Nichiren

Nichiren was a Japanese Buddhist monk who taught that the Lotus Sutra contained the ultimate teaching of the Buddha. He founded the Nichiren school of Buddhism and believed that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was the key to awakening and social transformation.

Nichiren's sharp critique of other Buddhist schools and his insistence that Japan's misfortunes stemmed from misguided religious practice made him a controversial and repeatedly exiled figure. His writings are notable for their political engagement and their claim that authentic Buddhism must transform society as well as individuals.