[N]o matter how quickly we progress in coming generations, or how many great advancements we make in science and technology, the teaching of the Lotus Sutra will never be contradicted as long as humans follow the universal law, and deliver universal peace and enlightenment for suffering people. “Universal law” refers to eternal truths that never change from the past to the future, such as the law of gravity on this earth…, the law that time is passing constantly and will never change, that all living things have to grow old, and that having been born, all things will die. This teaching extends not only to the laws on Earth, but also to the laws in the universe.

“Ho” generally means a “rule” or “precept” today. Originally, “Ho” came from the Sanskrit word “Dharma,” which means “holding” and “law”, but when used in a Buddhist context it has a unique meaning. It means “a wonderful dispensation of nature” and “permanent truths” or “Universal Law,” and also means the Buddha’s teaching. This is because of the Buddha’s enlightenment 2,500 years ago. His achievement was to fully understand the “Universal Law.” So, “Ho” or “Dharma” means both “Universal Law” and the Buddha’s teachings. The essence of the “Universal Law” is expounded by the Buddha in the Lotus Sutra.

“Myo” basically has two meanings: “A wondrous function, too microscopic to discern” and “Mysterious circumstance.” Originally, “Myo” comes from the Sanskrit “Sat,” which means “Right, virtuous and true.” When “Sat” connects to the next word, “Dharma” (Ho), it becomes “Saddharma.” Then, all of a sudden, “Myo” has an amazing meaning. It means to “open all mysterious gates in the universe, and awaken hidden power; to develop and resuscitate life.” This implies that the teaching of the Lotus Sutra has wonderful mysterious powers to engender a life from sterile land, cause growth and regenerate all, just like the sun. “Myo is to resuscitate life,” said Nichiren Shonin, in one of his letters.

Namu originates from the Sanskrit word “Namas” which means “Devotion,” and was transliterated with the two Chinese characters “Na” and “Mu,” which were pronounced similarly a long time ago. The two characters are not, therefore, used for their literal meanings, “South” and “Nothing,” nor are they thought of individually. What is used is “Namu,” two characters to represent one word, signifying “Devotion.”

Nichiren Shu teaches people to chant Odaimoku, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo on a daily basis. The Lotus Sutra, which is the Buddha’s final teaching, expounds the essence of the Buddha’s enlightenment based on the universal law underlying all things in nature. It is said traditionally, that when we chant the Odaimoku (the title of the Lotus Sutra), with all our hearts, and a sense of faith, the Buddha-nature within our minds will fuse with the Buddha’s mind, and we are able to receive the Buddha’s rewards unconsciously – wisdom, compassion, supernatural powers and enlightenment.

We all have Buddha’s nature, without exception. May we recognize it, and strive to realize that the Buddha world is the real world with Odaimoku. This is the faith of the Lotus Sutra. Please make the effort to chant Odaimoku everyday, for yourself and your neighbors.

This ideal world, or “Buddha world” does not refer only to a world we enter after death. It is possible to enter it during our lifetime. Therefore we use the words “Becoming a Buddha” for someone who is still alive. Nichiren Shonin said, “The true way of a Bodhisattva or Buddha is to strive to achieve the Buddha world.”

[O]ne must not deplore the real world because of the degradation and disorder. Don’t think about a next unknown world, even heaven, because what is definite is that we must live in this sensuous real world now. We should see this world as it is, and make more effort to change it into the ideal world, the “Buddha’s World.” Even if we don’t achieve this during our lifetimes, after death we will enter into the Buddha world automatically.

Just as we can’t see our own eyebrow because it is so close to the eye, we cannot clearly recognize the nature which is in our own mind, because we are enjoying things like whisky, and are drowning in the sea of temporary enjoyment. Therefore it is impossible to make the seed of the Buddha-nature sprout. In order to develop the seed, you must chant Odaimoku. Once you recognize that everyone has this nature, and can become a Buddha, your character will naturally become modest. By way of practicing to attain enlightenment, you will feel the gratification of living not only for yourself, but also for other people.

Nichiren Buddhism is called a “positive religion” because the Lotus Sutra instructs us to confront reality positively, and improve our lives by making efforts with faith. Generally, this world is spoken of negatively, and is called a degraded and disordered world. However, Nichiren Buddhism is different. Even though this world seems like it is degraded, and a world filled with deep desire, we are Buddha’s children. We all have Buddha’s nature, as a seed, waiting to become a Buddha and to construct an ideal world, the “Buddha’s world.” Unfortunately, it is difficult to recognize this nature by oneself, even if it is a part of our own mind.