(Photo above by Laura Balbarde / Pexels)
Kendrick Lamar has rapped about it. Don Lemon has chanted it on air. Chanting the phrase Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the way to bring out our Buddhability. It’s how we tap into the courage and wisdom deep within us. And when something works, word gets around, which is why you see Nam-myoho-renge-kyo referenced in nearly every corner of society, including pop culture.
Below are our personal favorite references to Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in news and entertainment.
The Simpsons
In this episode, Homer Simpson misreads words written on his hand and accidentally chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Listen for the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo reference toward the end of the clip.
What’s Love Got to Do with It
This moving music biopic tells Tina Turner’s story of survival and victory. She credits her turning point to encountering the practice Buddhism. Here’s the sequence that shows her dramatic flashpoint.
News Reporter Gene Kang shares about his Buddhist practice on-air
KTLA’s reporter Gene Kang shares how his Buddhist practice gave him the courage to grapple with abuse he experienced as a child.
Herbie Hancock’s Harvard Lecture on Buddhism and Creativity
In 2014 legendary Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock have a 2 hour lecture on how Buddhism has fueled is growth as a musician and human being. It’s a masterclass in how Buddhism can impact each area of our life.
Orlando Bloom on Ellen
In October 2020, Orlando Bloom shared on Ellen his favorite parenting tip: whisper Nam-myoho-renge-kyo into your children’s ear. Here he is at minute 1.24 breaking it down for us.
Grose Pointe Blank
In this off-beat 90’s rom-com, Minne Driver shares with John Cusack about chanting.
Minnie Driver talks with John Cusack in a scene from the film 'Grosse Pointe Blank', 1997. Photo by Buena Vista / Getty Images