According to the followers of
Nichiren Daishonin, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the all-
encompassing law of the
Universe.
Literally, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo translates as follows:
"Nam": Devotion to
"Myoho": the Mystic Law (the kanji character for "myo" roughly means "We don't understand it" and the kanji for "ho" means "But it's really there" together they are the mystic law.)
"Renge": Literally Lotus flower, but since the lotus both blossoms and bears seed at the same time, it is the representation of the law of cause and effect.
"Kyo": through sound (chanting, in other words.)
So, all together, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo translates into basically this:
Devotion to the Mystic Law of cause and effect through sound.
Followers of Nichiren's Buddhism chant this mantra over and over again while gazing on a Gohonzon, which is a mandala enshrined in each believer's home.