Nichiren Buddhism: How To Practice Daimoku?

When we chant Daimoku to the Gohonzon, even if we are motivated by a BASE desire, the Gohonzon elevates our life condition such that as we continue praying over many months and years, gradually our prayer will become a more enlightened prayer.

That is because the characters on the Gohonzon show the lower nine worlds all arranged around the world of Buddhahood. This causes our own lower worlds to reveal the enlightened potential they inherently possess, i.e. our Buddhahood, as we chant Daimoku to the Gohonzon.

Picture Credit: http://www.slideshare.net/dalcoger

So how do we practice Diamoku correctly? How do we get the best possible results from our practice?

(Suggested reading: Nichiren Buddhism: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - Meaning)

How To Practice Daimoku?

• Half your Daimoku each day should be for the happiness of others, not yourself.
  
  
• When you chant for something material, pray that the Gohonzon will grant your wish so that you can demonstrate the power of Buddhism to others.
  
  
• Chant more about your life condition than specifically for material benefits. After all, as you raise your life condition, your material benefits will come of themselves without your seeking them.
  
  
• Remember that even if you chant for a BMW, your Daimoku to the Gohonzon is elevating your life condition, because that’s how the Gohonzon works, and it’s the improvement in your life condition that really matters, not the BMW. The BMW is useful only because it provides a motivation for you to chant to the Gohonzon.
  
  
• Remember that your Daimoku to the Gohonzon for a BMW is working to give you wisdom and life force, and to strengthen your character attributes, such as being hard-working and responsible. This way you will be able to save your money faster, and earn more money. Your Daimoku is also reaching your environment so that you can form external connections that will give you more opportunities to make money.

In the end, just remember that the practice of Diamoku is all about "cause" and "effect". The very act of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, for ANY desire or intent, creates a "cause" that "effects" an ALL-ROUND improvement in your life condition. It is like boarding a train to "Buddhahood", and no matter where (i.e. which world) you boarded the train from, you WILL reach the destination if you remain on the train.

(Suggested reading: SGI-Experiences | SGI-Guidance)