Letting go of hurt and negative experiences.
(This is an experience from an SGI member in my district)
"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 am 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. I am so happy and thankful that I have my daughter, Shazara, and wonderful, kind and supportive people like Ali my husband, Jamie, Mrs Reedy, Darin, my parents/family and everyone here tonight not forgetting the doctors and nurses who took care of Shazara.
