What can I expect from practicing this Buddhism?
The benefits from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo are limitless. Often, early on, people will notice things “going smoother" – somehow being inexplicably in the right place at the right time, being protected, being able to think more clearly, finding the best answer to a problem, becoming less angry, feeling more at peace, calmer, more hopeful, more creative, less anxious or afraid. Practicing Nichiren Daishonin's True Buddhism and our daily lives are not separate. When we exert ourselves in our daily Buddhist practice, we will, without fail, receive the actual proof of great benefit and enjoy the greatest life condition of Buddhahood throughout our lives.
Over time, we experience changes, such as recovering health, solving long-term financial problems, finding our life’s work, learning how to love and respect oneself, deepening and strengthening relationships, feeling greater compassion for others and discovering our true purpose in this life.
All these benefits will manifest both in conspicuous and inconspicuous ways. Along with benefits, we also at times encounter difficulties or obstacles in our practice. Buddhism teaches the principle of turning poison (or difficulty) into medicine. The key is to continue chanting to the Gohonzon through your problem and to not give up. As you continue a persistent practice, not only will the problem be solved but you will have gained additional fortune, insight and confidence in faith.
“In a letter called “Reply to the Lay Nun Myoichi” (“Myoichi ama gozen-goshosoku”), Nichiren Daishonin states:
”Those who maintain faith in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, since ancient times, has anyone heard of or seen winter turn back to autumn. Nor have I heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra turning back into a common mortal. The sutra states, ‘If there are people who listen to the true Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood.’” ”