Daimoku ((題目) - Nam Myoho Renge Kyo - 南無妙法蓮華經

Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō (南無妙法蓮華經, also transliterated Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō; literally translated as Devotion to the Law of the Lotus Flower Scripture and exegetically translated as Devotion to the Mystic Law of cause and effect that exists throughout all the sounds and vibrations of the universe) is a mantra that is chanted as the central practice of all forms of Nichiren Buddhism. The mantra is referred to as Daimoku (題目, or the Great Invocation) and was first revealed by the Japanese Buddhist teacher Nichiren on the 28th day of the fourth lunar month of 1253 AD at Kiyosumi-dera (also, Seichōji) near Kominato in current-day Chiba, Japan. The practice of chanting the daimoku is called shōdai (唱題). The purpose of chanting daimoku is to attain perfect and complete awakening, and have actual proof of this practice to oneself and others of the validity of the Lotus Sutra.

The phrase is somewhat difficult to render into English because each word or set of words contains a complex set of symbolism and connotation, and without an understanding of the semiotic significance of the words, the full meaning is lost.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo




The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by Nichiren Daishonin 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.

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[TantansVids]

This appears to me to be a perversion of the buddha's teachings which promoted simplicity and moving beyond craving. Subtract obsessive thoughts of attaining anything-do not add! I have spoken with several Soka Gakkai people who all seem to be chanting for their own personal gain, and all of whom appear rather self absorbed. But, if this can bring you happiness, then good for you.

[RobbieBobbyBoy]

@TantansVids I totally agree with you. And yes the ego seems to rise its ugly head. however, the idea is that people begin to realise how important treasures of the heart are above all else. "friendship, love, compassion, family etc" But yes I agree with you. But dont judge an entire organisation based on the opinons of a few. The wonderful thing about human beings is that we are always changing all the time. Learning, growing etc.

[RobbieBobbyBoy]

@TantansVids perversion is a strong word. This is based on the Lotus Sutra, one of the Buddhas final sutras.

[RemingtonNevada]

I've been in the habit of chanting Diamoku. But with a tad veriation. I've been chanting each word extremely slow in order ten times a night. And I've added Om and kyu at the end. I find that it helps me sleep. It has pretty much cured my horrible insomnia that I've been suffering from for many, many years now. I'm still whet behind the ears. Tell me what you think of my veriation to the chant please. Thank you for putting this video up :)

[RobbieBobbyBoy]

@RemingtonNevada Hi there :-) I will send you a direct message! :-)

[RobbieBobbyBoy]

@mythmanjay all correct. Nam myoho renge kyo has many meanings. Just like e=mc2 is a highly complex forumula, which is more then just letters and symbols.

[RobbieBobbyBoy]

@AlexxMendoza12 it is a form of meditation, but with the eyes open. hands together sit facing a blank wall. and chant out loud - nam myoho renge kyo 15 minutes every morning and night. it will help you focus and find clarity.

[MissScabtree13]

Yes, I've been into Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for about a week now and I have been chanting each day, maybe more then two times a day, but I know and read that we're suppose to chant something else, what you mentioned at the end

Do you know where I can find these words?

[marleneengleman88]

RBBOY Thank you for taking the time and effort to share such beautiful information. This is a wonderful chant, vibration of the Heart , and been doing this over an hour with all the different You Tube videos. I like that you have taken the time to explain. So I can get it better in my memory bank to chant correctly. Blessings for you and your life.

[throbule]

The Universe, according to Buddha, is governed by one single umbrella law based on the

science and rhythm of cause and effect, and he said that mankind would eventually prove this.

This law which should be chanted by the human voice is called;

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

By chanting aloud every day for at least 10 minutes, one can put oneself into perfect rhythm with the

Universe, and therby gain insights, wisdom, energy, happiness and benefits that would be otherwise not be available to us.

[kierredestiny2]

this is great

[sexyvivy]

Thank you for this interesting video. I am new to Nichiren Buddhism, and I found this very helpful.

[sandratrevino]

Thank you for sharing this. I've been stumbling these past few days and your energy is helping me get back on my feet. Nam myoho renge kyo, brother.