Reading List
The following is a list of recommended reading. The first three titles are highly recommended to those wanting to know more about Buddhist practice. These books are available from the NBIC. Those titles marked with an * asterisk can be found through the publishers or your local bookstores.
“Awakening to the Lotus”
“Awakening to the Lotus” is an excellent source for learning more about the Nichiren Shu order of Buddhism. It is published by Nichiren Buddhist International Center. ISBN 0-9719645-0-5 An introduction into Nichiren Shu Buddhism. A handbook for those just beginning practice or as a resource for those who would like to know more about Nichiren Buddhism. This book contains an introduction to Buddhism with a short history of the Buddha, Nichiren Shonin’s life, basic doctrine, an ouline of the Lotus Sutra, our practice as Nichiren Buddhists and explanations of Altars, Juzu (rosary) and holidays.
“Shakyamuni Buddha”
by Nikkyo Niwano, published by Kosei, ISBN 4-333-01001-2 A narrative biography of the historical Buddha.
“Basic Buddhist Concepts”
by Kogen Mizuno, published by Kosei, ISBN 4-333-01203-1 A basic primer for the study of Buddhism. Easy to read and understand.
“The Lotus Sutra”
translated by Senchu Murano, published by Nichiren Shu Shimbun. The Nichiren Shu considers the teachings of the Lotus Sutra as the highest teaching of the Buddha. Rev. Murano’s translation is a wonderful, easy to read translation of the Kumarajiva, Chinese version of the Myoho Renge Kyo. This particular version contains some of the most complete glossaries and appendices which support the ease of reading. This translation is only available from NBIC or at this Temple.
“Introduction to the Lotus Sutra”
by Shinjo Suguro, published by Jain, ISBN 0-87573-078-7. Even though learning and reading the Lotus Sutra is best done with a Sangha and teacher, this text explains and illustrates many of the passages and meanings in the Lotus Sutra. It references the Murano translation above, but can be used with other translations of the Lotus Sutra.
Writings of Nichiren Shonin
The “Showa Teihon Nichiren Shonin Ibun” (Writings of Nichiren Shonin standardized in the Showa period) compiled by the “Rissho Daigaku Nichiren Kyogaku Kenkyu Jo” (Center for the Study of Nichiren Buddhism) in four volumes and published by Kuonji Temple in 1952-1959 are considered the most authoritative collection of Nichiren Shonin’s writings. Because of the difficulty of reading Nichiren Shonin’s original writings, the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu (Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin) were published in 1992 and 1996 to provide access for everyone in an easy-to-read modern Japanese form. In 2000, the Nichiren Overseas Propagation Promotion Association began the English translation of the 7-volume Nichiren Shonin Zenshu. Although this work is titled as the “complete writings,” it only contains the writings that are considered bibliographically authentic in light of modern scholarship. There are a few writings included in the 7 volumes that are of questionable authenticity; these are specifically indicated in their introductions. Currently volumes 1-5 are available.
“Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Doctrine 1”
compiled by Kyotsu Hori and the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), distributed by University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 0-8248-2733-3. A volume of Nichiren Shonin’s writings including the Rissho Ankoku-ron and the Senji Sho, 18 writings out of the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu (Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin).
“Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Doctrine 2”
compiled by Kyotsu Hori and the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), distributed by University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 0-8248-2551-9. A volume of Nichiren’s writings including the Kaimoku Sho and the Kanjin Honzon Sho, 23 writings out of the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu (Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin).
“Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Doctrine 3”
compiled by Kyotsu Hori and the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), distributed by University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 0-8248-2931-X. A volume of Nichiren’s writings including the Hoon Jo and the Kyoki Jikoku Sho, 17 writings out of the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu (Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin).
“Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Faith and Practice, Volume 4”
compiled by Kyotsu Hori and the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), distributed by University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 978-0-8248-3180-6. A volume of Nichiren’s writings including the Urabon Gosho and the Shoho Jisso Sho, 27 writings out of the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu (Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin).
“Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Biography and Disciples, Volume 5”
compiled by Kyotsu Hori & the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Assciation (NOPPA), edited by Jay Sakshita, distributed by University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 978-0-8248-3301-5. A volume containing 54 writings out of the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu, including the Minobu-san Gosho and the Hendoku Iyaku Gosho.
“Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Followers I, Volume 6th”
compiled by Kyotsu Hori & the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Assciation (NOPPA), edited by Jay Sakshita, distributed by University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 978-0-8248-3455-5 A volume containing 56 writings out of the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu.
Volume 7 will complete the set once it arrives.
“Nyonin Gosho”
A volume containing 22 of Nichiren’s writings addressed to female followers. A beautiful volume of letters showing Nichiren Shonin’s kindness, compassion and vision. This volume was edited and compiled by Kyotsu Hori and the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), Many of the major writings have been translated by the Nichiren Overseas Propagation Promotion Association over the years. Please check the NBIC web page for this and other volumns of Nichiren Shonin’s major writings. These volumes are hardbound and contain the Japanese on one page along with the English facing on the opposite page.
“Nichiren, Leader of Buddhist Reformation in Japan”
by J. A. Christensen, ISBN 0-87573-086-8, Jain Publishing Company. This is a wonderfully readable chronicle of the life and times of Nichiren Shonin. The author states”It is my sincere hope that, through these pages, the reader will come to understand Nichiren as teh man he really was: a scholar of great learning, a teacher of great ability and a man of great compassion.”
“It’s Easier Than You Think”
by Sylvia Boorstein, published by Harper, ISBN 0-06-251294-3 A very easy to read and understand explanation of the Buddha’s first teaching. Sylvia uses stories and examples to explain the Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path.