The reason that we continually recite Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō:

Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō is the single phrase by which we unite and fuse ourselves and our lives (Nam[u]) with the deepest, most encompassing dimension of reality, within and without, [Utterness of the Dharma, entirety of existence past, present and future, enlightenment and unenlightenment] (Myōhō), permeated by the inner and outer workings of all aspects of cause and effect, their interdependencies, and all their reaches, [underlying white lotus flower-like mechanism of the interdependence of cause, concomitancy and effect] (Renge), in its whereabouts of every possible realm or wavelength of psychological existence (Kyō).

The one phrase Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō encapsulates all of reality and the entirety of existence. It is the formula by which we call forth and access our own deepest enlightenment. And when enlightenment manifests from within, it obtains protection from without, profound and all-encompassing. Thus, throughout our lives, when we continually recite Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō, our inner condition of enlightenment becomes more and more predominant, influencing all cause and effect (karma) of our existence, past, present, and future, which includes all aspects of our physical being and inner psychological states as well. This is the true practice given to us by Nichiren Daishōnin, the Buddha for our time and into the future…

From the Preface of the book The Essential of the Teaching of Nichiren Nichiren Daishōnin:

There are numerous passages in the writings of Nichiren Daishōnin that urge his followers to ‘embrace’ Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō in every thought, word, and action. This is to say that because enlightenment is already inherent within us, the more we recite that single phrase, the more fully we experience the enlightened aspect of each facet of our lives – even more so as our understanding deepens – since Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō encompasses the entirety of existence.

The idea is that reciting the theme and title should become as natural as breathing. And Nichiren often equates faith in Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō with letting our wishes and desires flow forth as instinctively as we hunger for food, thirst for water, long for love, seek a cure for illness, and the like, even admonishing us that if we do not, we will regret it later. When we practice reciting Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō in such a manner, always maintaining a pure seeking spirit for the truth and the clear light of enlightenment, we are protected even from the delusions of our own minds, which might be considered the greatest protection of all.

Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō implies the whole of the Dharma and all dharmas. That single phrase is complete in itself and all-encompassing. Nothing else is needed. All imaginable meritorious virtues stem from its recitation alone – a practice sublime in its simplicity. And yet the profundity of Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō is fathomless.

~ by Harley White, in conjunction with Martin Bradley