Nichiren Showshu Buddhism

by Richard Causton

Book Overview

On a spring day in the year 1253, a Buddhist priest, Nichiren Daishonin, began to chant and teach 'Nam-myogo-renge-kyo.' In these words was the universal truth through which he had attained... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0712622691
• ISBN13: 9780712622691
• Release Date: February 1994
• Publisher: Random House (UK)
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.

Customer Reviews

New version is better

The new version of this book, called "The Buddha in Daily Life" is much better than the older version.

"The Buddha in Daily Life - An Introduction to Buddhism"

Mr. Richard Causton, or "Dickie" to those of us who knew and loved him, was the honorable General Director of Soka Gakkai International-United Kingdom (SGI-UK) until his death in 1995 at the age of 75. A couple of years before his passing, Mr. Causton initiated the revision of this book with the assistance of his good friend and professional writer Eddy Canfor-Dumas. In what would become one of the final major accomplishments of his life's mission, in 1994 Mr. Causton finalized the revised text and renamed this book "The Buddha in Daily Life - An Introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin." To me, "The Buddha in Daily Life" is the greatest book ever written in the English language about the practice and study of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. I have bought at least ten copies over the past 5 years and given them to everyone I know and love - whether they are interested in practicing Buddhism themselves or simply curious about my Buddhist faith and its philosophy...Part one of "The Buddha in Daily Life" explains the Buddhist view of life - the theory of the Ten Worlds, the meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and a few inspiring experiences from people who have used this practice to change their lives for the better.Part two covers Buddhism in daily life - the three pillars of Faith, Practice and Study, the Gohonzon and the Soka Gakkai International.I highly recommend Richard Causton's "The Buddha in Daily Life" to everyone interested in learning more about the practice of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as well as to everyone already practicing. My own practice and understanding of Buddhism has been greatly enriched by it - and for that, I am eternally grateful to the great Mr. Richard Causton.

Many insights

I loved this book. It helped me understand many practical applications of Buddhist ideas instead of the esoteric (and powerless) lessons contained in most books about Buddhism.Before writing this review I read the previous ones and I was suprised by the reviewer from Canada's reaction. Perhaps they have an ax to grind?Buy this book, read it, and make your own judgement. I found it very educational.

An introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin

The revised title of this book is in fact "The Buddha in daily life", published by Rider in 1995. The title "Buddhism in daily life" mentioned in the previous review is by another author, and relates to a different school of Buddhism. Richard Causton, the Director of the SGI UK, died in January 1995. He left behind the most comprehensive introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin,a very practical and common sense approach to taking charge of one's own life by chanting "Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo", the title of the Lotus Sutra. It describes how we can activate and tap into our own inner "Buddha-wisdom" to become truly happy from within. It is the most meaningful book to read for anyone who wishes to change their life for the better. The most significant difference to other kinds of Buddhism is the realisation that each living being has this "Buddha nature" within - and that we can activate it by chanting. Please see author listings under "Daisaku Ikeda", the president of the Soka Gakkai International for many more books on Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai. The aim of this philosophy is the creation of lasting peace, cultural exchanges, education and global understanding through a change in each individal from within(The Human Revolution). If I can only have one book to keep with me, this would be the one. I have given copies to many of my friends,and it has been appreciated as a very inspiring and encouraging guideline,even by people who practice other religions.Richard Causton makes us aware of Nichiren Daishonin's teaching that the solution to all problems are within us, and we can only find happiness when we stop looking at external causes for our misery and unhappiness.The message is to take action and change the world by changing ourselves.