Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Experience of Victory in Health


This is my recent experience Shared on 23.03.2014 (Sunday) 
Good morning!
I am Nalini Prakash. I have been practicing this noble philosophy of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism for the last 12 years. I cannot even imagine my life without this practice.
It is my greatest pleasure and privilege to report my victory to my mentor Dr Daisaku Ikeda and heartfelt thanks to GOHONZON for providing me the opportunity to share my experience on this day. 
On 4th December 2013 my father ( 67 years old) was taken to the hospital on an emergency due to acute abdominal pain. His scan report showed appendicitis with perforation. He required an emergency surgery. On operating the abdomen there was a lot of pus and all the interstitial coils were stuck to each other. The surgeon also saw a mass in the large intestine.  The tumour was quite big. The surgeon suspected it to be a Cancer/TB.  So major surgery was carried out – right hemicolectomy. This part of large intestine was subjected to pathological examination. After dissection, multiple sections were given from the specimen to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of malignancy.
I am very fortunate to be working in a Medical college and that too in the department of pathology.  We have faculty with many years of experience in pathology, however most of the faculty collectively felt that it could be Cancer/TB. One of the doctor with previous work experience from prestigious cancer hospital and specialist in oncopathology strongly felt that my father’s case was a 100% malignancy case without any doudt. She asked me to approach her if she needed assistance in any way.
This was really challenging for me and was an opportunity to show the actual proof to doctors emphasizing my faith in the practice.   Majority of the faculty were in favour of malignancy.  After having seen my father’s resected surgical specimen faculty members were worried seeing the nature of the growth in the colon and its gross appearance.  However they made sure that adequate sections were given from the representative growth to rule out or confirm the malignancy. 
I decided to challenge it.  During this period, my daimoku was keeping my life condition high and even though I was struggling, I still felt confident and full of hope.
My Buddhist practice has taught me to overcome difficulties by focusing on prayer and taking action for others. I began by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and visiting members. As I encouraged them, my resolve strengthened. 

I read gosho Reply to kyo’s Nichiren Daishonin says “Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" these lines inspired me a lot. 
I was constantly in touch with my Gakkai members. I took guidance from my seniors. I was advised to increase my daimoku. I continued my human revolution (through chanting for Doctors wisdom, nurses, entire hospital patients speed recovery, talking to patient attenders for their high life condition and for their courage) and be determined to win. 
"Let me experience WITH MY LIFE the power of this prayer - not just for myself, but so that I can encourage others." 
I followed this guidance wholeheartedly and each day I used to study and share my mentors guidance and encouraged other members. I felt as though Sensei is chanting with me encouraging me not to lose hope and to move forward for the final victory.
Multiple lymph nodes were found and sections were given for examination. Thorough microscopic examination revealed no evidence of malignancy/ TB.  
The diagnosis was Eosinophilic colitis with peritonitis.
 It was a very pleasant surprise to the entire faculty and they themselves told it’s amazing. It’s a rare case. 
This being a unique case, the faculty involved in reporting this case and have taken it up into converting this to a publication in a reputed medical journal. 
This case also highlights interesting facts in medical science and serves as a wonderful learning experience for pathology post graduate students. 
Post this,  doctors and friends in my work place  who knew about the practice encouraged me to continue and asked me never to discontinue the practice under any circumstances. 
The surgery was required because of the nature of the complication. 
These days it is very difficult to get admitted in a good hospital. One has to face many problems like getting bed in ICU, high ICU charges, every day we have to pay, getting good doctors and good facilities. In this case, timely intervention prevented discomfort, distress and agony for my father.
Mystically   during this period, protection came financially also.
From the day one I spoke to Chief administrator in the hospital, he ensured all arrangements were made till the end. The entire treatment was covered by the institution and we got a special ward too! Except the charges for medicine
ICU Charges, doctors consult fees, surgery fees, OTTcharges, lab fees, nursing fees & special ward charges were completely covered. 
I was chanting for other patient’s speedy recovery.Patient attenders voluntarily looked after my father. I did not apply any leave; people were very co-operative and took good care of my father. 
Throughout 15 days of his hospital journey my father was having a high life condition and the doctors, nurses and attenders werevery happy to see my father recover. 
 I’m happy to report that now he is eating healthy food, walking twice a day. He is basically a musician and has started his regular programs.                       . 
During this period I did lots of shakubuku. At work place I showed lots of actual proof in my department. Due to this I got an opportunity to do shakubuku and spread Daishonin’s Buddhism. Through this experience, I am planting the seeds of Buddhism at my work place, friends and   relatives   spreading Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 
With this victory, I determine to make each day of my life a victorious experience. I will challenge, small or big, and create a history to prove the power of the Mystic Law.

Thanks to the Gakkai members who supported me a lot. 

Monday, March 24, 2014

How We Win Over Our Biggest Problems

From the April Living Buddhism, 
Daisaku Ikeda's Gosho lecture on 
"The Treatment of Illness
by Nichiren Daishonin:

"Mr. Toda said: 
"If the entire human race could manifest 
the life state of buddhahood ~ 
that is, character of the highest quality ~ 
there would be no war or hunger in the world. 
There would be no illness, and no poverty. 
Elevating the entire human race to the state of Buddhahood, to character of the highest quality ~ 
this is carrying out the work of the Thus Come One."

To achieve this, 
we need to expand the goodness in life 
as broadly as possible 
through our prayers and our actions. 
Our greatest mission as SGI members  
is to create value for all humankind."

WE are ushering in the new age of humanity through our thoughts, words and deeds. And how are we doing this? Mostly through challenging our problems - no matter how great they are. Sometimes it feels like the problems are bigger than us, doesn't it? I speak from experience! But I also speak from experience when I say that when we persevere in our practice and study a life-force of wisdom arises that fuels those actions, gives us confidence and brings us and others hope. 

In the same Gosho lecture, President Ikeda states:

"No matter how harsh the adversity, we can always find a way to make it into an opportunity for our great human revolution, we can always use it to create value. The is the essence of Nichiren Buddhism."

In this Gosho Lecture, President ikeda writes that we can overcome "illnesses of the mind" by dispelling ignorance in our lives, and bringing forth the awakening of our Buddhahood. One of the manifestations of Ignorance is not seeing and believing on our own Buddhahood. 

To break through our struggles Sensei says:

"When we find ourselves up against a wall of suffering and feel like we can't go on - that's the time when we can rouse the underlying power inherent in our beings through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. As Nichiren Daishonin writes, "Only by defeating a powerful enemy can one prove one's real strength." (Letter from Sado, WND- 1, 302)

How can we do this? By not giving up...by continuing to realize that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is more powerful than our biggest problem...our life itself is as as vast as the universe, and when we chant we are tapping that vast power within us. As long as we keep chanting we are winning over ourselves. 

AND, when we realize we are tackling our problems so that we can help others and inspire others our practice becomes a joy! When we can chant: 

"I MUST WIN! 
Because I can inspire so many 
when I win over this problem...
there MUST be value in this for Kosen-rufu. 
I will definitely win 
and use this experience to inspire others!" 

If we are at a deadlock we will win when we study, chant, consult our leaders in faith and keep chanting! 

President Ikeda ends the lecture with:

"As SGI members 
who uphold the sound philosophy 
of Nichiren Buddhism, 
a teaching of respect for the dignity of life, 
let us continue to illuminate the hearts 
of our precious friends 
with the light of courage and hope, 
and make intrepid efforts in the form of peace, 
friendship and happiness 
in our communities and societies."

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Daily Guidance by Daisaku Ikeda


SOME people seem to be active for a while, but eventually disappear from our movement for kosen-rufu. Almost without exception, such people are negligent in their daily practice of gongyo. Those who neglect doing gongyo will eventually lose their ability to grasp any points of faith or to accept guidance, no matter how great it may be.


ONE of my mottos is that waves get rougher every time they encounter an obstacle. Another is that the true hero is one who is strong when he rises up alone. These have been my convictions from the time I was sixteen.


TO live honestly and straightforwardly in the world of kosen-rufu. To always continue struggling forward. To persevere in the practice for oneself and for others. Through such efforts, the "heart" of faith will solidify. The world of Buddhahood exists in faith that is forged in such a fashion.


YOUR practice of gongyo and daimoku is not an obligation, it is a right. The Gohonzon will never demand that you chant to it. An attitude of appreciation in being able to chant to the Gohonzon is the heart of faith. The more you exert yourself in faith - in doing gongyo and chanting daimoku - the more you stand to gain.


"I am happy. For I uphold the unsurpassable Mystic Law" - just talk to others about Buddhism with this conviction. No matter what your present circumstances, everyone who chants and spreads the Mystic Law is an emissary of the Buddha. I hope you will all take great pride in the fact that you are accumulating immeasurable good fortune and walking a direct course to eternal happiness.

Yesterday's PowerPrayer Really Worked!




I found this photo on the web...it is a time lapse photo of a sunset.

We never know what we're going to face in a day. Some days are just like other days, fun, enjoyable, etc. and they are kind of, well, normal. 

Other days are extraordinary. 

Yesterday, after chanting that PowerPrayer and focusing my energy on letting go and not trying to control everything, I ended up with a remarkably fascinating day with lots of action and many quick decisions to be made. Because of the protection of the Shoten Zenjin, I was in the right place at the right time continually, and able to connect with my dear friend Kate at exactly the right moments. 

As I was going through this day I felt confidence in my life...confidence in my prayer...confidence in my gentle words. I could feel the power of wisdom through Daimoku flowing at every moment. Some events triggered emotional reactions, and those were fine...and they passed quickly. Other events that normally would have triggered emotional reactions didn't, and I remained composed and thinking on my feet. I had unity with the people I needed to have unity with. 

The day ended in a state of peace and gratitude, and today began peacefully and happily. 

I am filled with appreciation for my wonderful life, and more determined than ever that the challenges my family has been facing recently will help many people. Because of my son's illness I have ventured into a world that is hard for many to navigate. And there is NO set road map. Except the road lit by the wisdom that comes from Daimoku. 

I have received many emails from you. Thank you so much. For the moment I am enjoying my wonderful life and laughing with my sweet son who always cracks me up!



Friday, March 21, 2014

PowerPrayer for Rising Above Our Problems





I read some guidance that said 
"When you chant you should 
take a vacation from your troubles." 
Great idea

And today while I was chanting that's exactly what I did. I chanted to lift my life condition so I could see over and above my troubles...and to experience this day in a state of elevation through Daimoku. 
I chanted to release all feelings of having to be in control at every single moment, because, as we all know, control at every moment is impossible anyway! 

I think sometimes we think "I'm a Buddha so I should be able to command every single moment of every single day. I'm a Buddha, right?" But I don't think that's exactly how it works, 

The only things we can really be in control of are our reactions to what's going on. That's not to say that we can't change our lives through chanting. WE CAN. But the process of doing so doesn't always go as quickly as we'd want it to. We are not like Samantha on the TV show Bewitched. We can't just wiggle our noses and make everything change. 

Today I formulated this 
PowerPrayer 
for Rising Above Our Troubles:
by Jamie Lee Silver of Chantforhappiness.com

Life! 
Gohonzon! 
Today while chanting 
I am seeing my life and my spirits 
rising above my worries. 
As I am chanting I am seeing my life rise above. 
I am focusing on joining the ceremony in the air. 
I am joining with all the Buddhas on the Gohonzon, 
and knowing that 
YES! 
This is the life I chose for Kosen-rufu, 
and I will keep my life condition HIGH no matter what. 
I see through the eyes of the Buddha. 
I shine for all those around me as a beacon of hope. 
I am the Buddha at every moment today...
fully aware and focusing on all that is right in my world! 
I am going to float above my worries and chant in the world of gratitude and appreciation. 
I am so grateful for:__________________________
And I release this day to my prayers! 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Daily Guidance by Daisaku Ikeda



WHEN viewed through the eyes of Buddhism, everything has profound meaning. We must not lament our situations. As long as we have strong, courageous faith, we can definitely transform all hardships into something positive, turning poison into medicine. Please engrave these words of Nichiren Daishonin in your heart, and continue advancing resolutely forward, no matter what happens.


YOU do not normally receive your pay cheque at the end of your first day at work. The sapling you planted today is not a mighty oak. If our prayers were automatically answered; with no true, deep prayer on our part, without desperate life-to-death effort, we would become spoiled and useless. If that is how it works, our practice of Buddhism would not make us into people of outstanding character; it would destroy us.


WE are not alone and without friends. We can confidently overcome difficulties and turn everything into an impetus towards happiness. When one has a firm conviction of this, one will experience a sense of boundless courage; one will not be afraid of anything. Those who fear nothing are happy people.


IN any human relation, we must speak exactly as our conviction dictates, without a single cloud in our heart. That is a wonderful, invigorating way to live. And based on such a way of life, the bonds of the family, the bonds of comrades in faith are strengthened.


NO matter what sufferings or difficulties you may experience, you should never lose hope. Even if you may temporarily suffer from the devil of illness or financial difficulty, your heart should always be aglow with indestructible hope.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Vow for a Kosen Rufu Life Partner


This was sent to me from a reader in India. She says it has helped many to achieve their dreams of attaining a KosenRufu life partner. 

The Solemn Pledge and Prayer based on the Mystic Law
Gohonzon, I pledge to spread the Mystic Law. I take a solemn vow to work for the happiness of all sentient beings and the advancement of kosen-rufu. I determine to recognize, arouse, manifest, and respect my Buddhahood as well as that of others. 

Gohonzon, I determine to welcome you in my home. Give me a home where I could enshrine and protect you in complete grace and honor. Give me a home where I can work for kosen-rufu and can hold and host Gakkai meetings and activities freely. Give me the life partner who supports and promotes the cause of kosen-rufu.

I am now happily united and married to my true love and kosen-rufu partner. He is a nice, wise, kind, healthy, happy, handsome, responsible, dependable, and prosperous young man, who approves of and supports me in all the areas of life… in all my Gakkai activities. We work together for the spread of the Law and attainment of kosen-rufu. We love, value, trust, respect, appreciate, and accept each other from heart, mind, body, and soul. We are true and honest to each other and have a beautiful, mutually enriching, and deeply fulfilling relationship. All the other distractions and obstacles melt down and fade away of their own accord amicably from our life. 

Our union is supported, protected, promoted, and blessed by Brahma, Shakra, the gods of the Sun and the Moon and all the positive and protective forces of the Universe. We perceive, feel, hear, understand, and respond to each other’s Buddha nature… Gohonzon, make my KRLP emerge and let us recognize and unite with each other. My KRLP contacts me today and we both respond well to each other. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Gohonzon, I determine to enter the institution of marriage in perfect faith, enthusiasm, happiness, and confidence in my own and my partner’s worth. I feel complete appreciation and respect for myself and my partner. I love myself, I respect myself, I value myself, I cherish myself, I appreciate myself, I accept myself completely. I am thankful and grateful for my life and everything that I have got in my life. I pray and determine to get connected and engaged to my Kosen-rufu life partner by 3rd May 2014 or_____________. 

We both love, respect, understand, cooperate, and appreciate each other in every aspect of life. I determine to have the wisdom, courage and opportunities to make the right choice at the right time regarding my marriage and life partner. Through my happy and successful married life, I determine to encourage and show the actual proof of the benefits obtained from the power of the Mystic Law to all the YWD members of SGI and others.

I determine to discard the transient and reveal the True in all areas of my life. When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs. The one who chants Lotus Sutra will never have a twisted mind. I demand clarity and wisdom. 

I demand protection from all the positive forces of the Universe. Gohonzon, put me on my correct path.. in the orbit of righteousness, happiness and contentment. I call upon Brahma, Shakra and the gods of Sun and Moon to enter my life and illuminate it ... I must take the right decision at the right time.. I have a mission as the Bodhisattva of the Earth and everything’s going to be the very best. I am going to get married to my KRP in the most beautiful and harmonious manner. “This sutra can fulfill their desires, as a clear cool pond can satisfy all those who are thirsty,” and “They will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences.”

Gohonzon, I am determined to have a KR marriage, a KR husband, a KR home, and a life dedicated to the spread of the Mystic Law and the attainment of kosen-rufu. I am a Bodhisattva of the Earth.. I pledge to work for the Law.. to complete my mission. The core of my life is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Illuminated by the Mystic Law, I soar like a Queen and attract, accept, and enjoy all the good fortunes of every kind from all the directions of the Universe.. Thank You Gohonzon.. Thank you so much…
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo .. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo .. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo 

Signed By:    

Dated:          

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

We ARE Attaining Buddhahood, RIght Here, Right Now


"What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? 
It does not mean 
that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha 
or become magically enlightened. 
In a sense, attaining Buddhahood 
means that we have securely entered the path, 
or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. 
Rather than a final static destination 
at which we arrive and remain, 
achieving enlightenment 
means firmly establishing 
the faith needed to keep advancing 
along the path of absolute happiness, 
limitlessly, 
without end." 

Daisaku Ikeda, For Today and Tomorrow, page 205. 

We are Attaining Buddhahood
By Jamie Lee Silver, from Chantforhappiness.com

Every time we chant 
we are attaining Buddhahood. 
Every time we pray our silent prayers 
we are attaining Buddhahood. 
Every time we encourage others 
we are attaining Buddhahood. 
Every time we wake up and say 
"No! I will NOT be defeated. 
I will redetermine to win. I will not give up!"
we are attaining Buddhahood. 
Every time we write our thoughts and determinations 
we are attaining Buddhahood. 
Every time we smile ~ 
even when we are sad ~ even when we are happy ~ 
we are attaining Buddhahood.
Every time we say 
"Hon-nim-myo" from this moment forth I will rise! 
we are attaining Buddhahood. 

May you have a victorious - energetic - Daimoku-powered day!

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Chicago's Green River for St. Patrick's Day


St. Patrick's Day 
is a big holiday in Chicago. 
We have multiple parades and celebrations. 
I thought you might enjoy the photo. 
Every year, yes, 
Chicago dyes the Chicago river GREEN! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day. 

March 16th ~ When the Youth Accepted the Mission of Kosen Rufu


I love that quote above by Daisaku Ikeda.

On march 16th 6,000 youth came from every corner of Japan - at a moment's notice to rise in all their glory and accept the torch of Kosen Rufu from Josei Toda before he died. The disciples showed up in the morning. In the rain. In the cold. To say YES We will fight for Kosen Rufu! We will take what you have given us. We will show the proof of your teaching and we will change the world. We owe so much to these young, strong, visionary young men. And the BEST way we can show our appreciation is to continue to introduce and foster the youth. It is up to all of us!

From the SGI:


March 16 is a symbolic day for Soka Gakkai and SGI members, commemorating the occasion on March 16, 1958, when Josei Toda, second president of the Soka Gakkai, then in frail health, made an impassioned speech to 6,000 Soka Gakkai youth, entrusting them with the responsibility for the future of the Soka Gakkai and its efforts to contribute to the creation of a peaceful world and promote understanding of the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. In particular, Toda's closest follower, Daisaku Ikeda (current SGI President), took on this responsibility, eventually becoming the third president of the Soka Gakkai in 1960 at the age of 32 and helping to develop the Soka Gakkai as a movement promoting peace, culture and education.
Toda passed away on April 2, 1958, just two weeks after the March 16 gathering, confident that his efforts would be continued by the youth in whom he had great trust. The previous year, on September 8, 1957, he had issued a Declaration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons at a meeting of 50,000 Soka Gakkai youth at Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama, calling on those present to take responsibility for carrying on the struggle against these inhumane weapons which he termed a threat to humanity's right to live.
March 16 is now viewed within the Soka Gakkai and the SGI as a day of new departures, "of eternal beginnings and perpetual hope." It is also an occasion for focusing on fostering capable youth.
Mr. Ikeda has stated, "It is a time when people renew their profound resolution to accomplish kosen-rufu, a time when they put their minds together and make a fresh start." The Japanese phrase kosen-rufu is often interpreted as "world peace through individual happiness." It signifies a vision of social peace brought about by the widespread acceptance of core values such as unfailing respect for the dignity of human life. On an individual level, it involves the construction of a state of life of indestructible happiness through a process of "human revolution" or inner-motivated change. On a broader societal level, it means building a peaceful society through contribution to their families and local communities made by individuals who are actively transforming their own lives.
Around the world, SGI members celebrate March 16 by holding commemorative meetings led by youth members. This spirit is also carried on by the youth members of SGI through various peace-related initiatives, such as the following:

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Commanding Your Life, A Great Gosho Passage

Every month the Living Buddhism Magazine( published by the SGI and available by calling 800-835-4558) has some of my favorite Gosho passages of all time. 

In the 2013 February edition, Nichiren Daishonin has been persecuted by the government and is being taken away to Tatsunokuchi Beach to be beheaded. On the way, he sees a stature of Hachiman, one of the Buddhist Deities which are functions within our own lives. 

He makes the entourage stop so he can address the statue. 

What I love about this is that he basically yells at the Buddhist God and says you had better show your support to me RIGHT NOW because that is the pledge you made. If I die I will report you! Of course, when Nichiren is taken to the beach to be beheaded, a huge orb comes out of the sky lighting up the faces of his would-be assassins, they all run scared, and he is saved from death. 

The point I like to make is Nichiren's indignant attitude when he addresses the statue. We can all have pray like this in front of our own Gohonzons with fury and with fire. 

We can all summon this fiery attitude at the crucial moment - we are ALL dignified votaries of the Lotus Sutra, we can all command the fundamental forces that are within our lives and represented on the Gohonzon. 

Here is the passage: 

'Great Boddhisatva Hachiman, are you truly a god?...Now I, Nichiren, and the foremost votary of the Lotus Sutra in all of Japan, and am entirely without guilt. I have expounded the doctrine to save all the people of Japan from falling into the great citadel of the hell of incessant suffering for slandering the LotusSutra....When Shakyamuni Buddha expounded the Lotus Sutra, Many Treasures Buddha and the Buddhas and Boddhisatvas of the ten-directions gathered, shining like so many suns and moons, stars and mirrors. Int he presence of the countless heavenly gods as well as the benevolent deities and sages of India, China and Japan. Shakyamuni Buddha urged each one to submit a written pledge to protect the votary of the Lotus Sutra at all times. Each and every one of you gods made this pledge. I should not have to remind you. Why do you not appear at once to fulfill your solemn oath? ....If I am executed tonight and go to the pure land of Eagle Peak, I will dare to report to Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, that the Sun Goddess and Great Boddhisatva Hachiman are the deities who have broken their oath to him. If you feel this will go hard with you, you had better do something about it right away!' (WND - 1, 766-67)


Daily Guidance by Daisaku Ikeda


Thursday
13th March

NICHIREN DAISHONIN'S Buddhism teaches faith that is dedicated to
advancing kosen-rufu. Faith equals daily life. Therefore, as long as
we persevere in faith that is committed to kosen-rufu, it is possible
for us to be successful and victorious in our daily life and in
society, no matter what trying times we may find ourselves in at
present.


YOU can make a defeat the cause for future victory. You can also make
victory the cause for future defeat. The Buddhism of Nichiren
Daishonin is the Buddhism of True Cause, the Buddhism of the present
and the future. We do not dwell on the past. We are always challenging
ourselves from the present towards the future.


THE truly valiant person tries to triumph over any situation, no
matter how unfavourable. Excuses are a mark of the weak. Buddhism is
victory, so we must triumph in the real world, all the while remaining
true to our convictions.


JUST as a tree that lived a thousand years last another thousand years
after it has been cut, happiness will continue and endure to the
extent that we suffer to attain it. We acquire blessings and merits to
the degree that we devote ourselves to Buddhist practice. Neither
clever schemes nor tactfulness will achieve anything. You must on no
account lead such a meaningless, frivolous life.


IT is our power of faith and power of practice that enables us to tap
the absolute and boundless power of the Buddha and power of the Law of
the Gohonzon. In this connection, your sincere, strong faith is most
important. Therefore, we should maintain ever-advancing faith and
practice throughout our life.Dail

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

3 Ways to Generate Appreciation Right Now!




Everyone knows that Appreciation is a sure path to happiness, right? And we should generate appreciation every day. It is one of the keys to happiness and longevity and fulfillment. I'm researching Blue Zones, the areas where people live the longest and most fulfilling lives, and appreciation is a certain thread running through them all. 
Sometimes we need some ideas for generating appreciation. Enjoy!   


3 keys to Generating Appreciation 
Right Now, on this Very Fine Day. 
By Jamie Lee Silver from ChantforHappiness.com 

Write your own 
Rampage of Appreciation.
  
Take out your journal or a notepad. 

At the top of each page write these headlines (and any more that occur to you):

What I appreciate about:

My body
My heart
My mind
My practice of Buddhism
My friends
My work
My "things"
My Family
My country, city, home
My relationship(s)
......etc.

And under each category write everything you appreciate (or everything you CAN appreciate) about these aspects of you life. 


2
CHANT 
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 

...the name of the rhythm of life itself, with your heart full of appreciation. Take note of what arises from your chanting about actions you might want to take to express your appreciation. 


3
 EXPRESS 
YOUR APPRECIATION
Write at least ONE heartfelt thank you note to someone you appreciate, and bring it to them. Write as many as you can, and send or deliver. I recommend hand-delivering them. In "Flourish", by Martin Seligman, he writes that people who hand deliver notes of appreciation experience a glow of happiness that can last for months. 

Look at us ~ spreading the joy! 

Write me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com if you have comments about how this worked for you. 

Daily Guidance by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday


12th March

FAITH is not for anyone but yourself – it is all for you. Working to spread the Daishonin's teachings, devoting yourself to chanting daimoku, and studying doctrine while you are young are all tasks that will transform your life into a garden of blessings and merits.


BRINGING forth one's wisdom and breaking through deadlocks in difficult or trying times is precisely the kind of challenges that allows us to cultivate strong conviction and depth of character. In a life of nothing but fair skies and tranquil seas, we cannot hope to forge great conviction or outstanding strength of character.


HAVING intense emotions enables you to understand the feelings of others. It is not a bad thing to be passionate, but if it is driven by egotism and hurts others, it can be dangerous. The point is, you must have self discipline. And that comes from chanting daimoku, from developing a strong life force.


THERE are many paths in life. Paths leading to celebrity. Paths leading to fame. Paths leading to high social standing. And the list goes on. But where do we find the path to attaining Buddhahood? It is found only in efforts to expand the flow of kosen-rufu.


IT is vital that those in positions of responsibilities proportionately deepen their faith; love and protect and guide others; and strive to progress one step further in their personal development. Remember that because you have seniors, you were able to open your eyes to faith yourself.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Daily Guidance by Daisaku Ikeda



NICHIREN DAISHONIN stated in the Gosho, "Neither the pure land and
hell exists outside ourselves; both lie within our own hearts." (MW2,
p 239) Everything depends upon one's inner life, or ichinen.
Therefore, what is important is one's heart. No matter how
unfavourable the situation, it can be transformed into "the pure land"
if you courageously address the problem by deciding that it is your
Buddhist practice to develop yourself.


YOU must always maintain a seeking spirit. "Seeking the way" in
Buddhism is an attitude that leads to profound happiness. Remember
that a spirit to always seek the Law for the sake of your daily
self-improvement is actual proof of your faith itself.


FAITH is the greatest of all treasures. Passing on correct faith to
your children is the surest way for both parent and child and for the
entire family as well, to walk the path of eternal happiness.


THE sun burns its own mass as fuel in order to illuminate the cosmic
darkness, bring its light to the moon and the planets. Similarly, the
courage of one individual who possesses a sprit that burns like the
sun will touch and inspire countless others. This is the unchanging
formula for achieving the spread of the Law, the most difficult of all
undertakings.


TO encounter persecution because of one's faith is in fact a wonderful
thing. It is precisely one struggles to overcome hardships that one is
able to create integrity. In an environment that is monotonous and
placid, stagnancy and degeneration may overtake vivacity. It is
because there are storms of great struggles that the blue sky of
existence opens up and fresh vigour wells forth in one's life.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Daily Guidance by Daisaku Ikeda



Monday
10th March
DETERMINED that "I will change my destiny" and that "I will have my
prayers fulfilled", please offer fresh prayers to the Gohonzon
everyday and adorn each page of your life with beautiful actual proof
of victory.


IT is in an individual's behaviour that the essence of Buddhism lies.
As you polish your character and personality through your faith, you
are expanding a circle of trust among the people around you. Please
remember that the development of kosen-rufu lies in the mundane
actions undertaken in one's immediate reality.


A person of courage views things calmly, and for this reason acquires
wisdom. A person of wisdom is able to discern future outcomes, and so
acquires courage. By the same process, we must strive to become people
of wisdom and courage.


BEING young means to possess the greatest wealth, even if one is
penniless. Hope, potential and limitless energy are the assets of
youth. You do not need to be in a hurry to own a nice home, or seek
status and position, or get rich quick. If you dedicate yourself
earnestly to your mission, everything you need for your life will come
to you naturally.


WHAT is important for leading a joyful life? Tolstoy constantly
stressed the importance of "correct faith". He said, "If you want to
be quiet and strong, work and improve your faith." Genuine faith is a
sword of belief and conviction that cuts through all sufferings; it is
a bright light of hope that illuminates darkness and confusion. None
led lives of greater strength and composure than you who base your
lives on faith dedicated to truth and justice.