Chanting and studying at neighborhood meeting
The daily Buddhist practice of SGI members consists of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and reciting sections of the Lotus Sutra, a ceremony known as “gongyo”.
The three elements of Nichiren Buddhism are faith, or an open mind; chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a prayer for oneself and others; and studying the teachings of Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra.
They are the primary ingredients in the recipe for developing our innate enlightened condition, or Buddhahood. All three are essential. With this recipe, we will experience actual proof of our transformation in the forms of both conspicuous and inconspicuous benefit. The recipe is universal. These basics are the same in every country where this Buddhism is practiced.
Faith
In Buddhism, faith is based on experience. Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism emphasizes obtaining “actual proof” of the teaching’s power. Faith begins as an expectation or hope that something will happen. At the start of our journey, if we are willing to try the practice and anticipate some result, we will then develop our faith brick by brick as examples of actual proof accrue.
Practice
To develop faith, we must take action. We strengthen our wisdom and vital life force by actualizing our Buddhahood each day in a very concrete way. Practice in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism consists of two parts: practice for ourselves and practice for others. Practice for ourselves is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each morning and evening along with reciting Gongyo (excerpts of two chapters of the Lotus Sutra). Practice for others consists of action based on compassion to help give others the means to make fundamental improvements in their lives.
Study
To gain confidence that this practice is valid, and to understand why your efforts will bring about a result, it is essential to study the tenets of this Buddhism. The basis of study comes from the founder himself, Nichiren Daishonin. More than 700 years ago, he instructed followers in the correct way to practice; and his writings, which have been preserved and translated into English, give us valuable insight into how this practice will benefit us today.
SGI members carry out their daily practice at home and meet at regular local discussion meetings to study Buddhist principles and how to apply them in everyday life. At these gatherings, members also exchange hopes, challenges and experiences of their faith and practice. These small group meetings are a place of mutual encouragement as well as providing an introduction for newcomers and an opportunity to ask questions.
People beginning to practice Nichiren Buddhism generally start by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for a few minutes at a regular time of day, morning and evening if possible. Beginners are often encouraged to try chanting for at least three months, to get a feel for the practice and see what changes they notice, such as increased hope or energy, or improved relations with others.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is chanted clearly and rhythmically, repeating it as if “singing” on one note. There are no prerequisites or rules as to what to chant for. We simply make the decision to begin chanting: no prayer is more or less worthy than another. The only issue is whether we can create value in our lives and help others do the same. We attain enlightenment through a continual transformation that takes place in the depths of our lives as we seek to fulfill our desires and build harmony with those around us
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