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-- Robert E. Morrell, Washington University

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Excellent
This volume, like its sister volume, "Letters of Nichiren," contains superb explanations, background and excellent translations of some of Nichiren's most important writings.It will appeal to all Soka Gakkaimembers as well as anyone interested in Nichiren. Excellent.

Some of Nichiren Daishonin's Most Important Writings
Selected Writings of Nichiren is an English rendition of the major works of Nichiren (1222-1282), a Buddhist teacher in 13th century Japan. The founder of the Buddhist school that bears his name, Nichiren was a prolificwriter, and much of his work remains extant.

The book contains what arecalled "The Five Major Works," as well as a detailedautobiography and six letters Nichiren sent to his followers. Theautobiographical section gives a dramatic and powerful account of eightyears during the period when the Mongol Empire sent envoys to Japan todemand fealty.

The translations do justice to the clarity and wisdom ofthe original prose, while the annotations offer important backgroundinformation. The translations are chiefly the work of Burton Watson,adjunct professor of East Asian languages and cultures at ColumbiaUniversity. The companion volume, Letters of Nichiren, is also a must-havefor any follower or student of Nichiren.

I also highly recommend BurtonWatson's masterful translation of The Lotus Sutra.

The ONE Buddhist book to have a on a deserted island!!
358 pages of text, another 250 pages of appendice's, notes, glossary and index.American Buddhists are fortunate to be only one translation away from the original letters (Gosho) written by Nichiren Daishonin (Japan 1222-1282). The five "major" writings included in this book comprise the essence of Nichiren's revelation of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo as the law of life and the universe, the proper object of worship (the Gohonzon), the invocation (called daimoku), and its applicablility to everyone.There are many more letters of Nichiren than these and indeed this volume includes a selection of miscellaneous letters of encouragement that Nichiren wrote to his followers. The scholars have included notes to give context to references in the text and the glossary of terms keeps the reader armed with the facts necessary to understand Nichiren's message.I carry this book with me wherever I travel to keep up with the Nichiren practice of "study" of the three practices of "faith, practice, and study".For the person wanting a cursory look at Buddhism and Nichiren's Buddhism, I recommend reading "The Fundamentals of Buddhism". SGI(Soka Gakkai International) members will find the organization's magazine "Living Buddhism" easier going. For those wanting to study from the perspective of scholars rather than Nichiren propoents, this is the right book. My rating of 8 vice 10 is because this is not light reading. ... Read more

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--Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

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"No affairs of life or work are in any way different from the ultimate reality."
Back when I was first acquainting myself with Japanese Buddhism, Nichiren was one of my first jolts. Compared to the generally calm and measured tones of most Buddhist leaders like Kukai and Dogen, his rhetoric grated on my ears as caustic and harsh, vehement in a hellfire-and-brimstone manner I would usually tend to associate more with other religious traditions closer to home. I didn't like the guy. I didn't want to consider him "really" Buddhist. But like him or not, there he was, one of the towering figures of Japanese Buddhism, the founder (retrospectively speaking) of one of Japan's key popular schools. So I gritted my teeth and forced myself to learn more about him and his doctrines, and strangely the more I learned the more gradually interesting this uncompromising firebrand became. "Letters of Nichiren" is highly important in that regard and obviously an indispensable source in terms of Buddhist Studies and Japanese religious history, but beyond that it is here in these 73 letters of varying length written by Nichiren to his followers that we are liable to catch him at his most likable.

Indeed, while he is no less uncompromising as elsewhere, here in these letters Nichiren comes across as particularly warm and personally concerned with the spiritual and physical welfare of his addressees. That this is so even in one case where he considers it likely that his follower will recant single-minded faith in the Lotus Sutra and so unfortunately fall into hell is odd but nonetheless true. The modern reader will especially note Nichiren's high regard for his female followers and the arguments he puts forth in favor of their chances of attaining Buddhahood--an attitude very atypical of Buddhism generally and certainly that of Nichiren's day. Buddhologists will no doubt pick up on Nichiren's tendency to cite the same passages of the Lotus Sutra in different letters, giving invaluable insight into the shaping of his thought, while historians will glean priceless hints into the early formation of religious networks in eastern Japan and of the informal but dependable economic support structure Nichiren and his emerging movement depended upon. Finally, the opportunity to hear a major religious thinker in all the vigor and humanity of his own words makes for fascinating reading even when his single-minded approach makes some of the letters just a tad monotonous.

The translation is smooth, a good balance of readability and accuracy. One would expect nothing less of Burton Watson, but this is so of the other anonymous translators for some of the shorter letters as well. Suitably detailed and unobtrusive annotations make this thick and hefty volume as useful for the scholar as for the general reader, not to mention American believers in Nichiren's teachings. The letters are arranged roughly by region, which helpfully tends to bunch together different letters to the same addressee but rather distractingly causes the letters to jump around chronologically. But the latter is a minor annoyance in what is otherwise a significant resource and a generally first-rate book. Namu Myoho Rengekyo.

Excellent
Nichiren (1222-1282) was a figure of central importance in the history of Japanese Buddhism as the founder of an orthodox form of Buddhism which strictly adheres to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Letters of Nichiren is a collection of seventy-three letters to disciples and other followers. Written throughout years of persecution and exile, these letters are as much a source of inspiration today as they were to his contemporaries.

The Kamakura period (1185-1333) in which Nichiren lived was a time of great unrest, when threats of foreign invasion, natural disasters, famines, and epidemics ravaged the country. The letters gathered in this volume display Nichiren's conviction that the chaotic state of his country could be attributed to a failure to follow the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, which is considered to be the foremost of Shakyamuni's teachings.

While communicating the major doctrinal themes, the vivid metaphors and clear arguments of Nichiren's correspondence also reveal the rhetorical flourish of a powerful spiritual guide. Alongside Burton Watson's lucid and accurate translations, editor Philip B. Yampolsky provides a brief introduction to each letter, notes, a glossary of terms, appendixes of Chinese and Sanskrit names, and a bibliography.

A companion volume to Selected Writings of Nichiren, published in 1990, this unique collection will appeal to Nichiren Buddhists as well as scholars and students of Buddhism, Japanese thought, religion, and history.

rehashed Gosho
"The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin" were
published by Nichiren Shoshu International Center,
and the editor-translator is the Gosho translation committee.
Unfortunately, the major writings do not list specific names
of who was on that committee.
So, perhaps Burton Watson was among the editor/translators,
and if so,he is (perhaps) entitled to duplicate some of the gosho
in "Letters of Nichiren".If not, "Letters of Nichiren"
is simply a plagiarized copy of the major writings,
with the order of the writings changed.

Excellent
This volume, with its superb explanations and background, will appeal to Soka Gakkai members as well as anyone interested in Nichiren.Excellent.

Some of Nichiren Daishonin's Most Important Writings
Nichiren (1222-1282) was a figure of central importance in the history of Japanese Buddhism as the founder of an orthodox form of Buddhism which strictly adheres to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Letters of Nichirenis a collection of seventy-three letters to disciples and other followers.Written throughout years of persecution and exile, these letters are asmuch a source of inspiration today as they were to his contemporaries.

The Kamakura period (1185-1333) in which Nichiren lived was a time ofgreat unrest, when threats of foreign invasion, natural disasters, famines,and epidemics ravaged the country. The letters gathered in this volumedisplay Nichiren's conviction that the chaotic state of his country couldbe attributed to a failure to follow the teachings of the Lotus Sutra,which is considered to be the foremost of Shakyamuni's teachings.

Whilecommunicating the major doctrinal themes, the vivid metaphors and cleararguments of Nichiren's correspondence also reveal the rhetorical flourishof a powerful spiritual guide. Alongside Burton Watson's lucid and accuratetranslations, editor Philip B. Yampolsky provides a brief introduction toeach letter, notes, a glossary of terms, appendixes of Chinese and Sanskritnames, and a bibliography.

A companion volume to Selected Writings ofNichiren, published in 1990, this unique collection will appeal to NichirenBuddhists as well as scholars and students of Buddhism, Japanese thought,religion, and history. ... Read more

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The significance of Daisaku Ikeda's contributions as a Buddhist philosopher can most readily be gauged in the dramatic growth of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) organization that he leads, and in the broad diversity that characterizes the movement. The SGI is perhaps the largest, fastest-growing and most diverse association of lay Buddhists in the world today.Ikeda's philosophy is inseparable from the teachings of the thirteenth-century Buddhist sage Nichiren (1222-82) and the Lotus Sutra from which Nichiren's teachings are derived. His achievement has been his ability to understand and express the essence of these teachings as a philosophy of human development and social engagement in a way that offers a vigorous response to the challenges of contemporary society. There are three prominent characteristics of this philosophy: an approach that has been called Buddhist Humanism; a belief in the importance of dialogue; and a commitment to personal transformation as the driving force for social change, referred to as "human revolution." It finds expression not simply as a set of ideas but as a basis for actively engaging with life and social realities. The basic core of this philosophy is the utmost value it places on each individual life.More than anywhere, Ikeda's philosophy has been embodied in his own actions: As an impassioned advocate of dialogue for peace, Ikeda has engaged in dialogue with an astonishingly wide range of thinkers. He has sought to build bridges of understanding among people of different nations and cultures, from diverse philosophical and faith traditions. These efforts are deeply rooted in the Buddhist belief that the most valuable way of life is one committed to the alleviation of human suffering. ... Read more

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Tina Turner Introduced Me To Daisaku Ikeda's Writings
Tina Turner is the reason I found this book, and all others by Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International. After hearing Tina Turner speak about her Buddhist practice in interviews, and hearing hergive credit to Buddhism for her happiness and in life, I decided to lookfurther into it myself.

Tina mentioned Daisaku Ikeda as the person whobrought Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, the practice of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo,to America. This is the Buddhist practice to which Tina attributes herspiritual fulfillment and strength. Thanks to Tina's explanations, I wasable to locate the Soka Gakkai International and from there I discoveredmany profound, inspirational and educational writings by Daisaku Ikeda.This book is just one of Mr. Ikeda's many contributions to further theunderstanding of Buddhist principles and their application in every daylife.

I highly recommend that anyone interested in the Buddhist practiceof Nam-myoho-renge-kyo read the writings of Daisaku Ikeda to learn moreabout Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. ... Read more

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Excepts of the works of the Soka Gakki International President indexed by topic in an easy to use format. ... Read more

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Great _ Inspiring _ Thoughts for ALL
As a humanist and as a Buddhist this book has been helpful in getting me back on track just by reading 2 lines of guidance from Mr. Ikeda.

Perfect for giving and getting encouragement, easy look up on topics of interest to you
I love using this book when I need some encouragement and wise words from Daisaku Ikeda on specific topics/situations. I also like to use it when I need to give others encouragement or want to punctuate a meeting plan with Dr. Ikeda's quotes. Highly recommended for Buddhist practitioners and non Buddhists alike. The wisdom of Daisaku Ikeda transcends religious, cultural, and socioeconomic boundaries. ... Read more

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BUDDHISM IN ACTION ... Read more

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a study and explanation of the Sokagakkai, the lay organization of Nichiren Shoshu, the orthodox sect of Buddhism. ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Encyclopedia of Religion, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 1492 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.The second edition of this highly regarded encyclopedia, preserving the best of the first edition's cross-cultural approach, while emphasizing religion's role within everyday life and as a unique experience from culture to culture, this new edition is the definitive work in the field for the 21st century. An international team of scholars and contributors have reviewed, revised and added to every word of the classic work, making it relevant to the questions and interests of all researchers. ... Read more

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Mahatma Ghandi proclaimed that the 'power of the spirit' is stronger than any atomic bomb. To transform this century of war into a century of peace, we must cultivate the limitless inherent power of human life. This is the 'human revolution', and it will be the theme that flows consistently throughout the novel."So wrote Daisaku Ikeda when he began The New Human Revolution, which chronicles the growth of the Soka Gakkai from the time he became president in 1960. This is the story of Josei Toda's disciples as they strive to carry on his spirit to share the humaism of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism throughout the world. ... Read more

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Buddhism has taught for thousands of years that every person is a Buddha, or enlightened being, and has the potential for true and lasting happiness. Through real-life examples, the authors reveal the teachings of Nichiren and explain how adopting this outlook has positive effects on one's health, relationships, and career.

Budismo enseña que todos son Budas o humanos ilustrados y que todos tienen la capaz de felicidad eternal y verdadera. Con ejemplos reales, los escritores revelan las enseñanazas de Nichiren y explican como adoptando estos pensamientos tiene efectos positivos en la salud, las relaciones, y la vida profesional. ... Read more

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el buda en tu espejo
un excelente libro para quienes abrazamos esta practica, o para los que quieren conocer de que se trata ... Read more

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Best all-around primer on Buddhism and Nichiren Shoshu
205 Pages Organized in five Parts: GENERAL CONCEPTS, BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE, ESSENCE OF THE LOTUS SUTRA, HISTORY OF BUDDHISM, PRINCIPLES FOR PRACTICE. Many people have heard of the first historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, but are unaware of his early teachings(sutra's) versus his later teachings and all the migration and evolution of Buddhism in the following centuries. Nichiren Daishonin, Japan 1222-1282, opened Buddhism to all people, particularly women and low-caste persons by revealing Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo as the law of life and the universe. This book successfully sumarizes these facts.It's strong point is it's organization into focused paragraphs answering specific questions ie: "God and Buddha", "A comparison between Christianity and Buddhism", "The Gohonzon", and terms like "the Ten Worlds".Sometimes these paragraphs are so focused as to leave the reader wishing for a deeper treatment of a subject. Page 179, offers "Three Proofs" as an objective way to read this book and any others for those making comparative studies of religion.Long-time members of the Soka Gakkai International (a Buddhist lay organization) will appreciate refreshing terms and relationships that they may not have studied for a long time.The newcomer can be assured of having enough information to be confident to ask further questions. ... Read more