Shakubuku, literally “to break and subdue,” springs from Nichiren’s bold conviction that misleading beliefs must be cut away so the Lotus Sutra can shine through. Unlike gentle invitation (shōju), shakubuku takes the bull by the horns—directly challenging teachings deemed incompatible with the Sutra’s message of universal Buddhahood.

In daily life, Nichiren Shōshū members carry this out by:

• One-to-one dialogues: Friendly yet frank conversations open doors—sometimes literally—where questions about suffering, purpose or current world turbulence (from pandemic anxieties to climate concerns) are steered toward the Lotus Sutra.
• Literature distribution: Pamphlets like Daibyakurenge get slipped into hands or mailboxes. They serve as ice-breakers, outlining chapters of the Sutra and Nichiren’s writings that spotlight personal empowerment through daimoku (chanting “Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō”).
• Chanting support: After introducing shakubuku’s core ideas, practitioners often invite newcomers to experience chanting firsthand—whether at local temples, home gatherings or even via smartphone apps. Hearing daimoku reverberate in unison can feel like stumbling upon an old friend in a crowded room.
• Study meetings and memorial services: Regular sessions provide stepping stones, reinforcing faith and sharpening understanding. Contemporary tools—Zoom gatherings, LINE chats or YouTube lectures—mean no one’s cut off just because geography or travel restrictions get in the way.

At its heart, shakubuku isn’t about brow-beating; it’s about shining a spotlight on inner potential. By cutting through old doubts like a scythe through overgrowth, practitioners believe each person can tap into the Lotus Sutra’s life-affirming light—and chant their way toward lasting happiness.