CategoryBuddhist Study

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists.  This section of Living Buddhism will carry Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo, section by section. The full text can be found in The Heart

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” It’s November, and the year is almost over! Spring is often a time for picnics, summer for barbecues,

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” In a 1999 experiment, participants viewed a video where two small teams, one dressed in white and the

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” “I always place high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” Overwhelmed. This word has been popping up more frequently in conversations lately. Maybe it’s because of the rise

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna two centuries ago, on May 7, 1824. It is said

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” A 21-year-old sat at his local SGI-USA center, conversing with a man in his mid-30s. Eager to learn from

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” If animals could talk, what would they say and do? German author and pacificist Erich Kästner imagined one

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” In a 2007 op-ed, Ikeda Sensei wrote:  The vital, vibrant currents of dialogue have the capacity to shake

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” Jazz is about being in the moment, at every moment,” writes legendary pianist Herbie Hancock. “It’s about trusting

What does it mean to create value?  The word soka, in Soka Gakkai, is derived from the Japanese phrase kachi sozo, which translates to English as “value creation.” Before getting into creating value, let’s discuss what “value” really means. What is considered valuable varies among people and cultures and changes over time. Naturally, we develop

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” In The Boy and the Heron, the 2024 Oscar-winning animated feature by Hayao Miyazaki, 11-year-old Mahito Maki struggles

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” A rocket’s initial liftoff into space uses millions of horsepower and tons of fuel. Right after liftoff, it

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” Every relationship went the same way. Family, girlfriends, homies—I drained my energy to appease their needs,” said an

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first novel in The Chronicles of Narnia series, four

When you think of “joy,” what comes to mind? Maybe eating delicious food, going on vacation or celebrating significant milestones.  But there’s no need to wait for such moments. We can find genuine joy in appreciating day-to-day happenings. Appreciating the people and things that support us regardless of our circumstances can foster a deep sense

In “The Teacher of the Law,” the 10th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha teaches the importance of spreading the Mystic Law long after his passing, describing the challenging task of doing so in a confusing, strife-filled era, the current Latter Day of the Law. He introduces the three rules of preaching, also known

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself.” These

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” Eternity can be distilled in a single moment of life—a moment when a person’s humanity, past and future,

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” Few of us are immune to holding grudges. A grudge might start as irritation with someone’s behavior and