The twice daily chanting of Gongyo is the basis of Nichiren Buddhist Practice.
Reciting two chapters of the Lotus Sutra and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is your way of moulding your mind, your heart, your very life, towards Buddhahood.
Gongyo refers to the daily practice of reciting two parts of the Lotus Sutra, which most people learn within the first few months of practice. Though beginners might not fully understand what they are studying, Nichiren Daishonin assures us that understanding is not a prerequisite for reaping Buddhism's benefits. He states: "A baby does not know the difference between water and fire, and cannot distinguish medicine from poison. But when the baby sucks milk, its life is nourished and sustained ... if one listens to even one character or one phrase of the Lotus Sutra, one cannot fail to attain Buddhahood" - Nichiren Daishonin
In this brand new format, after the recitation of the 2nd chapter and the verse portion of the 16th chapter, daimoku can be chanted for as long as desired, after all the silent prayers are said to end gongyo. The recitation now takes only about 5-7 minutes, leaving more time for the primary practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The silent prayers are appreciation to the Gohonzon, the representation of the ceremony in the air, the treasure tower, Shakyamuni Buddha and Taho Buddhas, to Nichiren, to Kumarajiva, who translated the Lotus Sutra, appreciation for the Three Founding Presidents of Soka Gakkai and for the achievement of the goals of the practitioner, the Prayers for Worldwide Kosen-rufu and for the Deceased; and finally for the happiness of all living beings.
This liturgy also contains an english translation of the two Lotus Sutra excerpts(Hoben and Juryo Chapter)
"Reciting gongyo and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day is a ceremony in which the microcosm of our lives harmonizes with the macrocosm of the universe. By engaging in this ceremony morning and evening, we bring forth the power to direct our lives toward the greatest happiness"- Daisaku Ikeda
If there are times when you don't feel like chanting and reciting gongyo, remember one thing, the only person who loses out if you skip it ... is you.
Thank you.