The bi-monthly meetings in neighbourhoods held by rotation at different member’s homes are an important part of Nirichen Buddhism. Similar to group therapy, people speak freely in the presence of strangers. Listening to others experiences helps put their own problems in perspective. The chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a mix of Chinese-Japanese-Sanskrit and roughly translates into, ‘I dedicate my life to the mystic law of cause and effect’.

Nirichen Buddhism is based on the Lotus Sutra, a 28-chapter guide Gautam Buddha put together at the end of his life where he says everyone can attain peace. It’s a philosophy, not a religion and the Soka Gakkai advocates continuing with your faith. This is just in addition to tap your spiritual potential. “I have a strong tendency towards pessimism,” smiles Tisca Chopra wryly, the actor who played Darsheel Safary’s mother in the critically acclaimed Taare Zameen Par. Chopra has been chanting regularly since 1997. She says in an industry full of uncertainty, chanting has given her confidence to compete. “I struggled before finding my feet in Bombay and chanting was my coping tool,” says Chopra.

Believers in Nirichen Buddhism say chanting helps, no matter how small or big the problem. Chandigarh-based Seema Singh was stressed because she had two unmarried daughters in their 30s and was worried about their future. “I’ve had a harrowing year, but I’ve learnt to control my anxiety,” says Singh, who describes herself as a calmer, better human being since she began chanting. This sect of Buddhism has over 12 million followers in 190 countries engaged in what they call the human revolution or to change for the better. India is tenth on the list in the number of followers and is the fastest-growing.

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