Aside from reading books or articles online, you are probably most likely to encounter Buddhism at a temple, at a practice center, or at a small group meeting in a home. However, Nichiren Buddhism is focused on daily practice, and daily practice means home practice. Practice at temples and at practice centers are aimed at helping people learn and practice Buddhism in their daily lives.
Lotus SeedsQuotes
The Universal Practice
Nichiren promoted the single seven-character phrase of Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo as a way of reading, reciting, and keeping the Lotus Sutra. This single phrase is easy to memorize and easy to chant. Nichiren, however, did not invent this phrase, since it had been used before, primarily as a deathbed practice. What Nichiren did that was unique was to advocate it as a universal practice and as a single abbreviated way to practice the Lotus Sutra, accessible to anyone at any time.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraThe True Spirit of the Buddha’s Teaching
The practice and fulfillment of Nichiren Buddhism begins with the primary practice of chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. The primary practice is supported by the auxiliary practice of reciting passages from the Lotus Sutra, as well as several other dedications, vows, and prayers. Finally, those who practice the Lotus Sutra in this way will find themselves empowered to fulfill the Six Perfections in order to benefit themselves and others. Through these practices, the true spirit of the Buddha’s teaching – which is Namu Myoho Renge Kyo – will manifest itself in every aspect of our lives.
Lotus SeedsThe Five Practices of the Lotus Sutra
So what are the practices of the Lotus Sutra? They are to keep, read, recite, expound, and copy the sutra. …
Keeping the sutra means to embrace it, to hold it in ones heart and then to manifest it in the actions of our lives. Embracing or keeping is not merely being knowledgeable and then acting contrary to the heart of the sutra, which is the equality of Buddha in all things. Reading means that we study the sutra constantly so that we deepen our faith and ability to keep the sutra. Reciting the sutra is the reading aloud or chanting of the sutra, and we do this when we perform our daily prayers. … To expound the sutra is to teach others about the Lotus Sutra, and expounding is done in two ways and they are most effective when they are in alignment, which is through our words and through our actions. Finally the last of the five practices is to copy the sutra. Copying the sutra allows it to be available to others so they can read of the great teaching contained within.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraKeeping the Six Perfections in Mind
The Six Perfections – generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom– help us to be honest about our practice. If our life no longer reflects the awakened way of the Six Perfections, then it is possible that our faith in Namu Myoho Renge Kyo is fading; we may not be dedicating ourselves to its practice and keeping it in our hearts. If we find ourselves slipping into negative habits and qualities such as stinginess, lack of integrity, impatience, laziness, anxiety, and foolishness instead of manifesting the good qualities of the Six Perfections, we should examine our practice to ensure that we have not made it an empty routine or habit. By keeping the Six Perfections in mind, we will be able to honestly examine ourselves, recognize if we have turned from the world of Buddhahood to the lower worlds, and rededicate ourselves to Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. In this way, we do not depend upon the Six Perfections as the cause to attain Buddhahood; rather we take faith in Namu Myoho Renge Kyo as the primary cause that will enable us to attain Buddhahood and thereby manifest the Six Perfections naturally and joyfully.
Lotus SeedsFaith, Practice and Teaching
Whether or not we manifest the function of being bodhisattvas from beneath the ground depends solely on our practice, and not on a hollow claim. We can’t just say we are and not actually be acting in that capacity. The emerged from the ground bodhisattvas say they wish to obtain the dharma; in this case the dharma is attained through understanding by faith, by carrying out the practices, and by teaching others. The list is a joined list meaning it isn’t complete unless everything in the list is present. We cannot study in isolation, nor can we practice in isolation, nor can we just go around telling others about Buddhism and not do the practice.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraThe Spinning Top of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
One way to illustrate the Nichiren practice is through the analogy of a top. Just as a top spins on a single point, when we take faith in Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, it becomes the central point upon which our lives turn. If the point of the top remains steady, then the top will not wobble and can continue spinning. Similarly, if we consistently practice Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, our lives will manifest the Six Perfections – generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom – which describe a way of life that is strong and centered.
Lotus SeedsPractice and the Six Perfections
The Six Perfections – generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom – are an important element of Buddhist practice. From one perspective, they lead us to Buddhahood. From another perspective, they describe the way of life of one who has achieved Buddhahood. Nichiren Buddhism emphasizes the latter interpretation and views our ability to embody the Six Perfections as the fruit of our practice of Namu Myoho Rcnge Kyo. The more we actualize our capacity for Buddhahood through the practice of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, the more we will bring forth the qualities of generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom.
Lotus SeedsThe Future of Buddhism
It isn’t enough that the Buddha merely spew out some teaching called the Lotus Sutra, because that is what it would be if it weren’t for the concept of ensuring it will be taught to countless beings in our world. Even for ourselves, Buddhism is not just about taking faith in the Lotus Sutra. It is not just about practicing for our own enlightenment. It is not just about teaching others. It also includes ensuring that other are continually encouraged and supported in their practice, and the cycle continues on into the future.
Lecture on the Lotus SutraPrimary and Auxiliary Practice
In addition to the primary practice of chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, the daily practice of Nichiren Buddhism includes the auxiliary practice of reciting selections from the Second and Sixteenth chapter of the Lotus Sutra. In this way, we are able to keep the core teachings of the Lotus Sutra fresh in our minds and hearts so that we can benefit from their deep meaning and share its teachings with others.
Lotus Seeds