From Nichiren Buddhist International Center
Since April 28, 1253, when our founder, Nichiren Shonin, first recited the Odaimoku, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, followers have been chanting the Odaimoku with faith in the Eternal Buddha Sakyamuni and chanting the Lotus Sutra. Chanting the Odaimoku is the core practice of Nichiren Buddhism, and many have wondered how people can be saved or reach Buddhahood by chanting the Odaimoku.
Buddha Seed, Understanding the Odaimoku, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo fully explains the Odaimoku and how it can help save people from suffering.
From the Introduction
This booklet explains the meaning and significance of the Odaimoku (Sacred Title) of the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma (Saddharma Pundarika Sutra), or for short the Lotus Sutra. A more complete understanding requires a brief exploration and an examination of several foundational issues such as the beginnings of Buddhism based on the specifics of the life of Śākyamuni as well as his teachings.
The Lotus Sutra is the ultimate or most complete of all the Buddha’s teachings. The core or essence of the Lotus Sutra is contained in the concept known as Ichinen Sanzen of Ji, which translates to 3,000 existences in a single moment of thought. Before we talk about this concept of “Ichinen Sanzen” we first need to understand the Buddha and his life.