Stepping into the formal circle of Nichiren Shōshū feels a bit like joining a century-old book club—only the text in question is the Lotus Sutra, and the gathering spans generations. Here’s the low-down:

1. Find the Local Temple or Vicarate
   A quick online search will reveal the nearest Nichiren Shōshū temple or vicarate office. Ring them up, explain a desire to take up chanting Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō, and set a date to visit.

2. Meet the Priest for Guidance
   Sitting down with a priest isn’t a formality—it’s a chance to chat about practice, the lotus sutra’s heart, and daily life. There’s no script; questions about everything from mantra pronunciation to home altar setup are encouraged.

3. Receive the Gohonzon in the Kensen Ceremony
   The centerpiece of formal membership is the Kensen—or “Gohonzon reception” ceremony. Here, the priest bestows a personal Gohonzon scroll, inscribed with the mandala of the Mystic Law. It’s a moment often described as “standing on solid ground,” because that object becomes the spiritual anchor.

4. Take the Precepts (Gojukai)
   A short vow-taking ritual brings one into official harmony with the three great treasures—Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. It’s not a life sentence, but a heartfelt promise to live by the Lotus Sutra’s core values: compassion, courage and wisdom.

5. Register with Taisekiji Headquarters
   Once the scroll is in hand, the temple forwards paperwork to Taisekiji—Nichiren Shōshū’s head temple at Mt. Fuji. Think of it as signing the guest book at a family reunion; it officially logs one’s name in the sect’s records.

6. Begin Daily Practice
   With the Gohonzon enshrined at home, practice usually starts and ends with chanting Daimoku (Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō) in front of the altar. Joining monthly Oeshiki (commemorations) and Gokai (meeting gatherings) keeps the journey lively—especially now with some temples streaming services online.

7. Stay Connected
   Modern members often swap insights and readings through social-media groups or WhatsApp circles, blending tradition with today’s digital beat. It’s not unusual to see someone post a sunrise altar photo with #LotusSutraLove.

By following these steps, formal membership in Nichiren Shōshū unfolds naturally. It’s less about filling out forms and more about forging a living bond with an age-old chant—one heartbeat, one lotus petal at a time.