Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo: Buddhist Chanting for Manifestation?
Chanting for manifestation? I read about it in Tina Turner’s autobiography quite a few years back and was intrigued. But I didn’t really follow up. Part of me didn’t really believe it. That was years before I discovered Abraham.
Last Saturday, I had an experience that made me a believer (or at least a tentative believer):
A few friends from Unity got together to work on manifesting money and other things they wanted in their lives. Of course, I’m interested in that as well, as you know from previous blog entries, especially for my New Zealand trip (see below) (and also for the bills etc.).
The meeting included a chanting session, led by Gino, a Buddhist (don’t know what descriptive noun to use — I’m not sure he’s a monk, and “expert chanter” definitely doesn’t sound quite right).
In any case, he explained the meaning of everything, the chant as well as the altar we sat in front of and how it would work, and proceeded to lead us in our chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for about 30 minutes. It was an extremely powerful experience.
Before I left for the meeting, I had frantically tried to list some stuff on Ebay but wasn’t able to because my camera’s battery was dead and I had to wait until it charged.
I had also set up a listing in a forum where people sell each other their products and services, but wasn’t holding my breath. The response to my previous efforts there had been underwhelming to put it politely. I didn’t even make my listing fee back.
Yet when I returned home after the chanting and checked my email and discovered that I had received THREE orders on the forum, two of them quite substantial! The results from that evening totalled more than 40 times more than what I had received in the entire time before.
I had done a better job with the marketing aspect, but still, the timing was really uncanny. (and no orders since either! I will have to chant some more).
I was definitely impressed. Gino had told us to expect results, but so quickly, and so clearly? I’ll be chanting regularly now. I think I can do it in place of some of my meditation sessions…
You may want to try it too. Just be sure you get the most important part right, which is to think of what you <b>want</b> to happen while you chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
Will it work if you chant something else? I really don’t know. My opinion? Why mess with success?
The rest of the evening included treasure map making (depicting the things we wanted to manifest in our lives, and very yummy food!
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to do my chanting for tonight!
P.S.: Maybe I should add a chapter about chanting in my stress-relief ebook…
May 14th, 2008 at 4:06 am
The start of freedom and the realization that you aren’t “the one who thinks”.
The moment when you start observing who thinks, an higher level of consciousness is active.
You account to yourself for being of a huge realm of an intelligence that goes beyond the thought and it is only the smallest aspect of that intelligence.
You understand the that all the things really important, as beauty, love, creativity, happiness, interior peace, are born outside the mind.
ECKHART TOLLE
I always thought the outer world is only a mirror of what we are inside, but now I feel the desire to explore the infinite inside us.
We are sometimes afraid of looking inside us, because we identify ourselves with the outer world, we feel that information, emotions overwhelm us, but it’s only a small test to overcome and to find our inner treasure and to start a fantastic adventure.
The fear is born because we derive our identity from the world. This is the realm of ego that needs to be always reassured and some appreciations. If we identify ourselves with the outer world the trust of us comes from what the others says about us. So we spend our life at the mercy of the wages between moments of glory and depression. Understand that the outer world is only a ripple of the ocean makes feel us fundamental.
We sometimes need dramatic events in the life to go beyond the appearances. The truth, at levels deeper and deeper, is always and only inside us and in no other where.
The western society is based on the fundamental mistake “cogito ergo sum” according to the man is sure to be cause he’s a subject who has doubt, so he thinks.
Now we analyze the thought. It is formed by everything have been taught us, by the environment where we live, by the hopes that we have, so by our past, by our believes.
The thought let us repeat the way of minimal resistance and live in a comfortable zone, maybe with different characters and backgrounds. In other case it push us in a future where we can foresee what will happen. Seldom we are relaxing in the deep ocean of today, but it’s here and now where we can find really us, beyond the reason.
To reach again the consciousness of the Be and live in this situation of instinctive realization of union is the flash of inspiration.
Inspiration means find our true nature beyond the name and the form.
The inability to perceive this state of connection from the origin to the illusion of separation from ourselves and from the world around us.
We think of us as isolated fragments and the interior and exterior struggles become an habit.
Nowadays our problem is not to succeed in giving up think of, we bear compulsive thought but we don’t understand because according to us it’s normal.
This endless noise doesn’t let us live in our interior calm and it creates a wall, realized by the reason, made of concepts, labels, images, words and judgments, that stops every relationship.
This wall of mind creates the illusion of “you” and “other” totally separated, forgetting our intimate union with everything exist, that overcomes physical appearances. […
June 7th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
After reading several different websites, I have definately decided to follow the Buddism beliefs and read more about the followings and such. The chant mentioned above is also going to be incorporated in to my life as I am at a crossroad and only want positive karma to surround and unfold around me.
Thank you for all of the invaluable information ~ it certainly will become a part of my life now.
Annette =^..^=
October 13th, 2009 at 12:59 am
I continue chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night as Nichiren Diashonin said.
And great result is that I was able to talk with Sun god once.
Is this not a great proof that through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo we can talk even God?
It also shows that this Mantra is great Mantra through we become able to meet/talk with God.
This is my a great experience.
October 14th, 2009 at 6:23 am
I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night as Nichiren Diashonin said. And great experience of my life is that Sun god talked me directly on behald of Daisaku Ikeda. It is said that it took many years to meet God by saints but through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo one can meet/talk God as I.
I urge all peopole of the words to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo single mindedly. As Diashonin said:
“As I have been saying for some time, in your situation as a lay believer, you should just single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night, and observe what happens at the last moments of your life. At that time, hasten to the summit of perfect enlightenment, and look around you in all directions. The entire realm of phenomena will have changed into the Land of Tranquil Light, with the ground made of lapis lazuli, the eight paths1 marked off by golden ropes, the four kinds of flowers2 raining down from the heavens, music resounding in the air, and Buddhas and bodhisattvas all being caressed by breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. We, too, will surely be among their number. The Lotus Sutra is indeed such a splendid sutra!”
From http://www.sgilibrary.org
October 15th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Thank you for writing and for sharing the additional information and the Diashonin quote.
Elisabeth
October 31st, 2009 at 10:11 am
Hi there,
I’ve been a member of the Soka Gakkai Int’l since 1998, so I’ve been chanting NMRK a good long time. But I’ve only just discovered Abraham Hicks this year.
So I guess my experiences with both are the reverse of yours: I was chanting before I began putting Abe’s teachings (which dovetail beautifully with my Buddhist practice) into practice.
I think that the reason you got results so quickly is that you were already acquainted with the law of attraction and therefore, expected the results. You vibrated them as you chanted, and didn’t have so much of a “prove to me that this works” attitude as “I’m looking forward to seeing how this works out.”
One note on the mental activity as you chant: Ideally, there isn’t any. This actually coincides with Abe’s characterization of meditation as the “quieting of mind.” Some guidance about two years ago from a very seasoned practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism pretty much said the same thing: Don’t think at all when you chant. That’s not the time for visualization or figuring things out or devising ways of achieving the things your chanting for. The focus simply should be on the Gohonzon and the sound of your chanting. In fact, focusing on the little character for “myo”, or “mystic” — which resembles a little heart on the Gohonzon — is ideal. This approach really concentrates the power of chanting.
There is one silent prayer following Daimoku (chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo) where you can visualize your desires. Of course, it’s great to do that all day long if you’d like because it makes you feel good. And as Abe says, it’s good to feel good. Going even further: For the purpose of deliberate creation, it’s actually crucial to feel good because you can’t “get into the Vortex” any other way.
Good luck! Take care, and email if you’d like.
Vittoria
November 20th, 2009 at 6:19 am
see just chant nam-myoho-renge-kyo single mindedly 24 hours either voicely or silently and you will get answer of your each and every question.
anup singh
November 25th, 2009 at 7:34 am
“Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?” – Nichiren Diashonin
November 29th, 2009 at 5:21 am
One who seeks or on d path of spirituality d mystic things comes up to him with knowingly or unknowingly Becoz d existance is very kind n always ready to give….a lot of….!
This mantra also came in to my life with wonder….! I’m Just enjoying it with full of its colour… Thnx 2 all of you to share your experiences…..!
sajimohan123@gmail.com
find me on orkut—sajimohan special educator
December 1st, 2009 at 6:29 am
I have been practising nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the past 7 months, sometimes 3 hours or 5 hours but mostly 1-2 hours. I suffer from irritable bowel syndrome hence get stressed from chanting. I also exist in hell, so there is intense suffering all round in my life. I also want someone in calcutta to introduce me to the calcutta chapter of Bharat Soka Gakkai
December 21st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
“When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished. it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.” – Nichiren Diashonin
February 16th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I WAS ALSO INTERESTED IN THIS CHANT WHEN I READ TINA TURNERS BIO. I AM IN A RELIGION COURSE NOW AND I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THIS FAITH. I TOO AM THINKING ABOUT CHANTING. IT SEEMS TO GIVE PEACE AND MANISFEST WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WANTING TO HAPPEN IN YOUR LIFE. THANKS FOR THE POSTING THIS HELPS ME MAKE MY DECISION.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:22 am
If “you” find any difficulty in life, then, the only reason is “you.” Only “you” are responsible for that. Change “yourself”, then everything will change. And of course, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with this realization.
anup singh
March 7th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Thanks for writing! Yes it does give peace and helps with manifestation; at least that’s been my own experience.
All best to you!
Elisabeth
March 9th, 2010 at 2:11 am
Thanks for the post. I was in India a week back on vacation and one of my very close friends introduced Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to me. I am now in China, where I work, and have chanted only once so far, but that experience was a very powerful one.
Since I am also listening to other self help programs and meditating, I personally feel that chanting NMRK will give me clarity on how to achieve my goals. Action will still be required like it is for everything that we want to achieve, but the beauty is that it will come from within. I am super excited about embarking on this journey in my life!
Good luck to everyone who is chanting, may you get all that your heart desires!
March 23rd, 2010 at 2:17 am
Yes, its true, once you change your life you can also change anything & everything around you…but changes only happens with the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo…
Leah
Philippines
May 4th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
When chanting, i do my best to chant with the determination that i will have victory over any given situation.
Chanting will stir up all that is latent within, the stuff we love and the stuff we dont love so much. The stuff we dont like is then ready to be transformed, strike while the iron is hot and transform negative influences.
I still cannot belive that when I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo it has such a profound affect.
If you have never chanted before, you have just found one sentence that I have found remarkable and the most important one sentence in my life.
I wish you all health & happiness
Jason UK
May 10th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Hi, I have chanted this chant before and immediately I knew it was powerful because my chakras started swirling. The thing is, if you have karma from the past and you know it, does chanting bring this back to haunt you again in reality? Do you have to deal with it again? Or is it that you just become aware of past karma and it dilutes and disappears out of your life. I would love to chant this so much but I just have fears that the past will come back to haunt me in my present. Can anyone help enlighten me on this, I would be grateful. Kindest regards, Jane
May 11th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
I found that chanting NAM MYO HO RENGE KO to be my practice of self improvement as opposed to a blind faith belief system.You don’t have to believe in this practice or anyone whom mentions the thought of it.You will see for yourself the changes that will take place in your life and around you when you invest your personal quality time by chanting NAM MYO HO RENGE KYO.
May 14th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
I have a question… If I listen to the video or mp3 while I work but still have my mind focus on what I want.. will the effects be the same? I like to listen to my affirmations on my iPod while I work so I can have peace within my day. could I do the same with this chant?
May 19th, 2010 at 1:36 am
You could try it. It’s important though to stay focused on what you want when you chant nam-myoho-renge-kyo since you’re manifesting what you’re focusing on…
May 19th, 2010 at 1:41 am
Hi Jane,
hmmm, that’s an interesting question. Just reading it, I had a flash of a thought… what if you were to combine it with EFT? When those thoughts about the past come up, maybe tap on it and see what happens? You can get a free intro to EFT ebook here: FREE EFT ebook. That would be quite an innovative way to combine those two approaches… Let us know how it works if you decide to try it.
Good luck!
Elisabeth
May 19th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Thank you, Jason! Yes, chanting is powerful indeed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.
June 6th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Also you’ve got to really look through the news archives but there are actually a lot of Genuine articles on the site. Some of them are incredible.
November 16th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Hi I am subhash, practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism more than 12 years. Can anybody help me giving contact no of some members of Kolkata(preferably Asansol area).
Thanks
My mail address subhashbiswas@sify.com
Hand ph +628115016235
February 14th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
As a Nichiren Buddhism for 10 years who has also studied MANY other forms of meditation and manifestation, I have to say that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is incredible and effectiveness in ways that are beyond explanation.
March 25th, 2011 at 2:49 am
Hi can anybody help me giving contact no of some members of West delhi(Preferably Disctrict centre Chapter)
August 16th, 2011 at 6:20 am
Hi everyone
I m very much intersted to learn more about Nam-Myo-ho-Renge-Kyo. I m prcaticising at home but not satisfied the way i m practicising. Is any group of this holy chant living near by Pitampura. I seriously need to learn it
September 8th, 2011 at 4:51 am
Hi Ritu
You can contact Bharat Soka Gakkai in Delhi. It is the Indian arm for Soka Gakkai International (SGI) – A lay Buddhist movement, present in 192 countries with 12 million members.. All the best.. have a good life. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
October 26th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Hi,
Still chanting?
I’ve been doing it for about l5 years and it’s VERY powerful. I tell about it a bit in my book, Stories From the Yogic Heart.
It’s gotten me to the White House to do a presentation for my charity, Artists Against Racism, to the UN to accept an award for the charity, and has made my life so much better and smoother in so many ways.
But what we must remember, is that both Buddhism and chanting are not meant to manifest “things” in our life. They are meant to centre us, so that we will be grounded, know our True Selves, and live from our True Selves.
So, when I chant, I don’t chant for “things” and neither should anyone else. I chant until I feel that I am one with the “vibe”, one with the “reverberation” of the sound of the mantra, and that puts me on a different energy level where everything works out for my highest good–I feel like myself, I attract the highest good for my soul (in terms of relationships and everything else), and I make the right decisions–from my soul rather than my mind. Everything just flows. I am protected, as was Tina from Ike.
When I was invited to the White House, I didn’t chant for it; when my charity won the Global Tolerance Award and received it at the UN and I got to make a speech that I’d been dreaming of all my life, I didn’t chant for that either. The Universe knows what we want and if it coincides with the highest good of the planet, it happens when we’re in our highest vibration.
The meaning of life is to spiritually transcend, not to attain. Remember this, and you will be on your way…to true tranformation in this precious life you have. A transformation that is more valuable than anything you could ever wish to attain.
October 29th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Hi Lisa,
thanks so much for writing. How cool that chanting has brought you so much! I haven’t been very diligent about it lately, and I really need to get back to you.
Reading your reply was the inspiration I needed!
Thank you!