We are a non-monastic community. We lead ordinary lives—we go to school, have jobs, may be single, or be parents and grandparents. Our daily lives are places of practice. At Rissho Kosei-kai, we turn everyday life into a Buddhist practice
By recognizing the opportunities for spiritual growth in our ordinary life and cherishing every encounter, we practice Buddhism as lay devotees of Shakyamuni Buddha.
LET US CREATE LOVING HOMES
What does your home mean to you? Some may answer, “The place where I can recover from a hard day’s work.” Some may say, “Back at home, my family reassures me with smiles.” It’s the kind of place where you want to be.
In Rissho Kosei-kai, President Niwano guides us by saying, “Let us create warmhearted homes,” and we members try to build harmony in our families. Our homes are where we build the foundation of our character. Through day-to-day interaction and parents’ attitudes at home, children, in particular, learn how important it is to venerate the Buddha, and love other people.
First, as family members, we consider three daily actions to respect buddha nature.
Exchange morning greetings.
Respond clearly and positively when someone calls us.
Put things in appropriate places. For example, we should push back our chairs when we stand up and arrange our footwear or belongings neatly.
As Buddhists, nothing is more important than how we build our lives with a central focus on our Buddhist home altar where the Gohonzon is enshrined. Each one of us sits in front of the sacred altar and expresses gratitude to the Buddha by placing our palms together in reverence and performing sutra recitation. Whatever type of family you belong to, whether an extended or a nuclear family, or even if you live alone, over time these practices result in the creation of a warmhearted home.