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| Buddhist Practice |
| Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo |
 The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established
by Nichiren on April 28, 1253. Having studied widely among all
the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains
the ultimate truth of Buddhism: that everyone without exception
has the potential to attain Buddhahood. The title of the Lotus
Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. But to
Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist
text, it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which
all Buddhist teachings in one way or another seek to clarify.
What follows is a brief and unavoidably limited explanation
of some of the key concepts expressed by this phrase. |
| Nam |
| The word nam derives from Sanskrit. A close
translation of its meaning is "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, nam 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, and expresses
the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and
the many different ways this life expresses itself. 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. |
| 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 explains that we each have personal
responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and
we can change it. The most powerful 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 time.
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. |
| Kyo |
| Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching
of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration.
Also, the Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp
in a piece of woven cloth, symbolizing the continuity of life
throughout past, present and future. In a broad sense, kyo conveys
the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation
of the Mystic Law. |
| Primary Practice |
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo--also known as "Daimoku"--is the primary
practice of SGI members. Through this practice, one is able
to reveal the state of Buddhahood in one's life, experienced
as the natural development of joy, increased vitality, courage,
wisdom and compassion.
"When deluded, one is called an ordinary
being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is
similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when
polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate
darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished,
it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential
nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep
faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How
should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."
--Nichiren, On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime |
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