From a Mahayana perspective, the significance of Shakymuni Buddha is revealed in the Life Span chapter of the Lotus Sutra, where he stated that he didn't attain Buddhahood in his current lifetime but in the eternal past, and that since then he has reincarnated many times on earth; the import of which is that the Buddhanature is also eternal.

This is of great significance for the common mortal as it is variously said that there is absolutely no difference between the life of the former and a Buddha. The difference is solely one of consciousness, the aggregate of that which we are aware. Because the Buddhanature as exemplified by Shakymuni's eternal enlightenment is eternal, that attainment is equally eternally within the grasp of everyone.

Theravada Buddhism, a historically earlier formulation, held that only certain people could reach enlightenment and that it took innumerable lives to do so. Modern Mahayana teachings such as that espoused by SGI, say that one can become a buddha in this lifetime.

Nichiren Shoshu philosophy is impeccable if you agree with Mahayana assumptions. The core practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to a mandala called the Gohonzon is profound. If you join you may or may not get along with/fit in with the group of members with whom you are directed to practice, but this can be worked through. There is a decade old split between the head temple and SGI and thus no priests at lay activities, which depending on your view of priests may be a good thing.

Overall a solid practice and organization.

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