CategoryBuddhist Study

On April 28, 1253, Nichiren Daishonin first proclaimed his teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to help people overcome suffering and build a society rooted in equality and respect. He also identified erroneous religious teachings as the source of the misery plaguing the people of his day and sought to correct these errors.  His declaration was a call

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.  What is the purpose of religion? Does it support people’s growth or attempt to control them?  At this time, when many might view the idea

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo, section by section. The full text can be found in The Heart of the Lotus Sutra,

This new study series aims to answer questions about the basics of the SGI’s practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Sometimes, practicing Buddhism alone might seem more appealing than doing so in a group. Yet Shakyamuni Buddha himself, having tried various solitary and austere practices before attaining enlightenment, realized the importance of practicing Buddhism with others. His

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo, section by section. The full text can be found in The Heart of the Lotus Sutra,

This new study series aims to answer questions about the basics of the SGI’s practice of Nichiren Buddhism. The short answer is that meditation and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo both encourage self-reflection, but they have different goals and effects on our lives.  Research shows that, when done in moderation, meditation can help calm the mind, reduce stress

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists.  This series will carry Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo, section by section. The full text can be found in The Heart of the Lotus

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

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists.  This section of Living Buddhism will carry Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo, section by section. The full text can be found in The Heart

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

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.” “I always place high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking

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.” Overwhelmed. This word has been popping up more frequently in conversations lately. Maybe it’s because of the rise

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.” Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna two centuries ago, on May 7, 1824. It is said

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.” A 21-year-old sat at his local SGI-USA center, conversing with a man in his mid-30s. Eager to learn from

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.” If animals could talk, what would they say and do? German author and pacificist Erich Kästner imagined one

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 2007 op-ed, Ikeda Sensei wrote:  The vital, vibrant currents of dialogue have the capacity to shake

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.” Jazz is about being in the moment, at every moment,” writes legendary pianist Herbie Hancock. “It’s about trusting

What does it mean to create value?  The word soka, in Soka Gakkai, is derived from the Japanese phrase kachi sozo, which translates to English as “value creation.” Before getting into creating value, let’s discuss what “value” really means. What is considered valuable varies among people and cultures and changes over time. Naturally, we develop

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 The Boy and the Heron, the 2024 Oscar-winning animated feature by Hayao Miyazaki, 11-year-old Mahito Maki struggles