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Nichiren Daishonins's writing 
Dear Hugo, I am interested in reading books on Nichiren Daishosin's writings but cannot find any books that are not linked to SGI. Would you be able …

Mantras in Zen Buddhism  
The Question Hello Hugo how are you ? My name is Gianluca I'm 46 years old and I'm writing you from Venice ,Italy. Since I was a child I've been …

Do you know anything about the Buddho practice? 
The Question I am interested to know if you have any knowledge of a practice called 'Buddho' that I am told is one of the systems that helped …

Rituals in Zen Buddhism 
Hello Hugo, as a Zen practitioner I wonder how nowadays Japanese Zen Buddhism cultivates rituals. After transmission to USA and Europe by Japanese Zen …

Understanding this quote 
The Question "Depend on no one. the moment you reject all help, are you freed" I've said this quote a lot in my head but now that I've decided …

Why do you say (SGI/ Nichiren shu, etc.) Is Evil? 
I have been a member of the Soka Gakkai for a few years. I am disenchanted due to the personality of cult of Ikeda. I like Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. What is …

Individual Soul or not in Japanese Buddhism? 
One of the most difficult questions in Buddhism is the existence and permanence of an individual soul, even when that existence is taken in a relativistic …

Which are the 192 countries Nichiren Buddhism is present in? 
I always confusing the total countris that have SGI members. I had read short news in Soka Gakkai magazines 3 years ago stated that SGI now has expanded …

How could a Buddhist support a non Buddhist person who is dying and anxious? 
How could a Buddhist support a non Buddhist person who is dying and anxious? Thank you My answer Death is a terribly scary step of existence. …

My husband had to have an autopsy when he passed. Was this contrary to his Buddhist belief? This worries me! 
My husband passed away unexpectedly. He was a Japanese Buddhist. He had to have an autopsy. I had never discussed such a possibility. Was this procedure …

differences and similarities... 
What would be the main differences and similarities between Japanese and Chinese Buddhism? * * Japanese Buddhism is very similar to Chinese Buddhism …

What does the Om Symbol mean? 
What is the meaning of the Om symbol?

How does a Buddhist deal with loss of a parent, who was a Buddhist ? 
How does a Buddhist deal with loss of a parent, who was a Buddhist ? Loss is difficult, whatever faith you have. It is one thing to know that …

I am Iranian and love Buddhism 
The Question: I love Buddhism but I don't know how to become a Buddhist in my country(Iran). There is no temple and there is no buddhist community. …

How actually reincarnation happens 
The Questions I am very much confused about the teachings of Karma and its relation to our next life (reincarnation) , because buddhism do not …

How do Buddhist deal with pain? 
How do Japanese Buddhist deal with pain? my answer For Buddhists in general, pain and suffering are illusions brought to us through the …

Soka Gakkai  
What are your thoughts on SGI Would it be something worthwhile to check out? I heard alot of negative things. Thank you for your question. It …

To Make Other People Happy 
How can we chant to make other people happy (near and dear ones)? My answer Chanting in the west is different than in traditional Japanese …

Reincarnation 
The Question We have heard that as Hinduism, Buddhism too presupposes reincarnation. The Karma effect makes it possible, according to the Sacred …

Could you tell me how many sects and sub sects of japanese buddhism exist right now? 
The Question: Hi, I'm making a study for the university here in Portugal, I have this info from 1990's saying that in Japan are 56 sects and subsects …

Four noble truths and peace 
Is a craving for peace and wisdom also suffering? Hello, I'm sorry to say that, yes, it is. Cravings mean that you are not satisfied with the present …

Can you explain the concept of "Other Power" of Amida Buddha? 
The Question I have difficulty explaining this concept to others so I'm wondering if you could explain it in a simple form. In Gassho, J …

What are superstitions that japanese believe in? 
The Question: I am interested in knowing what are the different superstitions japanese believe to be true? My answer Well, I am not a pro …

What happens to the soul of the victims of the tsunami? 
The Question: I understand that Japanese buddhism generally requires an elaborate and ritualized funeral for the deceased, including cremation …

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Does Buddhism have a certificate authenticating that you are a Buddhist? 
Question: In Catholicism, they have this baptismal certificate that states that you are a Catholic. Does this also apply to Buddhism? …

No mention of the Sokka Gakkai's ...Presence in society 
There is no mention of the Sokka Gakkai's presence in society and the world of buddhism in your article about Buddhism dying in Japan? Lets dialogue! Thank …

Do Obaku Zen monks still follow the traditional manner of ordination as prescribed in the Dharmagupta Vinaya? 
Question: As far as I know, after the time of Dengyo Daishi (The founder of Tendai in Japan) Japanese Buddhists gradually abandoned …

Left? Right? 
Question: I heard somewhere that you should clean your left hand first and the right hand second. I don't think any visitors …

What is a right business for computer scientists? 
The Question: I recently got my Master in Computer Science. Now I have realized that nearly everybody in this business is only interested in …

What does a temple mean to a Japanese person? 
The Question What would you say a major temple would mean to someone that is Japanese, or to Japan as a whole? I had the good fortune to visit …

What are the prayers for Tina Turner's Buddhist religion? 
THE QUESTION: Ten years ago I practiced Buddhism and I need to have a copy of the prayers. I want to practice again. My answer: Tina Turner practices …

Buddhologist or Buddhist 
The Question: Hi, I have been interested in Buddhism for years now and have read many books and articles and feel that as a way of life and a …

Buddhist self-mummification 
Question: What are the reasons behind the Buddhist monks in northern Japan who decided to mummify themselves? My answer: What …

Do practising Japanese Buddhists marry across sects ? 
Question:   There are about 12 mainstream sects of Buddhism in Japan, some with quite different belief systems. For example the followers of …

Have you visited any other Nichiren schools? 
Have you visited any other Nichiren schools (besides Soka Gakkai and/or Nichiren Shoshu)? My answer: I have visited many temples in Japan, of most …

Confused about Rebirth in Japanese Buddhism 
The Question Hugo, If I understand this correctly, in Japanese Buddhism it is believed that the deceased spirit (Reikon) has to travel over the …

Buddism types 
Hello, I am an American who lived in Thailand for some time and now live in Japan. I am familiar to a certain degree with the type of buddism practiced …

Homosexuality and Japanese Buddhism Not rated yet
Is homosexuality accepted in Japanese Buddhism ? I read the article and it seems like the Dalai Lama kept changing. His stance on homosexuality . What …

Questions on the tea drinking ceremony.  Not rated yet
Bible questions Hello, As a school project I'm studying your religion and was wondering if there was anybody there that could answers a few questions …

Buddhist contact in Japan Not rated yet
How can I get in touch with Buddhist monks in Japan if I'm not from there? I speak some English,but it's not that easy to translate and meet some …

How can I remove a curse I incurred from my soul? Not rated yet
I learned in the arts when I was a young man. I learned how to kill with the word of anger(mind). At first, I thought it was a coincidence. It …

What are major differences in other Buddhist traditions?  Not rated yet
The Question What is the difference between Jodo Shinshu, Mahayana, Hinayana, etc. My answer Thank you for your question. In your …

Regarding Buddhist events in Japan Not rated yet
Dear Sir, I would like to know if there is any Buddhist events to be held in Japan. It should be seminar, conference, workshop or any event whichever …

I need your help , please?  Not rated yet
I have a great interest in learning how to practice Buddhist techniques. This was the religion of my ancestors and I believe it may be my path also. What …

What is the basic difference between Buddhism and Christianity? Not rated yet
The Question What is the basic difference between Buddhism and Christianity? My answer I have been meaning for a long time to write …

Japanese Buddhism in USA Not rated yet
I wonder if there is somewhere in Charlotte, NC, USA that Japanese Buddhism is practiced. Are there temples in USA and other places in the world? …

Other Pure Land practices besides Amidaha Butsu ones...  Not rated yet
Hi, I have been recently introduced to Shingon-shu and found out that there are other Pure Lands beside the Western Pure Land of Amida. Why did …

I am a solitary practitioner. Not rated yet
My teacher and co-meditator moved away a couple years ago. I am faithful to my Sunday morning sitting and somewhat less to every day. Do you have any …

What is the difference of Shingon and Pureland? Not rated yet
I have studied Shingon in the past- in Japanese language Now I have stumbled upon a Pureland Chinese Guru and find it difficult to chant now in Chinese …

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What are the five skandas? Not rated yet
What is the significance of the five skandas and how do we develop our practice to overcome the limitations they present? Thank you for your question. …

How to express condolence to a buddhist friend? Not rated yet
How to express condolence to a buddhist friend? Hello Lauris, Since you do not tell me the origin of your friend or even what form of Buddhism …

Even if I'm practicing everyday there is fear in my heart which makes me lose all my hope in a second? Not rated yet
I've been practising Buddhism everyday for 1 year and I even inspire people to do so but why am I always scared to loose my faith? There is always …

What form of Buddhism became very popular amount warriors and artists in Japan? Not rated yet
Matthew, I am sure you are talking about Zen. You can read about Soto Zen on this page. Zen became popular with the warrior class in the …

A question about Fudo Myo-o Not rated yet
Hi, I was intrigued by your experience of Fudo. You mentioned it kind of in passing, but i bet there is more to it. As a matter of fact I'm at the …

Being Jewish (or any other religion) and Buddhist? Not rated yet
How can I feel like I am Buddhist... and not just Jewish? I've been extremely interested in Buddhism for a little while now. When I saw exactly …

I can't manage the lotus or even half lotus position. How should I sit? Not rated yet
I can't manage the lotus or even half lotus position. How should I sit? Also can/should I practice before sleep, ie. lying down? The way you …

What's the goal of being Buddhist after all human become Buddha? Not rated yet
What is the goal of being Buddhist after all human become Buddhas? my answer I'm not sure I understand your question. Obviously, you could …

What is the daily schedule of a Japanese Buddhist Monk? Not rated yet
Do you know the daily activities of a Japanese Buddhist Monk? My answer The daily schedule of a monk will depend from sect to sect and from …

Is there a fully translated book of the Buddha's writings? Not rated yet
I know there are all these books about buddhism, but is there just one book with just what the Buddha wrote? Kinda like a bible for Buddhists? Answer …

What can I be doing for my husband`s spirit?. Not rated yet
The Question: When my husband passed away in a hospital, an autopsy was done on his body. I had his body cremated. Did this autopsy compromise his …

what is the role of karma ? Not rated yet
I want to ask you something that is haunting me for sometime and its frustrating that i could not answer my own question . I hope you could help cause …

Heart Sutra  Not rated yet
The Question Can you provide me with a copy of the Heart Sutra written in Japanese, also if you have a chanting recording of the same Sutra. …

I am interested in learning more about the connection between Buddhism and the art of bonsai.  Not rated yet
Question: What are the spiritual links between Buddhism and bonsai? How was bonsai included in the cultural exchange between …

is it possible find back a reborn person? Not rated yet
The Question: I met someone who feels like I have known before. Is it possible that we met before long ago and found back? Is there an …

Nirvana is Satori? Not rated yet
The Question: Dear friend, Did I read right that Satori is the Japanese term for nirvana? I had heard of both but never thought to relate them! …

Can you suggest something that I can chant. Not rated yet
The Question: I am very interested in chanting and the benefits that it can have for someone who is stressed AND ANXIOUS. I have been meditating for …

Buddhist Medical Ethics Not rated yet
The Question: What are taboos in hospitals for Buddhists. ie: blood transfusion, medication, surgery, lab work, x-rays, etc. ? My answer: …

What type of incense should I bring as an offering at a Buddhist temple? Not rated yet
The Question: I'm new to Buddhism, and I plan to attend a Buddhist service in my city. I don't know what type of incense to bring (powder, stick, …

what is the most important historical/symbolic structure in japan Not rated yet
The Question: What is the most important historical/symbolic structure in Japan? My answer: …

What are the customs of Western Buddhism? Not rated yet
Question: What are the customs of western buddhism? My answer: Thank you Danielle for you question. …

Where should I put my altar? Not rated yet
Question: I was wondering if there was a specific spot that I should put my altar, and is it ok to put it outside? My answer: …

information about when buddhism started Not rated yet
Question: I am writing a book can you give me information on when buddhism started ? My answer: Hello Dean, What kind …

I would like to convert to Buddhism Not rated yet
Question: I am christian at the moment and I just have been thinking about it part of my family are Buddhists so I do not know what to do or …

Congratulations Not rated yet
Congratulations on your new Buddhist Supplies page. Would you like to add my book, Buddha Nature Now, A Lay Persons Guide To The Buddha Way. You can …

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Can you teach me kototama chanting? Not rated yet
Question: Could you teach me Kototama chanting? My answer: Thank you for your question. Kototama or Kotodama as it is often called …

What is the symbol at the top of the Jizo Bosatsu page? Not rated yet
The Question I assume there is some importance to it as it is displayed largly on this page and I have seen in other Jizo resources. However I am …

NAM MYOHO RENGE KO Not rated yet
The Question What is the meaning of this chant? What is the significance? Is it for spiritual advancement or for material gains? My …

Forms of Buddhism Not rated yet
Question: I would like to know if all forms of Buddhism follow the same teachings. For example, is Japanese Buddhism similar to Zen Buddhism, and …

Buddhism and Belief in God Not rated yet
Question:   I was reading your Facts about Buddhism and your 10th Fact is one that I have been hung up on since developing myself into the …

Please could you recommend any books on the teachings of Buddhism? Not rated yet
The Question: Can you recommend any books on the teachings of Buddhism? Thank you. My Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. …

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