Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent around 2,500 years ago. Its teachings derive from Shakyamuni, also known as Gautama or Siddhartha, who dedicated his life to finding the means to liberate people from the universal sufferings of life and develop spiritual strength. His teachings were later compiled into sutras, and numerous schools of Buddhism sprang up as his teachings spread after his death.
The Lotus Sutra is highly revered in the Mahayana tradition that reached East Asia. It emphasizes the bodhisattva ideal of helping others to come to a true understanding of life and clarifies that all people possess the life-state of Buddhahood. Nichiren, a 13th-century Japanese priest, found that the Lotus Sutra contained the fullest expression of Shakyamuni''s compassionate intention.
WHY PRACTICE BUDDHISM?
"If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings"(wnd-1 pg 3 )
The purpose of Buddhist practice is to overcome suffering by unlocking our inate positive potential. When we are suffering, it is not easy to believe we can transform any situation, and change our lives. Nichiren Buddhism begins with the belief that all people can do exactly this. We begin this process of change by chanting Nam-myoho-renge -kyo. This allows us "to perceive the mystic truth" that our own lives and the lives of others possess and can reveal the Buddha nature.
Life is a continuing struggle between our Buddha nature and our delusions. Nichiren Buddhism teaches that we are empowered by chanting to develop great inner strength, courage, compassion and wisdom. As we grow stronger, we can embrace others more fully, and see the humanistic ideals of Buddhism spread throughout society, creating a world where life itself is accorded the greatest respect.
SGI's Buddhist Practice
The core element of the Buddhist practice conducted by members of the SGI is chanting the phrase "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," or devotion to the Lotus Sutra, which was identified by the 13th-century Japanese priest Nichiren as the key to developing the Buddha nature.
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo enables people to unleash their hidden potential and unlock the courage and compassion to transform their lives and create positive value in their family, community and society. Members usually chant to a mandala called a Gohonzon which is enshrined in their homes.
This primary practice is supported by reciting passages of the Lotus Sutra, as well as studying Buddhist teachings. Another key activity is the discussion meeting, which provides members and guests with the opportunity to share their experiences in faith and support and learn from others. The practice of Buddhism is proactive and engaged with society, and members of the SGI are active in all walks of life as citizens working for a better world.
Buddhist Concepts
Treasuring Diversity
"'The Buddha's teaching begins with the recognition of human diversity. The humanism of the Lotus Sutra comes down to the tenet of treasuring the individual.' In Nichiren Buddhism, enlightenment is not a matter of changing ourselves into something which we are not. Rather, it is a matter of bringing forth those positive qualities we already possess."
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