ODAIMOKU The Significance of Chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo

I was hesitant to purchase this book precisely because there was no review. Now, I find myself with the honor of being invited to "be the first to review this product.""Odaimoku The Significance of Chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" will be most meaningful to those whose Buddhist practices fall within the various sects of Nichiren Buddhism. As someone who was first introduced to Nichiren Buddhism through SGI-USA, I'd originally learned to refer to 'Odaimoku' as 'Daimoku.' Both terms, which translate as "the Title," refer to the mantra Nichiren Buddhists chant, i.e., Nam(u) Myoho Renge Kyo. The 'u' in Nam(u) is the Nichiren Shu translation; whereas, members of the SGI (Soka Gakkai International) sect omit the 'u.' As I became more familiar with the power of the practice of this mantra, and sought to deepen my own Buddhist practice, I sought a deeper explanation and experience of the mantra's (Odaimoku's) origins. The result was that I explored other sects of Nichiren Buddhism, thus encountering Nichiren Shu practice. Nichiren Shu is a lesser-known sect of Nichiren Buddhism. Perhaps the best known sect is SGI-USA (Soka Gakkai International) which counts among its spokespersons singer, Tina Turner; jazz artist, Herbie Hancock; and actor, Orlando Bloom.The rather cheap binding of this flimsy 57 page paperback book belies the value of the wisdom within. After reading it in one brief sitting, on the day I received it, I knew that I would have to reread it many times to simply begin to benefit from Rev. Shoryo Tarabini's completely accessible wisdom. Truly, good things come in small packages. I have since reread this book and the benefits have already begun."Odaimoku" is organized into four, brief chapters, namely:1. Introduction to The Lotus Sutra and Odaimoku2. The Meaning of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo3. Why do we chant the Odaimoku?4. How we chant the Odaimoku?By the time I finished reading this book the first time, I'd found simple, direct answers to the many questions I'd previously had but to which I had not been able to find answers even after months of reading SGI-USA materials. The difference was that SGI-USA is a lay-Buddhist organization without a clergy, trimmed of much consideration of many of the better-known "accouterments" of traditional Buddhism, e.g., tacit acknowledgement of such doctrines as the Eight-fold Noble Path and Four Noble Truths, and the taking of such vows as the Bhodhisattva Vow. It's not that SGI-USA does not acknowledge these aspects, but rather that the Soka Gakkai is more contoured for quick convenience and compact practice. Their focus is more on material needs and personal goals, based almost solely on "chanting daimoku," whereas Nichiren Shu is more broadly focused on the depth of the Buddha's 84,000 teachings, as well as the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, and attaining Enlightenment through more traditional practices.Rev. Tarabini does not pretend to be offering an extensive study of Nichiren Shu Buddhism. On pages 36-37 of this book, he says:"We have just discussed the word-by-word meaning of the Odaimoku, and many of its qualities and deeper meanings. Honestly speaking, we only touched the surface of what Namu Myoho Renge Kyo signifies. If you wish to know more of its meaning, then I suggest you begin to read the entire Threefold Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Shonin's writings, the Goibun, then you will start to have an even deeper understanding and appreciation for its profound meaning..."I, myself, started exploring Nichiren Buddhism by reading the Lotus Sutra, as well as Nichiren Shonin's "Writings," but wish I had started by reading this book. Rev. Tarabini's introduction, brief excursion into the meaning, benefit, and proper practices of chanting Odaimoku, as well as how the Buddha, himself (strangely absent from SGI-USA discussions), figures into this faith, provides a strong, well-directed foundation for further exploration of Nichiren (Shu) Buddhism. I appreciated this balanced approach especially because I believe that the Buddha is central to Buddhist faith, and that Nichiren Daishonin was "the" great Bodhisattva; whereas, there are actually some Nichiren Buddhists who believe that it was Nichiren Daishonin who was the "original" Buddha as opposed to Buddha Shakyamuni whom they see as merely a "provisional" Buddha.I found Rev. Tarabini's interpretation of each part of chanting Odaimoku, as well as his references to historical texts, the nuances of the oral transmission of this faith, and his explanation of the genesis of the power of Odaimoku as 'law' (as opposed to jurisprudence) wonderfully... enlightening. This book, as Rev. Tarabini admits from the start, is a labor of love -- the love of chanting Odaimoku. While not an end in itself, it's a beginning -- and a wonderful one at that.I highly recommend "The Significance of Chanting Namu Myoho Renge Kyo' as a basic reading, of amazing depth, in building the foundations of your own knowledge of Nichiren Buddhism -- Nichiren Shu, in particular.Namaste.

A Great treasure of a book! Though only 50 or so pages, it packs power! Reverend Tarabini's grace, and love for the Buddhadharma shows on every page. This book I will come back to over and over again. Thank you! With Gassho...

This is an easy read, and pretty informative book, better than most, and a good addition on the subject. I enjoyed it.

This short book is the perfect answer to give to friends who ask, "Why do you chant Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo." (Is there a bulk discount?)

Meaningful information presented clearly and easy to understand; yet coming from an extremely knowledgeable background.

Excellent read. Concise and succinct. 5 stars