Passion

Young People Rock!

Tonight's District Meeting had 6 youth!

I am once again blown away by the level of fortune in my life. Every day is so full and flowing with fortune and benefit...even now when I have been laid off and am looking for a job. 

On Monday I drove 5 hours each way to get my son Ben from college for winter break, and we had an incredible time together. He is going through a real life awakening (as his poem I posted here in September shows), and he is really grateful for me and his practice of Buddhism. He is discovering his mission in life and exploring the realm of alternative education. 

My older son Aaron is enjoying every moment of Medical School, feeling that he is absolutely in the right place a the right time. It's a perfect fit. The culture of his Medical School, his fellow students, his housemates, his daily practice of Buddhism, the classes...everything is perfect. 

All week I've been thinking how nice it would be if they came to the meeting tonight, but I didn't want to push them. I know they are both really busy; Ben is completing a paper for school and Aaron is in the middle of testing. 

Mid-day Ben called to tell me he was planning on coming to the meeting and performing, and when I let Aaron know Ben was coming, Aaron found the time to come. We also had Zara (our songbird) and her friend Yammy. Alex came to lend his special brand of wisdom and Deb's daughter Kirsten came for the very first time! We even had a future division member, little Andy with us tonight. 

The room was filled with energy. President Ikeda talks about the youth leading the way for Kosen Rufu (World Peace) in the 21st century and he is absolutely right! These young people who grasp the power of the mystic law are unstoppable. They are developing and showing actual proof and ready to inspire and lead. 

All the members in the meeting benefited from the youthful presence. We did Gongyo together and discussed key aspects of Buddhism. Afterwards we had chili and cake. 

Everyone left invigorated and inspired by the strength of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. 

Once again I encourage you to join your fellow SGI members. Contact your local SGI organization by searching on SGI International and join your fellow members. It's the only way to get the full benefit from chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Coming together to study and share experiences amplifies all our benefits. 

I would love to hear your SGI meeting experiences. Have any of you connected for the first time, or reconnected? 

Hope is Life's Treasure

The purpose of this blog is to give you hope....to keep that fire burning in you --- even when it seems like everything is rising up against you. Hope is the most important thing. It is important for me. It is important for you. It is important for all those around you that you maintain hope!
I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I do.
I am reading it over and over as I face the challenges in my life!
Enjoy!

Daisaku Ikeda wrote this for us on January 2nd, 2012...his 84th birthday.

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."

The arrogant
who ridicule the hopeful
invariably fall in defeat,
left with naught but regret.

On no account
must we ruin
our lives,
which shine with such promise!

Hope is
a jewel that inspires and uplifts.
As long as we have hope,
we will never be deadlocked.

Victory always awaits
and happy smiles spread
where there is hope.

In the words of
the admirable Wangari Maathai,
the Kenyan environmental activist
and friend whom my wife and I
will never forget:
"Hope is like a flower,
which, when it blooms,
does so no matter
what mood it's in
or who is watching.
It always gives its best.
We can too."

Hope is
a flower that blossoms
in effort and perseverance.
Hope is
the noble visible reward
of those who accumulate unseen virtue.

People who live out their lives
with hope
never become jaded
or apathetic.

A contributive life
of giving hope
to those who are suffering
is a source of growth,
fulfillment,
learning,
creativity
and solidarity.

The great Spanish author
Miguel de Cervantes wrote,
"Just as light shines
more brightly in darkness,
so hope should be
more steadfast in trials."

Hope is the hallmark
of invincible fortitude.
Life is a struggle -
hence, our challenge is to live
with optimism and strength,
year after year.

InazoNitobe,
the great Tohoku-born educator,
friend of first Soka Gakkai president
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi,
declared that hope
can be found
even in the darkest gloom.

Such hope, he said,
is "visible only
to the eye of
faith and courage."

Even while imprisones dor his beliefs,
President Makiguchi wrote serenely,
"Depending on one's frame of mind,
even hell can be enjoyable."

Josei Toda later said
in gratitude to his martyred mentor,
"In your vast and boundless compassion,
you let me accompany you
even to prison."

As the third Soka Gakkai president,
I have steadfastly walked
the profoundly solemn
path of selfless dedication
of mentor and disciple.

I have given my life
to realizing all
the cherished hopes of
my mentor.
My heart is clear and bright,
without a cloud of regret.

As Nichiren Daishonin writes,
"The sun breaks through
the pitch-black dark."
Courageous faith is
the sun of limitless hope.

Mentor and disciple
committed to the noblest cause
will rise above all trials and adversity;
the unsurpassed brilliance of their lives
shining on forever.

Infinite hope!
The mystic law is the source.
A boundless state of life!
Faith and practice are the key.

In the Lotus Sutra,
we find these truly generous words:
"We beg that the merit (we have) gained...
may be spread far and wide to everyone,
so that we and other beings
all together may attain the Buddha way."

Kosen-rufu us
the supreme and colossal hope
of elevating
all humanity
to a vast life-state
of peace and happiness.

Ah---
Hope! Hope! Hope!
Hope is life's treasure.

At the start of a new year,
a new day,
let us set forth,
brimming with bright hope,
the sun of time without beginning
brimming in our hearts!

Let us boldly break through
even the deepest turmoil
of these troubled times,
and be the ones to create new hope!

Let us advance in triumph,
imparting the hope
of absolute victory
to one person after another!

The French writer and activist
Romain Rolland said,
"The last hope of our day
lies in youth."

I now wish to declare for all to hear:
"The greatest hope for the future lies in Soka youth."

My young friends,
never be defeated!

No matter what trials and hardships
may befall you,
never lose sight of
the golden light of hope!

Oh my friends,
my beloved friends
whom I trust with all my heart,
live out your lives with hope!
Be victorious without fail!

Daisaku Ikeda
--on my 84th birthday,
January 2nd, 2012

Job Finding Experience

Hi!
 I'm setting off for Oxford Ohio at the crack of dawn to pick up Ben from college for winter break. I thought you might appreciate having another look at Kathy's awesome experience:

My name is Kathy Fisher.  On October 31^st I celebrated 33 years of practicing this awesome Buddhism.  

Last year on April 15, 2011, I lost my job due to my company downsizing its work force by a third due to losses.  I have been in the insurance Commercial Property and Casualty field for the past 22 years and was an Underwriting Supervisor for the past 5 years working for an insurance carrier. I had the polished resume, references and experience.

Two months prior to losing my job I was asked to be a Soka Gakkai  (SGI) Vice Chapter Leader in the West Chapter, Chicago Zone, and Central Territory.  Prior to being promoted I was the District Leader of the Downers Grove District. 

I presently live with my 2 sons one of which is disabled.  

I continued to chant daimoko, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, with the resolve I would not suffer from the obstacle of being laid off and out of work.  In my new leadership role I assumed more responsibilities and became more focused on member care on the chapter level.  Members would call me for guidance and encouragement since I was home on a regular basis.   This was such an awesome benefit in my life.  Never had I been so accessible to the members. I also had the ability to chant even more than ever on a daily basis. A dream was to able to clean our Illinois Activity Center in Wood Dale, IL for the first time ever I had the benefit of living that dream.  

I have worked so hard all of my life since high school and was now in a situation where I had been middle management and was an older person looking for work.  I made a nice salary as well in my former position.  I never had an issue finding employment in my life.  There have been occasions where I would be off, but not for long stretches of time in my employment. 

I was determined nothing would be an obstacle.  I went on interviews for great positions only to hear someone else was chosen.  I also came to realize that I was facing age discrimination.  Many of my friends and family had experienced this discrimination and were forced into early retirement.  Another obstacle was the fact that I was middle management and was overqualified for some of the positions I was apply for.  To say the least this was very demoralizing and exhausting. I had to remain optimistic with a fighting attitude that I would not be defeated by this obstacle.  

See I was chanting for my retirement job not just any job.  I would have the whole package and nothing less.  I was going to have the job with all the bells and whistles.  Awesome benefits, would work in a thriving positive environment, be appreciated, and show powerful actual proof in my life by practicing this Buddhism.  Everything happens for a reason in our lives.  Firmly believing in this spurred me on in my practice.  I knew in my heart my prayers would be answered.

Months turned into a year and a year into 16 months.  I realized just what a crazy exhausting life I had up until now.  Working so very hard without taking time off had become my way of life.  I came to realize I was exactly where I needed to be for World Peace.  

I reaffirmed my vow to my mentor, President Ikeda that this would be a win in my life to overcome my obstacle.  “On Attaining Buddhahood In This Lifetime” written by President Ikeda became a deeper part of my life.  In Chapter 3, page 25 is a very profound quote I started applying to my life, “Indeed, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can be likened to a “wish-granting jewel.”  How can we develop the boundless state of life that enables us to bring forth whatever strength is necessary?  President Toda often used to say, “If you really want to achieve such a state of life, you have to fight with every ounce of your being for the Lotus Sutra, for kosen-rufu!”  President Toda also stressed the importance of living true to oneself.

During the May Contribution campaign I went and applied for a widow pension which was a benefit I did not know if I qualified for due to my son’s disability through Social Security.  This was 2 weeks prior to the end of the campaign.  I was qualified instantly and it was not linked to his benefits.  I was able to contribute 5 times the amount during this campaign, the most ever in my practice.  This was another dream come true.

On July 28^th I attended a meeting at our Illinois Activity Center for a Leader’s Meeting with Linda Johnson, SGI National Women’s Division Leader. For years I have chanted to meet her and dialogue.

After the meeting I was introduced to her.  I was living my dream.  She graciously thanked me for all my efforts for SGI.  I was able to share my obstacle with her and determined to her I would not be defeated by this obstacle and the discrimination I was experience. I would make the impossible possible in my life.  She told me to never give up and told me she would be chanting for my complete success.  What a benefit in my life!

I continued to chant and interview with the determination of a lion for kozen-rufu.  I knew in my heart I would win completely.  In all my years I have never been defeated by anything.  

Prayers are answered exactly when they are suppose to be and complete faith and continuous daimoku is the key to winning.  

My complete victory manifested today on August 15, 2012.  I start my new job on August 27, 2012.  I will have fantastic benefits, hours, and very positive work environment.  I will have the opportunity to take on underwriting responsibilities.  Here is another surprise I have always wanted to truly learn the underwriting aspect of the insurance world.  Another dream has come true.  I never once suffered financially during this entire experience.  

Please never give up, resolve to show actual proof, embrace your SGI family, enjoy and appreciate every obstacle and benefit alike in your life.  You are the Buddha and more powerful than you realize.  A very special thank you to my family, friends, and SGI family you are all simply the best!

Creating Financial Fortune

From my friend Mojo in Louisiana...todays' sunrise

In "My Dear Friends in America" there is an essay by Daisaku Ikeda called "Our Attitude Changes Everything." Here are some of his insights into Financial Fortune:

"When you clearly envision a victorious outcome, engrave it in your heart and are firmly convinced that you will attain it, your brain makes every effort to realize the mental image you have created. Then, through your unceasing efforts, that victory is finally made a reality. 

Andrew Carnegie was born into a family so poor that they couldn't afford to call a midwife to assist at his birth, but by death he had accumulated $400 million. It is difficult to calculate the equivalent value today. 
Carnegie believed in returning his earnings to society. He contributed $60 million to the creation of public libraries and $78 million to improving the educational system. When all his contributions are totaled they amount to $365 million. This is equivalent to a daily contribution of $1 million for an entire year!
Incidentally, Carnegie's philosophy of victory was that a cheerful personality is more important than wealth. The human heart, he insisted, is just like the body. It should not remain in the shade but should move to a place in the sun. When we face difficulties, we should laugh at them. Carnegie called on everyone to walk out into the sunshine. 
Always turning our hearts to the sun - that kind of life will bring victory, according to Carnegie. As a child he would often tell his impoverished mother: "Mother I promise that someday I will buy you a silk dress. I will make sure that you have servants and your own carriage to go out in."
This determination, this mind of Carnegie's became a force for invincible effort and infinite wisdom in life. His mother also believed in her son's future, believed without the slightest doubt. "I know you will become a great person," she said to him. 
Carnegie never dreamed of the possibility of failure. That is why he could march forward without fear. His energy and confidence were contagious. A story of victory unfolded around Carnegie, with him as its central character.

The Positive Life View Within a Single Moment

You are the playwright of your own victory. You are also the play's hero. Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage. / And all the men and women are merely players. (from As You Like It, act II, scene vii, line 139)

Buddhism teaches us that the individual writes and performs the script of his or her own life. Neither chance nor a divine being writes it for us...

To the Coward Everything is Impossible

Sir Walter Scott wrote that everything is impossible to the coward. Why? Because he sees everything as impossible." 

Generous Hearts Invite Great Happiness

The most important thing is to develop our states of life. When human beings think of nothing but themselves, they increasingly become entrenched in small-mindedness and their small, lesser selves. 
In contrast, those who work toward a great and all-encompassing objective - for the sake of the law, for others, for society - can forge generous hearts and great, magnanimous selves through the mystic function of their minds. Those with big hearts are assured of savoring great happiness."

Daisaku Ikeda is incredibly wise, learned and insightful. I hope we can all take the time every day to read his words.  

On this Sunday I am going now to chant, and I leave you with a song and hope in your hearts. You are magnificent. Chant your song. Chant your life. Live cheerfully today and every day. And never give up! 

Why do we chant?

Holiday Wonderland in Malaysia...enchanting! 

If you're new to the whole chanting idea...or even if you're not...why do it? What does chanting do for you? 

Let's look at a few basics behind the very idea of chanting. 

First of all, one of the main concepts of Buddhism is
that:

You are a Buddha. 
We are all Buddhas. 
What is a Buddha?

 One who is awakened to the fact that he or she is a microcosm of the universe, and therefore has all the power of the universe within.  All Buddhas are equal. We do not pray TO the Buddha! We ARE the Buddha. We chant to access the power within us...and channel it in the direction we want it to go. 

It's there. All the power...all the glory...all the beauty. Right in our own lives. And it's accessible by chanting the simple words Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. These words mean: I fuse my life with the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration. Chanting these words is like calling out to the law of the universe BY NAME, and bringing forth whatever you may desire. 

That's another beautiful thing about chanting. Your DESIRES ARE ENLIGHTENMENT. The more desires you have, the better! Your desires are all good - in this unique form of Buddhism. Even the bad ones. 

When you chant for what you want you will change your life in a positive direction. When you chant, you are plugging your life into the miraculous power of the entire universe. You don't have to understand it. You don't have to believe it. It's a Law. 

I know a man who started chanting to prove to his wife that chanting did not work. More than 40 years later he is still chanting because he realized how profoundly it DID work....even when he didn't believe in it. He has inspired countless people with his story and with his life. (Hi Amos!)

Chanting works because our selves and our environments are interconnected. Our lives are interwoven and are able, with our own power, to affect the entire environment in which we live. 

I'm sure you've noticed this many times in your life. There are days in which you hit every green light, and days in which you hit every red one. I know this is simplified, but I think you understand what I am saying. And because of this, when we chant to change our own lives...when we chant to raise our life conditions, when we chant to realize the magnificence of our own Buddhahood, the environment around us changes as well. It has to. Try it and see. 

I offer you this: Do an experiment. For the next 100 days chant at least 5 minutes every morning and evening. Go the SGI-usa.com website and find people in your area who chant. Go to meetings. Make a Buddhist friend. Write your list of desires. And watch your life change in a positive direction! You will feel your own happiness growing and growing. Get some books at the SGI Center by you, or order them through the publications number on the website. Anything written by Daisaku Ikeda is the key to your growth. He has dedicated his life to achieving world peace through each person's human revolution for 64 years. One of my favorite books of his is a small book called "On Attaining Buddhahood". 

You can be happier than you ever imagined....and your desires CAN come true. I am living proof of that. YOU CAN BE TOO! 

Great Gosho Quotes to Live By

As many of you know, the Gosho are the letters that Nichiren Daishonin wrote to his followers encouraging them. Each one of these contains gems of wisdom that you can use to navigate through life. 

From The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon comes a comforting quote...one to engrave in our lives:

"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 ehr always. Like a lantern in the dark, like a strong supporting arm on a treacherous path, the Gohonzon will protect you, Lady Nichinyo, wherever you go. Therefore you should ward off slanderers as you would prevent a courtesan from entering your home. That is the meaning of "Part with bad friends and seek out good ones."  

And here is a quote to refresh our determination and make us bold:

"Your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward."

From Reply to Kyo'o

And from one of my favorite Goshos:

If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured though eternity and attain supreme enlightenment in this lifetime, you must awaken to the mystic truth which has always been within your life. This truth is Myoho renge kyo. Chanting Myoho renge kyo will therefor enable you to grasp the mystic truth within you...

It is called the mystic law because it explains the mutually inclusive relationship of life and all phenomenon...

When you chant the mystic law and recite the Lotus Sutra, you must summon up deep conviction that Myoho Renge Kyo is your life itself. 

Above quotes are from the Gosho "On Attaining Buddhahood"

And again: 

"One who hears even a sentence or phrase of the Lotus Sutra and cherishes it deep in his heart may be likened to a ship which navigates the sea of suffering. The Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help him reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation..." 

From "A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering"