Each morning and evening, Soka Gakkai members settle in front of their home altar to perform Gongyo—reciting key passages from the Lotus Sutra—and to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It’s the heartbeat of daily life, a moment to pause, breathe, and flip the script on whatever challenges lie ahead. Often it takes five minutes or so, but even a brief session can reset the tone for everything that follows.

After chanting, there’s a short reading from Nichiren Daishonin’s letters, known as Gosho. These snippets of guidance—sometimes just a few paragraphs—offer fresh angles on patience, courage, and compassion. Fresh flowers, water, incense or a candle are offered as symbols of respect; by and large, it’s about creating a small sanctuary of intention in the midst of the everyday hustle.

Beyond those altar moments, study circles and neighborhood discussion gatherings are woven into the week. Members dive into current events—climate action at COP28, for instance—and explore how Buddhist practice can fuel social change. It’s not about lofty ideals locked in a temple; it’s about practical wisdom that translates into activism, whether volunteering at a local shelter or campaigning for peace proposals at the United Nations.

Daily life becomes a tapestry of practice: sending a quick encouragement via the SGI app, jotting down reflections in a gratitude journal, or lending a hand in community cleanups. Small ripples, after all, can create big waves. By staying connected, studying together, and embracing each sunrise with renewed resolve, the path to personal transformation feels as natural as sharing coffee with a friend—steady as a rock, one heartfelt moment at a time.