Beyond Sectarianism: Renewing Nichiren Buddhism

On this episode of Deep Dive we examine, "Beyond Sectarianism: Diagnosing and Renewing Nichiren Buddhism in the Light of the Lotus Sutra" by Nichiryu Mark Herrick, Renshi, analyzes the fragmentation and internal conflicts within modern Nichiren Buddhism. It argues that while Nichiren's teachings offered direct enlightenment for ordinary people, the tradition has been marred by sectarian divisions, doctrinal exclusivity, and institutional politics. Drawing on scholars like Jacqueline I. Stone, Donald S. Lopez Jr., and Stephen F. Teiser, the paper diagnoses the historical roots of these problems, including how the Lotus Sutra was sometimes used as an ideological tool rather than a path to universal awakening. Ultimately, it proposes a path to renewal, advocating a return to core practices, compassionate action, historical reflection, and decentralized community models to align Nichiren Buddhism more closely with its original tenets of unity and transformation.