Web Resources to Study Nichiren Buddhism

Illuminated Gosho Contents - Illustrated quotes from the "Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin."

Nichiren's Coffeehouse and Gohonzon Gallery - Resources on the disparate forms of Nichiren Buddhism and the various perspectives on the Buddha's teachings.

Ethiopian Buddhist Ondinonk-Nyabingi Institute, Church, and Yeshiva - Offers questions and answers from an independent perspective.

EverLife Buddhist Education Center - Commentary on art, symbols and history commonly associated with Nichiren thought.

Fraught with Peril - Features a collection of web logs written and maintained by members of Nichiren Shu, Soka Gakkai, Nichiren Shoshu, and independents.

Honkun-ji Temple - Details of the "Honmon Butsuryu Ko-Goho Shinei Ren" faith and history of the main temple in Japan, with select lectures.

Just the Teachings - Group emphasizing independent and non-sectarian interpretations of Nichiren's teachings.

Lotus Way - Features readings, passages, and translations along with mailing list subscription information and online sutra recitation schedule.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - Provides an introduction to the phrase, its use in the practice of chanting, and advice on when and how to perform it.

Nichiren Buddhist Association of America - Offering introductory information about teachings and beliefs, mission and purpose, and organizational structure with inspirational poems and essays.

Penlan Buddha Blossom - Offers personal spiritual coaching. Features details about mentoring services, fees, and newsletter.

Sharing Buddhism - Offers daily mailing of "Daily Wisdom" excerpts.

Yahoo! Groups: GohonzonInfo - Announcement mailing list with archives for distributing printable Gohonzon along with related information.

Honmon Butsuryu Shu

Honmon Butsuryu Shu - Official home of the Honmon Butsuryu Shu in Japan. Features general background information about the organization, contact information, and other resources, along with some general Buddhist history.

Yahoo! Groups : Honmon Butsuryushu - Offers study and introductory discussion.

Honmon Butsuryu Shu Network - Myoshinji Temple (Japan), offering background details of practices and biographies, with links to other resources.

Kofu-ji Temple (Japan) - Offers resources on the teachings and practices of the Honmon Butsuryu Shu.

Southeastern United States Branch - Provides resources for beginners, compares and contrasts this school from others, and offers historical lineage details.

Temple Locations - Head temple provides location information for all affiliated temples worldwide.

Kempon Hokke Shu

Along the Middle Path - Commentary by Kempon Hokke practitioner on Nichiren Buddhist practice and its meaning.

Kempon Hokke Shu - Main informational site about this school, offering an assortment of Sutra translations and other religious materials and commentaries.

Yahoo! Groups: Nichiren Shonin - Offers introductory discussion.

American Kempon Hokke Kai Self-Destruction - Claiming that the Kempon Hokke sect "should be avoided".

Visit to the Kempon Hokke Head Temple Myoman-ji - Documentary on a group's experience visiting Myoman-ji, with criticisms based upon their observations.

Nichiren Shoshu

Articles and Lectures on Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism - History, philosophy, religious beliefs and explanations of ceremonies according to various priests.

Images of Taisekiji - Commemorating 750 years by presenting historical and modern pictures of Head Temple Taisekiji and surroundings in Fujinomiya City, Japan.

Nichiren Shoshu - Features ongoing activities, temple locations, and material for experienced practitioners and newcomers.

Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism - Official site for Nichiren Shoshu information in the United States. Provides introductory information and pertinent articles and lectures, in addition to temple locations and contacts.

Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Society International - Offers explanations of terms with personal testimonials of faith.

The Nichiren Shoshu Handbook - Online version of the publication describing the basics of Nichiren Shoshu belief and history.

Nichiren Shoshu Overseas Bureau - Offers announcements and calendar of events, along with articles on faith and explanations of ceremonies and their significance.

Udumbara Foundation - Organization for the Shoshin-kai. Features sermons, articles, encouragement, and discussions.

Wikipedia: Nichiren Shoshu - Encyclopedia entry describes primary doctrines and history.

Nichiren Shoshu Temple List - List of temples in the United States along with contact information.

Myohoji Bulletin - Current events and contact information for the Nichiren Shoshu temple in West Hollywood.

Seiganzan Myoshinji - Includes group's history, priests' sermons, and facility hours.

Soka-Spirit - Discusses history and issues relating to the separation of the Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood.

About NST New York - Rebuttals of select speeches by Reverend Jisei Nagasaka of the Myosetsu-ji Temple located in New York.

Association of Youthful Priests Dedicated to the Reformation of Nichiren Shoshu - Critical commentary on the sect's administration and conduct. Includes event coverage in Asia and the Americas.

Criminal Acts of Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood - A personal view of corruption within the priesthood and followers of Nichiren Shoshu from a Soka Gakkai member's perspective.

Domei News - Published by a group of priests who left Nichiren Shoshu due to the High Priest.

Fujiko's Homepage - Personal site by Fujiko Mine on the dispute between Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood.

Heritage of the Nichiren Shoshu - Documents the alleged attempts by Masatomo Yamazaki and other anti-Soka Gakkai activists to "destroy" the Soka Gakkai before the Nichiren Shoshu/Soka Gakkai rift.

House Minority Views Report on the Burton Report - Documentation and political commentary refuting a report which alledges impropriety by Soka Gakkai's lawyers originating from the "House Committee on Government Reform."

Nichiren Shoshu Crane Symbol - Historical essay critical of the symbolism surrounding the Crane symbol of the Nichiren Shoshu sect.

Nichiren Shoshu Yushu Goho Domei - Details concerns of Nichiren Shoshu priests who do not accept the leadership of the High Priest.

Noble Mission of the Soka Gakkai - Personal site by Steve Sonoda on the "Noble Mission of the Soka Gakkai to fulfill the Daishonin's will of Rissho Ankoku" (refutation of false teachings) and "creating lasting peace and prosperity in this world."

Questions and Answers on the Temple Issue - Pamphlet published by the Soka Gakkai International-USA, which attempts to outline key elements of the ongoing rift between the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu.

Reaffirming Our Right to Happiness - Justification for the conferral of Gohonzon by the Soka Gakkai and rebuttal of Nichiren Shoshu objections to this practice.

SGI-USA Soka Spirit Committee - Features articles refuting the Nichiren Shoshu tradition, along with select passages and excerpts from official organization publications.

Soka Gakkai/Nichiren Shoshu/Hokkeko Links - Self-described as a "user-friendly navigation guide" to Soka Gakkai International. Presents critical commentary on Nichiren Shoshu/Hokkeko, and other sectarian websites as well as nonsectarian links.

True Meaning of the Crane Emblem - Essay with historical context, proposing a possible "embarassing" meaning behind the crane emblem used by Nichiren Shoshu.

Views on the Nichiren Shoshu High Priest - Koichi Tomoda's view of the Nichiren Shoshu High Priest as "power-mad" among other accusations.

Nichiren Shu

Nichiren Shu - Organization's main site, featuring a wealth of information about the beliefs, history, and activities of this school.

Nichiren Shu Community Network - Sponsored by the Los Angeles Nichiren Shu and Nichiren Beikoku Samgha Association. Provides overview of teachings and practices, along with extensive resources.

Ryuei.net - Collection of essays and talks by the Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick of San Jose Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple, Myokaku-ji Betsuin, on topics within Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.

Wikipedia: Nichiren Shu - Article providing overview of organization's history and practice.

Yahoo! Groups: Nichiren Shu Buddhism - Online message board providing a forum for discussion of Nichiren Shu related topics.

Yahoo! Groups: Proud Black Nichiren Buddhist Sangha - Moderated and restricted to African and African American members and guests of Nichiren Shu.

Nichiren Shu Hokekyo Indonesia Buddhist Association - Features articles on the faith, along with picture gallery of related Nichiren artwork.

Kosai-ji Temple - Brief history and resources.

Nichiren Shu Temples in the USA - Temple locations and contact information for the United States.

Charlotte Sangha - North Carolina. Local listing of activities and schedules with study and meeting information.

Myogyo-ji Temple of Greater Boston - Monthly bulletin, sacred days and temple schedule, with picture album and brief history.

Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Texas - Based in Houston. Offers pictures and calendar of events for local membership.

Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Chicago - Temple history, newsletter, monthly sermon schedule, and location with contact information.

Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland - Features history, pictures, minister backgrounds, and virtual tour, with calendar of events, contact and location information, and news.

Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple, Lexington Kentucky - Provides local information as well as transcripts and audio files of lectures, with conference details, events calendar, and gallery.

Nichiren Shu Temple of Los Angeles - Resources for Nichiren Shu practitioners in the L.A. Area, along with general informational materials.

Western New York Nichiren Shu - Basic information and resources for Nichiren Shu practitioners with contact information.

Nipponzan Myohoji

Grafton Peace Pagoda - Background information, hours, and contacts.

Jyunrei - Details interfaith walks for peace.

Lumbini Dojo - Describes recent ceremonies, location, and daily schedule, and offers temple pictures.

Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda - Peace Pagoda in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom built by the Nipponzan Myohoji.

New England Peace Pagoda and Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Sangha - Leverett, MA. Event news and calendar, personal essays, chat room and discussion list.

Nipponzan Myohoji - Washington, DC - Offers introductory information and daily prayer schedule.

Nipponzan Myohoji Vaishali Dojo - Describes location importance and offers overview of Nipponzan Myohoji philosophy.

Niwano Peace Foundation - Promotes research and other activities serving the cause of peace. Describes grants and peace prize and announces recipients.

Peace Pagoda - More on the Peace Pagoda in Leverett, Massachusetts. Also provides a translation of a speech by Nichidatsu Fujii.

Personal History and Philosophical Development - Narrative of a practitioner's spiritual journey.

Smoky Mountain Peace Pagoda - Announcement and details regarding retreat in Tennessee to build a peace pagoda.

Taking a Path to Peace - Plans for carrying embers left from the bombing of Hiroshima on a walk across the United States for world peace, disarmament, an end to the Missile Defense Program, and preservation of the earth from further destruction.

Rissho Kosei Kai

Dharma Center of Oklahoma - Offers overviews of Buddhism and basic tenents along with schedule of meditation classes.

International Buddhist Congregation of Rissho Kosei-kai - Expounds views, essays, and literature, along with worship schedule and general information about Buddhism.

Kosei Publishing Co. - Offers distribution information for publications.

Rissho Kosei-kai - Outlines basic beliefs, teachings, and practice and provides overviews of official publications and peace activities.

Rissho Kosei-kai Hawaii - Offers overview of beliefs and practice, with local organization history and locations.

Yahoo! Groups: RK International - Unofficial forum for open discussion.

Soka Gakkai

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) - Organization's main site, featuring the SGI Quarterly magazine, news releases, history, and other study and religious materials for both newcomers and practitioners.

Allegations without Substance - Provides synopses and critical commentary of specific court cases brought against Soka Gakkai by Akiyo Asaki, Nobuko Nobuhira, and Nobuyuki Shirayama.

Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin - Brief overview of Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai.

GakkaiOnline.Net - A collection of Buddhist experiences, parables, and study material. Also offers a resource section for parents.

Indras.Net Web Ring - Network of sites devoted to the Soka Gakkai. Features listing and navigation of member sites.

An Introduction to Buddhism - Offers overview of Nichiren Buddhism, along with quotes and practice information.

My Faith - Offers views and explanations of fundamental concepts and practices of Nichiren Buddhism.

Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism - Single page outline of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced in the Soka Gakkai, providing an overview of basic fundamentals, a personal experience, and select definitions.

Richard Hower's Personal Page - Articles relating to the interaction of the Soka Gakkai with world leaders, focusing on their respective impacts. Also offers opinion pieces regarding the separation from Nichiren Shoshu.

Romancing the Buddha - Book in progress and collection of articles that chronicle the application of Buddhist principles into daily practice.

Soka Gakkai Controversies Explored - Offers analyses of controversies surrounding Soka Gakkai in Japan, particularly with regard to allegations brought against its President, Daisaku Ikeda.

Soka Gakkai International - USA - Offers explanation of Buddhist topics and views, with facilities locators and publication details.

Soka Gakkai Japan - Presents views, news, organizational initiatives, and resources, along with articles reconciling current events and issues with Buddhist teachings.

Soka Gakkai Spirit Archive - Lyrics and online music from Soka Gakkai songs around the world.

Soka in the World - Offers weekly guidance, quotes from the Ongi Kuden, and Gosho cross-reference.

Words of Wisdom - Quotes from Daisaku Ikeda offering daily inspirational messages along with topical index and short essays.

New Religions, Part III: Soka Gakkai - Provides audio archive of a National Public Radio segment in "All Things Considered" featuring Mandalit del Barco's exploration of the Soka Gakkai. (May 12, 2004)

The Buddhist Perspective of the Soka Gakkai - Paper written by C.R. Young, Eric Hauber, Mary Worthington, and Gerry Hall describing the religious and philosophical foundation of the Soka Gakkai, and its relevance in today's world. [PDF] (February 1, 1994)

Academic Resource Guide on Soka Gakkai - Research site to enable scholars and students to learn more about the Soka Gakkai International (SGI).

Fortune Child Books - Offers author profile, book signing tour schedule, and sales information for children's books authored.

Kansai Soka School system. - Offers guide to the philosophical underpinnings of the soka schools educational curriculum, along with current school system news and junior and high school general campus information, teaching guidelines, and history.

Middleway Press - Trade publishing division of the SGI-USA. Features publication titles, ordering information, press releases, and newsletter.

Boston Research Center for the 21st Century - International peace institute that brings together scholars and activists in dialogue to support an evolving global ethic for a peaceful twenty-first century.

Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research - Independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization brings together researchers, policymakers and activists to collaborate on conflict resolution projects.

Beliefnet: Soka Gakkai - Forum geared toward threaded discussion and answering questions.

Japan Fears Another Religious Sect - San Francisco Chronicle article critical of the perceived political influence that the Soka Gakkai exerts in the Japanese government.

Soka Gakkai Information Resource - Various links to articles critical of the Soka Gakkai.

Victims of Soka Gakkai Association - Alleges "Human rights violations of the Soka Gakkai" along with other incident coverage.

Victorious America - "Grassroots level solution" to perceived authoritarianism within the Soka Gakkai.

Yahoo! Groups : sokagakkaibuddhism - Private message board for Nichiren Buddhist discussion of the Soka Gakkai.

Report from the House Committee on Government Reform - Government investigation into alleged attempts by Soka Gakkai lawyers to obtain confidential information from the Justice Department while embroiled in a defamation suit brought by the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu. (July 27, 2000)

The Power of the Soka Gakkai - Alleges manipulation of the Japanese political process by the Soka Gakkai. (November 20, 1995)

Soka Gakkai - Regional Groups

SGI-USA Discussion Meeting Locator - Directory of contacts for locating SGI-USA discussion meetings in the United States. Phone and email of contact persons listed by city and zip code.

SGI-USA Facilities Locator - Provides locations and contacts for culture and community centers in the United States.

SGI-USA New England - Features membership guide, organizational activities groups information, and study resources, with a calendar of region events.

SGI-USA Los Angeles Friendship Center - A community center open to both SGI members and the local community. Provides schedules, room reservations, and sign up options for volunteer work.

SGI-USA Northern California - Features an e-newsletter for the Northern California Zone.

SGI-USA Sacramento - Community center calendar of events, new member and introductory information, and local announcements.

SGI-USA Silicon Valley Region - Features calendar of events, news, daily encouragement, and youth presentations.

South Bay Community center - Los Angeles Beach Cities Region calendar, message center, announcements and district information.

World Peace Buddhists - Stanford student division offers a picture gallery, overview of nationwide SGI initiatives, and contacts.

Freeing the Human Spirit - Offers educators divisional planning newsletter.

NY Culture Department - Offers schedule of meetings and workshops.

SGI-USA Northeastern Zone - Hours and location of zone headquarters and bookstore, along with local resources.

Eagle Peak - Personal site by Ted Penfold. Soka Gakkai - UK Eaglepeak Buddhist Information Pages.

Guernsey District SGI - Personal site by Richard Moorman. The Guernsey District of the Soka Gakkai International of the United Kingdom.

SGI-UK - Offers locations of local culture and community centers, along with schedule of activities, list of publications available, and explanations of Buddhism.

Malaysia Soka Gakkai - Unofficial site for Soka Gakkai Malaysia.

Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in Malaysia - Offers a personal experience, explanation of the fundamentals of Buddhism, and overview of the history Soka Gakkai.

Soka Gakkai Malaysia - Official Site. Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) was established in 1984. It has the mission to realise the happiness of individuals, the prosperity of Malaysia, and peace among humankind.

Altars and Supplies

Butsudan Taisyodo - Exporter of Japanese-manufactured altars features gallery and dimensions of Butsudans.

Dan and Son Wood Designs - Based in San Diego, California, offers custom-made handcrafted hardwood butsudans. Features sample catalog and price list.

LilyChartier Prayer Beads - Offers examples of custom juzu prayer beads available for purchase with price list and online ordering.

Mappo Design - Offers hand-crafted Omamori Gohonzon cases.

Morning Sun - Altars, candles, incense and other butsugu supplies.

Myoho Beads - Features historical information, as well as juzu bead gallery with prices and descriptions. Also details instructions for maintenance.

MysticWood - Offers custom and chip-carved butsudans by John Sorrells.

Nakayama Butsudans - Features gallery of ready-made Butsudans, accessories, and supplies. Based in Portland, Oregon.

Sharon Milligan Designs - Offers custom made Juzu services. Features sample gallery and ordering information.

Sun Lotus Jewelry & Art - Custom designed Juzu (beads).

Treasure Tower Buddhist Supply - Butsugu, altars, and other Nichiren Shoshu specialty supplies.

Biographies

Biographical Studies of Nichiren - Jacqueline Stone reviews disparate biographies of Nichiren in this article published in the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. (PDF file, Adobe Acrobat reader software required).

Life of Nichiren Daishonin - Touches on the defining events of Nichiren Buddhist foundations chronicled in selected chapters from the book of the same title.

Renso Den - Online publication of booklet from Nichiren Daishonin produced for their 750th anniversary.

Synopsis of Nichiren and His Teachings - Thumbnail sketch of Nichiren and his creation of a new sect of Buddhism.

Wikipedia Entry: Nichiren - Highlights the major events of Nichiren's life.

History and Scholarship

Analytical Psychology and Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin - Erika Gsell provides a brief scholarly comparison of some aspects of the theoretical and practical approaches of Nichiren Buddhism with aspects of Jungian analytical psychology.

BBC Religion & Ethics - Nichiren Buddhism - Provides overview of a Japanese Buddhist movement in the Mahayana tradition, also popular in the West; includes information on the Soka Gakkai, Nichiren Shoshu, and Nichiren Shu schools, highlighting background and doctrinal commonalities.

Buddhist Information of North America: Lotus Sutra Study Center - Offers biographies of various Lotus Sutra commentators, along with select academic lectures.

Ethics and the Lotus Suutra - Paper by Peggy Morgan which discusses ethical imperatives associated with historical and religious claims primarily within the Rissho Kosekai Buddhist experience.

The Lotus Sutra - Also known as the "White Lotus of the True Dharma" or "Saddharma-Pundarika Sutta". Translated by Burton Watson.

The Lotus Sutra - Translated By H. Kern (1884).

New Religious Movements: Nichiren Shoshu - Student paper profiling Nichiren Shoshu's history, beliefs, issues and controversies with links, abstracts, and bibliography.

New Religious Movements: Soka Gakkai - Student paper (University of Virginia, 1999) profiling Soka Gakkai's history, beliefs, issues and controversies. Includes links, abstracts and a print bibliography.

Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra - Syllabus and bibliography of works on Nichiren's historical background, career, philosophy and tradition by Jacqueline Stone.

Nichiren Shonin's View of Humanity - Endo Asai considers Nichiren's view of the human state in terms of both thought and actual circumstances. (PDF file, Adobe Acrobat reader software required).

Nichiren, the Buddhist Prophet of the Truth - Collection of quotes and summaries, with links to full text writings based on translations found in the Yampolsky edition of "Letters of Nichiren" (translated by Burton Watson et al.).

PHILTAR Encyclopedia Entry: Nichiren Buddhism - St Martin's College Department of Religion and Ethics synopsis of Nichiren Buddhism.

Presentation on the Lotus Sutra - Lectures on the Lotus Sutra by Rev. Shokai Kanai of the Nichiren Shu.

Review of "A Time to Chant: The Soka Gakkai Buddhists in Britain" - A review by Brian Brocking in the online Journal of Buddhist Ethics of "A Time to Chant: The Soka Gakkai Buddhists in Britain" authored by Bryan Wilson and Karel Dobbelaere.

Rissho University - Department of Nichiren Buddhism and a research institute in Nichiren Buddhist Studies established to educate student priests of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism.

Wikipedia: Lotus Sutra - Encyclopedia article describing the origins and teachings of the Lotus Sutra.

Wikipedia: Nichiren Buddhism - Encyclopedia entry detailing history of sects of Nichiren Buddhism with overview of commonalities.

Rebuking the Enemies of the Lotus - Article by Jacqueline Stone featured in a Special issue of the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, which offers a brief historical overview outlining the origins of "Lotus exclusivism" in Nichiren's thought and how it affected the development of this branch of Buddhism. [PDF] (June 1, 1994)

Opposing Views

Mystical Materialism for the Masses - A comparison of Nichiren Shoshu and Christianity from the Christian perspective.

Reform the Nichiren Buddhist Debate - Devoted to bringing civility to the discussion of Nichiren Buddhism.

Yahoo! Groups: Nichiren Shoshu Taiten - Discussion group for former members of the Nichiren Shoshu Soka Gakkai to share experiences.