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Basics of Buddhism
Clear and concise introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin; including key principles and how to practice.
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First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 2, 2009
This is a really good book for Westerners interested in getting a clearer understanding of Buddhist principles.
A Japanese friend of mine says that words in the English language do not have as many multi-layered meanings as words in the Japanese language. In general, the Japanese strive for more harmony with each other, and in life. I was invited to chant by her mother, no small gesture. It has deepened my friendship with them, not that I necessarily practice, but it helps my understanding and does help my view of the world.
There are many types of Buddhism. Soka Gakkai International Buddhism is not the type where you shave your head, go to a monastery and suffer all your life until you die to achieve buddhahood. Its based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese man who lived in the 1200's, who revolutionized Buddhism with the belief that ALL people can achieve Buddhahood, harmony with nature, life, your fellow man during THIS lifetime. He believed you didn't have to be a priest, or follow priests, to become enlightened, which obviously upset the status quo and got him in a lot of trouble, but he persevered and handed it down for the rest of the world to learn.
We are all part of life, individuals but part of the whole, through eternity, part of the universe, each one able to achieve understanding and happinbess. It is hard to explain the unexplainable but this book organizes the information and is a good reference to understand the principles, to face conflict and challenges, to work at happiness, to work for peace.
There are no laws, no rules to follow, you don't have to chant every day. Buddhism makes a lot of sense because it is based on reality we face in the here-and-now, not tales of long ago. Much of it is just common sense.
Some Buddhist concepts are more complicated than following the golden rule. Pat Allwright's essays helped a lot. In particular: the Ten States of Life; the meaning of each word of nam-myoho-renge-kyo; the three thousand realms in a momentary existence of life; the meaning of The Gohonzon and the Buddhist view of the eternity of life were the most compelling for me. I think this book helps explain the unexplainable and will prove useful in everyday life.
A Japanese friend of mine says that words in the English language do not have as many multi-layered meanings as words in the Japanese language. In general, the Japanese strive for more harmony with each other, and in life. I was invited to chant by her mother, no small gesture. It has deepened my friendship with them, not that I necessarily practice, but it helps my understanding and does help my view of the world.
There are many types of Buddhism. Soka Gakkai International Buddhism is not the type where you shave your head, go to a monastery and suffer all your life until you die to achieve buddhahood. Its based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese man who lived in the 1200's, who revolutionized Buddhism with the belief that ALL people can achieve Buddhahood, harmony with nature, life, your fellow man during THIS lifetime. He believed you didn't have to be a priest, or follow priests, to become enlightened, which obviously upset the status quo and got him in a lot of trouble, but he persevered and handed it down for the rest of the world to learn.
We are all part of life, individuals but part of the whole, through eternity, part of the universe, each one able to achieve understanding and happinbess. It is hard to explain the unexplainable but this book organizes the information and is a good reference to understand the principles, to face conflict and challenges, to work at happiness, to work for peace.
There are no laws, no rules to follow, you don't have to chant every day. Buddhism makes a lot of sense because it is based on reality we face in the here-and-now, not tales of long ago. Much of it is just common sense.
Some Buddhist concepts are more complicated than following the golden rule. Pat Allwright's essays helped a lot. In particular: the Ten States of Life; the meaning of each word of nam-myoho-renge-kyo; the three thousand realms in a momentary existence of life; the meaning of The Gohonzon and the Buddhist view of the eternity of life were the most compelling for me. I think this book helps explain the unexplainable and will prove useful in everyday life.
December 16, 2010
Modern, internationalist (in a bad way) Nichiren "Buddhism," filled with modern liberal values and crap. Basically, it's not even Buddhism. Very anti-hierarchical (though they have a weird cult around the president of SGI, so they are sort of hypocritical). I was a practicing Nichiren Buddhist when I was in my mid-teenage years, and them bragging about being the most racially diverse religion was no lie. If you want to read about real Buddhism, don't bother with any of the Nichiren Buddhists (would you be surprised to learn Nichiren Buddhism is the most widely practiced in the world today?), they are modern abominations.
August 14, 2013
One of the most notable Buddhist saints in Japanese history, Nichiren was a powerful proponent of the Lotus Sutra, and a brilliant teacher. Many of his letters, writings and expository treatises endure as classics to this day, and are cherished by millions of Lotus Sect Buddhists around the world.
Allwright's book is a fine introduction to this Buddhist tradition, focusing on core concepts and one of Nichiren's most accessible and appealing letters.
Highly recommended.
Allwright's book is a fine introduction to this Buddhist tradition, focusing on core concepts and one of Nichiren's most accessible and appealing letters.
Highly recommended.
July 19, 2012
Great book as an intro to Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism as explained by SGI.
May 10, 2019
I learned a lot about the Buddhism I have practicing for some years. Well written and easy to understand.
May 22, 2022
Excellent short clear introduction to Buddhism. Makes you want to read more.
August 18, 2009
pretty cool stuff. good timing right now.
p.s. does anyone else find it particularly interesting that the author's last name is "allwright"?
p.s. does anyone else find it particularly interesting that the author's last name is "allwright"?
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March 3, 2010dear Monica,
it is a wonderful book, indeed.!!!yours, khan.waiting!!
it is a wonderful book, indeed.!!!yours, khan.waiting!!
August 12, 2011
Very comprehensive guide - but most of the contents are available in SGI booklets
October 21, 2012
Pretty straightforward.
January 25, 2016
Concise (some 100 pages) description of Buddhism as taught by Nichiren Daishonin, with valiant attempts to explain even the more tricky concepts within this philosophy.
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August 21, 2015Meh
April 22, 2017
Great introduction to Nichiren Buddhism.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews