The Law - The Dharma

During his last address to his disciples, and therefore to us, Shakyamuni (Siddhartha Gautama) Buddha told us to "work out our own salvation with diligence". How do we do this we may ask? He gave us the answer. He said words to the effect "Do not worship me, worship the Law (the teaching or the "Dharma"). Devote yourself to the law and you will obtain the same enlightenment that I have obtained". This devotion has taken many forms in the long history of Buddhism. Nichiren, the Buddha for the Latter Day, gave very clear instructions on how we can devote ourselves to the law and thus obtain our own enlightenment, our own Buddha state. The fundamental practice is the chanting of the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nichiren's wonderful "formula", also known as the "Daimoku" which contains within it the Dharma as taught in the Lotus Sutra.

The simplest explanation of the words of the Daimoku is given below. For a fuller explanation click on the words in the left-hand column. (Note: some of these pages are under construction and will be added as they become available)

Nam

"Devotion to.." specifically devotion to the Mystic law

Myoho

".. the Mystic Law.." , the law of life

 Renge

" .. of the Lotus…" , the lotus blossom, representing karma

Kyo

" Sutra " the teaching itself, the voice of the Buddha

HOW TO CHANT | THE ETERNITY OF LIFE | PRAYER IN BUDDHISM

(Some of these pages are under construction)