The Concept of Karma in Nichiren Buddhism

All Buddhist schools teach that one’s present situation is the result of one’s past actions, or Karma.  Nichiren Buddhism takes this concept further, to free oneself from the past, focusing on the present and the future.

This present moment will be considered as “the past” from the perspective of tomorrow or any time in the future.   Following the original premise that past actions affect the present, it is true then that one’s actions at the present moment affects one’s situation in the future.  The focus in Nichiren Buddhism is not on the past, but on the present and the future.

Taking responsibility for our actions at the present moment is the way we create our karmic tendencies. This means that we can choose the direction of our life.

Whether we realise it or not, we are continuously creating karma at each moment.  Karma is the record of history of one’s actions.  it is the essence of behaviour, thinking and motivations we have, as well as the speech we make (good or bad).  It is a mental energy (or a mental magnet) that drives our future actions and also attracts events we encounter.

This means that the present moment can be the starting point of making a shift in our habits and tendencies, aiming to create a cause to shape the future - the way we desire. 

P.Ikeda explains:

“Karma is viewed as the potential force through which to influence our future”.
 “Nichiren Buddhism enables us to fundamentally reform our destiny.
When we truly base ourselves on Buddhism’s view of life’s eternity,
we realize the first thing to change is how we live in the present”. 

(Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death p. 27),     

In his lecture The Importance of the Present Moment Ikeda emphasises :      

“The important thing is right now - the present moment. Our present inner resolve,
our determination, enables us to sever the bonds of karmic causality

Generally speaking, Traditional Buddhism (Pre-Lotus teachings) regards karma as the property of the past.  Nichiren’s teachings explain karma as more of ‘a property’ of the present moment:

- “Karma is being formed at each moment in the course of life’s perpetual motion. In the present instant also, new karma is being fashioned as it transforms karma from the past”. Ikeda and Wickramasinghe, Space and Eternal Life, page 119.

-   “The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is the Buddhism of the True Cause, the Buddhism of the present and the future. We do not dwell on the past. We are always challenging ourselves from this present moment towards the future. Because we advance with this spirit, we will never be deadlocked.” Daily Encouragement, p. 306

Creating karmic tendencies through Buddhist activities:

Continuous efforts to transform our negative tendencies through the process of self-mastery (human revolution) lead to creating beneficial tendencies and potentials of good fortune.  It is possible to create a karma of constantly seeking enlightenment and transforming sufferings.

The most powerful state of mind is that of enlightenment to our capacity to be the masters of our future:

 “If we attain the state of Enlightenment in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives

Throughout the cycle of birth and death in each new lifetime we will be endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence along with a supportive and comfortable environment, leading a life that overflows with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfil it”. (Ikeda: Faith into Action page 23)