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What is the ultimate goal of Nichiren Buddhism?
The ultimate goal of Nichiren Buddhism is to attain enlightenment and liberation from suffering through faith in the Lotus Sutra. This belief is based on the teachings of the 13th century Japanese Buddhist monk, Nichiren, who saw the Lotus Sutra as the ultimate and most effective path to enlightenment.
According to Nichiren Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra is the true and complete teachings of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and it contains the essence of all other Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes the concept of the "Buddha nature," the inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within all beings. This means that every person has the ability to achieve enlightenment and become a Buddha themselves.
The path to enlightenment in Nichiren Buddhism is through chanting the mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," which translates to "I devote myself to the Lotus Sutra." This mantra is believed to awaken the Buddha nature within oneself and bring about inner transformation and enlightenment. Through consistent and dedicated practice of chanting, one can purify their mind and ultimately attain Buddhahood.
The ultimate goal of Nichiren Buddhism is not just personal enlightenment, but also the happiness and well-being of all beings. This is achieved through the concept of "attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime," which means that one can achieve enlightenment and benefit others in the present life, rather than waiting for future rebirths.
In addition, Nichiren Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of social and environmental activism, as a way to create a peaceful and harmonious world for all beings. This is based on the belief that the actions of individuals can have a ripple effect and contribute to the collective happiness of society.
In summary, the ultimate goal of Nichiren Buddhism is to attain enlightenment and liberation from suffering through the practice of chanting the Lotus Sutra. This practice not only leads to personal enlightenment, but also the betterment of society and the world as a whole. By following this path, one can achieve true happiness and ultimately become a Buddha themselves.