Daily Buddhist Practice (Gongyo)

Gongyo is the daily recitation of selected portions of the Lotus Sutra with silent prayers, performed morning and evening before the Gohonzon. It supports chanting and steadily polishes one’s life.

Structure of Gongyo

• Hoben chapter: Recitation of Chapter Two, “Expedient Means,” acknowledging the Buddha’s skillful methods.
• Juryo chapter: Recitation of Chapter Sixteen, “Life Span of the Thus Come One,” revealing the eternal life of the Buddha.
• Silent prayers: Five prayers expressing gratitude to the Three Treasures, the Dai-Gohonzon, the Head Temple, the High Priest, and for the happiness of self and others.

How to perform Gongyo

1. Face the Gohonzon with palms together, holding your juzu beads.
2. Chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times to open Gongyo.
3. Recite the Sutra passages using the traditional Japanese pronunciation. Follow along with the Gongyo book supplied by the temple.
4. Offer the five silent prayers, pausing to speak your determinations and appreciation.
5. Conclude with three closing daimoku and a final silent prayer for kosen-rufu.

Why Gongyo matters

Gongyo is the supporting practice that deepens the effect of daimoku. It harmonizes our life with the vows of all Buddhas and protective forces depicted on the Gohonzon. Reciting the sutra daily builds gratitude, courage, and stability.