-- Robert E. Morrell, Washington University

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin is a written record of the philosophy and correct practice of Nichiren Buddhism. As important as that text is, however, understanding the words of a medieval Japanese priest and incorporating them into 21st century life can be a daunting task. Let's face it you can't apply what you can't understand. Enter Waking the Lion: a Study Guide to The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin written with the lay believer in mind. Each chapter of this book covers one gosho, or letter, of Nichiren's. Each includes a brief introduction, an overview of what Nichiren says in that gosho (including explanations of difficult terms) and most importantly how to apply Nichiren's words to your practice and your life. Like Nichiren's teachings, Waking the Lion is not meant to be simply read, but lived. Be forewarned: reading it may awaken the lion within. So take a healthy stretch, dear reader, and get ready to roar--.

Gleaned from more than sixty years of Daisaku Ikeda's works, thisrevised edition adds new selections that further provide a windowinto the SGI president's thought and philosophy. His words are aboundless source of inspiration, hope, and courage for a worldincreasingly beset with sorrow and suffering.Chapters in this volume:“What Is True Happiness?”“Developing a Life State of Happiness”“The Practice for Transforming Our State of Life”“&‘It Is the Heart That Is Important'”“Transforming Suffering Into Joy”“The Principle of Cherry, Plum, Peach, and Damson”“Happiness for Both Ourselves and Others”“Facing Illness”“Creating a Brilliant Final Chapter in Life”“Joy in Both Life and Death”

Addressing questions such as What constitutes a meaningful life? and What is true happiness?, this guide to Nichiren Buddhism presents the spiritual practice as a teaching of hope that can answer these and other important questions of modern life. Buddhist teacher Daisaku Ikeda offers insights into The Opening of the Eyes, a longer treatise written by Nichiren that calls for individuals to base themselves on a spirit of compassion and to fight for the happiness of others, regardless of the circumstances. Ikeda’s simple and straightforward commentary brings this integral writing to life for a contemporary readership. Through the text and the accompanying commentary, readers will not will discover a philosophy of inner transformation that will help them find deep and lasting happiness for themselves and for others.

Both authors have been working on further developing the modern, humanistic and open-minded approach of Daisaku Ikeda to adapt Nichiren Buddhist teachings and practice for the modern lifestyle of the 21th. Century. Millions of people worldwide have already had profound and life-changing experiences with the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. You can feel and experience the effects of the practice of daimoku in your own life. But can these tangible changes be energetically measured and made visible with modern methods? How does the energy of daimoku affect our environment and our body? Can the old metaphorical language of Nichiren be explained with modern scientific concepts? These questions were considered by the two authors and in this book they show us their fascinating results. In doing so, they form a bridge between the spirituality of Nichiren Buddhism and new scientific approaches such as quantum physics, bio-feedback and electrophotonics, which integrate energy and consciousness in their approach. However, in searching for the spirituality of Nichiren Buddhism the authors first go back to its Japanese roots. Follow directly in the footsteps of Nichiren, experiencing the atmosphere of the places where Nichiren lived and acted in so many surprising ways, and closely feel the energy of this unique 13th century monk.

The general format has emerged over the years. Initially, it followed the form of Nichiren School. In the 80s, silent prayers were added for the success of the lay beliebers NSA and Sokka Gakkai itself, and in memory of its first two departed presidents. By the 90s, prayers of appreciation for the priesthood were abandoned. In this 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 seven minutes, leaving more time for the primary practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The silent prayers currently are appreciation to the Gohonzon, the representation of the ceremony in the air, the treasure tower, Shakyamuni and Taho Buddhas, to Nichiren, and the four bodhisattvas of the Earth. For the achievement of the goals of the practitioner and the deceased; and finally for the happiness of all living beings. It is indicated by Nichiren's Goshos, however, that more significant than the wording of the prayers is the practitioner's genuine purpose in doing gongyo and showing their gratitude and willingness to achieve their Supreme Awakening

Zen Buddhism is perhaps best known for its emphasis on meditation, and probably no figure in the history of Zen is more closely associated with meditation practice than the thirteenth-century Japanese master Dogen, founder of the Soto school. This study examines the historical and religious character of the practice as it is described in Dogen's own meditation texts, introducing new materials and original perspectives on one of the most influential spiritual traditions of East Asian civilization. The Soto version of Zen meditation is known as "just sitting," a practice in which, through the cultivation of the subtle state of "nonthinking," the meditator is said to be brought into perfect accord with the higher consciousness of the "Buddha mind" inherent in all beings. This study examines the historical and religious character of the practice as it is described in Dogen's own meditation texts, introducing new materials and original perspectives on one of the most influential spiritual traditions of East Asian civilization.