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.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
First Published in 1930, History of Japanese Religion shows the interaction of various forces which manifested their vitality more in combination than in opposition. A saying ascribed to Prince Shotoku, the founder of Japanese civilization, compares the three religious and moral systems found in Japan to the root, the stem and branches, and the flowers and fruits of a tree. Shinto is the root embedded in the soil of the people's character and national traditions; Confucianism is seen in the stem and branches of legal institutions, ethical codes, and educational systems; Buddhism made the flowers of religious sentiment bloom and gave the fruits of spiritual life.
These sentences outlines the scheme of the work and achievement that has long maintained a high reputation among students and scholars. This important and frequently cited book has been out of print for many decades and thus increasingly difficult to access. It is therefore a privilege as well as a pleasure to make it available once again in a complete and unabridged reprint of the original. This is a must read for students of religion, Japanese culture and Japanese history.