The Practice of Gongyo
The Japanese word gongyo literally means "assiduous
practice." Generally speaking it means to recite Buddhist
sutras in front of an object
of devotion. In the practice of Nichiren Buddhism it
means reciting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and part of the second chapter
"Hoben" and the entire sixteenth "Juryo"
chapter of the Lotus Sutra in front of the Gohonzon. This is the
fundamental practice of Nichiren Buddhism, which is performed
morning and evening.
The Liturgy of Nichiren Daishonin
The portions of the Hoben (2nd) and Juryo (16th)
Chapters of the Lotus Sutra recited in the practice of Gongyo.
Html Version.
See also the literal translations
of these sections.
(Audio
files for learning Gongyo and other topics for new
SGI members are available in the SGI-USA section of this site.)
The Meaning of Gongyo
The eternal life of the Buddha, which is itself the Law,
is embodied in the Gohonzon. When we recite the Hoben
(2nd) and Juryo (16th) Chapters of the Lotus Sutra and
chant daimoku, the Buddha's life-state is realized from within
our own being, leading us also to eternal Buddhahood.
The Origins of Gongyo
While Nichiren Daishonin emphasized the importance of
daily reciting the "Hoben" and "Juryo" chapters,
he never mentioned a specific format. Over the centuries, the
format of gongyo has changed several times. This describes those
changes from the Daishonin's day to the present, to the extent
that they are known.
See Also:
About the Object of
Worship - The Gohonzon
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