Commemorative Statue for Peace

Commemorating Daisaku's Experience in Lincoln Park in 1960

In October of 1960 Daisaku Ikeda set out from Japan with a mision to create world-wide Kosen Rufu. In October of that year he was in Chicago's Lincoln Park. He witnessed a scene that touched him and further solidified his commitment to world peace. There were a bunch of white boys playing ball, and an older white man looking on. A young African American boy watched for awhile then asked if he could join in.  The white kids and the adults made him clear he wan't welcome, just because of his skin color, and he ran off, sad. 

President Ikeda made this vow in his heart to the little boy:

"I promise you 

that I will build a society 

truly worthy 

of your love and pride." 

The original statue stands in Lincoln Park. It is of two boys, white and black, playing together happily. 

I can say for sure that within the Soka Gakkai we have accomplished Daisaku Ikeda's goal. Chicago used to be known as the most segregated city in America. I'm not sure if that is still the case, but I can tell you we are all one happy family of many races in the Buddhist Center. Here you will see people of all races, from many countries joining together to create peace on the planet. 

One day, it is all of our hope, that this same harmony can exist for all, everywhere. 

A few years ago the Mayor's Assistant came for a visit on a Sunday morning and could not believe what she was witnessing. She remarked that Sunday morning is the absolute most segregated time in Chicago, yet there we were, a rainbow of colors. She just stood on the stage looking out as us and marveling...how did we do it? I'll never forget her visit, and how proud I was, and am to be part of an all-inclusive organization. 

How can a real organization aimed at peace, education and culture be anything but all inclusive? We include all lifestyles and sexual orientations as well. Why not? We are all people seeking peace and happiness for ourselves and others. Everyone is included in that. Everyone. 

The Soka Gakkai is a gathering of noble individuals dedicated to the happiness of each person bringing about the happiness of all. You can find the SGI center in all major cities. If you're not a part of it yet, do yourself a favor and call your local center. Your new friends, and new life awaits! (And remember...you do not have to give up your religion, or your beliefs to chant!)

What if You are dealing with illness?

I received a question from a reader who's illness has gotten worse since she started chanting. 


She was asking for confirmation that she should keep chanting, even though facing these concerns. 


Today I atended a lecture at the Chicago Buddhist Center by Linda Johnson. She talked about many things, health included. I'll paraphrase a bit here. 


She said May is a time for us to reaffirm our mission to be able to demonstrate the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in our own lives in order to encourage others. 


Transforming our own destiny has nothing to do with anyone or anything outside of our own lives. It is something that we have to change from within. 


Nichiren Daishonin was a revolutionary during his time, and he is still a revolutionary NOW because he tells us to look within to solve our problems, not to look outside ourselves. 


Everything operates on the strict law of cause and effect. Everything around us, all the people, the job, everything, no exception (including illness) is operating on the law of cause and effect. And we have to realize that we have caused the effects we see in our lives today. But don't get upset and close your computer and run away when I tell you this! Understanding this fact is the only way that you will get mastery over your life!


All you have to do is OWN that you, living lifetime after lifetime, made the causes that have you in the place you are right now....with whatever sadness, sickness, loneliness, etc. You need to own your karma....only THEN can you make the deep determination to change it. 


But! Very important to KNOW! ~
Owning your karma is not the same as BLAME, GUILT, SHAME. Do not think of it as your FAULT...and above all, do not waste your time analyzing it and trying to figure it out. DON'T DO IT! IT WON'T GET YOU ANYWHERE!!!


All you need to do is recognize the interconnectedness of life, and see that the one common denominator in all your problems is YOU. And with that knowledge and power...YOU can change it! There is nothing Nam Myoho Renge Kyo can't change!!!!


Chant to get to the core of your karma...chant to reach into your life and uproot the karmic cause of suffering by the roots and dash it out of your body!!! 


Shut off your brain. Stop analyzing it! 


Just chant to change it! 


Pray to change it from a place you can use to encourage others. Chant "I must change this so I can be happy and my happiness will encourage others!!!"


About illness ~ Linda said chant to wake up every one of your cells to the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo... and send it through your entire body! She told a story about a woman whose son had lymphoma and the doctors had said he only had a short time to live. The mother chanted this way...sending Nam Myoho Renge Kyo through his bloodstream and now he is cancer free. 


You are powerful! 
Summon up the faith to change your karma. 
Please realize that chanting brings forth all you need to change to become happy, and change every single thing until you are happy and don't give up!! 

On this Auspicious Night

Hello Wonderful Readers!

I'm writing this blog tonight to tell you that all-time readership went over 40,000 today...

 I am told that this day is the actual start of the real 

"Age of Aquarius."

 "Thank You!"

As always, this blog is for your benefit and happiness, and the happiness of those you love. 

Thank you for passing it on.

 Thank you for writing me...asking me questions and asking me to keep writing. 

Thank you for sharing your concerns, your benefits and happiness with me! 

You are to me, all treasures of the heart!

At The Chicago Buddhist Center

Cassie, Jamie, Shazara and Hashmin last night!

Just look at those glowing young girls. 

It's hard to believe that just a few short months ago Shazara was incredibly unhappy about her inability to change the circumstances that were making her miserable. 

Then, as I've mentioned in the New Year's blog post, she ran away from home and 

landed right at my doorstep asking for water! 

Oh, I gave her water and a whole lot more. She immediately accepted my invitation to chant right then and there. We chanted for almost an hour because she could feel the happiness coming into her mind, body and spirit and she didn't want to stop! When I drove her home her Mom, Hashmin, got into my car and 

called me her angel. 

I said 

"The worst day of your life has now turned into the best day of your life. Your daughter has brought home with her the key to happiness for herself and your family." 

Two days later Hashmin and Shazara came over and chanted with me, and they, along with Shazara's father have been chanting ever since. 

In the car on the way home Shazara was effervescing with energy and enthusiasm about her exciting life (now free from bullying and brimming with hope!) and Hashmin said 

"I can't believe this is my daughter talking...

she's so different than she was a year ago!" 

That's the power of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Last night's meeting with Linda Johnson our Territory Women's Division leader was very inspiring and Shazara even made a new friend, Cassie! Can you see how full of vibrant energy they are? They have so much in common already and will see each other Wednesday night at the meeting at my house. 

Tomorrow morning (Sunday) is a exciting meeting commemorating May 3rd at the Chicago Buddhist Center. If you live in the Chicago area feel free to join us. It's at 10:00 at the center, 1455 S. Wabash, but I always arrive an hour earlier. 

Send me an email or post a comment and we will welcome you! 

Happy May Third! 

What a wonderful life we live where we can become happy and help others to become happy too! I am so appreciative to all my mentors in faith who continue to help me 

learn how to use this tool for happiness: 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!

Great SGI Meetings this weekend!

This weekend is the perfect time to attend a high-energy SGI meeting. All over the world SGI members are celebrating Master and Disciple day. 
The meetings are filled with music, laughter, encouraging experiences and new friends. 
Meetings to commemorate May third are some of my favorite meetings of the year. Today I'm going to the youth meeting and bringing one of the youth in my District. On Sunday I'll go to the one for my area in Chicago. 
To find out about the meeting in your area call the SGI Center closest to you. SGI-USA.ORG will have that info. Ask them the schedule and just show up. Or, better yet, if you're not connected to the SGI yet, ask the person  at the center for the name of the person in your area who can introduce you to your local SGI leader. It's easy to get connected. 


My words of encouragement for you today:


From Nichiren Daishonin's Gosho  "Reply to Kyo'o"


"Kyo'o Gozen's misfortunes will turn into fortune. 
Muster your faith and pray to this Gohonzon.
Then what is there that cannot be achieved?
You should believe the Lotus Sutra when it says. 
"This sutra fulfills one's desires. 
It is the pond's cool, clear water that quenches thirst."
and "They will have peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next." 
When I am pardoned from exile to this province, I will hasten to Kamakura where we will meet.
If one considers the power of the Lotus Sutra, he will find perpetual youth 
and eternal life before his eyes."


I love the whole passage, but "muster your faith" is so important. Summon up the conviction that YOU CAN overcome anything with Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Nichiren Daishonin was talking to YOU! 

Happy May 3rd!

Happy Day of Master and Disciple!!

Happy Day to once again renew your faith...set your determinations and together with Daisaku Ikeda and all the members of the Soka Gakkai, work together towards Kosen Rufu (World Peace). 

What is the significance of this day you ask? 

May Third is when Josei Toda, second President of the Soka Gakkai took on the mantle of Kosen Rufu by accepting responsibility for this organization. He was already in a weakened state from having been in prison for refusing to give in to the Japanese Government by not supporting the war effort in WWII. He devoted the rest of his life to teaching and lecturing and leading people to happiness one by one. And later, his disciple, Daisaku Ikeda also took the reigns of Worldwide Kosen Rufu on this date. 

It is a significant time for all of us to say"YES! I will do my OWN Human Revolution. 2012 is a year I will never forget! It is the year I won over my__________(you fill in the blank!) It is the year I got to the core of my suffering and tore it out by the roots! It is the year my environment started reflecting the real, true, diamond-like, brilliant and shining me! It is the year I accomplished________!!!

I will chant with even more strength and regularity (EVERY morning and evening!!!) I will take the opportunity to use the May  contribution campaign as a springboard for my happiness, and the happiness of others! I am determined to win in every aspect of my life!!! YES" 

Please take the opportunity to attend your local SGI meeting commemorating May Third! Find your local center at sgi-usa.org, or search on Soka Gakkai followed by the name of your country! These meetings are fun and inspiring!!!

I start this day with strong prayers of appreciation towards my mentor Daisaku Ikeda, and Josei Toda and Tunesaburo Makiguchi. Without them dedicating their ENTIRE lives to this practice, I would never have encountered this teaching, and I would still be suffering...knowing SOMEHOW there must be a practice I could use to build my own happiness...and continuing to look for it. 

I mean, when you really think about it, the facts just blow you away. Ever since Daisaku Ikeda first encountered Josei Toda, at the age of 19, he has devoted every waking second to ensuring the correct propagation of this law...so that all of us could have the tools to create our own happiness and build this world into a world that respects life itself. It is truly something to appreciate. 

Thank you Daisaku Ikeda. I will do everything in my power to help people find out about this great practice, and to teach people to practice correctly so that their lives will be OVERFLOWING with happiness...like mine is! Like all the members of my District! 


The purpose of this blog, as you know,  is to reach the people who sit at their computers every day and think "The secret to happiness in life must be somewhere on the web!" 
And it is! Chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! Join the Soka Gakkai and make the best friends you have ever had in your life!!! VOW with all your heart to create the happiest of lives so that you can be an example for other people...and it shall be so!!!!

Write out your vision of your life...write out your dreams in narrative form...and make them come true!!!

It is also to reach people who are already practicing and needing that extra boost of energy to keep persevering through the hard times and to NOT GIVE UP! This blog is for YOU!

As Daisaku Ikeda quotes Josei Toda in the May Licing Buddhism, 


"Don't let anything shake you. Just chant with your whole life. Never lose heart. Activate the powerful forces of the universe!"

This May Third I am full of gratitude to YOU, my readers. Thank you for your words of encouragement, and for telling me what this blog means in your life. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt questions and concerns with me. Thank you for encouraging me in my publishing aspirations, and thank you, thank you, thank you, for passing the link to chantforhappiness,com to others. By doing so, you are also making a profound cause for your own life. And thank you for sharing your successes with me. 
You all touch my heart!

What to do when you are in 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 the truth is I have come so far and received sooooo many benefits, and yes, every once in a while I do feel the pull of that old sadness I used to feel most of the time. 


The timing of the question was, of course, perfect, because just that day I had formed a new resolve in this area. 


And yes, even Buddhas 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 my life to overcome my karma (and propensity toward depression) once and for all by ripping it out at the roots. This is Human Revolution. I must pave the way for others, just as YOU are paving the way for others through every one of YOUR FRESH DETERMINATIONS!!


MAY is the perfect time to determine to change the karma that is bringing you down forever! (More about that in tomorrow's blog for May 3rd)


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
3. Make a fresh determination and a new vow
4. Chant again and win! 

Here is my response to the question:


Thank you for asking! 


First of all I woke up Monday feeling sadness and anxiety and chanted for two hours as sincerely as I could. Then I called Kate, my mentor in faith, and she explained to me (again!) that I was going through this pain because I am making so many positive causes, (with the writing of this blog and chanting for you and my members) that my karma has shown itself to me anew so that I can once again determine to root it out forever. 


More than 4000 people read this blog last month! That is 1000 more than the month before...and I want to increase and increase and increase. Please send the link chantforhappiness.com to everyone you can think of!!! If you can think of ways to increase readership and to fulfill my mission (our shared mission) send me an email! If you know of a publisher or agent searching for a bold new voice send them a link to this blog! I am almost ready to send out my book proposal but when I sit down to write I always write this blog first! I appreciate the tips I've received from you so far. My email is silversunsinger@gmail.com.

She also pointed out that at the core of my suffering is that fact that many aspects of my environment reflect my own deep seated feelings of self doubt and not being good enough. She said my environment does not yet truly reflect the amazing and wonderfully shining, worthy person I am. And she attributed that to my deep seated doubts somewhere in my life. (karma, of course). And I have been suffering over some of the same things for my entire life.  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. Hmmm. That really gave me something to think about! 

I sat down and chanted another hour with FIERCE DETERMINATION to change this karma forever, and to break the ties to my own unhappiness.


As many of you know, my goal is to be a published author with many fine books, audios and videos that help people everyday, to reach everyone who is suffering and looking for a solution to their problems, and to connect them with the Soka Gakkai and President Ikeda!  My goal is to reach out to everyone who is suffering....EVERYONE! And help them learn to chant to be happy! In order to accomplish this goal my life has to be a vibrant, living example that this practice works! I HAVE to achieve happiness in all areas of my life!

I woke up the next morning with a battle going on in my head. Okay!

I chanted: 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 determined to stop making causes that bring me pain! I determined to make causes that bring me happiness! Not just for me, but for YOU, and for every person who reads this blog and comes to my house for meetings! And for every person I want to encourage. I MUST succeed I told the Gohonzon! (My LIFE) No matter what! 


Later that day as I was driving home I felt those same familiar feelings of sadness, anger and longing. I chose to claim victory at that moment...not wait until I got home in front of the Gohonzon!  I yelled out "I choose to be happy!!! I choose to be happy!" Over and over again. And I chanted. And the feeling lifted! Immediately. 


I will master my mind through my determination and practice. I will master my emotions too! I use the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and you can too!

Today I am calm, and I am writing and I am happy. 


If I can raise my precious life out of familiar suffering YOU CAN TOO! If I can change this nagging and familiar karma and suffering, YOU CAN TOO! 


We are all Buddhas and we are all equal. Everyone can summon the faith to change...especially during the month of May! 
May is the month all Soka Gakkai members make new determinations for victory. Please think of what you want and take this wonderful opportunity to change. 
Tomorrow is master and disciple day, May Third! What a great time to redetermine to win!!!!

Another Victory for Aaron

Kosen Rufu emerges!

This is a photo from last Saturday. We traveled to Richmond, Kentucky for the last college track meet Aaron would ever be in. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. The energy was high and the competition was as loving and wonderful as a track meet can be. 

Have you ever experienced the world of competitive running? 


Ever since Aaron got into running 10 years ago, we have met a multitude of gracious, well mannered, kind, supportive and hard working young men and women. I have been impressed by them all. They cheer their team on, and they even cheer on the other team when they see a job well done. 


Sure there is competition, but there is also respect. 


One of my favorite stories of team sportsmanship was when my younger son Ben was leading the pack in a cross country meet. The paths weren't marked well and he began to go down the wrong path. The runner behind him called out "Ben, this way!" and Ben was able to correct his course and ended up winning the race, with the young man who had helped him coming in second. Isn't that outstanding? After the race I thanked him and he said it was no big deal. He wouldn't have felt he won fairly if he'd let Ben go astray. Talk about Good Sportmanship! 


At the Track Nationals for the Illinois Club Team, Aaron and his coach Jake once more led the team to victory by two points. TWO POINTS! It was two days of competition. Two days of yelling and cheering and encouraging each other. Outstanding. Congratulations to the Illinois Track and Field Club Team for a job well done! What a tremendous victory for all of your years of hard work! 


In my experience the world of running has been the world of Kosen Rufu! Imagine a world where we all cheer each other on...we all challenge ourselves to greatness, and all respect each other. That is the world of Kosen Rufu. Everyone self-expressed. Everyone giving their all in a loving, all embracing way. 


Kosen Rufu in miniature. 


I can see it in the entire world in the future. President Ikeda imagines a world of friendly competition to OUT GOOD each other...to make the most difference in the world. Aaaahhh doesn't that sound wonderful? Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Fresh Determinations for a Gloomy Monday Morning!

Happy Monday Morning!


Once more I awaken to a battle in my own life. Once more I hear the voices of fear, and the rattles of worry! And once more I sit down and determine "I will change my karma forever! I will defeat the voices of fear and self doubt in my mind! I am determined to vanquish worry from my mind and my life!
I am a BUDDHA" 


This morning, as I prepare to face my life (by chanting and focusing on the Gohonon)... 


I am determined that I will be the victor...that no excuses will keep me from absolute happiness, and that EVERY ASPECT of my life will encourage others. 


My relationships will continue to grow and increase and I will make more and more inspiring friends - that includes YOU, readers of this blog! 


I will enjoy the most solid financial fortune. In America we have just begun the May contribution campaign...an excellent time to solidify financial fortune by contributing to Kosen Rufu sincerely, from the heart. Wonderful!


My network of readers will continue to grow explosively and EVERY SINGLE PERSON READING THIS BLOG will tap into fresh determinations that will power all of your lives forward in unprecedented ways. You will all become happy and self-fulfilled and sparkling with the vibrant energy of KNOWing that you can change anything and become your truest and best self! You will know yourselves as the true Buddhas you are!!! 


My prayer is for You to joyfully embrace your fellow SGI members and President Ikeda's spirit, and move together securing your happiness, and the happiness of others. 


And you will tell others about this practice because you feel compelled to do so by your own sparkling lives! 


I am determined to reach more and more people who are suffering like I was...who knew there had to be a solution to their problems, if only they could find out about that practice! 


This is the reason for chantforhappiness.com!


I am so grateful to all of you for forwarding this blog to others and helping me to fulfill my mission in life!


A few days ago I posted a blog on how to chant for the first time. 
Was that helpful? Would you forward that to your friends who want to chant for the first time? Do you have any suggestions for improving that post? I am open to hearing the words of my wise readers. 


I hope you are filled with fresh determinations today, and you have an incredible, determined and fresh time in front of your Gohonzon! 

Why do bad things happen? A Good Question...

I received a question from someone who is new to chanting. She wondered why after chanting a few days some obstacles occurred. When the obstacles happened she stopped chanting for a few days. Then she started chanting again, and more less-than-positive things occurred. So she stopped chanting again. And on and on...


I'll bet there are other readers who are familiar with this pattern and who know the answer to this question!


When you chant Daimoku you are reaching into the depth of your life to purify it and create the most beautiful possible life. You are also stirring up the karma that has always been within your life. If you stay with the practice, and chant consistently, you will attain a state of life beyond your wildest dreams. You will have a level of contentment and come to know your purpose in being alive. You will look at your problems as opportunities for greater growth and happiness. But first you have to deepen your understanding of the practice. 


When you chant, you naturally draw from your life the karma that needs to be changed. Otherwise you wouldn't have the chance to change it! If you've studied the Gosho you see that chanting correctly does bring problems into a closer focus so you can change that karma once and for all. 


During my first few years of chanting I took a job with the worst boss ever. Really. He swore at the people who worked for him (the beautiful woman he LIVED with) and was abusive to the whole staff. It was horrible. Instead of lamenting my fate and crying "Chanting is not working!" I saw it as the opportunity to change this karma FOREVER. Every day I chanted a solid hour in the morning that NEVER EVER again would I experience an abusive boss! I chanted for his happiness, and the happiness of everyone involved. At a certain point I was able to stop his abusive ways by speaking up when he was yelling. It took courage. It took daimoku. And I've never had an abusive boss since then. I changed that karma then and there by facing it down and roaring Nam Myoho Renge Kyo like the powerful woman I am!


I understood that this challenge was an opportunity to change my bad karma. And always remember, karma is in your life, but you don't have to think of it as your fault. That karma is there from many lifetimes of living, but feeling guilty about it is just not useful. Feeling responsible for it, and vowing to change it will give you POWER.


Just chant to change the karma of anything that is bothering you. You don't have to figure it out! Just make a vow and determination to end this karma forever. See all that happens to you, both good and bad, as the answer to your prayer and don't stop chanting even for a day. During the difficult times chant even harder and what you've been encountering eventually be gone forever. It does not happen overnight. But it does happen!!!!


THAT is the fortune I talk about.  That happiness can be yours. But don't run scared when bad things happen. No Roar like the powerful lion you are!
"Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"
In this case sickness can be taken as any kind of suffering. ROAR it out of your life forever!!! 

Do you Have to Write Your List of Goals?

Hello!


I received a question asking if goals really had to be written down. 


The answer is no. 


But it really works for me! 


I have been writing my goals for years, and I love having them to focus on when I run out of steam while I'm chanting. I have had so many goals that have come true...and I love looking back on them and documenting my life.  Writing goals has always worked for me. 


Did Shakyamuni advise writing your goals? I don't think so. 
Did Nichiren Daishonin? I'm not sure, but I haven't read every word he's written or said. 


Writing goals and determinations has always worked for me, so I continue to do it, and advise other people to do it. Like so many other aspects of this practice ~ it is entirely up to you!


When I write goals I draw a picture of how I want my life to be. My goals are written in narrative format as if they have already happened. Reading them inspires me! 


The most important thing is to chant...and keep chanting...and keep chanting. 


I'm in the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky today taking a break from watching Aaron run in his last college track meet. The weather is beautiful even though the forecast called for rain. 
My Dad and Stepmom Janice are here and I am enjoying every moment of this glorious day. 


I love answering your questions and I love when you email me. 
What a wonderful life I have. 
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!!!

How to be Happy! How to Chant for the first time. A great post to share with first time chanters.

(I had a request from a reader to teach her how to chant - this is my response, and part of the book I'm writing. Please forward this to anyone you'd like to introduce to this amazing practice!)

Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!

Here you will learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

First of all make a list of what you really want in life. Take a new 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. There is no such thing as a “bad” desire as long as you wish no harm on others. Many Buddhists began chanting with desires that later turned into other desires. Don’t worry about it. Chant for what is really in your heart. Be true to yourself. 

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? It is helpful to have something on the wall to focus on. It's helpful to 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. Choose something soothing to rest your eyes on. I find it helpful to have a table nearby for my tea, and other things I like to have close when I chant. You may want to put a little table up as an altar, but you don’t need that to begin. 

Write the words Nam Myoho Renge Kyo on a piece of paper (or use the card enclosed in this book). 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

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 and say the words over and over and over again. 

You do not have to concentrate about what is in your mind 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 left 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 chant for a little longer? Maybe even a little longer than that. 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 you want. You’ll see. 

When you are finished chanting you can write in your journal.

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. 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. 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. 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!
Also - make sure to search on Soka Gakkai followed by whatever country you live in. This site will help you to connect with people who will be happy to help you learn to chant, overcome your problems, and reveal your brilliant, wonderful self!  Fellow Soka Gakka members love to help each other. 
and go to IKEDAQUOTES.org to read Daisaku Ikeda's words. He is lighting the way for us all...and for YOU!

Thanks for your responses! Another question!

Hello!


Thanks for responding to my question about books and videos I want to make available for you on this site. Please email me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com with more suggestions! I'd love to hear from the person who sent the last comment about how easy it is to publish an ebook!


The first book I'm writing is a How-to-Book called Chant Your Way to Happiness. It is ideal for someone new to the practice. It explains the nuts and bolts of how to chant, where to sit, how to hold your hands, some Buddhist history and the most important concepts. 


Longtime practitioners will appreciate the SuperChapter with powerful powerful prayers arranged by category. These are a great way to focus your intentions like a laser and root out the causes of suffering in your life. You will love them! My intention is for those of you who are currently practicing to give this How-to-Book to the people you're encouraging to chant. 


What other topics interest you? 


Also, Would you like to submit an experience for this or any of my books to come? The experiences are going to be the juicy, wonderful parts of the book! If you'd like to submit one please email me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com and I can tell you submission guidelines. 


Encouragement for your day:


Please remember that whatever you are going through is the absolutely perfect thing for you to be experiencing for your greater happiness. It is easy to think that all we do in this practice is chant for things and get them. But the real value in Buddhism is in the solid, shining self that we are polishing each and every day. 


Not everything you are chanting for is going to happen overnight, and your new challenges are helping you to get everything you want. But only if you don't give up. You must persevere! You must chant until what you are chanting for comes to pass. Do not give in to feelings of despair. 


And if you can muster the power in your life to feel appreciation, even for your problems that will help! I think back, and I can thank the man who broke my heart for the birth of this blog. If I had not been so amazingly, gut wrenchingly sad I would not have started chanting two hours a day and would not have been able to reach all the people I now reach through this blog! 
And re-read the Gosho 'On the Buddha's Behavior" and see how the Daishonin, when he was about to be beheaded at Tatsunokuchi, got off his horse and prayed to the statue of Hachiman and demanded protection. You can demand what you want to the Gohonzon (which is, of course, your LIFE). Be strong in your prayer and don't give up!!! 


Have a great day and chant powerful Daimoku!

Answers to your questions, and important questions for you!

Thanks for your comments and questions!


A reader asked about chanting at night. They said they were tired and wanted to do gongyo much earlier in the day. I think it's fine to chant anytime you want to. You can do evening gongyo at 2:00 in the afternoon if that time works for you. The important thing is to establish the twice a day rhythm in your life. The actual time you chant is less important. 


A reader asked if it was OK to stop in the middle of chanting Daimoku to journal, and then get back to chanting. I hope so! I have been doing that for years and it hasn't hurt me at all. I keep a pen and paper handy to jot down the inspiration I get while chanting, otherwise I'd forget some important Daimoku-Inspired ideas. Once, in the middle of chanting I stopped and HAD to google "Agents looking for authors" and I found out about the New York Writer's conference in January of this year. The next thing you know I'd bought my tickets and was on a plane. 
Of course you can do this too much and end up barely chanting at all...
There are times when I just want to focus like a laser beam, and I put my phone and paper away and just stay glued to the Gohonzon. When I chant with other people, and when I am just intent on breaking through with Daimoku I just barely move my eyes from the Gohonzon. 

Which leads me to my question for you. I want to produce something for you that would be of value, and that you'd be happy to pay for, and recommend to others. 


Would you buy a book called "Chant Your Way to Happiness...A How-to-Guide for Having the Life of Your Dreams right now!" (I'm still working on the tag line after "Chant Your Way to Happiness." Your suggestions are welcome!)
 I don't know if I'll have control over the price for this, but would you pay $12, $18, or $22 for a book? Would you prefer an ebook or a real book or both? 


Would you like me to produce a video and sell it on-line? What topic would interest you? Some titles might be:
 Joyfully entering the Path of Happiness and Fulfillment! A How-to-Guide to jump-starting your Buddhist Practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Energize Your Practice! What you need to know to reinvigorate and break through your karma!
Chanting Powerful Daimoku: How to Really connect with your life when you chant. 
Introducing others is EASY! How to talk about Buddhism in the real world. 


Are there other topics you'd like me to cover? 


And how much would you pay for these? $5, $10, $12, $15?


Thanks for helping me in my research. My goal is to produce products of VALUE to you. Something you can take and use wherever you want. Something you can give to people you care about. I'm open for suggestions. Please respond!

How to explain this practice to others

Hello!


I received a request from a reader on how to talk about this practice for others. I think we each have our unique way, and I'll tell you how I do it. 


It starts with Daimoku! I am always chanting to meet the people who are seeking this practice and will want to chant. I know I was seeking this practice and so many are seeking too! I chant to be a living, breathing example of hope for people...that just by meeting me they can feel a breeze of "Ahhhhh...look what is possible!" Even if they are just meeting me for the first time. I chant to overflow with happiness and draw people to me who are ready to chant!


I am always chanting to let others know about this "tool for happiness"! 


There are three categories for shakubuku:


Strangers I meet in random places... 


People I meet in business....


and Friends...


Let's start with strangers. Most of the time I assume that if someone meets me, that they are seeking this practice. Otherwise why would they meet the Buddha? And how else could they find out about this wonderful practice? So I find a way to just drop the fact that I'm a Buddhist into the conversation, and I always carry Nam Myoho Renge Kyo cards with me! Always!  I give them away saying "This is the secret to happiness! Chant these words and you make the changes inside your life to bring about the changes you want to see!" Or I say "These words are the name of the rhythm of life itself. Chanting these words puts you in rhythm with the universe." Then I tell them I used to be 70 pounds heavier, or I say "I have the most amazing life!" and tell them a bit about me...but only if they are interested. I can tell right away if they don't want to talk about it. I can feel it. I just drop the subject then and move on. I have planted a seed....and that is enough!


If they are interested I tell them it's a tool, like meditation and that they do not have to stop doing what they are doing or CONVERT to chant. They don't. They can still use chanting as a tool. I tell them it's a tool for drawing forth the power of the universe from within. And I tell them we chant twice a day every day to establish that rhythm in our lives. I tell them they don't have to believe in it. It's a law of the universe and works no matter what. Then I tell them stories from my life...invite them to read my blog and attend meetings at my house. I also direct them to the SGI-USA.org website. 




I think I told you about my new friend who helped me at the Apple Store. My phone was having problems and she was helping me with it. I told her it was important for it to work so that I could stay in contact with my Buddhist District and my blog readers. 
She immediately told me she was seeking Buddhism and had been reading books and visiting temples to find a practice. We had a spirited conversation where I talked about using the TOOL of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to achieve goals and I told her some stories about actual proof in my life and in others. She was immediately hooked and has been chanting ever since. In the store we exchanged numbers, I began chanting for her and she and I have stayed in contact. Although she doesn't live close to me, she works close to me and comes to my meetings. She introduced a friend to this practice already!!


And then there is the woman I shakubukued at my sister's swimming pool. She and I had about a 5 minute conversation at the pool. She could feel something about my life. And she came to a meeting...she has now been chanting a year and a half and is glowing actual proof for all of us...she is so much happier!! 


In business I usually I wait until I get a clear sign from the other person. When they say "what is it about you Jamie? Why are you always so happy and smiling?" Then I tell them! I bring them reading materials and see if they want to have lunch with me. Then I let them lead. I wait until they bring it up. I never bug people. If they aren't interested I drop it right away and wait until they bring it up again...


And shakubukuing friends...and family...for me they sometimes take more time. They KNOW me. They are watching me for results. I chant, chant, chant for them! And chant to show them actual proof. I offer to chant with them when they are struggling, and I chant for them all the time! I let them take their time. I have many friends who have joined after watching my life for twenty years. And once they began chanting...oh my...they have achieved sooooo much!


I LOVE doing shakubuku! Do you have any more questions? 


Introducing others is the fastest way to change your karma, and when you see people using the practice and becoming happy...well, there is nothing more satisfying!!! 

Fundamental Darkness Be Gone!

Understanding Fundamental Darkness is one of the keys to becoming enlightened, and HAPPY! 

And "Fundamental Darkness", although it sounds scary, is not scary at all AS LONG AS YOU RECOGNIZE IT FOR WHAT IT IS!!! When you see it for what it is, and don't give it any power you can vanquish it from your life. 

Fundamental darkness is only ignorance of your fundamental brightness. And when you are practicing correctly you WILL experience it! It's part of the process!

That's how simple it is. 

It's not a force that will overwhelm you, unless you give it power! 

For me,  fundamental darkness is the negative voice in my head urging me to give up. The voice says "This is not possible Jamie girl...don't even hope for it...no one you know ever accomplished this goal, what makes you think you can?" and on and on and on. It leads me to doubt and fear...and I have the power to lead myself back into light and hope. It also appears as a feeling of hopelessness...a feeling of insatiable longing....that too is fundamental darkness. Unless I see it for what it IS, I feel the hopelessness is real. But it's not real! Do you see what I'm saying? 

Now, if I were to believe those voices, and continue giving them power...well then, fundamental darkness WINS. But if I instead call out "I KNOW YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE!!! HA! Negative thoughts BE GONE~!!!!" If I say "I don't CARE how many times you come to defeat me...I am the BUDDHA! I am stronger than you! I will WIN! I will recognize my FUNDAMENTAL GOODNESS INSTEAD! My life is a brilliant example of actual proof of this Buddhism! I WILL accomplish what is IMPOSSIBLE! I will be absolutely happy and healthy in every way!" Then I have power. 

Listen to the supportive voices in your head...SUMMON them!...write them on your walls! 

Train your thoughts to say: 

"Buddhism is winning or losing...I choose to WIN! I am the Buddha! I have all the power of the universe right here between my hands when I am roaring the roar of the Buddha and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and dispelling these doubts from my mind.!!!!! I AM the BUDDHA! No ONE and no THOUGHT will defeat me. And I VOW I will overcome my karma and be absolutely happy in every way...mind, body, spirit! I will be an example for others that this practice works. My life is an example of glowing, brilliant happiness and I can be a beacon of hope for others! Goodbye fundamental darkness! SHOOO! I feel and see my fundamental BRIGHTNESS instead!!!!

I'm focusing on that!"

Roar the roar of a courageous buddha! Do not give into fundamental darkness. It is not who you are. You are a brilliant beacon of hope for everyone. Claim your brightness! Embrace your Buddhahood! Vanquish your fears! Ever. Single. Day!!!!

You Can Chant for Anything

You can chant for anything....anything. 
I mean it. 
Anything. 
I recently had a breakthrough of a personal nature... one I thought would never happen. I thought it was just one of those things I had to accept...that it was just "me" And one day, sitting in front of the Gohonzon, I thought..."Well, I always say the Gohonzon works for everything...maybe I'll chant about this little thing..." and boom...immediately I had a breakthrough in something I'd never thought to chant about before. 
Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo works for EVERYTHING. There are no exceptions. 
Try it on some little thing today and see what happens!

Put YOUR LIFE and Happiness FIRST!

Have you ever been on your way to an SGI meeting and had something come up that was trying to stop you from attending? Did you give in, or did you make it to the meeting? 


Did you ever sit down to chant and then get pulled away by the endless to-do list in your head? When you stay in front of the Gohonzon and chant anyway...then you WIN in your life!


You know there are obstacles that appear in our lives to prevent us from moving forward. We call these "Sansho shima", and when we see them for what they are, we can boldly move ahead forward and create real and lasting happiness. For instance, before a really important meeting some time ago, I got a call that someone was going to make us all late to the meeting if we didn't figure out a way to change the situation. OBSTACLE I thought! And I quickly changed the situation by figuring the best course of action so we could all get there on time. 


I realized at the very beginning of my practice (27 years ago) that the time I spent chanting actually gave me MORE TIME, because it put me in rhythm with my surroundings. This is the profound nature of chanting. 


When we tap into our essential life force through chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo our lives move in sync with our entire surroundings. 


So I am writing this blog to urge you to put your life first by putting your practice first. 


The power of your life force, and the strength of your practice are one and the same. 


When you put your practice first you put your life first. 


When you put your life first you can create anything you want in your life.  


I live my life to be a walking example of this! Every morning I sit down and put my practice and my life first. 


I go to an SGI meeting every week, and I have the highest life condition of happiness ~ I literally glow. It is not unusual for people, after meeting me to seek me out to find out what it is about me that creates this glow. That's why it's so easy for me to do shakubuku, (introduce people to this practice) 


My LIFE does shakubuku for me. 
My energy, enthusiasm and vibrancy just shine through. 
They HAVE to shine through because I focus my life on polishing my shiny life every single morning and evening. 


I chant for my bright Buddhahood to sparkle and shine. 


I chant for my friends and district members and blog readers. 


That's where true happiness lies. I put my life first by winning every single morning. 
I don't even use an alarm clock any more. I wake up in time to chant one or two hours, work out, blog...you get the picture...all because I put my practice first. I also spend my days helping others become happy. That makes my light glow extra bright! When I know I have helped someone overcome their challenges and learn to put their life first....I know that person has the tools to create the life of their dreams. What could possibly make me happier than that? 
And you know how much I love to hear from the readers of this blog. I love to know your challenges, your successes, your questions...everything. When I get your comments it makes me so happy! 
Let me hear how you have put your life first and claimed your own happiness!