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How does Nichiren Buddhism view the concept of karma?
In Nichiren Buddhism, karma is seen as the law of cause and effect, where our actions and thoughts in this lifetime will determine our future circumstances and experiences. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, which states that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment, but our past actions and thoughts create obstacles that prevent us from realizing this potential.
Nichiren Buddhism teaches that karma is not a fixed or predetermined fate, but rather something that can be changed and transformed through our own efforts. This is because, in this tradition, faith in the Lotus Sutra is seen as the ultimate path to liberation and the means to overcome negative karma.
According to Nichiren, the Lotus Sutra is the highest teaching of the Buddha, containing the essence of all other Buddhist teachings. It is believed that by chanting the mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" and embracing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, one can tap into their inherent Buddha nature and transform their karma.
This belief is based on the concept of "ichinen sanzen," which means that all phenomena in the universe are interconnected and reflect the state of our own life. By changing our inner state through chanting and practicing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, we can also change the external circumstances of our lives.
Nichiren also emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for our own karma and not blaming external factors for our suffering. He believed that by taking ownership of our actions and thoughts, we can actively work towards creating positive causes and conditions for our future.
Furthermore, Nichiren Buddhism teaches that our karma is not only limited to our individual lives but also affects the collective karma of society and the world. This is why the practice of chanting for world peace and the happiness of all beings is an essential part of Nichiren Buddhism.
In summary, Nichiren Buddhism views karma as a fundamental concept in understanding the workings of the universe and our own lives. It teaches that through faith in the Lotus Sutra and actively working to transform our karma, we can ultimately attain enlightenment and create a better world for all beings.