Final answer:
The practice of chanting in the Nichiren Buddhist tradition finds its origins in Chan Buddhism, which emphasizes meditation. Introduced to East Asia around AD 65 and further developed by AD 150, it evolved into a central aspect of cultural and spiritual life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of chanting within the Nichiren tradition of Buddhism has roots in the broader historical tradition of Chan Buddhism, which emphasizes meditation as a path to enlightenment. This form of Mahayana Buddhism became widely practiced in Japan, where it is known as Zen Buddhism. It stresses the disciplined practice of meditation and following the example of a Chan master. Through austere and monastic practices, including the ceremonial chanting, practitioners work towards achieving enlightenment. Zen Buddhism suggests that this enlightenment can happen either gradually or suddenly by contemplating paradoxes (ko'ans in Japanese), and that daily activities such as sweeping can serve as meditative practices.
Chan Buddhism was introduced in East Asia around AD 65 and became more clearly defined and significant through its impact on various Asian cultures over the centuries. The early stages of its transmission are obscure, but it's known that missionary monks established a community and began translating and teaching Buddhism in Loyang by AD 150. Chan Buddhism, and by extension, practices such as chanting, evolved by absorbing and adapting elements from the local culture and religions, becoming a central spiritual and cultural practice throughout East Asia.