Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the central daimoku (title-chanting practice) of Nichiren Buddhism, a Japanese Buddhist school founded in the 13th century, in which the chanting of this phrase is regarded as the fundamental practice for attaining enlightenment and transforming one's life.
What is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo?
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is both a mantra and a declaration of faith, a statement that one's life is inseparable from the Law (Dharma) contained in the Lotus Sutra, the supreme teaching of Mahayana Buddhism according to Nichiren. The practice of chanting this phrase, called daimoku, was established by the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282), who declared on 28 April 1253 that chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra was the essential practice for all people in the Latter Day of the Law (Mappo).
Unlike many mantras that invoke a deity, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is understood as the practitioner declaring identity with and drawing on the fundamental Law of the universe, the mystic principle of cause and effect operating through all phenomena. In Soka Gakkai International (SGI), the largest lay Buddhist organisation in the world with members in 192 countries, this chanting practice is the foundation of daily life. Other Nichiren schools including Nichiren Shoshu and various Nichiren Shu lineages also practise daimoku.
The philosophy underpinning the mantra is that the Buddha nature, enlightenment, is not something to be achieved in the future or in another realm, but is accessible here and now, in this life, in this body, through this practice. The vibration of the daimoku is understood as resonating with and awakening this dormant potential.
Word-by-Word Meaning
The phrase is the Japanese rendering of the Chinese title of the Lotus Sutra with "Nam" (devotion) prepended:
- Nam: devotion, dedication; from Sanskrit "namas" (bow, surrender); "I dedicate myself to"
- Myoho: mystic law; the fundamental, unfathomable Law of the universe; from Chinese "Miao-fa" (wonderful/mystic dharma)
- Renge: lotus flower; symbolises the simultaneous arising of cause and effect (the lotus blooms and seeds simultaneously); purity emerging from the mud of delusion
- Kyo: sutra, teaching, sound; the scripture; literally "thread", that which runs through all teachings
Full translation: "I dedicate myself to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra" or "Devotion to the Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Scripture."
How to Pronounce Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Phonetic guide: NAM MYO-ho REN-gay KYO. "Nam" rhymes with "calm." "Myoho", MYO (a single syllable, like the English "myo") + ho. "Renge", REN-gay, two syllables (not "ren-jee"). "Kyo", a single syllable, KYO, like "cue-oh" compressed. The traditional chanting pace varies by school: SGI chants at a brisk, energetic pace, while Nichiren Shu chants more slowly. The mantra is traditionally chanted continuously, sometimes for many minutes or hours, and is typically accompanied by the rhythmic striking of a wooden drum (mokugyo). Common errors include adding an extra syllable to Renge (ren-ge-ay) or softening Kyo to "kee-oh."
Origins and Tradition
The Lotus Sutra (Sanskrit: Saddharma Pundarika Sutra) is one of the most influential texts in all of Buddhism, composed in India around the 1st century CE and translated into Chinese multiple times, most influentially by Kumarajiva in 406 CE. The sutra's teaching that all beings can attain Buddhahood was revolutionary within the Buddhist world. Nichiren, a monk who studied all the Buddhist schools of 13th-century Japan, concluded that the Lotus Sutra was the highest teaching and that chanting its title was the direct path to its realisation.
Nichiren's declaration of the daimoku on 28 April 1253 at Seichoji temple in Awa Province is celebrated as the founding moment of Nichiren Buddhism. He subsequently wrote thousands of letters (gosho) explaining the philosophy and practice, many of which are still studied today. The 20th century saw the enormous global growth of the SGI (Soka Gakkai International), founded by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and developed by Daisaku Ikeda, which has made Nam Myoho Renge Kyo one of the most widely practised mantras in the world.
How to Use Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in Your Practice
The primary practice in Nichiren Buddhism is gongyo, twice-daily chanting (morning and evening) of portions of the Lotus Sutra followed by sustained daimoku. Practitioners sit facing a Gohonzon (a mandala inscribed by Nichiren representing the enlightened life-state) and chant with palms pressed together (Gassho mudra). The duration of daimoku chanting varies from a few minutes to over an hour depending on the practitioner's commitment and circumstances.
For those encountering the practice outside a formal Nichiren context, the mantra can be chanted freely, seated comfortably, palms together, eyes closed or softly open. Begin with 5–10 minutes and increase as the practice deepens. The tradition holds that sincerity and consistency matter far more than technical perfection. Chanting out loud, clearly and with presence, is recommended, the vibration of the spoken mantra is considered central to its effect.
The Benefits of Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Nichiren Buddhism teaches that daimoku transforms karma, changing the fundamental causes in one's life to produce better effects. Practitioners report concrete changes in circumstances, relationships, and inner states over time, which the tradition attributes to the awakening of Buddha nature. The philosophical principle of renge (lotus, simultaneous cause and effect) suggests that every moment of sincere chanting is already the effect of awakening, not merely a cause planted for the future.
Contemporary research on repetitive chanting practices supports the measurable benefits of daimoku: reduced stress, improved mood, increased resilience, and a sense of life purpose. A unique feature of daimoku practice compared to silent meditation is its relational quality, it is typically done in community (at SGI discussion meetings and culture centres), creating powerful social support networks alongside the individual spiritual practice. Many practitioners describe a deepening confidence, reduced fear of difficulties, and an increased sense of agency in their lives as hallmarks of committed practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nam Myoho Renge Kyo mean?
It means "I dedicate myself to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra." It is both a declaration of devotion and an assertion that one's life is inseparable from the fundamental Law of the universe as revealed in the Lotus Sutra.
How do you pronounce Nam Myoho Renge Kyo?
NAM MYO-ho REN-gay KYO. Renge is two syllables: REN-gay (not "ren-jee"). Kyo is a single compressed syllable.
How many times should you chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo?
There is no fixed number. Daily practice in the Nichiren tradition involves morning and evening sessions of at least several minutes. Many practitioners chant for 30 minutes twice daily. Any amount of sincere, daily chanting is considered beneficial.
What tradition does Nam Myoho Renge Kyo come from?
It comes from Nichiren Buddhism, a Japanese Mahayana Buddhist tradition founded by the monk Nichiren Daishonin in the 13th century. The practice is central to Nichiren Shoshu, Nichiren Shu, and the worldwide Soka Gakkai International (SGI).
