Our SGI Chapter leader is fond of saying "When you light a candle for another, you light it for yourself as well." In last week's meeting she shared this passage with us:
As many of you know, we practice for ourselves and we practice for others.
While talking to a new practitioner Daisaku Ikeda states: (from page 42 of January 2013 Living Buddhism, The New Human Revolution)
"...If you truly want to transform your karma and become happy, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone isn't enough. This is a practice for oneself and for others, so in addition to reciting the sutra and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we need to share this Buddhism with others. If you only pray for your own happiness, your faith will be selfish and self-centered."
The woman he was addressing told him she hadn't solved her problems yet, and she said she'd help others once she solved her own problems. It's easy to think this way, isn't it?
Daisaku Ikeda continued:
"No, that's not the way it works. If you were sick, would you avoid going to the hospital because you don't feel well enough to get out of bed and go there? Or would you hurry to the hospital in order to do so?...The same is true of this Buddhism. If you want to overcome your present sufferings you shouldn't put off making the effort, but take action right away. Of course if you are too physically ill, you don't need to push yourself.
"You can share this Buddhism without traveling far. Just talk about Buddhism to those who come to your house, or to your neighbors. The important thing is to earnestly share Nichiren Buddhism motivated by your determination for everyone to become happy."
When the person he was talking to said she didn't know what to say, another member said: "Start with what you know...Sharing why you decided to start this practice yourself is an excellent method."
The passage goes on to say that: "Josei Toda declared: "I will make a promise to all of you here today. I'd like you to make a commitment to do gongyo every morning and evening, without skipping, and introduce one person to the practice every two months.
"All of you here with problems, make a vow. Buddhism is an earnest struggle. I'll bet my life that if you faithfully carry out the practice described above, your problems will be resolved."
Those are strong words, and true. Josei Toda stood behind his every word. We can all benefit from his sage advice. Chanting, propagating and studying are the keys to happiness.
As many of you know, we practice for ourselves and we practice for others.
While talking to a new practitioner Daisaku Ikeda states: (from page 42 of January 2013 Living Buddhism, The New Human Revolution)
"...If you truly want to transform your karma and become happy, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone isn't enough. This is a practice for oneself and for others, so in addition to reciting the sutra and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we need to share this Buddhism with others. If you only pray for your own happiness, your faith will be selfish and self-centered."
The woman he was addressing told him she hadn't solved her problems yet, and she said she'd help others once she solved her own problems. It's easy to think this way, isn't it?
Daisaku Ikeda continued:
"No, that's not the way it works. If you were sick, would you avoid going to the hospital because you don't feel well enough to get out of bed and go there? Or would you hurry to the hospital in order to do so?...The same is true of this Buddhism. If you want to overcome your present sufferings you shouldn't put off making the effort, but take action right away. Of course if you are too physically ill, you don't need to push yourself.
"You can share this Buddhism without traveling far. Just talk about Buddhism to those who come to your house, or to your neighbors. The important thing is to earnestly share Nichiren Buddhism motivated by your determination for everyone to become happy."
When the person he was talking to said she didn't know what to say, another member said: "Start with what you know...Sharing why you decided to start this practice yourself is an excellent method."
The passage goes on to say that: "Josei Toda declared: "I will make a promise to all of you here today. I'd like you to make a commitment to do gongyo every morning and evening, without skipping, and introduce one person to the practice every two months.
"All of you here with problems, make a vow. Buddhism is an earnest struggle. I'll bet my life that if you faithfully carry out the practice described above, your problems will be resolved."
Those are strong words, and true. Josei Toda stood behind his every word. We can all benefit from his sage advice. Chanting, propagating and studying are the keys to happiness.
