This study series prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism. In this installment, we turn to Ikeda Sensei’s guidance to answer some frequently asked questions about chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Q: Why do we keep our eyes open when we chant? Ikeda Sensei: It’s best to keep your eyes
This new study series aims to answer questions about the basics of the SGI’s practice of Nichiren Buddhism. How can we create understanding when things feel stuck—or worse, when the divide between opposing sides seems to grow only wider? Often, when discussions become heated, people cling more tightly to their own views. Whether in our
This new study series aims to answer questions about the basics of the SGI’s practice of Nichiren Buddhism. How do I chant for this? For that?—We often hear questions about how to chant for certain things at SGI meetings. But maybe the better question is: Is there a different way to chant about each issue
This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. Struggles are an undeniable aspect of life. Yet, through engaging in Buddhist practice, we learn to view hardships as essential opportunities for growth. Nichiren Daishonin teaches that
This new study series will cover Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. Throughout history, great movements for peace and equality have faced persecution and obstacles. Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent struggle for India’s independence and the U.S. Civil Rights
This new study series will cover Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. The Soka Gakkai’s history is defined by the shared commitment to uphold life’s dignity and Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings—even amid persecution. This spirit was exemplified during
This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” In Homer’s epic The Odyssey, the Greek hero Odysseus embarks on a long, perilous voyage home after the
This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” It’s November, and the year is almost over! Spring is often a time for picnics, summer for barbecues,
This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” In a 1999 experiment, participants viewed a video where two small teams, one dressed in white and the
In the eighth volume of [the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai’s] Great Concentration and Insight and in the eighth volume of [the Great Teacher Miao-lo’s] The Annotations on “Great Concentration and Insight” it says, “The stronger one’s faith, the greater the protection of the gods.” This means that the protection of the gods depends on the strength
In the Latter Day of the Law, the votary of the Lotus Sutra will appear without fail. The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith. Doesn’t a fire burn more briskly when logs are added? All rivers flow into the sea, but does the sea turn
Thus we know that Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the countless Buddhas of the ten directions; Superior Practices and the other bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth; Universal Worthy, Manjushri, and the other bodhisattvas of the theoretical teaching; Shariputra and the other great voice-hearer disciples; the great heavenly king Brahma, the gods of the sun and
Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The body is the palace of the ninth consciousness, the unchanging reality that reigns over all of life’s functions. … Mandala is a Sanskrit word that is translated as
