In January, a new Myosenji Temple member asked our Chief Priest, Rev. Murata:
What is the difference between Tibetan Buddhism and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism?
This topic became the lecture for February’s New Member meeting. Rev. Murata compared and contrasted Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism with Tibetan Buddhism. He spoke about the historical roots of Tibetan Buddhism and it’s place in the hierarchy of Buddhist teachings. He explained the current popularity of Tibetan Buddhism in America and Europe and the role of the Dali Lama as a political leader of the exiled Tibetan government. He then went into explaining what the major differences were between chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to attain Buddhahood and following the Lama’s oral teachings and practicing meditation to become a Buddha.
A very meaningful part of Rev. Murata’s lecture was when he clarified the difference between chanting and meditation.
Next month’s New Member Meeting will focus on the Basics of Practice, including why we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to the Gohonzon.
