The Instant Enlightenment of Ordinary People : Nichiren Buddhism 2.0 for the 21st Century

I fully concur with "Steve's" review. As a long time practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism, I have always felt that words matter. The language used to provide explanations of and in Nichiren's writings and Buddhist principals and concepts has thrown me up to now. Phrases like praying "to" the mandala and offering my gratitude "to" the Gohonzon, which have commonly populated the English translations of Nichiren Buddhist study, have always thrown me, as I have known instinctively that I my enlightened nature is within me and all I need to do is to bring it out with my practice. So, it is with relief and revelation that I read Dr. Matsudo's explanation of the evolution of Nichiren Buddhism through the various historic phases dominated by temples and priests, and the authoritarian approach which confusedly externalized the path to enlightenment through the priesthood with such phraseology, making it feel like through the worship of an external mandala. Dr. Matsudo shows how language used even today in translations still reflects the influence of temple-taught Buddhism, even in SGI publications. We are in an evolutionary stage wherein Daisaku Ikeda's teaching of the true humanistic and human-centered purpose and practice of Nichiren's Buddhism is only beginning to emerge. Our language has yet to catch up. We don't pray "to" the Gohonzon. We sit before the Gohonzon and pray. We don't offer gratitude "to" the Gohonzon. We offer gratitude "for" the Gohonzon. This book is a must read for any serious Nichiren Buddhist practitioner.

I highly encourage Nichiren Buddhists from any sect to read this book. I'm an SGI practitioner and this takes a radical approach at further analyzing and humanizing Nichiren's practice in the context of our modern age. It at once upholds Daisaku Ikeda's desire to make Buddhism more universal and also goes beyond by grappling with discarding any sectarian or dogmatic aspects of the practice.It is a comprehensive and well thought out book that draws on doctrine, debate, academic discourse, sociology, and yes, humanism.

This and the author’s other two books were the very first books I purchased and read after converting to Buddhism in February of 2018. I loved this and the others so much that I’ve purchased additional copies to give to friends. I highly recommend reading these books!!

The author examines the essential point presented in the title in detail. He explains why it should be taken literally, and how some of the practices and traditions of the temple/priest based Nichiren sects interfere with one’s efforts to practice it. His arguments are thouroughly researched and persuasively presented.Recommended reading for any practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism.

Dieses Buch sollte jeder, der sich mit dem Nichiren Buddhismus beschäftigt, gelesen haben. Eine bessere Arbeit zu zentralen Themen innerhalb des wachsenden, humanistischen und universellen Verständnisses der Soka Gakkai und deren Unterscheidung zu der Doktrin der Nichiren-Shoshu, in welcher die Soka Gakkai ihr geistiges Fundament hat, ist momentan wohl nur schwer zu finden. Der Autor verweist hierbei nicht nur auf essentielle Unterschiede, sondern erarbeitet durch seine eigene Recherche und die Einbeziehung der Auslegungen von Daisaku Ikeda, auch viele innovative und erfrischend neue Ansichten.