What does Nam-myoho-renge-kyo mean?
남묘호렌게쿄(南無妙法蓮華経, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo) (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo / 南無妙法蓮華経) is a Buddhist chant meaning "devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra," established by Nichiren (日蓮) as the essence of the Lotus Sutra (法華經) and the core practice of Soka Gakkai (創価学会) and Korea SGI (韓國SGI).
Overview
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo combines 'Namu' (devotion), 'Myoho' (Mystic Law), and 'Renge-kyo' (Lotus Sutra). Nichiren taught that this title contains all the merit of the Lotus Sutra and that chanting it is a source of inner transformation and peace.
Related Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nam-myoho-renge-kyo mean?
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経, 남묘호렌게쿄) means 'devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra.' 'Nam' (南無) means devotion, 'Myoho' (妙法) means the Mystic Law, and 'Renge-kyo' (蓮華経) refers to the Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경).
Who established Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経) was established by the 13th-century Japanese priest Nichiren (日蓮, 니치렌), who taught that this chant encapsulates all the merits of the Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경).
What is the significance of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?
In the Soka Gakkai (創価学会) tradition, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経) is a practice for awakening one's innate Buddha nature and drawing forth wisdom, courage, and compassion. Ikeda Daisaku (池田大作) presented it as the practical basis of human revolution.
What is the relationship between Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and the Lotus Sutra?
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経) is a chant of devotion to the title of the Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경). Nichiren (日蓮) taught that in the age of mappo (末法, the Latter Day of the Law), the essence of the Lotus Sutra is contained within this title.
How is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo practiced in Korea SGI?
Members of Korea SGI (韓國SGI, 한국SGI) chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (南無妙法蓮華経) daily and perform gongyo (勤行), a morning and evening practice that includes reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra (法華經, 법화경).