I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (daimoku - Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism) for about 4.5 years. I also regularly attend Soka Gakkai International (SGI) meetings. I have experienced a lot of benefits from the practice.
So, I have this experiential issue. I really wish I could split my life in two, like a multiverse theory (which I don't really believe in), where one instance of me goes through life chanting and another instance goes through life not chanting. Then, examine each life at the end. Which is preferable? This isn't going to happen, so we have to test some other way, like having some kind of task performed, measuring the quality, speed with which the task is done. There are almost an infinite number of tests that could be performed.
Of course, the biggest thing that changes when we chant is us. We open our eyes to the courage and wisdom within. In this sense, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is not supernatural. It fuels us to work hard and helps us find the wisdom to move forward.
When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we are opening our eyes to our Buddhability within; we are believing in ourselves at the deepest level. It also helps us to see the Buddhability in others. Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda writes:
Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is a practice that aligns one's life with the universal law of cause and effect. By doing so, practitioners can transform their karma, overcome challenges, and manifest their desires. The benefits of chanting are multifaceted, ranging from improved mental well-being and clarity to tangible improvements in one's circumstances. Many have reported breakthroughs in their personal and professional lives, improved relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose. For more insights, you can explore our article on Chant Your Way to Inner Peace: Embracing Change Through the Power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Some of the changes we see from chanting are very obvious—our boss recognizes our work or we find a great apartment. Some are subtler and less tangible—we feel more comfortable in our own skin. We feel more optimistic. Or we expand our ability to listen to others, and they trust us more as a result.
Another distinctive feature of Nichiren Buddhism is the concept of chanting based on a vow. It's not just a ritual or a practice; it's a commitment. A commitment to transform one's life, to bring forth innate Buddhahood, and to contribute positively to society. This vow-driven approach is believed to amplify the effects of chanting, making it a potent tool for personal and societal transformation.
Nichiren's teachings also highlighted the importance of the community in the practice of Buddhism. He fostered a sense of unity among his followers, encouraging them to support one another in their shared journey of faith. This sense of community is evident in platforms like Nam Social, where Nichiren Buddhists come together to share, learn, and grow in their understanding of the teachings.
Of course, it’s also fine to chant with the resolve to become bigger-hearted or for the welfare of your friends and for kosen-rufu—the happiness and prosperity of all humankind. You are free to chant for whatever you wish. It’s all up to you.
Some of the changes we see are very obvious—our boss recognizes our work or we find a great apartment. Some are subtler and less tangible—we feel more comfortable in our own skin. We feel more optimistic. Or we expand our ability to listen to others, and they trust us more as a result.
The simple explanation is that you are practicing mindful concentration. The latter threefold division of concentration required in the Noble Eightfold Path. Whether you are doing sitting meditation, chanting sutras, calling the name of the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, or chanting mantras, or even following the monastic discipline Vinaya as a monk. You can't simply concentrate on anything though, importantly it must be Right Mindfulness that is skillful.
Now you plant seeds and water them with more confidence, and they bloom more brilliantly than before. In other words, it’s only natural that the longer and more frequently you do it, the greater changes you will see. Even weeks and months is enough time to see Nam-myoho-renge-kyo work in your life.
From that time on, putting prayer first, they have contributed to their communities, promoted trust for our movement, fostered capable individuals and worked together harmoniously for the prosperity of their home region.
Yes, it’s misguided to think that simply chanting without making any serious attempt to study will improve your grades. The realization of your prayers begins with making concrete efforts toward their fulfillment. … At the same time, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, you will see, as clearly as the morning sun illuminates the earth, what you must do to succeed in your studies and your life. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will give you the energy to keep trying to achieve your goals. Faith and prayer are the engines that fuel our efforts-we have to make our own efforts.
I have been practicing various mantras in conjunction with NMRK and have not had any conflicts but I would suggest to choose Buddhist mantras such as om mane padme hum or the great zhunti mantra.
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Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like planting a garden. At first, you water the seeds, not sure if you’re doing it right. Then you think you see subtle changes as days go by, but you still don’t know if it’s having an effect. But then, after weeks of tending to it, flowers start to bloom all around you!
Driving or commuting on the train usually demands our full attention, so it’s not an ideal place to chant. However, there may be moments when we might feel compelled to chant in these places because we are stressed out or angry, and that is totally fine.
Juzu Beads, or prayer beads, are used in Nichiren Buddhism during chanting and meditation. They serve as a tool to help keep focus and count the number of recitations. Each bead has symbolic significance, representing various aspects of life and the universe. Learn more about their use and meaning in our article How to Chant With Juzu Beads?.
How is chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo an act of self-love? In the same way that our name represents who we are, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo we are affirming everything that is taught in the Lotus Sutra.