Nam comes from the Sanskrit namas , meaning to devote or dedicate oneself .
Myo can be translated as mystic or wonderful , and ho means law . This law is called mystic because it is difficult to comprehend . What exactly makes it difficult to comprehend ? It is the wonder of ordinary people , beset by delusion and suffering , awakening to the fundamental law in their own lives and realizing that they are inherently Buddhas able to solve their own problems and those of others .
Renge means lotus blossom . The lotus flower is pure and fragrant , unsullied by the muddy water in which it grows . Similarly , the beauty and dignity of our humanity is brought forth amidst the sufferings of daily reality .
Kyo literally means sutra and here indicates the Mystic Law likened to a lotus flower , the fundamental law that permeates life and the universe , the eternal truth .
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo could be described as a vow , an expression of determination , to embrace and manifest our Buddha nature . It is a pledge to oneself to never yield to difficulties and to win over one ’ s suffering . At the same time , it is a vow to help others reveal this law in their own lives and achieve happiness .
Chanting
Chanting is a method of cultivating mindfulness , a tool for helping you wake up .
Nam comes from the Sanskrit namas , meaning to devote or dedicate oneself .
Myo can be translated as mystic or wonderful , and ho means law . This law is called mystic because it is difficult to comprehend . What exactly makes it difficult to comprehend ? It is the wonder of ordinary people , beset by delusion and suffering , awakening to the fundamental law in their own lives and realizing that they are inherently Buddhas able to solve their own problems and those of others .
However , once you understand what ’ s going on , you come to see that Buddhist liturgies are not intended to worship a god but to help us realize enlightenment . In Buddhism , enlightenment ( bodhi ) is defined as awakening from one ’ s delusions--especially the delusions of the ego and of a separate self . This awakening is not intellectual , but rather a change in how we experience and perceive .
Renge means lotus blossom . The lotus flower is pure and fragrant , unsullied by the muddy water in which it grows . Similarly , the beauty and dignity of our humanity is brought forth amidst the sufferings of daily reality .
Kyo literally means sutra and here indicates the Mystic Law likened to a lotus flower , the fundamental law that permeates life and the universe , the eternal truth .
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo could be described as a vow , an expression of determination , to embrace and manifest our Buddha nature . It is a pledge to oneself to never yield to difficulties and to win over one ’ s suffering . At the same time , it is a vow to help others reveal this law in their own lives and achieve happiness .