The phrase Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo can be likened to a formula that encapsulates profound truths about life, much like Einstein’s E=mc² distills complex principles of physics into a concise expression. While E=mc² reveals the relationship between energy, mass, and the speed of light, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo expresses the interconnectedness of life and the universe. Just as each symbol in Einstein’s equation represents a fundamental concept, each of the seven characters in Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo (with Nam being a contraction of Namu) carries deep meaning, together forming a complete expression of the Lotus Sutra’s teachings.
Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the title of the Lotus Sutra, is more than a name—it encapsulates the entire sutra, much like the name “Japan” evokes the nation’s landscapes, people, and culture. Nichiren Daishonin taught that this title contains the essence of the sutra’s twenty-eight chapters and 69,384 characters, likening it to how the spirit of a person is reflected in their eyes. The Chinese characters for Myoho-Renge-Kyo are rich with layered meanings, as classical Chinese is a highly condensed language where each character can convey multiple nuances. T’ien-t’ai, a revered Buddhist scholar, dedicated an entire work, The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra, to unpacking the significance of these five characters, highlighting their depth.
Each character in Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents an aspect of life’s reality, and together they articulate the Mystic Law (Myoho), the universal principle that binds life with all phenomena in a mutually inclusive relationship. Nichiren Daishonin described the Lotus Sutra as the “king of sutras,” flawless in both its words and principles, because it reveals this profound truth. This claim is vast and can feel daunting, much like a layperson grappling with the implications of E=mc² without a background in physics. The Lotus Sutra itself notes that this Law is so profound it is fully understood only by Buddhas, suggesting it requires a level of insight akin to expertise in a complex field.
Yet, Nichiren Daishonin emphasized that this Mystic Law is accessible to everyone, not through intellectual mastery but through the simple, sincere practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. This practice allows anyone to tap into the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, overcome life’s challenges, and move toward enlightenment, making the profound universal Law available to all.
