In many Mahāyāna communities, the Lotus Sutra is approached both as a living sound and as a profound text, so daily practice often weaves together recitation, study, and ethical application. Practitioners commonly chant selected portions rather than the entire scripture, with particular emphasis on chapters such as “Expedient Means” (Chapter 2) and “The Lifespan of the Tathāgata” (Chapter 16), which articulate the universality and timelessness of Buddhahood. In Nichiren-derived traditions, the repeated chanting of the title *Nam(-u) Myōhō Renge Kyō* functions as a central devotional act, expressing trust in the sutra’s “Wonderful Dharma.” These recitations may occur in structured morning and evening services, either individually or in groups, often in front of a Buddha image or a revered mandala. The vocal, rhythmic quality of the chanting is valued as a way to focus the mind and embody faith in the teaching that all beings can realize Buddhahood.

Alongside recitation, there is a strong emphasis on systematic study and reflection. Practitioners may read the sutra chapter by chapter over an extended period, returning to it cyclically to deepen understanding. This study is frequently guided by classical commentaries, such as those of Zhiyi or Nichiren, as well as by contemporary teachers, to clarify the sutra’s parables, doctrinal themes, and historical setting. Core teachings—such as the “One Vehicle” that leads all beings to enlightenment and the affirmation of universal Buddha-nature—serve as focal points for contemplation. Study groups and temple-based classes create a communal context in which reading, discussion, and sometimes meditation are integrated, allowing the text to be digested not only intellectually but also experientially.

Daily life becomes the field in which the Lotus Sutra’s message is tested and embodied. Practitioners strive to see every person as possessing the potential for Buddhahood, and this vision informs efforts to act with compassion, respect, and patience. The doctrine of skillful means encourages a flexible, discerning response to circumstances, so that even difficulties are interpreted as opportunities for spiritual growth and for the cultivation of wisdom and courage. Many renew bodhisattva vows through their engagement with the sutra, taking seriously the call to remain engaged with society, to help others, and to share the Dharma in appropriate ways. In this way, faith, understanding, and conduct are treated as mutually reinforcing dimensions of a single path.

There are also ritual and devotional expressions that support this integration. The sutra may be placed on a home altar as an object of veneration, and some practitioners copy passages by hand as an offering and a means of internalizing the text. Verses from the Lotus Sutra can be incorporated into ceremonies that mark important life transitions, reinforcing its role as a guide across changing circumstances. Group chanting sessions and periodic festivals or special services allow for extended recitation and collective reflection, strengthening a sense of shared commitment. Through these varied approaches, the Lotus Sutra becomes not merely a scripture to be read, but a living presence that shapes perception, intention, and action from moment to moment.