Further Buddhist currents in Japan

Religious Buddhism (shin)

Takes its name from the monk Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), who came to the insight that pious deeds cannot give rise to certainty of salvation. By their own efforts, human beings cannot achieve liberation; what counts is devout trust in the Amida-Buddha
(Buddha of the “boundless light”).

Social-political Buddhism

The Founder, Nichiren (1222-1282) taught that liberation is only to be obtained by reciting the Lotos Sutra. He criticized Zen and Shin Buddhism and the rulers of Japan, with the intention of creating a Buddha realm on earth.
Today the followers of Nichiren Buddhism are organized in powerful lay religious organizations and are active supporters of social and political projects and promoters of world peace.