The heart of Buddhism is that genuine happiness is possible when we bring out our inherent greatness. This greatness in life is called “Buddhahood” and looks like courage, wisdom and compassion in our everyday life.
Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda writes:
Our health, courage, wisdom, joy, desire to improve, self-discipline and so on, could all be said to depend on our life force. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo enables us to bring forth limitless life force. Those who base themselves on chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are therefore never deadlocked. …Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental power of the universe.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 101
The Origin of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
The message of the Lotus Sutra, which Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, taught in the last years of his life is one of equality. Defying the oppressive society he lived in, he shared that all that people—without exception—equally possess this Buddha nature and are worthy of respect. For him this was not just an idea, but a definitive law of nature—just like gravity.
Fast forward to 1253, feudal Japan. The Buddhist teacher Nichiren Daishonin discovered a powerful daily practice for the Lotus Sutra—chanting the Lotus Sutra’s title, “Myoho-renge-kyo,” together with the Sanskrit word “Nam,” which means reverence or devotion. Nichiren notes that when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we are affirming the heart of the Lotus Sutra in our own life.
The Breakdown: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
Myo means “mystic” or “wondrous,” and ho means “law.” Together they form myoho, often translated as Mystic Law, this fundamental law of the universe that all life is endowed with Buddhahood.
Renge means “lotus flower,” which symbolizes the wonderful characteristics of the Mystic Law. The lotus plant grows in muddy swamps yet produces pure and fragrant blooms—just as we practice Buddhism amid our daily challenges and bring forth our pure, inherent goodness—our enlightenment.
Also, the lotus’ flowers and fruit develop together simultaneously. This symbolizes the teaching that when we support and respect others, our Buddhahood simultaneous emerges from within.
Kyo means “sutra.” It also signifies our voice or sound that conveys this teaching.
Finally, nam comes from the Sanskrit word namas, meaning “bow” or “reverence.” We are dedicating ourselves to and respecting the Buddhahood in ourselves and all life.
While this is a rough translation, it’s important to note that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is much, much more than this technical definition. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the name of our Buddhahood and the underlying compassionate life force that pervades the universe.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the name of our Buddhahood and the underlying compassionate life force that pervades the universe.
It is not, however, a magic formula. Chanting is instead a tool to fight against our negativity and lack of belief in ourselves. As we chant, we open our eyes to the great potential of our life and realize that we are the solution to our problems.
When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the sun of the world of Buddhahood rises in our hearts. The ignorance and delusion, like heavy clouds shrouding the sun, are swept away. When the sun of Buddhahood comes to shine within us, the darkness of ignorance vanishes.
Daisaku Ikeda
When we chant, we’re tapping into the Buddhability inside each of us, changing our lives and the people around us for the better.
Up Next: How to Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
Now that you have a basic understanding of what Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means and how it can impact your life. Look forward to a tut for trying it out yourself.
Happy chanting!
—Your friends at Buddhability