The Buddhist Tradition
Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, was born some 2,500 years ago in what is now Southern Nepal. Followers of Nichiren Daishonin believe that Shakyamuni's enlightenment to eternal, universal reality was most succinctly articulated in his teaching called the Lotus Sutra.
According to Nichiren Daishonin, the workings of the universe are an expression of a single principle or Law - Myoho-renge-kyo, the title and essence of the Lotus Sutra. By putting their lives in rhythm with this Law, individuals can unlock their hidden potential - the Buddha nature- and achieve creative harmony with the environment. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is a vehicle of individual empowerment - that is, individuals have within themselves the power to transform the inevitable sufferings of life into happiness and to be a positive influence in the community.
