LOOK AT MYO WHILE CHANTING

LOOK AT MYO WHILE CHANTING

Looking at the Gohonzon is like looking at the universe, like having a vast, commanding view of its entirety. The Gohonzon is a representation of the driving force and the essence of the universe itself. Therefore, whatever part we look at, it is just as if we are looking at the universe. In that respect, it doesn’t really matter where we fix our gaze. Still, it is easier to chant if we focus on the centre. I have also been told in the past ...by my seniors that myo represents the human head, and I should look at it when I chant. Just look at the part of the Gohonzon that you feel most comfortable focusing on. The Lotus Sutra says that one should perceive the true aspects by sitting straight (Sutra on How to Practice Meditation on the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy). From the point of view of Nichiren Buddhism, “the true aspect” means “Gohonzon”, to perceive means “to have faith”. Sitting up straight, facing the Gohonzon and Chanting Daimoku with firm faith in the Gohonzon is what it means to have sincere, dedicated faith. The Gosho does not tell us where we should fix our gaze when we chant. There is no rigidity in this practice. In his great compassion, Nichiren Daishonin has permitted us the freedom to chant in the way best suited to us.

President Ikeda (DIscussions On Youth, 137-8)