In Honmon Butsuryū Shū (HBS), the heart of our practice is the sincere and repeated chanting of the Odaimoku, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō (南無妙法蓮華経). This sacred practice is called Kushō-gyō (口唱行), where “Kushō (口唱)” means “to chant the Odaimoku clearly and aloud,” and “Gyō (行)” signifies “practice.”
When we chant the Odaimoku, we focus our hearts and minds on the Gohonzon, the living embodiment of enlightenment, inscribed with the sacred words Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. Through Kushō-gyō, our voices resonate with the Gohonzon, forging a profound connection—as if engaging in a direct conversation with the living Buddha and receiving his compassionate response.
This practice enables us to accumulate Kudoku, the merit of Buddhahood, which serves as the foundation for answered prayers. Many followers of HBS have experienced extraordinary benefits—miraculous healings from illnesses deemed untreatable, success in academics and business, and protection from misfortunes and disasters.
The Odaimoku, as expounded by HBS, serves as a universal remedy for all suffering, providing solutions to the challenges of modern life. This proves that the Odaimoku is the true essence of Buddhism, a teaching powerful enough to save all people, regardless of their circumstances.
Furthermore, Kushō-gyō is a simple yet profound practice that requires no deep knowledge of Buddhist philosophy or complex sutras. It is accessible to everyone—from children to the elderly—and is practiced collectively by HBS priests and followers during every Buddhist service, strengthening their faith and unity.
For those unfamiliar with Kushō-gyō, it may be difficult to believe that such a simple practice can yield profound results. However, those who have sincerely chanted Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō understand its transformative power and the immeasurable merit it brings. The best approach is to set aside doubt, take the first step, and experience the power of the Odaimoku firsthand.
Now, let us explore why Honmon Butsuryū Shū has embraced Kushō-gyō as its central practice and why chanting the Odaimoku is considered the only path to attaining Buddhahood.
The Odaimoku, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, is like a sacred mantra, revealed within the profound teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Why not take a deeper look into this extraordinary scripture and uncover its wisdom?
