So, what am I talking about when I use the term "Buddhist" scholarship.?

To, "...singlemindedly unite with your Buddha"; this is Nichiren's exhortation. As the Buddha s=Shakyamuni also said to those who would take joy and embrace their enlightenment, he would bequeth to them all rewards of complete and perfect enlightenment.

Parent, Teacher, Sovereign; these are traits to be praised, admired, and respected most notably in relatives, but also throughout the practice of Buddhism.

Sending one of his six inner circle of Monks to read this letter to Niike, Nichiren advises this official in the Kamakura Shogunate to study and practice with deep conviction and without distraction from the other elite in their mistaken and disruptive influence.

Our deep, visceral determination to arouse our innate Buddha mind is critical to our practice of chanting and recitation.

Niike is an official in the Kamakura Government. Elite of this stature ore often steeped in tradition and cultural myths like multiple lifetimes and dying with honor. Nichiren uses these ideas to appeal to Niike's perception of Buddhism.

You must defend your dignity when others are dismissive of your practice. Call them out with invitations to learn about your practice, how to chant, or chant with them. Never allow others to strip you of the tremendous dignity and importance of your Lotus Sutra Practice. Only with this spirit will you make great strides and rewards from your practice of MyoHoRenGeKyo.

What is "Eternal Buddha"? and What study Materials do you recommend?

Let's call it what it is. People who wish for Earthly mundane "things" and treat the mandala of Gohonzon like it is an "Alladin's Lamp" are slanderers of MyoHoRenGeKyo! I will quote Nichiren, "...singlemindedly chant to fuse with Buddha". Our practice of the Lotus Sutra is to awaken, to instantiate, to manifest our Buddha mind of clear perception and deep appreciation of the process of life.

How to influence others and how to avoid being influenced by negative soures. These are the skills and commitment of the Bodhisattva Way.