In Honmon Butsuryū Shū (HBS), our primary practice is the repeated chanting of the Odaimoku, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. This practice is known as Kushō-gyō (口唱行), where “Kushō (口唱)” signifies “chanting the Odaimoku loudly and clearly,” and “Gyō (行)” means “practice.” When chanting the Odaimoku, we focus on the Gohonzon, the living object of worship inscribed with the sacred words, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. Through Kushō-gyō, our chanting resonates with the Gohonzon, creating a profound connection as if conversing directly with the living Buddha and receiving his response. This practice allows practitioners to accumulate Kudoku, the merit of Buddhahood, through which their prayers are answered. Followers of HBS experience various benefits, such as cures for illnesses deemed incurable by doctors, improvements in schoolwork or business, and the averting of misfortunes and calamities.
The Odaimoku preached by HBS acts as a panacea for every form of disease or distress, providing solutions to the problems of modern life. This demonstrates that the Odaimoku is the true teaching of Buddhism, capable of saving all people in the world.
Moreover, Kushō-gyō is a simple practice that anyone can perform, requiring no extensive knowledge of Buddhist doctrine or complex sutras. From children to the elderly, everyone can engage in Kushō-gyō, and HBS priests and followers practice it together during every Buddhist service.
For those who are not members of HBS and have never practiced Kushō-gyō, it may be difficult to believe that such a simple practice can yield profound results. However, those who have actually chanted understand the significance of Kushō-gyō and the immense merit of Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. Therefore, the best approach is to set aside doubts and take action, placing faith in the power of the Odaimoku.
Let us explore step by step why HBS has adopted Kushō-gyō as its main practice and why chanting the Odaimoku is deemed the only way to attain Buddhahood.
The Odaimoku, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, is akin to magical words revealed in the Buddhist scripture known as the Lotus Sutra. So, why not delve deeper into understanding the Lotus Sutra?
