Why Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Is Called the Mystic Law | Nichiren Buddhism
Why Is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Called the Mystic Law?
When people hear the word “mystic,” they may think of something mysterious, supernatural or beyond explanation.
In Nichiren Buddhism, however, “mystic” has a much deeper and more precise meaning.
The term refers to the profound and often unseen workings of life—the relationship between causes and effects, the potential inherent within life, and the way our inner transformation can manifest in our lives.
This is why Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is called the Mystic Law.
What Does “Mystic” Mean in Buddhism?
The Mystic Law refers to the profound workings of life that cannot always be fully understood through ordinary perception or intellect alone.
For example, we can clearly observe the actions we take, but we cannot always immediately see how those actions will affect our future.
A cause may be made today, while its effect may become apparent much later.
The law operates whether or not we are consciously aware of it.
This profound relationship between the visible and invisible aspects of life is one reason it is described as mystic.
Myoho: The Heart of the Mystic Law
The word Myoho lies at the heart of the expression Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Myo
Myo refers to the profound, unseen and latent aspects of life.
It can also be understood in relation to the life state of Buddhahood, which exists within us even though it may not always be apparent.
Ho
Ho refers to the manifest and tangible aspects of life—the realities we can experience and observe in our daily lives.
Our emotions, circumstances, relationships, actions and experiences all belong to this visible, manifest aspect.
Myoho
Together, Myoho expresses the profound relationship between the unseen and the seen aspects of life.
The potential for Buddhahood exists within life, and that potential can be manifested through our actions and practice.
Why Is Cause and Effect Called Mystic?
One of the fundamental principles associated with the Mystic Law is cause and effect.
The interesting thing about cause and effect is that they do not always appear simultaneously in an obvious way.
When we make a cause, its effect is already inherent in the process, even though we may not immediately see the result.
For example, when we consistently make causes through our thoughts, words and actions, the effects may take time to become apparent.
This is why Buddhist practice emphasizes:
Faith
Consistency
Patience
Continued effort
We continue making positive causes even when the results are not immediately visible.
How Does Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Relate to the Mystic Law?
Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the fundamental practice of Nichiren Buddhism.
The practice is not about asking an external supernatural power to solve our problems.
Rather, chanting enables us to bring forth the life state of Buddhahood inherent within us.
Through our Buddhist practice, qualities such as:
Wisdom
Courage
Compassion
Life force
Hope
can emerge from within our lives.
As our inner life changes, our way of responding to circumstances also changes. This enables us to challenge difficulties and create positive outcomes.
The Mystic Law in Everyday Life
The Mystic Law is therefore not something separate from ordinary life.
It is expressed through the way we live, the causes we make, the challenges we face and the wisdom we develop.
Our circumstances may not always change immediately, but our inner transformation can begin the moment we determine to challenge our situation based on faith.
This is one of the profound meanings behind chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Conclusion: What Is the Mystic Law?
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is called the Mystic Law because it expresses the profound workings of life and the relationship between the unseen potential within life and its visible manifestation.
It teaches that Buddhahood is inherent within us, that our causes produce effects, and that through Buddhist practice we can bring forth our innate wisdom, courage and compassion.
The “mystic” does not mean supernatural.
Rather, it points to the profound and often unseen workings of life that become visible through our actions and experiences.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is therefore not simply a phrase to chant—it represents a profound law of life that we can put into practice in the midst of our everyday existence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mystic Law?
The Mystic Law refers to the profound workings of life, including the relationship between the unseen potential within life and its visible manifestations.
Why is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo called the Mystic Law?
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo expresses the fundamental law governing life and the relationship between cause and effect, while revealing the inherent potential for Buddhahood within every person.
What does Myoho mean?
Myoho refers to the profound relationship between the unseen or latent aspects of life (Myo) and the manifest, visible aspects of life (Ho).
Does “mystic” mean supernatural?
No. In this context, “mystic” refers to the profound and often difficult-to-perceive workings of life rather than supernatural phenomena.
How does chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo help?
According to Nichiren Buddhism, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo enables practitioners to bring forth their inherent Buddhahood and develop qualities such as wisdom, courage and compassion, helping them transform the way they respond to life's challenges.
Key Takeaway
The Mystic Law is “mystic” not because it is supernatural, but because it reveals the profound workings of life—particularly the relationship between the unseen potential within life, cause and effect, and the manifestation of Buddhahood in our everyday lives.