TagBuddhist Concept

Beset by the struggles of daily life and a world filled with division, violence and despair, it can be hard to believe in our limitless potential or that of others. Yet Nichiren Buddhism teaches that we each possess Buddhahood, the power source for transforming our lives and the world and establishing pathways to peace. The

The following was published in the December 2021 Living Buddhism, pp. 26–27. The Three Great Secret Laws represent core principles of Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching. They are: 1) the object of devotion of the essential teaching, 2) the daimoku of the essential teaching and 3) the sanctuary of the essential teaching. Here, “essential teaching” refers to

Buddhism’s ultimate goal has always been to enable people to attain Buddhahood, or enlightenment. Early Buddhists believed, however, that achieving this highest state of life required carrying out incredible efforts over countless lifetimes. The Lotus Sutra expounds a radically different perspective, teaching that rather than a destination to be reached sometime in the future, Buddhahood

People begin practicing Buddhism for many reasons. Some come to Buddhism hoping to overcome a problem. Others are attracted to it because of its philosophy. And others find solace, clarity or energy from the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. No matter what drew them to it, many attest to experiencing benefits from their Buddhist practice. So

Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that for a person to be happy, they will need virtuous friends. Today, too, many are earnestly seeking a supportive community in which people of virtue offer mutual support and inspiration to one another. As Shakyamuni Buddha said, “Having good friends and advancing together with them is not half the

Gratitude is a positive emotion that has long been seen by religious leaders, philosophers and many others as an important virtue. A quick glance at the world today, however, may give us a sense that it is in short supply. At the same time, science has begun to acknowledge the tangible benefits of gratitude. Studies

The holiday season, when many deepen their spirit of generosity and giving, is a good time to reflect on an important element of Buddhist practice: “almsgiving,” or making offerings to support the spread of Buddhism. This is an act that makes possible the endeavor to lead all people to enlightenment and happiness while implanting abundant

In light of the Mystic Law, everything we encounter has meaning and helps us move forward.

It is through the use of words and letters that the Buddha saves living beings. … If one rejects the use of words and letters, then how can the Buddha’s work be done? (“Letter to Renjo,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, pp. 6–7) Nichiren Daishonin studied the vast body of Buddhist sutras, among

Most religions recognize and revere a founder, great sage or savior, and many, a supreme deity of some sort. Usually it is not an option for ordinary believers to consider themselves equal to these figures. This was even true among the Buddha’s disciples, who found it difficult to regard themselves as equal to the Buddha.

Sharing Buddhism with others is a natural and essential part of Buddhist practice, because by doing so, we are able to develop compassion for ourselves and for others. Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, speaking about this practice of compassion, once said: Compassionate action is “the work of the Buddha.” It is also truly noble because,

Many regard Buddhism as a philosophy of peace and calm, a rejection of the cares and distractions of the world to be sought in austere quietude, away from society’s bustle. A pilgrim making an arduous journey to learn the secrets of life from a secluded hermit comes to mind. Certainly, inner peace is a benefit

Nichiren Buddhism teaches us how to bring forth the wisdom to transform the challenges we face in our lives as well as the larger issues impacting society. Nichiren Daishonin teaches that every one of us possesses limitless power to transform even our greatest obstacles into the most beneficial opportunities. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the fundamental Law

As the global coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our daily lives and all levels of society, many of us may be left feeling uncertain or fearful. Fortunately, Buddhism stresses that in the face of the greatest adversity, we have the power to bring forth limitless strength, transform our circumstances and create the future we envision.

This article is adapted from An Introduction to Buddhism, pp. 40–45, which serves as the study material for the upcoming SGI-USA Introductory Exam, to be held April 26 and 27 throughout the nation. Some of our problems and sufferings are caused by actions and decisions we have made in this life. But for others we

All of us are searching for happiness, but the idea of what makes us happy differs from one person to the next. However, Buddhism expounds a universal happiness that is an expression of our greatest potential, which we also call Buddhahood or enlightenment. Based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, second Soka Gakkai President Josei

The aim of Nichiren Buddhist practice is to help people develop into individuals who are undefeated by any obstacle and can contribute to the peace and happiness of those around them. An essential aspect of Nichiren Buddhism is sharing its practice with others and helping them establish lives of genuine fulfillment. This process of teaching

Many SGI members begin practicing Nichiren Buddhism hoping to change something in their lives or to find a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. We meet many people in the SGI who have transformed long-term despair into lasting hope, experiencing a great change in the meaning they derive from living. From the standpoint of faith,

The drama that unfolds in the 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra is described by SGI President Ikeda as “a movie on a truly colossal scale projected on the screen of the whole universe” (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 1, p. 66). The drama of this “movie” transcends space and time, depicting many

Every aspect of our Buddhist practice—faith, practice and study—creates causes that give rise to happiness, benefit and fortune in our lives. In Nichiren Buddhism, any positive outcome or gain that results from our practice is called a benefit (kudoku in Japanese), which can also be translated as “blessing,” “merit” or “virtue.” Fundamentally, benefits in Buddhism