Originating from the infinite past of kuon-ganjo, the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, named Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo as the ultimate Law that permeates all life in the universe. It signifies the name of the True Buddha, the essence and the heart of all sutras and the benefits of Buddhist practice.
The meaning of each word is profound and goes beyond a literal definition.
- “Nam” is derived from ancient Sanskrit. The closest translation of “Nam” is “devotion of our mind and body”.
- “Myoho” is the Mystic Law of cause and effect. Within it is both the cause and effect of attaining Buddhahood.
- “Renge” means Lotus Flower. The lotus produces its flower and seeds at the same time, symbolizing the simultaneity of cause and effect.
- “Kyo” indicates the expressed teaching of the significance of “Myoho-Renge”.
Nichiren Daishonin manifested Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo in the form of the Gohonzon (our object of worship). Many may not know, but Buddhahood inherently exists within our lives. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon, we are awakening the Buddhahood within our lives and fusing our lives with that of the True Buddha, thereby manifesting the wisdom and power to overcome adversity and reveal our own enlightened life.
The depth and significance of chanting Daimoku (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo) cannot be fully explained. One must experience it through practice, in order to grasp its meaning and benefit in one’s own life.
Nichiren Daishonin states in his Gosho “Reply to the Wife of Lord Ueno”:
“The Lotus Sutra teaches that the hands used to hold it will immediately enter Buddhahood, and the mouth that chants the Daimoku will instantly become a Buddha.... The Lotus Sutra states, ‘Among those who hear this Law, there is not one who shall not attain enlightenment.’
This passage means that if there are a hundred or even a thousand people who embrace this sutra, all will become Buddhas without exception.”
(Gosho, p. 1574)
The absolute power of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is based on faith in and acceptance of the Gohonzon. Through this practice of daimoku, all people can attain enlightenment without exception.
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