Word: nichiren
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...group) as the national religion of Japan. New to politics, this flamboyant sect first made its mark in the April municipal elections when 337 of its 362 candidates were elected to office. Founder Tsunesaburo Makiguchi believed that mankind's salvation lay in the teachings of the Buddhist saint Nichiren* By merely chanting the magic formula, "Namu My oho Rengekyo [I devote myself to the Scripture of the Lotus of the Wonderful Law]," a believer not only freshens his mind but is able to endure and overcome sickness, misfortune, poverty and unhappiness...
...sect has collided with labor unions as well as police. Three years ago thousands of Soka Gakkai coal miners refused to join a strike because it would mean a violation of Nichiren's teaching that work is a blessing. The issue was compromised: union leaders promised not to interfere with the conversion of workers and Soka Gakkai agreed to recognize strikes aimed at "bettering the workers...
...current sect leader, Takashi Koizumi, 52, explains that the move into politics is "simply insurance. Several years ago we began getting official interference, and that was when we decided we must have our representatives in the Diet." As a happy afterthought, Koizumi adds: "Besides, having men who believe in Nichiren's teachings in the Diet will influence the ugly character of politics and make it clean and pure...
...disputatious, 13th century Buddhist holy man, Nichiren's criticisms of other sects led to frequent persecution. He lived in the streets and preached to the poor, reportedly foretold the Mongol invasion of Japan and its defeat, was famed for his litany: "I shall be the pillar of Japan. I shall be the eye of Japan, and I shall be the great vessel of Japan." He died in Tokyo...
...Plug Nichirens. In Tokyo, during a showing of Nichiren and the Great Mongol Invasion, the management of a movie theater had to beg Nichiren Buddhists in the audience to stop throwing coins-an act of worship-at the fragile Cinema-Scope screen...