Nichiren promoted the single seven-character phrase of Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo as a way of reading, reciting, and keeping the Lotus Sutra. This single phrase is easy to memorize and easy to chant. Nichiren, however, did not invent this phrase, since it had been used before, primarily as a deathbed practice. What Nichiren did that was unique was to advocate it as a universal practice and as a single abbreviated way to practice the Lotus Sutra, accessible to anyone at any time.