Nichiren: Orthodox Tendai Through Radical Practice
a deep examination of the relationship between Nichiren Buddhism and its precursor, the Tendai school, arguing that Nichiren was a reformer of practice, not doctrine. The author contends that Nichiren’s radical simplification of practice to solely chanting the daimoku was the result of taking Tendai’s core philosophical concepts, particularly Zhiyi's radical non-dualism(e.g., defilements ARE enlightenment), to their logical conclusion. This methodological reform rejected the complex esoteric rituals, such as the use of the mantra "Om Ah Hum," which Tendai had integrated because these purification practices contradicted the doctrine that practitioners are already complete. Ultimately, Nichiren's contribution was presenting a path of radical orthodoxy, stripping away unnecessary practices to align method fully with the supreme theoretical foundation established by Tiantai/Tendai.
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The One Vehicle Key to the Heart Sutra
"The One Vehicle Key," presents a comparative analysis of the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra, arguing that the latter's wisdom of emptiness functions as a provisional teaching within the context of the Lotus Sutra's ultimate doctrine of the One Vehicle. The author asserts that the One Vehicle gathers all Buddhist teachings as skillful means toward universal Buddhahood, which is the via transformativa that follows the Heart Sutra's preparatory via negativa of conceptual dismantling. The essay meticulously contrasts the texts' philosophical frameworks, their distinct approaches to attainment and reality, and critically examines contemporary scholarship regarding the historical dating of both sutras, particularly the evidence suggesting the Heart Sutra originated in China. Finally, the text concludes with a guided meditationthat integrates the core teachings of both sutras into a unified practice using the seven characters of the Odaimoku.
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Zen Exceptionalism and Western Buddhist Elitism
Exploring the prevalence of spiritual elitism within contemporary Western Buddhism, arguing that the modern mythology surrounding Zen creates an exclusive culture that discourages ordinary practitioners. Specifically, the text argues that Zen exceptionalism misrepresents the historical tradition by stripping away its reliance on texts, doctrine, and gradual practice, instead promoting an idealized view of immediate, effortless enlightenment accessible only to the spiritually gifted. The author uses the example of a Zen master rediscovering the value of chanting to illustrate how Zen authority selectively legitimizes insights long established in other Mahāyāna schools, like Tendai and Pure Land, as if they were revolutionary Zen breakthroughs. Ultimately, the source contends that this "leapfrog" approach to advanced teachings, such as "just sit," is developmentally inappropriate for beginners and creates unnecessary barriers, insisting that awakening should be understood as a universal possibility achievable through varied, supportive paths.
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The Cosmic Paradox Solved - Nichiren's Gohonzon Explained
an essay by Nichiryu Mark Herrick, Renshi, is an extensive examination of the Gohonzon, the calligraphic mandala created by the Buddhist reformer Nichiren. The source explains that the Gohonzon is not merely an object of worship but a dynamic, textual representation of the Dharma's self-expression, embodying the core teachings of the Lotus Sutra and the principle of Three Thousand Realms in a Single Thought-Moment (Ichinen Sanzen). It details how Nichiren created a performative mandalaby substituting calligraphy for traditional visual icons, placing the central chant, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo (Daimoku), at the center, flanked by the Two Buddhas and surrounded by names representing the Ten Worlds. The essay, which frequently incorporates insights from scholars like Jacqueline Stone, Luigi Finocchiaro, and Lucia Dolce, emphasizes that the Gohonzon functions as a ritual technology that facilitates direct awakening through the act of chanting, dissolving the boundary between the practitioner and the eternal reality it depicts. Finally, it outlines how the Gohonzon, the Daimoku, and the Kaidan (the practice community) form the Three Great Secret Dharmas essential for practice in the Latter Age of the Dharma.
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The Myth of Final Nirvana
"The Myth of Final Nirvana," authored by Nichiryu (Mark Herrick), which critically examines the traditional interpretation of "final nirvana" in Buddhist scripture. The author argues that within the Tiantai and Nichiren traditions, the Buddha’s final awakening is understood not as an escape or cessation from life, but as a realization of the Dharmakaya's eternal presence manifesting fully in the world. Citing foundational texts like the Lotus Sutra and the Nirvana Sutra, along with the teachings of masters such as Zhiyi and Nichiren, the piece explains that suffering and impermanence are actually the conditions for nirvana, which is the integration of mind, body, and environment. This perspective asserts that the Buddha’s apparent death is a compassionate illusion intended to awaken followers to the truth that enlightenment is actively lived in the present moment, rather than attained in some ultimate future state.
Two Buddhas is a fresh take on Nichiren Buddhism for the 21st century—warm, curious, and free of dogma. Hosted by author and teacher Mark Herrick, this podcast explores Ren Buddhism, a contemporary path rooted in the chanting of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, and the power of personal awakening. Two Buddhas blends deep Buddhist insight with everyday relevance, spiritual questioning, and the courage to let go of rigid systems. Real stories, real practice, real life—this is the Lotus without the walls
Brasil