The Differences between HBS and other sects of Nichiren Buddhism

Q. What are the differences between Honmon Butsuryu Shu (HBS) and other sects of Nichiren Buddhism from the viewpoints of doctrine and way of practice?

A. First of all, the viewpoint regarding the Lotus Sutra (Hoke-kyo) is different. In the case of other sects, mainly those of the Nichiren Shu group, on the whole, consider the Primordial Teaching Portion (Honmon) and the Provisional Teaching Portion (Shakumon) of the Lotus Sutra equivalent in value as teachings. These sects are called Honjaku Icchi Ha. In the case of other sects, which are mainly called Hokke Shu, assert that the Primordial Teaching Portion is superior to the Provisional Teaching Portion of the Lotus Sutra (known as Honjaku Shoretsu). These sects are called Honjaku Shoretsu Ha.

Among the Honjaku Shoretsu Ha, most attach strong importance to only the teaching of the latter half of Chapter 15, entire Chapter 16 and the first half of Chapter 17 of the Lotus Sutra. It is true that Chapter 16 and the two halves of Chapters 15 and 17 (Juryo Ippon Nihan) are the teachings in which the Eternal Buddha’s practices to gain holy religious merits and the state of enlightenment are taught, but to advocate that Juryo Ippon Nihan is the only teaching for the people of the Mappo period is incorrect. If Juryo Ippon Nihan is not included with the Primordial Eight Chapters of the Lotus Sutra (Honmon Happon), it is not a beneficial teaching for the Mappo period.

HBS considers, based on the guidance of Nichiren Shonin, Nichiryu Shonin and Nissen Shonin (Ren, Ryu, Sen Sanso), that the Primordial Eight Chapters (Honmon Happon) (from Chapter 15 to Chapter 22) are the most important teachings for the Mappo period, because only the teachings of the Honmon Happon are the teachings of Shakamuni Buddha who declared his original state as the Primordial Eternal Buddha (Kuon Honbutsu), and the Bodhisattva Jogyo listened to only these eight chapters as a messenger for the Mappo period.

Nichiren Shonin stated in his writing, ‘The Letter to Nichinyo Gozen’, “I, Nichiren, set the true object of worship (Gohonzon) for the people of the Mappo period based on the teachings of the Primordial Eight Chapters of the Lotus Sutra from Chapter 15 to Chapter 22.”

One more clear difference between HBS and other sects is the way of practice.

In the case of HBS, we focus on chanting the Odaimoku, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, as the most important practice as the quintessence of the whole practice, but in the case of many other sects, they consider reciting sutras as a main practice more than chanting the Odaimoku and also use various religious rituals which Nichiren Shonin never recommended.

Nichiren Shonin stated;

“Upholding the Lotus Sutra faithfully means not practicing various practices which are taught in the Lotus Sutra. We should just chant the Odaimoku. Even reciting the Sutra should be avoided.”

Shishin Gohon Sho

In the case of other sects, they tried to create their own interpretation of the teachings of Nichiren Shonin and added their own religious performances. Nissen Shonin, the founder of HBS tried to be a faithful follower of Nichiren Shonin and Nichiryu Shonin, so, as a result, the differences in the doctrines and the way of practices between HBS and other sects occurred.

If one deviates from the true intention of Nichiren Shonin, what happens? One doesn’t receive any goriyaku. So, receiving or not receiving goriyaku is a clear difference between HBS and the other sects.

Nissen Shonin stated in his Gokyoka poem

Goriyaku no naki monryu ni madounayo

Yoshiya Nichiren Shu to iutomo

Explanation: Do not confuse HBS and other sects, even though they call themselves Nichiren Shu sects, because they do not follow the correct instructions of Nichren Shonin. They no longer receive any goriyaku like HBS members.