Nichiren Buddhism

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Nichiren Buddhism (日蓮仏教) comprises the schools that follow Nichiren's teaching that the Lotus Sutra is the supreme scripture and that chanting its title, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, opens the way to buddhahood. It is a confident, energetic tradition with a distinctive art centred on writing rather than images.

Practice and object of worship

Followers chant the daimoku before a calligraphic mandala, the gohonzon, in which the title of the sutra runs down the centre in bold characters, surrounded by the names of buddhas, bodhisattvas and protectors. Some temples also enshrine statues of Shaka, Taho Nyorai and Nichiren himself.

The schools

After Nichiren's death his disciples founded several lineages. Nichiren-shū, with its head temple at Kuonji on Mount Minobu, is the largest traditional school, and Nichiren Shōshū centres on Taisekiji near Mount Fuji. Several modern lay movements also follow Nichiren's teaching.

Guardians of the sutra

Kishimojin, the Ten Rakshasa daughters and the deity Daikokuten are honoured as protectors of those who uphold the sutra, and appear in Nichiren temples and household altars.

Nichiren and the arts

In Kyoto, Nichiren temples drew strong support from merchants and artisans. The Hon'ami family, including the great artist Hon'ami Kōetsu, and the painter Hasegawa Tōhaku were followers, and Nichiren temples hold some of their works.

Collecting notes

• Daimoku scrolls by Nichiren priests are the characteristic collectable, valued as calligraphy. Note the writer, temple and seals.
• Seated figures of Nichiren, and altars of Nichiren households, follow their own forms and are distinct from Pure Land altars.

In the collection

Browse Nichiren Buddhist art. Our collector concierge can search Japan for daimoku scrolls and figures.

See also

• Tendai Buddhism
• Bokuseki: Zen Calligraphy
• Types of Butsudan