Why did Nissen Shonin select the name, Honmon Butsuryu Shu?  The Lotus Sutra consists of 28 chapters and from Chapter to Chapter 14 are referred to as "Shakumon" (in which Sahkyamuni Buddha does not yet reveal his eternal nature, but appears as a being bound by limitations of time and space). From Chapter 14 to Chapter 28 are known as "Honmon" (in this sections the eternal nature of Buddha is revealoed). The eight Chapters from Chapter 15 to Chapter 22 of the Lotus Sutra are considered the most important aspect of the sutra for the people of the Mappo period, Nissen Shonin selected the word "Honmon"."Butsuryu Shu" means that a religion which Shakyamuni Buddha established, and the name was used by Nichiryu Shonin. This is why Honmon Butsuryu Shu was named.  The teachings of the Honmon Butsuryu Shu are based on the Lotus Sutra and the teachings of Nichiren Shonin. Honmon Butsuryu Shu is referred to as Nichiren related religious sect, but historically, it is a sect founded by Nissen Shonin (Nagamatsu Seifu) in the latter part of the Edo period (1857). He started Honmon Butsuryuko to salvage lay followers in the latter part of the Edo period through the early part of the Meiji Era. Therefore, Nissen Shonin is also called Kaido; the founder and the great leader.  Honmon Butsuryu Shu has about 500 temples throughout Japan, and enthusiastically performs missionary activities. There are also lots of temples overseas, such as in Brazil, the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan. The feature of Honmon Butsuryu Shu is that we does not engaged in politics or any profit-making activities. Instead, we only pray for happy and quiet life for followers and try to contribute to the social welfare. Followers also perform Bodhisattva practice under a slogan of "For the world, for the people". Through this web page, we are eager for you to have an opportunity to come in contact with the true teachings of Nichiren Shonin as your support to live in the world of hardshiips.