LayPriest and LayNun in Nichiren Buddhism
Bodhisattavs as LayPriests and LayNuns
In his numerous writings, Nichiren Daishonin addressed some of his followers as being a LayPriest or a LayNun.
LayBelievers are ordinary people who practice the Lotus Sutra but are not ordained in temple-like traditions.
Practicing the Lotus Sutra means manifesting one’s inner identity of Bodhisattvas of the Earth, as Nichiren stated in The True Aspect of All Phenomena
“Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life.
If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth”.
Laybelievers, Bodhisattvas of the Earth, do not have to follow the strict precepts within priesthood-like traditions. They live a secular lifestyle and perform their Buddhist practice based on Direct Connection with the Gohonzon.
The Principle of Direct Connection
Direct Connection with the Gohonzon is the ‘direct path to enlightenment” as Nichiren stated in On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime :
“… without the direct path to enlightenment you cannot attain Buddhahood” – and:
“If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime”.
One of Nichiren Daishonin’s disciples, LayNun Myoho asked: “Can one attain Buddhahood just by directly chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?” and Nichiren answer was that, yes, the only way to reveal one’s Buddha-nature is just by chanting the Daimoku. And he further explained in The Teaching, Practice and Proof that:
”… if any person embraces Myoho Renge Kyo and practices it in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings – whether he be…priest or lay believer, or of high or low position – he cannot fail to attain Buddhahood.”
Democratizing Buddhism
Out of great compassion, Nichiren taught that all people, regardless of social status, can attain enlightenment as they are.
He emphasised that chanting to the Gohonzon is the sole requirement for revealing the Buddha nature inherent equally in everyone. This teaching abolished all forms of “spiritual hierarchy”: high priests, lower-ranking priests, and ordinary people - are spiritually equal when they reveal their Buddhahood.
And to further emphasize on equality of ordinary lay-believers and priests, Nichiren introduced the titles of LayPriest (nyūdō) and LayNun (ama).
LayPriests and LayNuns in Nichiren’s writings
Nichiren addressed approximately 50 to 60 distinct letters specifically titled or primarily designated to individual “Lay Priests” and “Lay Nuns”, some of which are: LayPriests Abustubo, Giji-bo, Shijo Kingo, Toki Jonin, Laynun Ueno, Laynun Myoho, etc… and the available list of LayPriests and Nuns mentions also what letter the Daishonin wrote and sent to each.
Major Recipient Groups
A massive portion of his letters use the terms of Nyudo (LayPriest) and Ama (LayNun) in the direct titles or greetings. Across Volumes I and II of his major translation library:
- Lay Priests: He named at least 20+ letters strictly dedicated to lay priests, including the Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki , Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa , Letter to the Lay Priest Dōmyō, and Reply to the Lay Priest Takahashi.
- Lay Nuns: He titled at least 25+ letters specifically to lay nuns, such as the Letter to the Lay Nun of Kō , Letter to the Lay Nun Zenichi , Reply to the Lay Nun Myōhō, and Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon.
Soka Bodhisttvas - and the function of Lay-Priesthood
In the practice of Soka Buddhism, all spiritual services are maintained based on volunteering basis. Elderly members with extensive experiences can for example offer guidance, explain the teachings, perform Gongyo, confer Gohonzon, and conduct marriage or funeral ceremonies.
Acting as LayPriests or LayNuns, they offer spiritual practice and services not as their “profession” but out of sincere commitment. This tradition has been successfully carried out for decades after the independence from the priesthood and is most treasured by all participants.
All spiritual services a temple-based or officially ordained priest can offer – can be offered by dedicated LayPriests and LayNuns of Soka, with no spiritual hierarchy and no claim of superiority.