3 Point Vow for World Peace and Self Transformation

The words above may be a bit hard to read. 
They are:
Even if today may seem to be a time of total darkness, 
it will not last forever. 
The dawn will surely come if you advance, 
ever forward, without being defeated. 
The day will definitely come 
when you can look back fondly and declare, 
"I am savoring this happiness 
because I struggled back then."
It is those who know the bitterness of winter 
that can savor the true joy of spring. 
Aren't these wise words? Aren't all of Daisaku Ikeda's words full of wisdom, practical wisdom for our lives? I feel such gratitude to be able to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo along with my mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, and along with all of you, my friends all over the world. I have been hearing from so many of you...all my courageous friends. 

We all live noble lives as Votaries of the Lotus Sutra. Our great vow in life is to usher in the new age of light, of happiness, of respect and love. We call it kosen rufu, and I believe every person longs for this new world. Everyone longs for a world of peace, a world of no violence, a world of love. How do we do this? We do it through our own Human Revolution. 

We do our Human Revolution by making our great vow for kosen-rufu. What does this mean for each of us? Here is my interpretation 

As you know, last November 18th the Soka Gakkai opened the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen Rufu. We can now travel to the hall to renew our vow for Kosen Rufu. (There are specifications for entry. Please check with your local SGI center) 

Please do not cut and paste the following. 

Please send people to this link instead: http://chantforhappiness.blogspot.com/2014/01/3-point-vow-for-world-peace-kosen-rufu.html

3 Point Vow for Kosen Rufu 

By Jamie Lee Silver, from Chantforhappiness.com: 

1. I vow to use my life for Kosen Rufu. I vow to use every thought, every action, every word and every prayer to transform my life, to discard the transient and reveal the true, and to change my life and the world through tapping into the power my life inherently possesses through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, studying Buddhism, doing shakubuku and deepening my connection with my mentor-in-life Daisaku Ikeda.  This vow gives rise to the wisdom to take the right actions in all areas of my life! 

2. I vow to live my life as an example that happiness, absolute happiness, is possible. I vow to use my life as an inspiration for people to learn about chanting, and tap into their own limitless potential. 

3. I vow to win in all areas of my life, health, love, happiness, friendships, family, (both my real family and my Gakkai family) work, writings and fortune for the sake of Kosen Rufu. 

As we near the end of the year I hope you are feeling strong, and continuing to strengthen your practice. It starts with the vow in your heart! Strength is the source of happiness! I am chanting for strength, and to experience life as the Buddha I am. 

I am always chanting my vow of kosen-rufu. "Life! let me accomplish THIS ________so I can inspire others!" Your prayer is the same. Chant for what you want...exactly what you want. We all deserve to have our dreams come true. 

The More You Chant the More You WANT to Chant!

Have you ever experienced this phenomenon...that the more you chant the more you want to chant? 

I am in this phase right now. Every morning I just don't want to stop! I can feel the power welling forth from my life. 

I can feel myself getting stronger and wiser and more courageous. I am able to bat down sadness...or depression...or fear before it takes root. If I start to feel sad I know just what to do...take a walk...chant. It's immediate. I am not dwelling in the land of sadness that used to engulf me on a daily basis. That is over. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

What is so great about this practice is we can change our basic life tendencies that make us unhappy. We Buddhists, we KNOW that our biggest demons are our own negativity. We KNOW that the power of creating happiness comes from within. 

We just have to continually muster the power to overcome that negativity...no matter WHAT is going on in our lives. We need to have enough Daimoku (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo) on board so that when our inner demons arise (fear, anger, stupidity, depression, defeat...) when THOSE arise we RISE UP STRONGER through accessing our own power...through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, studying and encouraging others! 

It is a wonderful way of living. So worth-while! And we know, that no matter what the effects are TODAY, that we are creating a life of splendor and beauty and happiness. 

I am just like you. I have changed some major things. And I am working on some others. 

I wish I had a a man to love in my life...a deep...everlasting love. So many of you write me about this, and I know how hard it is. Trust me. Lately I seem to attract men who fall head over heels for me and then disappear. But I will not be defeated. I choose to be amused. And I know he's coming. I know I will have my kosen-rufu partner, and I know you will have yours...as long as we don't give up. 

If you have an inspiring story to share with us please send it to me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com so you can inspire readers all over the world! 

Waking The Buddha! This is Our Time!

Clark Strand and Jamie Lee Silver

May 18th 2014

Yesterday, Clark Strand, author of Waking the Buddha spoke at the SGI-USA Chicago Culture Center.  

This important book that has come along at the perfect time for the spread of worldwide kosen-rufu. 

The book itself is part personal memoir, and part religious history of the SGI. It's an easily accessible book - a perfect book to pass along to shakubuku and members. 

Clark Strand is a former Zen Buddhist monk, former editor at Tricycle, a Buddhist magazine distributed widely, and a well-respected writer. He is not an SGI member ~ which, in my opinion, lends even more credence to his views. 

There is so much I'd like to relate to you. For now, before I head off to work, I will mention a few things that make Waking the Buddha so important. 

As Clark said yesterday, Waking the Buddha is a mirror of what the SGI movement is and what we as individuals are doing. We live with the constant thought and intention of using our lives and the examples of actual proof we show to encourage others to become happy.

We have spread this teaching of the Mystic Law in a unique way...person to person...candle to candle. The SGI is the world in miniature...a microcosm of the peace we know is possible, and are ushering in with every Nam-myoho-renge kyo we chant. 

Clark Strand has the force of spirit to say 

(I paraphrase for now - I will directly quote in future posts) 

"Look at you, the SGI! You are doing it! You are an organization unique in all the world. The SGI is the most diverse Buddhist movement, religious movement on the face of the earth. You are the fastest growing, best organized and you serve no clergy. The SGI exists for the sake of the happiness of the members. This is revolutionary. You are already successful. This is your time. This is your time!" 

He even has a rebuttal for those who would comment "Aren't those the Buddhists who chant for cars?" He answers "Yes, and they chant for the happiness of others, and for world peace, and for their families and to be better at their jobs. They chant for everything! Isn't that great?"

There is so much more to write. Stay tuned. Write me your impressions and how you are using this book at chantforhappiness@gmail.com 

And as always, send me your victories to share! 

Waking the Buddha is published by Middleway Press and is available through SGI centers in America, is on Amazon.com and is also on the website SGI-USA.org. 

"Make Goals" by Daisaku Ikeda

Make goals. 

Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. 

You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals—

you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. 

An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. 

That is because a brilliant flame burns within. 

If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, 

and our positive qualities will shine forth. 

It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. 

The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: 

"How may one get to know oneself? 

Never by contemplation, only, indeed, by action. 

Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."

Daisaku Ikeda

PowerPrayer to Find a New Home!

Go ahead and be specific with what you want in your life!
I have used a PowerPrayer in my heart just like this one several times to find awesome new places to live. If you are considering moving, have confidence in the power of your prayer! 

PowerPrayer to Move to 

a New and Better Home
by JamieLeeSilver from Chantforhappiness.com. You can read this before you chant or anytime. Read President Ikeda's guidance and the Gosho. Then put down the PowerPrayer and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to your heart's content and fill your life with joy!

I am determined to have the best possible home 

for my own pleasure and to show the power of this practice!

I feel the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo flowing through me. I know I can make this happen! I am confident! 

I Now find the perfect home that meets all my needs and is the BEST place for me to do kosen-rufu!

My home is in the perfect neighborhood for me and my family. 

My home is safe, sunny (or shady - whichever you prefer) 

and has _____bedrooms and ____bathrooms. 

It’s located near__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

include whatever amenities you prefer, e.g. parks, expressways, towns, shopping centers, hiking, etc. 

It’s on _____levels and has ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fill in the blanks with whatever you prefer: garage, backyard, fireplace, new kitchen, cul-de-sac, parks the children can walk to, excellent schools close by, good public transportation, in a very friendly and safe town, has a wooded lot, etc.  

I’m determined to have a home that is a beacon of world peace. 

I create a peaceful sanctuary for myself and my family. 

I have a great space for my Gohonzon and can have meetings if I want. 

My home is beautiful and perfect and I can afford it! 

My new home/apartment DO-Date:_________________.

PowerPrayer for Overcoming Depression and Anxiety

"THE times are changing ever more rapidly with each passing year. Darkness and confusion grow ever deeper. For that very reason, I hope you will all triumph with strong faith and resolute action. In accord with the Buddhist principle of "consistency from beginning to end", your victory will determine the victory for all future generations. This is the formula for winning in Buddhism. Now is the time for you to solidly secure the cause the victory in your own lives."
Daily Guidance by Daisaku Ikeda

We face many global challenges, politically, environmentally, the rise of Geoengineering and weather control, the economy, and the suffering in people's hearts. That's why we are here as Boddhisatvas of the Earth, awakened to our mission for kosen-rufu, chanting with all our hearts.  Roaaarrrrr!

This morning, with Ben still in the hospital, while chanting, I focused on alleviating the confusion in my own mind...and feeling the strength of the roaring Buddha that I am. I appreciate you all, and your daimoku for me and Ben more than you could possibly imagine. Yesterday he chanted with me until his voice began to give out. 

This is my crucial moment. This is a crucial moment for so many of us. And we have the mystic law! We have our Gohonzons! We have the power within us to change the course of history. We ARE the renaissance...the awakening...each one of us through our chanting every day! 

A reader wrote me asking how to overcome anxiety and depression. And even though I am facing a profound challenge, the depression and anxiety have NOT resurfaced in my life. I permanently alleviated them through using this power prayer:

(This comes directly to you through my dear friend Kate Randolph. It is the prayer she used to overcome depression, and I used it effectively myself. It works as long as you don’t give up. Every time your depression comes back make sure to look your depression in the eye and chant like this every time it comes back. 
You will WIN. Just don’t give up!) 

PowerPrayer to Alleviate Depression
by Jamie Lee Silver from ChantforHappiness.com

Hello, depression, 
Hello Fundamental Darkness! 
You Can't Fool Me! 
I recognize you for what you are
you are my fundamental darkness,
and I am done with you!

Depression, I see you for what you are! 
No way 
Not this time
not any more. 
I'm in charge now.
I take the power of my vitality back from you 
NOW!
I AM Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
and I am roaring like a lion.
I pull the karmic roots
of depression straight out of 
my body and life now.

No matter how long it takes, I will win.
I don't CARE how many times you come back into my life. I will vanquish you over and over until you are gone FOREVER!
I WILL WIN! 
I AM Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!!!
I am determined to use 
overcoming this depression to
help countless others

PowerPrayer for Overcoming 
Fear and Worry (Anxiety)
By Jamie Lee Silver from ChantforHappiness.com

Life!
I am now determined to feel safe, and know peace of mind!
I call forth all of the full power of the my life itself 
with each Daimoku I chant.

I decide which thoughts get to live in my head, 
and choose thoughts that comfort me 
and bring me joy and fulfillment. 

Each breath 
and wave of Daimoku
brings me deep peace
                               in my body, 
                                              my mind,  
                                                         my heart
I am serene.
I am safe. 

I AM Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
and I am purring like a contented, peaceful lion.

How We Win Over Our Biggest Problems

From the April Living Buddhism, 

Daisaku Ikeda's Gosho lecture on 

"The Treatment of Illness" 

by Nichiren Daishonin:

"Mr. Toda said: 
"If the entire human race could manifest 
the life state of buddhahood ~ 
that is, character of the highest quality ~ 
there would be no war or hunger in the world. 
There would be no illness, and no poverty. 
Elevating the entire human race to the state of Buddhahood, to character of the highest quality ~ 
this is carrying out the work of the Thus Come One."

To achieve this, 
we need to expand the goodness in life 
as broadly as possible 
through our prayers and our actions. 
Our greatest mission as SGI members  
is to create value for all humankind."

WE are ushering in the new age of humanity through our thoughts, words and deeds. And how are we doing this? Mostly through challenging our problems - no matter how great they are. Sometimes it feels like the problems are bigger than us, doesn't it? I speak from experience! But I also speak from experience when I say that when we persevere in our practice and study a life-force of wisdom arises that fuels those actions, gives us confidence and brings us and others hope. 

In the same Gosho lecture, President Ikeda states:

"No matter how harsh the adversity, we can always find a way to make it into an opportunity for our great human revolution, we can always use it to create value. The is the essence of Nichiren Buddhism."

In this Gosho Lecture, President ikeda writes that we can overcome "illnesses of the mind" by dispelling ignorance in our lives, and bringing forth the awakening of our Buddhahood. One of the manifestations of Ignorance is not seeing and believing on our own Buddhahood. 

To break through our struggles Sensei says:

"When we find ourselves up against a wall of suffering and feel like we can't go on - that's the time when we can rouse the underlying power inherent in our beings through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. As Nichiren Daishonin writes, "Only by defeating a powerful enemy can one prove one's real strength." (Letter from Sado, WND- 1, 302)

How can we do this? By not giving up...by continuing to realize that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is more powerful than our biggest problem...our life itself is as as vast as the universe, and when we chant we are tapping that vast power within us. As long as we keep chanting we are winning over ourselves. 

AND, when we realize we are tackling our problems so that we can help others and inspire others our practice becomes a joy! When we can chant: 

"I MUST WIN! 
Because I can inspire so many 
when I win over this problem...
there MUST be value in this for Kosen-rufu. 
I will definitely win 
and use this experience to inspire others!" 

If we are at a deadlock we will win when we study, chant, consult our leaders in faith and keep chanting! 

President Ikeda ends the lecture with:

"As SGI members 
who uphold the sound philosophy 
of Nichiren Buddhism, 
a teaching of respect for the dignity of life, 
let us continue to illuminate the hearts 
of our precious friends 
with the light of courage and hope, 
and make intrepid efforts in the form of peace, 
friendship and happiness 
in our communities and societies."

PowerPrayer for Happiness and Establishing a Strong Practice

Your Happiness starts with you, with your conviction, with your hope and with your power prayer. You can choose happiness in life. But it takes energy to do this! 

How much are you going to put into making your vision a reality? 

I'm getting a quite a few emails from people who want to change their lives, but are not able or willing to put in the effort that it takes to establish a strong practice. 

The Positive Psychologists talk about something called Activation Energy - that is the "start up" energy that is required get something started. Establishing your solid practice requires "Activation Energy" and once this is established you are, as I say, "on a roll". It will affect all areas of my life. But please, don't take my word for it. This is something you must DO to experience. 

I remember when I was concentrating on this activation energy. I knew that the more energy I put into my practice, the less energy I had to use in my daily life. Forcing myself to chant made the rest of the day flow. I had SGI members come and chant with me at night and in the morning for awhile to help me establish this rhythm. (Thank you Dolores and San Francisco members!) 

Here's what it takes: 
Strong Desire - write your goals
Connecting with the SGI, or having a desire to connect with the SGI and including this in your prayers. 
Keeping to a schedule (even if a bit flexible) of chanting twice a day every day. 
Studying the Gosho and President Ikeda's guidance and sharing this practice with others. 

This is the formula for happiness - and you can do it! 

No one can do this for you. You are the only one who can change your karma and the best thing is 
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR KARMA. 
You CAN do this. 
You CAN be Happy

But you have to do it! No one can do it for you. Once you establish the daily rhythm you WILL notice a difference, unless you are eroding your life by constant complaining and "why me-ing". Find a way to replace the complaints in your mind with appreciation. Your practice will help you to do this. Your thoughts will turn to thoughts of appreciation naturally if you devote yourself to your practice, in other words, to your own life. 

Your happiness is incredibly important in so many ways. It is your birthright, it is your mission, and your happiness makes the world a better place. 

Of course your actions make a difference:

Smiling at another is a cause for your (and their) happiness. Do you know they've done tests and the people you smile at actually register a higher level of happiness just by being smiled at? And your brain registers happiness just by smiling. Isn't that wonderful? 

Power Prayer for Happiness:

Life! 
I am determined to build a life of happiness! 
I am determined to chant every day - twice a day 
from now on! 
I am determined to use ALL my problems 
as fuel for creating victory in all areas of my life. 
I will be happy, healthy, successful 
and have great and fulfilling relationships! 
I am determined to strengthen my practice, 
to chant every day twice a day. 
I WILL do this.

Actual Proof ~ Experience of Faith

When you actually accept your karma, 

and are dedicated to changing it - 

you can make the impossible possible. 

Here's an experience of actual proof:

My Life Changing Experience - from a reader in India

I encountered Nichiren Buddhism in June 2012. I was introduced to this practice by one of my dear colleagues when I was under deep depression. My marriage was breaking down. I was completely hopeless and had been crying from months. As guided by my senior leaders, I started chanting for my husband and my 3 yrs old son’s happiness. I was facing challenges on a daily basis and used to feel very weak and victimized. 
Due to this personal challenge, my performance at work also went below acceptance level. I continued chanting. More information started getting revealed which was hidden for the past 5 years of my marriage. I was intensely hurt. My husband declared several times that we must get mutually divorced as I am no longer happy with him and our situation will never change. He seemed not bothered about me and our son. I always felt betrayed.
After a month, courage started building up somewhere deep inside me. And when things got above my tolerance level, I moved out of my husband’s house along with my son.
 I shifted to my parent’s house in another city. There I joined the local BSG community. My leader guided me to pray for my high life condition. I continued chanting for long hours. My desire was to be with my husband ~ however not at the cost of my self-respect. I wanted him to value us. I blamed him for my pain ~ deep wounds in my heart created lots of negativity inside me. I had even developed the fear of talking to my husband on the phone. Even his name was giving me sleepless nights. However, I didn’t want to leave him. I cared for him, but his rejection made me feel powerless and helpless.
I prayed for my Buddha nature to emerge. I started studying and taking part in kosen rufu activities. Slowly I developed acceptance that this is my karma and my environment is a mere reflection. The Buddhist concept of cause & effect gave me power. The emotional baggage started going away when I took responsibility for problems and my own life. I determined "I will change my situation." I will exert in my Buddhist practice and will make all the right causes to manifest the future I desire.
My regular daily practice of gongyo and abundant daimoku gave me calmness and courage. I was a happy person again. I was changing at a fundamental level, as if all my deep rooted sorrows (since childhood) was vanishing. Years of pain were vanishing. Earlier I used to get affected by every little thing, I was so emotionally weak. But now I was much stronger.
In the first week of November, I decided to find a job. I prayed sincerely to get a job by November 18th and made all the efforts through various job portals. I started my new job on November 18th with exactly the salary package and job location I chanted for. My faith strengthened and I felt blessed and fortunate to have this Buddhist practice with me. This was my first conspicuous benefit.
In February 2013, I was presented with a mutual consent divorce paper from my husband.  My family also agreed on this. But my ichinen was different. I cried to the Gohonzon that I do not want this divorce and want to work on our relationship with this new courage and for my son’s future. Mystically the next day my father refused for this divorce to happen. It gave me relief. When we refused to accept this divorce, my husband could not do anything about it. I started feeling powerful. Before that my decisions were focused on what others wanted or did not want. I never had the courage to refuse and say what I wanted. This practice made me a courageous person.
Although the decision of divorce was averted, there was lots of negativity between me and my husband. I then determined to change this poison into medicine. I earnestly chanted for his happiness. I prayed to over come my fundamental darkness and undergo my human revolution. Within weeks I dropped all the negativity from my heart and was fearless and compassionate enough to have a dialogue with him. I was praying consistently and doing kosenrufu activities. One day my father suddenly called him up and asked us to initiate the talk. That day we spoke for 3 hours. I could feel that through my prayers, negativity was not only removed from me but also from his end just like a mirror's reflection.
May 3rd was approaching; I determined to gain my complete victory as a real Kosenrufu person.
In May 2013, we had series of healthy dialogues and we decided to work on our relationship for the future of our son. I finished my pending assignments at work and came back to my husband’s house in June 2013. 
Our relationship is much better than ever. Our son is really happy to see his happy parents around. We are the same and there are Challenges. But fundamental changes in me through my Buddhist practice makes me realize how beautiful life is. I have learned to identify problems for what they truly are – They are opportunities to grow and actually make your life even better.
I pay my sincere gratitude to all my senior leaders and friends in Sokka Gakkai for supporting me through out with their prayers and guidance. 
I have accomplished my Human Revolution, changed my karma and fulfilled my various wishes.


I want to mention some key learnings I had during my struggle:
No matter what problems are daunting us today. They are going to change. We must accept them and understand that we are responsible for our own problems. We can only change them. Making others responsible for our problems make us feel powerless.
We must earnestly pray till the end. Some problems take more time to change. But through our prayers, life will always get unfolded in the best possible way. 
The combination of faith, study and practice always yields results. Study increases our wisdom about life and gives us right direction. It helps us remain stronger in adverse situations.
Kosenrufu is very crucial part of our practice. When we lift somebody else’s life, we lift our lives at the same time. Kosenrufu is a vow we took as the bodhisattvas of the earth.
It is our duty to do it till the end.
Transforming your life through Nichiren Buddhism is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. It is a struggle. It starts with our own Human revolution. We must chant to make changes in ourselves  first. The changes in our environment are eventually reflected.
Prayers must be based on our own ichinen. With our profound wisdom and high life condition gained through chanting, we must take actions in the direction of our ichinen and not opposite to it. No matter who says what.

I hereby dedicate my new life for KosenRufu. 

Thank you

How Does Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Work? What's this Practice all about?

The following is a Passage from Julia Landis' and Jamie Lee Silver's upcoming book, The BuddhaZone, PowerPrayers for Chanting Your Way to Absolute Happiness:

As Nichiren (SGI) Buddhists we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to summon up our fathomless wisdom while steering our life-craft in the direction of our innermost desires. We chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo over and over and over again. We call this chanting Daimoku 

(Die-MOH-Koo). Daimoku means title and the title of the Lotus Sutra is  Myoho-Renge-Kyo.  The founder of this practice, Nichiren Daishonin, added to Myoho-renge-kyo  the syllable Nam which means “I devote my life to.” 

So, a brief translation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is, 

“I devote my life to the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration,” or, “I am one with the very rhythm of life.”

“Myoho-renge-kyo is the name of the ultimate mystic truth, and Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo  is the name of the life state of Buddhas who embody and reveal this truth.” 

p.28 On Attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

It actually becomes very natural over time to focus on a personal PowerPrayer while chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.  It is nothing more than putting your deepest fundamental wish into action. By chanting and focusing on our most cherished desire, we come to steer our lives with confidence in the direction of Buddhahood. Our lives become lives of immense creativity, wisdom and value, and most of all Love. For as we chant, rhythmically and powerfully, we exude into our environment a music that evokes our deepest, innermost  capacity and transforms any manner of poison (problem) into a medicine (benefit), and further, into a nectar (deep and absolute happiness). 

Love's Got to do with it

A PowerPrayer is infused with love. That's the source of its power. When we chant for what we really want it comes from a real love for ourselves. All love begins with self love. However, you don't have to come to this practice in a state of self-love. This practice will take you there. Chanting Daimoku will itself bring about this state in your life. As the well known writer in the personal growth movement, Louise Hay, has said at the age eighty-two, “self love is the most important thing of all.” When you love yourself, everything in your environment loves you back. Your environment is a reflection of your own state of life and connection to the source of all happiness. 

Sadly, in general, Human beings tend to project this source outside of themselves. In fact, we are most comfortable, it seems in today's spiritual culture, when we project both the source of our mystical power and, also, its recipient outside of our lives. (Everyone seems to be praying to a power outside of themselves for a person who isn't them!) A great majority of souls, and you, yourself, we imagine, have prayed with love in your heart for the happiness of someone else, invoking a power that you have come to believe is “higher” than your own life. It has become commonplace.

But how often have you prayed with immense love...

for your own life, 

for your own happiness, 

for your own well-being? 

And more importantly, how often have you prayed...

from your own life

to your own life 

for the very best things 

and experiences for you

in short, for your own happiness?

We have found that, as it has been written, if we intone our voice with Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can summon up great love, the kind of love that is required of us if we want to awaken to our true potential. And that is another name for Buddhas: Beings who have realized their infinitely positive wise and loving potentials.

It is our PowerPrayer that as you are reading, these words are activating within you the curiosity and courage it will take to sustain you on this journey. For the Lotus won't give its seed if one's hand is not open. It is our prayer that you open your hand in such a way that you open your mind, heart, and Life, as well. And you chant! 

Listen to the secret we whisper into your ear:

You are the Buddha of Infinite Potential. Yes, YOU are the Buddha. Your life story is one of awakening. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo you will be able to solve your problems and awaken to your own Buddhahood that has always been your birthright. 

The above passage is part of the preface to the book Julia and I have been writing for you. It is almost finished and is packed with PowerPrayers to strengthen your life and your practice. 

On this blog I have written many posts for people who are interested in chanting, and I invite your questions and comments. You may email me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com. 

Love YourSelf ~ Keep Your Eyes Open While Chanting and Enjoy your Daimoku!

One of my early Buddhist mentors said we should greet the Gohonzon as we would a lover...to have that feeling of love in our hearts while we are chanting. 

We are, after all, greeting ourselves, aren't we? 

And love for ourselves is the most crucial and key element of happiness and contentment that makes all things flourish. Since our environment is a reflection of ourselves, it makes so much sense to fill our hearts and ourselves with self love. 

I recently saw the beginning of a video of a person I really respect ~ Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing. She is now in her eighties and STILL living a vibrant, exciting and contributive life. Her main message was that all happiness stems from loving yourself. That's where it begins and ends. 

How do we love ourselves? 

I believe this is a life-long journey with many facets and twists and turns in the road. And I KNOW that I made huge strides the moment I decided to speak nicely to myself in my head. I challenge you to stop saying mean things to yourself. 

Stop calling yourself a failure, or an idiot, or stupid ~ stop getting mad at your imperfections and focus on words of praise! 

Tell yourself "Look how far you've come! you are definitely on the right track! I am so proud of you!" It might sound corny, but being NICE to yourself will change your life. So will making a vow with yourself not to complain. 

I think how we greet the Gohonzon is key to how we greet our lives, because the Gohonzon, is, after all, our life itself. 

I offer you these quotes from Sensei! 

Enjoy!

Daisaku Ikeda says:
"It's best to keep your eyes open 
and to look at the Gohonzon. 
It's generally considered impolite 
not to look others in the eye while talking to them. 
This is also true 
when we are facing and addressing the Gohonzon 
as we do Gongyo and chant daimoku. 
If you do close your eyes occasionally, 
there's no need to worry. 
It's just that when we close our eyes, 
it can be more difficult 
to commune strongly with the Gohonzon. 
This, of course, 
does not apply to people who are blind 
or vision-impaired 
who need to simply chant or do gongyo 
to the Gohonzon within their hearts. " 
From Faith in Action page 122. 

Also:

"It's very important to sit before the Gohonzon 
as though going to meet the original Buddha, 
Nichiren Daishonin, 
and that daimoku and gongyo be enjoyable. 
What's most important 
is that you continue 
in your Buddhist practice throughout life. 
There's no need to be overly concerned with formality." Faith in Action, Page 122

Powerful Guest Post about Belief from Morag in the UK

From 'The Nature of Success'  

Discover the Power of Belief

For more than a hundred years, runners tried to break the 4 minute mile.  It was considered the 'holy grail' of track and field. In fact, doctors in medical journals wrote how it was impossible and explained how the human body was physically incapable of accomplishing this feat.

Then in May 1954 a british medical student named Roger Bannister ran the mile in 3 minutes 59 and a half seconds.  This made headlines around the world!

Then, even more amazing, the record was broken again the following month and again and again.  It has since been broken over 700 times sometimes by several people in the same race.

What happened, what was different?  They believed they could do it!  The barriers of the mind had broken down.  successful people have one thing in common: they believe with all their heart they can do it.

You see, whether you think you can or whether you think you can't...you're right!

In the world of faith this principle works with even greater results.  The Daishonin believed with his entire being that his exile to Sado was only temporary.  He wrote to Shijo Kingo "When I come back to Kamakura we will meet."  
(And the majority of people did NOT return form an exile on Sado Island)

We empower our prayers when we believe they will be answered.  The Gosho says several times and in different ways that 'no prayer of the votary of the Lotus Sutra goes unanswered.'  It is down to us to deepen our faith, strengthen our practice and live our lives in such belief without doubting.

Sent from Morag Waghome, in the UK.