The article below was originally published 2/20/2016 by the Abbey of Hope Interfaith Cooperation Circle.
I share it here with you along with the song/mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
I share it here with you along with the song/mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Reflection-ary
by Rev. Todd Glacy
Myoho-Renge-Kyo
The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. Nichiren, a Japanese priest in the thirteenth century, concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truth of Buddhism, which is that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood (Enlightenment). To Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist text: it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings seek to clarify. Practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism chant (Nam)-myoho-renge-kyo as their core Buddhist practice. The goal of which is to manifest the enlightenment of the Buddha and awaken to the Highest Truth in our own lives.
Chanting (Nam)-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is a practice by which we can bring forth our inherent Buddha nature--strengthening our capacity for wisdom, courage, confidence, vitality and compassion--to successfully meet the challenges of daily life and establish a state of unshakable happiness in this world.
Nam derives from the Sanskrit and means to venerate or dedicate oneself. (It is often translated as "hail" or "take refuge in”)
Myoho may be translated as "wonderful or mystic Law." As Nichiren comments “It is simply the mysterious nature of our life from moment to moment, which the mind cannot comprehend or words express.”
Renge represents the lotus flower. The fact that the lotus flower sends forth pure white blossoms from roots sunk deep in muddy water expresses the idea that our highest nature is brought forth through committed engagement with the often difficult or disagreeable realities of life and society.
Kyo represents the words and voices of all living beings.... Kyo may also be defined as that which is constant and unchanging in the three existences of past, present and future.
Rev. Todd Glacy, M.A., is a musician from our community who takes great joy in using his passion and skills as a counselor, musician, facilitator and Interfaith/Inter-spiritual Minister to help people live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. He specializes in creating sacred space and facilitating experiences which allow people to relax, rediscover and reconnect with their truest and most authentic selves, as well as one another, through meditation, music, movement, and Nature.
Please visit Abbey of HOPE on the web
at www.abbeyofhope.com.
by Rev. Todd Glacy
Myoho-Renge-Kyo
The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. Nichiren, a Japanese priest in the thirteenth century, concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truth of Buddhism, which is that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood (Enlightenment). To Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist text: it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings seek to clarify. Practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism chant (Nam)-myoho-renge-kyo as their core Buddhist practice. The goal of which is to manifest the enlightenment of the Buddha and awaken to the Highest Truth in our own lives.
Chanting (Nam)-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is a practice by which we can bring forth our inherent Buddha nature--strengthening our capacity for wisdom, courage, confidence, vitality and compassion--to successfully meet the challenges of daily life and establish a state of unshakable happiness in this world.
Nam derives from the Sanskrit and means to venerate or dedicate oneself. (It is often translated as "hail" or "take refuge in”)
Myoho may be translated as "wonderful or mystic Law." As Nichiren comments “It is simply the mysterious nature of our life from moment to moment, which the mind cannot comprehend or words express.”
Renge represents the lotus flower. The fact that the lotus flower sends forth pure white blossoms from roots sunk deep in muddy water expresses the idea that our highest nature is brought forth through committed engagement with the often difficult or disagreeable realities of life and society.
Kyo represents the words and voices of all living beings.... Kyo may also be defined as that which is constant and unchanging in the three existences of past, present and future.
Rev. Todd Glacy, M.A., is a musician from our community who takes great joy in using his passion and skills as a counselor, musician, facilitator and Interfaith/Inter-spiritual Minister to help people live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. He specializes in creating sacred space and facilitating experiences which allow people to relax, rediscover and reconnect with their truest and most authentic selves, as well as one another, through meditation, music, movement, and Nature.
Please visit Abbey of HOPE on the web
at www.abbeyofhope.com.