Click here for
the meaning of "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo".HOW TO CHANT
"NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO"
The "Daimoku" or "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" is chanted repeatedly and rhythmically.
The voice should be strong but controlled.
Aim at a perfectly even pace.
The phrase is broken down into SIX syllables, each taking exactly the same time to chant. That is to say the two syllables in each of the words "Myoho" and "Renge" are given equal weight as follows:
NAM - MYO - HO - REN - GE - KYO
The syllables are pronounced as follows
NAM
The "A" is pronounced like the word "AH" : NAHM.MYO
Imagine the word Yo-yo. The "yo" part of "Myo" soundslike the "yo" of "yo-yo" .
Now suppose there was a man named "Tim Yo". Say the name out loud.
The sound of "m" at the end of "Tim" "blends" with the "yo" to form the combined sound "myo": Ti"M YO" Cut out the "Ti" sound and you are left with the correct sound for "Myo"
HO
The word "HOE" (the garden tool) sounds exactly right.
REN
The name of the bird "WREN" sounds exactly right.
GE
The word "GAY" sounds right.
KYO
This sounds exactly like the "KYO" in ToKYO.
PACE
: Most people chant at about 1½ seconds per Daimoku or 40 Daimoku per minute. Some people chant much faster. When chanting on your own, choose the speed you feel comfortable with. In a group, follow the pace of the leader without trying to force the pace slower or faster.
DURATION
Chant for as long as you feel like chanting. Nichiren Daishonin's only instruction to his disciples (us) was "Chant to your heart's content".
Click here for
the meaning of "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo".
Click
here for the origin of "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo".
