"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" is the chant that Nichiren Buddhists practice and repeat day and night in order to achieve happiness, peace and contentment either for themselves or for others. This Nichiren Buddhist practice is known as daimoku.
Chanting "nam-myoho-renge-kyo" along with morning and evening prayers, known as the gongyo, constitutes the fundamental aspect of the Nichiren Buddhist practice.
According to Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organization, "... the practice for oneself that consists of gongyo and daimoku and the practice for others that takes the form of spirited Gakkai activites together result in the establishment of a happy life and a peaceful and prosperous society." (The New Human Revolution, Vol.11, Eternal Ganges, 2009)
The Origin of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
The phrase "nam-myoho-renge-kyo" is actually based on the title of the Lotus Sutra which is considered a highly significant collection of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings.
The title is actually "myoho-renge-kyo" and the word “nam” was added by Nichiren Daishonin to imply “devoting oneself” to the law. Nichiren Daishonin established the invocation of this chant on April 28, 1253, as the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and gave his followers this mystic law as a source of happiness and contentment.
Meaning and Significance of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
The phrase "nam-myoho-renge-kyo" is a profound and complete description of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. However, the various parts of the phrase have been interpreted in order to aid new members and to describe the real value of this phrase.
- Nam – The word nam has been derived from the Sanskrit word “Namas” which means “to devote oneself.”
- Myoho – The term myoho means “mystic law” or something which, though accepted to be true, cannot be really explained.
- Renge – The word renge literally translates into “lotus flower.” It holds a dual significance in the chant. Firstly, the title of the sutra is the Lotus Sutra. Secondly, the lotus flower is known to seed and bloom at the same time, thus, demonstrating the cause and effect principle that Nichiren Buddhism rests upon.
- Kyo – Kyo also hold two meanings in this chant. Firstly, it means “teaching” and secondly, it means “sound.” Therefore, the chant of nam-myoho-renge kyo is a Buddhist teaching that must be said out loud.
When all the individual components of the phrase are put together, the saying translates into “I devote myself to the mystic law of cause and effect through sound.”
The Dynamics of Chanting
Chanting "nam-myoho-renge-kyo" is part of the morning and evening prayers and in addition, members are encouraged to do daimoku whenever they find the time.
While prayers and chanting are done facing the Gohonzon or the Buddhist prayer scroll, members of Nichiren Buddhism who do not have a Gohonzon can practice by chanting while facing a blank wall.
There are no special rules regarding daimoku, however members must keep the following in mind:
- Chant for a time limit that seems comfortable and achievable. New members may be able to chant only for five minutes while senior members can chant for hours.
- Sit straight and comfortably and do choose a time when there will be no disturbances or interruptions.
- Repeat the chant continuously, pausing only to catch your breath, and then continue again.
- Maintain an even tone, volume and rhythm. Practicing with other members will help a lot in this regard.
Useful Online Resources for Nichiren Buddhism
There are many useful online resources that will shed more light on this practice and help increase knowledge about Nichiren Buddhism. Two such resources are:
- SGI-USA - The US chapter of the Soka Gakkai is extremely active and holds meetings, lectures and discussions to increase awareness and remove any kind of misconceptions about the faith. The website has an extremely helpful FAQ section as well as resources to encourage new members, share experiences and answer doubts and questions.
- SGI Website- This is the official website of the Soka Gakkai International and is a great assistance to anyone who wishes to know more about Nichiren Buddhism, its leaders or its works and values.
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" can well be described as the foundation of the Nichiren Buddhist practice and new members are encouraged by senior members to start chanting for anything that they wish for. It could be a better job, higher income or good health.
However, the ultimate goal of doing daimoku is to achieve happiness for self and others and that is something that members of Nichiren Buddsim constantly strive to achieve through their thoughts, words and actions.
For more on Nichiren Buddhism, read An Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism, along with Use Buddhism Teachings for Better Relationships and Importance of the Gohonzon in Nichiren Buddhism.
Resources:
- Ikeda, Daisaku. The New Human Revolution, Vol.11. Eternal Ganges Press (April, 2009).
- Hochswender, Woody. Martin, Greg. Morino, Ted. The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and Search for the Self. CA: Middleway Press (a division of the SGI-USA), 2001.
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