Nichiren Daishonin Liturgy: Gongyo Book - Paperback

by George Romero (Author)

The general format has emerged over the years. Initially, it followed the form of Nichiren School. In the 80s, silent prayers were added for the success of the lay beliebers NSA and Sokka Gakkai itself, and in memory of its first two departed presidents. By the 90s, prayers of appreciation for the priesthood were abandoned. In this new format, after the recitation of the 2nd chapter and the verse portion of the 16th chapter, daimoku can be chanted for as long as desired, after all the silent prayers are said to end gongyo. The recitation now takes only about seven minutes, leaving more time for the primary practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The silent prayers currently are appreciation to the Gohonzon, the representation of the ceremony in the air, the treasure tower, Shakyamuni and Taho Buddhas, to Nichiren, and the four bodhisattvas of the Earth. For the achievement of the goals of the practitioner and the deceased; and finally for the happiness of all living beings. It is indicated by Nichiren's Goshos, however, that more significant than the wording of the prayers is the practitioner's genuine purpose in doing gongyo and showing their gratitude and willingness to achieve their Supreme Awakening