Editing Nichiren Shōshū (section)

===On the Lotus Sutra===
The [[Lotus Sutra]] is the core basis of the teachings of the sect, and divides the book into two parts:
* "Theoretical Teachings" ( "Gate of Tracing", Jp: 迹 門 Shaku–mon) – Chapters 1–14
* "Essential Teachings" ( "Gate of Origin", Jp: 本 門 Hon–mon) – Chapters 15–28

The sect teaches that a significant difference between the two lies with the standpoint of who is preaching them. The Theoretical Teachings (Chapters 1–14) are preached by [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] who reached Buddhahood in [[Bodhgaya, India]]. On the other hand, Shakyamuni declares in the Essential Teachings (Chapters 15–28) that his enlightenment in India was only temporary, and that he in fact already attained Buddhahood in a mysterious, timeless point in the Universe.

As result of these interpretations of the [[Tendai]] school and Nichiren schools of thought, all the provisional Buddhas, such as [[Amida Nyorai]], [[Dainichi Nyorai]], and [[Yakushi]] Nyorai, were integrated into one single original Buddha.

Another doctrine taught by the sect is that  Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra does not reveal the cause or "seed" of enlightenment gained by Shakyamuni Buddha. Rather, this secret was revealed in Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra by [[Ākāśagarbha]] ("Heavenly Jewel") Bodhisattva to Nichiren and his latter claim to the expressed public recitation of [[Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo]] through an alleged deeper understanding of the text.

Furthermore, the sect teaches that:
* The recitation of Chapter 2 is a self–declaration to reject and abolish the various religions and forms of Buddhism taught by Shakyamuni Buddha.
* The recitation of Chapter 16 (through a metaphysical reading) crystallizes this Buddhist secret (also called "Hidden Treasure") which gains a person the state of Buddhahood. The sect teaches that this hidden mystical secret is the practice of "Jigyo–Keta" (自 行 化 他) or the widespread propagation of the practice to non-believers.