Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Meaning: Complete Explanation of the Chant
Introduction
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is much more than a Buddhist chant or a collection of words. In Nichiren Buddhism, it represents a profound explanation of life—how life functions, how we create causes, how we transform ourselves, and how ordinary people can manifest Buddhahood in the midst of their daily lives.
Each word carries a deeper meaning. Nam, Myoho, Renge and Kyo together express the relationship between our lives and the Mystic Law that governs life and the universe.
Let us understand the meaning of each part.
What Does “Nam” Mean?
Nam means devotion and respect.
When we chant Nam, we are not worshipping an external being or something separate from ourselves. Rather, we are making a conscious determination to devote our lives to the highest law that governs existence.
Nam therefore represents:
Commitment
Devotion
Respect
Determination
Living in harmony with the Mystic Law
It is a decision to align our lives with the highest potential inherent within life itself.
What Does “Myoho” Mean?
Myoho expresses the fundamental nature of life.
Meaning of Myo
Myo refers to the unseen, latent and mystic aspects of life—those dimensions that cannot always be fully understood through ordinary intellectual reasoning.
It also represents the enlightened life state of Buddhahood.
Meaning of Ho
Ho refers to the manifested, visible and tangible aspects of life—the realities and experiences that we encounter in our daily existence.
Together, Myoho teaches us that the enlightened and deluded aspects of life are not fundamentally separate.
The potential for Buddhahood exists within the same life in which we experience challenges, desires, suffering and other ordinary human emotions.
In this sense, enlightenment is not something that exists somewhere outside our lives. It can be manifested within our present reality.
What Does “Renge” Mean?
Renge means lotus flower.
The lotus has a remarkable characteristic: it flowers and produces its seed at the same time.
This symbolizes the Buddhist principle of cause and effect.
Whenever we make a cause through our thoughts, words or actions, the corresponding effect is simultaneously planted in our lives, even though that effect may not become immediately visible.
Renge therefore reminds us that:
Every moment is an opportunity to create a new cause.
The lotus also grows and blooms in muddy water. This provides another powerful metaphor for Buddhist practice.
We do not need to escape life's difficulties in order to develop. Just as the lotus blooms in muddy water, we can use our struggles and challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.
What Does “Kyo” Mean?
Kyo means sutra, teaching or the voice of the Buddha.
It represents the eternal truth and teaching that flows continuously through life and the universe.
Kyo can therefore be understood as the expression and transmission of the Mystic Law through the Buddha's teaching.
The Complete Meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
When we bring all four elements together, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo can be understood as:
Devoting one's life to the Mystic Law of cause and effect that permeates all life, across time and eternity.
It represents a determination to live in harmony with the fundamental law of life while bringing forth our inherent potential for Buddhahood.
Therefore, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is not simply repeating words. It is a practice through which we affirm our inherent Buddhahood, strengthen our life force and strive to live meaningfully amid the realities of everyday life.
Key Takeaways
Nam → Devotion, commitment and respect toward the Mystic Law.
Myoho → The mystic and manifested aspects of life; the inseparability of delusion and enlightenment.
Renge → The lotus; symbolizes the simultaneity of cause and effect.
Kyo → The Buddha's teaching and the eternal truth of the Mystic Law.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo → Devoting one's life to the Mystic Law of cause and effect and bringing forth one's inherent Buddhahood.