Soka Gakkai members chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
and recite excerpts from the Lotus Sutra
in order to bring forth from within their lives
the highest state of life
known as Buddhahood.
Buddhahood is characterized by abundant wisdom
courage and compassion
and a sense of empowerment.
Soka Gakkai members strive to chant in the morning and evening
facing the Gohonzon enshrined in an altar in their homes.
The Gohonzon is a scroll
with Nam-myoho-renge-kyo written down the center.
To begin chanting
if you haven't already set up an altar
sit upright facing a blank wall or something that won’t distract you.
You can sit on the floor or in a chair
in whichever position is most comfortable for you.
Put your hands together in front of you like this.
Start by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on one note.
Make sure to keep your eyes open.
There’s no need to visualize particular images
or to empty your mind.
Just be yourself
and focus on your hopes and prayers
and then simply concentrate on the sound of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
When you first begin
chanting even just a few minutes every day is great.
Of course
at first it may take a while to get used to the pronunciation
so you can start off slowly
like this:
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
The phrase Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means
I dedicate my life to the wonderful law of cause and effect
that leads to Buddhahood.
“Nam” means dedication
and “myoho” means mystic or wonderful law--
an expression of the dharma
or underlying principle inherent in all life.
“Myo,” in particular
signifies the unseen essence of life
as well as its potential to revive and open
while "ho" refers to life’s manifestations.
“Renge” means lotus flower.
The lotus produces seeds and flowers at the same time
and therefore symbolizes the simultaneity of cause and effect.
Just as the pure lotus flower blooms in a muddy pond,
our inherent Buddha nature comes to shine amidst the harsh realities of life.
“Kyo” is voice or teaching of the Buddha.
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like a spiritual workout.
I always find it really refreshes and revitalizes me.
It’s almost like recharging my batteries.
When I'm chanting regularly
I have more energy
and the strength not to be defeated by my problems.
The practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
was established by a 13th century Japanese priest
named Nichiren
in order to enable all people
to tap into their inherent Buddha nature.
In addition to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo,
Soka Gakkai members recite parts of the 2nd and 16th chapters
of the Lotus Sutra.
The 2nd chapter is entitled “Expedient Means”
and the 16th is called “Life Span.”
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
and reciting these passages
is known as gongyo.
Nichiren Daishonin stressed
that these chapters best explain the essence of the Lotus Sutra
and express Shakyamuni Buddha’s core message:
that everyone, without exception,
possesses the enlightened life state of Buddhahood.
So that’s the basic practice--
chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
and doing gongyo.
But it’s difficult to maintain a consistent practice
just on my own.
Studying Buddhism and practicing with other people
helps me deepen my understanding.
Meeting all kinds of people who practice this Buddhism
gives me new perspectives
and prevents my practice from becoming self-centered.
Hearing how other people have used their practice
to challenge things they thought were impossible
inspires me to make greater efforts in my life.
A core activity of Soka Gakkai in many countries
is the local discussion meeting
where people can ask questions and engage in dialogue
about the philosophy and practice of Nichiren Buddhism.
More information can be found on the Soka Gakkai global website.
There are introductory materials and a directory
to help locate Soka Gakkai organizations and centers.