In Nichiren Buddhism, a Middle Way is chosen between the way of awakening through self-effort and the way of awakening through total reliance on the Buddha. This Middle Way is the practice of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, which is the seed of awakening. This seed eventually bears fruit as the realization that the true nature of our lives is none other than the true Focus of Devotion, the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha.