It is so easy to think of all the things we want to change in our lives. It is so easy to focus on what we don't want, rather than concentrating on all of the good things, in our lives and in ourselves. I received some positive feedback this week about one of the blogs postings. A reader wrote me to tell me that she'd made a sign for her Butsudan that says: What you focus on increases. It is true. When I give my talk "Change Your Words, Change Your Life" I begin by telling this story:
Jyoti's Work Experience I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism by my dear colleague in Delhi. That time I was under depression due to some personal problem going in my life. I came to Vadodara to my parent’s house in August 2012. That’s the time when I started practicing with full faith and really chanted for hours. As they say "If you chant with a determination to chant until your heart sings with joy, then your problems will melt like dew in the morning sun." I experienced this power after chanting consistently and gained a lot of strength and peace of mind with no grudges for anybody in fact I became more & more compassionate towards the people who created problems in my life. And always pray for their happiness and Buddha nature to emerge. When I compare myself with what I was a few months ago, I could see an incredibly positive change in me. I received lot of protection benefits also. This increased my faith in the law.
After coming out from depression (in just 1 month, which could have taken years otherwise…considering my problem) I started applying for jobs in September 2012. I was praying for a lot of other things related to the problem I was facing which made me enter this practice. But I never prayed for a job since I came to Vadodara as I was always in two minds. I met my leader and asked her what to do. She said you must be in high life condition as you have to make efforts whether you be here or in Delhi. “You have to make efforts” these words immediately changed my perspective towards my situation. I should do what I can do best in my present situation; this thought came to my mind. I also prayed and asked to Gohonzon …should I look for a job in Vadodara or should I wait till my problems get solved. I prayed to the Gohonzon that I should get some indication of what to do. The very next day I got a call from a friend in Delhi who knows about my problem. As soon as I picked up my call she said you must look for a job in Vadodara and keep moving ahead in your life. She also revealed a few things which were going on (which I can’t share with you) but her words kicked me to move ahead. After that call I was never in two minds and decided to find a job. I started praying sincerely with complete determination for my job in the first week of November. I prayed that by Nov 19th I must join an office in Vadodara and my salary should match with my Delhi salary and the job location should not be very far from my leader’s place so that I can attend evening meetings and chant with her after office…I prayed hard. Within 2-3 days I started getting calls for job interviews. After a few rounds of interview I got selected. It gives me immense pleasure to tell you that I joined my new office from Nov 18th. My salary is little higher than my previous job and my workplace is just 5 mins away from my leader’s place. All my wishes got fulfilled. Isn’t it amazing? It strengthened my faith in the mystic law. ”Nam myoho renge kyo”…. This way I could see for myself the great power of the Gohonzon. This practice has given me courage, conviction, and strength to fight all my problems. And the environment is giving me opportunities and responding positively towards my human revolution. I am geared up to solve my biggest problem in a few days and I look forward to share with you another very big experience. I would also like to tell you that during my struggle also I was able to encourage 4 people to enter this practice. They are now chanting consistently and experiencing benefits for them. I am determined to encourage them to become member of SGI. Am also determined to make all the right causes to develop my block and propagate this practice. Thank you!!
