A non practicing SGI member asked me several questions and my responses

And what exactly does chanting do?

Chanting Namu Myoho renge kyo lessens karmic retribution and one accumulates the merit and benefit of the Eternal Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha of the Juryo Chapter of the Lotus Sutra and gohonzon.

So does it fulfill desiires?

Yes but without attachments. That is a Buddhist paradox.

Can you explain it further? I did not get what "without attachment" means here

In Chapter 18 of the Lotus Sutra we read:

"I will now describe one’s blessings. In existences to come among heavenly and human beings one will acquire wonderful elephants, horses, carriages, palanquins adorned with rare jewels, and will mount to the palaces of heaven. If in the place where the Law is expounded one encourages someone to sit and hear the sutra, the blessings one acquires will enable one to gain the seat of Shakra, Brahma, and the wheel-turner. How much more so if one listens single-mindedly, explains and expounds the meaning, and practices the sutra as the sutra instructs— one’s blessings will know no bounds!"

One attains one's desires without seeking them. Not perhaps in the beginning but after keeping the faith. In the beginning, i think it is natural to seek after one's desires unless awakened quickly. The key is to chant daily and teach others to the best of one's ability and study the Lotus Sutra and the authentic writings of Nichiren Daishonin, particularly the Five Major Works. It would be good also to seek out good friends in the Dharma.

Do you have any idea why wasn't my prayer answered?

I don't really like to give guidance since the guidance is in the Lotus Sutra and the Five major writings but practicing with SGI or even following the faith and doctrines of SGI, of course, your prayers will be unanswered. I knew literally hundreds of SGI YMD and but a handful of their motivated/determined youth had their prayers answered despite their BS testimonials. How could their prayers be answered? They are practicing Ikedaism, not the Lotus Sutra Buddhism of Nichiren. Same with most of the Nichiren Shoshu. Not sure about the Nichiren Shu folks. Most Independents and those who practice attempting to have the same faith of Nichiren, Only chant for others and for their Enlightenment and Buddhahood (as Nichiren). Then, their desires are fulfilled without even seeking them. The SGI and NST followers, were taught by bad teachers. That's why I follow the Eternal Buddha and his teachings (Lotus Sutra) and those of the Supreme Votary of the Lotus Sutra.

One more thing, I have seen grave problems emerging in people's lives. So I am afraid to start chanting again.

Again, in Ikedaism, that is to be expected. Its not the problems so much as it is the inability to overcome them. We too, as we practice with an ever deepening faith, will encounter the Three Obstacles and Four Devils. However, we certainly will overcome them if our faith is strong and correct.

Actually, I find that doing Gongyo, once or twice a day with between two minutes of Daimoku and a half hour of Daimoku (with a strong and correct faith) is equal to doing 2, 3, 5, 7, or even 10 hours of SGI Daimoku, in the way I feel. Of course, if my wife died or my children, I would probably chant 24 to 48 hours straight to relieve the grief and for their Buddhahood.

Also, when you chant Namu Myoho renge kyo what do you think of in your mind?

Nichiren teaches: "Simply chant Namu Myoho renge kyo and strive to attain the way"; and "Thus he states: 'Chant the Lotus Sutra with your ordinary distracted mind. You do not have to enter into a state of mental concentration. Whether sitting, standing, or walking, just fix your whole mind on the words of the Lotus Sutra."-- Nichiren