Talk:Nam(u) Myōhō Renge Kyō

Sokka Gakkai

We do not need a large word for word account from Sokka Gakkai. This is a encyclopedia and it does not need it nor the mulitple references to the organization. Nor does Soka Gakkai own the Daimoku. Thank You Bsjapan (talk) 02:35, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Copyright violation

The whole "Meaning" section was copied word for word from that SGI website last March, replacing the previous version of that section. I reverted it back to the old version. - bethenco (talk) 01:50, 5 January 2010 (UTC)

DJ MYSTIC LAW WROTE:

Please indicate why this is a copyright violation again? Because there is a right to use works for purely academic purposes. Moreover, whether or not you personally respect or appreciate the Soka Gakkai, it is the leading authority on the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin. Before the Nichiren Shoshu Temple Excommunicated Them In 1991, the Soka Gakkai supported their cause to propagate the writings of Nichiren Daishonin. Josei Toda was the leading force behind getting the writings translated into English. Josei Toda was second president of the Soka Gakkai. Please understand this point. - 517PM 6 NOVEMBER 2011

Any content that is not released under the GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL), the license of Wikipedia, or a compatible license, or in the public domain, or otherwise usable without copyright restriction under the terms of Wikipedia policy, cannot be used word for word. At best, the ideas in the source material may be otherwise conveyed with the source given as a reference, and/or a specific quotation from a notable reliable source, per Wikipedia's definitions of the word, may be given specifically as a quotation with reference. Wikipedia does not denote any spiritual organization the "leading authority" over another to maintain encyclopedic neutrality. --Shruti14 ^{talk • sign} 03:50, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

External links

I am in doubt about the final external link in the list, especially its statements about psychology. No doubt some pyschology experts are taking this line, but the statement seems like an overgeneralization. What do others think?

I agree completely. It looks like rubbish to me. Probably an advertisement. - Nat Krause 08:38, 13 Apr 2005 (UTC)

The questions is: Where to delete from? Does the reference to the flick have any relevance to people seriously looking for info on the subject? My instinct would be to zap the whole para, but I don't want to be accused of doing anything gratuitously. The final link looks like an ad to me too&mdashor at least an invite to try somebody's mantra out. Jim_Lockhart 08:54, 13 Apr 2005 (UTC)

The whole paragraph looks weird to me. I think it should all be removed. In fact, I will remove it myself. - Nat Krause 09:16, 13 Apr 2005 (UTC)

I would suspect we're talking about the movie "The Last Detail"? If so, yes it has some relevance, this is why: This mantra came the the US in the 60s mostly, via Japanese war brides. And they organized profusely (under Soka Gakkai) to spread this Buddhism, and thus the mantra. The movie is pertaining to that. I would also mention less important mentions of it for obvious reasons (such things may lead to the person coming to this page, yes?) For example, I forget which episode, but in the Simpsons, Homer Simpson writes a "dear john" letter on his palm to tell a crush named, "Mindy" he plans to stay loyal, etc.... Due to his nervousness, the palm gets all sweaty and instead he reads something like "Murphy, I think, a Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, [etc.]". This is relevant enough to have under a "in American Culture" section or something like that.

Frankly, whomever has been editing this page has really wrecked it, there's practically nothing here now. Why not just have the title as the page itself if this is where wiki is heading? Shame on whoever has done this to this page: It is now essentially sparse, beyond limited, partially incorrect, and so short it appears written by a drunk or disinterested (in WIKI mind you) person.... One would have to suspect sabotage or a war of some sort went on here to find the ruins I see compared to what was here a few years ago. Perhaps some trigger happy authors need to check their head sizes? This is atrocious.Bob the Lunatic (talk) 12:11, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

Penultimate

Penultimate does indeed mean 'second to last', see this quote from dict.org's WordNet entry:

penultimate

      adj : next to the last; "the author inadvertently reveals the
            murderer in the penultimate chapter"; "the figures in
            the next-to-last column" [syn: next-to-last]
      n : the next to last syllable in a word [syn: penult, penultima]

I suspect that ultimate is instead what the author intends. -- wackyvorlon

The sentence in question is internally confused. The Lotus Sutra is definitely considered by tradition to be penultimate; it was the Buddha's next-to-last teaching before the Nirvana Sutra. However, the Tiantai and Nichiren schools also believe that the teachings it contains are "ultimate" in a different sense; they are the highest and most true. The confusion probably arises from multiple editors rewriting the same sentence. I suppose it should be reworded. - Nat Krause 08:27, 2 Jun 2005 (UTC)

I would be inclined to agree - the context of the usage is confusing, aggravated by the fact that penultimate is very frequently abused. -- wackyvorlon

My bad. The intent (as far as my authorship/editing is concerned) is indeed ultimate—e.g., highest, supreme, etc. I'll go in and fix it. Thanks for pointing out the error. Jim_Lockhart 09:10, 2 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Edit of 6 June 2004

In light of the addition made by User:Enumclaw, I decided to try to sort this article out a bit more. I have removed the following portions:

Renge is the lotus flower; because the lotus blooms and seeds at the same time, the idea is that it represents the law of cause and effect,...

I've incorporated this explanation elsewhere, in the general explanation of what renge means, because the interpretation is not exclusive to Soka Gakkai (or even Nichiren Shoshu).

Thus while adherants are literally chanting their devotion/adoration to the Lotus Sutra, in another mindset they are chanting to remind themselves that what they believe is the law of cause and effect, i.e. karma, that Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren taught.

This is a tough call because it. The "chanting their devotion [to] the Lotus Sutra" part is pretty much universal, though some schools might object to the "adoration" part. The part reading "in another mindset they are chanting to remind themselves that what they believe" is most likely exclusive to Soka Gakkai, since traditionalists would object to this interpretation on the grounds that they are not trying to "remind" themselves of anything, but rather invoke the power of Nam(u) Myoho Renge Kyo to lead them to enlightenment. In any case, I feel that interpretations exclusive to any given school should be explained in detail in the article on that school, with only passing reference in articles intended to be more general. I'd also like to note that an external link at the bottom of the page already points to an explanation of the phrase from Soka Gakkai's viewpoint.

Thoughts? Jim_Lockhart 08:30, 5 Jun 2005 (UTC)

I would disagree, I'm an SGI member. To "remind" myself while chanting is a very strange concept in any way or shape. This issue is not unique to Soka Gakkai, but rather - it is more likely that this sect places more emphasis on study than others? Allow me to show where they get it: Directly from the Lotus Sutra, the 10 factors of the Hoben (2nd) chapter. Which lists from 6-9 as cause and effect, and #10 revealing what is discussed here: "And their [the other 9 factors, including internal cause ('nyo ze in'), external cause ('nyo ze en'), internal effect ('nyo ze ka') and external effect ('nyo ze ho')] consistency from beginning to end". The "consistency" here means in a single life moment-the "simultaneous" part. Again, that is the nature of the Lotus Blossom to arguably the largest degree in all of Buddhism (simultaneity of cause and effect = karma), so to suggest it's belief is limited to soka gakkai is strange to me. Further: Tendai sects do not use this daimoku, so why would they be relevant. There are dozens of Nichiren sects to consider on this issue-Tendai sects are not among them.

Back to the "reminder" issue. No, I cannot speak for other sects but concentration on the Gohonzon is the focus, the mind is preferably quiet, not reminding. When chanting, I am seeking to get lost in it, to achieve nearly a trance. I cannot "think" my life condition to change, but I can "chant" it to :) Again, I would suspect the issue here is one of deeper study. Soka Gakkai has historically been very fierce about it: Encouraging members to study, take tests, learn the basic fundamentals of Nichiren's teachings, which of course are based more than anything on the Lotus Sutra itself, and the "Maka Shikan" written by T'ien T'ai. The idea of reminding the self is way off base for Soka Gakkai. The literal concept involved here would be "Kyochi Myogo", which means "Fusion of Subjective Wisdom with Objective Reality". Fusion with the Gohonzon, the awakening of the Buddha nature. In other words, the attempt to awaken the 9th consciousness-which is way beyond thought. The "reminder" claim indicates 6th and 7th consciousnesses, so it actually contradicts a variety of concepts in this Buddhism, it is by all rights false. It is stated as it is precisely what Renge is. "Renge" however, is the (portion of the) mantra, not "Don't forget, it means cause and effect and whatnot". This is because it is NOT just limited to "cause and effect". It has many other meanings as well-all of which can ONLY be captured by "renge", rather than just its aspects. For example, that renge (lotus blossom) also grows from mud, indicating the principle of the "mutuality of the 10 worlds", that is: Buddhahood can be found in Hell. and so on. TO simplify any of it to a quick assumption is a guaranteed mistake. To suggest Soka Gakkai members are doing this "reminding" has a hint of bias to it, stripping them of it being a "meditative practice" which is precisely what it is.

Thoughts? :)Bob the Lunatic (talk) 12:00, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

---

Well done - I don't know what other SGI members would say but I certainly don't chant to remind myself of the mystic law: I'd rather say I chant to devote my life to it, or you could say "internalise" it. --195.10.248.18 16:31, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

---

Hmmm... good call. The new version is pretty clean.

Tendai/Tiantai

The current text seems to claim that only Nichiren schools practice the Daimoku. I would assume Tendai/Tiantai to have that practice as well. Didn't Nichiren himself learn it there? Luis Dantas

I've never heard that; someone familiar with Tendai practices will have to clarify. Nichiren himself said that Tendai and Dengyo, at least, knew of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo but never "revealed" it because the "time wasn't ripe" (as he put it--this has to do with the concept in the Lotus schools of time periods following Sakyamuni's passing), and the most widely spread notion is that Nichiren first propounded the phrase. HTH, Jim_Lockhart 7 July 2005 11:37 (UTC)

Nichiren said in one of His Gosho that Tiantai personally chanted the daimoku, but Tiantai never revealed it to others. Nichiren revealed it as the practice for Mappo, as it was His role as Bodhisattva Superior Practices. [If we assume Nichiren was Bodhisattva Jogyo]. Steve (talk) 17:21, 24 January 2012 (UTC)

There is no gosho that says that. Nichiren is very clear on this issue. This is more likely what he says (one Gosho REFERENCE would be "On the Real Aspect of the Gohonzon"), that Tien Tai and Dengyo far surpassed him in knowledge and perhaps intelligence. But what he excels at is FAITH. There is no question, Nichiren in 1253 is the first person to chant "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" by any account I know of. If this is disputed, even here-it should allude to a reference better than "some gosho". Yes as Jim says, this is why Nichiren was the "True Buddha" by some accounts (Soka Gakkai, Nichiren Shoshu) or at the very least by others (Nichiren Shu, and others from the other 4 priests) the reincarnation of "Bodhisattva Jogyo" and the first one to fulfill the prophecy of the Lotus Sutra. The whole claim to fame that Nichiren makes is that he is the "First to reveal the SEED of enlightenment: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo".

What tien tai did here: He organized ALL the sutras by depth and time period, and proved that the Lotus Sutra was the Highest teaching. So you could certainly credit Tien Tai with pushing "Myoho Renge Kyo" to the top of the heap with valid basis. But you cannot in any way give Tien Tai credit for "NAM Myoho Renge Kyo" and to claim that Nichiren said so is a bit ridiculous considering mountains of evidence (all similar to what I added here) to the contrary: Nichiren was the first to say it, and there is no claim of a dispute anywhere I've seen, this page is the first mention of it. If Steve has a gosho that says otherwise, I am at least curious to a reference (there are about 800 of them, could we narrow it down?) and also: Please tell me what was special about Nichiren, and what does "Superior" of "superior practices" allude to if not exactly what it says: "Superior practices" .... so if tien tai already said it, what superior practice did Nichiren/Jogyo come up with? (Do you see it even fails the test of basic logic?Bob the Lunatic (talk) 12:21, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

Translations: literal and exegetical

The article stated that nam myoho renge kyo is translated as "Devotion to the Mystic Law of cause and effect that exists throughout all the sounds and vibrations of the universe", but this really overstates and confuses the matter. Although one can't realistically expect always to find a word-for-word translation, this version is more of an exegesis than a translation. There's nothing wrong with this, but it shouldn't be presented simply as "the translation" of these words. A more literal translation should be given although, of course, it's also useful to retain this longer interpretive translation that can unpack some of the meaning in the more literal version.

To this end, I thought of giving "Hail to Dharma the Lotus Sutra" as the literal translation, and like this version as it comes close to a word-for-word rendering. . The namu part, derived from Sanskrit namas works really more like an honorific than a noun. I'd thought of "hail", "greetings", "blessed" or "dear" but didn't want to stray to far from the exegetical translation. I'd appreciate responses from others on what we could use here that would be more accurate than "devotion".

The problem here with "Dharma" is that although relatively widely known in English, it is likely to be more confusing than clarifying. Other possible choices here would be "religion", "regulation", or "law"; keeping "mystic law" seemed reasonable. The addition of "of cause and effect" while not precisely false certainly does much more than simply translate the phrase.

The exegetical translation was least satisfactory, as a literal translation, for the renge kyo part. Here it explained rather than translated. The phrase "that exists throughout all the sounds and vibrations of the universe", while not especially unclear on its own terms, really adds a great deal rather than simply trying to turn the words into English. It seems better to be direct and succinct. I'd wanted to give Lotus Sutra but the problems with using "sutra" are similar to those with "dharma": both are loandwords in English that won't be clear to many readers not already familiar with Buddhism or Hinduism. "Lotus Scripture" makes it clear that there is a reference to a religious book with the name of "Lotus". Interlingua 13:31, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

literally translated as Devotion to the Law of the Lotus Scripture an exegetical translated as

There's at least one other prominent pop culture appearance of the chant: In the film The Last Detail (1973, directed by Hal Ashby), two grizzled US Navy noncoms (played by Jack Nicholson and the late Otis Young) are assigned to accompany a scared young seaman convict (Randy Quaid) to the Portsmouth Naval Prison in Portsmouth, NH. Taking pity on him, they show him some good times in all the major cities of the Eastern Seaboard. They also attend a Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist meeting, where the young sailor, facing 8 years in the brig, learns that by chanting, he can get anything he wants. In later scenes of the movie, we see Quaid (who is, of course, the older brother of Dennis Quaid, cited in the same section of the same article on Daimoku) invoking the chant.Maccb (talk) 03:17, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

The kanji (Chinese Characters) for "nam myoho renge kyo" may be wrong. In the text of the article it's listed as "南無妙法蓮華經" but the actual kanji may be "南無妙法蓮華経" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.244.77.222 (talk) 19:47, 11 April 2010 (UTC)

DJ MYSTIC LAW: Considering that Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is an invention of Nichiren Daishonin, which is a combination of NAM and "MYOHORENGEKYO" It deems quoting directly from the translations of the Ongi Kuden and his Writings when giving a definition of the meaning of the term. Moreover, the definition that Nichiren Daishonin packs into it is quite deep, profound and possibly unsettling to some. However, it deems mentioning that any Definition that goes in an Encyclopedia should quote from the source. Which I have done, I have taken pages 3-4 of the Ongi Kuden as well as Gosho Number One (Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Pages 3-4). Both of which together help to fully elucidate the meaning of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. I know that if I created something out of an implicit meaning of a text, attached deep meaning to it, I would love it to be correctly transmitted by quoting me directly. And I am sure that for a purely informational purpose it is quite alright here. " - 532PM - 6 NOVEMBER 2011 Djmysticlaw (talk) 01:37, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

NAM(U)

• Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō is a language nonsense in Japanese. It should be transcribed, chanted (or recited) Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō accordingly to kanji 南無妙法蓮華經 (nan-mu-myō-hō-ren-ge-kyō).--Seibun (talk) 12:01, 17 March 2012 (UTC)

Just a point on "renge". Cause and Effect would certainly be accurate in the context of this page. No, it is not the literal meaning. The literal meaning should be "Lotus Blossom". However, the Lotus is an important symbol for primarily "cause and effect". It is said that it is the only flower that blossoms and seeds at the same time. Thus, it is chosen to represent karma, or the "simultaneity of cause and effect". I have studied this Buddhism for 20 years, if someone ignorant asked me for the best literal translation-but, keeping in mind the context of what it is (the Title of the Lotus Sutra, and from the perspective of Nichiren Sects, the heart of the Lotus Sutra also), I would answer: "I devote myself to the Mystic Law of Cause and Effect through Sound." Because Nam IS included on the title page, one is now limited ONLY to Nichiren Sects as Nam is what Nichiren added to make this a "Nichiren only" page if you will. Thus, to ignore the meaning of the phrase, from the Nichiren perspective (and choose rough, literal translations instead), seems like a mistake as these are not a few random words thrown together but rather a phrase of 7 syllables that have a distinct meaning, far apart perhaps from a cold, scholastic perspective on them in a language only context. Bob the Lunatic (talk) 11:36, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

Also on the "nam" comment most recent: Of course it is "nonsense" in Japanese, for it is sanskrit. However, what should be noted here is that it is intentionally in two languages (sanskrit and japanese, to show the law/daimoku is universal. Nam is a common beginning to many Japanese chants/mantras though. For example, in Nembutsu, or Jodo (pure land) sects, they would use the mantra "Nam-Amidabutsu" (or, "I devote myself to the Buddha Amida". Regardless, this page isn't on "Nam", it's on "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" and universality is why Nichiren claims he uses a 2nd language in the most important phrase in the history of Buddhism, from his, and his adherents' perspective. Again, perhaps something to note upon referencing (sorry, too lazy to do the work, even though I've 250 books on this topic). And no, "Nam" and "Namu" are interchangeable from at least some Nichiren sects' perspective. Yes, I am sure Japanese would strictly say "Na-Mu" as there is no such sound "m" in Japanese but rather, only "ma, mi, mu, me, and mo. It is namu, but for the page, and for the purposes intended, "Nam" is likely more correct at least by majority (Nichiren believer) accounts. And rather, "Namu" is considered a "prolonged daimoku" only. What you may be missing is that it is likely a rhythm issue. Again, note that other Japanese sects also use "Nam" not "Namu". The latter perhaps is a bit of a "hiccup" while chanting a mantra, just a theory, based on experience. Bob the Lunatic (talk) 11:40, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

Advertisement for www.sgi.org?

This article reads as if somebody dropped in references to some Nichren organization called SGI. I don't know much about Nichiren but I would suspect that SGI is not the only Organization that carries on this Buddhist tradition. If so, what are these references doing in this article and why are they not even explained. I know too little about this topic to be comfortable with editing the article but it feels to me as if it would be better to drop these references and the link to www.sgi.org (which is not even formatted properly) at the end of the article. It feels like somebody with little wikipedia experience wanted to just drop the name of their organization without caring about topical relevance or the ability of readers to even understand these references. 91.37.151.220 (talk) 06:58, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

I found it interesting that the Nichiren Buddhism article refers to Soka Gakkai International as a "lay organization" but in order to get any information on them I had to then go to a separate article which details the organization. It doesn't appear to indicate anywhere that SGI has any kind of monopoly on the use of the Daimoku; in fact, they seem purely "noteworthy" because some famous Buddhists (and by this I mean famous in the western world) belong to them. This seems more like some (well-intentioned?) advertising to me. Atypicaloracle (talk) 23:49, 17 July 2009 (UTC)

I would weigh in here. Perhaps the rules weren't followed nor objective, unbiased, etc. But there is no question that Soka Gakkai should be mentioned, including at least a paragraph. It would be like saying "Luther should not be mentioned in the article on Protestant Christianity". All Nichiren sects were very small until Soka Gakkai hit the scene after WWII. They grew from zero to over ten million in about 2 decades I believe. Soka Gakkai brought Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to the world by any rational account. They do not have a monopoly, but there is no question they are the ones that put Nichiren Buddhism on the map, and are certainly notable and to not mention it on this page indicates bias against them.

Also, the majority by far of Nichiren Buddhism would be "Soka Gakkai". If you combine all other Nichiren sects, they would account for less than 10%-of the total, with remainder being, Soka Gakkai. I won't make additional arguments, of which there are plenty, but again-you perhaps are getting blinded by proselytizing and missing the valid aspect of its mention as far as wiki's concerns. If a person looked this page up to learn about it-guess what resources are available? Soka Gakkai. All other sects are very small, hard to find outside Japan. So to withhold Soka Gakkai on this page is to withhold the most helpful place to find information on where to chant, where to learn, where to acquire books, etc. Anyway, the reaction is understandable, but unfounded and incorrect here-no question, it should have a mention and a paragraph, but perhaps not written by a Gakkai member.. So to quickly dismiss Soka Gakkai because they brag about Tina Turner or Herbie Hancock (assumed based on your statement) is quite silly. This is also a bit out of date for the organization culturally. I would argue they pushed such things back in the 70s & 80s for 2 reasons: 1/ To continue to show its respect for American culture, and its acclimation as proof, and perhaps convinced that TV people were important due to recognition. 2/ It really values music, and musical talent. Regardless, the argument made that 'it was mentioned because of a few irrelevant westerner famous folk, is no basis, etc. etc.' is beyond ridiculous. It indicates the wiki author glanced (pamphlet style) at the web page or something. Upon closer (60 second) inspection-they would quickly see that Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu would be the first sects to mention in regard to the page title. There are dozens of others, but these 2 are the most notable, and really no question of the 2, Soka Gakkai is the most so, as Nichiren Shoshu is only well known (globally) due to Soka Gakkai. Research it a little more, you'll see you through out the baby with the bathwater on this issue.Bob the Lunatic (talk) 11:21, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

DJ MYSTIC LAW WROTE: Please understand that the Soka Gakkai International is the leading force of Kosen-Rufu ( wide proclamation and propagation of the teachings of Nichiren Daishoin). Also, please make sure you understand that contributions from millions of Soka Gakkai members went into the task of translating and compiling the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin. Whether you think the SGI is too preachy, or forceful, in their approach of disseminating the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin is only an attack on their character, and has to relevancy on the actual writings validity. Please acknowledge the Soka Gakkai's most basic function in this regard. There is a profound reason why there is no other translations of the teachings widely available.(Also, if you know of other translations of the Gosho Zenshu[Collected Writings of Nichiren Daishonin] please let me know sokaspirit@peacemail.com I would love to check them out. - 525PM 6 November 2011 — Preceding unsigned comment added by Djmysticlaw (talk • contribs) Djmysticlaw (talk) 01:41, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

DJ MYSTIC LAW WROTE: In regards to this statement "This article reads as if somebody dropped in references to some Nichren organization called SGI" Please remember Soka Gakkai And Soka Gakkai International own the translations of the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, and the members contributed to them being translated to english. If I wrote a book, my name would be promoted along with it. And since the Soka Gakkai did translate the teachings, compile them and spread them around the world. The are that organization that will be advertised along with any reference to Nichiren's Writings. I hope that is ok with you, since it appears that is the way things are rolling... Djmysticlaw (talk) 01:41, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

Removed first person account

I removed a first person account that wasn't written in an encyclopedic style. It should probably be rewritten if it's to go back in, but I don't think it really added to the article much. Airosche (talk) 02:24, 16 May 2011 (UTC)

Opening paragraph and explanations

This needs to show both pronunciations because not all schools of Nichiren Buddhism say Namu, which is mainly just used by Nichiren Shu, whereas Nichiren Shoshu and SGI use Nam, and it this needs to reflect this. And it isn't a polite form "O-daimoku" it's a distinct difference between the different schools, Nichiren Shu say O-daimoku, whereas Nichiren Shoshu and SGI use Daimoku. Also 経 is the modern Japanese and is more common, but in all liturgy the chinese 經 is used instead, on the Gohonzon also the older Chinese 經 is used, and so for all intents and purposes it should be 經. Mollari08 (talk) 16:36, 21 December 2011 (UTC)

Actually, SGI & Nichiren Shoshu also use "Namu". "Nam" is just truncated, but it still is "Namu". The 2 mentioned sects here do not use it while chanting, but both used it for prolonged diamoku (slow chanting 3 times prior to prayers) at the end of reading the liturgy/sutra. SGI quit using it during its various revisions of their liturgy/sutra book after the split with Nichiren Shoshu priesthood. The liturgy primarily uses chinese for the sake of rhythm, but for ease of use (assumed) the Japanese (by this I mean, in addition to kanji characters) above the Chinese is always Hiragana to my knowledge.Bob the Lunatic (talk) 11:13, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

Mistakes & Misinterpretations

This article is based on SGI propaganda pamphlets, with many language mistakes and misinterpretations (eg. "o" in invocation o-daimoku is a honorific prefix, as used with many words in Japanese) broadly present in "American-Japanese". I would suggest using serious Japanese dictionaries and handbooks. --Seibun (talk) 12:30, 24 December 2011 (UTC)

Merger

I propose to merge the article with an article named Nam(u) Myoho Renge Kyo Redirect Daimoku, Odaimoku, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and Namu Myoho Renke Kyo to the above mentioned title. Benefit: End to endless debates.--Catflap08 (talk) 16:57, 27 June 2012 (UTC)