Sunflower of the Lotus Sutra

INTRODUCTION TO SOKA GAKKAI INTERNATIONAL (SGI)
www.sgi.org
Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a Buddhist association with more than 12 million members in 190 countries and territories worldwide.
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(ALL TEXT FROM www.sgi.org)

Members of the SGI practice the Buddhism taught by the thirteenth-century Japanese monk Nichiren. At the core of Nichiren's Buddhism are the phrase Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and a mandala referred to as the GOHONZON. There are three basic elements to the practice of Nichiren Buddhism: chanting the phrase Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a prayer for oneself and others; studying the teachings of Nichiren; and making efforts to share the teachings of Buddhism, to spread the Buddhist perspective of life's inherent dignity and potential. SGI members perform a morning and evening practice known as Gongyo, which consists of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra.

NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO

PRIMARY PRACTICE -

Chanting NAM-MYOHO-RENGE-KYO- also known as "DAIMOKU"--is the primary practice of SGI members. Through this practice, one is able to reveal the state of Buddhahood in one's life, experienced as the natural development of joy, increased vitality, courage, wisdom and compassion.

NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO

The invocation of NAM-MYOHO-RENGE-KYO was established by NICHIREN DAISHONIN on April 28, 1253. Having studied widely among all the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truth of Buddhism: that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood. The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is MYOHO RENGE KYO.

But to Nichiren, MYOHO RENGE KYO was far more than the title of a Buddhist text, it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings in one way or another seek to clarify. Brief and unavoidably limited explanation of some of the key concepts expressed by this phrase:

- NAM -

The word nam derives from Sanskrit. A close translation of its meaning is "to devote oneself." Nichiren established the practice of chanting NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, nam indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.

MYOHO -

Myoho literally means the Mystic Law, and expresses the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and the many different ways this life expresses itself. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such phenomena is a constant reality known as myo.

RENGE -

Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect.

The circumstances and quality of our individual lives are determined by the causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma." The law of cause and effect explains that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we can change it.

The most powerful cause we can make is to chant NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO; the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of our life and will definitely manifest in time.

The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person.

KYO -

Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. Also, the Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp in a piece of woven cloth, symbolizing the continuity of life throughout past, present and future. In a broad sense, kyo conveys the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation of the Mystic Law.