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This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism. We all crave comfort—and so do our brains! Studies show that we prefer familiar thoughts and feelings, often resisting advice. Yet research also reveals that staying open to input accelerates our growth. Such tendencies signal how seeking

This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism. It’s easy to understand the benefits of a consistent Buddhist practice—but putting it into action can sometimes be a challenge. Drawing inspiration from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the guidance of Ikeda Sensei, let’s explore how

This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism.  Have you ever gotten lost trying to get to a new location? Having a map—or nowadays, a map app—makes a big difference in getting where you want to go.  Life, and Buddhist practice, is often likened to

This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism.  The way we begin and end each day doesn’t just shape our mood—it shapes our health. Studies show that daily routines can lower stress levels and improve overall well-being. In Nichiren Buddhism, SGI members start their morning

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 study series by the SGI-USA Study Department aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism.  Buddhism is not naïve—it does not deny the existence of “good” and “bad” friends. But it views these terms in a light that may surprise and even revolutionize one’s understanding of them. The real question for the

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 new study series aims to answer questions about the basics of the SGI’s practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Every world religion has its sacred texts—Buddhism has sutras, Judaism the Hebrew Bible and Christianity the Bible.  In Nichiren Buddhism, we are fortunate to have the Gosho, the collected writings of Nichiren Daishonin, which serve as a

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

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