Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo: Its Role in Soka Funerals

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo translates to "Devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra." This phrase represents the ultimate reality of life and the universe, as understood in Nichiren Buddhism. Each part of the chant has its own deep meaning:

• Nam: A Sanskrit word meaning devotion or dedication. It signifies the individual's commitment to the path of enlightenment.
• Myoho: "Myo" refers to the mystic, while "Ho" means law. Together, it represents the profound nature of life's fundamental laws.
• Renge: Refers to the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and the simultaneous existence of cause and effect. It represents the concept that both suffering and happiness coexist, and one can achieve enlightenment despite worldly struggles.
• Kyo: Meaning sutra or teaching, it signifies the eternal truth of the Buddha’s teachings.

The chant is a way for Soka Gakkai practitioners to connect to this profound truth, and in funeral contexts, it helps both the deceased and the mourners deal with life’s impermanence.

1. Guiding the Deceased to Enlightenment: In Soka Gakkai Buddhism, chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is believed to help the deceased achieve enlightenment and peaceful repose in the afterlife. It is a practice of extending compassion and guiding the spirit of the deceased toward the eternal truth and unity with the Mystic Law.
   Unlike other Buddhist traditions, Soka Gakkai does not emphasize the concept of reincarnation or samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth). Instead, the focus is on realizing enlightenment through devotion to the Lotus Sutra. Chanting during a funeral serves as a way to continue this dedication even after death, ensuring that the deceased is in harmony with the eternal truth.
2. Offering Prayers for Spiritual Peace: Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo in the context of a Soka funeral is a deeply spiritual act that brings peace and closure to the bereaved. The act of chanting enables the family and community to reflect on the interconnectedness of life and death, helping them come to terms with the loss. It also provides a way to send positive energy to the departed soul, enhancing their journey towards eternal tranquility.
3. Creating a Collective Spiritual Vibration: In Soka funerals, collective chanting is often performed by family members, friends, and members of the Soka community. This creates a spiritual vibration that is believed to resonate with the deceased’s life force, helping to elevate their soul. The unified voices of those attending the funeral reflect the Soka Gakkai principle of collective harmony and shared enlightenment.
4. Transforming Grief into Strength: For the living, chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is a means of transforming grief and sorrow into a source of inner strength and wisdom. In Soka Gakkai, death is not seen as an end but as part of the eternal cycle of life. By chanting, mourners affirm their connection to the Mystic Law and find a path toward healing and resilience.

The typical Soka Gakkai funeral includes a chanting session of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Family members, along with Soka Gakkai members and friends, gather to chant for a period of time. This may take place in a home, a funeral hall, or at the temple. The chanting ritual is often led by senior members of the community or the family of the deceased.

At the conclusion of the chanting, a message may be delivered, reflecting on the deceased’s life and their connection to the Soka community. These personal reflections often highlight the deceased’s faith and contributions, emphasizing their pursuit of happiness and enlightenment through their practice.

The chanting of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is rooted in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, one of the most important scriptures in Mahayana Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra emphasizes the universality of Buddhahood, the idea that all beings possess the potential to become enlightened. Nichiren, the founder of the school of thought that gave rise to Soka Gakkai, taught that the recitation of this chant could bring about individual and societal transformation.

In the context of funerals, this teaching holds that even in death, the individual’s connection to the Mystic Law ensures that they are never truly separated from the cycle of life. The Lotus Sutra’s principles affirm the immortality of the life force, and through the act of chanting, the deceased remains a part of the interconnected web of existence.

In Singapore, where Soka Gakkai has a significant following, Soka funerals are performed with simplicity and spiritual dignity. The emphasis on chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo aligns with the broader Buddhist funeral practices in the country but stands out for its focus on the teachings of Nichiren. The practice is an important way for Singapore’s Soka members to honor their loved ones and contribute to their spiritual journey.

Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo holds a central role in Soka Gakkai funeral practices, helping the deceased transition toward enlightenment while providing comfort and spiritual resilience to the living. It is an expression of faith in the Mystic Law and a way to ensure that the individual’s connection to life continues after death. As Soka members in Singapore chant together, they create a spiritual link that transcends death, fostering a deep sense of peace, community, and hope for the eternal journey.