True Love, by Daisaku Ikeda

I thought you all might enjoy this quote from ikdeaquotes.org. 
I know we are all busy polishing ourselves! 

True Love

True love should be transformative; 
a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish 
not just one person 
but all people. 
It can make us stronger, 
lift us higher 
and deepen us as individuals. 
Only to the extent that we polish ourselves now 
can we hope 
to develop wonderful bonds of the heart in the future.

Daisaku Ikeda

Hope For Heartbreak

I get many emails about heartsick love. 

And believe me, those who read this blog know that I am no stranger to the real, gut wrenching pain associated with loving someone who does not love you in return. It actually physically hurts, doesn't it? 
But I am living proof that it is possible to, as President Ikeda says in the following quote, "forge ahead" and I have emerged with "a more wonderful me." It did not happen overnight. But it did happen. And you can emerge from any kind of pain if you keep moving forward. I chanted many hours to strengthen my life from within and build a strong core of resilience. Daimoku Works! 

I'm just writing today to encourage any of you who are still feeling this deep, deep wound of the heart. Keep advancing. Keep chanting. And the clouds in your heart will go away and the sun will shine. 

From Daisaku Ikeda, 

"The important thing 
is to overcome the sorrow 
that accompanies any type of separation, 
such as death or divorce. 

The vital thing is to continue advancing. 

Do not look back. 

Just forge on. 

There are many reasons 
why people bid farewell to one another. 
People have their own thoughts and situations. 
The deep scars within your heart may not heal quickly. 
Yet brace yourself so you can look forward. 
You should strive to move on, 
cutting through the clouds in your heart. 
As long as you advance, 
new hope will be born. 
The sun will rise. 
Only when you continue to advance 
can you encounter an even better, 
more wonderful you."
Daisaku Ikeda, from Ikedaquotes.org under "Love and Marriage" 

Chanting for What You Want - And Getting SO Much More! Aaron's Medical School Experience

At the White Coat Ceremony

Here's my son Aaron Michael Silver. He's turning 23 on the 21st of April. Some of you are familiar with a little bit of his story, but today I want to tell you an experience that I hope will really encourage you. Aaron didn't get exactly what he chanted for - he really did get a bigger and better benefit. 

He knew he wanted to be a doctor for many years, and spent his undergraduate years at the University of Illinois focusing his attention on the Medical School entrance exams. During the summer of his sophomore year he stayed on campus and took MCAT (Medical School Entrance test) preparatory classes. He had a certain score he wanted to attain.  In preparation for this test he decided to chant 15 minutes a day, the most he'd ever chanted. And some days he chanted much more. 

Click on "Read More" below to read the rest:

"If You Light a Lantern for Another, it Will Also Brighten your Way"

I'm chanting in appreciation this morning. 

Sometimes when we are worried about something, 

all we have to do is switch our prayer to appreciation 

and just bask in good feelings for awhile. 

Try chanting in appreciation the next time you feel stressed or worried. There really always is something to appreciate and ay "Thanks Life!" 

Then, if you really want to boost your spirits, 

call or visit someone to encourage them. 

I guarantee you will feel great after that! 

Daisaku Ikeda writes on page 93 of Faith in Action:

"Nichiren Daishonin writes, "If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your way" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 1898) Please be confident that the higher your flame of altruistic action burns, the more its light will suffuse your life with happiness. Those who possess an altruistic spirit are the happiest people of all."

Shining Like the Sun ~ Lighting up Your Life

~ Shine like the Sun ~

That's my lifetime motto. 

I rise every day with the goal of shining like the sun. 
A life of radiance is one so busy shining, 
it repels all negativity from within or without, 
and shines its light everywhere. 

Another of my mottos is from Daisaku Ikeda: 

"When One Sun Rises, Everything is Illuminated." Brilliant. 

This week has been one of chanting with the members in my district for their suns to rise. There is nothing that energizes me more than engaging in the daily struggle to overcome suffering, and achieve goals alongside my members. There is nothing more exciting than helping others win in life. If I am doing that, my life flows smoothly from one happiness to another. I hope each of you 

One of our newest members was given a pretty bleak diagnosis from a doctor. But since she got her Gohonzon a few weeks ago she has HOPE for the first time in a long time. She's cheerful. She's planning on reapplying to get her masters degree. She's embracing her LIFE. Her life is shining like the sun! I look forward to reporting other victories to you as well. 

"Faith is Light
The hearts of those with strong faith 
are filled with light. 
A radiance envelops their lives. 
People with unshakable conviction in faith 
enjoy a happiness 
that is as luminous as the full moon 
on a dark night, 
as dazzling as the sun on a clear day."

Daisaku Ikeda, For Today and Tomorrow, page 7

Standing Up With Unyielding Spirit ~ Don't Give Up!

"In life when we feel we have reached a limit, 
that is when the true battle begins. 
Just when you despair 
and think it is impossible to go any further, 
will you become apathetic, 
or will you say it’s not over 
and stand up with an unyielding spirit? 
The battle is decided by this single determination."

Daisaku Ikeda, from the ikedaquotes.org website

Overcoming Doubt

I've gotten some letters lately from people who are finding it hard to chant because they are discouraged and full of doubt. I know this feeling. It's an obstacle; in other words, an opportunity for us to deepen our faith. How do we do this? 

The first key is to realize that you are fighting the biggest battle of all, the one within yourself, right here and right now. 

Having obstacles arise is part of a successful and healthy practice. It's a good thing. It doesn't always look like a good thing, I realize this! But it really is a chance for you to deepen your faith and strengthen your life if you don't give in to it. 

When doubt, and thoughts of doubt and hopelessness arise, it is up to you to shout them down by facing your life  squarely and overcoming it. Doubt will only defeat us if we let it. 

You can rise up to stop doubt by sitting in front of your Gohonzon ~ and while you are chanting, address your life in this way: "NO WAY DOUBT! YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET ME DOWN! I see you for what you are. You are not winning over me. I am breaking through once and for all, and I am in charge now!" 

This is your time to roar like a lion. This is your opportunity to strengthen your faith. This is your time to win. Write a fresh determination. Chant from your heart to be victorious and to show actual proof of this practice so that you can inspire others. With this attitude you can bring your life back on track. 

Encouragement from Sensei :

"Anyone who has ever made a resolution 
discovers that the strength of that determination 
fades in times. 
The moment you feel that 
is when you should make a fresh determination. 
Tell yourselves: "OK! I will start again from now!" 
If you fall down seven times, get up the eighth. 
Don't give up when you feel discouraged ~ 
just pick yourselves up 
and renew your determination every time."

from Faith in Action, page 109

Resolve to be Victorious

'When your determination changes, 
everything will begin to move 
in the direction you desire. 
The moment you resolve to be victorious, 
every nerve and fiber in your being 
will immediately orient itself 
toward your success. 
On the other hand, if you think, 
"This is never going to work out." 
then at that instant every cell in your being 
will be deflated and give up the fight. 
Then everything really will move 
in the direction of failure." 

Daisaku Ikeda, 
Faith in Action. Page 108

Daily Guidance from Daisaku Ikeda

Great individuals fight abuses of authority. 

The truly strong do not lord it over the weak. 

People of genuine strength and courage 

battle against the powerful, the arrogant, 

the authoritarian, the evil and corrupt

~all who look down on the people with contempt. 

Daisaku Ikeda

From Today and Tomorrow, 

From Dying to Living ~ From Poison to Medicine ~ Experience in Health

Julia Landis

~ This experience is too important to miss. Enjoy!

The Great Repair Shop of the Human Heart. 

"It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror reflecting the essential nature of phenomena [i.e. the Dharma nature] and the true aspect of reality...

...Arouse deep faith and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. ~ Nichiren Daishonin (WND-1 p. 4)

I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and studying the teachings that elucidate the central philosophy of the Lotus Sutra for nearly three years now. What is the key or central element to that philosophy? That each of our lives contains the seeds of Buddhahood and that an exalted state of life is ours as soon as we come to realize, support, and harmonize our lives with this indelible fact. 
Click "read more" below to see the rest of Julia's experience:

What is a High Life-Condition, and Why is it Important?

Today we had World Peace Prayer for April at the Chicago SGI Center. I'd arranged a meeting between one of the senior leaders and a youth member from my district. And I'd lined up lunch with the other young women in my district after the meeting. We were all looking forward to a great day. 

We set off in high spirits with plenty of time to spare from somewhere close to where this picture is taken, to head east and into the city. When we got there we found that the Shamrock Shuffle race was going on and all the streets leading to the SGI center were blocked from where we were. Here's where having a "high life condition" comes in. 
Click "read more" below to see the rest of this post.

Your Prayers are the Most Important

Occasionally I get requests from people for me to chant for them. I am always chanting for all of you and for each one who writes in, but YOUR prayers are the most important. I am not a "Better Buddhist" and my prayers may be heartfelt, yes, but your prayers are the exact ones that you need to penetrate your life. 

You are the Buddha. You are the one carrying forth a dialogue with your life when you chant. Your prayers are important. Each time you chant you are setting your wings towards the sun, just like in the picture above. You are moving towards your own bright horizon. 

Here's a Power Prayer I've been chanting lately to make every one of my actions count:

Power Prayer to Change Your Karma:

"I chant to connect with the life force of my mentor Daisaku Ikeda, and to see the world through his eyes, and connect my heart to his heart....to have the same passion and depth of prayer that he does for all of humanity. I chant that every single one of my thoughts, feelings and actions I take today will be the absolute BEST causes I can make for my life and for all of life. I chant to be able to encourage people from the depths of my heart so I that they can be en-couraged to strengthen their faith and practice and become happy. I pray that every one of my actions leads to kosen-rufu and a world of respect for all beings.  I fill my heart with appreciation!" 

Julia Rises into her Own Buddhahood. An inspiring experience to read and share

The Great Repair Shop of the Human Heart. 

"It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror reflecting the essential nature of phenomena [i.e. the Dharma nature] and the true aspect of reality...

...Arouse deep faith and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. ~ Nichiren Daishonin (WND-1 p. 4)

I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and studying the teachings that elucidate the central philosophy of the Lotus Sutra for nearly three years now. What is the key or central element to that philosophy? That each of our lives contains the seeds of Buddhahood and that an exalted state of life is ours as soon as we come to realize, support, and harmonize our lives with this indelible fact. 
Click "read more" below to see the rest of Julia's experience:

What Does Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Mean?

~ And why does chanting these words have such a profound effect on each person?  

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, to those of us who wake each day and chant these words, is the means to put our lives in rhythm with the universe and bring out our own highest and best qualities. Life itself is a duality, and each one of us has choices to make at every moment of the day. Chanting these words help us to "true" our choices in a way that leads us to greater happiness.  

It is a law, the mystic (unfathomable) law. And it works whether we believe it or not. But please, don't take my words for it. If you're new to chanting I have several blogposts on how to chant. You can find them in the archive section. The link to the SGI-USA Portal (to the right) has listings of centers in your area where there are wonderful SGI members who would love to answer your questions and help you learn this practice.
Click "read more" below to see the rest of this post:

What is ChantforHappiness.com?

Welcome to ChantforHappiness.com. 

This blog is about living a life with renewed enthusiasm, determination and hope. It's about using the daily practice of chanting the words Nam-myoho Renge Kyo to bring about our own human revolution by tapping into the boundless energy of the universe that has always existed within our lives, and in everything else that exists. 

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the name of the current, and the rhythm, that runs through all things. When we chant we tell our inner lives what we want. We do not chant to a god or anything outside of ourselves.  Some of us continue practicing other religions as well, and adopt a daily practice of chanting. 

We don't have to believe chanting works. It is the law of the universe based on cause and effect, and chanting is the ultimate good cause.

Never Giving Up Leads to Great Benefit

Sometimes it feels like we're not progressing as quickly as we'd like in our lives, right? Sometimes it feels like we're chanting and making causes, and even though we see the effects of our high life-condition from our daily chanting, we still have challenges that are persisting, or dreams we have not yet realized.

At these times it is especially important to persist in our practice. 

At these times we need to dedicate our minds, our hearts and our prayers even harder. We need to continue chanting twice a day...continue marching along the path of mentor and disciple...and continue making good causes, sharing this practice, and keeping the flame of hope burning in our hearts. 

Sure, it's great to get major benefits every single day, but is this really realistic? I know I see benefit every day in the raising of my life condition, and the pure joy I experience in chanting, but there are some days I just have to persist no matter what. Just like you.

Trust Your Life ~ Stop Worrying

Trust Your Prayer ~ Trust Your Life

Every morning you and I have a unique opportunity to connect with the life force of the universe through doing Gongyo (reciting the words of the Buddha from the Lotus Sutra) and chanting Daimoku, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

Every morning we can access the full power of the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo that is within us and all living beings. We can tune our lives to the rhythm of the universe and keep moving forward in a positive direction.

In "Faith Into Action" Daisaku Ikeda states (page 115):

"If we don't practice gongyo the rhythm of our lives will be thrown off-kilter, just as a machine that isn't oiled will rust. Gongyo and chanting daimoku are like starting an automobile's engine every day and driving it in the direction of happiness and truth. By doing so day after day you will gradually attain perfect unity with the universe, the and the law, the state of the Buddha."

How you do gongyo, your attitude is also important. My leaders in San Francisco used to say "Fall in love with gongyo...look forward to doing it...see it as a moment of absolute happiness in your life...generate that kind of feeling when you chant", and I have adopted that attitude as my own. 

Click "Read More" below to see the rest: 

Encouraging Ourselves When We are Down

 It's in the 20's here in Chicago. It's sunny, 

windy and cold...

and April first! 

Here are a few strategies for when you are down:

1. Chant lots of daimoku. That's always where I start. Then I use the following resources:

2. Call a friend in faith for encouragement. I have a pretty long list of relationships that I have cultivated. Over the years it has been my goal to establish deep rooted friendships with many of my fellow practitioners. I find people who inspire me and chant to develop friendships with them. Your friends in faith are your greatest treasure. If you don't have any you can chant with a goal to establish friends in faith. If you reach out to your leaders they will help you. 

3. Go to the Gosho. I always keep the Gosho close. I have it all marked up with my favorite quotes.  I open to any page and start reading. I also go to my favorites. 

In "The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon" you find the quote: 

"A woman who devotes herself to the Gohonzon invites happiness in this life, and in the next, the Gohonzon will be with her and protect her always. Like a Lantern in the dark, like a strong, supporting arm on a treacherous path, the Gohonzon will protect you, Lady Nichingyo, wherever you go. 

"Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself, The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. " 

And from "The One Essential Phrase": 

"Fire can be produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, and a candle can light up a place that has been dark for billions of years. If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the mystic law?"

4. Read President Ikeda's Guidance. You can find it on the web under Ikedaquotes.org, or through the link on the right side of this blog. 

5. Go back and chant again with renewed faith in the power of your own life. 

6. Drink more water, get fresh air and exercise!  

Greetings from Chicago

Thanks for posting this on Facebook, Tomell.

It makes Chicago look like the Emerald City (minus the green). I've always loved the fact that on either side of the John Hancock building (the tallest one on the left of this photo)  the buildings each scale down in size so nicely, making a building style version of Mt. Fuji. Can you see it?

I live in the Western Suburbs -  somewhere around where this picture was taken. 

Beyond the tall buildings is Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. Being on a boat on a hot summer night watching the sun go down over the city, and the golden lights of the skyline emerge, is one of the most glorious experiences. Being at the top of the John Hancock building in the surprisingly inexpensive Signature Lounge at twilight is another inexplicable delight.

This Monday morning I am chanting about what would inspire each of you the most. I've been chanting for quite a while. I chant at least an hour before writing each day. I chant to tap into my highest wisdom so I can offer you something of value for your day. I think of what President Ikeda would say to you.

This morning I just opened my book "Faith in Action" to the pages on Gongyo and Daimoku.

A Heart Full of Gratitude Towards all Humanity

I am so grateful for my Gakkai family...for my Gakkai family here in Chicago, throughout California and for all of you readers who are my Gakkai family too. Many are celebrating holidays at this time of year. I hope you are warm and happy end reveling in friendships and family. 

According to Nichiren Buddhism we really are family. 

In the study guide for the Essentials Exam part three there is an essay on the Gosho "The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude." On page 31, Daisaku Ikeda writes about the debt that each one of has for all of humankind and why:

"The third is the debt of gratitude to all living beings. Life is eternal, extending through the three existences of past, present and future; the sutras teach that we have been born in the world after having undergone the cycle of birth and death infinite times. From that point of view, at one time or another in the past, all men have been our father and all women have been our mothers  (See the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin - 2, 637). Buddhism sees us all as related and owing debts of gratitude to one another.

You are the Buddha ~ A quote from Daisaku Ikeda

A Buddha is definitely not an absolute being living a 

static existence. 

A Buddha shares the sufferings of others 

and, sensing the condition of the time,

earnestly ponders how to transform that condition. 

A Buddha vows to struggle 

in order to lead the people and the age to 

enlightenment. 


The strength of this vow 

causes the 

Buddha's enlightenment to

mature into rich wisdom.


~ Daisaku Ikeda

One Person Can Change the World

This month is almost over, and many people in America are involved in taking the essentials exam. I've been studying and helping others study. Studying together is one of my favorite Buddhist activities. 

As I was posting this beautiful picture, which makes me think that Spring will finally be here at some point, I was taking a look at our study material. Those of us who have been practicing for a while know this quote well, and I love hearing it over and over and deepening my understanding of it:

President Ikeda States:

"A great human revolution 

in just a single individual 

will help achieve a change 

in the destiny of a nation 

and further, 

will enable a change 

in the destiny of all humankind."

Great Soka Gakkai Meetings

We had the best Soka Gakkai Meeting last night at my house.  It was going to be a one hour tozo, but since we had three guests we only chanted half an hour. It was such beautiful chanting. It felt so good. After we finished I turned to everyone and explained why we do Gongyo: 

I said, "How did that feel? That was an experience of you being the Buddha. When we chant these words we are reciting the Lotus Sutra, the words of the Buddha. We are experiencing life as a Buddha. That means we are experiencing being the infinite source and power of the universe. Doing Gongyo and Daimoku is our moment to elevate our lives into Buddhahood. We do it twice a day because sometimes we forget!" And everyone laughed. 

Hope is Life's Treasure

"Hope Is Life's Treasure"

Hope is
life's treasure.

Those
who have hope
are always happy.

One can have
all the wealth, power and fame
in the world,
but if one loses hope,
one will falter and stumble
in life.

The ancient Roman orator
Cicero wrote:
"Our capital is invested in hope
rather than in money;
if that hope be abandoned,
all else will be amassed
only to be lost later on."

Inspiring Encouragement for Illness

For any of you who are facing illness - this should raise your spirits! 

The person who originally compiled these quotes 

was able to use this practice and modern medicine 

to overcome breast cancer completely. 

Please feel free to forward a link to this blogpost 

to anyone who is suffering from illness. 

From President Ikeda's Lecture series "The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin: On Prolonging One's Life Span - Faith for Leading a Long and healthy Life" in the July-August 08 Living Buddhism. (Thank you to my friend Melissa Bradford for compiling these great quotes!)


“Suffering from illness is a means by which you can eradicate your negative karma.”  
President Toda, as quoted by President Ikeda. - pg 70 

“To see illness as an opportunity to transform our karma – this strong spirit and resolve can break through all obstacles and devilish functions and open wide the path to happiness.  Like a rocket blasting out of the earth’s atmosphere, the passionate conviction of faith that comes from viewing illness as an opportunity to transform our karma can become a powerful engine propelling us forward not only in this existence but throughout eternity, enabling us to freely savor everlasting happiness.”  Pg 74

Power Prayer for Today's Full Moon

Today's Moonrise over the Lake, 

posted by my friend Mojo in Louisiana.

March 27th Daily Guidance from Daisaku Ikeda from For Today and Tomorrow:

"While controlling your mind, 
which is at once both extremely subtle 
and solemnly profound, 
you should strive to elevate your faith 
with freshness and vigor. 
When you do so, 
both your life and your surroundings 
will open wide before you 
and every action you take 
will become a source of benefit. 
Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind 
is the key to faith 
and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime."

And how do we do this? How do we understand the subtle workings of our mind? 
We are so fortunate to have discovered the key of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. We can chant to understand the subtle workings of our mind. We can chant to see our minds in action. We can chant for the realizations that will keep leading us to victory in our lives, and enable us to help others become happy right alongside us. These prayers alone refresh our faith.

Tips for Beginning Chanting ~

(Periodically I post this passage about chanting for the first time. If you're new to the practice I welcome you with open arms. If you're strengthening your own practice I congratulate you, and if you are forwarding the post to someone who wants to try chanting, that is awesome.) 

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 fresh 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. So don't worry about your current desires. Chanting is progressive, both you and your desires will evolve. I know people who began a very rewarding practice chanting for things others might consider wrong or strange. One of my friends chanted for a month to prove to his wife that this practice doesn't work. More than 40 years later he is still practicing. In Nichiren Buddhism your desires ARE enlightenment. It is okay to desire whatever you desire, whether it's money, the happiness of someone else, a relationship, a job, or peace of mind and contentment.

Turn "Why me? to "YES ME!"

Each one of us is a Boddhisatva of the earth. We are the ones here on earth proving the power of the law. 

We can take each one of our challenges and realize that it is our mission, our sacred beautiful mission to change our karma. Because we are interconnected with all of life (dependent origination), whenever we break through, we break through for our families, friends, for the web of life itself. 

When we can take our problems and elevate them to being our mission we have more power and strength. 

We can turn our lives from  "Why me? to YES ME!" and use or faith, and power in our daimoku to open the door through which many will flow after us. 

We are Boddhisatvas of the earth or we would not be chanting Daimoku. How lucky we are! But the minute we start saying "Why me?" and feeling sorry for ourselves we erode our strength and our life force drains our lives.

The next time you are wondering "Why me?" turn it into a "YES ME!" Embrace your challenges. You would not have them if you couldn't change them. 

In the February 15th World Tribune there was a message to the women and young women from SGI Honorary Women's Leader Kaneko Ikeda called "Precious Flowers Blooming in the Garden of Kosen Rufu." 

Kaneko Ikeda states: 

"Times of suffering are times when our faith is put to the test. Our Buddhist practice enables us to face such difficult and painful times with wisdom and fortitude and, supported by the warm encouragement of our fellow members, to move in a positive direction, a direction of hope and fresh growth. 

In his writings, the Daishonin teaches that we can lessen our karmic retribution through our efforts in faith to spread the Mystic Law. It can be said, therefore, that whatever daunting hardships and karmic trials may befall us, they appear precisely because we have the power to transform them. 

From the perpective of Buddhism, everything that happens in our life has a profound meaning. Based on the law of cause and effect, the greater the efforts we make for kosen-rufu, the greater our future happiness. This is something that will become clearly apparent when we look back later." 

(Page C, February 15th World Tribune") 

So today, see if you can turn every "Why me?" Into a "YES ME!" and appreciate and embrace your karma and unique challenges. Make a firm determination that you CAN change anything in your life, and lead others to happiness through your example. 

Appreciation Power Prayer

I am on a roll of chanting in Appreciation. 

Power Prayer of Appreciation:

Thank you life! I appreciate all the wonderful people, opportunities, money, love, fun, and treasured moments that are flowing into my life right now. I feel every cell in my body vibrating and radiating happiness. My whole being shimmers in happiness and contentment as I let my light shine. Thank you life, thank you, thank you! 

I'll bet you can write a great appreciation power prayer for your own life. 

Every time I sit down to chant I focus on appreciation and feel my heart swelling in happiness...a feeling of peace comes over me.

I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the name of the rhythm of life itself, and I feel the rhythm within myself and in all of life. Everyone who chants these words can have this experience. This is not something reserved for an elite few.

Creating A Powerful Practice

TO create a Powerful Buddhist practice and a powerful life, remember that you are not chanting to something outside your life....you are chanting to your very life itself...
and the life of the entire universe.  

Through chanting Daimoku 
you have the keys to access the power of the universe. There is no need to beg. 

There is a need to VOW, and DETERMINE...and to clearly tell your life that you want results from your chanting NOW!!!


That's the power of chanting Daimoku. And please, do not chant under your breath! Chant as if you mean it! You are speaking to the universe...be strong. Take deep breaths, remember to breathe. Breathe from your belly...feel the energy surging through your body. SIT UP STRAIGHT! Be STRONG! You're chanting!

What you Focus on Increases

It is so easy to think of all the things we want to change in our lives. It is so easy to focus on what we don't want, rather than concentrating on all of the good things, in our lives and in ourselves. I received some positive feedback this week about one of the blogs postings. 

A reader wrote me to tell me that she'd made a sign for her Butsudan that says: 

What you focus on increases. 

It is true. 

When I give my talk "Change Your Words, Change Your Life" I begin by telling this story: