Within Nichiren Shōshū, kosen-rufu is understood as the widespread propagation of Nichiren Daishonin’s true Buddhism so that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and faith in the Gohonzon become universal. This is not merely numerical expansion, but the realization of a society grounded in the correct teaching, in which the happiness of people and the peace of the land arise from alignment with the Lotus Sutra as Nichiren revealed it. In this view, kosen-rufu represents the concrete fulfillment of establishing the correct teaching as the basis for transforming both individuals and their environment. It is thus both an ultimate vision for humanity and the central aim of religious life in this tradition.

The pursuit of kosen-rufu in Nichiren Shōshū begins with faith, practice, and study centered on the Gohonzon, especially the Dai-Gohonzon enshrined at the head temple, Taisekiji. Practitioners chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and perform gongyō, reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra before the Gohonzon, while studying Nichiren’s writings and the guidance transmitted through the orthodox priestly lineage. This daily discipline is regarded as the means by which one’s innate Buddha nature is activated, and personal transformation becomes the foundation for wider social change. In this way, inner reformation and outward mission are seen as inseparable aspects of the same vow.

Propagation, often expressed through shakubuku, is another essential dimension of kosen-rufu. This involves actively sharing the teachings, encouraging others to embrace faith in the Gohonzon, and guiding them into the temple-based community. Such efforts are carried out in unity with, and under the direction of, the priesthood, which is viewed as the legitimate custodian of Nichiren’s intent. Participation in temple ceremonies, study meetings, and the support of Taisekiji and local temples all serve to strengthen this communal pursuit of the goal.

Underlying all of this is a strong emphasis on preserving doctrinal purity and the orthodox transmission from Nichiren through his legitimate successors. Maintaining the correct object of worship, upholding the authority of the High Priest, and distinguishing true Buddhism from erroneous interpretations are regarded as indispensable conditions for the genuine realization of kosen-rufu. In this perspective, the spread of the teaching is meaningful only to the extent that it remains faithful to the original intent and unbroken lineage of Nichiren Daishonin, allowing the vision of a world grounded in the Lotus Sutra to gradually take shape.