Journey into the Art of Chanting: Gongyo with Silent Prayers

In my previous article of the Journey into the Art of Chanting series, I expressed my experiences with the sacred vibrations of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and its ability to ground and transmute energies within and around me. Now, I would like to share how Gongyo, as a practice that complements the chanting of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, enriches my spiritual journey with its own unique essence.

What is Gongyo and Silent Prayers?

• Gongyo is the practice of reciting specific passages from the Lotus Sutra, which serves as a way to honor the teachings of Buddhism and deepen a spiritual connection.
• Silent Prayers, incorporated within Gongyo, allow for a moment of introspection and connection with one’s deepest desires and aspirations, fostering clarity, resilience, and spiritual growth.

Gongyo serves as a way to honor the teachings of Buddhism and align myself with the universal principles embodied in the Lotus Sutra. Through the recitation of specific passages from this revered scripture, Gongyo provides me a framework for deep contemplation and reflection. Gongyo invites me to dive into the wisdom and teachings of the Lotus Sutra, expanding my understanding of life’s interconnected nature and my own inherent path toward growth and expansion.

Incorporating Silent Prayers within Gongyo deepens my practice further. Silent Prayers offers me introspection and connection with my deepest desires and aspirations. With each Silent Prayer, I open my heart and mind, expressing tremendous gratitude as I pour my intentions into the Universe. Through this art of quiet contemplation, I cultivate clarity, resilience, and spiritual growth, aligning myself with the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra.

Honoring the Teachings

As I reflect on the meaning and purpose of Gongyo, I am reminded of its profound significance in my spiritual journey. Gongyo involves the recitation of specific passages from the Lotus Sutra, which holds the essence of the teachings of Buddhism. Through this practice, I pay homage to the wisdom and guidance contained within this revered scripture, deepening my understanding and connection with its profound teachings.

The structure of Gongyo follows a sacred rhythm that resonates with the core principles of Buddhism. Gongyo typically includes the recitation of the first part of the Hoben (Expedient Means) in Chapter 2 and the entire Juryo (Life Span) in Chapter 16. Each chapter holds its own reservoir of wisdom, offering valuable insights into the nature of life and the limitless possibilities that reside within each individual.

Gongyo holds a special place in my spiritual practice, as it has had a profound impact on deepening my understanding and connection with the teachings of Buddhism. The recitation of these sacred passages opens up new realms of insight and inspiration, guiding me towards a deeper awareness of the interconnected nature of all things. Through Gongyo, I gain comfort, clarity and wisdom.

The meditative quality of Gongyo is truly remarkable. As I engage in the rhythmic recitation of the passages, I find myself drawn into a state of focused contemplation. The cadence and flow of the words guide my mind into a state of calm and centeredness. In this state of stillness, I am able to tap into a deeper level of awareness, allowing the teachings to resonate within me and guiding me on my spiritual path.

The Power of Intention

Within the practice of Gongyo, I unlock the power of Silent Prayers, where I immerse myself in the soothing experience of offering personal prayers and aspirations. In these moments, I not only connect with the depths of my being, but I also feel a profound connection to my ancestors, fostering a loving and nourishing presence that permeates my entire being. As I enter the stillness of Silent Prayers, I discover a serene space of deep introspection, where I am held securely by a gentle embrace that makes me feel safe, protected, and calm.

The significance of Silent Prayers cannot be overstated. It is a precious moment where I bring forth my heartfelt aspirations and offer them to the Universe. This time of deep reflection allows me to tap into the wellspring of my inner wisdom and connect with the essence of my truest desires. In this space of vulnerability and authenticity, I find the courage to express my deepest longings and aspirations, knowing that the Universe is listening.

As I reflect during Silent Prayers, I align my heart and mind with sincerity and intention. Then I witness the unfolding of clarity, resilience, and spiritual growth within me. Through the act of expressing my authentic self and offering my deepest desires, I create a fertile ground for manifestation and personal evolution. The power of Silent Prayers lies in its ability to awaken the dormant energies within me and align my entire being with the currents of divine guidance.

Gongyo

Myo ho ren ge kyo.
Hoben-pon. Dai ni.

Niji seson. Ju sanmai.
Anjo ni ki. Go shari-hotsu.
Sho-but chi-e. Jinjin muryo.
Go chi-e mon. Nange nannyu.
Issai shomon. Hyaku-shi-butsu.
Sho fu no chi. Sho-i sha ga.
Butsu zo shingon. Hyaku sen man noku.
Mushu sho butsu. Jin gyo sho-butsu.
Muryo doho. Yumyo shojin.
Myosho fu mon. Joju jinjin.
Mi-zo-u ho. Zui gi sho setsu.
Ishu nange. Shari-hotsu.
Go ju jo-butsu irai. Shuju innen.
Shuju hiyu. Ko en gonkyo.
Mu shu hoben. Indo shujo.
Ryo ri sho jaku. Sho-i sha ga.
Nyorai hoben. Chi-ken hara-mitsu.
Kai i gu-soku. Shari-hotsu.
Nyorai chi-ken. Kodai jinnon.
Muryo muge. Riki. Mu-sho-i. Zenjo.
Gedas. Sanmai. Jin nyu musai.
Joju issai. Mi-zo-u ho.
Shari-hotsu. Nyorai no.
Shuju fun-betsu. Gyo ses sho ho.
Gon-ji nyunan. Ekka shushin.
Shari-hotsu. Shu yo gon shi.
Muryo muhen. Mi-zo-u ho.
Bus shitsu joju. Shi shari-hotsu.
Fu shu bu setsu. Sho-i sha ga.
Bus sho joju. Dai ichi ke-u.
Nange shi ho. Yui butsu yo butsu.
Nai no kujin. Shoho jisso.

Sho-i shoho. Nyo ze so.
Nyo ze sho. Nyo ze tai.
Nyo ze riki. Nyo ze sa.
Nyo ze in. Nyo ze en.
Nyo ze ka. Nyo ze ho.
Nyo ze honmak mkukyo to.

___________________________

Myo ho ren ge kyo.
Nyorai ju-ryo-hon. Dai ju-roku.

Ji ga toku bu rai. Sho kyo sho kosshu.
Muryo hyaku sen man. Oku sai asogi.
Jo seppo kyoke. Mushu oku shujo.
Ryo nyu o butsu-do. Nirai muryo ko.
I do shujo ko. Hoben gen nehan.
Ni jitsu fu metsu-do. Jo ju shi seppo.
Ga jo ju o shi. I sho jin-zu-riki.
Ryo tendo shujo. Sui gon ni fu ken.
Shu ken ga metsu-do. Ko kuyo shari.
Gen kai e renbo., Ni sho katsu-go shin.
Shujo ki shin-bukui. Shichi-jiki i nyunan.
Isshin yok ken butsu. Fu ji shaku shinmyo.
Ji go gyo shuso. Ku shutsu ryojusen.
Ga ji go shujo. Jo zai shi fu-metsu.
I ho-ben-rik ko. Gen u metsu fu-metsu.
Yo-koku u shujo. Kugyo shingyo sha.
Ga bu o hi chu. I setsu mujo ho.
Nyoto fu mon shi. Tan ni ga metsu-do.
Ga ken sho shujo. Motsu-zai o kukai.
Ko fu I gen shin. Ryo go sho katsu-go.
In go shin renbo. Nai shutsu I seppo.
Jin-zu-riki nyo ze. O asogi ko.
Jo zai ryojusen. Gyu yo sho jusho.
Shujo ken ko jin. Dai ka sho sho ji.
Ga shi do annon. Tennin jo juman.
Onrin sho do-kaku. Shuju ho shogon.
Hoju ta keka. Shujo sho yu-raku.
Shoten gyaku tenku. Jo sas shu gi-gaku.
U mandara ke. San butsu gyu daishu.
Ga jodo fu ki. Ni shu ken sho jin.
Ufu sho kuno. Nyo ze shitsu juman.
Ze sho zai shujo. I aku-go innen.
Ka asogi ko. Fu mon sanbo myo.
Sho u shu ku-doku. Nyuwa shichi-jiki sha.
Sokkai ken gashin. Zai shi ni seppo.
Waku-ji-i shi shu. Setsu butsu-ju muryo.
Ku nai ken bussha. I setsu butsu nan chi.
Ga chi-riki nyo ze. Eko sho muryo.
Jumyo mushu ko. Ku shugo sho toku.
Nyoto u chi sha. Mot to shi sho gi.
To dan ryo yo jin. Butsu-go jip puko.
Nyo I zen hoben. I ji o shi ko.
Jitsu zai ni gon shi. Mu no sek komo.
Ga yaku I se bu. Ku sho kugen sha.
I bonbu tendo. Jitsu zai ni gon metsu.
I joken go ko. Ni sho kyoshi shin.
Ho-itsu jaku go-yoku. Da o aku-do chu.
Ga jo chi shujo. Gyo do fu gyo do.
Zui o sho ka do. I ses shuju ho.
Mai ji sa ze nen. I ga ryo shujo.
Toku nyu mu-jo do. Soku joju busshin.

Silent Prayers

Appreciation for the Gohonzon

With deepest respect, I offer my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Gohonzon, which embodies Nam myoho renge-kyo, the essence of the Lotus Sutra.

With deepest respect, I offer my profound gratitude and appreciation to Nichrin Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law.

With deepest respect, I offer my profound gratitude and appreciation to Nikko Shonin.
Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo three times.
___________________________

Appreciation for the Three Founding Presidents

I offer my profound gratitude and appreciation for the three founding presidents of the Soka Gakkai- Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda for their noble example of selfless dedication to propagation of the Law, honouring them as the eternal mentors of kosen-rufu.
Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo three times.
___________________________

Prayers for Worldwide Kosen-rufu and for the deceased

I pray that the great vow for the worldwide kosen-rufu be fulfilled and that the Soka Gakkai International will develop in this endeavor for countless generations to come.

I pray to accomplish my own human revolution, change my karma and fulfil all my wishes (Offer additional prayers here)

I pray for my deceased relatives and all those who have passed away, particularly for these
individuals: (Sound the bell continuously while offering prayers.)

Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo three times.

I pray for peace throughout the world and the happiness of all living beings.

Sound the bell and chant
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo three times to conclude.

Resources

For further exploration and immersive experiences with the Gongyo with Silent Prayers, here are some resources that can enhance your practice:

Journey into the Art of Chanting series on Healing through Visions

• Journey into the Art of Chanting
• Journey into the Art of Chanting: Om
• Journey into the Art of Chanting: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
• Journey into the Art of Chanting: Gongyo with Silent Prayers

https://youtu.be/O-Cg8xh62Ps: Gongyo & Daimoku · Duration: 15 minutes

https://youtu.be/URyPIhVF0UM: Slow Morning Gongyo · Duration: 15 minutes

The Lotus Sutra – text online https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/lsoc/toc/

The Lotus Sutra on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/187311.Introduction_to_the_Lotus_Sutra

May all beings be well.