A Member's Experience: From Victim to Victor

Preface from Jamie:

Some of us are naturally more suspicious of people's motives and actions based on previous negative experiences. But if we cling to these past hurts and wrongs we run the risk of playing the role of the victim throughout our lives. Nichiren Buddhism gives us the keys to rise out of this victim mentality and emerge as a strong and powerful VICTOR in life. From Victim to Victor! What a powerful journey. 

The following experience was originally posted on a busy day in April. I post it again just in case you missed it. This friend-in-faith has managed to quiet her negative mind and  focus on the positive. How wonderful! 

Experience of Going From Victim to Victor:

"I have always questioned people’s actions and behavior thus being very careful of my behavior and attitude since it can cause so much happiness as well as pain to others. More so if one is from a religious and spiritual background, our life should reflect our values and beliefs. I have always tried to be a good person giving my all in whatever I do. In the process though we sometimes make mistakes and because of this we should be careful of what we say about others because no one is perfect.
Unfortunately, we as human beings forget our imperfections or mistakes and constantly hurt each other through our words or actions. 

This is something I have always have a hard time dealing with. 

When I was a victim of bad word or actions I would have sleepless nights and worrisome days. The sadness and anxiety would not go away and I would rehash the hurt and pain by asking over and over, “how could this happen to me or my family”? I do not deserve this when I have given so much. Or maybe it’s my fault for everything that has happened.

Since having encountered and embraced Nichiren Buddhism through practice by chanting, ‘Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” and reading President Ikeda books/literatures, my anxiety and rehashing the hurt and pain are not as bad as it used to be. 

I am so much at peace; and quiet reflection on positive thoughts has truly changed my outlook on bad experiences. 

There is a saying in Nichiren Buddhism, “changing poison into medicine” which is such a profound and positive mental state of one’s mind which can truly change an individual’s life condition. 

One can change the ‘poison’ of earthly desires and sufferings into “medicine’; something positive for one’s personal growth and development, thus helping others and praying for the people who have caused you pain instead of harboring ill feelings towards them.

This philosophy makes your life so much less burdensome you actually feel happier, stronger and good inside. 

In my current job my bosses always have good things to say about me even saying that since I have been in the department, I have brought “momentum” to the workplace. 

When my daughter got sick they suggested that I apply for the Family Leave Act so that my job is protected. It was approved right away once I submitted the paperwork to Human Resources. My daughter had a cyst in her adrenaline gland which was growing and could have been cancerous and had to be removed surgically. The cyst was found by accident after doing tests for another medical problem which have all been corrected. 

Now she is completely well, has graduated successfully from High School even though she had two surgeries this year, and is moving into the next phase of her life while chanting strong Daimoku. I am so grateful! 

How to Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

(Periodically I post this passage about chanting for the first time. If you're new to the practice we welcome you with open arms. If you're strengthening your own practice I congratulate you. And if you are forwarding the post to someone who wants to try chanting, that is awesome. This blog can be sent to anyone who speaks any language. Just click the translation button in the upper right)

Why chant? By chanting the name of the rhythm of life itself  we tap into our own powerful universe within, our own Buddhahood ~ our vast and powerful resource to create change within ourselves.  We can change any poison (suffering) into medicine (benefit), experience a state of absolute and unshakable happiness and help others to do the same. 

Here's how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

First of all make a list of what you really want in life. Take a fresh look at your desires and write them down.  Dream big. What do you really want? What do you want for yourself? What do you want for others? What do you want for the world? Make a list. Write it down and put the date on it. 

Many people began chanting with desires that later turned into other desires. So don't worry about your current desires. Chanting is progressive, both you and your desires will evolve. I know people who began a very rewarding practice chanting for things others might consider wrong or strange. One of my friends chanted for a month to prove to his wife that this practice doesn't work. More than 40 years later he is still practicing. In Nichiren Buddhism your desires ARE enlightenment. It is okay to desire whatever you desire, whether it's money, the happiness of someone else, a relationship, a job, or peace of mind and contentment. With continued practice you will see that your dreams for yourself actually become tied to the dreams of happiness for all. 

Chant for what is really in your heart. Be true to yourself. 

Click "Read more" below to see the rest of this post:


I suggest having some sort of journal to write in. Writing in a journal helps you become aware of your progress and benefits.

Choose a place to chant comfortably. You’ll want to sit in a comfortable chair. 

Where would you feel most at ease chanting out loud? 

Before you receive your own Gohonzon (scroll that was inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin that signifies our highest life condition possible) It is helpful to have something on the wall to focus on.  Rest your eyes on something slightly above eye level. It can be anything. 

When I first started chanting in my little two room apartment in San Francisco, I sat on the mattress on the floor and gazed up at the moon in a poster of Mono Lake. I think that's better than staring at a blank wall.  

Choose something soothing to rest your eyes on. 

I have a table nearby for my tea, and other things I like to have close when I chant. You may want to put a low table up as an altar, with fruit and candles and incense, but you don’t need that to begin. 

Write the words Nam Myoho Renge Kyo 
on a piece of paper. 

The words are pronounced as follows: 

Nahm, rhymes with Mom, 
meeyohoh, with three long vowels, 
rain gay, 
key oh. 
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. 
Nahm Meeyohoh Rain Gay Key Oh
(Phonetic spelling) 

Hold your hands with the palms facing in and touching each other in front of your heart. Sit with your back as straight as possible (but be comfortable, as I already stated - this practice is not about formalities) and say Nam-myoho-renge-kyo over and over and over again. 

You do not have to concentrate on anything at first. Just say the words. Breathe whenever you have to for as long as you like. See if you can chant for a few minutes, then a few minutes more. Chant for as long as you can!  

The rhythm should sound like a train moving, or horses running. There should be some energy to it. You can chant as fast or as slow as you wish. Speed of chanting is up to you. 
If you want to hear how it sounds you can go to the top right corner of this blog and chant with me. I begin slowly and speed up with more energy. 

See how it makes you feel. 

Can you get to the point where you don’t have to think about the words, but can actually think about what you want? It may take a little time. Naturally you will begin to chant for what is in your heart. 

Many religions and forms of practice do not encourage people to have their OWN desires. Most of us grew up in cultures where religions never talked of our own Happiness...but this practice is different. Please mull this over. Your desires are YOU. Your desires are inspired from the depths of your life, they are as beautiful and wonderful as you are. 

When you are finished chanting you can write in your journal, if you'd like.

Start by writing an assessment of your life right now. What’s going well, what you’d like to improve on... Then write how you felt before chanting and after chanting. In your journal set a goal for how much you want to chant every day.  When I started, I could only chant five minutes a day in the morning and five minutes in the evening. That was enough. I had a timer next to me and I’m sure there were times I stopped before I’d even reached five minutes! You will build up momentum! 

Commit to chant twice a day every day. Establishing a twice a day rhythm to your chanting is important. It gets the wheels of your life moving. 

Keep your goals in mind and you’ll remember your reasons for chanting! 

These words and this vibration go deep into the heart of your life itself. They summon forth your highest wisdom, vitality and sense of purpose. They also uproot the karma that is making you suffer, and give you the opportunity to change this karma forever. 

When you chant you are entering into a dialogue with your life itself. You are not chanting to any god or asking for favors. Instead, you are connecting with the rhythm of the universe itself. 

As Nichiren Daishonin says in the famous writing (Gosho) "On Attaining Buddhahood" :

"If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life...It is called the mystic truth because it explains the mutually inclusive relationship of life and all phenomena. 
"Life at each moment encompasses the body and mind and the self and environment of all sentient beings in the ten worlds, as well as all insentient beings in the three thousand realms, including plants, sky and earth, and even the most minute particles of dust. Life at each moment permeates the universe and is revealed in all phenomena. One awakened to this principle himself embodies this relationship. However, even though you chant and believe in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the mystic law but some inferior teaching."
From Lectures on Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime by Daisaku Ikeda, 2007  

In other words, when you chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo you are accessing the mystic law which has always been within your life. 

You will still have challenges and problems in life when you chant...but eventually you will see them as the opportunities they are. Problems are the FUEL you need to catapult your life into a life of happiness and joy. You have begun a journey to uncover the true happiness that exists in your shining Buddha life. Congratulations!

It is crucial to a successful Nichiren Buddhist practice to join the family of fellow practitioners, your fellow Soka Gakkai (SGI) members. There are many ways to locate the Soka Gakkai practitioners in your area. You can click on the SGI-USA portal to the right. 

You can also do a search on Soka Gakkai followed by whatever country you live in. Then call the center closest to your home and ask to be connected to the nearest district. 

The correct form of this practice cannot be done alone. It must be done within the orbit of faith. Joining with fellow travelers is essential. Other Soka Gakkai members will be happy to help you learn to chant, overcome your problems, and reveal your brilliant, wonderful self!  
and go to IKEDAQUOTES.org to read Daisaku Ikeda's words. He is lighting the way for us all...and for YOU!
Websites that might be helpful include SGI-USA.org and SGI.org. They contain information that is very useful. 
You may want to scroll through the titles of other posts on this blog as well. 

Let me know if I can help you. Email me with questions at chantforhappiness@gmail.com 

How to Make Good Friends in Faith

 Good friends in faith! 

Good Friends In Faith
A Collection of Quotes by Daisaku Ikeda

The way of Buddhism is profound, and its wisdom is difficult to fathom. No matter how wise or knowledgeable one may appear, the wisdom of common mortals is trifling by comparison. Therefore, to pursue the way to Buddhahood, we have no choice but to make a "good friend" in faith. If we do so, the power of such a good friend will enable us to pursue the correct course toward enlightenment without error. (12/12/87)

A good friend in faith means someone who encourages your Buddhist practice and guides you toward the path of enlightenment. The same applies to our own practice of faith. The Gohonzon is always the basis of our practice. Needless to say, carrying out our correct faith is what is most important. However, if you no longer have someone who can teach you faith and guide your practice correctly, or if you follow the wrong person, it will become difficult for you to forge on along the great path of faith toward enlightenment. A good friend is, as it were, an important support in completing your faith and practice. Therefore, the most important point in faith is what kind of people you have as friends. In this sense, I hope you deeply understand that there is profound meaning behind the existence of the Soka Gakkai, which teaches correct faith and is advancing together along the path of kosen-rufu.(3/1/88)

Naturally, the Mystic Law is the foundation of all things. However, without "good friends" who can lead us to the Gohonzon, practically speaking, it would be impossible to attain Buddhahood. Fellow members who sincerely encourage us and the organization for kosen-rufu that enables us to follow the path of correct faith are the good friends we need. All fellow members who sincerely practice faith are good friends to one another. Though there may be differences in members' organizational positions and length of time practicing, we are all equal before the Gohonzon. There is absolutely no discrimination in the world of faith. Good friends are people who, in their respective capacities, encourage and pray for the development of one another. While traveling hand in hand along the path of eternal happiness, they invite others to join them so that they, too, may receive immeasurable benefit. Let us truly become such good friends to each other. (5/24/89)

The Nirvana Sutra states that even if we are killed by "evil elephants"—which in modern terms would correspond to automobiles, tanks, etc.—our bodies may he destroyed, but our minds will remain intact. However, if evil friends lead to our undoing, destroying both mind and body, we will fall into Hell. Therefore, we must above all fear falling under the influence of evil friends, and we should identify those who are crooked of heart and ward them off. Such persons appear as friends but function to destroy faith. Through the clever use of words, they try to persuade people to abandon their Buddhist practice. This is the nature of evil friends. Such bad friends are the greatest enemy of one's happiness and the greatest impediment to one's attaining Buddhahood.(6/18/91)

Good friends are those who encourage us in faith, strive with us to strengthen practice and study and work with us in harmony to advance kosen-rufu. The Soka Gakkai is the fore-most gathering of good friends. (6/18/91)

Good friends base themselves on the law. Therefore, we base ourselves on the Gohonzon and on the Gosho. Evil friends are self-centered and egoistic. For these reasons, such people will speak and act differently, depending on the situation. As the Lotus Sutra and the Gosho make clear, it is only natural that the further kosen-rufu advances in any country; the more numerous will be the evil friends who appear. By seeing through the disguises of such individuals and defeating them, you will be able to open up a vast, cheerful, sunny green field of happiness for all members. (6/18/91)

Good friends in faith essentially are sincere, honest people without a trace of deceit who guide others toward the correct path, toward good. They are also people who lend their assistance or support to us so that we can practice the True Law with assurance. If you become close to a person who makes you feel "that person is always glowing and animated" or "when I'm with that person I feel strong and secure;' then your faith will naturally deepen and you will develop bountiful wisdom. In carrying out this Buddhist practice, encountering good friends is the key to achieving Buddhahood.(7/28/91)

Our lives are determined by the relationships we form. And the SGI is a cluster of relationships of the very best kind. In a society pervaded with cruel relationships, where many people delight in others' misfortunes, we find the greatest solidarity and peace of mind with our fellow members. We have to resolutely protect the noble gathering of SGI members. (8/21/96)

DAISAKU IKEDA


Some practical ideas on how to cultivate good friends in faith:

Good friends in Faith are eternal treasures of the heart. And the beauty of it all is this: If you don't have good friends in faith you can chant to have them. Put "make friends with people who inspire me and encourage me in my practice" on your list and take action to make it happen. Look for people who inspire you. Take the opportunity to chat with them. Take some time after SGI meetings to get to know people, and get there early if you can. Ask if you can help out. 
If you see a person give an experience that inspires you, reach out to them and express your appreciation. Set up a time to chant with them. 

Let me illustrate through a story. 

Years ago I saw a woman give her experience at New Year's Gongyo. She was on fire with Daimoku. She had overcome cancer that year and looked younger than she did when I first met her many years before. I was inspired! I made a goal to rekindle our friendship. Over the next few months I saw her at meetings, and asked her to join me for coffee after a meeting. Then we started getting together to chant. I really listened to what she had to say. This blog was born from that friendship. She and I decided to chant two hours a day together, and this blog was born from that Daimoku campaign. My goal was to overcome my life-long depression and I wanted to use life to inspire others to chant and join the SGI. As many of you know I have overcome that depression. And if I can do that - YOU can do anything! 

Some other tips for making friends: "To have a good friend, you must be one." Give people a chance. Don't be so quick to criticize. And don't talk behind people's backs. Chant to be able to see good friends. And take time to call or chant with them. Encourage others to the best of your ability. Be open to being a friend!

I'm hearing from many of you who are going to their first SGI meetings, and making determinations to strengthen you practices within this remarkable organization. I look forward to posting your experiences as we inspire each other. 

You Can Turn Any Problem into a Benefit!

You are an alchemist who turns everything into gold. 

Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 

you turn every poison into medicine 

and infuse your world with love. 

No matter what your stuggles may be...no matter the pain...no matter the obstacles...YOU have the power to transform them and create medicine for your life, and for the rest of the world. 

This is the formula for kosen-rufu, world peace, and each of us are incredible participants in each and every moment. As I've often said, my prayers are no more important than yours are. We are all equal. 

How do you take a poison in your life and turn it into medicine? You realize that it is your mission to change it, and that it EXISTS just to strengthen your muscle of faith. If this obstacle is in your life you MUST overcome it. I remember growing up as a young overweight girl and thinking "I must have a mission to lose this weight and help others to do the same - otherwise I would not have this problem." I elevated my problem into a mission. 

And then, through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo I had the intense desire to change my karma, change my circumstances so that I could show actual proof of this practice and help others stop suffering. 

Whatever you are facing, whether it's 

illness, money challenges, relationship problems, job challenges, anxiety, depression, worrying about others, safety issues, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, shyness, and anything else...

whatever you are facing you can transform it through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

You just have to decide that you will do it. 

You must make a fierce determination, like you are climbing up a rock wall, that NO MATTER WHAT, you will get to the top. 

And then follow the 5 keys to a successful practice:

1. Chant every day twice a day.

2. Keep your determination fresh, and make sure it expresses your desire to show actual proof so you can help others.

3. Go to your Soka Gakkai meetings to practice with your fellow travelers and deepen your understanding and compassion. 

4. Help others to the best of your ability.

5. Study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and Daisaku Ikeda.

Daisaku Ikeda says in Faith into Action on page 140:

"Life has the capacity like flames reaching toward heaven, to transform suffering and pain into the energy needed for value-creation, into light that illuminates darkness. Like wind traversing vast spaces unhindered, life has the power to uproot and overturn all obstacles and difficulties. Like clear flowing water, it can wash away all stains and impurities. And finally, life, like the great earth that sustains all vegetation, impartially protects all people with its compassionate, nurturing force."

You can activate this life force inside you at any time and transform any suffering into gold for your life. 

You can absolutely do this. 

We are all doing it together. 

I look forward to hearing your victories, fellow travelers. Write me at chantforhappiness.com. 

Julia and I are completing our book on Power Prayers. If you've used some of the power prayers, or they have strengthened your faith, please send me an email and you may be included in the book. More to come...

You can also go to the facebook page Chant for Happiness and share posts on your facebook page. Also, remember the translation button on the top right. Anyone can access this blog at the touch of a button. 

Bhavya's Experience of Victory

Bhavya and Ayaan

My name is Bhavya Sawhney 
I have been practicing this beautiful philosophy for the last 7 years. I am the mother of two-kosen rufu kids, one 6-year girl Aashina, and a 5-month-old boy, Ayaan. With this practice I have had lots of victories and today I will share the most recent one.

Last week was very tough for me. I had an important test on Friday the 12th of this month, but since Monday the 8th Ayaan had severe stomach flu. He had become very cranky and wouldn’t leave me.  I was getting very tense since I had to study as well as take care of him. If I tried to leave him with my mother in law or my husband he would just cry for hours.

This time, instead of getting stressed and applying my own strategies, I made the Gohonzon my center and put my practice first.  I  also read Sensei’s guidance often. 

“There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull when we feel stuck in some situation or other when we are negative towards everything when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn. At such times we must transform our passive mind set and determine “I will proceed along this path I will pursue my mission today”. When we do so, a genuine springtime arrives in our heart and flowers start to bloom.”

 Also I reached out to Jamie and requested her support so every day of that week I made a determination to chant one hour of daimoku together no matter what, to excel in my exam and for Ayaan to get over this flu. On Monday the doctor told me it could take 2 weeks for him to get better! When Jamie and I were discussing about this we said “No way! He will get well immediately with our Daimoku! It has to be out a.s.a.p!”

This daimoku was setting a victory every day for me, a mission that was getting closer and closer.  By chanting an hour every day I was able to focus more on my studies. This daimoku was giving me a rhythm to study and concentrate and not to get tense. In every way, I was putting my practice first. Ayaan would be with us doing daimoku too for the full hour. It is difficult to do that. Many people strategize things but won’t get up to chant. But for me it was my practice. 

I stopped strategizing and started doing winning daimoku that no matter what I will be able to study, and the day of test my little monster will be ok. He won’t bother my mother in law and my husband.

Here I stand to report my victory. 

I went to take my test and my son was perfectly fine. He had overcome the flu that very same day!

I would like to conclude with the gosho line “MUSTER YOUR FAITH AND PRAY TO GOHONZON THEN WHAT IS THERE THAT CANNOT BE ACHIEVED “

I am determined to work for kosen rufu whole heartedly... to be the sun of my family...to never doubt this Gohonzon no matter whatever happens. I will do morning and evening gongyo consistently to introduce my friends and family to this practice.

Your Prayers are the Most Important

Occasionally I get requests from people for me to chant for them. I am always chanting for all of you and for each one who writes in, but YOUR prayers are the most important. I am not a "Better Buddhist" and my prayers may be heartfelt, yes, but your prayers are the exact ones that you need to penetrate your life. 

You are the Buddha. You are the one carrying forth a dialogue with your life when you chant. Your prayers are important. Each time you chant you are setting your wings towards the sun, just like in the picture above. You are moving towards your own bright horizon. 

Here's a Power Prayer I've been chanting lately to make every one of my actions count:

Power Prayer to Change Your Karma:

"I chant to connect with the life force of my mentor Daisaku Ikeda, and to see the world through his eyes, and connect my heart to his heart....to have the same passion and depth of prayer that he does for all of humanity. I chant that every single one of my thoughts, feelings and actions I take today will be the absolute BEST causes I can make for my life and for all of life. I chant to be able to encourage people from the depths of my heart so I that they can be en-couraged to strengthen their faith and practice and become happy. I pray that every one of my actions leads to kosen-rufu and a world of respect for all beings.  I fill my heart with appreciation!" 

Never Giving Up Leads to Great Benefit

Sometimes it feels like we're not progressing as quickly as we'd like in our lives, right? Sometimes it feels like we're chanting and making causes, and even though we see the effects of our high life-condition from our daily chanting, we still have challenges that are persisting, or dreams we have not yet realized.

At these times it is especially important to persist in our practice. 

At these times we need to dedicate our minds, our hearts and our prayers even harder. We need to continue chanting twice a day...continue marching along the path of mentor and disciple...and continue making good causes, sharing this practice, and keeping the flame of hope burning in our hearts. 

Sure, it's great to get major benefits every single day, but is this really realistic? I know I see benefit every day in the raising of my life condition, and the pure joy I experience in chanting, but there are some days I just have to persist no matter what. Just like you.

Inspiring Encouragement for Illness

For any of you who are facing illness - this should raise your spirits! 

The person who originally compiled these quotes 

was able to use this practice and modern medicine 

to overcome breast cancer completely. 

Please feel free to forward a link to this blogpost 

to anyone who is suffering from illness. 

From President Ikeda's Lecture series "The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin: On Prolonging One's Life Span - Faith for Leading a Long and healthy Life" in the July-August 08 Living Buddhism. (Thank you to my friend Melissa Bradford for compiling these great quotes!)


“Suffering from illness is a means by which you can eradicate your negative karma.”  
President Toda, as quoted by President Ikeda. - pg 70 

“To see illness as an opportunity to transform our karma – this strong spirit and resolve can break through all obstacles and devilish functions and open wide the path to happiness.  Like a rocket blasting out of the earth’s atmosphere, the passionate conviction of faith that comes from viewing illness as an opportunity to transform our karma can become a powerful engine propelling us forward not only in this existence but throughout eternity, enabling us to freely savor everlasting happiness.”  Pg 74

What you Focus on Increases

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:

On Attaining Buddhahood

Thank you to all of you who have been emailing me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com, 

commenting on posts 

and forwarding the link to chantforhappiness.com 

to your fellow members and friends.  

I respond to all emails. I appreciate them all - the questions, the comments and the experiences of victory. 

Yesterday 600 people visited Chantforhappiness.com. Without you forwarding a link to this blog to your friends and fellow members that couldn't be possible. 

The purpose of this blog is to reach and inspire people who are looking for the key to solve their problems and become happy, connect them with the Soka Gakka and President Ikeda, and to inspire them to break through and become happy. This is not an easy practice, but a fully rewarding one. Staying inspired every day definitely leads to a successful life. 
(Visit sgi-usa.org for more information and links to the Soka Gakkai)

Thank you for your heart to help people. 

Helping other people learn to chant, and inspiring others is a key aspect of our own practice. 

I've recently been re-reading one of my favorite books based on the Gosho by Nichiren Daishonin called "On Attaining Buddhahood." This is a Gosho I memorized during my early days of chanting, and read aloud to Aaron when I was carrying him in my womb and chanting a million daimoku for his life. It is a fundamental Gosho explaining the key nature of why chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is so powerful. 

In  Lectures On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime, by Daisaku Ikeda, published in 2007 by Soka Gakkai, Malaysia, President Ikeda comments on this famous Gosho Passage:

"If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth, and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the the mystic truth innate in all life." (p. 4, On Attaining Buddhahood) 

And on page 6 of the same book he makes this important distinction:

"There are two aspects of the daimoku in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism: the daimoku of faith and the daimoku of practice. The daimoku of faith refers to the spiritual aspect of our practice. This essentially consists of the struggle we wage in our hearts against our inner delusion or darkness; a battle against the negative and destructive forces within us. It means breaking through the darkness clouding our Buddha nature and bringing forth the life-state of Buddhahood through the power of faith. The daimoku of practice, meanwhile, refers to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ourselves and also teaching it to others. It means making efforts in word and deed for the happiness of ourselves and others as evidence of our spiritual struggle against inner negativity and delusion. " (p.6 On attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime, by daisaku Ikeda, 2007, Soka Gakkai Malaysia) 

Yes. 

Chanting daimoku is key for us to reveal our own Buddha nature and defeat the negative voices I addressed in yesterday's blog post. 

Crucial to our development is also our efforts to help others become happy, or, as Daisaku Ikeda expresses it, the daimoku of practice. Our efforts in this area expand infinitely and bring joy into our lives and the lives of others. 

I am so grateful to all of you as partners in creating Kosen Rufu; a world of happiness and respect for all of life. 

Bridget from Australia's Inspiring Experience

Introduction:

I've been chanting for  just over 2 years.

I rarely watch tele. So most evenings I chant for an hour at least each evening and when in Sydney went to a meeting once a week. I love reading, so I read the goshos, experiences, blogs etc in my spare time.

I heard at a meeting an experience where the guy was deadlocked. He wanted to be in a musical production and after auditions he was not successful. His guidance from a senior was: 

"How often do you tell yourself your a Buddha?"

He continued to chant, support his group in their endeavors and tell himself every time negativity arose that he is Buddha. He got a call 2 months later that they had decided they need him for the show. Despite being well into rehearsing. He started with them and toured all over Europe.

That experience was really magical so I try to remember everyday I'm Buddha.

Mostly I try to remember that every challenge is teaching me something. So I must try and improve myself and my wisdom then benefit will come. This is not a wish granting machine. I have to keep working on my human revolution.

I determined this year to really work on slander and gossip. To never say a bad thing about anyone be it a celebrity I don't know, my boss, a difficult colleague. I must see the potential Buddha in everyone. When some one speaks to me, to be really present and truly listen to them.

I need to keep looking at myself honestly as that's how I can change and the benefits will come.

War and peace but these are the things that drive me. Creating kosen Rufu in my corner of the world. A ripple 10 meters wide starts with a single stone upon the water. Small things can create big effects.

Plus I have fallen in love with Nichiren! I love his writings I find his compassion and strength inspiring.

Experience:

Although I've had numerous experiences this is one recent one.

At the start of the year I was made redundant. I chanted to be able to move from Sydney to a beautiful place in the Southern Highlands, 1 hour from Sydney. It's a stunning place of beautiful horse studs, cafes and art galleries. Close enough to still see friends from the city.

Everyone told me it would be hard to find a role similar in pay etc as Sydney and just a reasonable size business to work in would be difficult.

I applied for a role and after been given a 2nd interview and a long lengthy procedure I was unsuccessful they couldn't afford me.

I started doing temp work in Sydney.
However, 1 month into the temp role I was offered a permanent role in sydney, new car, good salary. I thought my southern highlands dream wouldn't come through.

8 months on I for some unknown reason decided to look on the Internet for roles again. The moment I logged into the job site there was a job. Sales manager for an international health food company. Amazing company that had just got distribution with Harrods & amp; Selfridges in the UK and distributors throughout Asia.

How could I interview? Without having to have sick days etc... They called immediately and asked me to come the next Tuesday. I walked into my managers office to ask for an annual leave day but before I could speak he said that the new telemarketers were working their first Saturday, would I come in Saturday and support them, if I did I could have a day off during the week instead. I suggested I do this for a few weeks and he was so pleased. This gave me time off during the week for 2 nd interviews etc.

I was offered the role and after some negotiation I took it. It wasn't the salary of Sydney but great growth potential.

I had 3 weeks to find somewhere to live. No rentals about being Christmas. I chanted one evening to find the right place and also quickly so I didn't need to spend my holidays house hunting.

After I chanted that evening I thought maybe I'll look for share accommodation ~ a good option till I get my own place. There was a great house share with the local yoga teacher. Beautiful large home, gardens, beautifully furnished with little Buddha statues. With the rent reduction I'm no less off financially. Instead of a 1 bedroom flat in Sydney I'm in a 5 bedroom home, two living areas and a kitchen the size of my last living room :)

The work place is great, young, funky, vibrant and I've fitted in quickly.

My housemate has offered her yoga studio to me for my own Buddhist meetings free of charge and is advertising the group in her studio.

Through this Buddhism I came off anxiety medication in 7 months. I didn't even realise I'd stopped taking them. I have had so many sychroncities which have made life flow easier and worked out for the best. My faith has waivered at times but the more proof the more I now know that through the tough times hang on. Something will change at the right time.

I had tried many different things in the past but nothing works quite like Nichiren Buddhism.

Bridgit / Sydney

Keys to Practicing Correctly

You have all the power to make it happen...but...
No one else can change your karma and change your life. You are the only one. You have all the tools you need! You are one of the lucky ones! You have found the practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo that allows you to tap into the vast power you possess. It's your time to take this practice and make the changes you want...and really become happy! 

I have always said that practicing Buddhism is not easy. It requires courage. It not only requires courage but it helps to BUILD courage and a strong sense of self. When you practice as I've outlined here you will be strong. You can take on ANYTHING. You will be happy. It takes perseverance, but I am here to tell you that you can achieve whatever you want. You can be happier than you ever imagined possible. But it takes work! And your life and happiness is WORTH IT!

There are 6 KEY aspects to a correct practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

And when we are activating them ALL we are all HAPPIER in every possible way. Until you have activated these actions in your life you will never really know your own full power...you will be able to ROAR LIKE A LION. You will have power in your own precious life! 

1. Chant every morning and evening. Chanting twice a day PUTS YOUR LIFE IN RHYTHM TO WIN. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THIS. It sounds hard, but it is really the easy way. Chanting is MUCH HARDER when you do it every once in a while...and your results are less consistent too. You decide how long you will chant. I know that the more effort I put into my daily practice, the harder I work to stay focused, the MORE I connect with the Gohonzon (which is my life itself) the easier the rest of my life goes. I chant a minimum of an hour in my "laboratory of my life" every morning. I often find I chant more when I have a lot of challenges, (more logs on the fire) and the more I chant the more I WANT TO chant. Try it.

2. Study with the intention of deepening your faith.  In Nichiren Buddhism FAITH IS A VERB and a MUSCLE! Chant to strengthen  your faith. Chant to have the kind of benefit that makes you truly believe your own power. And do this again and again! THIS is exercising the muscle of FAITH. It is the power you muster while you are chanting to activate the power of your prayer. Studying is like working the muscle of faith. It will help you produce results. It will strengthen your faith. Studying the Gosho by Nichiren Daishonin, and the words of our mentor, Daisaku Ikeda will help you become happier and healthier and stronger in every way!

3. MAKE A STRONG DETERMINATION. Write it down. Really, writing it down is powerful! What do you want? What do you really want? How do you want to feel? What do you want to make happen? Who do you want to BE? Avoid the tendency to blame your environment. Blaming the people, things, jobs etc. is not useful. Instead, accept that your karma is your karma and vow to change it! That is where your power lies! Not in complaint! Chant to root your suffering out of your life. I visualize the roots of a tree inside my body and literally pull them out in my mind while I am chanting. Chant to expand the power within your own life. Chant to raise your life condition and be the strong Buddha you are meant to be! 

4. Remember that you are not chanting to anyone or anything. You are not asking for favors or saying "please". No, you are having a dialogue with your own life and telling it what you want. The determinations and vows you make are to your own life. You are the Buddha. Remind yourself every day. 

5. It is important to be in the ORBIT OF FAITH! Attending SGI meetings is crucial. We really can't practice adequately alone. We all act as mirrors for each other. Our meetings serve to deepen our ties to each other and our ties to the world. If there is something you don't like about your meetings, chant about them. Use the power of your own prayer. Become a leader. How you feel about your Buddhist meetings is really a reflection of your own karma...life tendencies. If you "look down" on all the people at the meetings, you also "look down" on people everywhere. Have patience with yourself. See if you can summon the Ichinen (will put into action) to make a difference. Many of us have struggled with this at some time. I love being a leader because I infuse each meeting with energy. I chant at least an hour for the success of each meeting...I chant for every member to have a deep and meaningful experience at every meeting - refreshed in faith, more determined, happier. If you haven't connected already, Search for Soka Gakkai International to find the center closest to you. Call them and ask for the meeting closest to you, 

6. Help others. 
Encouraging fellow members in faith is crucial. And telling others about chanting is crucial too...even just giving them a Nam Myoho Renge card. I give out cards every single day. I have to. I feel I have discovered the key to absolute happiness and it fills me with joy to pass it on to others. I always give cards to people who help me in stores. They are always happy to get them. I have introduced countless strangers to this practice and planted many seeds.

Powerful Prayers create Powerful Connection

Ben and I enjoying the 96th of the John Hancock Center together. 

This morning I was sad about my son going back to college. 

I woke up very early. We had one last hug and he left. 

I put my phone away, made some tea, got some water and put my pen and journal next to me. 

For the next two hours I chanted with my full heart and attention. 

I chanted to expand my capacity in every possible way...to expand my capacity for love, 
to expand my capacity for excellent health, to strengthen my mind's thought processes so I can continue to create the life of my dreams, 
to strengthen my life from the inside and raise my life condition, 
to change internally so I can create change externally.
I chanted to break through my doubt and my fear and unleash the limitless power of the Gohonzon in my life. 

I chanted for every single reader of this blog to be encouraged, strong, and resolved, and that no matter what, you do not stop chanting or give up hope. 

I chanted for all the members of my district and for all my friends and family. 

I chanted for Chicago Zone and for the meeting at the Chicago Buddhist Center today to be amazing and unifying. 

I chanted for our country and our world. 

I chanted to show actual proof with every fiber of my being, and to be able to inspire people. 

I chanted for peace of mind. 

I chanted to rise above my own doubts and to connect with President Ikeda's heart every moment of every day.  

I only looked up from the Gohonzon a couple of times. Two hours of chanting felt like ten minutes. 

Tonight as I write this I am filled with the energy from this Daimoku. I have been laughing and enjoying every moment of this day. The meeting at the Chicago Buddhist Center was wonderful and filled with joy. I just watched the Golden Globes and laughed and cried. I am looking forward to tomorrow's new day. 

I am hoping this inspires you to dig deep, leave your cell phone in the other room and connect with your own life force in front of the Gohonzon. Sometimes it takes some sadness to generate this kind of Daimoku. 

I am so grateful to have this tool in my life. So grateful for every moment I spend connecting to my life, to all of life, through chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. 

Change ANY Problem into a benefit by chanting

If you've been chanting to change things in your life...if you've been chanting about relationships, your career etc...consider looking inward and chanting to change yourself. Changing your SELF - doing your human revolution is vital to your successfull practice. 

What is the process?

1. Own the problem...realize that whatever you want to change may LOOK like it is outside yourself...but its roots are within your life. That means that you cannot complain or say "WHY ME?". Really you have to own it...not BLAME yourself for it...not feel guilty about it. But you CAN change it. It's okay to get a little angry and make a fierce and roaring declaration to change whatever you need to change.

2. Turn your prayer INWARD. Chant to change YOURSELF. Chant to have the courage to make the changes you need to make in order to generate the results you want to create in your life. Remember that all change starts from within. And your environment will change to reflect the inner changes you have made. 

A Power Prayer to accomplish this could be:

"I am determined to make any changes I need to make in my thoughts, my actions, my chanting, to make continual positive causes that will result in rooting the cause of my negative karma OUT OF MY LIFE!  I am determined to make the changes inside myself...to do my own human revolution and raise my life condition! I am determined to change in any way I need to change to attract the .......(you fill in the blank) into my life. Life! I am bringing the determination, wisdom and fire I need to create the life of my dreams. I AM NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO! I AM ROARING LIKE A LION IN MY OWN LIFE! I WILL CREATE MY LIFE! I do this not only for me, but for everyone who is suffering. I am determined to glow within my own life. I am determined to be a shining light for all who are suffering. I am determined to be the beacon of hope that ANYONE can solve their problems by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. I am ready to meet people who are ready to hear about this practice!  I chant to have the most inspiring life. Gohonzon (my life) I need to see these results now!"

You can do this! You Buddha YOU!

Great Quotes from President Ikeda about focusing our minds

Sunrise from the Ship Today

I am really looking forward to chanting in appreciation this morning. 

It is so easy to blame our environment for our unhappiness and discontent. But as President Ikeda says in "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime"
"Grumbling and complaining are the principle gateways leading to general doubt and disbelief. Even if we know that such behavior is wrong, we may find ourselves doing it in spite of ourselves. Should grumbling and complaining become habitual it will act as a constant brake on our growth and cause us to forget about advancing and improving ourselves. When that happens, we effectively close off our own potential, falling into the path of seeking the law outside of us." 

Grumbling and complaining take many forms. For some it is a form of hopelessness, and looking at what is NOT working. When all you see is what is not working, or changing, and you continually focus on the care and troubles of life, that is all you see. That is what is in your radar screen. What you DON'T life amplifies. When you focus on what you DO like, and what IS working, no matter how small, you get more of what you want, and you start seeing the positive everywhere. And you're happier!
You get more benefits and happiness from focusing on what IS working. I promise. Try it.  

Please remember that whatever is going on in your world is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to grow. 
The things you think of as problems that come at you from the environment can be fuel for your growth, fuel for your determination to reveal your own Buddhahood and create your own happiness. It is up to you though, to determine this for your own life...

Putting the fault on your environment is easy. But not helpful! You are a Buddha. Dig deeper. Get to the root source of your suffering. You do not have to figure it out. Just chant to change it. 

President Ikeda also says:

"Because our practice of faith is aimed at attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime, it is absolutely essential that we have a solidly focused mind or attitude when chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It is like trying to shoot an arrow: without a clear target, we will not draw the bow with any real energy or determination. In the same way, our prayers can only be realized when we replace vague yearnings with concrete determinations and confident daimoku to definitely accomplish what we hope to achieve."