NAM
devotion
fusion
the action of practicing Buddhism

We devote ourselves to,
or become one with,
the universal
unchanging truth of Myoho-renge-kyo,
and, at the same time,
draw forth infinite wisdom and boundless energy.

MYOHO
Mystic Law
the entity of the universe and
its phenomenal manisfestations

MYO (mystic) signifies unfathomable, and HO means law. Thus MYOHO means the Mystic Law that exists within the incomprehensible realm of life that is beyond our ability to imagine or conceive. From another viewpoint, MYO indicates life's true nature or ultimate reality, and HO refers to all phenomena which are the manifestations of the ultimate reality.

RENGE
lotus flower
the simultaneity of cause and effect

Renge means lotus flower. The lotus symbolizes the simultaneous nature of cause and effect because it blossoms and seeds at the same time. In terms of our practice, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (the cause), the state of Buddhahood emerges simultaneously (the effect). Our ordinary powers of perception generally suggest that we must first perform an action and that we may then receive its effect. But Buddhist doctrine reveals that this future effect is already inherent within the act itself. Our future is being shaped by our actions in the present. Thus, the law of cause and effect assures us that we are responsible for our own destiny.

This Buddhist principle is represented by another quality of the lotus. The lotus grows and blossoms in a muddy swamp, yet it remains utterly free of any defilement. Similarly, our Buddha nature remains untainted despite any bad karma we may have created, and by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can immediately bring forth our potential Buddhahood. However, we must still experience the effect of our negative karma, though the power of our faith can diminish them. Thus, renge also signifies the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of a common mortal.

KYO
sutra
Buddha's teachings
sound vibration

The Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp of a piece of cloth. It later came to have the additional meaning of a thread of logic, reason, a way or a law. It was therefore also used in the sense of a teaching to be preserved. Kyo, in its sense of the warp of cloth, also symbolizes the continuity of life throughout the past, present and future.In addition, kyo indicates that the Buddha's enlightenment, which was embodied as Myoho-renge-kyo, is to be preserved and transmitted for all eternity.