Sensei's Guidance on thoughts while chanting

(From the Facebook page, 
The Power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, 
quoting from the Wisdom of The Lotus Sutra)

In this Q & A, President Ikeda clarifies and explains on extraneous thoughts that come to our mind while chanting :

Endo: With regard to prayer, people frequently bring up the problem of extraneous thoughts occurring to them while they are chanting.

President Ikeda: 
There is nothing wrong with having an active mind while chanting. 
This is a natural human tendency. 

The important thing is to face the Gohonzon just as we are, 
without affectation. 
Having extraneous thoughts is an inherent part of our lives 
in that we are entities of the principle of three thousand realms in a single moment of life. 
Therefore, through daimoku we can turn even those thoughts into benefit.

There are no rules governing how we should pray. 
There’s no need to be something we aren’t. 
Even if we were to try to control our thoughts 
by making our prayer rigid and forced, 
our minds would still tend to wander. 
As we deepen our faith, we also strengthen our ability to concentrate.

Actually, since the thoughts or ideas that come to mind as we chant r
epresent issues that concern us at the moment, 
we should not consider them extraneous. 
Instead, we should pray earnestly about each one, 
whatever it may be. 
Rather than chant only about large issues, 
we should pray specifically about every issue we face, 
winning over each one and strengthening our foundation as we go.
There is of course no need to be tense or nervous when praying. What matters is that we are completely ourselves.

(The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Vol. VI pp. 108-09)

Sensei's Four Guidelines for leading a Healthy Life

"The Buddha's benefit is life force; it is the power to thrive." 

"Each day, 
we receive this immeasurable benefit from the Gohonzon. 

(The Gohonzon = the power of our own lives manifested when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo)

Therefore the more we praise 
the great, beneficial power of the Gohonzon, 
the more our own lives will increase 
in majesty and power and shine with brilliance.

"With faith in the Gohonzon as the foundation, 
we pray, take action, 
and speak out for the happiness of others. 

The maintenance of this correct rhythm 
directs one's entire being 
toward longevity, health and happiness. 

To explain the rhythm of faith manifesting itself in daily life in practical terms, I once proposed the following 

Four guidelines for leading a healthy life:

1 ~ Do an invigorating daily gongyo
2 ~ Conduct your daily life in a reasonable and productive manner
3 ~ Be of service to others
4 ~ Maintain sound eating habits

It might be said that faith in the Mystic Law is the fundamental catalyst of health and longevity."

From the Heart of the Lotus Sutra, by Daisaku Ikeda, page 154. 

"The Secret to Achieving Your Human Revolution!"

Yesterday I went to the Chicago SGI Buddhist Center 

for our 2014 Kickoff Meeting. 

We watched a film that included the following quote, and as we were leaving, the Byakuren handed the quote to us...how wonderful!  Here it is for you...

The Secret 
to Achieving Your Human Revolution

"Pray that instead of devils 
or negative, destructive forces 
infiltrating your being, 
Brahma ("Bonten"in Japanese),
Shakra ("Taishaku" in Japanese),
and the gods of the Sun and the Moon
~ the positive, protective forces of the universe ~
will enter your life!
Pray that they will enter the lives 
of all members in your region
and the entire membership of the SGI, as well.
If you do this, 
your strength will multiply 
a hundredfold, a thousandfold.
With such prayer,
with such faith, 
you will realize a fundamental transformation
in the depths of your life. 
This is the secret to achieving your human revolution."

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, World Tribune, 9/8/2000

Thank you Sensei!
Write your victories to me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com!

Happy 86th Birthday Daisaku Ikeda!

Happy Birthday Sensei! 

May you live a long and healthy life. 

Our hearts are full of gratitude 

for your ceaseless devotion to Kosen Rufu 

and the happiness and protection of all members 

and all people worldwide.

Thank you for inspiring us

 with your words,
your songs,

 your poems,

 your discussions with world leaders and philosophers,

 your essays,

 your Diamoku

 and your heart!

May each of us continue seeking 

to embrace our vow

 to overcome our sufferings, 

inspire others,

 and create a world of peace and respect for all life. 
In 2014 
The Year of Opening 
a New Era 
of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

4 Steps to Overcoming Unhappiness ~ and a PowerPrayer to Defeat Despair

This post is in answer to a question I got from a reader yesterday. 

She asked if I ever feel despair, and what do I do when I sink into that feeling?

And yes, even Buddhas (like you and I), who have been chanting for many years still get occasional moments of despair!  Every time I feel a moment of sadness I think of all of you, and my district members, and I make a new VOW to overcome my karma (and propensity toward depression) once and for all by ripping it out at the roots. This is Human Revolution...never giving up. I must pave the way for others, just as you are paving the way for others through every one of your fresh determinations.

Welcome to the new Era for Kosen Rufu. Some of you made your goals for November 18th, others are still chanting for the ourcome you desire. 
As Sensei says, the important thing is to keep chanting. 

There are several steps I recommend for when you are battling to WIN over your own despair ~
1. Chant
2. Call someone who encourages you 
and read Sensei's writings.
3. Make a fresh determination and a new vow
4. Chant again and win! 

I will pass along some wise words from my dear friend Kate who overcame her lifelong depression: 

She says that when you are making huge causes for Kosen Rufu it is natural to get obstacles in the form of emotions, and that once again your karma has shown itself to you anew so that you can once again determine to root it out forever. 

She also said at the core of our suffering is the fact that many aspects of our environment reflect our own deep seated feelings of self doubt and of not being good enough...but our preseverance will change this. 

She said our environment does not yet truly reflect the amazing and wonderfully shining, worthy people we are. And she attributes that to our deep seated doubts somewhere in our lives. (karma, of course). 

We have been suffering over some of the same things for our entire lives, haven't we?  She said 
Human Revolution is HARD 
because you have to break the ties 
to your own unhappiness. 
Those grooves are familiar, and hard to break. 

The following is a PowerPrayer...some powerful words to keep in mind from time to time while you are chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo...a suggested attitude to WIN!

Out of Kate's wise words I wrote this 

PowerPrayer to Defeat Despair:

Every day I love and appreciate myself more and more. 
I see myself for the noble, brilliant Buddha I am! 
I DEMAND that all my circumstances in life 
appreciate me!  
I DEMAND that my environment 
reflect who I really am, 
not my fears or doubts of who I am. 
I DEMAND that I have the courage 
to do Human Revolution 
and to FOREVER break 
those ties to my own unhappiness. 
I am determined to stop making causes 
that bring me pain! 
I am determined to make causes 
that bring me happiness! 
Not just for me, but for everyone!
I MUST succeed 
LIFE 
No matter what! 
I choose to be happy!
I choose happiness now!  

A Genuinely Happy Person Brings Happiness to those around them....

What is happiness after all?  It comes from within, right? Happiness is something we have to BUILD for ourselves. It comes from our chanting consistently for strength, happiness, and to deepen our faith. And when we are happy we naturally want to brighten other's days. We actually can't stop ourselves from brightening other's days when we are genuinely happy. 
This is my Favorite Quote on Happiness by Sensei: 

Happiness

by Daisaku Ikeda

The purpose of life is to attain happiness.
Happiness is something you have to feel inside.
It is something you have to build for yourself.
It is something that lives within you.
That is why the state of your inner realm, your life,
is so crucial to your being happy.
Happiness is not in some far off place.
Happiness exists within your own life.
It is within a single thought in your mind.
You, yourself are the most precious of all.
You have no need to be envious of anyone
or to long for things far away.
Faith and one's single minded desire
to achieve Kosen Rufu (world peace)
are what makes this self of yours shine its brightest
and develop its highest potential;
they are what fill you with good fortune,
satisfaction and eternal joy.
This is the essence of true happiness,
A palace exists within your own life.
When you open that palace
you can be happy wherever you are.

Great Picture of Sensei He is waving to YOU ~

Meeting Sensei - Daisaku Ikeda, 

the President of the Soka Gakkai International

I will never forget this day. 

I will never forget the Spring of 1993 when Danny Nagashima was leading San Francisco. On New Year's Day he told us all he'd written more than 250 goals for himself. I followed his lead and made out my own huge list of goals and put the wish to meet Sensei personally. 

We were all chanting to bring him to San Francisco. We were part of a totally unified movement, led by Danny. 

The room for anyone to come and chant Daimoku at My Golden Palace of Kosen Rufu (the SF SGI center) was always full! 
We knew our Daimoku was working...we knew he was coming...we were all chanting for the highest life-conditions to welcome him. No one knew if we were actually going to see him or not, but we kept our spirits high. 

Right before President Ikeda was supposed to come we got word that his trip had been cancelled to San Francisco because of a pressing matter in another part of the world. I felt so connected to him. I ran to the center and threw myself into chanting for him. I chanted for whatever it was he was facing that was keeping him from San Francisco.  I told the Gohonzon "Join my prayer with his! Whatever is happening ~ add every ounce of my Daimoku to his!" I did not do this just so he would come to SF. I did it because I knew that if there was something important keeping him from coming...if it was important to Sensei, it was important to ME. I didn't have to know what it was. My prayer was his prayer. It was a pivotal moment for me of joining my prayer with my mentor's prayer. I chanted so strongly they all made me lead the Daimoku for the room. Energy was pouring out of me. 

And the next thing we knew his trip to SF was back on, but I was not going to have the opportunity to meet him. (For various reasons there were no large meetings planned)
I remember chanting in the center's Gohonzon room on another day knowing he was here, but I wouldn't see him....I called one of my "fathers" in faith and said "Amos - I really want to see Sensei!" and Amos Snell, my dear friend and mentor who was recently written up in the World Tribune for having marched with Martin Luther King, said "Chant to meet him. You want it? you chant for it!" And I thought OKAY! I went back in and chanted with all my heart to meet my mentor. 

I swear...a few minutes after I finished chanting I got a call from a friend telling me that Wednesday at 11:30 Sensei would be given the key to the city at the Civic Center. My prayer was answered. I went alone to City Hall. Only one other member was there. Caley Guida. We stood to the side and waited patiently, and did not interfere in any way. 

I will never forget watching Sensei come out of the car at the steps of City Hall. The Soka Gakkai flag was flying above him from the building.  
I anticipated that he would move pretty quickly...you know...a man on a mission. Goodness knows I spent a lot of my life racing around. But he moved slowly. He stepped out...looked up...saw the flag and opened his arms wide, put his head back and took in the vision of the flag flying from the San Francisco City Hall. Writing this now, tears are coming into my eyes at the memory of that sight. He took the moment to take it in. He did not hurry. He took it in. 

He went in and up the big steps inside, accompanied by his aids and translator. Caley and I went in and stood to the side, quietly getting to know each other. After a time he slowly descended the steps and stopped to comment on a bust in the foyer. 

Then as he was walking towards us, he looked at us and waved. I felt him say "You can do it. YOU can do it!" It wasn't until days later that I found out Caley had taken a picture of the moment. It is the best photo I have ever seen of him...and he is looking directly at me...and all of us. I decided I would spread this picture far and wide...because he was waving to us all. 

At this crucial time ~ today!~ we must be strong, stand for a world without war and chant for kosen rufu. 
I am going back to chant my second hour for Kosen Rufu and for you all to achieve all of your dreams and overcome the karmic suffering that you chose as your mission to overcome this lifetime. We are all in this together. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo my dear friends in faith.

Please email the link to this story, and email the picture: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6657399845292080756#editor/target=post;postID=2787257294059721786

There is also a facebook button you can use at the bottom of this post, and every post. Email me your experiences and questions. Thank you so much for forwarding the link to this blog! 
Jamie 

Look at this! We ARE the universe and we can solve ALL our problems!

Our eyes, our nebulae!

Buddhist thought holds that we are microcosms of the universe. Science is moving closer to Buddhist thought all the time. This picture really intrigued me. It's just mesmerizing isn't it? And we access the power of the entire universe every time we chant. 

And when we look around our lives we see that our lives actually do reflect how we feel, what we see, and how we experience the world. 

Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (it means: I fuse my life with the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration) we can set our entire lives right. 

We can change ANY poison into medicine. 

We can change anything. 

Life is eternal. 

Some things take longer than others, 

I know, we all know. 

But the important thing, as Daisaku Ikeda says, 

is to keep chanting until we DO change it. 

The important thing is to not give up, and to take every challenge and make fresh determinations around it.

As some of you know,  my son Ben is in the hospital. I have been chanting for him for some time. My determination is that he comes out of this experience happier, more fulfilled, and full of faith and hope in the future. I am also determined that this experience bring all members of the family closer and be a catalyst for the happiness of all. I am chanting for each one of the people who is taking care of Ben right now...that somehow through being with him and our family that their lives be filled with hope too. 

ANY experience can be a catalyst for greater happiness when we meet it right in front of the Gohonzon, and don't run from it! The key is to keep chanting for human revolution, doing shakubuku and studying. 

How much Daimoku should you chant? I am chanting two hours a day and I'm so grateful to mySELF for making this happen. 

How much should you chant? It depends on your goals, your state of life, and as you have pointed out - you DO need to sleep! So I say ~ chant as much as you need to keep your life condition elevated! Only you know how long that is. And whatever you do ~ when confronted by obstacles and "problems" meet them head on in front of the Gohonzon and say 

"Life! I summoned this storm and I will USE it to revolutionalize (my word!) MY LIFE! I will use this as fuel for my life and the lives of others! I will prove the power of my life and this practice right here. RIGHT NOW!" 

Shunzo Ohno's Victory in Faith and how it relates to all of us

Shunzo Ohno is a World Class, 

Grammy Award winning musician 

and a Soka Gakkai member. 

The July edition of the Living Buddhism magazine published by SGI-USA has an article about Shunzo Ohno's struggles and triumphs. If you would like to subscribe to Living Buddhism and the World Tribune just click on the SGI-USA Portal to the right and go to the subscriptions center or call 310-260-8900. 

I'm not going to relate every detail about the article, but there are a few things that really struck me about Shunzo's struggles and the encouragement he received from President Ikeda. I find that many times when I am reading Sensei's guidance to others, that the guidance also relates to me. Even though Sensei is speaking to one person, we can  all take his guidance to heart. Here's what I mean. 

Shunzo Ohno first met SGI President Ikeda when he was visiting New York, where Ohno lived. At this time he was working as a busboy after experiencing some highs and lows as a trumpeter in New York. When President Ikeda met him he asked "Why don't you play a song?" and Ohno played "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for him. Sensei responded by telling Ohno "Please become a world-class musician," and these words reignited Ohno's passion for music. After this he won several Grammy awards. 

In December of 1988 Ohno was in a bad traffic accident that seriously injured his lips and face. Normally this kind of accident would end a trumpeter's career. President Ikeda sent him this message:

'You are the world's Shunzo Ohno. Please fully recover. make sure you recover. Make a come-back. Re-establish your daily life. Focus on your art. Please prosper even more from now and forever. Rise up again like a phoenix." 

And through hard work and determination Ohno played again, only to be diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer in December of 1995. President Ikeda sent him a message saying "Mr. Ohno, your fellow members and fans are awaiting your full recovery. Mr. Ohno, fight and win. My comrade fight and win." And in June of 1996 Ohno played for President Ikeda on stage with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter (also SGI members). He has since produced many works and there is a book and a documentary about him in Japan. 

When he met Sensei again in 2010, he told Ohno that he listens to Ohno's music 365 days a year. 365 days a year! 

I find this story so striking. 

We each have such a noble mission you and I. 

You are the world's________________(fill in your name here!) 

Think to yourself:

"I am the world's _______________"(your name!)

You are so important. Just keep this in mind whenever you face difficulties. Say it over and over. You are so important. 

We can all take this guidance to heart. The world is WAITING for each of us to rise up into our magnificence and SHINE! The world is waiting for each of us to write our brilliant legacy! It is time for us all to DREAM BIG! 

As one of my favorite quotes from Sensei says 

"When one sun rises, everything is illuminated." 

We are the sun. We illuminate everything with our light.

The world is waiting for YOU, and for all of us! 

ROAR! Be Fearless and Bold in the Face of Your Obstacles

You and I are very similar. I am not a better Buddha than you. My prayers are not any more powerful. We are all Buddhas. I started this blog to use my life as an example for you - that anything is possible, so I use every moment to expand my capacity and show more and more actual proof. I know you are doing the same in your own sphere of influence, because that is one of the keys to becoming absolutely happy. We don't become happy just for ourselves, because absolute happiness just for ourselves isn't possible. We strive for the happiness of all beings, those we love and those we don't love. We are all interconnected. That is why this Buddhism is so powerful. We are all rising together in happiness, and you and me, we are Buddhas leading the way. 

You know I am writing the book 
The Buddha Zone, 
Power Prayers for Chanting Your Way to Absolute Happiness. 
This book is my life's dream - this book and the ones that will follow. I think the first book is the biggest challenge, don't you think? This is the book that forces me to believe in the power of my own life. This book is making the impossible possible in my life. I see you holding this book in your hands and saying "YES! I can't wait to share this passage with my mother, and friends, and fellow members." I imagine you saying "Now I really want to read more of President Ikeda's and Nichiren Daishonin's Writings, and I want to attend SGI meetings and really get involved. I am going to dig into this practice and change my karma once and for all. I KNOW I can do it!" 

That really is the point. If I can change my own karma, and stand up to my fundamental darkness and feelings of "Who am I to do this?" ~ you can accomplish anything too. 

So what do I do in the face of obstacles? I do the same thing you do. I study SGI publications. I encourage members. I chant. Here are some of the gems I've gleaned from my study lately. Check it out. 

At last night's meeting I pulled out an exam study guide for us to discuss and envision kosen-rufu. (I am really interested in hearing your thoughts on what you believe kosen-rufu looks like.) And this morning I want to share a passage with you. 

The following passage is from the 2011 Essentials of Nichiren Buddhism Exam, from President Ikeda's lecture on Nichiren Daishonin's Gosho "The Three Kinds of Treasure" page 32. 
It was written to Shijo Kingo. I call him the "everyman" of feudal Japan. He was a staunch follower of the Daishonin, a samurai who worked for a man called Lord Ema. In feudal Japan in the 1200s your lord was very powerful in your life. He was your source of income, your source of where you lived and could easily ruin everything for you. Lord Ema tried to get Shijo Kingo to give up his practice of Buddhism, and threatened to take away his lands if he didn't. Nichiren Daishonin instructed Shijo Kingo very carefully in many aspects of his life. He told him to be careful on the roads because fellow samurai were out to get him, he told him to be modest and keep his hot temper under control, he even told him "when you drink sake stay at home with your wife," and, of course, he told him to never stop chanting no matter what obstacles arose. Eventually Lord Ema fell sick, and Shijo Kingo was the powerful healer who cured him. Shijo Kingo achieved total victory in his life through this practice. We can learn from every one of the Gosho written to him. He is so much like us...working in the world...having obstacles arise, and continuing to chant no matter what. 

On page 32 Daisaku Ikeda states: 

"Another piece of advice Nichiren gave Shijo Kingo was to not be fawning or servile. Servility is tantamount to destroying one's own dignity or self-esteem. Even worse, behaving in a cowardly or servile manner toward devilish functions will prevent one's Buddhahood from shining forth.

"We must firmly stand up to devilish functions that bring misery to people. When confronted by people of dignity and integrity, devilish functions will always make a fast retreat. This is just like foxes fleeing when they hear the roar of the lion king, or like darkness vanishing the instant the sun comes out. 

"Let us live with unshakable confidence and pride, and without the least servility. The Daishonin repeatedly teaches his followers that is where the true brilliance of human dignity is found."

I just love the imagery in this piece. I love the thought of me, the Lion King, looking at the forest filled with all my obstacles...all my devilish functions that appear as people telling me I can't accomplish my dreams, or my own doubt and negative voice arising in my head, and opening my mouth and ROARING Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ~ and seeing my doubts and fears high-tailing it into the forest once again. I know they will be back, but I will roar again, and roar again and roar again! THAT is the beauty of this practice. ROAR with all the power in your soul and don't confuse obstacles for the truth. Be fueled, not fooled! 

Celebrating May Third with You

Daisaku Ikeda ~ Sensei in San Francisco's City Hall,

 just after receiving the key to the city. 

Taken by my friend Caley Guida 

when he was waving to the two of us in March of 1993. 

Glorious May Third! Today I will chant in joyful appreciation of this practice, of Sensei, of all my fellow Boddhisatvas of the Earth - YOU! Rejoicing along with you I renew my own pledge to use my life, my writing, my passion, to help anyone suffering anywhere find the law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and change every poison in their lives into benefit. I am determined to make it easier than ever for people searching for happiness to find this wonderful practice. Thank you all for joining me in this wonderful endeavor. Thanks for "liking" Chant for Happiness on facebook and sharing posts...thanks for forwarding the url chantforhappiness.com in your emails...thanks for sharing OUR MISSION together!  (The translation button at the top right can translate the entire blog into any language) 

Here is some historical perspective about this important day, and an address from President Ikeda's from a few years back on May 3rd and still relevant today:

Now, the glorious anniversary of May 3 has arrived again. In my mind, I can picture the familiar faces of members around the world who have triumphed magnificently over all manner of hardship and adversity, and I can also hear the joyous voices of new members who are nurturing fresh faith in the Mystic Law and taking on the challenge of pioneering our movement in their countries.

"Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku" (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 385), declares the Daishonin. As these words indicate, each of you is most assuredly a Bodhisattva of the Earth. It is therefore crucial that you deeply realize this, your true and most fundamental identity, and, based on chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo infused with a great vow, courageously engage in the work of kosen-rufu in harmonious unity with your fellow members.

I call out to you: Embark on fresh challenges with a totally rejuvenated spirit! Be lions, and triumph as lions! Together let's dedicate our lives to the great vow and grand vision of kosen-rufu!

To see the rest of this post click on "read more" below:

My Power Prayer Poem for Today

Today the world is weeping
America is wondering
the world is wondering...
Why? 
Why? 
Why? 

Once again I am determined that through my own connection to the power of the universe, 
through the power that is truly my own, 
and the power everyone possesses, 
but may not know, 
and may know, 
but may not practice, 
that I will raise my life condition every single moment 
I will heartily chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo 
summoning the name of the rhythm of life itself, 
and drawing forth the power of my soul 
that 
every single moment I will ascend to what is true, and right and just
and that as I do this, so shall we all
in our interconnected web 
rise higher and higher and higher. 
until finally, sooner, rather than later, 
the urge to destroy, 
the urge to hurt, 
the urge to lash out
lifts. 
Lifts and departs this fair planet, 
and is replaced by the deeper yearning within all of our hearts
for fellowship, 
for connection
for love. 
May each moment be imbued with higher meaning. 
Positive higher meaning. 
A time for all of us to reach out to all we love, 
and to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for all others, 
no matter what. 
I am determined through the strength of my own life force, 
that is the life force within us ALL,
that every step I take, and every breath I breathe will lift us ALL higher. 
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
The name of the rhythm of life itself...
the sound we all rise up while chanting, 
the vibration that unites and lifts us all. 

Jamie Lee Silver
chantforhappiness.com