These silent prayers and the brief introduction that appear below, are included at the end of the Soka Gakkai International gongyo book. The reason for the simplifications were to make the silent prayers more to the point and less dogmatic. The brief introduction (which, of course, is not read during gongyo) specifies the nature of the silent prayers to members, and for the sake of teaching others about our silent prayers, I have included the introduction below in italics, as it appears in the gongyo book.
Silent Prayers
The silent prayers are intended to express our shared sense of gratitude and resolve as believers in Nichiren Daishoninís Buddhism and members of the Soka Gakkai International. The wording of these prayers in meant as a guideline to help us express this inner sense of gratitude and determination. Therefore, it is not the specific wording of the silent prayers, but rather what we have in our minds while performing the prayer that is most important.
First Prayer
Appreciation for the shoten zenjin
I offer appreciation to the shoten zenjin, the functions in life and in the environment that serve to protect us night and day. I pray that their protective power be further strengthened and enhanced through my practice of the Law. (Chant daimoku three times)
Second Prayer
Appreciation for the Dai-Gohonzon
I offer my deepest praise and most sincere gratitude to the Dai-Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret Laws, which was bestowed upon the entire world. (Chant daimoku three times)
Third Prayer
Appreciation for the three teachers
I offer my deepest praise and most sincere gratitude to Nichiren Daishonin, the True Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. (Chant daimoku three times)
I offer my deepest praise and mosr sincere gratitude to Nikko Shonin, the Great Leader of the Propagation of True Buddhism. (Chant daimoku three times)
I offer sincere gratitude to Nichimoku Shonin, the High Priest of Kosen-rufu. (Chant daimoku three times)
Fourth Prayer
For the attainment of kosen-rufu
I pray that the great desire for kosen-rufu be fulfilled, and that the Soka Gakkai International develop eternally in this endeavor. (Chant daimoku three times)
I pray to expiate my negative karma caused by my slander of the Law in this life and in the past and to fulfill my wishes in the present and the future. (Offer additional prayers here. Chant daimoku three times)
Fifth Prayer
Appreciation for the first and second presidents of the Soka Gakkai and prayer for the deceased
I offer gratitude to the first president of the Soka Gakkai, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, and the second president, Josei Toda, for their selfless dedication to the propagation of the Law. (Chant daimoku three times)
I pray for my deceased relatives and for all those who have passed away, particularly for these individuals: (Sound bell continuously while offering prayers. Then chant daimoku three times)
I pray for peace throughout the world and the happiness of all humanity. (Sound the bell, and chant daimoku three times to conclude gongyo.)
© 1992 by Soka Gakkai International