High Priest
Nichiren Shoshu means "Nichiren's true (or orthodox) sect." As people who seek to practice purely and truly, exactly as the Daishonin taught, we adopt this name for ourselves. It is our goal to carve out a place where one can practice this wonderful Buddhism freely, without authoritarianism, without personal censure, and without hierarchy. Our only guide is the teachings as expounded by Nichiren Daishonin.
To this end, we hope to clear up misinformation concerning the name "Nichiren Shoshu." It has sometimes been used incorrectly. For example, the current Nichiren Shoshu sect in Japan has been renowned for oppression of lay members and for valuing the self-serving ideas of priests over the pure original teachings of the founder, Nichiren Daishonin. In this way, the name of Nichiren Shoshu has been grossly dishonored.
Here we present the ugly truth about that sect and hope to rejuvenate, reform, and revolutionize Nichiren Shoshu, through our reclamation of the name.
Kathy Ruby,
April 24, 2009