In the Soka Gakkai, the Gohonzon is our object of devotion created by Nichiren Daishonin, the founder of our school of Buddhism. It is a scroll or mandala, comprised of Chinese and Sanskrit characters, which is bestowed upon anyone who feels ready to receive it.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo runs down the centre, and on either side of this are inscribed the names of Buddhas, bodhisattvas and living beings representing various inner states of life, the Ten Worlds. Their inclusion on the Gohonzon signifies that all living beings can reveal their inherent enlightened nature when illuminated by Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, tapping into the limitless potential of their lives.

In a letter to one of his disciples, Nichiren Daishonin wrote, ‘I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart.’ (WND 1, p. 412). SGI President Daisaku Ikeda explains this further:

The Daishonin began inscribing Gohonzon after ‘casting off the transient and revealing the true’ at Tatsunokuchi. This was because he wanted to guide the people of the Latter Day of the Law towards the great path of eternal happiness. He did so by revealing, as an ordinary person, his true identity as the Buddha of limitless joy enlightened from time without beginning, who is one with and indivisible from the ‘eternal Law’…
   Nichiren Daishonin named this ‘eternal Law’ Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. While Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the name of the Law, it is also the name of the life of the Buddha who is one with that Law; that is to say, it is the very life of Nichiren Daishonin. This Law is the ultimate source of all Buddhas. Therefore, rather than making Shakyamuni or any other Buddha the object of devotion, the object of devotion should be the ‘eternal Law’ itself.[[1]]

Why is it a scroll with calligraphy on it rather than pictures or a statue like in other forms of Buddhism?

In Nichiren Buddhism, rather than worshipping or deifying another being, we practise to draw out the Buddha nature inherent in each of our lives. At the end of his life Shakyamuni urged his disciples to rely on the Law not the person. As President Ikeda writes:

In short, the Buddha is someone who guides people to the ‘eternal Law that is one with the eternal Buddha’, to which he himself became enlightened and made his teacher. The Buddha is a person who continuously struggles to open people’s eyes so that they can directly connect themselves with that Law.
     This effort is grounded in the deep insight that the ‘eternal Law’ exists within the lives of all people.[[2]]

When we start to understand what is inscribed on the Gohonzon, we realise that it would be impossible to encapsulate this in an image. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the essence of the Lotus Sutra, the eternal mystic Law and there is no picture that would be able to depict this vast dimension and understanding of life. 

Does chanting still work if you don’t have the Gohonzon?

Yes! If you don’t have Gohonzon, then you can try this for yourself. If there is something in your life you want to change or a goal you are trying to achieve you could dedicate some time each day to chanting to see the difference it makes. It’s better to face a blank wall so that there is nothing to distract you.

I am sure there are many people reading this who have not yet received Gohonzon but have already experienced how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps them raise their life-state and brings them benefit. 

Nichiren Daishonin himself chanted for many years and overcame many great trials and persecutions before first inscribing the Gohonzon. In my own case, I had to wait two years before I could receive Gohonzon. During these two years I came to realise my own spiritual independence and religious liberation and that, as a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism, my practice was about respecting my own life which is itself a representation of the Gohonzon.

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How will I know if I am ready to receive the Gohonzon?

This is a great goal to chant about. Ultimately it is entirely your decision to receive Gohonzon and you will know when the time is right. 

We encourage new people to do their best with establishing a regular Buddhist practice and experience the benefits gained from that. As you may know already, the practice of Nichiren Buddhism by SGI members consists of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day, morning and evening gongyo and reading inspiration from Nichiren Daishonin and President Ikeda. 

Your local discussion meeting and other SGI-UK meetings are an important source of support for your journey to experiencing proof of the power of Buddhism. Your district leader will be able to give you more information about the process of receiving and help you prepare your altar area.

How should I look after my Gohonzon?

The care and respect we show for our Gohonzon is a reflection of the care and respect we have for our life.

In practical terms, we need to make sure our Gohonzon is kept dust free and protect it. So, we enshrine it in a cabinet, known as a butsudan in Japanese, which is placed on a strong flat foundation. We make sure the altar area is clean and dusted every day. When you receive Gohonzon you are given a guide with helpful tips on how to care for it.

What is the significance of making offerings like food or water to the Gohonzon?

Our offerings might include fresh water every day, incense, candles, perhaps food or fruit on special occasions, and greenery. What matters most is our sincerity rather than any formality. By making such offerings you are not only making your altar a very beautiful and treasured part of your home, but you are treasuring yourself as well. These offerings are also an expression of our gratitude to the Gohonzon and bring us good fortune. As Nichiren Daishonin confirms: 

Whether you chant the Buddha’s name, recite the sutra, or merely offer flowers and incense, all your virtuous acts will implant benefits and roots of goodness in your life. With this conviction you should strive in faith.[[3]]

And, in another letter: 

You may think you offered gifts to the treasure tower of the Thus Come One Many Treasures, but that is not so. You offered them to yourself. You, yourself, are a Thus Come One who is originally enlightened and endowed with the three bodies. You should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with this conviction.[[4]]●

References

[[1]]: Daisaku Ikeda et al, The World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings (Eternal Ganges Press, 2011) Vol. 2, pp. 131-132.

[[2]]: Ibid, pp. 134-135.

[[3]]: Nichiren Daishonin, ‘On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime’ (WND-1, p. 4).

[[4]]: Nichiren Daishonin, ‘On the Treasure Tower’ (WND-1, pp. 299-300).