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Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Nichiren Daishonin first taught the invocation of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
in 1253AD. The phrase Nam Myoho Renge Kyo probably needs to be translated for
most people. Since this phrase really pertains to every aspect of everything,
a simple definition would not be complete, but it would certainly be a good
starting point.
Most people like to explain Nam Myoho Renge Kyo from the beginning. I find
that starting from the middle provides a more succinct train of
thought.
Renge
..of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
literally means "cause and effect"
Cause and effect is much like the principle you were taught in science class.
Every time you do something, some other appropriate event follows.
For instance, if you turn the key in the ignition of your car, your car starts.
If you fail to make this simple cause, prepare to walk.
This seems simple, but the basic law of cause and effect includes complexities
that aren't obvious. Even the simple act of turning the car key, starts a
chain of events. The key turns on the ignition and just about everything else
in your car. Turning the key further causes power to go to the starter motor
which turns the engine over, thus starting the first cycle. Once the engine is
turning on its' own, releasing the key stops turning the starter motor
(otherwise it grinds). Skipping any one of these events leads to a failure to
start the car.
Of course, the real complexity is, that the law of cause and effect involves
everything that ever happens in our life.
Myoho
..of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
literally means "mystic law"
Mystic in this case refers to the fact that we don't always understand the
link between a cause and an effect.
With the exception of mechanically inclined people, the details of starting
your car tends to be a mystery. If the car doesn't start like it usually
does, it becomes so much of a mystery that many people must take it to an
expert to get it working again.
I've seen people who have run out of gas ask "what did I do to deserve this?"
In this case, the answer isn't really what they did, but what they didn't do.
Of course I'm referring to that brief stop at the gas station. Many of our
problems are due to a lack of cause.
Another difficulty understanding the law of cause and effect is the amount of
time between the cause and the effect. Seeing this connection is sometimes
impossible, but it is still there. Cause and effect works whether we
understand it or not.
One of the benefits of this practice is understanding the relationship between
cause and effect. It seems to bring the cause and the effect closer together
so that we can recognize the relationship easier.
Kyo
..of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
literally means "Sutra"
Sutra's are the teachings of the Buddha. Kyo also refers to sound or rhythm of
your voice and the universe.
Since the law of cause and effect can be mysterious at times, we need a method
of understanding things in order to have any control over the outcome. The act
of chanting, puts us in touch with the law of cause and effect on a more
subconscious level.
Myoho Renge Kyo
..of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
literally means "mystic law of cause and effect through the teachings of
the Buddha"
At this point, we have explained Myoho Renge Kyo which also happens to be the
title of the Lotus Sutra.
The Lotus Sutra was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha at about 300BC. After about 30
years of teaching Buddhism to the people, he began teaching the Lotus
Sutra.
Shakyamuni's first order of the day was to ask everyone present to forget
everything else he had previously taught, because the Lotus Sutra was the most
important teaching of all. The Lotus Sutra required about 8 more years of
teaching.
Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282AD) realized the importance of the Lotus Sutra.
He agreed with Shakyamuni that the Lotus Sutra was greatest sutra.
Nam
..of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
literally means "devotion to"
If you devote yourself to something, you become like that something. If you
devote yourself to playing the piano, you become better at playing the piano.
Likewise, if you devote time to fixing cars, you can become the expert who can
make other peoples cars start.
In simple terms, you get back what you think about the most. If you devote
yourself to Myoho Renge Kyo, you start to understand the principles of Myoho
Renge Kyo. Since this really involves all aspects of life, it is the most
complete devotion you can have.
Getting it all together
.. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
When Nichiren first taught about Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in 1253AD, it was truly a
revolution of thought.
If you think of the book title "Gone with the Wind," you begin to think of the
entire story with all the scenes and intricate details. The title indicates
the entire story and by telling someone the title, they are going to think of
the entire story as well.
Likewise, by invoking the name of the Lotus Sutra, you are really indicating
the whole book. If you devote yourself to Myoho Renge Kyo, you become like the
Lotus Sutra. By invoking the phrase "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" once, you
essentially invoke the entire Lotus Sutra.
Nichiren Daishonin stepped outside of the normal beliefs of his day by
teaching that Buddhism offers the possibility of happiness and fulfillment in
the present life. He also taught that anyone can attain enlightenment, as we
are.
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