5 Ways to Really Enjoy the Silent Prayers!

 

Here's a beautiful Phoenix sunset!

Hello my friends! I know it's been ages since I've written. I'm living here in Phoenix where the sun shines every day. 

I moved here to be closer to my son Aaron, knowing he was going to be leaving for a year's medical fellowship in hand-held ultrasound in Portland in July. 

His next adventure is about to begin! After his fellowship, he will teach other doctors this important new skill! He and I have loved living five minutes from each other. We've chanted many mornings at 6:00 am together.

I have been loving my practice of Buddhism. These days I concentrate on getting an hour of Daimoku and luxuriate in the silent prayers. As I appreciate and love my practice, I appreciate and love my life. 

Here are 5 Ways to Really Enjoy the Silent Prayers: 

1. Slow down! What's the hurry? I remember so clearly the day I met Daisaku Ikeda. One of the things that struck me the most was how took time to take everything in. He got out of the car in front of the San Francisco Civic Center, looked up to see the SGI Flag hanging proudly and he stopped and threw his arms open as if he was taking it into his heart. 

I was surprised. I thought a man with as much to do as Sensei would be in a hurry. But he takes it IN. Let's savor and love each moment of our prayers! 

2. Feel the prayers. Really feel them. Thank the Gohonzon, your life, and your scroll. Thank Nichiren Daishonin. Think about how he traveled from temple to temple seeking true Buddhism, and how he made a vow at 16 to be the wisest man in Japan. Pick any of your favorite treasured stories of him, Tatsunokuchi, addressing Hachiman with fury...whatever you wish. 

3. Take TIME thanking Daisaku Ikeda, Josei Toda, and Mr. Makiguchi. I picture them in prison, and all they went through and solemnly thank them. Without them, I would not be chanting. 

4. After having a wonderful time praying for the SGI and your own silent prayers, savor every ring of the bell for your dear friends who are no longer here physically. I ring the bell very slowly as I let each ring of the bell carry the vibration to each of my lovies. And I pray for them, not just say their names. I offer gratitude and love. 

5. In the last prayer I encircle the globe in white light and picture a smile on the face of the world. 

Oh, what a glorious practice we have! I hope you are well and happy. And I hope you love every minute of your practice and your LIFE! 

With Love, Jamie Lee Silver, ChantforHappiness@gmail.com

The Silent Prayers ~ Insights from Daisaku Ikeda

From the December 11th World Tribune, page 7:

Offering Silent Prayers

Silent prayers are offered in the heart.

Accordingly, even though we may read their words, 
it is what we actually think - 
the thoughts occurring to us - 
that become our prayers. 

Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda said:

"Since we are human, 
it is only natural that various thoughts occur to us 
while we are chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 
But if we chant earnestly, 
then gradually we can focus entirely on the Gohonzon. 
If we chant with an earnest frame of mind, 
various worries about our daily lives will be resolved. 
At that time, for example, 
the complaints of a spouse 
can sound as soothing as a lullaby.
But let's be careful when offering silent prayers. 
The thoughts in our heart 
are clearly expressed to the Gohonzon." 

If, during silent prayers we think, "That guy's a real jerk," then even though we may be reading the silent prayers' words, it is the thought in our heart, "He's a real jerk," 
that becomes our prayer to the Gohonzon. 

Offering the silent prayers 
properly is a decisive struggle. 
The prayers that someone offers 
reflect his or her life state. 

Prayers have to be concrete, 
and they must be made with determination. 

Whether chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 
or offering silent prayers, 
the most important thing 
is to pray with a resolute mind.  
Prayers should not be abstract. 
The Buddhas and Buddhist deities 
respond to earnest, strong prayers 
arising from the very depths of one's life. 

From The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, by Daisaku Ikeda