Nichiren Daishonin first chanted “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” on 28th April 1253. It is the Universal Law of Life.
The Meaning of Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo means”
Nam: Nam derives from the Sanskrit word namu, meaning "to devote oneself." Nichiren established the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, namu indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.
Myoho: Myoho literally means the Mystic Law--the underlying truth or principle which governs the mysterious workings of the universe and our life from moment to moment. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such phenomena is a constant reality known as myo. Myo also means to open, to revive, and to be fully endowed with the qualities we need to develop
Renge: Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our individual lives are determined by the causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma." The law of cause and effect affirms that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we have the power to change it. The most powerful positive cause we can make is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of our life and will definitely manifest in time.
The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person in the midst of the struggles of day-to-day existence.
Kyo: Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. In a broad sense, kyo conveys the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation of the Mystic Law.
Gongyo is the Prayer of two chapters of Lotus Sutra and silent prayers along with Chanting Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo. We start are day in the morning by chanting Daimoku and Gongyo so that all the protective powers help us whole day and give us happiness. In the evening we chant in order to pay gratitude for the day.
For the starters just sit in a peaceful place focusing the blank wall and chant with the eyes open like a roar of the lion. When we chant we take our lives in our hand instead of seeking outside. We chant for the happiness of ourselves and happiness of others. When we chant with faith focusing the Gohonzon which is the object of devotion we have the power to change our sorrows into medicine. Trust me friends it is really magical and it will change your life for the best and will lead you to the life of positivity. We chant to bring out our inner buddhahood that is we raise our life to the level where we can see the word with the potential as a Buddha. We chant to be able to have wisdom, compassion and courage to give our best in the daily life and create value out of every situation we face in daily life. We chant to not be deluded by emotions or let our weaker self take over and be affected by the environment. As a human being we all have probles in life whether relationship, financial getting a good job etc. Just open your heart in front of Gohonzon and be happy Always..
"Nonviolence is the highest form of humility; it is supreme courage." Daisaku Ikeda..