Hello Obstacles!

I post the flower here as a symbol of the unfolding of Buddhahood within all of our lives. When we chant consistently our lives unfold peacefully and beautifully and happily. I am so grateful for receiving the gift of these flowers...they are beautiful and strong and sending me their own kind of encouragement right now. 

On "Obstacles":

What do Buddhists mean when they use the word "obstacles"? We mean the same thing other people say when they use the word "problems". And we use this word for a reason. 

If you are a true practicing Buddhist you have no problems. Problems are stagnant things that hang around forever. Problems are something people learn to live with and accept. Problems tend to linger...when people feel powerless to change them. 

But "obstacles" are totally different.

Obstacles come to strengthen our lives and make us happier. 

As practicing Buddhists we KNOW our lives are on a positive trajectory. We KNOW that if we persevere in our practice, and continue studying, helping others learn to chant, that all our obstacles will clear away. 

Obstacles are the logs on the fire that serve to STRENGTHEN our lives! We burn them with our fierce Daimoku. How can we be afraid of them? We should actually be grateful for them. I remember the first time a leader suggested that I have gratitude for my obstacle. I had to chant about her suggestion. I had to chant myself into a state of appreciation for my obstacle. Of course that helped to clear it away. 

At this moment I am facing a huge obstacle. Woohoo! That means a huge benefit is right around the corner. Isn't it wonderful to live life with this attitude? I share my life with you so you can claim victory for yourself in the face of obstacles. 

Instead of looking at the challenges in your life as "problems" please take another view. Realize that obstacles are there for your own development and USE your practice to knock them down one after another. And you will emerge with a strong and undaunted life force that will inspire others and bring you the kind of happiness you truly want...the kind of happiness that comes from within. 

Say to your life: 


Hello Obstacle and Hello Benefit.


They are one and the same.
Especially if you have the right attitude and a strong practice.
We practice daily so that when a big obstacle hits us we are strong, strong, strong.

I had a friend in Japan who had chanted for more than 40 years.

He said "When I get a big problem I am so happy! I know that there will be a big benefit from this problem!"

And he really has the right idea.

Today, Monday morning, I am facing some meetings which will determine my future at the company where I work. All the employees are facing uncertainty today. I wrote a few days ago that layoffs and closings have been announced, but no specifics have come out so far. No Problem! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

I am so grateful I chanted for three hours on Sunday. I am not scared, and I will keep smiling. I will encourage my fellow co-workers as much as I can. I was chanting for their happiness...and for their peace of mind. I am a walking Buddha in the world, just like all of us Soka Gakkai members. Everywhere I go I represent Daisaku Ikeda. My goal is to make him proud and do the right thing at all times. Especially in times of great change! My goal is also to encourage people everywhere with every fibre of my being. 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Chanting with a wide open heart

Chanting three hours today

Join me! 

I'm chanting to inspire each of you in the use of this fabulous life-changing tool we have found... the tool of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...the name of the rhythm of life itself. When we chant these words and focus on what we want to create, we make the impossible possible! 

That is what chanting is for. 

Making the impossible possible. 

If it was easy we wouldn't have to chant at all. 

But our challenges FUEL our growth!!! And we can take the bull by the horns and change anything we wish. 

I'm chanting for you to find the strength and determination to take each one of your challenges and use your own life force through chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to convert every poison into medecine! 

 I'm chanting for each of you to be so incredibly happy and inspired and that all your dreams are coming true! You are so happy that you have to tell everyone about this amazing practice! 

I'm chanting for my life to be a shining example that a life lived and dedicated to the happiness of everyone is a life that is fun and happy. 

I'm chanting for a world that is safe, free of hunger and pain, and filled with the light of love, and light and warmth. 

I'm chanting for everyone who works for my company to be happy and secure. And I chant for me to use my talents the best that I possibly can for Kosen Rufu with people who inspire me in an environment I love! 

Benefits Overflowing - even amidst uncertainty!

Look at my beautiful flowers! 
I am overflowing with wonderful fortune! 

I have been enjoying my life so much lately. 
And nothing...nothing will daunt me. 


I am continuing to focus on chanting to increase my capacity for love, and for happiness. I am chanting to increase my capacity to help others, my capacity to experience pleasure, intelligence, vision. I feel my life expanding in all directions. 

I am also chanting to release my resistance to change. Phew, what a powerful prayer that is. I started chanting that way after I set up an appointment with a medical/nutritional intuitive. It's a good thing I have this power prayer to release my resistance to change, and I will continue to chant it with sincerity. The intuitive (who came highly recommended by a trusted friend) basically told me I have to change every thing I eat, and many of the things I use daily...like plastics and scented soaps, bubble bath, etc! Oh my goodness. We shall see. At this point I'm taking a look at all the changes and seeing what I can do. She said I've never been entirely healthy and can't even conceive what this level of vitality feels like. Hmmm. 

And I found out today that my company released a report that there will be many layoffs and changes. It was no big surprise and it is public knowledge. I greet this news with optimism and enthusiasm. If I am going to be staying on I will devote myself to success. If it's time for a new endeavor I will create a success in that as well. How wonderful to be possessing such an undaunted spirit. Here I am, as many of you know...on my own for the first time in my life...yet totally unafraid. And for long-time readers of this blog you know that wasn't always true. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. This is truly an inconspicuous benefit I am experiencing. Truly, what is better than inner strength and determination...lack of fear and real peace of mind? My prayers for strength are manifesting! 

Every day I am chanting to have confidence in my OWN LIFE!!! I chant to have confidence in my ability to make decisions, and in my own heart for my own self. I chant to appreciate and love myself. That is the powerful prayer we ALL need to have. ESPECIALLY WOMEN, and especially men! We all have to do it.

The women of America took a powerful stand for the world on election day. The entire planet breathed a sigh of relief. Aaaaaaahhhhh...now let us create a new America of unity and love. I will continue chanting every day. Every day. For the security and unity and wisdom of our great country and our great planet! 

Torrie's Experience of STRONG FAITH!!

Here's a message overflowing with hope from a Blog reader and blog writer, my new friend Torrie Patillo! Above is a picture of Torrie and her Mom Michele. Torrie is on the right. 


She writes a blog called http://onemilliondaimoku.wordpress.com. 
check it out! Thank you so much Torrie for sending this Thank you so much Torrie for all your enthusiasm, leadership in the SGI and strong, strong determination! You are an inspiration to us all, and I KNOW you will be victorious!  in. 


Here's the wonderful letter she wrote me, and her experience follows. 


From Torrie:

"I've been following your blog for the past 3 months, and I absolutely LOVE it!! You have given me lots of hope, encouragement and guidance over this time. I constantly forward your blog to my district, my kayo-kai sisters and my mom. I began my practice with SGI on 03/15/09 along with my life partner Tiffany. My mom Michele received Gohonzon 6 months later. We've had a lot of benefits from the practice. In 2011 a HUGE obstacle surfaced; my mom was diagnosed with Kidney failure. I've been chanting BIG TIME for her total health victory. I have lots of moments of sadness, anger, feeling defeated, but I always pick myself back up with daimoku, the Gosho, Living Buddhism, World Tribune, Sensei's website, spending time with SGI members, hanging out with my YWD friends, guidance from seniors in faith and YOUR blog. I had a break-through that I wanted to share with you (see my blog post below). I have a long way to go toward victory, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I KNOW 100% ALL PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED for the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra. I also mentioned you and your blog on my blog todayhttp://onemilliondaimoku.wordpress.com Thank you sooo much for being an awesome Bodhisattva, Myoho sister and warrior for Kosen-rufu. Sensei would be sooo proud! I chant daily for you to be victorious in all areas of your life, chant for the happiness/victories of your district, and chant for the happiness/victories of your blog followers. On behalf of SGI's YWD worldwide, WE LOVE YOU!!! Thank you so much for all that you do. I chant to repay my debt of gratitude to you and other SGI members world-wide. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!"
~Torrie Pattillo (YWD-Chapter Leader)
  Pikesville Maryland
 Jones Falls District
 Chesapeake Bay Region
 Mid-Atlantic Zone  

Torrie's Experience 

Most of you know my mom has ESRD (Kidney failure) and started Dialysis on June 15th, 2012. Well here's some GREAT news (and an answer to my prayers and the prayers of everyone else who's supported along the way); The University of Maryland Kidney Transplant Center coordinator called me today: they are ready for me to start the "work-up" to be my mom's donor. I have to do a 24 hour urine collection
so they can test the strength of my kidneys, a pap-smear, some blood work and a physical, then an all day medical evaluation, plus a few more test. They said I'm a perfect match for my mom, we just need to wait a little longer because of her blood transfusions. (her blood has formed antibodies due to the 3 blood transfusions, so her blood is confused right now, otherwise our blood is PERFECT together, and my kidney is perfect for her body otherwise). (I also need to lose a little weight, thank goodness I'm a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition LOL, now I can finally get this weight off in a healthy and sustainable way. I have the tools, now need to use them). Fortunately, even if her blood continues to have issues with my blood, that won't slow anything down. I would go into a "cross-match program". Here's an example/scenario of what that means

(Let's say a lady named Tina is a B+ blood type and needs a kidney. She has a daughter named Marie who is an O+ and wants to be her mom's donor and has a perfect kidney, but their blood types are incompatible. My mom Michele is an AB+ and I'm a B+ so our blood types ARE compatible, (actually AB+ although a rare blood type, is the ONLY blood type that can receive a kidney from ANY blood type as long as the antigens match, which mine do match. My mom was fortunate to have this blood type) but my mom is also compatible with Tina's daughter Marie. Since Tina is NOT compatible with her own daughter, but IS compatible with me, and my mom is a universal recipient, I could be Tina's donor and her daughter Marie could be my mom's donor.)

I don't mind doing the cross-match program, I actually think it's great because essentially I get to save 2 lives at once. The donor center is just going to keep doing testing to make sure that doing the cross-match is best for my mom. If my kidney is better for her, we'll go that route, but if cross-match is equally good, we'll do that so we can save her life and someone else's life. I'm putting it in the hands of the universe. I'm praying for the best possible outcome, the best kidney for my mom, and praying that everyone involved lives a long, happy, healthy life. I'm really excited about this process..even though it's scary, I'm very happy to do this for my mom, and happy that I may even get to help someone else in the process. How cool is that??? What a great mission :-) I'm very grateful I get to participate in this, and share this journey with my wonderful mommy :-)

Thanks again to everyone who's supported my family during this time. My wife, my family, my friends, the Wright family (my in-laws), my SGI family (Buddhist friends) my IIN friends, even my facebook friends...you all have been sooo important in this process, encouraging, compassionate and committed/united in prayer. People have visited my mom at the hospital during her 10 hospital stays, called her to support/encourage her, went over to chant with her, chanted/prayed for her, sent cards and gifts, advocated for her medical care, sent uplifting emails, left wonderful comments, have called me, chanted with me, offered support, offered to run errands, talked with me during weak moments, facebooked kind words, ect. It's amazing!!! I love you all. Thank you soooo much!!! I promised my mom a TOTAL HEALTH VICTORY, and dammit, I'm going to show her actual proof. I promised you all our prayers would be answered, and here we go, we're almost there :-) I'm VERY absolute in my beliefs that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo works and would protect my mom. It's coming to fruition at high speed. I am OVERWHELMED with gratitude right now. Thanks to each of you and thanks to the Universe!!! ♥ To each of you, I extend love, light, gratitude, appreciation and a commitment to repay my debt of gratitude. Stay tuned for a TOTAL Health Victory and good health head to toe for my mom, and I pray for victory in all areas of life for each of you.
-- 
Torrie Pattillo-Wright~

A Great After-Election Poem from Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda did not just write this poem, but I think today is a great day to share it with you!

The Indestructable Power of the People - A March of Joy and Tenacious Effort!" ( Excerpt)

The people
O, the people!
How great and noble
The indestructible mountain range
Of capable people!

Therein lies
The power to overturn
the unscrupulous,
The power to laugh dismissively
At the arrogant.

The united hearts of the people
Are like the sun.
Nothing is stronger
Than the people.
The people are a great wave~
No, a raging breaker.

For the colossus
Of the people arisen.
The ultimate power of destiny
That will determine the future
Of the Century of Humanity
Lies in the people.

Beside the people~
A human alliance
Of monumental scale~
All authoritarian forces
Pale into insignificance.

The people, who are fearless!
The people, who crush and destroy evil!

Those who sincerely value the people
Are wise and praiseworthy,
Those who vigorously take action,
Are filled with joy and courage,
Their faces shining brightly with victory.
Their lives are that of genuine humanity.
Upholding as they do
A lofty mission
Like the heavenly emissaries,
Commanded by all humankind.

Always uniting together as one,
The stout hearts of those capable individuals
Grow ever stronger
And shine ever brighter,
Creating a history of honor and triumph.

In such people
And in the realm in which they are active~
Together profoundly significant~
Stretches a vast open road of glory
That transcends all changes and transitions.

In tumultuous times,
Where each day
Is marked by ceaseless change,
We are serene
And undeterred.

We are always
Staunch allies of the people
We are determined to warmly welcome
With supreme compassion
Those who have been driven to despair
by the crass folly of those in power.
And
We have the power of friends
United in a shared purpose~
A power that can restore smiles
To the grim, frozen lips
Of many people
And make them gentle friends.

We wish to dedicate this precious life
To bestowing on all
Without exception
The crown of happiness ~
Happiness that shimmers
WIth the tranquil light of glory.

(May 2001)
Daisaku Ikeda

Power Prayers Create Benefits!

Thank you Katie for this beautiful Montana Sunset!

One aspect of Nichiren Buddhism, SGI Buddhism, is knowing that what we are thinking when we are chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (the name of the rhythm of life itself) is very important. 

In other words, our determinations will help us direct the aim of the arrows we are aiming into reaching our goals in our own lives. 

If we are sitting in front of the Gohonzon wondering what we are going to have for breakfast  -  our prayer will not be as effective as one with a clear target. 

There are prayers I like to call POWER PRAYERS that bring out the most benefit and help me to have the deepest certainty and conviction when I chant and pray. 

POWER PRAYER FOR LOVE AND EXPANDED CAPACITY:

I chant to EXPAND MY CAPACITY in all areas of my life. I chant to expand my capacity for LOVE, to expand my capacity for HAPPINESS, to expand my capacity to love and cherish myself and those around me. I chant to expand my BRAIN capacity, and my capacity to REMEMBER! I chant to expand my capacity for all positive thoughts...and to make positive causes every single moment of every day. I chant to expand my capacity to FEEL LOVED and to ACCEPT LOVE in my life. I chant to feel the love of those around me. I chant to let it in. I chant to expand my capacity to dance in joy, in love and in light. I chant to expand my capacity to spread that joy and love and light to others! I chant to expand my capacity to reach people who are suffering and to offer them the tool of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.  I chant to meet the people who are looking for this practice and want to learn about it. I chant for the happiness and peace of mind of all people...and that no children or adults should be living in fear, in hunger, in want. I chant to end bullying in any way, shape or form. I chant to change from the inside out...to release the resistance in my life to change. I chant to be open to changing in any way that will help me to be a shining beacon of light and hope to myself and those around me. 

Now THAT'S a Power Prayer! 
Share your power prayers with me. And share your results. The readers of this blog are waiting to hear about YOUR breakthroughs! 

One of the keys to Happiness...

We are all Buddhas. We all possess the power of the entire universe in our lives. And like this picture says, when we see the Buddha nature in another, that is what arises in their lives. 

I talk about my children on this blog from time to time. This picture says it all. I always expected the best and spoke positive words to them. I think it is important to never put our children down. The world does enough of that. 

I always told my kids how much I believed in them, and how proud I was of them. I'd say to them "You know the best course of action to take. You are so wise....I am so proud of you. And you know what? They always made me proud. They never did anything to disappoint me. They gave their best, and are still giving their best in all their endeavors. And the picture above really says it all. 

I always saw the best in my children. I always will see the best in them. And in turn, they have grown to see the best in themselves too. You know, we all are Buddhas, but ignorance obscures our view...feelings of guilt obscure our view...feelings of doubt obscure our view. 

Our daily practice of Buddhism serves to remove that ignorance and reveal our lives as the sparkling diamonds they are. And the best thing is we can chant about this. I chant to experience each moment as the brilliant sparkling diamond I really am inside. I chant to raise my life condition so that nothing, nothing, nothing can defeat me. 

We might not win every single struggle, but we only lose when we feel defeat. 

Every single day when we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo we access that power to win and channel it in the direction we want it to go. That is the core of our Buddhist practice. We do this in the morning and we do this in the evening. And when we chant every day twice a day it is not a chore, it is an honor...a blessing and a right. We each sit in front of our Gohonzons (scrolls inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin...the heart of the Buddhist altar) and we address our own lives with our prayers.

I hope you greet this day chanting in joy, and if you are in America chanting for your country. Or even if you are not in America, please chant for America. Please chant for America to elect the candidate who will best represent ALL the people...especially the ones who don't have enough money to influence the politics of the land. We need the kind of president who can work for us all. 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!