More on Jyoti's Experience...truly inspiring

Note to readers: I am reposting Jyoti's experience because several of you wrote to ask me how long it took Jyoti to achieve the benefits she reported in the experience I posted this Sunday, March 17th. 

Jyoti first wrote me on November 12th of 2012, and I've amended the experience to reflect the short time it took her. 

Dear Jamie, 

I am Jyoti from India. 

November 12th of 2012 I emailed you 

about a problem I was facing.

I was in a very low life condition. 

Hated myself. Cried for months. 

I felt completely rejected. 

You guided me to chant for my buddha nature to emerge.

I now shine from within. 

I am chanting regularly, I got a job with good salary, 

I am enjoying my work and learning lots of things, 

and getting more opportunities to enhance my personality.

I am also participating in Gakkai activities.

My leader appreciates me always and calls me a star member. 

I am also WD leader of my block. 

I am suddenly inclined towards charity. 

I visit the orphanage and give something 

every month to the children.

I want to dedicate my new life towards kosen rufu.

I had a fear pf public speaking. 

Last month I became Master of ceremony in one zadankai. (Buddhist meeting).  

And yesterday I performed as MC in a professional technical event.

Opportunities are coming my way. 

And my fear is vanishing.

I used to get affected by anybody. 

I used to mind things a lot. 

Small criticism or harsh language could make me cry.

I never had the courage to reply back, and kept things in my mind for days, in some cases for years.

But now when somebody gets harsh on me I actually laugh inside and think why is that person talking in this way? 

I resolve the matter very calmly.

At least I put forward what I have to say with courage 

and never think about it again.

This is happening very naturally, as if something inside has completely transformed within me. 

I am in love with myself and feel life is beautiful.

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. 

Appreciate YourSELF!

Your words DO have great power. 

Make sure when you speak to yourself 

that you use kind and loving words. 

Often we are hardest on our own selves, right? 

I received an email from a reader who has been practicing sincerely for some time. He tells me that he chants in apology every day, and is seeking guidance to bring more joy and appreciation into his life. 

I have wonderful news for him.  A change of focus in his prayer will result in what I believe will be a quick change in his environment. I cannot wait to share his experience of victory with you, because I know he will have one.   

As in all things, what you focus on is what increases. 

So I am suggesting to him that he entirely change his focus from what he sees he is doing wrong, to what he sees he is doing right. 

As far as I am concerned, society is always telling us what we are doing WRONG. School reinforces what is wrong with us. People who are insecure reinforce what is wrong with us. 
It is up to each one of us to reinforce what is RIGHT with us, and to switch our focus away from the feeling that we are guilty or bad. Changing our focus to the positive is at the core of revealing our own Buddha Nature. I love Buddhism, because its very focus is on what is RIGHT with us. 

Of course, as we all know, the law of cause and effect operates in our lives all the time. If we focus our daimoku on what we are doing right, chant to make positive causes, and to reveal our Buddha Nature, we will see positive effects in our lives. 

So, my ideas for changing a negatively focused life to a positively focused one follow:

1. Before you get out of bed in the morning think of at least 10 things you are grateful for. They can be anything from health to friendships to ANYTHING. What are you grateful for? I advised my sweet Mommy to do this when she was feeling depressed, and she said it entirely lifted her depression. This is one of those things that sounds like a good idea, but really, if you try it, it does make a difference. 

2. When you chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo every morning and evening, start with a feeling of gratitude. SUMMON gratitude. Work your spiritual muscle. Think of what you are grateful for, and make your own life, and your own self be part of that prayer. We are all so fortunate to have heard of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.  We are all fortunate to be practicing, to have a Gohonzon, and to be a part of the Soka Gakkai organization with our mentor Daisaku Ikeda and countless sincere members worldwide.  Bring forth that feeling of appreciation when you chant. 

3. Chant to reveal your Buddha nature. Chant to believe in the goodness within yourself. Chant to shine your life from within. 

4. Stop apologizing in your prayer.When you focus on your life being the actual proof that this practice works you will see benefit. When you focus on being an example, and having your life and actions inspire others to begin chanting, you will see benefit flowing in all directions into your life. Chant to do shakubuku and help others become happy, and you will experience greater joy than ever before. 

5. Realize that you ARE the Buddha. You are the walking, talking embodiment of someone who is awakened to the law of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. This realization alone is a great cause for your happiness. Chant to see yourself as a Buddha and to feel yourself as the true Buddha you are. 

6. I chant to see the world through Daisaku Ikeda's eyes and to share his heart for Kosen Rufu. Sometimes when I chant I imagine him sitting here with me, and that our prayers for the happiness of all people are joined. 

Power Prayer for revealing your Buddha Nature and Appreciating YourSELF

"I chant to reveal the pure, sparkling Diamond
 of resilience, strength, wisdom and heart
 that lies within me. 
I chant to be more and more aware 
of how wonderful I am every single day. 
I chant that every cause I make, 
at every single moment of every single day 
leads me to see more and more of my Buddha nature. 
I chant that my Buddha Nature emerge 
and flow from my life touching everyone I see. 
I chant that I see my life 
as the brilliant sparkling Diamond that it is. 
I chant that throughout the day 
I say only nice words to myself. 
I chant to praise myself with my every thought. 
I chant to believe in my own goodness 
and to see it revealed in my actions. 
I pray to realize my life as the Buddha I am.
I chant that those around me are inspired to begin chanting, just by seeing my happiness flow. 
I chant to meet the people who are looking for this law, 
and to be able to help them practice"

Jyoti Now Shines From Within - A portrait of Human Revolution

Dear Jamie, 

I am Jyoti from India. 

Mid-November of 2012 I emailed you about a problem I was facing.

I was in a very low life condition. 
Hated myself. Cried for months. 
I felt completely rejected. 

You guided me to chant for my buddha nature to emerge.

I now shine from within. 

I am chanting regularly, I got a job with good salary, 

I am enjoying my work and learning lots of things, 

and getting more opportunities to enhance my personality.

I am also participating in Gakkai activities.

My leader appreciates me always and calls me a star member. I am also WD leader of my block. 

I am suddenly inclined towards charity. I visit the orphanage and give something every month to the children.

I want to dedicate my new life towards kosen rufu.

I had a fear pf public speaking. 
Last month I became Master of ceremony in one zadankai. (Buddhist meeting).  
And yesterday I performed as MC in a professional technical event.

Opportunities are coming my way. 
And my fear is vanishing.
I used to get affected by anybody. 

I Used to mind things a lot. 

Small criticism or harsh language could make me cry.
I never had the courage to reply back, and kept things in my  mind for days, in some cases for years.

But now when somebody gets harsh on me I actually laugh inside and think why is that person talking in this way? 

I resolve the matter very calmly.
At least I put forward what I have to say with courage and never think about it again.
This is happening very naturally, as if something inside has completely transformed within me. 
I am in love with myself and feel life is beautiful.

Chanting in Appreciation

Aaaaaaahhh 

Chanting in Appreciation.

 Feeling totally fulfilled and happy. 

At any time 
we can fill our hearts with joy 

and chant 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. 

We are such fortunate Buddhas 

who have heard and listened 

to the law of cause and effect. 

We are Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Our lives are overflowing with fortune, 

even though sometimes it is hard for us to see. 

It is a sweet feeling 

to fill our hearts with joy 

and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo 

in the full appreciation of being alive, 

at this wonderful moment, 

and joining hearts 

with all our SGI friends all over the world. 

There will always be room for improvement. 

There will always be more that we desire...for ourselves...for our loved ones and for the world. 

But at times, it is so wonderful 

to just flood our hearts with joy 

and chant from that space of 

Aaaaahhhhhh! 

Polishing Our Lives

'In the face of rejection,
you must learn to be courageous.
It is important to believe in yourself.
Be like the sun, which shines on serenely
even though not all the heavenly bodies reflect back its light
and even though some of its brilliance
seems to radiate only into empty space.
While those who reject your friendship
may sometimes fade out of your life,
the more you shine your light,
the more brilliant your life will become."
Daisaku IKEDA

Every day we polish our lives by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Every day we become more and more ourselves, turning the "charcoal" of our lives into brilliant diamonds by realizing our true worth and chanting to see our true selves. I recently shared with you that I am chanting to "discard the transient and reveal the true" in my life. Those of you who are students of Buddhism will recognize this phrase from the Gosho (Writings) of Nichiren Daishonin. And every day I feel my life moving in a positive direction. 

Nichiren Buddhism runs counter to the thought that we were all born with original sin. 
In this practice we were all born with original purity and goodness, and chant to see this goodness and experience it every day. We are all Buddhas (ones awakened to the power within). Every single one of us. And we all possess the power to tap into our Buddhahood by chanting every single day. 

A Power Prayer to tap into this power could be:

I am determined to experience my life as the true Buddha I am. I am determined to root the cause of my suffering right out of my life. I am determined to raise my life condition so that I see through the eyes of the Buddha every single moment. I now accomplish______________so I can deepen my faith and encourage others! (You fill in the blank)

We polish our inner lives using the mirror of our inner selves, the Gohonzon. For those of you unfamiliar with this term, the Gohonzon is the scroll that all Nichiren Buddhists face when we chant, if we are fortunate enough to have one. In some countries receiving a Gohonzon is difficult, in others it is easier. You cannot buy a Gohonzon. You receive it once you have a space for it and are learning and practicing Buddhism. 

The Gohonzon was inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin, the true Buddha for our time. He "inscribed his life in Sumi" so that we cold all attain the highest life condition possible. Chanting while facing the Gohonzon in your altar at home is truly the most mystical of experiences. Having a home within a home is the best thing you can do for your life. 

I welcome your experiences about receiving your Gohonzons. Please send me any experiences I can share with the readers. Right now more than 12,000 people are reading this blog all around the world. Please take the opportunity to encourage them by sending your experiences and picture. 

I have been receiving many requests and questions from you. I love hearing from my friends all over the world. Thank you so much for passing this blog to others, and thank you for your kind words. 

Happiness Blossoms from Within

Chanting Nam-myoho-rnege-kyo absolutely produces results.
My life feels like these flowers...blossoming rainbows everywhere.  

When you chant you are saying the name of the law of cause and effect. You are speaking the name of the rhythm of the universe. It is a law. It is impartial. It has to work in your life. Sometimes it seems that you don't get what you're chanting for right away, I know this is true. And it can be easy to get discouraged and think "This isn't working, why am I still doing it? I think I'll just stop chanting for awhile and see what happens." 

But I want to tell you that if you persist, if you deepen your determination, if you continue to study the Gosho, encourage others, go to SGI meetings and tell others about this practice you will gain a happiness you've never experienced before. You will gain unshakable strength. As President Ikeda says "Strength is happiness." 

A Power Prayer for today:

I am determined to strengthen my life from within. 
I am determined to be strong in the face of any trial or wind.
I strengthen my life force and feel the power within my life. 
I bring forth all the amazing, accessible power that is my birthright. 
I AM Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and every day I feel stronger and stronger and more aware of the deep power within my life. 

We have the power to change anything in our lives

We DO hold the entire universe in our hands.

Yesterday I chanted 5 and a half hours. I heard from some of you that my post about chanting tozos appeared at just the right time. In the UK there was a snow day so my friend Morag did a tozo, and my friend Linda in Chicago did the same. 
It does help to know that we are all in this together doesn't it. We are never alone. We have all our SGI friends all over the world. 

Each of us is challenging ourselves to the best of our ability. 

Each of us is following Sensei (President Ikeda). 

Each of is is waking up daily to face our problems and roar like lions. 

Each of us is never giving up.

We are truly part of a wonderful organization. 

(If you are new to this blog or wondering what this is all about please send me an email at chantforhappiness@gmail.com and I will do my best to answer your questions.)

We base our lives on tapping into the law of cause and effect  - Nam Myoho Renge Kyo ~ by chanting those words. This chanting goes deep into our lives, and brings forth the power of the universe we all possess. We tap into our innate Buddhahood. Anyone can do this. We are not special  ~except for the fact that we have heard about this practice and chant everyday. 
It is accessible to ALL. 
We are all equal.
We don't have to memorize any rules or wear any robes. We don't eat a certain way or ascribe to anything. 
We recognize that the law of cause and effect operates within all of life and we take responsibility for changing our own karma and circumstances. 
We are all Buddhas. 
Even those who have never chanted are Buddhas. 

Chanting helps us realize that power within us, or, as my son Aaron says, it allows us to live the "best possible versions of ourselves." 
I know many of you are having powerful experiences to share. Please write me and send a picture. We can all be inspired! 

Chanting for a Long Time Today ~ Tips on chanting Tozos

I am inspired. 

This weekend I attended the Freedom in Education Conference at the Sudbury School in Riverside Illinois. 

I met and learned from such noted scholars as Dr. Peter Gray, author of "Free to Learn" and Dr. Lou Marinoff, author of "The Inner Philosopher", a dialogue with Daisaku Ikeda. 


I highly recommend both of these books. 

So today, on this new moon day...a day for focusing on what we want to bring into our lives, I am going to chant abundant daimoku (Nam myoho renge kyo, over and over and over) ...because I can...because I want to. 

Some time ago a reader requested I share some ideas about chanting joyfully for longer periods of time. What follows is my response to the reader, along with a few revisions and suggestions:

As I've mentioned before, no one ever has to do a long tozo. (A tozo is chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for an hour or longer). It's not a requirement of any kind. But if you ever feel inspired to dig deeply into your karma and chant for several hours, here are some ideas that may make it easier for you: 

How to joyfully chant for longer times

1. Realize that what you are about to do...an extended chant...a tozo...has profound significance for your life. 

2. Write your goal or determination for the tozo. You can do this before you begin, or some time into your chanting. And connect your prayer, as always,  to the greater good...to the real difference you want to make in the world. Remember that you are a precious votary of the Lotus Sutra and when you break through, the energy is forever changed. You are paving the way for others to break through. 

Tozos can be done for many reasons. Here in Chicago we are chanting every weekday from 9-5 for the violence to end. Two years ago this week we chanted 12 hours for the Japanese Tsunami Victims. 

Examples of determinations could be: 

"I am determined to have the most beautiful, loving relationship so that I can totally inspire other people that great relationships are possible ...I can show actual proof with my life, and be able to introduce others to this practice!" 

or 

"I'm determined to use my life to impact _______________(you fill in the blank) in some positive and lasting way. I am determined to take the actions and meet the people, have the resources and the smarts to accomplish this great goal. I join my heart with President Ikeda's to accomplish my mission. 
I am determined to use all of my talents to accomplish this. I am determined to open the doors and take the actions that will propel me forward. 
I am determined to increase the power of my prayer by 10,000 to accomplish these goals. I am determined to expand my capacity for comprehension, and connection, and memory and resourcefulness so I can use my talents for Kosen Rufu." 

3. Have your favorite drinks close by...tea...water...soft drinks...whatever you like. 

4. DEMAND your results! YOU are the Buddha! Remember the Gohonzon cannot get down off the scroll and do the Buddha's work in the world. YOU actually are the Gohonzon; it is inside your life. The depiction on the scroll is just a reflection of the highest life condition that exists within your own life. So when you are chanting CLAIM what is yours. Yes, the Gohonzon consists of the functions in the universe that are in our life. Tell them what you want. And know that all real change comes from within.

5. All change comes from within. Take responsibility for your life...not blame. Realize whatever you are going through, whatever is causing you to chant...it's your karma..not your FAULT. Chant to reach the very core of that karma and change it forever. THEN your life circumstances and environment will change to reflect it. 

6. Keep your favorite Buddhist study material close by...whatever touches your heart when you read it. And if you find yourself losing focus open it up to any page you want. I have "For Today and Tomorrow" next to me all the time. "When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist deities throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating." 
(Daisaku Ikeda)

7. Invite others to join you in your tozo if you wish

8. Have pen and paper handy. You may want to write down those brilliant ideas that come into your mind while you're chanting. You'll also want to write down some of those pesky thoughts and reminders that keep coming back...things like "remember to buy dog food." Just write it down and it will leave your brain and you can focus on what really matters.

9. Put your telephone away.

10. After the tozo write in your journal. What have you realized?

I am chanting for you to accomplish your goals and shine with happiness. I am chanting for you to connect with the SGI and President Ikeda and all your Soka Gakkai friends. I'd love to hear from those of you who have connected to the SGI through my blog. And, as always please write your victories to me so I can put them on the blog and your life can inspire others. 

Workplace Experience from a Reader

Hey Jamie-

As always you inspire me- you give me hope! 

Yesterday my CEO called a meeting for all employees 

and gave us the news that we are going to be laid off. 

We have this month of March to look for new opportunities. 

I got a jolt but immediately understood there is a reason 

and this will be the beginning of an absolutely new start!!! 

I am getting a chance to do abundant daimoku 
and make the causes my life needs.

What also unfolded yesterday was mystical. 

The young executive who reported to me 
was anti me right from the day I joined. 

We had rough rides. 

I took guidance and was told to chant a lot for her Buddhahood to emerge 

which was tough but never the less I did. 

It happened so naturally and effortlessly 
that she started having problems 

she could not deal with and 
I spoke to her about the practice. 

She started chanting. 

We changed the situation between us

 to the extent that she apologized to me 
for all the wrong things she spoke about me. 

The biggest benefit was when she agreed to attend the Discussion meeting this March! 

And yesterday we were told about the layoff 
which has her name too. 

I feel I joined the Company to help this young executive know the joys of the practice.

Thought to share this with you.

Best Reet

Thank you so much Reet. You've inspired us all. 

There is Always a Way

Oh the intelligence of nature...

the intelligence in all things. 

For today, just remember...

winter always turns into spring. 

And, there is always a way. 

And, the energy you put into your practice

comes back to you over and over, 

even if you don't see it today. 

All that chanting, all that persistence, all those prayers

are going deep within your life

to bloom and bloom and bloom. 

No Nam myoho renge kyo is EVER wasted, 

even if today, you can't see it. 

Above all, don't give up. 

Never give up.

Courage and Determination

"One who refuses to seek the advice of others 
will eventually be led to a path of ruin. 

A mentor helps you to perceive your own weaknesses 
and confront them with courage. 

The bond between mentor and protégé
enables us to stay true to our chosen path until the very end."

Daisaku Ikeda 

Yes, you can chant for ANYTHING

I know it is hard to believe, but this is actually a practice where you can chant for anything you desire. 

I still get emails asking if it's okay to chant for marriage, or  money, or anything...and the answer is a resounding YES! 

Chant for whatever you want. 

Earthly desires are enlightenment. 

Many of us know people who didn't chant for the most lofty goals when they first started chanting, but over time, through following their hearts, their goals turned more and more towards their happiness, and the happiness of others. 

But you have to start somewhere, and that somewhere is exactly where you are now. 

Please know that you are a noble child of the Buddha...in fact...YOU ARE THE BUDDHA and you deserve to chant for your desires. How can you believe in the power of the mystic law (chanting Nam myoho renge kyo) in your life if you do not see actual proof for yourself? 

Chant to have the kind of benefit that will make you see the power of this law. you need to encourage yourself! Chant for anything. When you encourage yourself you can definitely encourage others. 

Start with your own life and go from there. Your prayers will eventually turn to the happiness of others, and the best way to help others become happy is to become happy FIRST, then show by your example what is possible. 

That is why we chant to show actual proof of the law in our lives. When we show actual proof in our lives and do our own Human Revolution,  constantly improving ourselves,  others will see our results and be inspired. 

As I've said many times, there are people who decided to practice, people I deeply love, who decided to practice just by seeing the changes I made in my life. And my constant prayer has been to show actual vibrant proof of the power of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo so that others can be inspired to tap into that same power and become happy themselves. 

You can do it. Chant for anything. Money, cars, job, friendship...anything. 

Chant to show actual proof so you can inspire others. 

When I chanted for my house I chanted for a house to show actual proof, and for a place where I could have meetings. When I chanted for a car I chanted for a car to drive members to meetings. 

When you connect your prayer to the greater good it is that much more powerful. 

Chant for your desires. You deserve them, and the world deserves your happiness. Your happiness is contagious, important and worthwhile. And you have the ultimate key to making it happen...Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Go, you Buddha YOU.  

Challenge Everything with Confidence

"It all comes down to you. I hope you won't rely on others or wait for them to do something. 


Try to develop such a strong sense of responsibility that 


you can stand up to the fiercest storms, confidently proclaiming, 


"I'll do it. Just watch me!" Please confront reality, look it squarely in the face, 


and with guts, wisdom and strength, challenge everything that lies ahead of you." - 


Daisaku Ikeda

What if We Don't Know Exactly What We Want?

"What is youth?
The French philosopher Roher Gaurady suggests that while
most people believe a person is born young and then ages and dies,
in reality, acquiring youth in the deepest sense is a very long and challenging process.
The youth of which he speaks is the spiritual strength
not to stagnate or grow resistant to change
but to stay ever open to new possibilities.
It is the power of the spirit
that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives forward. "
Daisaku Ikeda, For Today and Tomorrow p. 71

I am often recommending that we all write and rewrite our lists of what we want in our lives, and continue to hone our desires so that we can achieve what we really want in life. 

Being specific is always a good idea...

But what if we don't know what we want? Does that mean our lives will not advance and that our happiness will always elude us? 
No. No. No. 
If we don't know exactly what we want, we can still activate a very powerful prayer on our own behalf. If we focus our prayer on using our lives for kosen-rufu (world peace) we can continue to advance our happiness even if we don't really know exactly what we want. 

Right now, as many of you know, I am looking at the next phase of my life and chanting about my next job/life endeavor. And I have an all-encompassing prayer, rather than a narrow and exact prayer. 

I chant to use every one of talents for kosen-rufu, fulfilling my real mission in life among people who inspire and delight me. I chant to be well-compensated and happy and fulfilled. 
That is enough. 

I don't have to have a clearer vision until I do have one. At some time I may have something specific that catches my eye, and chant for that. In the meantime this is still a powerful prayer.

We can adopt this idea for any prayer...to find love for kosen-rufu...to buy a new house for kosen-rufu, for anything you want for kosen-rufu. 
Basing our lives on kosen rufu will move our lives in the direction of our happiness. That us just the way it is. We can't go wrong. 
The prayer for kosen-rufu is a deep prayer for the happiness of all...the happiness of all beings. Basing our lives on everyone's happiness is a noble and beautiful way to live. Our happiness is assured when we have such a strong prayer. 

Happiness is Something Your Build for Yourself

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.

Chanting for Happiness

Now is the time for all of us to shine. 

Yes, as yesterday's post says, there may be a time in each of our lives to mourn, to cry, and to wash away our sadness. 

But suffering and sadness and bearing our troubles is not the goal of Buddhism. "Our goal is not to master suffering," Daisaku Ikeda states. 

Our goal is to be happy.

Smile ~ it is a cause for your own happiness....smile as much as you can. Every smile of yours makes a difference through all the universe. Every smile of yours creates ripples in the energy of life. Your smiles are contagious. This has actually been proven in the field pf Positive Psychlogy. 

We can all become happy. 

Every one of us. 

We all deserve to be happy.

Today I'm suggesting we all chant to praise our lives, and to have the sun shine through our lives. Nichiren means Sun Lotus. How perfect. We all practice the Buddhism of the sun. We are the sun. 
Today on this SUNday, a sunny one here in Chicago, let's chant to light the sun inside each of our lives. 

Let's let our lives shine. We can all chant to be happy. Happiness is our birthright. We deserve to be happy. Go ahead and chant for it!