Frequently Asked Questions

In Buddhism true happiness comes from having a life condition of unshakeable happiness, wisdom and compassion, based on a clear understanding of the reality of life. The greatest benefit of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist practice is attaining this true happiness, also called enlightenment or Buddhahood. As we develop ourselves day by day through Buddhist practice towards this goal, we naturally accumulate virtue and gratitude in our lives. We gain the ability to overcome life’s hardships positively and then naturally strive to share this happiness with others.

In Buddhism we always learn about the oneness of our lives; with one another, and with our environment. The Buddha’s teachings shed light on the fact that it’s not possible to be happy all by ourselves; it’s only when all people are happy that we can feel true happiness. In other words, our lives depend upon one another. For that reason, Buddhism is considered a practice for both oneself and for others. Rather than keeping the benefit that Buddhist practice brings to our lives all for ourselves, we share it for the happiness of others whenever we have the opportunity to do so.

The meaning of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is so broad and deep that it cannot fit within the confines of definitions, however if translated simply, Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the ultimate Law or true entity of life permeating the universe. It also signifies the name of the True Buddha because the Law of Cause and Effect and life of the True Buddha are one. Another meaning of Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the essence and heart of the Lotus Sutra. “Nam” is the sanskrit word for respect and devotion, so when we chant “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo” we are expressing our deepest respect and devotion to the Buddha, to the Universal Law of Cause and Effect, and to the essence of the Buddha’s teaching of the Lotus Sutra.

The Gohonzon is the object of worship in Nichiren Shoshu and the manifestation of the eternally enlightened life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. The Gohonzons enshrined in temples, or those that you see in members’ homes, are all transcriptions of the original Dai-Gohonzon. Just like the branches and roots of a tree, the Gohonzons enshrined in temples and members’ homes are connected to the Dai-Gohonzon, and are only ever transcribed by the lineage of High Priests who have protected Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings ever since his physical passing.

All people have the potential to understand the reality of life by attaining the enlightened state of Buddhahood. Buddhist practice is the way that we manifest the Buddha’s teachings into action, and develop our own potential for enlightenment.

Daily practice consists of Gongyo and Shodai. Shodai is chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon for oneself and others. Gongyo is the recitation of portions of the Lotus Sutra in front of the Gohonzon, conducted morning and evening.

All people equally share the same potential for enlightenment, which is called the Buddha nature. The greatest benefit of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist practice is the ability to develop this inherent potential for enlightenment in ourselves and achieve Buddhahood; a life condition of unshakeable happiness, wisdom, and compassion, based on a clear understanding of the reality of life.

The Gojukai Ceremony is the very first step in beginning Buddhist practice, to establish a karmic bond between your life and the Buddha’s enlightened life. Forming this connection opens up your life to be able to start manifesting your potential for Buddhahood through actual practice and experience. Prior knowledge of Buddhism is not required to receive the Gojukai Ceremony; just the sincere desire to start the journey of changing one’s karma and developing oneself towards enlightenment.

Attend one of our Intro Events to learn more.

There are two ultimate purposes in practicing Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. The first is to awaken to the awareness that our lives contain the Buddha nature and strive towards the life condition of unshakable happiness, wisdom and compassion that is Buddhahood. The second, is to realize a peaceful society and relieve suffering in the world through Buddhism. This is known as kosen-rufu.

The greatest benefit of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist practice is attaining enlightenment or Buddhahood, the life condition of unshakeable happiness and the wisdom to grasp the eternal truth of life. Believers experience such concrete benefits as improved health, better personal relationships, and the ability to overcome life’s hardships positively. This is called the actual proof of Buddhist practice.

Nichiren Shoshu is the School of Buddhism founded by Nichiren Daishonin over 750 years ago in Japan. Shakyamuni Buddha, who we all know as the historical Buddha in India, expounded in his final teaching of the Lotus Sutra that the original Buddha from the infinite past would appear approximately 2,000 years after his passing, when the people had lost all connection to Shakyamuni’s teachings, and society had fallen into a profoundly dark age.

 The best way to learn more is to have the actual experience of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo with others. Myoshinji Temple holds a series of in-person and online Introduction to Buddhism Meetings throughout the month so you can learn about core Buddhist concepts and practices at your own pace. Attend one of our Intro Events.