Does anyone know what Nam-Myoho Renge-Kyo means or translates to?

Question

I was told that it is the mystic law... the one that is apparent in most (if not all) religions, for example:
Brahmanism - This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you - Mahabharata 5:1517
Taoism - Regard your neighbour's gain as your own gain and your neighbour's loss as your own loss - T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien
Buddhism - Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful - Udana-Varga 5:18
Zoroastrianism - That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself - Dadistan-i-dinik 94:5
Christianity - All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets - Matthew 7:12

So I guess my question is was I told right, and if not... what does Nam-Myoho Renge-Kyo mean?

Answer 1

Hi,,

I'v got some amazing explanation to the meaning of the mantra, Nam- Myoho-Renge-Kyo from the net. I just copy it in here.

During his last address to his disciples, Buddha told us to "work out our own salvation with diligence". He said words to the effect "Do not worship me, worship the Law (the teaching or the "Dharma"). Devote yourself to the law and you will obtain the same enlightenment that I have obtained". This devotion has taken many forms in the long history of Buddhism.

Nichiren, the Buddha for the Latter Day, gave very clear instructions on how we can devote ourselves to the law and thus obtain our own enlightenment, our own Buddha state. The fundamental practice is the chanting of the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nichiren's wonderful "formula", also known as the "Daimoku" which contains within it the Dharma as taught in the Lotus Sutra.

The Meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
"Namu" means to devote, to adore, or to follow.

Originally the Chinese character, "Ho" means the laws, the ways and standards. The laws are especially innumerable teachings of the Buddha. "Ho" in "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" has a threefold meaning of regulations, creed, and truth in Japanese; in English, "Ho" literally means laws.

The first meaning, regulations, are set by human beings depending on their situation, like driving on the right side of the road (in America), stopping at red signal lights, and going on green signals. These rules differ depending on the place and time. These are set for the convenience of those who live there. The constitution, traffic rules, by-laws are good examples.

The second meaning focuses on how to make people follow these regulations. One has the creed that depends on one’s belief. Therefore, the methods of teaching the regulations differ depending upon religion, race, place, and time; for instance, "Thou shall not kill," could be taught for the following reasons 1) God revealed it, 2) If you go against it, you will be punished, 3) If you do kill, you will go to jail. However, soldiers are taught to kill, and one may be justified in killing another in self-defense. Many laws do not apply depending on the place, the time, and the society because their creeds are different.

The third is truth. Truth does not change due to one’s faith, country, time and race; therefore, truth stands above the laws made by human beings and creeds made by religions.

"Ho" includes all three laws. This "Ho" sometimes acts strangely and mystically beyond our understandings; therefore, it is modified by "Myo," which means mystic, wonderful and excellent, so it is named; "Myoho."

The lotus flowers, or "Renge," express the universal laws such as Inter-Dependent Existence, Uncertainty of Life, Cause and Effect, and Purity. The lotus grows in muddy waters and blooms beautiful flowers. The flowers and leaves are never stained with the dirty water because the leaves and flowers have a waxy surface that repels water. Human beings are easily stained with the wrong, but the lotus flower keeps its purity.

In fact, without the muddy water, the lotus will never grow. The fact that beautiful flowers bloom only from the muddy water symbolizes the law of Inter Dependent Existence. Similarly, the bad and the good exist together in a society.

Most trees and plants bloom flowers from small seeds. However, the lotus is unique to have its flower and seeds at the same time. People often forget that the beautiful flower is the result of the small seed growing. Just the same, people forget that it may be their bad deeds and actions that may have caused an adverse effect on them, and they blame others for their misfortune. In this manner, the lotus flower reminds us of the law of Cause and Effect.

The life of a lotus flower lasts only for four days. It symbolizes the law of Uncertainty of Life.

Thus, the lotus flower symbolizes the universal laws. The flower also symbolizes truth, purity and beauty that most religions seek. The Buddha Sakyamuni expounded these truths with similes, his previous lives, parables, and his speeches in a scripture, or "Kyo," called "Myoho Renge Kyo."

To obey, to adore and to devote these universal laws are "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo." When we keep up a well-regulated life; truth, purity and beauty will follow after us.

Answer 2

It is a very old chant used by Japanese Nichiren Buddhists. Literally it means something like `Praise to the lotus sutra`. Be careful though, it is also used by a new religious movement called SGI which many accuse of being cult like.