Nichiren

Nichiren (日蓮) (February 16, 1222 - October 13, 1282), born Zennichimaro (善日麿), later Zeshō-bō Renchō (是生房蓮長), and finally Nichiren (??), was a Buddhist monk of 13th century Japan. A controversial figure during his lifetime, he is founder of Nichiren Buddhism, a major Japanese Buddhist stream encompassing several schools of often widely conflicting doctrine.

Posthumous names and titles of respect

Since his passing Nichiren has been known by several posthumous names intended to express respect for him or to represent his position in the history of Buddhism. Most common among these are Nichiren Sh?nin (????; usually rendered "St. Nichiren" in English) and Nichiren Daish?nin (?????; "Great Holy Man Nichiren"). Preference for these titles generally depends on the school a person adheres to, with Nichiren Sh?nin being most commonly used and Nichiren Daish?nin preferred by followers of schools derived from the Nikko lineages. Japanese Nichiren Buddhists always refer to Nichiren using one of these respectful forms of address, or by a title of respect alone (e.g., "the Daish?nin") and may be offended if the title is omitted (as in this article).

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The Japanese imperial court also awarded Nichiren the honorific designations Nichiren Daibosatsu (?????; "Great Boddhisattva Nichiren") and Rissh? Daishi (????; "Great Teacher Rissh?); the former title was granted in 1358 and the latter, in 1922.

Related Topics:
Boddhisattva - 1358 - 1922

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