Tagbuddhist concept

Can we actually influence what’s happening around us for the better? Do we really have control over our circumstances? At times, it may seem like we don’t have much say in how our lives will go. But Buddhism teaches that people and their surroundings are interconnected. Watch the 3-minute Buddhability video explaining the concept of

Legends tell of carp transforming into a dragon by swimming up a waterfall called the Dragon Gate. The falls are believed to be located on the upper or middle reaches of the Yellow River in China. Some sources describe it as being 100 feet high, others as 1,000. Though measurements of the Dragon Gate differ,

We’ve written about the many rewards we gain from practicing Nichiren Buddhism in recent issues (see April 9, 2021, World Tribune, p. 10, and March 12, 2021, issue, p. 9). This time, we take a look at the benefit of receiving protection. One might think: For a religion that doesn’t worship a god or gods,

It’s human to want things. We look and work for what we think will bring us joy or make life easier and better. We also find satisfaction in achieving, learning or mastering something that holds value for us. The desire to improve our circumstances is what motivated many of us to take up the practice

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

Great joy [is what] one experiences when one understands for the first time that one’s mind from the very beginning has been a Buddha. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys. (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, pp. 211–12) Nichiren Buddhism teaches us how to develop a profound sense of happiness and purpose regardless

“The Future Is Yours to Change”

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

The assembly on Holy Eagle Peak which continues in solemn state … has not yet disbanded. (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 135) Creating dramatic change calls for sustained effort and conviction. Our daily Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and engaging in SGI activities enables us to refresh and forge our determination to

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.

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

“Single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and urge others to do the same; that will remain as the only memory of your present life in this human world.” (“Questions and Answers on Embracing the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 64) It’s wonderful that you would like to study more about Buddhism, and it’s

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

Great evil portends the arrival of great good. If all of Jambudvipa [the entire world] were to be thrown into chaos, there could be no doubt that [this sutra would] “be widely propagated throughout Jambudvipa.” “The Kalpa of Decrease,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1122 People’s ideals and philosophies determine a society’s

The following is an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s lecture on NichirenDaishonin’s writing “The Supremacy of the Law,” addressing the concept of“true cause” and the importance of always strengthening our faith. So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive thegreat protection of the gods. I say this for your sake. I

An essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra is that anyone at any time can become a Buddha. Buddhas are not deities who dwell in faraway places or special people who have dedicated a certain number of years to Buddhist practice. Rather, a Buddha is an ordinary individual who has awakened to the reality that they