For those of you who have been reading my blog, I've written about my Nichiren Buddhism faith a few times; I've told you about the practice, the history, and of course, how it saved my life from cancer. Today, I want to talk about the words we chant: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is timely, because it is a lesson I will be sharing with friends at a study later this week -- we call stuff like that the Mystic Law.
To chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is to summon forth our own innate Buddhahood. It is the direct path to manifesting that highest state of life. Chanting these words put us on par with Buddhist priest who have spent their whole life in a monastery, instantly -- and without the revealing robe!
Nam comes from the Sanskrit word namas, meaning "bow" or "reverence." It means "dedication." In Nichiren Buddhism we dedicate our lives to the happiness of self and others.
Myoho consists of myo, which means "mystic" or "wonderful," and ho, meaning law. Myoho is often translated as Wonderful or Mystic Law, the fundamental Law of the universe that works in wondrous ways.
Renge, literally "lotus flower," symbolizes the simultaneity of cause and effect in Buddhism because the lotus blooms and produces fruit simultaneously. In our Buddhist practice, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the ultimate cause for bringing about the greatest effect of Buddhahood. So, the instant we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo we transform our lives into the life state of a Buddha, because, as the Lotus Sutra states, we are all Buddhas, we just don't know it (paraphrased).
Kyo means "sutra" or "teaching." Nichiren Daishonin teaches that our legs correspond to Kyo, indicating that the benefit of the Law spreads when we take action for the happiness of others. Like I'm doing to you now 😇 -- I promise, you will never find another emoji in my blog ever.
So there you have it friends, take it or leave it, but if you chant it once you will spark a spark in your life that ignites your Buddhahood. Yes, it is the secret priest knew about in ancient times but did not share until Nichiren Daishonin shared it with us, and well, almost lost his head for it. You see, the other Buddhist priest of the day were not please with him sharing their secret with us, but that is a story for another day. Stay tuned!
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| "This is fun!" |
~~ Eso Terry
