Nichiren Buddhism, founded by the Japanese monk Nichiren in the 13th century, is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the Lotus Sutra as the ultimate path to enlightenment. Central to this belief is the concept of faith in the Lotus Sutra, which is seen as the key to liberation from suffering and the attainment of Buddhahood.

One of the main principles of Nichiren Buddhism is the idea of "engaged Buddhism," or the belief that one's spiritual practice should be intertwined with social activism and the pursuit of social justice. This concept is rooted in the Lotus Sutra, which teaches that all beings have the potential to become Buddhas and that it is the responsibility of those who have attained enlightenment to help others do the same.

In Nichiren Buddhism, social activism is seen as a natural extension of one's faith in the Lotus Sutra. This is because the ultimate goal of the Lotus Sutra is not just personal enlightenment, but the realization of a peaceful and just society where all beings can live in harmony. Therefore, it is believed that as practitioners of the Lotus Sutra, it is our duty to actively work towards creating a better world for all beings.

One way in which Nichiren Buddhism promotes social activism is through the practice of shakubuku, which literally means "breaking and subduing." This refers to the act of challenging and overcoming the negative forces that create suffering in the world, such as greed, hatred, and ignorance. By actively confronting these forces and working to eradicate them, Nichiren Buddhists believe they are fulfilling their role as Bodhisattvas, or beings who have vowed to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings.

Furthermore, Nichiren Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy towards others. This is because the Lotus Sutra teaches that all beings are interconnected and that the suffering of one affects the whole. Therefore, it is believed that by actively engaging in social activism and working towards the betterment of society, one is also working towards their own enlightenment.

In summary, the relationship between Nichiren Buddhism and social activism is one of mutual reinforcement. The belief in the Lotus Sutra as the path to liberation inspires practitioners to actively engage in social activism, while social activism, in turn, helps to deepen one's understanding and practice of the Lotus Sutra. This combination of spiritual practice and social action is seen as essential in creating a world of peace and harmony, in line with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.