Member Experiences

When I encountered Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and the Gohonzon at the age of 25, I was living in New York City catapulting to the top of my field as a vicious political caricaturist, truly caring only about myself having closed my heart to the world around me, developed a tremendous ego as the judge of everyone and was facing a crisis of desperation unable to find a real purpose in my life.
For the past 40 years I have been able to continuously develop a compassionate heart and experience the unbelievable joy of fusing with the enlightenment of the True Buddha every day, and sharing this great medicine with the people in my life, finding a truly noble purpose in this world. —Phillip

At the time I was introduced to this practice, I was pondering why we are on this earth, why we struggle, then when we gain some wisdom, we expire. I was invited to my first meeting over 40 years ago. I was told that we live many lifetimes, that we can chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for “peace and security' in this life and for better circumstances in our next lifetime.” Now I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for my happiness, my family's happiness and for all whom I encounter. It’s amazing to see my prayers answered. —Elizabeth

Looking back on 48 years of practice in Nichiren Shoshu, I’ve found that my overall sense of purpose and fulfillment, empathy, bonds of friendship, and professional and financial well-being have steadily increased. When difficulties arise, my ability to take responsibility and to work toward solutions calmly and patiently has also been strengthened. —Tom

When my best friend told me about Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and that I could be happy by repeating these words, I didn’t believe her. Not logical, right? I was cynical and depressed. My anger seemed like an iron steam engine chugging away furiously … I was ruining my life. So I decided to chant to the Gohonzon instead of rage at others. Gohonzon is our Buddhist scroll, the realm of the Buddha’s enlightened life. When I placed myself in front of Gohonzon, and recited “my friends words”, I felt my anger dissipate. But also I felt clear, calm, suddenly able to respond constructively and even with compassion. In a month, my mother said “you’re so different I’m going to try it too.” Then she explained to her friend “before chanting, it was like driving behind a big truck, you can’t see. But when you chant, the truck‘s gone. You can see everything!” Now 26 years later, my faith in and practice of True Buddhism opened many good doors and closed the bad ones. And I have this treasure to offer others, a way to be happy too! —Liz

Practicing Buddhism is planting the seed of happiness and making it grow! Even when life is not going as planned, I feel I am being protected, and always find the best solution to every challenge. —Monica

There isn't an area of my life that hasn't been touched, transformed and healed through this practice. My doctor was pessimistic about my chances to have a child but the morning after I completed a special chanting campaign I found out I was pregnant with our first son. My life as an artist and a muralist has blossomed and I was able to recover from invasive childhood abuse that left me with very little trust of other people or myself. I've become much more open-hearted and am at peace in the world. —Lisa

A Message From Our Chief Priest

We welcome you as you begin your daily practice of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism and incorporate it into your everyday life. You have taken a great step towards a wonderful new life. A life filled with joy, no matter what circumstances you may find yourself in. And a life endowed with the wisdom and power to change every poison into medicine. As we share this happiness with others, together we will bring true peace and happiness to this troubled world. Please stay close to your sponsor and strive to deepen your faith daily. The priests of Myosetsuji Temple are always available for any questions you may have and your fellow believers will be happy to help you in your Buddhist practice and share with you their faith experiences.

Performing morning and evening Gongyo and Shodai (chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo) is the foundation of our Buddhist practice. It is also a prerequisite to receiving the Gohonzon entrusted to us by High Priest Nichinyo Shonin for our daily practice. The Gohonzon is the embodiment of the enlightened life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. By chanting to the Gohonzon we are able to fuse our lives with the life of the Buddha. We suggest that as you start out as a minimum, you begin to recite the A & C sections of the Liturgy and chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, then recite all five Silent Prayers in the morning and the second, third and fifth Silent Prayers in the evening. On our “New Members” page of this website there is how-to-do guide for Gongyo practice as well as slow audio recordings of Gongyo made by a Nichiren Shoshu priest. I hope you find them helpful.

Through your daily practice of reciting the Liturgy of Nichiren Shoshu (part of the 2nd and entire 16th chapters of the Lotus Sutra) and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon, attending the monthly Oko Ceremony where we repay our debt of gratitude to the Three Treasures of True Buddhism, and by sharing this Buddhism with your friends and family — you will definitely be able to build an indestructible life condition of happiness and true freedom. But, maintaining such a practice throughout our lives is not easy. 

Our founder, Nichiren Daishonin states in “Reply to Lord Ueno”:

Those with faith like flowing water always persist in their practice of the Lotus Sutra, never discarding their faith. Because you continue to visit me, regardless of your circumstances, it can be said that your faith resembles flowing water. This deserves my genuine respect.

Again, let me welcome and congratulate you on your pursuit of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. —Reverend Shinga Takikawa, Chief Priest of Myosetsuji Temple