Faith into Action *GONGYO AND DIAMOKU* November 4 The format of morning and evening gongyo of five prayers and three prayers, respectively, is not specified anywhere in Nichiren Daishonins writings but is something that was developed gradually over later generations. If you genuinely dont have time to do a complete gongyo of five or three prayers, then a shortened gongyo is fine. Even just chanting some diamoku is quite okay, too. As long as we have faith in the Gohonzon, we are not going to suffer punishment or negative consequences on these accounts. So please put your mind at ease. Nichiren Daishonin says that even a single diamoku contains limitless benefits. (DOY 2, ch.19) The Daishonin writes nothing in the Gosho about the specific amount we should chant. It i s entirely up to each individuals awareness and sense of responsibility. Faith is a lifelong pursuit, so theres no need to be unnecessarily nervous or anxious about how much or how little diamoku you chant. )DOY 2 ch. 19) Exerting ourselves in the practice of gongyo each day amounts to what we might call a spiritual workout. It purifies and cleanses our lives, gets our motors running and puts us on the right course for the day. It gets our bodies and our minds working smoothly and puts us in rhythm, in sync, with the universe. (DOY 2 ch. 19) With diamoku you can turn all your worries and concerns into fuel to propel yourselves forward and you can transform them into life force, into greater depth of character and good fortune. (DOY 2, ch. 19) Its best to keep your eyes open and to look at the Gohonzon. Its generally considered impolite not to look others in the eye when speaking to them. This is also true when we are facing and addressing the Gohonzon as we do gongyo or chant diamoku. If you do close your eyes occasionally, theres no need to worry. Its just that when we close our eyes, it can be more difficult to commune strongly with the Gohonzon. This, of course, does not apply to people who are blind or vision-impaired, who need to simply chant or do gongyo to the Gohonzon within their hearts, (DOY 2, ch. 20) Its important to want to sit before the Gohonzon as through going to a meeting the original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, and that diamoku and gongyo be enjoyable. Whats most important is that you continue in your Buddhist practice throughout life. Theres no need to be overly concerned with formality. (DOY 2, ch. 20) *DOY. Refers to Discussions On Youth* Thoughts on Selected Topics by Daisaku Ikeda
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:52:54 +0000
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