From SGI USA, I'm Cassidy Bradford and this is bootability, the weekly series where I talk with Buddhists from all walks of life about the power we each have to change our lives and the world around us.

It's a good question.

How long should I chant for?

Is this something I need to do for five hours?

Or is five minutes okay?

This is a question we hear often, especially from folks just starting out their

Buddhist practice. They wonder if the amount of time we chant matters. Will there be a

difference if you chant longer? If you scour Buddhist writings, you won't find any mandates

about length of time. No charts that tell you the amount to

chant for specific challenges. Buddhism, if you haven't guessed it already, is not about that

kind of rigid formality or rules. Instead, it's about our hearts and happiness.

There's a book called Discussions on Youth that I read a ton throughout college.

In it, the Buddhist philosopher, Dysakwika, answers questions from young people.

One student asks whether he has to chant Namyo Hōrenengkeyo for a certain number of hours before his prayer will be answered, or can he chant intensely for a short time? In other words, which is more important? Quantity or quality? Daesaku Akita responds.

The value, or if you like, the quality of a $100 bill is more than a $10 bill.

Naturally, most people would prefer a $100 bill, right?

Similarly, in faith, sincere, strong prayers are important.

Of course, having lots of $100 bills is even better.

Likewise, enchanting Namyo Hōrengekiyo to the Gohonzen, both quantity and quality count.

Everything you do in the realm of Buddhist faith and practice is for your happiness.

The main thing is that you feel deep satisfaction after chanting.

There is no hard and fast rule about having to chant a

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