The Lotus Sutra sits at the very heart of Nichiren Shōshū practice, serving as both bedrock and beacon. Regarded as the supreme teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha, it’s celebrated for unveiling the universal Buddha-nature inherent in every being. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo—literally “Devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra”—acts like flipping on a light in a dark room, instantly illuminating one’s innate wisdom and compassion.

In Nichiren Shōshū, the Gohonzon mandala embodies the Sutra’s essence. Each character inscribed on it represents a living chapter of the text, so that daily Gongyō (recitation) and Daimoku (Dharma-title chanting) become a direct dialogue with the Buddha’s life force. This dynamic exchange transforms ordinary challenges—stress at work, relationship struggles, global anxieties—into stepping-stones toward growth.

The Lotus Sutra’s message rings especially true today. In an era marked by social upheaval and environmental concerns, its core teaching—that salvation isn’t reserved for a select few but accessible to all—offers a much-needed sense of solidarity. Modern practitioners find that virtual Gongyō gatherings, sprouting up like mushrooms since the pandemic, underscore the Sutra’s timeless relevance: it transcends geography, culture, even technological divides.

Temples such as Taiseki-ji, guardians of ancient Lotus Sutra scrolls, have once again opened their gates, inviting newcomers to experience firsthand how chanting can ground the spirit and sharpen ethical insight. Far more than a mere scripture, the Lotus Sutra in Nichiren Shōshū is lived practice: an ever-present north star guiding each step toward enlightenment.