Nichiren was a great Buddhist priest who lived in the 13th century in Japan. He was born on February 12, 1222. From the time he was 12 years old, he new that the Lotus Sutra had to power to help mankind overcome all of their sufferings and to bring enlightenment, joy and happiness to everyone. He also knew that the Buddhist priests and teachers of the day were very confused about how to teach Shakyamuni's ultimate enlightenment (the Lotus Sutra). As a result of this confusion, the Buddhist teachings had become such a collage of truths, half truths and non truths that Buddhism has lost its power to save the people. Determined to change this and to re-light the torch of enlightenment throughout Japan and the rest of the world, Nichiren spent his life clarifying all of Shakymuni's teachings, teaching everyone from peasant farmers to ruling class lords, how to attain happiness and enlightenment in this lifetime.
Challenging the ruling establishment and trying to get both religious and secular leaders to establish a truly humanistic soceity was a formidable task. Nichiren was persecuted and harassed constantly throughout his life, was exiled 3 times, and almost beheaded.
Regardless of the hardship faced, Nichiren persevered and continued to spread the teaching of the Lotus Sutra until he passed away peacefully on October 13, 1282.
You can read more about Nichiren's amazing life at he following links:
