I started reading about Buddhism in late 2004. There are various sects of Buddhism, but they follow much of the same philosophies and none really claim to be more pure than the other, they are simply different ways of practicing.

Most recently, I have been turned on to following Nichirin Buddhism. The primary identifing characteristic of Nichirin Buddhism is chanting "Nam-yo-ho-renge-kyo". It is a form of meditation really and it translates to "I Devote myself to the Lotus Sutra". The Lotus Sutra is the "bible" of Nichirn Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra is a compilation of teachings from Nichirin, the founder of Nichirin Buddhism. Unlike Christian Bibles however, the Lotus Sutra does not demand that you worship Nichirin give any falcities that simply by beliving in Nichirin you will be granted happiness, or someother heavenly reward. Rather, the Lotus Sutra teaches that we make our own destinies by the way we live our lives and that personal change and growth is only possible if we initiate it ourselves. Nichirin,like other sects of Buddhism does not believe in devine intervention.

To learn more about Nichirin Buddhism, I encourage you to visit the SGI website. SGI is the organization devoted to enabling practice and spreading Nichirin Buddhism. www.sgi-usa.com