Questions

These are questions I have been asked:

What is it about chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo that enables us to influence and change realities around us?

Chanting Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō is taught as a direct way to align our lives with the fundamental rhythm of the universe — the Mystic Law. Rather than trying to “force” change externally, chanting works from the deepest part of our life, transforming our inner state first. When our inner life-condition rises, our courage, wisdom, and compassion naturally grow; we begin to see possibilities, take action, and break patterns that previously held us back. This inner shift is what influences our circumstances. In the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, this is the simultaneity of cause and effect: the moment we make a determination in front of the Gohonzon, the cause to transform reality is already created within our life.

Practitioners often describe that as soon as they chant with clarity and determination, their environment responds — opportunities appear, relationships change, timing aligns, or obstacles that once felt fixed begin to move. From a Buddhist perspective, this is not magic but the natural function of life.

Because our lives and our environment are inseparable (esho funi), transforming the inner world naturally influences the outer world. Chanting awakens our Buddha-nature, helping us engage with reality from strength rather than fear, which in turn changes how the world responds to us.

How does chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo differ from other things like positive thinking, meditation, etc

Chanting differs from positive thinking because it is not about trying to control thoughts or replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.

In Nichiren Buddhism, we don’t aim to “fix” the surface mind — we work at the level of life-force.

Meditation may bring tranquillity, but it does not necessarily activate the simultaneity of cause and effect, nor does it directly call forth the enlightened life-state that Nichiren Daishonin describes.

Chanting Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō taps into a deeper, universal rhythm that exists beyond emotion and thought.

When we chant, we unite sound, mind, determination, and action. We use the power of kyo — vibration — to interconnect our life with the rhythm of the universe. This makes chanting an active, dynamic practice. Rather than withdrawing from life, chanting empowers us to dive into the “muddy swamp” of real, everyday living and transform it from within, just as the lotus blooms beautifully in muddy water.

People often report that even when they begin chanting full of doubt, fear, or frustration, their life-condition still rises. This is a crucial difference: chanting doesn’t require us to “feel positive”; it generates inner transformation even in the midst of negativity.

Compared to meditation, chanting is active rather than passive. Meditation often focuses on calming the mind or observing thoughts, which can bring peace but may not necessarily lead to concrete action or external change.

Chanting is both a spiritual and actionable practice — it awakens wisdom, courage, and compassion that translate into decisive behaviour in daily life.

Nichiren Daishonin describes it as the engine of “human revolution”: a dynamic process where internal awakening and external action work together. In short, positive thinking affects attitude, meditation affects awareness, but chanting affects the core of life itself — enabling real, lasting change in both ourselves and our environment.

In essence...
• Positive thinking changes mood.
• Meditation changes awareness.
• Chanting changes life-condition — which changes reality.

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo mobilises the deepest workings of life, enabling us not only to feel better but to become better armed with wisdom, courage, and compassion. This is why the Nichiren buddhism emphasise that chanting enables real, lasting transformation that benefits ourselves and those around us.

What is “Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō” for you?

• How do you understand the meaning of the phrase (“dedication to the Mystic Law”, etc.)?
• In what ways has your understanding evolved over time?

A common starting point could be that Nam-myōhō-renge-kyō means dedicating one’s life to the Mystic Law — the fundamental rhythm of life and the universe.

For many practitioners, this phrase expresses the determination to unlock their highest potential and face life with courage. People may begin chanting without fully understanding it, but over time their experience — the benefits, clarity, and inner strength that emerge — deepens their personal meaning. Some see it as a lifeline, some as a mirror that reflects their true nature, and others as a rhythm that stabilises their mind.

Ultimately, most practitioners say the meaning evolves: it becomes less about the words themselves and more about the inner shift that chanting brings — confidence, hope, focus, and the courage to take action.

The idea of inherent Buddha-nature and transformation.

• The teaching says everyone has within them the capacity to become a Buddha.
• How do you see that unfolding in your own life or the lives of others? What has blocked it/how have you helped unblock it?

This point often brings reflections on how chanting helps uncover qualities people forgot they had — resilience, compassion, patience, or creativity. The idea that every person inherently possesses Buddha-nature can be deeply empowering, especially for those who grew up believing they were flawed or limited. Many find that when they chant, they access a different internal state — they become more centred, more proactive, less overwhelmed.

Transformation doesn’t mean becoming “perfect”; rather, it means being able to face problems without losing hope. People often notice subtle shifts first: handling conflict better, expressing themselves more clearly, seeing options they didn’t see before. Over time, these small changes accumulate into profound life changes.

The simultaneity of cause and effect (“renge/lotus metaphor”).

• The lotus flower grows in mud but blooms above it; the teaching uses this as a metaphor for transformation in daily life.
• What real-life examples (personal or observed) do you have of “cause & effect” being simultaneous in your practice?

A helpful way to understand simultaneity of cause and effect is the idea that the moment you make a determination — through chanting, action, or mindset — you have already planted the seed of the outcome. You may not see the result yet, but internally the shift has already begun. Many practitioners have experienced this: as soon as they determine to change a situation, opportunities begin to appear, support arrives, or their behaviour subtly changes in ways that accelerate progress.

This principle teaches that our inner resolve is itself a powerful cause. Even when life looks "muddy," we are still capable of blooming like the lotus flower. People often share stories of how focusing on inner transformation helped them change work situations, relationships, health challenges, or long-standing habits.

Faith, practice & study: the three aspects of practice.

• Many materials emphasise the coexistence of chanting (practice), study (learning and teaching), and faith (conviction).
• Which of the three do you feel strongest in?
  Which needs more focus? Why?

Many people resonate with one aspect more than the others. Some love chanting because it brings immediate clarity and energy. Others rely on study because it helps them understand the philosophy and gives intellectual grounding. For some, faith is the quiet conviction that change is possible even when the evidence isn’t visible yet.

Over time, practitioners realise that all three work together: chanting gives strength, study gives wisdom, and faith gives courage. When one area weakens, the others often help lift it. Reflecting on this balance can highlight areas of growth — for example, someone who chants strongly but studies little may realise that study deepens the meaning of their practice, while someone who studies a lot might see the need to chant consistently to turn knowledge into experience.

Overcoming the “ordinary mortal” mindset.

• One teaching: instead of seeing ourselves as limited by doubt/fear, we can reveal our Buddhahood.
• What fears, doubts, or delusions have you recognised in yourself? How has chanting or study helped you shift that?

We all carry inner narratives about who we are — not good enough, too old, too late, too weak, too anxious. Buddhism calls this the “lesser self” or life dominated by fear and doubt. Chanting often helps shift this mindset in very practical ways: decisions that once felt intimidating become manageable, confidence increases, and people begin to break patterns that once felt impossible to change. Overcoming the ordinary mindset doesn’t mean eliminating negative thoughts; it means not letting them control you. Each time someone chants through fear or takes a courageous action, they’re revealing their Buddhahood. Over months or years, this can form a new identity built on possibility instead of limitation.

Life-challenges as opportunities.

• The lotus metaphor suggests that muddy conditions (challenge, suffering) are the soil for growth.
• Discuss a recent challenge you faced: how might it be a “muddy pond” for growth in your life? What is the “lotus” you hope to see?

This discussion often leads to personal stories. People may share about illness, work conflict, financial struggle, family tension, or grief — and how chanting enabled them not just to endure but to grow. From a Buddhist perspective, challenges are not punishments but gateways to wisdom. The lotus flower only blooms because of the muddy environment; without the mud, there is no lotus.

When practitioners look back on difficult periods, they often notice they developed qualities they couldn’t have gained otherwise — courage, gratitude, confidence, compassion, or resilience. Seeing challenges as opportunities doesn’t cancel the pain, but it turns the experience into a source of value.

The role of community / meeting with others.

• Practice isn’t just solitary — there’s value in sharing, dialogue, mutual support.
• How have meetings, friendships or group practice helped your practice? What could you or we improve in our group?

Many people discover that practicing alone and practicing with others feel different. Meetings provide encouragement, new perspectives, and a sense of belonging. Hearing other people’s victories often reminds members of what is possible, especially when they’re struggling. Community also helps us see ourselves more clearly — others mirror back strengths and potential we might overlook.

In discussions, people sometimes share that supporting others actually strengthens their own practice. Encouraging someone else can deepen faith and open new insight. At the same time, some members reflect on how they can participate more actively — attending consistently, sharing experiences, welcoming newcomers, or simply being present.

Action for others: not just for self-transformation.

• The teaching emphasises that when we transform ourselves we can help other people too.
• What is one concrete action you can take (or have taken) for someone else based on your practice? What stops you sometimes?

Our practice emphasises “human revolution” — changing ourselves to positively influence our environment. Helping others is considered a natural expression of Buddhahood. Some members share examples like supporting a colleague going through hardship, encouraging a friend to chant, or showing more patience with family.

People often realise that the obstacles they face aren’t just personal — they’re also opportunities to develop compassion. Supporting others doesn’t always mean giving advice; sometimes it’s listening, showing understanding, or offering small acts of kindness. When people take compassionate action, they often feel their own problems lighten or become clearer.

Daily life integration: bridging the “spiritual” and the “mundane”.

• It is easy to compartmentalise practice, but the teaching invites us to bring our Buddhahood into daily life: home, work, relationships.
• What are practical habits/routines you use (or could use) to keep your practice alive in everyday moments?

This point invites practical sharing: chanting in the morning before work, taking a brief moment to reconnect during stressful situations, studying a short passage on the train, or applying Buddhist principles in conversations. Many people say the biggest shift is learning to act from a wiser part of themselves rather than reacting emotionally.

Integrating the practice doesn’t require perfection — it’s about small, consistent actions. When people make chanting a daily anchor, they often notice they’re calmer under pressure, make better decisions, and respond to problems with more confidence. Over time, this builds a sense of stability and direction regardless of external circumstances.

Vision and Commitment for the future.

• Reflecting on your practice so far: what is your vision for the next 6-12 months?
• What commitment do you want to make now (chanting more, studying something new, supporting someone else, etc.)?
• What support do you need from the group to help you realise that?

This final reflection often brings out hope and determination. People may share goals related to work, health, personal growth, relationships, or community contribution. The key Buddhist idea is that vision is not wishful thinking — it becomes a powerful cause when infused with chanting and action.

Members often discover that when they clarify their intention, chant for it, and take even small steps, the momentum begins to build. Ending a meeting with vision-setting helps everyone leave with a sense of purpose. The follow-up question — “What support do you need from the group?” — reinforces the idea that we advance together, not alone.