Nichiren Daishonin taught that anyone can access the profound truth of the Mystic Law, not through intellectual mastery like that required for nuclear physics, but through the simple act of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. He wrote that to free oneself from the cycle of suffering and attain enlightenment in this lifetime, one must awaken to the mystic truth inherent in all life—Myoho-renge-kyo. By chanting this phrase, practitioners connect directly with this universal Law.
The term “mystic” here does not imply magic or vagueness, but rather something real yet beyond the grasp of narrow logic or verbal explanation. Consider the Buddhist concept of ku—the state of neither existence nor non-existence—which defies conventional understanding. A more relatable example is music. A favorite melody can stir joy, sorrow, or a cascade of emotions, yet there’s no logical reason why certain notes in a specific sequence evoke such feelings. The effect of music, like Beethoven composing his Pastoral Symphony, is mystic in that it expresses something profound that cannot be fully articulated. Studying sheet music or analyzing sound waves might deepen appreciation, but only listening to the music itself brings its true impact to life.
Similarly, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like playing a piece of music to experience its essence. While studying Buddhist teachings can enhance understanding, the act of chanting is the direct path to grasping the Mystic Law within. In a letter written in 1255, just two years after proclaiming Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as the ultimate truth, Nichiren Daishonin emphasized that Nam, meaning devotion, is expressed through chanting, making it a revolutionary practice accessible to all.
The seven characters of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo encapsulate profound philosophical concepts. Myoho—the Mystic Law—reflects the interplay between the unseen essence of life (Myo) and its tangible manifestations (ho). Nichiren Daishonin explained that myo is the intrinsic nature of life, beyond intellectual comprehension, while ho is its expression in the world, perceivable through the senses. For example, the emotional power of music is Myo, inexplicable yet real, while the notes we hear are ho. This relationship is vast, encompassing the entirety of Buddhist philosophy and life itself.
Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism offers various perspectives to understand Myoho. For instance, Myo represents the state of Buddhahood, while ho corresponds to the nine worlds (from Hell to Bodhisattva). This illustrates that our Buddha nature is inseparable from these other states and is expressed through them. On another level, Myo signifies our limitless potential, while ho reflects how much of that potential we manifest. Nichiren Daishonin taught that because everyone possesses Buddhahood, our potential is boundless, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo unlocks this infinite capacity.
