The word Namu … comes to signify a firm and full dedication of our lives, in both its physical and spiritual aspects. In other words, we express our faith in the Buddha and his teachings, particularly in the Lotus Sutra, and at the same time dedicate ourselves to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in every possible way.

In the prose section of the Juryo (16th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra we find the phrase “lsshin Yok-ken butsu, Fuji Shaku Shin’myo” which means “sincerely wishing to see the Buddha, one does not hold back his life.” These final passages clearly show that our determination, understanding, devotion and refuge must all rise in a sincere and non-selfish manner, and through earnest faith and practice.

By embracing the faith and practice of Myoho Renge Kyo, we can revitalize our lives. In other words, regardless of the state of life in which we find ourselves at any given moment, through faith and practice we can transform any life condition (no matter how negative) into enlightenment. In this way, we can develop wisdom and a life that is no longer a slave to pain, delusion and suffering.

The lotus grows in muddy ponds and stagnant waters. It is often said that the dirtier the water, the more beautiful the flower. If we establish an analogy between this and everyday life, it illustrates that with pure Buddhist faith and practice, the problems and sufferings we experience every day are transformed into the pure and wonderful conditions of Buddhahood, in the same way a beautiful and pure lotus emerges from muddy water.

[T]his seed of potential (or latent) Buddhahood must be fed, watered and cared for just like any other living thing. This can be done only through the nourishment of the Lotus Sutra, that is, reciting the Sutra and Namu Myoho Renge Kyo while dedicating ourselves to the Buddha. Without sincere faith and practice, the seed of enlightenment hidden in our lives cannot receive nourishment and, therefore, cannot blossom and grow, much less flourish.

Chanting the Odaimoku in Nichiren Shu is done to become closer to the Buddha and Nichiren Shonin. We chant to grow in spirituality, faith, character, and in understanding. We chant so that we may develop an enlightened and pure quality of life, just as that of the Buddha himself. We strive to identify and eliminate within our own lives the negative forces and tendencies that wreck havoc on our happiness and of those around us, such as greed, anger, egocentrism, arrogance, jealousy, impatience, worry, a complaining nature, ignorance and others. These destructive elements only bring about suffering to ourselves and to all those around us.

Through faith and study, as we cultivate our Buddhist practice, we strive for understanding, insight, wisdom, respect for all life, compassion, humility, vigor, courage, confidence, strength, joy, patience, tranquility, security and satisfaction, along with the power to truly help others. These are just some of the qualities we strive to gain and manifest through our sincere daily practice and study of Buddhism.

Since the practice of chanting the Odaimoku is so important, our attitude and the way we chant is vital. It is important to strive to chant the Odaimoku with a spirit of sincerely wishing to cultivate a practice of faith, respect, devotion, awareness and gratitude.