The three fundamentals in the practice of Nichiren’s teachings are faith, practice, and study [信行学] (Jpn shin-gyo-gaku )
“Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase” (Nichiren Daishonin).
Useful resources
Beginners/those who are new to Nichiren Buddhism:
Origins of Buddhism: History of Buddhism
Introductory Study Material: The Introductory Study Programme comprises a series which explains the basic principles of Buddhism. Each section includes study material for participants and supporting notes, including other references.
Basics of Buddhism: A clear and concise introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin; including key principles and how to practise by Pat Allwright.
The Buddha in Daily Life: An introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. The late Richard Causton, former General Director of SGI-UK, explains the teachings and practice of the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin and the purpose of the SGI organisation.
The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self . “The Buddha in Your Mirror puts Nichiren’s profound concepts into readily accessible terms. Whether you’re reading this book out of mere curiosity, or you have a crying need to elevate your life and circumstances, I encourage you to give the practical advice offered … a solid try.” From the foreword by Herbie Hancock.
Art of Living Magazine: A monthly Buddhist magazine published by SGI-UK containing guidance, experiences and information related to Buddhist activities in the UK and around the world.
Intermediate level:
Buddhist Concepts: Includes The Ten Worlds, Cause and Effect and the Nine Consciousnesses and more.
Learning from the Gosho: Contains a series of study lectures by Daisaku Ikeda on 12 selected gosho, including Gift of an Unlined Robe, The Izu Exile, The Opening of the Eyes, and The One Essential Phrase.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: SGI President Ikeda’s Study lecture series on the Gosho ‘On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime’.
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life: SGI President Ikeda’s study lecture series. This is a series of lectures by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda on ‘The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life’. Nichiren Daishonin states: “Skakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death.”
The Heart of the Lotus Sutra: This is a line-by-line explanation of the sutra chapters that, according to Nichiren Daishonin, embody the essence of the Buddha’s lifetime teachings. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s lectures bring the ancient text to life and provide new insights for our Buddhist practice.
The Opening of the Eyes: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series – on the writings of Nichiren Daishonin. “Opening of the Eyes” – A Call To Open Our Eyes to Nichiren, To Open Our Eyes to the People.
The Teachings for Victory Vol. 1: Selected lectures on four of Nichiren Daishonin’s writings, ‘Letter from Sado’, ‘Letter to the Brothers’, ‘The Supremacy of the Law’ and ‘The Three Kinds of Treasure’.
Advanced level:
The Lotus Sutra & Its Opening and Closing Sutras: Translation by Burton Watson from Kumarajiva’s Chinese version. The entire text of the Lotus Sutra, which forms the basis of the daily practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism – including the opening and closing sutras.
The Wisdom of The Lotus Sutra:
Volume one, examining chapters 1 – 2 of the Lotus Sutra, Introduction and Expedient Means.
Volume two examining Chapters 3 – 10 of the Lotus Sutra.
Volume three examining chapters 11 – 15 of the Lotus Sutra.
Volume four examining chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra, The Life Span of the Thus Come One.
Volume five examining chapters 17 – 22 of the Lotus Sutra.
Volume six examining chapters 23 – 28 of the Lotus Sutra.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin – Vol 1: Volume 1 (of 2) A collection of 172 of Nichiren Daishonin’s writings translated into English. Including background material and information on each of the letters and treatises. Also contains detailed appendices and glossary.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin – Vol 2: Volume 2 (of 2) A collection of a further 233 of Nichiren Daishonin’s writings translated into English. Including background information on each. Also contains detailed appendices and glossary.
Misc:
The Quotable Nichiren: Easy to use reference containing more than 700 favourite passages arranged under more than 80 topics taken from Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings.
Dictionary of Buddhism: The Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism
Waking the Buddha: How the most dynamic and empowering Buddhist movement in history is changing our concept of religion. Clark Strand is a spiritual writer and former Zen Buddhist monk, who is a contributing editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. He offers a broad insight into how and why the Soka Gakkai, with its committment to social justice and its egalitarian approach, has become a role model, not only for other schools of Buddhism but for other religions as well.
Online Nichiren Buddhism Library: Online versions of The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, volumes I and II (referred to in citation as WND-1 and WND-2), The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras (LSOC), The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings (OTT), and, as a reference to assist with study of these works, The Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism.
Members website: Podcasts, latest E-bulletin newsletters, SGI-UK calendar and study exam esources.
Learning style:
Your learning style influences the way you internally represent experiences, guides the way you learn new things, the way you remember information, and even the words you choose.
For example, if you are are not a keen reader but prefer and retain study better via listening to new things, podcasts and studying with others might be your best bet. If you are a ‘doer’ or ‘kinaesthetic’ learner, leading a study session or bringing a study point to life (art, drama, music, you can be as creative as you like) might help.
If you are not sure about your your preferred learning style find out more here.