im practicing nichiren buddhism
2007-11-13 13:42:05 · 7 answers · asked by wings_of_tat 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, it does not work.
2007-11-13 13:44:38 · answer #1 · answered by L.C. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm curious about whether it works, too. But what I find a bit contradictory is that people chant this in order to get things. Buddhism isn't about materialism. It's about awareness and compassion. Buddhist mantras are supposed to increase awareness and wisdom, not increase wealth. I guess it also has to do with proper motivation. You might chant to get a new car, but a really proper Buddhist motivation would be to chant in order to remove the suffering of others, or at least to become more aware and compassionate. I also think that whatever you do with mindfulness can be a useful meditation for increasing awareness and wisdom. If it is a genuine tantric mantra, it will be much more effective than chanting "coca-cola" over and over again, though. So that's why I find the Nichiren mantra interesting. Is it really more effective than chanting "coca-cola"?
2007-11-13 22:01:41 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. WD 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have practiced Nichiren Buddhism for many years. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo works for me in conjunction with other elements of my Buddhist practice. Simply chanting those words ~ not so much. Faith, practice, study work together.
The question you need to focus on is 'does it work for *you*'?
2007-11-13 21:57:38 · answer #3 · answered by Peace Yo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand that these words have special significance within Nichiren Buddhism, just as other chants do in other religions. If you find it useful, good, but from an outsider's perspective, it seems to have the same effectiveness as any powerful chant of any religion. No more and no less.
2007-11-13 21:55:18 · answer #4 · answered by kriosalysia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Former Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist here.
Sorry to deflate your balloon, but chanting works just as well as praying to Jesus or wishing on a star.
In other words, it doesn't.
2007-11-13 21:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by 222 Sexy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am familiar with it. Anything works if you "belive," in it.
Saying the word popsicle over and over, will also work, if you believe in it.
2007-11-13 21:45:26 · answer #6 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It works to center yourself. All meditation does that.
2007-11-13 21:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋