Nichiren Buddhism - Non-Violence in Nichiren Buddhism

Non-Violence in Nichiren Buddhism

According to Nichiren's interpretation of the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, persecutions which Nichiren Buddhists encountered should be perceived as a natural outcome of abiding by their beliefs, as predicted in various chapters of that Sutra: "There will be many ignorant people, who will curse and speak ill of us and will attack us with swords and staves, but we will endure all these things”. Nichiren encouraged his disciples not to share in violence: “Even if other are clad in armor and instigate, my disciples should never do the same. If there are some who prepare for fighting in our group, please write to me immediately.”. Nichiren Buddhism emphasizes the sanctity of life and absolute non-violence: “To deprive a being of life is to commit the gravest kind of sin”, and considers debate or dialogue as the only avenue to resolve disputes: “When in public debate, although the teachings that you advocate are perfectly consistent with the truth, you should never on that account be impolite or abusive, or display a conceited attitude. Such conduct would be disgraceful. Order your thoughts, words and actions carefully and be prudent when you meet with others in debate”.