I'm only going by my unpacking this religion over the years and what i learned here at this site and innthe old days Esangha and that independant yahoo group with rev Ryui.narhwal90 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 23, 2021 2:30 am I'm not so sure Minobu- why can't Nichiren and his propositions be subject to the same critical review and investigation that might be applied to the commentary of any other teacher? There are any number of commentaries and analyses of the Lotus Sutra.
So does invoking the title of the sutra instruct the follower on the contents of the sutra without any further study? Meaning, no need for goshos? Back in my Shoshu days and in SGI now there is a continuing emphasis on faith, practice, study. Meaning (to me) belief that the practice works, doing the practice, study of the practice (gosho etc), by implication all three are needed.
Besides recitation of the title, Nichiren specifcally accepts recital of the sutra, contemplation of Ichinen-sanzen and the so-called 3 Truths propositions, if the follower is capable. Is it the case that the essential practice is chanting but elaboration of the practice with more complex forms is beneficial- and therefore of some importance?
The Lotus Sutra talks of mappo and who will be handed the keys so to speak.
this practice actually produces wonder in as many individuals in as many wondrous ways as there are people who try it.
The non members who come to this section and set up their criteria of wisdom that has to be achieved by realizing emptiness, well none have and they talk about it all the time...your first real world clue.
none even expect to achieve what that deem necessary.
Nichiren was well studied in their what seems to be only buddhist rhetoric now these days.
None can claim that which the Lotus Sutra , the Entity of The Lotus Sutra , claim in this time.
It's The Eternal Buddhas realm and The Teaching is the very Entity itself so go argue with that.
But you only have to look for proof.
Let those that accuse Nichiren's practice of not producing the Wisdom necessary come for and show us one of their own who has.
Not going to happen ever.
peasantry narwhal ...peasantry outdo these men of Buddhist Debate.