the original Nichiren Buddhist schools. These organizations preserved and propagated Nichiren's teachings while developing their own distinctive liturgical and organizational traditions.

### Nichirenism and Nationalistic Interpretations

After Nichiren's death, a nationalistic interpretation of his teachings developed, known as Nichirenism. This movement emphasized the relationship between Buddhist practice and Japanese national identity, sometimes advocating for the establishment of Buddhist governance similar to what Nichiren had called for in Risshō Ankokuron. Nichirenism became a significant intellectual and political force in later Japanese history.

### Legacy and Influence

Nichiren's influence extends far beyond the religious sphere. The Buddhist tradition he founded has millions of adherents worldwide, with organizations such as Soka Gakkai International representing one of the largest lay Buddhist movements in the world. His emphasis on personal spiritual practice and the accessibility of Buddhist teachings influenced the development of modern Japanese religion. The philosophical framework he developed continues to be studied and debated by scholars of Buddhism and Japanese religious history.

### Posthumous Recognition

Nichiren received numerous posthumous titles recognizing his significance in Japanese religious history. He is known as 日蓮大菩薩 (Great Bodhisattva Nichiren), 立正大師 (Great Teacher of Correct Doctrine), and 上行菩薩 (Ascending Bodhisattva). The honorific title Risshō Daishi (Great Teacher of Rectification) acknowledges his role as a teacher who advocated for correct Buddhist practice. These titles reflect the reverence with which he is regarded by followers of his tradition.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Japan Search
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nichiren)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
9. CONOR.SI