Nichiren’s Outlook in the Rissho Ankoku-ron

Abstract

The Rissho Ankoku-ron, authored by Nichiren in 1260, severely criticizes Hōnen and his Senchaku hongan nembutsu shū by labeling the latter as slander of the true teachings of Buddhism from the standpoint of unquestioned faith in the Lotus Sūtra.  Born as a disciple of Śākyamuni, he expresses a religious stance of believing in the Lotus Sūtra, the king of all sūtras.  Further, there are four places where “ichidai goji” 一代五時 is written, positioning the Lotus Sūtra in the fifth period as “myōden” 妙典 （an excellent sūtra）, and “kanjin” 肝心 （the whole point）.  This is where Nichiren’s outlook manifests itself.  Based on these ideas and creeds, he criticized others.