From the 2014 Introduction to Buddhism Exam Guide  The purpose of Buddhist faith and practice is to achieve the life state of a Buddha. By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon with faith and striving to carry out practice for…

“The essence of Buddhism is compassion. We, too, need to have compassion but, being ordinary mortals, the reality is that it is quite difficult for us. Courage substitutes for compassion. I am speaking of the courage to save…

“What is the poison? It is the three paths of earthly desires, karma, and suffering that are our lot. What is the medicine? It is the Dharma body, wisdom, and emancipation. And what does it mean to change…

The purpose of religion should be to enable people to lead happy, fulfilling lives. Buddhism exists for this very reason. While many tend to view Buddhism as a reclusive practice of contemplation aimed at freeing the mind from…

The Japanese word gongyo literally means “assiduous practice.” In the practice of Nichiren Buddhism it means reciting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and portions of the second chapter “Expedient Means” and the sixteenth “Life Span” chapters of the Lotus Sutra in front…