The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are the blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth,disciples of the Buddha in his true identity

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals, and human beings. The earth produces the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/3

Myoho-renge-kyo is the essential principle of the Buddha's lifetime teachings

Those who chant Myoho-renge-kyo [the title of the Lotus Sutra] even without understanding its meaning realize not only the heart of the Lotus Sutra, but also the "main cord," or essential principle of the Buddha's lifetime teachings. 17/7

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
"This is What I Heard"
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

Function of "Myoho-renge-kyo"

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/3


The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals, and human beings. The earth produces the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity. -Nichiren