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What is Gongyo and how do I integrate it with my chanting practice?

Gongyo, in Nichiren Buddhism, is the structured recitation of key passages from the Lotus Sutra alongside daimoku (chanting “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo”). Think of it as the backbone of daily practice—morning and evening sessions that anchor personal growth while sending waves of positive energy out into the world.

A simple way to weave gongyo into chanting:

  1. Set the scene
    • Find a quiet spot. Light a candle or incense if that feels right.
    • Sit with a straight spine, feet grounded—like putting roots into the earth.

  2. Recite the Lotus Sutra passages
    • On your own or following a text, gently read the prose (Hoben Chapter 2 and Joju Chapter 16).
    • Let each phrase resonate. Picture it unlocking potentials within.

  3. Chant daimoku
    • Transition smoothly into “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.”
    • Keep the rhythm steady, almost like a heartbeat connecting personal intention with global harmony.

  4. Dedication of merit
    • At the end, dedicate any positive outcomes to all beings—family, community, even people halfway around the globe facing hardship.

Tips for seamless integration:
- Pair gongyo with your morning coffee routine or evening wind-down. Over time, it becomes as natural as brushing teeth.
- Use a simple timer or a gong app on your phone. Modern tech can be a helpful ally in keeping sessions consistent.
- On hectic days—when world news feels overwhelming—gongyo can be the “calm at the eye of the storm,” restoring focus.

Current winds of change, from youth climate marches to global calls for unity, mirror the Lotus Sutra’s message of interconnection. Every daily gongyo session is like planting seeds—seeds that sprout not only personal resilience but also contribute to social transformation. By anchoring gongyo and chanting in everyday life, a ripple of hope and courage spreads, one session at a time.