The Odaimoku
The Sacred Title of the "Lotus Flower Sutra"

The Perfect Sound of the Sacred Title (Odaimoku) of the Myoho Renge Kyo - the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Dharma, can only be described as a mystery whose mystical nature transcends, yet also interpenetrates the world in which we live.

Some have written volumes describing the meaning of this "Ancient Rhythm," and still, because of language, have failed miserably in conveying the essence. It is truth, not fiction that the only way to acquire the essential understanding of Odaimoku is to chant this Rhythmic Title for yourself.

(see towards the end of this page a 'sound file'
for the recitation of the Sacred Title.)

With this understanding, let us attempt to convey the Gist
of the Sacred Title.

A few loose interpretations are:

Sanskrit - "Namas Saddharma Pundarika Sutra"

'Namas' from Namaste - "Bowing to this Divinity within"; 'Sad' - "Perfection, representing 'Six" the perfect number in Indian Societies. 'Dharma' - the Law, the Way, the Path, the Innumerable Teachings of the Eternal Buddha; 'Punda' - a variety of Sacred White Lotus representing the true mystery of simultaneous cause-effect. 'Rika' - flower or flowering of The Way in time and space, past, present and Future, as well as 'no-time'; 'Sutra' - the recorded words of Sakyamuni as a historical personage, as well as the intent of undifferentiated 'divinity' that He represents (each of us are neither separate nor in possession of this same "un-dividedness," but posses an ability to perceive all-that-it-is.) "Sutra" also denotes a 'wrap' of cloth representing the infinite threads of dharma that are interwoven in conventional reality as well as Nirvana.

Chinese - "Maio-Fa-Lien-Hua-Ching"

Odaimoku can also be described as the way to enlightenment within this the latter day of the buddha-dharma (mappo). It is in fact the true practice for achieving anuttara-samyak-sambodhi - the Supreme Wisdom of a Buddha.

What may be astounding to some or even unbelievable to others is that this little phrase can do so much when embraced with sincerity and integrity. Some will say, "Don't I need to join a monastery or practice severe austerities for many years to reach enlightenment?" "Is not the meditation discipline and knowledge of the Buddha Scripture more important than chanting a title of a Scripture?" To these questions we say "all that is really required in this age of Mappo is the steady practice of Odaimoku chanting; with this alone you can reach enlightenment."

But do balance your practice also with study, good deeds, meditation, or whatever else fills the need of the spirit, but always put Odaimoku first. In fact, Odaimoku IS meditation, study, good deeds, and good work, if the heart is radiant and sharing the joy of this practice.

In the Lotus Sutra it says "keep, read, recite, copy and expound this sutra, even if but a phrase and the merits that you will receive are immeasurable." What a promise, and it is a firm promise based upon the Law of Myoho Renge Kyo.

Chant Namu Myoho Renge Kyo with all of your hearts and you will know what is promised is truth.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Namu Myohorengekyo
Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo

-- webmaster

Odaimoku PROCLAMATION

by Kanai Shonin

Nichiren Shonin revealed the Odaimoku, "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo," for us 744 years ago.

On the dawn of April 28, 1253, there was a priest standing on the peak of Mt. Kiyosumi, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. As the sun rose from the eastern sky in its first golden brilliance, he recited "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" for the first time and founded the Nichiren Sect. It was the result of his twenty year study on Buddhism in Kamakura, Kyoto, and Hiei.

"Why are there so many Buddhist sects even though only one Buddha existed in history?" "Why were the emperors of Japan exiled?" "Why did the emperors' servants take the position of the ruler of Japan?" "Why are the people of Japan suffering from severe earthquakes, famine, drought, and other natural disasters?" "What is the real salvation for humankind?" These questions that Nichiren had for many years were finally answered for him in the Lotus Sutra.

For most people, it is hard to read and to understand the Lotus Sutra because this sutra is the highest teaching among all Buddhist scriptures. Consequently, Nichiren Shonin simplified the practice of the Lotus Sutra in the form of chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra or "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" in Japanese. This is also known as the Odaimoku.

There was no one who chanted the Sacred Title except Nichiren, before he revealed the simplest form of Buddhist practice. But one after another, people started to chant the Odaimoku. Now thousands and millions of people are chanting it throughout the world.

Fire has the nature to burn things. Water has the character to wash things. Milk has the power to nourish people and animals. The Odaimoku, "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo," has the power to protect the chanters from various sufferings and from many mishaps.