| |
The
invocation of
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by
Nichiren
Daishonin on 28 April 1253. Having studied widely
among all the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded
that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate
truths 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 chanting of
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 is determined by the particular
of 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 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 is the
primary practice. 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. |
|
|
