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Originally Posted by Rave845
I was told by someone to say this Mantra a few times a day. I am new to mantras, how exactly is this going to help me? Is it similar to an affirmation as in it gives off good energy/intent? Thanks!
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"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" (
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p.4).
From this one can see that this is not really an affirmation but a method to erase one's shortcoming and at the same time express that we are a mirror, unpolished maybe, but capable of polishing it to pristine clarity through our own efforts.
There are other mantras such as the nembutsu, "Namo Amida Butsu" (jap.) or "Namo Amituo Fo" (chin.), or "Namo quan she in pusha" (using Quan Yin as the representative Buddha) which is an expression of gratitude and faith. Pick any one you like, runs easy off your tongue, and sounds good to you. Then practice, practice, practice. Instead of thinking our common nonsense one might as well repeat a powerful mantra which stabilizes one's mind and opens the heart to the universal Buddha(s).
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