In Nichiren Buddhism, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo—the title and essence of the Lotus Sutra—is regarded as a direct way to awaken the Buddha-nature that all people inherently possess. This practice, known as daimoku, is understood as aligning one’s life with the fundamental Law, or Mystic Law, that underlies all phenomena. As this alignment deepens, qualities associated with Buddhahood—wisdom, courage, and compassion—begin to manifest more clearly, gradually dispelling patterns of ignorance and negativity. Personal transformation is thus seen not as acquiring something from outside, but as revealing what has always been latent within.

A central aspect of this transformation is the reconfiguration of karma. Chanting is believed to purify or transform negative karmic tendencies formed through past actions, which ordinarily appear as suffering, obstacles, and repetitive life patterns. Rather than magically erasing difficulties, the practice elevates the inner life condition so that challenges can be faced with greater resilience and creativity. Over time, this shift in response changes the trajectory of one’s experience, allowing more constructive causes and effects to unfold in daily life.

The strengthening of life-force is another important dimension. The focused sound and rhythm of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are held to vitalize body and mind, fostering mental resilience and sometimes contributing to improved physical well-being. As vitality increases, there is a greater capacity to take concrete, value-creating action, to clarify intentions, and to make decisions grounded in deeper discernment. This heightened energy supports what is often described as a “human revolution,” an inner reformation in which fear, despair, and passivity give way to agency, hope, and a sense of responsibility for one’s own life.

Chanting also reshapes perception and relationships. Seeing oneself and others through the lens of Buddha-nature softens rigid judgments and hostility, making it easier to recognize the dignity in every person. This shift in view naturally leads to more constructive communication and more harmonious connections with others. At the same time, the practice is said to bring one’s life into rhythm with the universal Law, nurturing a felt sense of interconnectedness with the environment and all beings. In this way, personal transformation is experienced both inwardly—as an awakening of inherent enlightenment—and outwardly, in the tangible improvement of circumstances, relationships, and overall quality of life.