Product Description

Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism encourages the belief that, through its faith and practices, spiritual and material blessings and benefits can be available to everyone in this life. needs can be met, and success achieved, not merely for oneself but for others (and for the world) through dedication to the Lotus Sutra, a central teaching of Buddhism. It combines these personal objectives with the committment to world peace, ecology and the easing of suffering, especially AIDS. Attracting such well known followers as Jeff Banks, Sandie Shaw, Tina Turner and Roberto Baggio, Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism is rooted in a Buddhist tradition going back to the teachings of Nichiren in the 13th century, and is part of an international movement based in Japan.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #112164 in Books
• Published on: 1995-07-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 299 pages

Customer Reviews

The Buddha In Daily Life
When I first read this book 13 years ago, it started a journey in my life which was both profound and eternal. It is a journey that is unfolding with colour, vibrancy, laughter and love. Richard Causton elucidates Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in a way that few others can (save Daisaku Ikeda). The late Mr Causton was initially in the army, then met Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in Japan. It totally transformed his life, as it has mine.

I thoroughly recommend that anybody read this book who is interested in practising Buddhism, understanding Buddhism, or who simply wants to make sense of this seemingly mad and crazy world.

This Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai have given me hope and purpose and have allowed me to create great value, both in my life and others and for the world.

This book was the starting point of my amazing journey. Let it be the starting point of yours.

Thorough introduction to SGI version of Nichiren Buddhism
Unless you're new to Buddhism, you'll be aware that there's a certain amount of controversy regarding Nichiren Buddhism - primarily in the relationship (or lack thereof) between Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and other Buddhist schools. Don't let this put you off reading this book.

Causton is an intelligent advocate of SGI, making no secret of his affiliation. Even so, there's an awful lot here that will interest any practising Buddhist, and particularly those who, for whatever reason, wish to understand more about the SGI.

As someone far from new to Buddhism, but new to Nichiren Buddhism, I've found this to be a rattling good, thought-provoking, read. The examples-from-life, which appear to be ubiquitous in rather too many "spiritual" books, are here dealt with sensibly, being used in an appropriately illustrative, rather than inappropriately evangelical, way. Where Causton really scores, however, is in his explanation of such things as the (Nichiren view of the) workings of the law of karma. Certainly, these are explained by very many authors; just as certainly, very few such authors manage to make their explanations quite so precisely while also managing to indicate the very real ways in which they have a bearing on our lives.

An intelligent, very worthwhile contribution to Buddhist literature in general, and Nichiren Buddhism in particular.

An excellent book on Buddhism
Buddhism starts in India 3000 years ago. It has spreaded to South-east Asia, China, Koera and Japan. Recently Buddhism has become more popular in the Western world. Due to its long history and with many different schools of thoughts, Buddhism is often misunderstood by many. Choosing the right one for yourself to practise could be quite confusing. Some schools of Buddhism's teachings could be quite passive and often lead to apathy. Some of them tend to be quite theoretical and could not relate to daily life. Often the Buddha Gods are deified and mystified and divorce from our real world.

However the author, Richard Causton, explains the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is a practical one. It teaches us how we can develop our lives with unshakable happiness and confidence, no matter what problems we may be facing. In his book, he gives many examples of how others can overcome their problems and reveal their full potential by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

First part of the book, Richard Causton elucidates the Buddhist principle on The Ten Worlds and its mutual possession. Although the principle is quite theoretical, Mr Causton provides many examples which are not only easy to understand, but also fun to read.

He then explains the meaning of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, which includes the Buddhist concept of the oneness of mind and body, the oneness of life and its environment, life and death, the nine consciousness, and breaking the chain of karma etc...

Second part of the book, Mr Causton explains the object of worship of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, which is called the Gohonzon. He then talks about the essentials of practice; Faith, Practice and Study. Finally, he introduces the worldwide Buddhist organisation, the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), and its objectives and how to achieve a lasting peace in our world through Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

This book teaches that anyone can use Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to transform themselves, overcome their daily problems and that the state of Buddhahood is attainable. It also teaches that as more people are able to overcome their karma and become fundamentally happy, the peace of land will be secured and hence lead to world peace.