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The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by Nichiren
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.
[Source www.sgi.org]
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