Selected Writings of Nichiren

by Burton Watson et al., Philip Yampolsky (Editor), Burton Watson (Translator)

-- Robert E. Morrell, Washington University

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy

508 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Sparrow Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was a long, strange ride. I had hoped to find a multitude of teachings about the Lotus Sutra, but I have to agree with other reviewers that have observed how repetitive this collection is. It’s largely vehement attacks on other sects, blaming them for all of Japan’s troubles at the time, the supremacy of the Lotus over all other sutras, and how Nicheren is the only true votary and the most persecuted person in the world (he actually says that at one point). There is little to no explication of the various chapters in the sutra.

So the interest for me came from contemplating the mind of someone both so devoted, and so convinced of their own view. An interesting insight into an historical mental framework.

[hoffnarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great translations and detailed notes. Great to have the works together in translation. No fault of translators but these five major works plus some misc. materials has a lot of repetition.