Nichiren Buddhism

Yahoo Answers

Q: Is Nichiren Buddhism or Zen Buddhism the better path?

Best Answer:
Go with Nichiren. It has a sense of community and is much more fun than Zen. Zen Buddhism in the west is the most boring and depressing religion imaginable and the teachers just talk in riddles.

The Zen Buddhism that was practiced in China is completely different from the way it is practiced in America. The Chan Buddhism of Daruma was way cool, but the heavily skewered American version will drive you nuts with its BS about nothingness and nauseating BS.

Other Answers
A1: You don't have to label it. Just practice. Do your meditation. Do your bows. Recite that Heart sutra in your language. Read your books and sutras. Listen to your teachers but don't make dualities.  To quote Zen Master Seung Sahn, from long before the nike slogan, "Just do it!"

A2: I agree with reply above. Nicheren Buddhism is much more lively and actually if you check out SGI USA, it's very youthful and exuberant. Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is a platform to actively transform your Karma. All these answers are compassionate, but I haven't heard a differentiation between Absolute happiness and relative happiness. Absolute being something that is anchored, rooted and transmitted through the mystic law of the Lotus Sutra and found faith practice and study.

I tried Zen for a few years but there really was no glue to it. Practicing with SGI is way more supportive and better for the long haul and way more diverse. that's my answer. Whatever you decide, ENJOY!

A3: Zen is the only religious phenomenon in the world, which has no doctrine, no scripture, which has no God, no belief system, no organized church. It is an individual phenomenon, just like love. You don't have a church of love. You don't have a political party for love. It is an individual freedom, so i choose Zen.

A4: You are an intellectual person who understands that life can be deeply problematic. This is definitely a Zen predisposition, especially if you like to meditate for long periods of time.  However, it sounds like you would prefer a different kind of approach to life, perhaps one that is more 'upbeat'?  If so, I would avoid Nichiren. It is a salvation-doctrine very similar in structure to some Christian systems - it is based on faith in and surrender to a personal savior. If you want positive and upbeat, a good yoga studio or ashram will give you the clean, clear positive perspective you need. Look for friendly people and a no-nonsense approach to personal development.

A5: Personally, I think Zen would be a better path to take. I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism and it seemed too ceremonial and there were too many man-made requirements and props for my taste. Zen Buddhism on the other hand is about meditation and focus. It doesn't have to be sitting meditation either but that's why I like Zen the best. It's what the Shaolin Monks practice but they call it 'Chan'. Zen is independent of words.... If reciting certain words helps you, it is still good but Zen doesn't require the recitation of words.