Buddhist Practice

Nichiren Daishonin taught that there as three aspects to our practice of Buddhism if we are to fully develop this vast potential of Buddhahood and establish a solid foundation for our happiness. These are faith in the object of devotion - the Gohonzon, the practice of chanting and teaching others; and Buddhist study. Hidden inside all of us are many priceless treasures, such as wisdom, courage, compassion, absolute happiness and life force. Ultimately, if we do not unlock our own treasure trove then these treasures will go to waste. The three practices enable us to unlock the treasures of our lives.

Nichiren Daishonin says in The True Aspect of All Phenomena: Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability; even if only a sentence or phrase. (WND, pg 386)

Through our daily practice of chanting and our efforts to spread this teaching, we are able to win over our struggles and challenges and manifest Buddhahood in daily life. By studying the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, we begin to understand our inseparability from the life of the universe and gradually we see the Mystic Law at work in our own lives. Living more harmoniously and in rhythm with our true nature, as we continue to practice, our lives and the environment begin to manifest actual proof. It is faith that motivates us to begin to practice and that sustains us as we develop.

As SGI President Ikeda explained to the youth: "It (faith) encompasses truth, courage, wisdom and good fortune. It includes compassion and humanity as well as peace, culture and happiness. Faith is eternal hope; it is the secret to limitless self-development. Faith is the most basic principle for growth."

The Daishonin alludes to the result of this correct practice in The Three Kinds of Treasure, the Daishonin says: "The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart f the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the 'Never Disparaging' chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Sakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behaviour as a human being." (WND, pg 852)

In our case, continually working for kosen-rufu in society makes our existence respectable; that is, contributing to society as long as we live is what makes our lies significant.

What would happen if we just did two practices, rather than three? If we just had faith and practice and no study, we could easily grounded in real understanding. When that happens we can be manipulated by others, just following rules because we have been told to. Study puts our Buddhist practice into context and makes our faith indestructible. As we study and learn from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and from President Ikeda, we in turn become teachers. Awakening others to the benefits of Buddhist faith is an immense source of joy.

From a different perspective, if we just studied, without practice or faith, we would be following a theoretical and intellectual teaching. Without faith and action, how could we unlock our many treasures?

Through the light of faith, practice and study, we naturally keep developing within the reality of our daily life, creating the ultimate cause for our happiness. In other words, when all three are being put into action, we really begin to enjoy our practice. We begin to enjoy seeing our wisdom, compassion and courage in action. By continuing to develop our faith, we are able to build a happy fulfilling life with a solid foundation, living with spontaneity, flexibility and joy.