The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo,[1] the heart of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, contain the benefit amassed through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas throughout the three existences. Then, how can these five characters not include the benefits obtained by observing all of the Buddhas’ precepts?
“The Teaching, Practice, and Proof,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 481
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo contains the benefit accumulated through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas; it can lead people to enlightenment and create a Land of Tranquil Light.
The lives of those who strive to spread the Mystic Law as Bodhisattvas of the Earth become one with the realm of Buddhahood in the universe and can bring forth boundless and immeasurable power.
My mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, encouraged members, saying, “Sweep away all obstacles with vigorous daimoku!” Powerfully chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the wondrous sound of renewal for which all the world yearns, let’s courageously carry out actions of great good.
Translated from the June 18, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.
References
- Myoho-renge-kyo is written with five Chinese characters, while Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is written with seven (nam, or namu, being comprised of two characters). The Daishonin often uses Myoho-renge-kyo synonymously with Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in his writings. ↩︎
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