Pagan Blog Project - N is for Nam Myoho Renge Kyo & Nichiren

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in Japanese

The Buddhist part of Buddhagan refers to my practice of Nichiren Buddhism. The primary practice of NB is to chant nam(u) myoho renge kyo which translates into  devotion to the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is believed to be the last and most important writing of the historical Buddha (see my post here). It is thought that just the title of the Lotus Sutra contains the essence of the Sutra itself and to chant nam(u) myoho renge kyo is to harness that power.

Nam or Namu?
Nam is a contraction of namu; I use both in my chanting. Various NB sects will argue over which is correct. I say it doesn't matter as long as you chant one or the other or both. It's equivalent to arguing over I'm vs I am.

Nichiren Himself
Nichiren studied Tendai in the 13th century which is another form of Buddhism. After he left the Tendai monastery, he continued to study on his own. He concluded that Buddhists should follow the Lotus Sutra.  Nichiren wrote many letters to the government of his day accusing the other Buddhist paths of corruption. He also wrote letters to his followers and priests to encourage them.

Why NMRK & Nichiren Buddhism
The Lotus Sutra teaches that everyone has a Buddha nature. Chanting helps to unlock it. Of course, you don't have to chant NMRK or even be a Buddhist. Chanting is only one way to meditate.