Q&A

What mantra do practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism chant?

What mantra do practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism chant?

The main practice of Nichiren Buddhists is chanting, primarily the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo which means ‘I devote my life to the law itself’. Chanters repeat this mantra to enter more deeply into the spiritual tradition of the Lotus Sutra.

When should I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo?

Those who practice the chanting to their Gohonzon, do so once in the morning and once in the evening. They practice Gongyo, where at first the Lotus Sutra is recited and then they chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.

Why do we need to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?

Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo activates the ninth Consciousness that is pure and untainted and is a repository of virtues like courage, compassion, wisdom and creative energy. By chanting NMHRK, we can eradicate our negative mindset and replace it with these positive attributes.

Who is the founder of Nichiren Buddhism in Japan?

Nichiren Buddhism ( Japanese: 日蓮仏教) is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism based on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese Buddhist priest Nichiren (1222–1282) and is one of the Kamakura Buddhism schools. Its teachings derive from some 300–400 extant letters and treatises attributed to Nichiren.

What is the Gohonzon used in Nichiren Buddhism?

The Gohonzon used in Nichiren Buddhism is composed of the names of key bodhisattvas and Buddhas in the Lotus Sutra as well as Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo written in large characters down the center.

What did Nichiren leave to his followers after his death?

After his death, Nichiren left to his followers the mandate to widely propagate the Gohonzon and Daimoku in order to secure the peace and prosperity of society. Traditional Nichiren Buddhist temple groups are commonly associated with Nichiren Shōshū and various Nichiren-shū schools.

What kind of classification system does Nichiren Buddhism use?

Nichiren proposed a classification system that ranks the quality of religions and various Nichiren schools can be either accommodating or vigorously opposed to any other forms of Buddhism or religious beliefs.