THE CORRECT WAY OF DOING GONGYO

THE CORRECT WAY OF DOING GONGYO

Gongyo is the basis of our Buddhist practice to the Gohonzon. In doing gongyo, we harmonize our lives with the great Treasure Tower of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo or the Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret Laws. 

Thus, gongyo is a very solemn ceremony in which we "gain entrance through faith”. It is when we solemnly pledge to work for kosenrufu, while praying to expiate all the slanders we might have committed in the past and to attain enlightenment. Gongyo enables us to reveal our Buddha nature from within. With a refreshed mind to live for both the present and the future, not looking back at the past, we encourage ourselves to challenge the reality of the nine worlds. When we conduct gongyo, the great medicine of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo permeates our entire being, so that we can purify our lives and eliminate the devilish functions which cause diseases and other problems.

Any person who undertakes this most important Buddhist ceremony must have a solemn, serious and dignified bearing in doing so. He should hold his posture upright in a natural, dignified way. His voice should be resounding, vigorous and confident enough to lead those who sit behind him.

The rhythm of gongyo should always be dynamic; the leader's voice should not be weak or difficult to follow. Gongyo should be done in a manner that makes everyone feel refreshed after it is finished. I feel sorry for those people who have to follow a leader whose gongyo drags on and is not rhythmical. I hope you realize that an excellent group gongyo depends on the leader's attitude.

Source: President Ikeda, Buddhism in Action, vol. 1, pg. 247-248