Have Limitless Faith in the Power of Your Own Life

Yes

This is a great visual of human revolution. Inside all of us is incredible power. When we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo facing the Gohonzon with all our heart we bring out the lion within. 

Nichiren Daishonin says in the Gosho "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is like the Roar of a Lion what sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" (From Reply to Kyo'o, The Collected Writings of Nichiren Daishonin) 

"Sickness" can be anything. It can be illness, depression, abuse. It can be the negativity in our own hearts and heads. It can be anything in our lives that we don't want. Our chanting can take care of that sickness, and rid it from our lives completely. It starts with a strong practice. 

The beginning of the year is an excellent time to resolve to strengthen your practice. It's a great time to resolve "I am going to practice harder than ever this year, and I will finally overcome_______(you fill in the blank). That is how you make the impossible possible. 

Continually remaking this determination is how I fulfilled a lifetime goal of mine. It's how I lost the weight I'd carried my whole life. After continually making this determination, year after year, I finally found out that the foods I was eating were actually making me more hungry and making it impossible to reach my goals. By this time I had developed the inner strength it too to totally change my diet. I'd also gotten the fortune to have friends who could guide me on the path by showing me all the new and exciting foods I could eat. This enabled me to switch my focus from what I couldn't eat to what I could eat. (Thank you dear Julia!) I developed healthy habits that now come easily to me. I feel and look better than ever. But this did not come the very first time I made the determination. I had to make it  over and over and over and after continual practice I achieved my goal. I didn't give up although some years I did feel discouraged. But I persisted. And I won. This was a goal that for many years felt absolutely impossible. And I won. 

In "My Dear Friends in America, Collected U.S.Addresses 1990-1996" Daisaku Ikeda says in the essay "Buddhism is the Clear Mirror that Reflects our Lives" 

       "If you practice faith while doubting its effects, you will get results that are, at  best, unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own weak faith in the mirror of the cosmos.

      "On the other hand, when you stand up with strong conviction, you will accumulate limitless blessings. 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 to attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime..."

And, as Daisaku Ikeda repeatedly says: "Don't Give Up!" 

      

     

Financial Determination by a reader to get out of Debt

Here's a note from a blog reader friend in England:

"Just a quick note to say thanks to your blog; I was chanting yesterday morning and had a realization, a fundamental shift in my attitude and wrote it down on my prayer; I determined to lose the FEAR of debt that has dominated my life for so long.  I was determined to work to pay them off and have made great progress there (action) but my attitude had stayed the same. I start thinking about one debt and all the others crown in to try and overwhelm me.    I am about halfway thru my million daimoku on this subject and finally 'got' it.   And today, I was reading a lecture by Sensei.  I substitute the word debt for sickness and it's like he's talking to me:  ...'there is no reason to allow yourself to be controlled by illness (debt), for it to fill your life with suffering and distress.  From the standpoint of eternal life through the three existences, your fundamentally happy self is incontrovertibly established.' 
 I vowed to feel financially secure.  My months goal is to pay my £4'622.06 tax bill in full and on time at the end of this month.
 
It's just such a remarkable start to the year.  I have one insight, raise my ichinen and have a stonking business day. No coincidence."

Awesome! We can all use this idea to overcome anything! 

You can change ANYTHING through chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

I have gotten many emails lately, and I have not been able to respond to every single one. The guidelines I give below are for everyone. These are my suggestions alone. I do not represent anyone or anything except my own experience. It works for me! 

If you've been chanting to change things in your life...if you've been chanting about relationships, your career etc...consider looking inward and chanting to change yourself. Changing your SELF - doing your human revolution is vital to your successfull practice. 

What is the process?

1. Own the problem...realize that whatever you want to change may LOOK like it is outside yourself...but it's roots are within your life. That means that you cannot complain or say "WHY ME?". Really you have to own it...not BLAME yourself for it...not feel guilty about it. It's okay to get a little angry and make a fierce and roaring declaration to change whatever you need to change.

2. Turn your prayer INWARD. Chant to change YOURSELF. Chant to have the courage to make the changes you need to make in order to generate the results you want to create in your life. Remember that all change starts from within. And your environment will change to reflect the inner changes you have made. 

A SuperPrayers to accomplish this could be:

"I am determined to make any changes I need in my thoughts, my actions, my chanting, to make continual positive causes that will result in rooting the cause of -____________(fill in the blank with your challenge here) my negative karma OUT OF MY LIFE!  I am determined to make the changes inside myself...to do my own human revolution and raise my life condition! I am determined to change in any way I need to change to attract the .......(you fill in the blank) into my life. Life! I am bringing the determination, wisdom and fire I need to create the life of my dreams. I AM NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO! I AM ROARING LIKE A LION IN MY OWN LIFE! I WILL CREATE MY LIFE! I do this not only for me, but for everyone who is suffering. I will lead the way for fellow sufferers. I am determined to glow within my own life. I am determined to be a shining light for all who are suffering. I am determined to be the beacon of hope that ANYONE can solve their problems by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. I am ready to meet people who are ready to hear about this practice!  I chant to have the most inspiring life. Gohonzon (my life) I need to see these results now!"

I also advise: 

1. Chant one hour every single morning to the absolute best of your ability. And do evening Gongyo every day too. 

2. Encourage others who practice, and tell everyone about the power of this practice. I plant seeds everywhere I go by giving out Nam Myoho Renge Kyo cards. Planting seeds is a tremendous cause for your life, for their life and for our shared peace and happiness together, Kosen Rufu. Chant for others. 

3. Study President Ikeda's guidance and the Gosho with your life. Chant to understand his words with your life. Chant to understand the master and disciple relationship with your life. 

4. Go to SGI activities with joy in your heart and an aim to contribute as much as you can and make the most of every meeting. Your spirit while attending these meetings makes a difference. 

5. Every morning before you get up think of at least 10 things you appreciate about your life. My mother took my advice when she was feeling sad, and it changed her whole outlook she says. 



You can do this! You Buddha YOU!

A New Beginning

Hello, welcome to the first full work week of the new year.

This weekend I rearranged my entire living room. I added a couch and moved my TV into the corner where it belongs and put my altar in the center of the living room. Now all the members will be able to see it better. I also finally found the perfect altar light. I know that this change will have a profound effect on my life, and the lives of the precious members who come to my house to chant. I look forward to sharing many victories with you. 

I'm set for the New Year.

Have you written your new determinations for the new year yet? If not, it is not too late.

This morning I am focusing on creating a beautiful future and appreciating the wonderful life I have. I am chanting to join spirits with Daisaku Ikeda and for my life to be a living example of the power of this practice. 

I am working on a great benefit to be able to report to you. It's not ready yet, and I am not sure how long it will take. The important thing when going through any challenge is to keep your head high, keep chanting strong daimoku, keep encouraging other people and don't stop chanting until you get the benefit. Not giving up is the most important thing.

Have a great day. 

Trust Your Prayer

I just talked to one of the members of my SGI District. 

I will post her whole experience as soon as she has finished writing it...but in the meantime here is a synopsis. 

My young friend received her Gohonzon on New Year's Day two years ago. She got some immediate benefits and really appreciated the Gohonzon, but could never really chant twice a day and she was only able to make about 3 meetings a year. 

Right before Christmas she lost her job. She came over and we spent a lot of time together. her background was traditional Buddhism and she was taught to appreciate her life, but to never ask for anything specific in her prayer. As you know this practice advises us to chant for exactly what we want. 

She went away on a vacation she'd planned and chanted twice a day the whole time. She chanted for a job to be waiting for her when she returned, and boom ~ she got her new job within two days of returning home. And it's a job that will give her the time to come to meetings. She'll be coming to the youth Division kick-off meeting in Chicago at 10:00 this Sunday. 

She said she chanted for it to be easy, and she trusted her prayer. 

Awesome! 

Power Prayers for the New Year

Ahhh, great sunset. I wish I were still on my cruise! Instead I am with my family visiting Cleveland where it is very wintery here...snowbanks and everything.

I am still focusing on chanting about my New Year's Determinations and Power Prayers. I know the moment of power is now. There are, as always, many things left unfinished from last year's goals and it's important not to get feel too bad about them. The other day I made a list of all the accomplishments I made last year, and all the things I feel good about. That is a great place to start!

At the New Year it is time to:


Make a new determination
Make a fresh determination
Make a bold determination!

What  does this mean?

Making a determination sets your course. It's like a compass. It can move your life. It is a powerful tool. It is a cry of the heart. Once you make a determination your life begins to move in the direction you have set! 

So how do you do it?

It starts with your desire. Some of my best determinations come when I am in front of the Gohonzon chanting. That's why I always have pen and paper handy.

What's the difference between a goal and a determination?

Goals are usually short and set in time. "I will lose 20 pounds by my birthday." Sound familiar? "I will get straight "A"s this year. Get the idea?

A determination goes deeper. It can make many changes at once. Here are a few examples of mine.

"I vow to create VICTORY in every aspect of my life! 

Determination for strong faith:

I am determined to use this faith to the best of my ability. Every moment I learn and deepen my prayer. I study and deepen my faith so I can encourage others. I  do morning and evening Gongyo every day and live my life to help others discover this practice. My life is a shining example that this practice works. I live my life as a joyful response to my mentor and an affirmation that I can do anything I desire. 

Some of you know I lost 70 pounds. 
Here is my determination: 

For my Body: I am determined to be healthier, happier, and more fit than I have ever been. I'm determined to find the right practitioners and who will guide me in my path to vibrant health! I feel better and better every single day! I am determined to know which food choices contribute to my overall good health, and to use this knowledge to the best of my ability! 

(Note: since I made this determination I have found exactly what I need to be healthier than ever, and I am putting it into practice)

And when I knew it was time to move on from my marriage I determined to have the kind of divorce that was so positive and uplifting that people would be inspired to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. And two of my friends who saw us going through the divorce process were so inspired they began chanting and have since changed their lives in amazing ways. 

(Note: today, January 3rd I am in Cleveland Ohio with my entire family, Paul and Aaron and Ben - and we are spending time with Julia and Cliff. Julia started chanting when she saw us together two summers ago. Now she is enjoying all the benefits from two years of chanting with determination: her health has returned and she is experiencing love for her husband in a whole new way)

I have a vow for my love life too: 
"I VOW to create Victory in every aspect of my life! I will have the kind of love relationship that brings us both absolute joy! It will grow every day and we will spend our time together delighting in each other's happiness and having fun exploring this wonderful world! Both of us have passion and drive and We will appreciate each other in ways I have never experienced in a relationship, and our love and appreciation will grow and deepen through the years.

(This one has yet to manifest, but I know it will!)

I have determinations for many areas of my life. I believe this is very important for creating the life of my dreams and being happier than I ever thought possible! And all of this is possible for you! That's why I write this blog!!!

You can make a strong determination in every area of your life. And while you are chanting, you can focus on expressing these determinations to your life!

It's the right time to move your life! It's the right time to dig deep! Please share your determinations with me, and share your successes. I am actively gathering material for the book I am writing for you and everyone you wish to inspire. Wouldn't you love to have YOUR story in it? Join me! 

Happy New Year - Hon Nim Myo!

Happy New Year!

What a great opportunity to change our lives. 

On New Years we celebrate with "Hon Nim Myo" spirit. "Hon Nim Myo" means "from this moment forth." This moment is the only moment that counts. Anything we did in the past, and anything we WILL do in the future mean nothing next to "Hon Nim Myo." We can access the power of this exact moment. You have it. I have it. We all access it any time we chant. 

There is a Gosho called "The New Year's Gosho written by Nichiren Daishonin. I quote from the Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume One, 1985. 

     "A person who celebrates this day will gain virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and the sun shines more brightly traveling from west to east. 
      First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground and another sutra states that the Buddha is in the west. However closer examination reveals that both exist on our five-foot body. The reason I think so is that hell is in the heart of of a man who despises his father and disregards his mother, just like the lotus seed, which contains both flower and fruit at the same time. In the same way, the Buddha dwells inside our hearts. For example, flint can produce fire and gems possess value in themselves. We common mortals can see neither our eyebrows, which are so close, nor heaven in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts."

Many years ago, 1987 to be exact, I attended a Gosho lecture by a brilliant SGI leader called Pete Cranock. Here's what he told us that touched my heart:

He said that if making up our minds could have changed our lives, it would have already changed them. In many cases we can't make things happen by changing our minds alone because there is karma. Karma is created by lifetimes of causes we have made, and causes we are still making. Every thought, every action is a cause. These causes create momentum that make it hard to reverse the motion of our lives. Our habits are hard to change. That is why we practice Buddhism. We chant to change the momentum of our habits, and we chant to make the changes that we haven't been able to make by changing our minds alone. That is why we chant. 
By chanting we access the power to change our karma. And we CAN do it. Starting right now. We don't have to wait. He said that our prayer on New Year's Day is deeper because we make it so. We can use the momentum of New Year's Day to deepen our prayer and really CHANGE what we want to change. Now is the time to take the opportunity. He said it is good to plan out our prayer for New year's Day. It's good to make our lists and take a long, hard look at our lives. We all know that sometimes looking at our lives is painful. But we have the greatest tool, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and we have the Gosho and Daisaku Ikeda and our friends in the SGI to support us.

He said: 
"If you feel stale, chant for the type of actual proof that will really help you to be excited abou this practice." 

He stressed that knowledge about Buddhism isn't enough. Yes, we all KNOW that Buddhahood is within our lives, but it is only through daily concentrated practice that we can actually experience this state of life within ourselves.

It is difficult to chant. It is difficult to chant every day. 

We might as well have the attitude "I am going to make the most of this practice. I am going to give it all I've got." You have to jump in all the way if you want the best results. Practicing with enthusiasm is important. Think of it like ringing the bell. If you ring the bell softly you will get a soft sound. If you ring it with harder with conviction you can feel its sound echoing through your body. Chant to ring the bell with conviction.

When you go to an activity, think "I am here to get the MOST out of this activity." You gain benefit when you are doing something with joy. 
Refresh our practice. Deepen our sincerity and live lives of joy and appreciation. 
And as I always say: "Tell your life what you want. Do not pray to anyone or anything - except your life itself. 

Happy, Happy New Year. May this be the year that we ALL make our dreams come true, and show our friends and families the way to happiness.