Chanting nam myoho renge kyo is a truly powerful practice which can transform your life and mindset in hugely positive ways. There are a few ways you can focus your mind when chanting, but the practice becomes even more profound when you focus your attention on the meaning of what you’re actually saying. Not just the literal translation of the words, but what they represent. This mantra is rich in history and symbolism and can be interpreted in various ways, but all really coming down to the same general idea.
Back To The Beginning
Let’s start with a brief (and very basic) history lesson to really understand the significance of these words.
Everyone knows the gist of the story of the Buddha, the prince who renounced his privileged lifestyle and went off in search of solutions to the problem of human suffering. After years of asceticism and meditation, he eventually became awakened to the true nature of reality, or enlightened, while meditating under a Bodhi tree. After his Awakening, he spent the next 50 years travelling around the region of modern-day India and Nepal, teaching his insights. His teachings were passed down by word of mouth, and eventually captured in writing in what are known as the Buddhist sutras.
Throughout the time that he travelled and taught, his teachings were honed and refined as his own understanding of reality evolved. Therefore, the content of the various sutras differs slightly depending on when the teachings were delivered.
The Lotus Sutra is said to contain the Buddha’s most evolved teachings that he delivered towards the end of his life. One of the most significant aspects of the Lotus Sutra is that the Buddha came to realise that all beings, regardless of their karmic balance, poverty level, gender or physical condition, can become enlightened, within this lifetime. Previously, it was believed that people needed to generate good karma over several lifetimes in order to achieve enlightenment, so this was a profound development in the Buddha’s teachings.
A couple of thousand years later (give or take), along came a Japanese monk called Nichiren. After spending years studying all the Buddhist sutras, he concluded that the Lotus Sutra does indeed capture the essence of the Buddha’s final teachings. Taking things one step further, he also declared that any person could achieve enlightenment, and connect with their inner Buddha nature, simply by reciting the title of the sutra. Thus Nichiren Buddhism, and the practice of chanting nam myoho renge kyo, was born.
The Meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
The main body of the mantra, Myoho Renge Kyo, is the kanji (Japanese interpretation of Chinese symbols) translation of the title of the Lotus Sutra.
- Myoho – translates roughly to “Wonderful Dharma” or “Mystic Law”, which is considered by Nichiren Buddhists to refer to a universal law of cause-and-effect. This can also be interpreted as the modern spiritual concept of the Law of Attraction (explained further here).
- Renge – translates to “lotus flower”. The symbolic significance of the lotus flower is really beautiful, which is why I usually focus on a picture of the lotus whenever I chant. The lotus flower seeds and blooms at the same time, representing the simultaneity of cause and effect. So, once a person has made a cause (or taken a positive action), the effect has already happened (but might not manifest until later). The lotus flower also blooms in muddy/swampy water, representing the potential for any person to attain enlightenment in the “swamp” of human suffering.
- Kyo – translates to “sutra”, “teaching”, or “the voice of the Buddha”.
Finally, the sutra title is invoked through the use of the word Nam.
- Nam is a Sanskrit word, derived from “namas” which is taken to express devotion or worship. It’s the same root of the more familiar “namaste”, which means “I honour the divinity within you”. It can also be interpreted in a slightly less subservient way, as a form of alignment or activation.
Taken as literally as possible, then, nam myoho renge kyo translates to something along the lines of “I devote myself to the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra”.
You don’t have to think about it in those precise words, though.
Interpretation Is Everything
In the Irish language, “dia duit” means “hello”. The literal translation of “Dia duit” is “God be with you”, which would have been an appropriate greeting in an ancient culture of devout Christianity. Nowadays, more and more Irish people identify as atheist or agnostic, and would balk if anyone actually greeted them by saying “God be with you” (in English). Simply saying “dia duit”, though, carries no religious weight or resistance – it is the intent behind the words that counts.
Similarly, while it is important to know the origins and meaning of nam myoho renge kyo, there is no need to place any great emphasis on the literal translation of the words. The translation above may sound a bit too deferential or old-fashioned for some. As a one-time atheist with an aversion to the concept of “devotion” or supplication to any unseen being or force outside myself, I didn’t like the literal translation when I came across it. I want to Connect, sure, but I’m not into the idea of “bowing” to anyone or anything.
But that’s not it at all.
Myoho Renge Kyo, and later Nam, were the words that were used in a particular time and culture. They were simply the best words to use which resonated with people at that time. But the meaning and intent goes much deeper than the literal translation. There are many ways to interpret the mantra without losing the deeper meaning underlying it, and you are free to pick whatever interpretation resonates best with your soul, and use that intention to fuel your practice every day.
I devote myself to the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Flower.
I bow to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra.
I align myself with the Law of Cause and Effect.
I connect with my inner Buddha nature.
I align myself with the Law of Attraction.
The creative energy of the Universe flows to and through me.
I Am spiritual energy, incarnate.
I Am a spiritual being having a human existence.
My outer life reflects my inner self.
What I put out, I get back.
I am a drop in the ocean of Universal energy.
I am the Creator of my own Life.
The Universe provides.
Life Loves Me.
I Am Love.
I Am God.
We Are One.
These are just some examples of how you might like to interpret nam myoho renge kyo. Some interpretations may be looser than others, but it all comes down to the same basic idea that there is a greater creative energetic process going on, and that this practice Connects you with that universal energy. It may be useful to reflect or meditate upon this, upon the meaning of the words in their historical context, upon how that original concept might be transposed into modern (or your own) understandings of spirituality, upon your own intentions and desires in dedicating yourself to this practice. Find the interpretation that resonates best with your soul, and use that to fuel the transformative power of the Universe to manifest that interpretation in your own life.
What’s your favourite interpretation of nam myoho renge kyo? Do you have another one that isn’t listed here? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I just found out nam myoho renge kyo just last week thru tina turner documentary. Then to your blog and it really explain well. But why is that when I first chanted NMRK my dreams are all about my present problem? And it seems my feelings wants to fight? Why is that?
I need to practice deeper Keeping track is hard How can I over this So I master the practice and chant more
Hi John, I totally agree that building and maintaining a consistent practice is difficult – I struggle with this myself too. I would suggest perhaps setting daily reminders on your phone, or sticking a note up somewhere in your house where you will see it every day, to prompt you to practice. I hope you find a method that works for you.
Thank you so much for the information and in depth explanation, I appreciate your support.
I do not practice Buddha, however I know many that are.
Thank you so much for your comment, I’m glad you found this information helpful!
Hi Jessica
I have been in this practice off and on. I return to your articles and find a friendly and simple explanation of something very profound.
I have tried some other practices too , including Hooponopono… which attracted me a lot. However my problem is that I keep switching horses and keep hopping from one practice to another. Is this a major issue. Someone wrote … You must ride one horse to achieve anything substantial.
I would like read your comments
Thanks and best wishes to you ….
Hi Kalyan, many thanks for your comment! I love Ho’oponopono too, such a simple and profound practice. I do totally understand and can relate to your worry about switching from one thing to the next – I think we are all “spiritual explorers” in a sense, and how can you figure out which practice works best for you without trying them out? I believe they all ultimately relate and connect us to the same divine energy in the end. The one thing I would prioritise above all else (even NMRK) is gratitude: always finding appreciation for what you have in the here and now. So if you want to “ride one horse”, make it that one, and then feel free to explore whatever more “ritual” practices you like, and enjoy the journey! I hope this helps. Lots of love to you! xx
Just found your website last night, after having a zoom chant with my local SGI group. I love the way you explain nam myoho renge kyo and law of attraction so beautifully and simply. I find with all these teachings language gets in the way. It can often be poetic and full of metaphors which I think can be misleading as well as not correct interpretation of a foreign language. I have been practicing yoga, meditation and chanting for many years and the groups I affiliate myself with seem reluctant to discuss more modern thinking of law of attraction. Which I also listen alot to, such teachers as Ester Hicks, Wayne Dyer and Echart Tolle. I love the fact that you are Irish too, I’m from the north. This can be a lonely journey when most folk around you, school teachers, family, work colleagues, society as a whole have a completely different mind set.
More and more I am mindful to create my external life to be aligned with my internal world, regarding a more fulfilling way to create financial energy. So very interested in how you combine these elements.
Your language is so light and easily read, I would have liked to read more.
Good luck to you
Namaste
Hi Jacqui, thank you so much for your lovely comment! And yay, go Ireland! 😉 I totally agree that some groups don’t like to branch out into LOA-type thinking for some reason. I was a complete atheist when I first got into chanting, so as I was browsing around the internet and came across LOA it was so clear to me that the “mystic law”, karma, LOA etc was all the same thing, and I couldn’t understand why my SGI friends dismissed it out of hand. There’s no conflict between the belief systems at all, so yep that’s why I decided to branch out on my lonesome and write about my understanding of how it all works together. I also absolutely love all those teachers you mentioned, especially Esther Hicks, Ask And It Is Given is one of my favourite books! I’m so glad my writing has resonated with you, thank you again for reaching out. Love and light to you xx
Beautifully explained…Thank you.
Thank you so much Srinivas <3
Dear Jessica,
It is one of the best articles I have read on any subject.
You have explained the law in the simplest way with utmost liberal attitude.
Regards.
Thank you so much for the lovely comment Prakash! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Most of Jesus’ words were quoted from what Christians call the Old Testament, from Genesis (Moses 1400 BC) to Psalms (King David, 1000 BC) to Isaiah and Daniel (700 BC). But, 2000 years ago, Jesus said ” A new commandment I give you: Love one another as I have loved you.” This is my meditation.
That is a beautiful sentiment to meditate on, David, thank you for sharing!
I once practiced with a group of Nichiren Buddhists for a couple years. Never, in that time, or that I can recall, did anyone go so indepth regarding the meaning of this mantra. I eventually disaffiliated myself from the organization.
Nonetheless, chanting this mantra got me through an extremely “dark night of the soul,” despite my not truly understanding its power. After reading your amazing post, I have decided to revisit this practice after not chanting for several years. Thank you so much!
With my deepest respect
Hi Vivien, thank you so much for your lovely comment! I’m thrilled and honoured that this has steered you back towards the practice. Indeed, you don’t need to fully understand the mantra for it to have a positive effect, but it certainly helps! Lots of love to you xx
These are not the orthodox doctrines and teachings of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.
Hi Rebecca, thank you for your comment. You are quite right – I am not an orthodox follower of any particular school. All the teachings on this blog are a blend of my understandings of Buddhism and modern spirituality concepts such as the Law of Attraction. I truly believe that all these different schools of thought (including those of most world religions) come down to the same essential ideas. I hope you find some value and food for thought here!
How beautiful and delightful. Your seeking mind shines through! I have great appreciation for your efforts to bring the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra to a wider audience in a manner better suited to the cultures and people of today’s global mindset.
For myself, I regularly use the chanting of Nam MyoHo Renge Kyo to transition from what I see in my life that needs to be different somehow to become the person that has the experience of being that new self that lives the new way I want my life to be (so what I really change is myself and my total environment). Generally this will include looking at what I see (in that moment of contemplation and focus) parts that I find to be things that are negative in my mind’s eye that either have occurred or are occurring or I think and believe will occur in the future. I then use the power of faith (or rather expectation of result) in transforming my way of looking at these negatives to move my perception to a place so that I see the situations as having hidden value more than I at first saw, and the situations can then become things I appreciate about life in some manner (though this is tough to do, and especially for some things about my life). When I do this I can then respond to those situations or people, or whatever with a positive energy and attachment of value. In so doing I then create in my mind more to be seen as positive rather than my old and habitual way of responding to negative with more negative, thus creating a cycle that eventually leads to a living hell in everything I see or can think to do.
The power of this form of practice of the use of the wisdom that the lotus Sutra teaches is truly remarkable and leads to deeper and deeper understanding of the true nature of life and how to create happiness for myself and anyone that cares to share in this life changing method of what I call value transformation.
It is my belief that we are all one life, with each of out individual lives being interwoven in each other and the greater whole of being in an infinite network of cause-effect relationships, but of course that perception took me a great deal of effort to achieve simply due to the erroneous ideas I had about what the nature of reality was when I started this practice many years ago, but of course how long and what effort each person needs to take all depends upon how quickly they can release from the attachment to incorrect ideas and beliefs and learn new and more appropriate forms of thought and behavior.
All the BEST to you!
Thank you so much Herb for the warm words and for sharing your thoughts!
I absolutely love your description of transitioning “from what I see in my life that needs to be different somehow to become the person that has the experience of being that new self that lives the new way I want my life to be” – I think that is indeed the essence of what we do and what this spiritual experience is all about: transforming our experience from the inside out. The higher we can raise our own energetic frequency, the more positively we experience what is happening now, and the more positive experiences then continue to manifest.
Even the “bad” stuff, as you so rightly say, can always be viewed through a positive lens of learning or as one step on a journey. If I’m going through a tough time, I always remind myself of previous struggles which always turned out, in retrospect, to be just where I needed to be at that particular time to get to where I was going.
Thanks again, and very best wishes to you! 🙂