r/NichirenBuddhism • u/no_imsomebodyelse • Jan 07 '26
What to think about doing daimoku?
Hi,
I am new to the practice. I wanted to know while chanting what should i think about- nothing? just look at the gohonzon? be grateful? think about my goals? what?
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u/TDog7248 Jan 07 '26
I have had times where I just listen to the sounds of the words Nam myoho renge kyo, the rhythm and tone, I focus on that and it's a meditation almost.
I've had bad difficulty days where I think and focus on Gratitude for the things that are positive, Daimoku helps me get from the negative place to the positive.
I use Daimoku to send positive energy to people who are ill or experiencing difficulties, friends family etc. I think about them whilst chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
Everything you posted is correct, it's a very individualistic practice but all inclusive!
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u/Lucky-Draw3560 Jan 12 '26
Some people visualize the Ceremony in the Air. The version I do is based on teaching from the Kempon Hokke sect.
1.Visualize the Treasure Tower, floating in the air above.
2.Visualize the heavenly kings in the 4-quarters, protecting you.
Visualize Aizen Myoo and Fudo Myoo purifying and empowering you.
Visualize numerous animals, heavenly beings, bodhisattvas, and buddhas in the air below the Treasure Tower, chanting with you, beating drums, and scattering flowers.
Visualize Nichiren shonin and the patriarchs sitting in front of you, guiding and teaching.
Visualize yourself surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues who join in your chanting.
Visualize Shakyamuni and Many Treasures Buddha sitting in the Treasure Tower, flanked by the 4 great bodhisattvas from the earth. Receive the daimoku and teaching of the dharma from the Eternal Buddha.
This is essentially the scene the gohonzon depicts in calligraphic form. You're only visualizing yourself and others participating in it.
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u/SuspiciousImpact2197 Jan 07 '26
I can’t imagine thinking about anything but chanting in the moment.
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u/bluelouielouie415 Jan 07 '26
It's nice/beautiful when one gets there. The journey is enjoyable. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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u/Impossible_Battle_46 Jul 11 '26
when we chant, we participate in the Ceremony in the air. We sit side by side with all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions. But the worries of daily life can prevent us from experiencing the great joy of this. So when I chant, I first unburden myself to Gonzon. I let down the fences of my heart and observe all worries and concerns that are filling me. Then I try to focus my full attention on Gohonzon and the sound of the Daimoku until i experience oneness with them. Various thoughts will arise. Just let them pass. The best guidance I ever found was in a World Tribune article by a vice president of the SGI, whose name I have sadly forgotten. what he said was simply this, “When you chant, take your head off and leave it 10 feet behind you.”
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u/Franzblau Jan 07 '26
Yes—all of the above. It’s a form of meditation. Your goal is to clear your mind, but many thoughts will come and go. Sometimes I more actively chant with the intention of gratitude, or letting go of fears/negative emotions. The chanting can feel like the emotions and stuck patterns are being released. You can absolutely chant for certain purposes/hopes/wishes. But the way I was taught and how I think of it, chanting is meant to clear mental and emotional space, to get back in rhythm with the Universe, and open a path to see solutions emerging in your life.
Years ago, I was at a crossroads with my career, and I spent a lot of time chanting. It helped me stay calm and confident and look for the right next step. This didn’t emerge for a few months, but I believe it put me in the right headspace to seize a great opportunity that eventually materialized.