Whether you chant the Buddha's name, recite the sutra or merely offer flowers and incense, all your virtuous acts will implant benefits in your life. With this conviction, you should put your faith into practice.
(Gosho, p. 46)
The Taiko Drum
Ringing the Bell
Incense
Incense represents the property of the Law or the essential property of the Buddha's life. This is the truth to which the Buddha is enlightened.
White Candles
White candles represent the property of wisdom or spiritual property of the Buddha's life. This enables the Buddha to see the truth.
Water
In Nichiren Daishonin’s day (13th century Japan), the first water drawn from the well was offered to the Gohonzon. For this reason, we place fresh water in a cup in front of the Gohonzon first thing in the morning each day. There are two deep meanings behind this practice:
1) The function of water is to wash away filth and impurity. This refers to the function of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, which lets you extinquish your own bad karma and past slander.
2) The second meaning is that just as water flows from a high place downward to lower ones, the Buddha’s compassion and mercy flows from the heights of the world of Buddhahood downward to equally benefit all life in the lower nine worlds.
Food
While Nichiren Daishonin was in exile on Sado Island, he was living in extremely harsh conditions and food was very scarce. Thus, devout believers often sent him offerings in the form of food.
Evergreens
Evergreens represent the Property of Compassionate Action, the physical property of the Buddha. The Original Buddha is eternally endowed with the Three Enlightened Properties.