Honmon Butsuryū Shū (HBS) is a Buddhist sect that originates from Shakyamuni Buddha and reveres Nichiren as its founder. We worship the Gohonzon of Odaimoku, Nam Myohō Renge Kyō, established by Nichiren Shōnin, and the fundamental practice is the devout chanting of the Odaimoku.
The primary Buddhist scripture upon which our sect is based is the Lotus Sutra (officially known as Myohō Renge Kyō), which Shakyamuni Buddha preached at the end of his life. He declared it “the ultimate teaching” and “the king of all sutras.” Therefore, our sect is named Butsuryū Shū, reflecting that the Buddha himself founded it.
The Lotus Sutra, revered by Honmon Butsuryū Shū, consists of 28 chapters. The first 14 chapters are called “Shakumon,” and the latter 14 are called “Honmon.” The term “Shaku” in Shakumon means “trace” or “shadow,” while “Hon” in Honmon means “root” or “essence.” The Honmon represents the teachings of the “Original Buddha (called Primordial Buddha),” compared to the moon in the sky. In contrast, the Shakumon represents the teachings of the “Shadow Buddha,” analogous to the reflection of the moon in a pond.
Nichiren Shōnin regarded the eight chapters from Chapters 15 to 22 within the Honmon part, known as “Honmon Happon,” as the core of his teachings, positioning them as the central teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. This is because the Honmon Happon elucidates Odaimoku, which is meant to save people in the age of Mappō (the Latter Day of the Law) after 2000 years following Shakyamuni Buddha’s passing. It also describes Jogyō Bodhisattva (considered to be the former incarnation of Nichiren Shōnin), the foremost disciple of Primordial Buddha, who is tasked with spreading Odaimoku.
Thus, our sect is named Honmon Butsuryū Shū, centered around Odaimoku elucidated in Honmon Happon.
Currently, there are approximately 300 Honmon Butsuryushu temples and branch temples throughout Japan, and its teachings have spread worldwide
