Nam(u) Myōhō Renge Kyō

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and Namu Myoho Renge Kyo (Japanese南 无 妙法 莲华 経) is the central mantra and the fundamental practice in Nichiren Buddhism. It is also referred to as daimoku (Japanese题目) or with Honorativpräfix than O- daimoku (お題目).

" Myoho Renge Kyo " is the Sino- Japanese pronunciation of the title of the Lotus Sutra, the ' Nam (u ) "(南 无, the " u " can be heard in the Nichiren Shū tradition mostly in the Nichiren Shoshu - tradition, it is, however, in the debate partially dumb and totally silent in the Soka Gakkai ) is a Buddhist term that simultaneously praise, devotion and affirmation of faith means and in many Buddhist formulas (as well as the Nembutsu ) occurs, jewish comparable to the Christian Amen. However, for the Japanese monk Nichiren and scholar (1222-1282) presented these five syllables of myo- Hō - Ren -Ge - Kyo, the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha's total dar. For Nichiren was thus reciting this mantra almost equated with the recitation of the entire lotus Sutra and should therefore reaffirm faith in the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.

The daimoku is at the center of the Gohonzon, the mandala in Nichiren Buddhism, and belongs next to this, and the ordination platform ( kaidan ) to the " Three Great Secret Dharmas " (三大 秘 法, Sandai - hiho, which are:本 門 の 本尊, honmon no honzon ;本 門 の 戒壇, honmon no kaidan ;本 門 の 題目, honmon no daimoku ), always it is also part of the so-called Gongyo.

By reciting the daimoku (唱 题, Shodai ) is the principle existing in every human Buddha nature are manifested or the believer already in this life are the Buddha.

Translation

A translation of this mantra is very difficult to accurately formulate what can be illustrated by an explanation of each component:

• Namu (南 无) is a word from Sanskrit ( namas ), the "take" with the German word ( in the sense of take or hold ) is root related. It can be translated as "I dedicate myself " or " I seek refuge ." This word is also known by among Buddhists often used greeting " Namaste" (Sanskrit नमस्ते नमस्त ) or " Namaskar ". In Amitabha Buddhism we find this word, for example in the mantra " Namu Amida Butsu " (南 无 阿弥陀佛) again.
• Myo - hō (妙法) can be translated as " true law ( Dharma )" or " wonderful law." Another meaning of myo is, however, " mystical " and thus stands for the incredible invisible aspects of life, whereas hō (Law, Dharma ) for which is manifesting parts. From Nichiren is also said that it should have with " open " and declared " fully equipped " Myoho.
• Renge (莲华) means lotus plant. It is considered a symbol of the simultaneity of cause and effect, since it carries both fruit and blossom. It also stands for purity in the midst of impurity. Your always clean flowers and leaves ( see Lotus effect) symbolize the Buddhahood, and as the bottom or water plant needs the mire and mud, which is for the impurities and adversities of life to grow at all.
• Kyō (経) represents Sutra. As Sutra Buddhist scriptures are commonly referred to, which have the teachings of Shakyamuni to content.

By adding " Nam (u ) " could be the mantra that is, with "I dedicate myself to the wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra " or "I dedicate myself to the mystic law of cause and effect" or " Blessed be the wonderful Lotus Sutra! " translate. Ultimately, however, these are only translation approaches, as in the various Nichiren schools the meanings and interpretations of a different weighting is attached.