The Rowdy Buddhist Podcast

Here is a short explanation you can use to promote or introduce the lecture:Why do Nichiren Shū Buddhists chant the Lotus Sutra? This lecture explores the meaning and purpose of one of the central practices of Nichiren Buddhism: reciting the Lotus Sutra and chanting Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō (Odaimoku). Together we will examine how Nichiren Shōnin understood the Lotus Sutra as a direct path for ordinary people to awaken their inherent Buddha nature in everyday life. Through discussion of Buddhist teachings, tradition, and practical application, participants will discover how chanting is not merely repetition, but a discipline that unites body, breath, voice, and mind while cultivating wisdom, compassion, resilience, and inner transformation. Whether new to Buddhist practice or a long-time practitioner, this lecture offers an accessible introduction to the spiritual meaning and benefits of Lotus Sutra practice in Nichiren Shū.

This lecture explored how Prince Shōtoku helped establish the spiritual foundation of Japan through his devotion to the Lotus Sutra, centuries before Nichiren proclaimed it as the essential teaching for the Latter Age of the Dharma. As regent of early Japan, Prince Shōtoku promoted the Lotus Sutra as a guide not only for personal awakening but for ethical governance and social harmony, expressing its spirit in his Seventeen-Article Constitution and in the establishment of temples such as Hōryū-ji. The lecture emphasized that the Lotus Sutra teaches the universality of Buddhahood and the unity of all beings, principles that Nichiren later embodied through the chanting of Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. Together, Prince Shōtoku’s protection of the Dharma and Nichiren’s fearless proclamation of it form a continuous lineage, calling modern practitioners to courage, compassion, and the active embodiment of the Lotus teaching in society today.

In this concept, we make a deep and sincere apology. Resolve from our past wrongdoings and deeds. I take refuge in the Buddha.

This is a story of the ancient priest Soo, who was said to have been a disciple of Master Jikaku, the third head Priest of Mt. Hiei. Finding faith in the Lotus Sutra, his wish could be fulfilled.

This is a story from the Miraculous tales of the Lotus Sutra from Ancient Japan focusing specifically on the story of Grandmaster Dengyo and his relationship with the Lotus Sutra.

I am sharing with everyone the miraculous tales of the Lotus Sutra from ancient Japan which is actually a commonly reference book in ancient commentary and teachings. I think that it is essential for us to understand these stories that many of our founders of the Buddhist traditions of Japan would have read to understand better the context of their teachings.

This is a narrated body scan meditation for you to become aware of the elements connected to your body, moving your awareness to points of tension, and relaxing them. This is a very basic practice that is used for one to become aware of one's body during meditation or chanting. That if we find a troublesome or difficult aspect we are able to change that point from frustration to gratitude.