You can receive these posts right in your inbox
by putting your email in the box to the right.
10 Tips for Chanting Joyfully
for Longer Times:
From Chantforhappiness.com by Jamie Lee Silver -
As always, these are my insights. I'm an enthusiastic SGI member, but I don't represent the SGI in an official capacity in this blog.
1. Give Yourself Some Credit! Go YOU!
Realize that what you are about to do...chanting longer than usual ~ doing a Daimoku Toso has profound significance for your life. Give yourself credit for this worthy goal.
2. Write your goal or goals.
(Some of these goals may occur to you naturally as you're chanting) You may want to write yourself a fresh determination, also called PowerPrayer and connect your desire to the greater good...to the real difference you want to make in the world.
Remember that you are a precious votary of the Lotus Sutra and when you break through, the energy is forever changed. You are paving the way for others to break through ~ Your Happiness is IMPORTANT!
Example of a goal/determination/PowerPrayer:
"I am determined to show actual proof right now! And to have my daimoku spread theoughout the whole world to bring health and eradicate this virus! I will show actual proof with my life, and be able to introduce others to this practice!"
President Ikeda's guidance says you can chant to have 10,000 times more power in your prayer. So I usually dedicate some time to chanting to increase the power of my daimoku by 10,000 times!
3. Have your favorite drinks close by.
...tea...water...soft drinks...whatever you like.
4. Remember YOU are the Buddha!
Do not beg favors from a 'higher power." You are the higher power. Remember, the Gohonzon cannot get down off the wall and do the Buddha's work in the world. YOU are the Gohonzon; it is inside your life. The Gohonzon is a reflection of the highest life condition that exists within your own life. So when you are chanting CLAIM what is yours! Tell your life what you want. And know that all real change comes from within.
Chant to do your own Human Revolution.
When we change, our environment changes.
Take responsibility for your life...not blame.
5. Put Your Phone AWAY or turn it off. Yes OFF!
6. Keep Your Favorite Buddhist Study Material Close by
...whatever touches your heart when you read it. And if you find yourself losing focus open it up to any page you want. I have "For Today and Tomorrow" by Daisaku Ikeda next to me right now. Here's a selection:
"When we chant sonorous Daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist deities throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating."
7. Invite others to chant with you, even though they may be far away. You can text when you begin and end.
8. Have pen and paper handy.
You'll want to write down those brilliant ideas that come into your mind while you're chanting.
9. Take care of your body
You may want to get up and stretch at the end of every hour. Keep fruit or a snack at hand for an hourly break. Put your electronics away. You are dedicating this time. It takes energy not to dilute it, and it is so important to stay focused!
10. After you chant, write in your journal.
Above all - Don't give up! You CAN change your problems into benefits. You ARE the Buddha! Collectively we are raising the vibration of the entire world.
I'd love to hear from those of you who have connected to the SGI through my blog. And send me your experiences, and I may share it on this blog!
I can be reached at chantforhappiness@gmail.com