Mindfulness in Nichiren Buddhism

Nichiren Daishonin (ND) made this argument already 750 years ago, when he stated that the doctrine of Zen has limited benefits and would pale in the face of Shakyamuni's original intention: the promotion of mindfulness and action based on Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (a chant).

It is, of course, plain to see that this approach borders on religious practice, as it entails an entire belief system built on philosophical ideas rather than a simple focus on the here and now from an observer's perspective. And yet — is the philosophical groundwork of Shakyamuni's belief system really so far removed from scientific evidence, when we consider the principle of conservation of energy, the butterfly effect, or the concept of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory — all of which speak to the interconnection of all things and the law of cause and effect? Seen this way, Shakyamuni's enlightenment rests on a kind of scientific endeavour, grounded in evidence found in the phenomenal world around us, rather than in ideas springing purely from imagination.

And yet, when we take the time to assess the various psychologically based mindfulness therapies practised today, much of the richness and deeper understanding of existence is missing. There is no doubt that much can be gained from mindfulness as it is practised in its various psychological forms — the results speak for themselves — but the question remains: how can we improve on current techniques to achieve even better outcomes?

Taking the strong points of each therapy into account, a new approach to mindfulness based on Nichiren Buddhism is proposed here, with the aim of expanding a practitioner's human experience of the here and now.