«When we recite Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we are reciting the name of Buddha’s nature which exists in our life and in that of others, and at the same time we are awakening it». So states Master Daisaku Ikeda, current president of Soka Gakkai International, with regards to the Daimoku, the main ritual of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. This practice allows all people to get in harmony with the Dharma, that is the universal law that rules our life, experiencing wisdom, courage, life force and compassion.
The Daimoku prayer, which consists of the recitation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and the reading of some passages from the Lotus Sutra, has the effect of bringing out Buddha’s nature which is potentially present in all lives. Therefore, the practice reactivates our “true self”, prompting us to manifest the qualities of Buddha’s nature which allow us to face personal change, transforming our life and, consequently, contributing to the happiness of others, with a positive impact even in the community we live in.
Usually the Daimoku is recited at home, both in the morning and in the evening, alone or with others, but always seated in front of the Gohonzon, a paper scroll kept inside the individual homes of the members of the Soka Gakkai, which is the object of worship of this discipline.
In countries where there is an organisation belonging to the Soka Gakkai, members and guests meet once a month in small groups in private homes located in the neighbourhoods of their respective cities or towns. This kind of meeting, called zadankai, is the place where people meet and talk about Daishonin Buddhism and about life by telling the experiences of personal transformation through Buddhist practice.
The Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is also invoked in the Gongyo, which is also a daily ritual consisting in the recitation of some passages from two chapters of the Lotus Sutra, always to be recited in front of the Gohonzon.
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