Embedded Files
Secular Shoshu
(For an explanation of the underlying teachings that support these prayers, you are encouraged to read Lotus Buddhism Redefined for a Secular Worldview. Here is a link to a Microsoft Word version of the following prayers for reconfiguration and placement in a Nichiren Shoshu Gongyo book: Secular Shoshu Silent Prayers.doc.)
The Nichiren Shoshu ritual includes multiple recitations in classical Japanese of the opening prose section of the Second Chapter and entire Sixteenth Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. The ceremony is performed before a properly enshrined image of reverence called a Gohonzon at home or at a temple, while seated in a pew, chair, or situated on one's heels when kneeling. Accessories for a home altar should include at a minimum a bell, a candle, a cup of water, and fresh greens. Beads are held in unfolded hands, reverently poised in the prayer position. There are five recitations of the scriptural liturgy during a single session in the morning, which lasts about forty-five minutes, and three recitations during the evening prayer session, which takes about thirty minutes. Each recitation is considered a “prayer.” The Silent Prayers are read during quiet periods after reciting each prayer. After all prayers are recited, both morning and evening sessions are followed by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for about five minutes or longer.
While the wording of the secular version of the silent prayers is different than the orthodox version, for purposes of integration, there is no change to the structure of the ritual. Because this segment is performed in silence, the reading can be done alongside and without disturbing traditionalists.
The First Prayer is performed only during the morning prayer session. Face the Gohonzon and, while bowing in reverence, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times. Turn and face east, chant three times again, bow and recite the liturgy from the Second Chapter and the verse section of the Sixteenth Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. At the end, chant three times again but this time using the formal version of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. Bow, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times, and read the following:
With faith's highest virtue sourced in immanence, the ability to shape our lives in its likeness depends on sincere and thoughtful effort alone. This ceremony supports the effort.
(Chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times while facing the Gohonzon.)
The Second Prayer is performed in both the morning and evening prayer sessions. Face the Gohonzon, ring the bell seven times, recite the liturgy from the Second Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, then ring the bell three times. This is followed by the recitation of both the prose and verse section of the Sixteenth Chapter. The Second Prayer is the only one in which the entire Sixteenth Chapter is recited. In closing, chant the formal Namu Myoho Renge Kyo three times, ring the bell five times, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times, bow and read the following:
Our sacred image has come to represent the conditional emergence of benevolence as gifted by time, process, and potential. Though relieved of its supernatural foundations, it continues to project an inherent pureness that can surpass and better both civil and religious authority, and encourage the pursuit of a more peaceful world.
(Chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times while facing the Gohonzon.)
The Third Prayer is performed in both the morning and evening prayer sessions. Face the Gohonzon, ring the bell seven times, recite the liturgy from the Second Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, then ring the bell three times. This is followed by recitation of the verse section of the Sixteenth Chapter. In closing, chant the formal Namu Myoho Renge Kyo three times, ring the bell five times, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times, bow and read the following: (There are three parts to this prayer.)
3a: The prayers hereby replaced paid homage to protective deities, an object of worship with extraordinary attributes, Nichiren Daishonin as the eternally compassionate Buddha, and the temporal preservation of his spirit by a lineage of high priests. They also endowed the object of worship, the Daishonin, and the high priests with a beneficial power.
(Face the Gohonzon, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times and read the following Silent Prayer.)
3b: For some, the transcendent elements of the prior prayer still resonate. For others, they are remnants of the past, especially now when there is a path forward without them.
(Face the Gohonzon, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times and read the following Silent Prayer.)
3c: In response to calls for a grounded principle capable of lifting all faiths, the Lotus Sutra's revelation of a supreme truth beyond comprehension was converted into a universal ethic that requires understanding to respect.
(Face the Gohonzon, silently chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times and read the following Silent Prayer.)
3d: The implications are liberating, for the ultimate insight is no longer limited to a mystical union subject to claims of sectarian custody, but just as well observed firsthand in the natural order and open for emulation based on one's best judgment.
(Chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times while facing the Gohonzon.)
The Fourth Prayer is performed only in the morning sessions. Face the Gohonzon, ring the bell seven times, recite the liturgy from the Second Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, then ring the bell three times. This is followed by recitation of the verse section of the Sixteenth Chapter. In closing, chant the formal Namu Myoho Renge Kyo three times, ring the bell five times, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times, bow and offer the following: (There are two parts to this prayer.)
4a: This practice merges the meaning of these prayers with the rhythm of a twice-daily recitation from chapters two and sixteen of the Lotus Sutra.
Face the Gohonzon, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times and read the following Silent Prayer.
4b: And, while chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, it welcomes reflection on such matters as overcoming difficulties, personal growth, and the advancement of a common good.
The Fifth Prayer is performed in both the morning and evening sessions. Face the Gohonzon, ring the bell seven times, recite the liturgy from the Second Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, then ring the bell three times. This is followed by recitation of the verse section of the Sixteenth Chapter. At the end of this recitation ring the bell seven times while beginning to chant for a minimum of five minutes. This is an opportunity to reflect on personal concerns and the appropriate measures to take for their resolution. To end the recitation, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times while ringing the bell with each syllable of the last Myoho Renge Kyo and bow.
5a: Before closing, a few moments of appreciation for those held dear. (Ring the bell continuously while paying respects.)
Face the Gohonzon, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times and read the following Silent Prayer.
5b: We pray to carry on with a tradition long dedicated to cultivating a foremost blend of wisdom and compassion in all.
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The following two links are first, to a copy of the traditional Nichiren Shoshu liturgy and, second a picture of their image of reverence:
https://web.archive.org/web/20230405044617/http://www.bahaistudies.net/asma/nichirenshoshu.pdf and
(accessed February 10, 2024).
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