Nichiren Shu Malaysia

The Unsurpassed Way: Our Practice is the Dharma, Our Goal is Buddhahood.

Category: Introduction

  • Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō: The Heart of Nichiren Shu Practice

    In Nichiren Shu Buddhism, there is one paramount practice that serves as the foundation for all others: the chanting of Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō. This sacred phrase, known as the Odaimoku, is not merely a mantra but the very essence of the Lotus Sutra, encapsulating the ultimate truth of the universe and the path to enlightenment.

    What Does Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō Mean?

    Let’s break down this powerful phrase:

    • Namu: This is a transliteration of a Sanskrit word meaning “devotion” or “dedication.” It signifies our heartfelt respect, reverence, and alignment with the truth.
    • Myōhō: “Myō” means “wonderful” or “mystic,” and “hō” means “dharma” or “law.” Together, “Myōhō” refers to the wonderful, mystic law of cause and effect that governs all existence, the profound truth revealed in the Lotus Sutra.
    • Renge: This means “lotus flower.” The lotus is a powerful symbol in Buddhism because it grows in muddy water yet produces a beautiful, unstained flower. It represents the emergence of Buddhahood from the defilements of the mundane world, and also the principle of simultaneity of cause and effect (the flower and seeds appear at the same time).
    • Kyō: This means “sutra” or “teaching.” It refers specifically to the Lotus Sutra, the complete and ultimate teaching of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

    So, in essence, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō means “Devotion to the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma.” It is an act of acknowledging, embracing, and aligning ourselves with the ultimate truth of life and the universe as taught in the Lotus Sutra.

    Why is Chanting the Odaimoku Our Main Practice?

    Nichiren Shonin taught that in this Latter Day of the Law (Mappō), when human capacities for understanding are diminished, the most direct and effective path to enlightenment is through the sincere chanting of the Odaimoku. Here’s why:

    • Direct Connection to the Eternal Buddha: By chanting Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, we are directly connecting with the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha and the universal life force (Dharma) he embodies.
    • Awakening Our Innate Buddhahood: The Odaimoku acts as a mirror, reflecting our inherent Buddha-nature and helping us to manifest qualities like wisdom, compassion, courage, and joy in our daily lives.
    • Transforming Karma: Through consistent practice, the Odaimoku helps us to purify negative karma, overcome obstacles, and transform suffering into joy and opportunity.
    • Embodying the Lotus Sutra: The Odaimoku is not just about the Lotus Sutra; it is the Lotus Sutra in its most condensed and potent form. Chanting it allows us to embody its teachings and virtues.
    • Universal Accessibility: It is a practice open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or intellectual capacity. The sincerity of one’s devotion is what matters.

    How to Start Chanting (Gongyō)

    Starting your chanting practice is simple. While a full daily service (Gongyō) includes recitations from the Lotus Sutra, the core is the Odaimoku.

    1. Find a Quiet Space: Sit comfortably, facing your Gohonzon if you have one, or simply facing a clean wall or direction that feels right.
    2. Focus Your Mind: Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself.
    3. Gassho: Bring your palms together at chest level in Gassho (a gesture of reverence).
    4. Chant Aloud: Begin to chant “Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō” clearly and rhythmically. You can chant for a few minutes, or longer, as you feel comfortable. The important thing is sincerity and consistency.
    5. Reflect and Dedicate: After chanting, you can reflect on your intentions or dedicate the merit of your practice to the well-being of others.

    The practice of chanting the Odaimoku is a journey of self-discovery, peace, and profound connection. It is the sound that awakens our Buddha-nature and allows us to live a life imbued with the wisdom and compassion of the Lotus Sutra. We encourage you to try it and experience its transformative power for yourself.

  • Welcome to Nichiren Shu Malaysia – An Introduction

    Welcome to Nichiren Shu Malaysia – An Introduction

    Welcome, and thank you for visiting! We are delighted to share the profound teachings and vibrant community of Nichiren Shu Buddhism with you. Whether you are new to Buddhism, exploring different spiritual paths, or a seasoned practitioner, we hope you find inspiration, guidance, and a sense of belonging here.

    Who Was Nichiren Shonin?

    Nichiren Shu is a school of Mahayana Buddhism founded in Japan in the 13th century by Nichiren Shonin (1222-1282). Born during a tumultuous period in Japanese history, Nichiren Shonin dedicated his life to understanding and propagating what he believed to be the ultimate truth taught by the Buddha Shakyamuni. After extensive study of all the Buddhist sutras, he concluded that the Lotus Sutra contained the complete and final teachings of the Buddha.

    Nichiren Shonin taught that all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, possess an innate Buddha-nature and can achieve enlightenment in this lifetime by embracing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. His compassionate yet firm resolve to guide people to this truth led him to face numerous persecutions, yet he remained steadfast in his mission.

    The Heart of Our Teaching: The Lotus Sutra

    At the core of Nichiren Shu is the profound reverence for the Lotus Sutra (Myōhō Renge Kyō). This magnificent scripture, universally recognized as one of the most influential Buddhist texts, reveals that the historical Shakyamuni Buddha was an earthly manifestation of the Eternal Buddha, who has been teaching since time immemorial. The Lotus Sutra emphasizes:

    • Universal Enlightenment: All beings have the potential to become Buddhas.
    • Oneness of Life: All phenomena are interconnected and expressions of the ultimate reality.
    • Bodhisattva Practice: The importance of living a life of compassion and dedication to the welfare of others.

    Nichiren Shonin taught that by embracing the Lotus Sutra, particularly through the practice of chanting its Sacred Title, we can directly connect with this universal truth and manifest our inherent wisdom and compassion.

    Our Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha

    In Nichiren Shu, we uphold the traditional Buddhist concept of the Three Treasures, but with a specific focus that aligns with Nichiren Shonin’s teachings:

    1. Buddha: We revere the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha as the ultimate enlightened one, revealed in the Lotus Sutra. He is the source of all truth and compassion.
    2. Dharma: Our Dharma is the Lotus Sutra, the highest teaching of the Buddha, which guides us to enlightenment. Nichiren Shonin articulated how to embody and practice this Dharma in our daily lives.
    3. Sangha: Our Sangha is the community of practitioners who follow Nichiren Shonin’s teachings, including the Nichiren Shu priests, temples, and lay followers worldwide. Together, we support each other on the path to Buddhahood.

    What You Can Expect Here

    This website is dedicated to serving as a resource and a welcoming gateway to Nichiren Shu. Here, you will find:

    • Information about our services and events.
    • Resources for understanding Nichiren Shu teachings and practices.
    • Opportunities to connect with our community.
    • Inspiring insights for your spiritual journey.

    We invite you to explore, ask questions, and perhaps even join us for a service. May your visit bring you peace, understanding, and a deeper connection to the wonderful Dharma.

    With Gassho (palms together in reverence),

    The Community of Nichiren Shu Penang