From Gokokuji Temple Kamakura Vol.11

Let's Practice True Buddism.

Let's chant "Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo".

  Daimoku is a mantra that is chanted as the central practice of all forms of Nichiren Buddhism.
There are two types of Daimoku: the Daimoku Chanted during the Former and Middle Days of the Law, and the Daimoku to be chanted during the Latter Day of the Law. Although Bodhisattvas Vasubandhu and Nagarjuna themselves chanted the Daimoku during the Former Day of the Law, they did so to practice for themselves only.

  During the Middle Day of the Law, Nanyue, Tiantai, and others did chant the Daimoku; however, they did it only for the sake of their own practice and not for teaching others. This type of Daimoku was practiced [in order to observe one's mind] based on the theory [elucidated in the surface meaning of the words].

  Now, in the Latter Day of the Law, the Daimoku that Nichiren chants is different from that of previous ages. It is the Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo of the practice for oneself, and the practice for others. These five characters of the Daimoku possess the five major principles for interpretation:
 name, entity, essentials, function, and teaching.

Nam:

　The word "Nam" is placed at the beginning of a phrase in order to venerate and worship any god or Buddha. To explain, this word is derived from Sanskirt, and is translated as "devotion" in China and Japan. It means to offer one's life to the Buddha. Depending upon one's position in society, some people may have a wife and children, servants, a manor, gold and silver, and so on, while others may not. Whether or not one possesses these treasures, there is nothing more precious than life.

Myoho:

  The word "Myo" is the character of the Lotus Sutra states. The word of "ho" literally means the mystic law. "This sutra opens the gate of expedient means in order to reveal the true aspect of all reality." The Great Teacher Zhangan interpreted this, starting, "Myo means to unlock the profound truth that has been kept secret." In response to this passage, the Great Teacher Miaole explained, "To unlock means to open." Therefore, the character "Myo" means to open [the truth].

Renge:

  The word "Renge" is the the character of the Lotus flower. It is said that it blooms in the heavens, and the cherry blossom, which blooms in the human world, are both beloved flowers, but the Buddha chose neither to represent the Lotus Sutra. Of all the varieties of flowers, the Buddha chose the lotus blossom, in particular, to symbolize the Lotus Sutra, and he had a reason for doing so.

Kyo:

  The word "Kyo" means the words and voices of all people. The annotation states, "The voice makes one learn the Buddha way. Thus, it is referred to as Kyo." It also signifies the eternity and immutability [of the Budda's teaching] throughout the three existences of life.

From Gokokuji-temple, we all hope and pray that everyone has wonderful spring time.

Yuto Kobayashi

Thank you for having you read a sentence.

If you have any questions, please reply to this e-mail. We are happy to help you to understand what the true Buddhism is.

Notice

Dear fellow friends.
We appreciate your reading the Mail-magazine or other information so far sent from Gokoku-ji.
temple here in Kamakura.

Now we like to further inform you that in hope of your keeping up interest in our Buddhism and bracing up the faith toward Nichiren Daishonin teachings, our  Nichiren Shoshu temples or relative organizations nearby in your country will make closer contact with you for future necessary guidance and inquiries. Therefore, please acknowledge the above.

Many thanks.

Nichiren Shoshu Risshozan Gokokuji Temple

International Division

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