Nichiren (1222-82) established the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-
kyo as the way to awaken one's Buddha nature and tap into the deepest
levels of our existence, on which our own lives and that of the universe
are one. He first taught the invocation of the phrase to a small group at
Seicho-ji temple in Awa province, Japan, on April 28, 1253.
Myoho-renge-kyo is the name of the Lotus Sutra in Japanese
pronunciation of classical Chinese characters, and so the literal meaning
of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is "I devote myself to the Lotus Sutra." As the
following explanation shows, there are deeper levels of meaning
attached to each element of the phrase.
Nam
Nam derives from the Sanskrit word namu, meaning "to devote oneself."
Nichiren established the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as
a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with
the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, namu indicates the
elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action
one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain
Buddhahood in this lifetime.
Myoho
Myoho literally means the Mystic Law--the underlying truth or principle
which governs the mysterious workings of the universe and our life from
moment to moment. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is
"invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always
expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the
senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such
phenomena is a constant reality known as myo. Myo also means to open,
to revive, and to be fully endowed with the qualities we need to develop
our lives.
Renge
Renge means lotus flower. The lotus
blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the
simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our
individual lives are determined by the causes and effects, both good and
bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at
each moment. This is called our "karma." The law of cause and effect
affirms that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny.
We create our destiny and we have the power to change it. The most
powerful positive cause we can make is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-
kyo; the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of
our life and will definitely manifest in [Link] article
GohonzonThe Gohonzon, in the practice of Nichiren
Buddhism, is the physical embodiment, as a mandala, of the eternal and
intrinsic Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains
pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of
Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person in the midst of
the struggles of day-to-day existence.
Kyo
Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this
sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. In a broad
sense, kyoconveys the concept that all things in the universe are a
manifestation of the Mystic Law.
