Product Description
Nichiren was a key figure in the evolution of Japanese Buddist thought. Often compared to leaders like Savonarola, he was a castigator of heresy and a heretic himself. This study centres on how he interpreted the "Hokekyo", the technical devices and its underlying values. ... Read more

Product Description
Illustrated with black-and-white photographs of the contributors. "Soka Gakkai International (SGI)-USA is an American Buddhist association that promotes world peace and individual happiness based on the teachings of the Nichiren school of Mahayana Buddhism. Our members reflect a cross section of our diverse American society representing a broad range of ethnic and social backgrounds." ... Read more

Product Description
This is a scholarly study of the evolution of Mahayana Buddhism in Japan. Lloyd was particularly interested in how Eastern religions interacted with those in the west. A Christian clergyman and long-time resident in Japan at the turn of the 20th century, Arthur Lloyd felt that Buddhism has much in common with Christianity, including possible historical links. In this book he discusses doctrinal and narrative parallels between Mahayana Buddhism and early Christian, Gnostic, and Manichean beliefs.

The book is particularly strong in its exposition of the various Buddhist sects in Japan, with extensive material on Nichiren, including a translation of the Namudaishi and the Rissho Ankoku ron, two important Nichiren texts. He also discusses the Amida (Pure Land), Shingon and Zen schools. The historical account covers one and a half millennia of Japanese history, from the first entry of Buddhism in the fifth century via Korea, through the Nara, Heian, Gempei, Kamakura, Muromachi and the Tokugawa periods. If you are looking for a comprehensive volume which covers the development of modern Japanese Buddhism, this is an essential reference. This is also a great read for religious studies students and others interested in Buddhism and the development of eastern religions.--J. B. Hare. ... Read more

Product Description
Five years ago, journalist and practicing Buddhist Woody Hochswender co-authored a book on Buddhism that focused on the teachings of Nichiren, a 13th-century Japanese monk who has become the spiritual teacher for more than 20 million Buddhists worldwide. That book, which is in its 10th printing and has sold more than 80,000 copies, was such a resounding success that Hochswender has written an insightful new work—at once a follow-up to the previous volume and a freestanding work of its own. A new breath of inspiration, The Buddha in Your Rearview Mirror speaks to the spiritual yearnings so many of us have amid the hustle and flux of contemporary life.

The book is a sophisticated but accessible introduction to Buddhism as well as an in-depth study of Buddhism in the Samurai period. Hochswender again focuses on the philosophy of Nichiren and applies its principles to everyday issues ranging from health to careers to family problems. The Buddha in Your Rearview Mirror is both cogent and compelling—informative history and inspiring self-help. Ideal for the novice or veteran Buddhist, the book will resonate with anyone interested in concrete methods for tapping into their own highest potential or enlightened self. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Great Buddha Insight
Quite by accident I spotted this book, purchased it from Amazon, and quickly became engrossed. I have been entranced with metaphysics for nearly 50 years and have studied the subject extensively. "The Buddha In Your Rearview Mirror" greatly contributed to a deeper insight. I recommend it most highly.

what buddhism is really all about
when it comes to buddhism there is so much confusion that people either erroneously think they get it or steer clear of it all together. this is most unfortunate, because in true buddhism lies an explanation of life so profound yet so inherently clear, a practice so detailed yet so accessible to all, that it is like a gem hidden within that when discovered and utilized, can cure all ills and solve all problems. indeed it behooves humanity to study buddhism if we are to survive and thrive at all. this book is among the best i have ever read on the subject in my over 25 years of buddhist practice.

The Buddha in your rearview mirror
This is a great read. In addition to being entertaining, it offers a substantial method guiding the migration away from the bedtime nightstand buddhist stage (one that many of us Americans get to and then stick). The book is written in a largely conversational style and provides many insights into the evolution of this form of buddhism. I found the methods of meditation expoused here to be highly adaptable to my very American life and rhythms. This book guides the reader from the "buddhist as philosophy" level to the practical application of these principles to daily life without having to move to Tibet (or to Japan, in this case) to accomplish it. m

All hat and no cattle
The book got off to an interesting start but soon faded. I found the author's claims about chanting to be farfetched. The title is misleading. The thesis of the book comes down to this: just chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo twice a day to a Gohonzon and you can have whatever you want. This thesis of his does not tie into the rest of the book very well. Mr. Hochswender is a very good writer but this book reads as if it were put together rather haphazardly.

Nichren's Buddhism
I have been practicing for over 40 years and this book is clear and concise on the benefits of chanting! ... Read more

Product Description
This introduction to Nichiren Buddhism explores the philosophical intricacies of life and reveals the wonder inherent in the phases of birth, aging, and death. Core concepts of Nichiren Buddhism, such as the 10 worlds and the nine consciousnesses, illustrate the profundity of human existence. This book provides Buddhists with the tools they need to fully appreciate the connectedness of all beings and to revolutionize their spiritual lives based on this insight. Also explored are how suffering can be transformed to contribute to personal fulfillment and the well-being of others and how modern scientific research accords with ancient Buddhist views. Ultimately, this is both a work of popular philosophy and a book of compelling, compassionate inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike that fosters a greater understanding of Nichiren Buddhism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Finding Wisdom and Power
Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death...and everything in between, demonstrates the "Universal Enlightenment" espoused by Nichiren Daishonin in 1253.Knowing the path of "Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo" is further enhanced by reading the practical application of Nichiren's Buddhist practice in this book.Nichiren Buddhism is all about victory in this lifetime.With President Ikeda's help, this book serves to show how to change karma into purposeful mission and obstacles into life enhancing experiences.Perhaps the most valuable thing I learned from this book is a whole new appreciation of time and the eternity-of-life contained within each life moment.The author on page 105 points to our lack of power and wisdom as the source of our real cause of unhappiness.Then he goes on to explain in graphic detail how understanding the principle of "three-thousand-realms-in-a-single-moment-of-life gives rise to understanding life itself.I highly recommend this clearly written book to anyone wanting to take the next step to understanding oneself and life.

Perfect for book clubs!
"We all desire happiness, and yet happiness always seems to be just out of reach."So begins Daisaku Ikeda's exploration of the personal and social barriers to personal happiness and fulfillment.Mr. Ikeda discusses ideas as complex as dependent origination, what is a proper definition of health, the ethical dilemmas of euthanasia, and what exactly is death, from the perspective of a Nichiren Buddhist. Without any impression of judgment or direct expression of opinion, Mr. Ikeda provides ideas for the reader to ponder and encourages them to explore their own opinions on the topics of birth, sickness, old age, and death.While describing a holistic approach to life, in which all aspects of each individuals existence affect all other aspects, Mr. Ikeda also acknowledges the benefits which can be gained by seeking modern and traditional healing methods.Indeed, in many instances Mr. Ikeda encourages the reader to both embrace current opportunities and recognize the wisdom of tradition.Is it perhaps our mad rush to look forward without full consideration of the wisdom of our parents and forefathers that has led to happiness seeming "just out of reach"? Decide for yourself as you read and discuss the ideas presented in this captivating book.An excellent choice for a book club, the ideas presented in "Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death: and everything in between" will produce numerous discussion points for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Buddha's Perspective
I had read the 1988 edition many years ago after beginning my own Nichiren Buddhist practice in 1990.It opened my eyes at that time to an understanding of the ten worlds as 10 life conditions.I realized that I experienced Heaven and Hell from moment to moment in my daily life as opposed to places I might go after I died.But as I reread this excellent book as part of a Nichiren Buddhist study group, I learned so much more and achieved a much deeper understanding.
Dr. Daisaku Ikeda is able to express complex Buddhist concepts in a way that the average non-Buddhist can easily understand.
This is a book that you can read sections of depending upon the circumstances you find yourself in.Once you really understand that you and your environment are one, you realize that you can affect your circumstances by how you think about them and can then take value-creating action towards resolving them.
We all have unlimited potential and can turn poison into medicine. During the nine months that we studied this book, my husband went through a serious operation.He had never been that ill before.I had to study harder to find the guidance I needed to turn our circumstances around for a favorable outcome.It is my firm belief that if I had not had the support of my fellow Buddhists chanting for him and for my happiness as I deepened my faith, he may not have survived.The chapter on Illness and the medicine of Buddhism was especially helpful.
Towards the end of the book study, my mother passed away after a brief illness. She overcame the illness, but had seemingly made a decision that this year was going to be her time to die.Her greatest fear was that she would outlive her children and couldn't cope with that.She passed away peacefully sitting in the chair of her walker on the way back from the mailbox on a beautiful summer day in Maine on a mountaintop witnessed only by her flowers, butterflies, and the hummingbirds she fed.She never even fell out of the chair.A neighbor called 911, which was heard by her son-in-law, a police detective who notified my youngest sister Lori.She was well protected by what we call Shoten Jenjin - the protective forces in the universe that we appreciate in our Buddhist practice.The Buddhist view of the eternity of life and its cyclical nature as expressed in this book, helped me to cope with my loss.Even more importantly, my practice with the aid of the study of this monumental work by Dr. Ikeda allowed me to be the pillar that my 4 non-Buddhist siblings could rely upon during this sad time.

AwesoMe book on Buddhism
This book is an excellent introduction to Nichiren Buddhism, a practical and poignant practice that can change your life. Gives an incredible explanation of Karma, beyond the pop culture understanding if it.

Excellent
I am not a practicing Nichiren Buddhist but this book is excellent for everyone.It goes into detail of many Buddhist principles.I had a hard time putting this book down.So many ideas made so much practical sense.I would call this a must read for anyone who desires information on how life works. ... Read more

Product Description
213 page English language summary of Buddhist principles. Printed in Japan. ... Read more

Product Description
In Riding the Wheel to Wellness, Charles Atkins explains why meditation, prayer, chanting, and visualization are effective and how they can be used to restore wellness on all levels of our lives. Although Atkins’s spiritual approach is based on Nichiren Buddhism, his mission is to help alleviate the suffering of all people, so the techniques he describes are interdisciplinary and have been utilized by people from all walks of life.Riding the Wheel to Wellness addresses many questions readers have presented to Atkins along with some of their success stories. It also contains visualizations to help readers target specific illnesses. Most poignant and comforting is Atkins’s explanation of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth—the wheel of samsara—and the spiritual opportunities inherent at each stage of the journey. Our very lives contain the secrets to wellness, and we can learn to evoke our healing power with Atkins’s guidance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

riding the wheel of wellness
I found it interesting I used the chant nam myo horenge kyo before heart surgery, and surgery was cancell instead I had tests done I"m Ok.
no surgery...I feel great. i did not need it after all...
read it try it thais method works!

Atkins strikes again!
Now that I have learned the mantra, I have been able to use it to calm myself during the day when I have free-floating anxiety and at night when my mind starts racing and I can't sleep.It has been another great tool that I have added to my chest of coping devices.This book is a boon to menopausal women like myself.

Awesome Achievement
In this guided manual Mr. Atkins demonstrates the awesome power of Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo in combating any affliction proving anyone & everyone can benefit from use ofthis universal Law. The secret is not just to eliminate suffering but in that very suffering is replaced with pure joy. Marty Ward( "The thing you must do; what you must achieve; is to do the impossible.")ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Gets to the core of Buddhist practice
Charles Atkins has written another moving and insightful book on the ancient faith of Buddhism as it relates to the practical issues of illness, death, addiction, and emptiness.These are the timeless themes of Buddhist practice and philosophy articulated anew by each generation of practitioners.Atkins, drawing on his extensive practice and life experience, brings alive these ancient teachings for the modern reader.The role of thought and one's inner life in manifesting a life condition of health and well being is treated with particular insight.Though informed enough to offer wisdom to the experienced practitioner, the novice will find a wealth of practical advice on how to develop their own practice.

Concise and Poetic
I have followed author Charles Atkins' blog on fraught with peril (an eclectic Nichiren Buddhist website) for some time, and enjoyed his earlier book, "Modern Buddhist Healing".Atkins has been writing for years, but his recovery from stage 4 Hodgkins Disease using the techniques he outlines in this book sent his work charging off into explorations of healing prayer.Atkins is a firm believer in the power of our lives to heal our bodies, but is not flakey or "woo-woo" in his discussions.For example, he is a strong advocate of seeking out the best medical treatment available - Atkins is not a "faith healer".His work is highly personal and takes his readers on a fascinating tour of his worldview and the role of powerful prayer.

I was sorry to see that Atkins' publisher did not see fit to allow a "search" of this book here in Amazon.com, so I will list some of the Chapters for those readers who are trying to decide if this book is "for them":

The Wheel of Samsara / Birthing; Aging and Illness; Dying and Reincarnation

Your Mind as Your Vehicle Towards Healing

Directing Your Journey - Practical Techniques/ The SOund of Visualization; Affirmations are Crucial; Practical Visualizations; For the Children

The School of Buddhism which Atkins has followed for years posits that we all possess what is called a "Buddha Nature" or pure core. As he writes in the chapter on Meditation and Science: "Because we are all intrinsically divine at the core, our prayers, intentions and affirmations, no matter what kind, resonate with the universe as if ringing a great bell".Atkins has had a lot of success "ringing" his own universal "bell" and wants very much to teach others how they can do it too.I hope the "buzz" on this book will let it reach the hands of those who will be helped by it.



... Read more

Product Description
This thirteenth-century text was written by Nichiren,founder of the Nichiren school of Buddhism and was translated from theJapanese by Venerable Murano Senchu.Written during Nichiren's exileto Sado Island, it extols the perfection of the SaddharmapundarikaSutra (Lotus Sutra) and critiques the doctrinal approaches of theother major schools of Japanese Buddhism active at that time.[TaishoTripitaka #2689] [Jpn: Kaimokusho] ... Read more

Product Description
In 1987 Charles Atkins was struck with Hodgkin's disease and underwent the ravages of chemotherapy. Throughout his illness he used his Buddhist training and the power of the mantra nam-myoho-renge-kyo to carry him through the cancer treatments and allay his fears of death and doubts for recovery. During his stays in the hospital, he took every possible opportunity to comfort other cancer patients. His survival inspired him to share the healing techniques he has learned with others.In this book, Atkins introduces us to the Buddhist master Nichiren (1222-1281) and the healing teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha as laid out in the Lotus Sutra. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is an old mantra that has accumulated a great deal of power from centuries of countless individuals focusing their highest intents while chanting it. He explains how nam-myoho-renge-kyo can be used to "undo" karma that has damaged our health. Methods for chanting while visualizing abound in this book. His example, along with that of many others struggling with diseases as diverse as fibromyalgia, diabetic ulcers, high blood pressure, and mental illness, provides a beacon of hope for those facing illness. Atkins's book shows that with hope, faith, and prayer nothing is impossible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Modern Buddhist healing
I ordered this book twice, as I gave it away to a friend after reading it for the first time. I would say it's not only a book for buddhists, but it helps if you know something about the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin.

For me this book is also different to others of this category. It shows the deep connection between believe and also (I would call it) energy work.Especially in difficult life situations, as illness and pain.

As my language is German, I would love to read this book also in German, but unfortunately it is still not translated.

read it
best regards
Maria

Modern Buddhist Healing
In 1987, Charles Atkins was diagnosed with cancer. As with many cancer patients he underwent chemo and radiation therapy, a process that kills cell growth (both cancerous and healthy cells). To say the least, it can be a horrible process.

Years earlier, Atkins had been introduced to the work of Buddhist master Nichiren Daishonin. These teachings focused on the Lotus Sutra, repetition of the words "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo". For Atkins, this became a mantra of healing, to release karmic blockages and reverse dis-ease within the body system.

With nothing to lose, Atkins used this mantra during his illness. Before and during each therapy session, he chanted the phrase. This made the experience tolerable. He also regularly practiced the mantra with imagery techniques to speed his recovery. Atkins now uses the method to help others.

A Must Read....
Charles Atkins is a master at harnessing his description of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and how it relates to healing the human body.
Even after being a 10 year practicing Buddhist, it is only now that I truly understand the meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, along with its vibrational power to heal both the body and the mind. Using Atkins' exercise of mantra powered visualization, I have been given new strength and hope regarding my own health issues.
Anyone who deals with any type of chronic illness must read this book and implement it's easy to learn strategies.
This book and it's author has changed my life incredibly! Whether you are Buddhist or not, anyone can benefit from this over-whelmingly encouraging lesson in healing, along with Atkins' miraculous struggle and survival of cancer.
Gayla Preston, Columbus Ohio

A cure for your pain.
After reading the book 'Modern Buddhist Healing' by Charles Atkins I lent it to a friend who has suffered from illness for many years and tried all sorts of therapy. She is already feeling the power of the healing recommended in the book.It is an honest, clear account of how anyone can change their lives and free themselves from disease, this is not a crank book as the method Mr Atkins uses really works.He even cites his own account of how he freed himself from a life threatening illness. It is a book to keep by your bedside and read over and over.

oh yeah, that's the spot
This is IT
I recently just happened to be in a bookstore recently when Mr. Atkins was there discussing his book and experiences. I always have my "BS meter" on full alert...suffice to say that thisbook is not religious froo-froo or dogmatic salesmanship. The principles that he teaches here make sense for anyone and apparently work too. I'm impressed. If you buy it, Modern Buddhist Healing can change your life for the better on every level. ... Read more