Discusses concepts common to all schools of Buddhism interpreted from the viewpoint of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

From the teachings of the early masters to the growth of the tradition in the West, this authoritative new reference tool contains over 900 entries supplying information on all the key doctrines, practices, and figures central to Buddhism.

The general format has emerged over the years. Initially, it followed the form of Nichiren School. In the 80s, silent prayers were added for the success of the lay beliebers NSA and Sokka Gakkai itself, and in memory of its first two departed presidents. By the 90s, prayers of appreciation for the priesthood were abandoned. In this new format, after the recitation of the 2nd chapter and the verse portion of the 16th chapter, daimoku can be chanted for as long as desired, after all the silent prayers are said to end gongyo. The recitation now takes only about seven minutes, leaving more time for the primary practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The silent prayers currently are appreciation to the Gohonzon, the representation of the ceremony in the air, the treasure tower, Shakyamuni and Taho Buddhas, to Nichiren, and the four bodhisattvas of the Earth. For the achievement of the goals of the practitioner and the deceased; and finally for the happiness of all living beings. It is indicated by Nichiren's Goshos, however, that more significant than the wording of the prayers is the practitioner's genuine purpose in doing gongyo and showing their gratitude and willingness to achieve their Supreme Awakening

The Soka Gakkai Revolution has revived Buddhism in the lives of millions of Japanese, changed the course of Japanese government, brought creative new ideas to the field of education, and impacted the worlds of culture and art. Metraux has written a comprehensive work on this integral actor in Japanese society and politics that analyzes the Soka Gakkai's rise to political power, its participation in the Hosokawa coalition cabinet, its highly publicized split from Nichiren Shoshu, and its plans to transform Japanese society. Also included is a secondary study of the Soka Gakkai movement in the United States. Contents: The Soka Gakkai Revolution: Blueprint for a New Society; The Soka Gakkai: History and Doctrines; The Soka Gakkai and Politics; The Dispute between the Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood; The Soka Gakkai's Revolutionary Approach to Education; The Soka Gakkai Abroad; Ikeda Daisaku: Religious Savior or Diabolical Dictator? The Significance of the Soka Gakkai.

Describes the teaching and practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, the most rapidly growing world religion. It encourages the belief that, through its faith and practices, spiritual and material blessings and benefits can be available to everyone in this life.

Contains two works by the founder of the Nichiren Shu school: Risshoankokuron and Kanjinhonzonsho."