A Nichiren Buddhist sect known for its strict adherence to the principle of “neither receiving nor giving.
The Fuju-fuse subsect, a unique and controversial branch of Nichiren Buddhism, emerged in Japan during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Established by the Buddhist priest Nichiō, this group gained notoriety for its unwavering adherence to the teachings of Nichiren and its resistance against the authority of the shogunate. The term “Fuju-fuse” translates to “neither receiving nor giving,” encapsulating the group’s strict interpretation of Nichiren’s teachings.
Origins and Core Beliefs
Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, emphasized the supremacy of religious doctrine over temporal power. He often challenged those in authority, which led to persecution of him and his followers. The Fuju-fuse doctrine was interpreted from Nichiren’s teachings, suggesting that nothing could be received from or given to those of other religions. The subsect even considered it wrong to sit with a priest of another sect, claiming to be the only group to follow this principle strictly.
Persecution and Survival
The Fuju-fuse movement faced intense persecution under the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1669, the subsect was officially outlawed, forcing most members to go underground. Some moved to more accommodating branches of the Nichiren sect, while a few chose to live as outlaws. During the Edo period, many members were arrested, exiled, or executed, along with their families.
One particularly harrowing incident occurred in 1668 when priest Nikkan and five followers were beheaded, and their families, including women and children, were exiled. By the Tenpō era (1830-1844), the subsect was nearly wiped out due to severe repression. Despite these harsh measures, the movement persisted clandestinely, demonstrating the deep conviction of its adherents.
Legalization and Splintering
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 brought significant changes to Japan’s religious landscape, including greater religious freedom and the disestablishment of Buddhism as the state religion. These changes had a profound impact on the Fuju-fuse sect. In 1876, the sect was finally legalized as Nichirenshū Fuju-fuse-ha. However, the pressures of persecution had led to a split within the sect.
Some members continued to worship overtly, while others pretended to belong to an allowed sect and worshiped in secret. This division led to the formation of two splinter groups: the fudōshiha and the dōshiha. The fudōshiha maintained a distinction between those who risked their lives for their faith and those who hid their beliefs, while the dōshiha did not make such a distinction. This internal division reflected the different approaches to survival and faith that had emerged during the long period of persecution.
By the 19th century, the Fuju-fuse sect had further split into two main branches: the Nichirenshū Fuju-fuse-ha and the Fuju-fuse Nichiren Kōmon-shū. Both factions continued to uphold the core principle of not engaging with non-believers, albeit with varying degrees of strictness. These divisions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the sect in maintaining its strict principles while adapting to changing social and political circumstances.
Adaptation to Modern Times
The legalization of the Fuju-fuse sect in the late 19th century marked a new era for the movement. As Japan entered a period of rapid modernization and westernization, the sect faced new challenges in maintaining its traditional practices and beliefs. Some branches of the sect chose to moderate their stance and integrate more fully into mainstream society, while others maintained their traditional, uncompromising approach.
The sect’s emphasis on personal piety and uncompromising commitment to what it saw as the true teachings of Nichiren continued to resonate with some segments of Japanese society. Many were drawn to the sect’s rejection of worldly compromises and its focus on spiritual purity, particularly in the face of increasing materialism and secularization.
However, the strict interpretation of the Fuju-fuse doctrine also posed challenges in modern society. The refusal to accept donations or participate in interfaith activities limited the sect’s ability to engage with the broader community and grow its membership. This led to ongoing debates within the sect about how to balance its core principles with the need to survive and thrive in a changing world.
Contemporary Status and Practices
Today, the Fuju-fuse sect continues to exist as a small but dedicated group within the broader Nichiren Buddhist tradition. While its numbers are significantly smaller than during its peak in the Edo period, the sect maintains a devoted following committed to preserving its unique interpretation of Nichiren’s teachings.
Contemporary Fuju-fuse practitioners continue to emphasize the importance of the Lotus Sutra and the practice of chanting the daimoku. They also maintain a strong focus on studying Nichiren’s writings and striving for spiritual purity. However, the degree to which individual members and temples adhere to the strict Fuju-fuse doctrine of non-interaction with other sects varies.
Some Fuju-fuse temples have found ways to engage with the broader community while still maintaining their core beliefs. This might include offering educational programs about their history and practices or participating in cultural events that do not compromise their religious principles. Others maintain a more isolated stance, focusing primarily on serving their existing members and preserving their traditions.
image via Wikipedia
