Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – because it takes prayer to transform a heart
I meet loads of people who say that if they had any religion at all, it would be Buddhism. That they love the ‘positive thinking’ aspects of the teaching, the idea that we are simultaneously free and responsible, the way it is extremely strict yet has no rules, the emphasis on being the change you want to see in the world, its idealistic pragmatism… and so on. But what some of them struggle with is the idea of chanting the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
They might be quite happy to read blogs like this, or even do affirmations into a mirror, but to actually chant, out loud? And in Sanskrit and classical Chinese rather than English (or your own mother tongue…) ? For two years after meeting this practice in 1983, I was definitely one of these people. As William Woollard says in his excellent book, The Reluctant Buddhist: “Scepticism is a tough and resourceful fighter. It doesn’t give in easily and it is very accustomed to putting together bitter rearguard actions.”
But after 28 years of Buddhist practice I am realising that philosophy and affirmations and study and hypnotherapy and coaching can all change your head and improve your mindset. But it takes prayer to transform a heart. And only transformed hearts can really change the world for the better.
I think many religions have overlooked, neglected or forgotten the power of prayer and so most of us have not experienced the way that it can transform people’s lives. Instead we put our faith in science and logic or in codes of conduct or in morality or in politicians – all of which can be powerful forces for change, but none of which change the deepest karma (destiny) of our planet.
We are sceptical about prayer or chanting. But prayer should really be the essence of any spiritual practice. The problem is that it has been lost along the way, wrapped up in inaccessible priestly robes and rituals or drowned out by the corrupt power structures of some organised religions or relegated to insignificance when faiths gets hijacked for political ends. To recap:
- With coaching, I can change my thinking, emotions and habits;
- With deeper therapy (such as hypnosis and mindfulness techniques), I change my mindset;
- With chanting I do all of the above. And I change my heart and the world.
(By the way, I don’t mean to criticise coaching or mindfulness therapy or CBT or NLP. I have benefited from them myself at times in my life and use these techniques myself as a coach. And in my own coaching sessions I speak with many spiritual people whose prayer or chanting has prompted them to seek professional help.)
The tool established by Nichiren Daishonin for accessing this ocean of joy in your life and revealing everyone’s ‘Buddha-soundtrack’ is the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. When I first heard these words in 1983, perhaps because I was an academic and a languages student, my immediate question was ‘What does that mean then?’ Whereas with hindsight I can see that the more useful question would be: ‘What does it do?’
For a linguistic interpretation of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, click here. To me this chant is simply the voice of your Buddhahood, the rhythm of life and the essential vibration of the Universe. The sound and rhythm of these simple words draws out all that is best in me and in you. Thanks to the popular psychology movement, lots of people now use affirmations to change their mindset – most personal development books recommend them.
So you could interpret Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as the ‘Daddy of all affirmations’ which contains within its many layers all of these meanings and more:
- I devote myself to the Law of Life
- I vow to transform my destiny
- I commit myself to revealing my full potential
- I determine to open my Buddha-conscious mind and clear my illusions
- I tune my life into the universal Law of cause and effect
- I am creating my future with everything I think, say and do
- I revere the eternal core of my life.
The 30 or so posts on this blog and the 240-page book that will soon accompany it are an attempt to explain what the six syllables of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo mean. Or how they make you feel. Or more importantly, what they do. My personal experience is that when I am really ‘in the zone’ with my chanting I connect with the love and light that are at the source of Life in a world that needs more of both. Nichiren once compared this mantra to ‘the roar of a lion’, such is its power.
As Daisaku Ikeda explains: “When we chant sonorously, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas throughout the Universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.”
To hear the sound of ‘sonorous chanting’ click here.
And then, if you want to change everything in your own world and beyond, give it a go. And see what it does for you…
Dx
Excellent! Written straight from the heart…
I love this article….so well written…explained!
I wholeheartedly agree! I work as a hypnotherapist and healer coaching & guiding people to amazing healing and liberating transformations. But ultimately, until they ‘pick up the gauntlet’ and begin to change themselves on ALL levels the results will be limited and sadly until they take ultimate responsibility for themselves the results will feel and be beyond their control. Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the fast track to those changes & we don’t even have to understand how it works. It will prove itself to each of us. There is no blindness in this faith.
Thank you for this very valuable contribution and I wish you every continued success helping people towards more liberating transformations, as ultimately only this sort of change can revolutionise the world. D 🙂
Thank you, again, David for boiling down the otherwise rhetorical in Nichiren Buddhism to a digestible and honest reflection. Your seven aspects of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (“I devote myself to the Law of Life; I vow to transform my destiny; I commit myself to revealing my full potential; I determine to open my Buddha-conscious mind and clear my illusions; I tune my life into the universal Law of cause and effect; I am creating my future with everything I think, say and do; and, I revere the eternal core of my life”)
“hits the nail” squarely. Thank you.
The one rumination that keeps me curious in this matter is the use of the English word, “Prayer”. The dictionary defines prayer as an asking, pleading, requesting (it goes on), assuming, by selection of this word, that the process involves duality – something or someone outside coming to the assistance of the one “praying”.
Is this what we’re doing when chanting the Daimoku? I feel a process of inner revolution and release, as well as a welling up of determination (a “vow”, if you will) to do my human revolution and change my destiny. How does this involve an “other”? Yet, we keep using the word, “prayer”, which makes me wonder if there’s something in this that I’m missing, or am I just having a linguistic confusion? In the end, whatever word one wishes to use, the process seems certain to allow inner change and absolute happiness, so, I keep going and enjoying. I’m curious to know what others may think.
Thank you all for your thoughtfulness and great cheer.
Be well, all (especially, you, David).
Mike T
Hi Mike
great to hear from you again and I agree that the word ‘prayer’ has connotations from the Abrahamic faiths that are very different to what we do in Buddhism – like you say, chanting daimoku is about determining and deciding and making a vow.
Having said that, it is hard to find a better word and ‘prayer’ is the word that Daisaku Ikeda uses – at least in the English versions of his guidance. ‘Meditation’ is not an accurate description of what we do either because ‘chanting’ is more outward-focussed, not to mention noisier! But ‘chanting’ tends to describe what we do at political rallies or football matches! So… it’s a tricky one. Perhaps the best explanation comes from SGI-USA leader Greg Martin who says: “Prayers in the Western tradition try to communicate with a transcendent power that is above and beyond us. It doesn’t exist in the life of human beings; it has to be found somewhere else. Prayer becomes other-directed. This type of religious view is based upon the premise that human beings are flawed in the depths of their being; that we are inherently ‘no good.’ Prayers then become filled with feelings of guilt and inadequacy.”
Best,
D
Really super!! As a practitioner of this philosophy I so agree that it really helps you break the shackles of limiting beliefs and completely frees and simultaneously empowers us……thanks I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts!
I was down with blues and uncertainty. This beautifully written article has put spring in my step. Thanks a lot David! Blessed Be…
Pleasure treasure! D 🙂
Great article! I would give some more thought to what calling it the daddy of affirmations infers. The word daddy has certain connotations with the accompanying gender bias. Perhaps a more neutral term would be more appropriate.
Hi Haseena,
fair point re connotations, just goes to prove that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is beyond the power of words to express. But please do feel free to suggest a gender-neutral colloquial alternative to ‘Daddy’ 🙂
Great article as usual. Your skills at explaining this Buddhism are a gift to our movement.
Regarding the concern expressed above for a more gender neutral term, perhaps: “the matrix of all affirmations” ?
I’m already looking forward to your next post.
Thank you Paolo for the compliment. William Woollard recently said that we need to find new & more relevant ways of talking about Buddhism, so for Kosen Rufu I am trying to do that for a generation familiar with excellent personal development books. I sometimes feel that non-Buddhist authors like Tony Robbins, David Taylor and Louise Hay are better at explaining Buddhist principles than we are 🙂
I am a practitioner from Singapore. At our regular meeting we are always asked to pray for others’ well being. It confused me. If for eg I want my son to change for the better, to have more wisdom in life, can my prayers reach and change him? Unless he chants himself I think it is very difficult to do so.
Thomas Tan
Hi Thomas
This is a great question thank you and in fact I think I will write a whole post on this topic soon..
So, the main thing is to chant for your son’s absolute happiness. Whatever you do, don’t chant to change him. Our children are not on this planet to follow the script we sometimes want to write for them, they arrive with their own karma and their own human revolution to do. Even if our intentions are positive, our own definition of what is ‘best’ for our kids will probably be different to theirs.
You cannot change anyone else. You can only change yourself and then the environment responds. This is the principle of esho funi. I once got very very strict guidance on this. I was trying (arrogantly) to change someone else’s behaviour and was told that this was like ‘shouting at the shadow’ in effect saying to the other person: “you change! You must change!” When actually it was me that needed to change first. When you inspire your son by demonstrating to him the actual proof of your own human revolution, he will naturally want to do his.
Does this make sense?
Warmest daimoku for your absolute victory
David
Great article! Where can I find the 240 page book you mentioned? Also can you give me a buzz about persoanal coaching please. Thanks! Gabe
Hi Gabe
many thanks for your kind comment. Re the book, I am just tweaking the final draft, deciding on a title and liaising with publishers / agents, however it should be out early 2014 and I will let you know when it is available. I will also email you later re personal coaching. Re your question on the Happiness page re eternal life – it may take me a little to get back to you (I will definitely do it this lifetime though… :-)) as this is a big question, seriously I will be in touch in the next few days and FYI this is also a topic that I address at some length in the book.
Best, David
Hi David
Thanks for the wonderful post. I am a little confused as I am chanting for my partner to change and you have suggested that we shouldn’t chant for anyone to change. please help me in understanding if I wish him to change so that he shows concern for me, respects me, treats me with equality in front of my in-laws and understand my problems. Am I doing anything wrong by chanting for this?
Hello
thank you for your question. Are you doing anything wrong? No, not as such, there are no rules in Buddhism after all, so in a sense you are doing what is right for you at this stage of your practice and will learn valuable lessons from the process you are going through. Are you doing the best thing for your relationship by chanting for your partner to change? No, I don’t think so. Would you want other people to chant for you to change? Or would you want them to respect you unconditionally? I have seen many people suffer for years while hoping their partner will change – in effect they are putting the Gohonzon outside themselves by saying: “I’ll be happy when… my husband/wife is more this or more that or more whatever…” in other words wanting them to follow a ‘script’ you have written. Much better to chant for your partner to become absolutely happy and then you will find that they naturally treat you with respect. If you are a member of SGI, it is important also to do lots of activities where you support other people as this can transform relationship karma. Finally, I would encourage you to share your challenges with your local district or chapter leader so that they can benefit from sharing your struggle and your victory. Hope this helps. David
Hi,
I chanced upon your blog when I was doing some searching for the prayer Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. I have heard many commenting how reciting the prayers changed them and their lives and I am intrigued by it all. I am a Buddhist, but not a follower of Nichiren Buddhism. Can you please enlighten how this simple chanting help to change one’s self? Thank you.
Yin
Singapore
Hello Yin
thank you for visiting my blog and for your question. How does chanting help to change your life? Well I guess every post on this blog is my attempt to answer this question :-). If you are asking me how a simple phrase can have such power, well that’s the million dollar question! The answer is, I don’t know, I just know that it does. Equally I don’t know how a tune by Ludovico Einaudi or Allegri’s Miserere can move me to tears, but I know that they do. I don’t know how the hymn ‘Jerusalem’ can stir in me a deep patriotic fervour or why when Bon Jovi are on the radio I have an uncontrollable urge to wind down the windows in my car and belt out ‘Living on a Prayer’ at the top of my voice. But I know that they do and I know that I do. So all I can really say is try chanting and see for yourself!
Or you may like the more ‘scientific’ explanation that I just shared on my Facebook page – it refers to physics, the Universe, String Theory etc… http://www.facebook.com/thankingthespoon
Anyway, I wish you every happiness in your spiritual adventure.
David
Hi David,
Thank you for your reply. Can you advise then as we chant, should we be thinking of what we want to happen in our lives?
Yin
Hi Yin
Congratulations on your seeking spirit 🙂
I think the best guidance I have ever read on this question is from an SGI-USA leader called Ted Morino. In summary, he says:
In my head, positive imaginations.
In my heart, deep prayer.
In my mouth, clear chanting.
Here is a link to the full article: https://www.facebook.com/SokaGakkaiSgi/posts/308818565928985
Also, I feel it is very important, espcially when starting out, to chant with other Buddhists so that you can have your questions answered by local people who can support you.
Warmest wishes and daimoku,
David
Great article – Reminds me of the power of prayer.
My shaman teacher taught me that we ALL have 3 FREE spiritual gifts they are Dreams. Meditation and Prayer.
For me songs are uplifting. ♫♥♪ I am today listening to Van Morrison – Enlightenment. (Making own reality every day)
However, In truth, I am struggling with ‘Non attachment’
My heart says: Acceptance is the key to peace.
With Gratitude. Love & Smiles Rose x ☆¨¯`♥ ¸.☆¨¯`♥ ¸.☆¨¯`♥
Thank you Rose for your kind words. Your Shaman teacher sounds very wise :-). ‘Non-attachment’ is a term we don’t often use in Nichiren Buddhism and although I have a rough idea of what it means, I would be interested to hear about the nature of your struggle with this.
Warm wishes,
Davidx
Hi David, Great Article!
But While going through one of your answers -“You cannot change anyone else. You can only change yourself and then the environment responds. This is the principle of esho funi. When you inspire your son by demonstrating to him the actual proof of your own human revolution, he will naturally want to do his.”
This actually confuses me. What should I actually do to change myself? When you know that the other person is wrong and ill-treating you, then instead of him to change, praying for yourself to change.. …. is simply not getting into my mind. And even if I have to change myself, then what type of changes?
Can you please elaborate more.
Hi there
thank you for your kind comment and your question. It is not easy to get this principle into your mind because it can only be understood, I feel, at a spiritual level. Re ‘what kind of change should I make’, then I would suggest you chant sincere daimoku to absolutely revere the core of your life and other people’s lives and then others will not ill-treat you. Also to recognise that at the deepest level we are all interconnected and in that sense there is no ‘other person’. There is just one humanity. This is the approach demonstrated by Bodhisattva Never Disparaging in the Lotus Sutra. If you are a member of SGI it is also wise in this situation to get guidance from one of your local leaders who can support you in your struggle – and share in your certain victory when it comes.
Warmest wishes
David
Hi David.
Thanks for your answer. But I’m trying really hard for praying for the happiness of someone whom I really hate/dislike.
And I lack compassion, I am trying but I’m not able to forgive him. I know that I need to do my human revolution, but “Prayers for him’, its not coming from my heart at all.
Well your answer is in your question. Remove the ‘But’ from your daimoku. In other words get your head out of the way, try less, trust more.
As for forgiveness… I am not sure that is the most helpful word in Buddhism, after all, when other people hurt us there is also our own karma involved, we ‘attract’ people and situations into our lives in order to fulfil our Vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. But when we chant sincerely and keep going without giving up, karma transforms into mission.
Another post called ‘The why that looks forward not back’ may help you: http://wp.me/p2VZH3-8P
Best,
David
First of all love your article very much from it being informative to exciting to read. Second of all, my younger brother mentioned this phrase/prayer to me today and my question is how many times do I do this everyday? I need to improve my life and be more aware of the things I can control and vice versa; things I can and can’t change..etc
I live in Hyattsville Maryland.
I will highly appreciate a feedback please. Thank you very much and have a great day.
Hi Khaleel
first of all I very much appreciate your kind comments about my blog and am pleased that you loved the article. In terms of learning to chant and building a daily practice, it is best if you can connect with other Buddhists in Maryland. I am writing to you from the UK but am a member of the global Buddhist movement SGI (Soka Gakkai International). I just went on the SGI-USA website and it looks like your nearest SGI centre would be here: Maryland Center, 4603 Eastern Avenue, Mt. Rainier, MD. 20712. Telephone: 301.779.3255 Is that quite close to you? They will also advise you of meetings in or near your own town – we regularly meet and chant and talk in each others’ homes. This page on the website will also give you other pointers on getting started here: http://www.sgi-usa.org/newmembers/
I hope that helps, but please write again if you have further questions.
warm wishes
David 🙂
Hi
Can anyone tell me by chanting for others can we eradicate their Karma? Just take an example of person who can’t speak, who is mentally ill, who does not have thinking power. . . I’m giving these example because I have seen them suffering and I want to pray earnestly for their good health and want to see them being happy and healthy in their life time. Is it possible to eradicate their bad karma by chanting Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo? Members say that we should not underestimate the power of Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo, if that is the case why can’t we eradicate the negative or bad karma of friends, neighbours, any unknown person who is suffering like hell? I have seen mentally ill people suffering a lot. I sincerely pray to Gohonzon that every second wherever the child is born he/she should be healthy Buddha born in this world.
Please comment on my lines. . . please share your experiences.
Hi Rahul,
Yes, your chanting for others will help the person to eradicate their Karma. You can read numerous experiences of people in VCs or on net, who have mentally ill children and their sincere Buddhist practice had improved their children’s health and lessened their sufferings. Please remember that “No Prayer goes unanswered in Buddhism”. Only thing is you really need to have the “Ichinen” (strong desire) for the cause and lots of Daimoku.
You can read one of such wonderful experience at – http://www.gakkaionline.net/Experiences/MailAutism.html
Noopsi
Hi Rahul,
thank you for your question and for sharing your seeking spirit. First of all, it is great that you feel such compassion for your fellow human beings, this in itself can create enormous value, the world needs people with a heart like yours 🙂
I feel that Noopsi’s answer above is excellent and I have very little to add. I once sought guidance on a very similar question from a very wise SGI UK leader called Jim Cowan. He told me about a schizophrenic lady who had been chanting for 20 years. I asked him if daimoku had cured her. He said that she was still a schizophrenic but that she was now a happy schizophrenic. This was a very big lightbulb moment for me.
I hope that helps.
David
Hi David,
It’s me again.
I just wonder what is the difference between Nichiren Buddhism and other Buddhism? Does the different praying and chanting have different effects? Thanks
Yin
Hi Yin
that is quite a big question, one that I may address on the blog at some point. But briefly for now… the differences are pretty massive. Nichiren was a reformer and a revolutionary who felt that Buddhism had lost its way and had become the preserve of corrupt priests. He studied all the Buddhist sutras (teachings) and taught that the Lotus Sutra was the ultimate of them all? Why, because it is unique, for several reasons:
1. It teaches that Buddhahood can be attained by everyone…
2. …including women and the working classes..
3. And that it is achievable in this lifetime
4. And that desires are an essential driving force for change and therefore should not be suppressed but rather channelled and transformed.
There are some other more profound doctrinal differences that I don’t have time to go into right now. The proof that Nichiren’s teachings are the most egalitarian of all can be seen if you look at Soka Gakkai International, the Buddhist movement I belong to – scholars, academics and social scientists are always amazed by how divers our members are – a real mix of ages, colours, sexual orientation, social class etc… and this is in stark contrast to most other forms of Buddhism in the West that tend to attract white, middle-class intellectuals. So yes, I would say that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo has a different effect to any other mantra – the best way is to try it yourself and find out!
I hope this helps answer your question.
Best
David
Hi David, thank you for your reply. From my experience, I find that in my local context, many felt Buddhism is a superstitious religion. Thus, I do not encounter many so called ‘high class’ community embracing the faith. However, I would like to seek advice as to how reciting the prayers can help me overcome some difficulties which I am facing right now. I am at a depressing state whereby I am out of job and being in my forties, am increasing facing difficulties in finding a good job. I am fearful of the future and not only that, I needed a place to stay as there are some problems at home which do not allow me to stay at my present place. I wish to have a clear mind and also to stay positive. Would you be able to advise? Thank you.
Yin
Hi Yin
I think the best thing I can offer you is guidance from Daisaku Ikeda on prayer:
“Prayer is the courage to persevere. It is the struggle to overcome our own weakness and lack of confidence in ourselves. It is the act of impressing in the very depths of our being the conviction that we can change the situation without fail. Prayer is the way to destroy all fear, the way to banish sorrow, the way to light a torch of hope. It is the revolution that rewrites the scenario of our destiny. Believe in yourself! Devaluing yourself is contrary to Buddhism, because it denigrates the Buddha state of being within you. Prayer is the effort to align the gears of our life with the movement of the universe. Prayer is the key that opens door after door to the full potential in each individual.”
I hope this helps and I would encourage you also to share your challenges with local Buddhists so that they may support you and celebrate with you when you win.
Best wishes
David
chanting in Topeka, Kansas is lonely..help..
Hello Eric, I think the mission of a ‘pioneer’ – someone who is chanting alone in their community – is very unique and sometimes difficult. I have spent most of my 28 years practice in exactly this situation & it has made my faith very strong. That is also why I feel so grateful to the first SGI members, most of them Japanese women with no English, who somehow, through the warmth of their hearts, sowed the seeds of Kosen Rufu in the West. Perhaps you can take some inspiration from them?
All best
David
Thanks David for this awesome and honest writing
Thank you for your kind comment and you are very welcome. Best wishes, David
Dear David,
Suddenly Nam Myo Renge kyu is driving me towards itself. One of my friend who is religious follower and chants regularly has such positive thoughts about this practice. That i am driven and started chanting from some time.
I have my own set of sufferings in life. Will i be able to overcome that with this practice??? Does this practice has a power to get out the positivity from the other person who has an dirty mindset at present??? Can i derive positivity and solutions of my problem if i respect the Buddha in him?? Will that transform his bad behavior towards me???
Your answer matters to me a lott.
Thanks
Ruchika
Hello Ruchika
How marvellous that through your friend you have discovered the Mystic Law and are connecting with the infinitely wise Buddha at the core of your Life. By chanting you can definitely ‘transform poison into medicine’ and achieve a life of absolute victory that also inspires people around you.
In terms of changing other people’s behaviour, Buddhism is very strict on this point. So, the main thing is to chant for the other person’s absolute happiness. Whatever you do, don’t chant to change him. You cannot change anyone else. You can only change yourself and then the environment responds. This is the principle of esho funi. I once got very very strict guidance on this. I was trying (arrogantly) to change someone else’s behaviour and was told that this was like ‘shouting at the shadow’ in effect saying to the other person: “you change! You must change!” When actually it was me that needed to change first. When you inspire the other person by demonstrating to him the actual proof of your own human revolution, he will naturally want to do his.
I know this is quite hard to take on board at first glance, but please persevere and you will definitely have a huge breakthrough.
Take care, warm wishes.
David
can this chant help me heal from injury or illness?
Hello Mike in la
yes absolutely. Actually when the SGI Buddhist movement emerged from the devastation of post-war Japan, it was routinely derided as an organisation for ‘the poor and the sick’. There are loads of stories of people who have successfully chanted to overcome injury and illness, here are a couple of links.
http://www.sgi.org/about-us/members-stories/extraordinary-proof.html
http://www.sgi.org/about-us/members-stories/discovering-my-abilities.html
Please do email me on [email protected] if you have more questions.
Take care, David
Dear David, I would like to chant in order to improve my son’s temperament as he is prone to extreme anger and impulsive reactions which are proving to be a huge challenge for him at school.
Please help me to help him change his attitude for the better
Ranjini
Dear Ranjini, I would be happy to help you… Can I ask first of all though whether you have read this post – ‘Shouting at the shadow’ as I believe it may help you address the challenge you are facing: http://wp.me/p2VZH3-sA
Hi,
Good read, for several days I have been praying for my husband’s happiness with whom i am trying to reunite after bearing his abuse for the past three years. I dont think he wants to be with me and I think he is happy go lucky without me as well. But i am unable to let go of him since sincerely loved him. At times i have experienced deep anger and haven’t been able to pray for his happiness given that what he had put me through.. What do i do with regards to this ?
Dear Saumya, there are many comments I could make about what you have said but I really feel that for the situation you describe it is important for you to seek personal guidance in faith from a senior leader, so that you can make the best decision for your life based on deep respect for both you and your husband. All best, David
Hi David
I want to share my cause for which i recently join this group. I loved someone badly, at a point he loved me too but unknown reason he broke up before 3 years with it but still now am loving him so much after getting lots of devotion from him but want to get him back.. Does this chant have that power to give me back my love?
Hello Tata and thank you for sharing your story with me. This chant has the power to utterly transform your life (including relationships) at the deepest level and to bring you absolute happiness. I would suggest that you read my post about relationships (see link below) in order to deepen your understanding – it is especially important to try and avoid making someone else your ‘object of devotion’, however much you love them. I would strongly recommend that you connect with your local SGI Buddhist group who will be able to guide and support you.
All best wishes, David.
http://davidhare.com/2013/02/13/the-buddha-in-the-bedroom-10-ways-to-create-a-great-loving-relationship/
Hi
I have been in this practice but not v regular . I’m suffering from depression since last 22 years and no relationship works for me .
Now I’m involved with a married guy physically and mentally and feel I can’t live without him .
I don’t even know what to pray .
I think he is using me .
But my mind is blocked due to medicines and this
Please help
Hi Neha
thank you for writing to me. I cannot give you specific advice without knowing you and so I strongly recommend that you chant with and get guidance in faith from a local SGI leader and that you establish a regular practice. I am happy to offer you encouragement on depression and relationships – please see the two posts below, they may help you.
All best wishes,
David
http://davidhare.com/2013/02/13/the-buddha-in-the-bedroom-10-ways-to-create-a-great-loving-relationship/
http://davidhare.com/2013/03/31/the-buddha-beats-the-blues-overcoming-depression/
Hi David, I’ve had new neighbours and my life has been turned into hell in a matter of a week. Shouting swearing slamming doors. I want them to leave.
Will the chant help??
Hi Binnie, yes this chant has the power (when combined with action) to transform every situation. Best if you can connect with local SGI members to give you personal support and guidance. In the meantime, these two pages from my blog may help:
http://davidhare.com/2014/07/11/shouting-at-the-shadow-why-you-cannot-change-other-people/
http://davidhare.com/about/
Hello !! When I read this it’s helped me more enlightened. I just start learning chanting a few days ago but I use youtube. I just get curious if it’s ok by right now to use it while I’m looking for some person doing this because when I’m doing it everyday it’s help hope u can give me some advice to improve more my knowledge thanks you more power
Hello! Thank you for reaching out and for your question. Congratulations on starting to chant, how wonderful! Yes, you can chant by yourself and experience the power, but of course it’s best if you can connect with local members of SGI who will guide and support you. Please tell me where in the world you live and I will connect you to local members. Take care, NMRK, David
There are so many confusion I have regarding its chanting process. Plz. specify and clear its chanting process. You are requested to explain each and every corner of its chanting process.
Hi Anil
It would be best if you connected with ur local SGI Buddhists to get answers to your questions – if u tell me the town & country where u live, I will track someone down for u.
Best
David
Hi
I loved reading the blog. But most of the guidance focusses on if you are in a relationship. But what if you want to be in a relationship and the kosen rufu life partner just isnt showing up ?
Hi there, good point and perhaps I will write a post on ‘looking for love’ & answer ur question in depth. Briefly though, if you are chanting, studying and doing SGI activities, the right person will definitely show up in the end, as a reflection of your own inner transformation.
Best wishes
David
Hi Anamika,
I have been through this, don’t worry, if you chant for kosenrufu partner, it will happen! My very first determination was kosenrufu partner. If you want, give me your email address and I will send my experience to you, it is published in UK bulletin (SGI UK Bulletin No.276 P.3)
Joan x
Hi Joan,
Can you please share your e mail id and share your experience ? I need guidance for Kosen Rufu Life Partner . Thanks you Joan.
My email address is [email protected], drop me an email and I will send you my experience xx
Thank you for this site and your posts. I find myself with an enormous challenge to rebuild a relationship I nearly destroyed when I lost sight of the true wonder and beauty that is the woman I love and had two amazing children with. I am getting back to basics after my first four years of SGI practice. She introduced me to this and I am forever grateful for the gift she and our children are. I seek support to strengthen my practice so I indeed can rebuild the relationship and support the family and especially her in soaring to great heights! NMHRK
You are welcome Marc and I wish you all the very best with what sounds like a very powerful experience. NMRK, David
Hi David.
I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge kyo for the last 2 months. I came to know about this from one of my friends when I shared my problems with her and than she introduced me to some members. Since than I have been chanting but I haven’t noticed any change in my life. I am struggling through my career and many other things like bad luck and obstacles etc. I chant Nam Myoho Ho Renge Kyo every morning for 20 mins and evening. Sometimes I miss chanting when I am out with friends or relatives because that time I feel uncomfortable to chant in front of those who do not believe in this. While chanting, different things also run in my mind… is it a common thing that several things run in your mind?
Hi Vivek
thank you for reaching out. I think everyone’s experience when they first start chanting is different and sometimes it can feel like nothing is changing. But very often this is a case of the ‘bamboo plant putting down deep roots’ with nothing appearing on the surface of your life for some time. Also, it is important to take action and to study, not just to chant. I am not sure from your email address where in the world you are practising but I would encourage you to seek support and guidance from your local SGI members. I wish you all the best, David
Thank you Sir
Hi,
I loved this post and I was introduced to this chant by one of my friends.. I dont know why but I got immediately drawn towards this.. I am from Kolkata, India and am looking for a group where I can get further help.. Can you please help me in locating the same..
Thank you so much.
Peace Always..
Hi Roy,
delighted to hear that you are connecting with the Buddha in you! I live in the UK, with only limited knowledge of SGI in India (known as BSG – Bharat Soka Gakkai) so all I can suggest is that you ask your friend to connect you with a local group in Kolkata. Or you should be able to find one via the BSG website: http://www.bharatsokagakkai.org/website-feedback/
all best wishes, David
im am in delhi
I have chanted continuously to get a new good job within this month but have not get any feed back so request to you pls advise how can I achieve job through chanting nam myoho renge kyo mantra
Hi Reena, well chanting on its own is not enough. This isn’t a magic wand, you must also take action based on wisdom from your daimoku. Thousands of SGI members have achieved huge career victories and you can be aNother one. I have battled several times with unemployment and have alWays won by deepening my faith. Pls seek personal guidance from a local SGI leader who can support you and then share in your certain victory. All best, David
Hi David,
Thank you for your wonderful post! I have been chanting for coming up 9 years and my own prayers always got answered! Recently I am struggling to chant for my husband’s job, he is not practising but fully supports me in all directions. I understand we need to chant, study and share this Buddhism with others. How can I chant for my husband’s job? I feel trapped that it seems the only thing I can do is chant for him, but I can’t take any action, like I can’t send job application for him, I can’t go for interview for him. How can I take action?
Joan x
Hi Joan, well to be honest I’m not sure I understand enough about your husband’s situation to answer your question properly. But I would say that chanting for him IS taking action so please don’t underestimate what you are doing. And don’t feel ‘trapped’ when you chant either, for you are, after all a ‘Buddha of Absolute Freedom’. If he is struggling with unemployment, this is surely a good time for him to give chanting a go and ‘test the truth of Buddhism’? All best wishes, David
Hi David,
I am based in the UK and have started chanting a few days ago as my relationship broke up and I realised I was at fault on a lot of issues but really want her back and want to make it work.
That is the only reason I started chanting. But I am a bit disheartened. Every attempt I make to communicate is either misunderstood or rebuffed. I would be very grateful for some guidance.
Akshaya
Hi Akshaya
Congratulations on starting to chant and making the cause for absolute happiness in your life. I do not give guidance via this blog, though I have written about relationships and you may find this post useful: http://davidhare.com/2013/02/13/the-buddha-in-the-bedroom-10-ways-to-create-a-great-loving-relationship/
I would suggest you seek personal 1-2-1 guidance from an SGI leader in your local district, someone who can support you properly and share in your certain victory. All best wishes, NMRK,
David
I have been practicing since July ’14. I do everything the practice requires. There has been conspicuous and inconspicuous benefits. But the relationship which I wanted to change for better, has shown no trace of improving. I have chanted for his happiness, for others, kosenrofu… You name it I have done that and willing to do anything more. I have done all this joyfully as I love this practice. In the process I thought this relationship will change, but no victory. I shared my job karma victory this may 3rd. I have taken guidance from various leaders. But this relationship how do I change? Every action I take based on wisdom doesn’t bear fruit. Please help.
Hello Nandini,
congratulations on practising for nearly a year! And on all the benefits you have achieved :-). I do think relationship karma is often the knottiest and deepest one to change. It can take a bit more time, you have been chanting only 10 months, be patient! Sometimes human revolution is like a bamboo plant, nothing seems to happen for ages, but the bamboo is deepening its roots for many years… and then when it is strong enough, you see growth appearing above the ground. ‘Bearing fruit’ as you call it. Relationship karma is often like this. Cause and effect is very strict, when you have changed your heart on the inside, the environment responds. This is how life works. to quote John Lennnon: “It will be OK in the end. And if it’s not OK, it’s not the end.” Keep going, you will win… and Kosen Rufu will benefit from your victory. Also see if you can study and deepen your understanding of the shared spirit of mentor and disciple, this is often the key to transforming all other relationships. All best wishes, David
Hi David,
I have a question that has confused me.
It’s not just in things I’ve read from you but from NHR’S and other chanters. Often in the VC editorial paragraph it will be suggested that one thinks of little if anything at all while chanting and then the encouragement to chant for one’s happiness or some specific goal or goals. This has created a deadlock in my practice because I never feel like I’m doing it correctly. I’ve been chanting about two years now and I don’t want it to be a useless austerity or sternness. Also, your view that chanting isn’t a good cause in itself raises the question about how one’s life state is when we chant. If one is a negative person, wouldn’t the idea be to change that through chanting?
If one already has confidence, positivity and self-belief, then why chant at all. Any help on these questions would be appreciated.
Hey Manik, this is a great question about whether to think about nothing much at all when chanting or to focus on specific goals. Funnily enough I have been grappling with it myself recently! My view, after chanting a lot about this, is that actually this is not an ‘either… or’ question and that both approaches are OK. Sometimes I chant and just listen to the sound and get in the zone and kind of ‘fuse with’ the Law. At other times I am really chanting with total determination for a specific desire in my heart. It all depends what is happening in my life and in my SGI community. Once I realised that neither way is right or wrong, I felt much less confused and I no longer put pressure on myself to ‘do it the right way’ … I hope this helps? Secondly, where did I say that ‘chanting isn’t a good cause in itself’? Certainly not in the blog post 🙂 I may have said that chanting is not a magic wand and that things only change when we take action, but that is not the same thing at all… Best wishes, David.
H David hope your wel.
I hope you can help.
Ok I’ve been an SGI member for around 4 years and I’m really struggling with something.
I really understand about chanting for transformation of ourselves .
And how to turn poison into Medicine.
How to chant to be determined to change how I feel about someone .
But what I have trouble with is the idea of chanting to change someone else?
I have read many articles,and have been to many meetings where this is spoken about .i feel that if I chant to change how I feel about someone ,to bring forth my budda nature then when I’m in contact with this person this will help this person .
I feel only I can change me . No one can do that for me .
Is this wrong?
Many thanks Darren
Hi Darren, I think this is a very important question, both for individuals as well as communities and wider society in general. What I have found from studying this topic through the lens of Buddhism is exactly what you say, we can only change ourselves, indeed trying to ‘write a script’ for how we think others should live their lives usually comes from arrogance and therefore is usually a recipe for conflict. One could argue that on an international scale this attitude even contributes to wars. I write about the question in some detail in my book (out in Feb) but in the meantime you may find this blog post of interest. I wish you all the best with your practice. Take care, David. http://davidhare.com/2014/07/11/shouting-at-the-shadow-why-you-cannot-change-other-people/
Hola David
First of all thank you for your Blog. It is Nice, Sweet and Inspiration for all who read it.
David, I have been chanting Nam Myoho Rengue Kyo for some months and at this moment I have not reached my goals but I hope I can get all of them, I still chanting . I have not the Gohonzon nor I know other chant. I chant in room or in any place I feel confortable.
Should I have a Gohonzon, what kind or preparation or arrangement it need. If I just arrange some beautiful place with just flowers as my gohonzon is it ok
Thank for all
Meche Perdomo
Dear Meche, first of all, my apologies for taking so long to reply, I am very busy editing the final draft of my book. Are you chanting with other SGI members? If so, your local leader will be the best person to answer all of your questions and provide ongoing support in your journey of faith. A beautiful place with flowers sounds like a great place to start!
all best wishes and many thanks for your kind words about my blog.
David
Hi David
Have read Ur so many articles and really inspired. Thanks
I am practicing this life changing philosophy from past two year. But have came at that moment of my life where I dont know what to do ahead.
I have recently committed a mistake of which I have a huge guilt in my heart. Can through this practice I can recover my mistake.
Hi Deena
thank you for reaching out with your story and for your kind words about my blog. Yes of course you can use the power of NMRK to rectify ‘mistakes’ you feel you have made. Please read up about the ‘Dragon King’s daughter’ a famous story in the Lotus Sutra which explains that everyone can attain enlightenment http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-2/Content/193 You could also study the gosho ‘earthly desires are enlightenment’ which teaches that EVERY situation can be transformed into a source of joy. Feeling guilty will not help you progress, if anything it is a form of self-slander. Self-forgiveness is very important if you want to make progress and I am indebted to a mentor of mine, Richard Jackson (not a Buddhist btw..) who once said: “You have never made a mistake in your life. You have always made the right decision based on the person you were at the time (life-state you were in) and the information you had. If you are certain that the person you have now become would not make the same ‘mistake’, then stop beating yourself up because you are an innocent person.”
Most of all, please seek guidance from a local SGI leader who can support you in your struggle and share in your certain victory. All best wishes, NMRK, David
Hi David
Loved your article.
I was introduced to this practice a year back but I was not very regular – I chanted on and off….
These days I have started chanting again. The biggest problem I face is in handling relationships. I don’t have any bad intentions towards anyone but at the end of the day I see myself crying or losing a relationship, no matter what I do to save it. I just lost a close friend due to some misunderstandings and arguments and I am in a deep state of shock. All I wish for is to get my friend back with clean hearts and all negativity be removed. I am chanting for his and his family’s happiness. Though it’s tough as I am hurt. I will do anything to make this friendship get back to normal and happy again. I am seeking guidance from senior members.
In a hope to see my friend calling me again……
Hi Manjula, glad you enjoyed the post and all very best wishes with your friendship karma, you will definitely win if you keep going with your practice and stay open-minded about what victory looks like. David
Hi David,
Thank you for such an encouraging post! I’d like to ask you something. I took up faith 4 years ago because I was in one-sided love with a man. Though he too was attracted to me but my feelings were stronger. I wanted to marry him and so I started to chant to be able to do so. However, as I started to chant I realized it’s not right to pray to marry him specifically and began to pray with an open heart and for absolute happiness for both myself and himself.
In the last four years I have been able to change my life almost 360 degrees, but the desire to be with this man doesn’t seem to leave me. Though we are living in two different countries and hardly speak to each other, my heart still longs for him. In the last four years I have had many proposals. Once I even tried dating another man, but I couldn’t as it did not feel right. I have been consistently chanting for clarity, wisdom, courage and compassion to be able to move on happily, but I’m still in love with him and in fact my feelings have grown stronger over the years. How should I pray about this?
Hi Arpita
Thank you for your kind comments. And warm congratulations on showing so much actual proof in your life! The question you raise is really one that requires personal 1-2-1 guidance from a senior WD leader in SGI. I hope you appreciate that I cannot give guidance via this blog. So please share your challenge with one of your leaders who can support you in your challenge and share in your certain victory. This is how we strengthen unity on our districts and move towards Kosen-Rufu. All best wishes, David
Hi Arpita –
I am struggling through the same thing. What were you advised?
Best
ALPANA
Hi, I’m very new to this form of Buddhism. My question is can we use this mantra for improving our wealth? or bad financial karma? Should I visualise positive images while chanting?
Hi Arosh, you can most certainly chant to transform financial karma, in fact you can chant for whatever you desire in your heart. I also recommend that you study a gosho called ‘The 3 kinds of treasure’ which explains that the treasures of the heart – i.e. your human qualities and virtues (that we develop by chanting) are more important than money. The beauty with this Buddhism is that we only achieve financial benefits by developing these qualities of the heart. All best wishes, David
“The beauty with this Buddhism is that we only achieve financial benefits by developing these qualities of the heart”… you should chant “Hocus pocus”, this has nothing to do with Buddhism.
Hi Jacob, could you please clarify your comment? What exactly, in your opinion / experience ‘has nothing to do with Buddhism’?
Best wishes, David
Hi David,
I have been a practicing member since 2009 and have experienced victories. Have shared my experience with my fellow BSG Baroda members. I have this question why do I have to ask from Gohonzon why cant I get what I deserve. Many a times I have this though that I dont know what I am chanting for is it right for me or not I am not aware off. Mainly due to these doubts my prayers are not getting answered. I have a bad boss Karma and still fighting it. I have been chanting for her happiness, there have been some changes as she finally has settled down in life but still she has some insecurity as this is her third marriage.
Hi Archana, I am struggling to understand all of your questions here, however… through the law of cause and effect, we are always getting what we deserve, or rather, what we most need to achieve our mission for Kosen Rufu. As for having doubts, this is completely normal for all human beings, but Nichiren said it is important not to ‘harbour’ doubts, i.e. not to give them a safe place to grow. Please study gosho and Sensei’s writings and resolve your doubts with your local members who can then share in your certain victory. I wish you every happiness, David
Hi, Its been a year since i got introduced in this practice. I have been on and off through this one year. Now i want to ask if people are chanting only to fulfill their wishes, then where lies the importance or the sole purpose of this chant. Isn’t it selfish? Please educate me if am wrong in this regard. I have a lot of problems in life which have been around for almost 14years, financial problems basically. So do you think i should turn to nam myoho renge kyo just to fulfill my wishes. please explain me
Hi Zeniah, first of all, my apologies for the delay replying to you. There are several posts on my blog that emphasise how Nichiren Buddhism absolutely involves happiness for both self and others, but this one here is probably the most comprehensive. I hope it answers your question: http://davidhare.com/2013/01/27/the-problem-with-personal-development/#more-290
Best wishes, David
I am in love with a guy. we both are good friends. Once i confessed him about my feelings but he didn’t replayed properly . he too attracted to me but my feelings are stronger. I want to marry him. How should I pray about this?
Hi Antara, thank you for sharing your story. I think it would be best if you seek guidance from a local SGI leader who can support you in your faith and practice and share in your certain victory. Very best wishes for your absolute happiness. David
do you need to chant out loud or will chanting in my mind will do? do I need to think of positive thoughts of negative happenings as I chant? thank you!
Hi Jenny,
Definitely best to chant out loud if you can, the vibration and sound in your body and out into the universe is part of the power of this mantra. Also best if you can chant with other SGI members – are you connected with a local group at all? As for the positive thoughts, no, just be yourself, it’s best to just be honest and express whatever is in your heart, then positivity and many other qualities will naturally emerge.
Warm wishes
David
hi i am devika i stay in delhi and have just joined bsg
i am studying have been trying to pursue graduation since a long time
but have not been able i have never been a very bright student so just wanted to know if my daily practice can help me in my studies
Hi Devika, congratulations on joining BSG and certainly your practice will help with your studies – one of the Buddha’s qualities is wisdom and you are a Buddha! So please don’t label/limit yourself as ‘not bright’! Please draw on the encouragement of your fellow members and local leaders and achieve a great victory in your studies for the sake of Kosen Rufu… Warm wishes, David
thanks Davidhare3000
Hi, I wanted to ask something. my friend just brokeup wid her boyfriend bcoz dat guy went to other grl! shes vei sad n depressed she wants the guy back! i really want to pray for her what shud b my pray for her?
Hi Vridhi, first of all, well done on supporting your friend with such warm care – this is the true spirit of our unique SGI movement. I would encourage your friend to chant for absolute happiness no matter what happens. She may also find it helpful to read my blog post here about relationships: http://davidhare.com/2013/02/13/the-buddha-in-the-bedroom-10-ways-to-create-a-great-loving-relationship/
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing such a nice and inspiring post. I have been practising this wondeful practice since 4 yrs. I have developed strong faith with time. No matter what the situation I always feel like winning over every challenges of life. Encountered so majy victoriesas well. I believe having faith in gohonzon i.e believing yourself, a personcan acheive anything in life. It is heart that matters.
Nam myoho renge kyo.. Thanks. Goodwishes 🙂
Thank you Sagarika for those kind words and for sharing your beautiful experience and I can really feel your deep gratitude for this practice. Grateful people are never unhappy, well done you! All best wishes, David
Hi David,
This is such an inspiring post. I have been practising this beautiful practice for about 4 months now and I have seen a change in myself and my environment. Every time I face any challenge, I just smile and take it with full determination to challenge as if nothing can go wrong as long as I am chanting in front of the Gohonzon. My faith is deepening with each passing day. I wish to report victories in the near future with going forward with this practice making it a life changing experience.
Hello Sukanya, many thanks for your kind comments and it is always wonderful to hear from a new practitioner who has such pure faith and is experiencing benefits. With my warmest wishes for your ongoing practice and for the victories that you will certainly achieve in front of the Gohonzon. David
Excellent article!! I am dealing with phobia, fear and mind has got fixated. I just started chanting and its been 3 weeks now. What should I think and chant ? All I want is to be happy and not think about the fear that I am going through but it seems to keep coming back and this is making me worried more and more. I have got connected to a local community and will be going in soon for group chanting.
Hi Sal, thank you for your kind words :-). There are no rules about what you should or shouldn’t think about, but with the condition you describe, I would recommend just listening as much as possible to the sound of your voice and feeling the daimoku go through your body. It is a great idea to connect with your local SGI Buddhist group because chanting NMRK does bring up deeper aspects of your karma (so that you can see them through the eyes of your own Buddhahood 7 transform them) and other SGI members can provide warm and wise support on your journey. All best wishes, David
I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge kyo for the last 3 months. I have already visited meeting 2 times but but I haven’t noticed any change in my life. I am struggling through my career and finance, stodu of children ,bad luck and obstacles so many etc…. I chant Nam Myoho Ho Renge Kyo every morning & evening. While chanting, different things also run in my mind…
Is it a common thing or else…
Please revert or guide asap.
R S Negi
Hello Mr. Negi, first of all well done for seeking out the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra and for giving the practice a go. And thank you for reaching out with your questions. Every person’s experience of the practice is different. I myself did not notice much difference for the first 3 months of my practice 30 years ago and then all of a sudden I began to have big breakthroughs. 3 things may help you, 1. ask yourself ‘am I taking enough action to change my situation?’ (Because daimoku is not a ‘magic wand’). 2. study the writings of Nichiren and of Daisaku Ikeda. 3. Seek personal guidance from a senior in faith in SGI (or BSG if u r in India).and 4. Keep going! All best wishes, David
Thanks David, I am doing daimoku and gongyo in morning and evening from last 6 months, also visiting monthly meetings Continuously, but nothing seeing change in my life….
Sir, once again pls help me. How much time it will take generally?
R S Negi
Hello there,
How long it takes to change varies massively from person to person as each individual’s karma and mission is so different. I explain this in some detail on page 39 of my book.
Great that you have a regular daily practice. Are you also studying, doing other activities and have you had personal guidance?
All best, David
hi David i have been practising buddism past 6 months .I am not able to do my diamoku regularly but i do my gongyo every morning .I am seeking change definitely i have been able to deal with current situation . Please help i want to follow it methodically ..
Hiya, are you a member of a Buddhist movement such as BSG / SGI? If so, please find out how your local fellow Buddhists can support you with this challenge. All best wishes, David
So Happy to read this and also realise the wonderful cause you are creating by supporting people here.
Thank you!
Hi David Thanks for a lovely summarize form of chanting NMHRK. I though practice since last 8 years but tend to give up so quickly, get support as well from my leaders but my life force is not that strong and get swayed by my mind thoughts and then get tired. Hopefully i will follow your steps and come with victories, But one thing is NMHRK is the wornderfull practice for self and others.
Many Thanks
Hi David,
can you help me connect to the local SGI buddhist group in Pune?
hy david
i have been practicing NMHRK for about 3 monts now and i cant find any sgi group near my place .
i tried a lot but there is no such response.
if u can help me i will be really greatful..
deeksha:
What country are you in?
If you are in India, go to the SGI-India website: http://www.bharatsokagakkai.org. In the About Us section, you’ll see the locations of the 5 Culture Centers in India. Contact the Culture Center nearest you, and you will be put in touch with the SGI group nearest you.
If you are not in India, google “SGI” followed by the name of the country you are in, and follow the procedure outlined in the preceding paragraph.
Best,
Jim
Where are u from?
Hello Deeksha,
I live in the UK 🙂
all best, David