What is Our "Buddha Nature?" How Does Revealing it Help Our Lives?

Vincent Van Gogh

Unlimited compassion!

Eloquence!

Power!

Concentration! 

Emancipation! 

On page 79 of The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, Daisaku Ikeda translates a passage from our daily practice of reciting from the Lotus Sutra and says 

"This passage explains the expansive powers of the Buddha. That is, it describes the wonderful state of life that those who embrace the Gohonzon can develop." 

..."Here Shakyamuni identifies "immeasurable [compassion]," unlimited [eloquence],""power, "fearlessness" and so on as attributed of the Buddha's state of life. To put it simply the Buddha has infinite concern for the people (immeasurable [compassion], can freely expound the teachings through words (unlimited [eloquence]), has penetrating insight into life and the power to discern the causes of people's unhappiness (power) and has the courage to fully articulate the truth (fearlessness)." (p. 80)

How can this we use our own Buddha wisdom in our daily lives? I can tell you a little about how I use it. I just got a job working for a senior living community that has people living on its campus, and also has various services it offers to the residents of the surrounding towns. Right now I am meeting with seniors and officials to discover what we can do to help more people, and uncover more needs and ways to reach those who may need us and other services. I am chanting to help seniors live their best lives, and finding ways to make it happen. My sincere wish is their safety and to remove their sufferings and frustrations. I feel as if these communities are now a part of my Buddhist district and am chanting for them too. 

In order to fulfill this job/mission I must have compassion/eloquence/power/concentration and emancipation. I must be the Buddha every single moment. So as I am chanting every morning for an hour, I am bringing my full Buddhahood to the surface and chanting for wisdom, eloquence and to take the right action. 

In the next few weeks I'll be giving presentations in front of hundred of seniors and I am determined to make each moment count. 

As a Buddha, I know I can focus my daimoku on this great mission, while embodying my mission as a District leader and continuing to chant for every reader of this blog. I'm a Buddha. We are all Buddhas. Through persevering every day we all bring forth the wisdom of the Buddha - our own power, spirit, compassion, will and perseverance. How great is this way of life. How fulfilling. How fun!

Please send me your victories. I and the rest of the readers, are waiting to hear YOUR victories! chantforhappiness@gmail.com 

The Significance of Doing Gongyo - Chanting from the Lotus Sutra

"In general, 
every time we do gongyo and chant daimoku, 
we praise the Buddha nature in our own lives. 
We also praise the Buddha nature 
in the lives of all others, 
and we commune 
with the Buddha nature of the Universe. 
What a solemn ceremony this is! 
How fortunate we are 
to live according to the principle 
that faith expresses itself in daily life." 

The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, by Daisaku Ikeda, page 117

Sometimes Chanting Brings up Emotions and/or Tears

Here it is in deepest winter here in Chicago. My son says January's snowfall was the most in over 100 years. Most of the time I see less than 10 degrees when I look at my phone. It is easy to feel down. 

What to do?
I am very affected by the weather. Sunshine is good for my spirit.
Yesterday I kept my determination to chant three hours every Sunday, and by the end of it, I was literally overflowing with emotion. All of these thoughts were flooding my brain. Thank goodness it was just in time for me to run out to Kosen Rufu Gongyo at the Culture Center in Chicago and I got to hear Sensei's speech by video. 

I believe it's okay to cry and feel emotional while chanting. I believe every tear cried in front of the Gohonzon is a diamond in our lives. And if we take action, study, go to SGI meetings, get encouraged and encourage others we will transform our lives. (Remember I speak for myself on this blog. This is not an "official" SGI blog. It's me sharing my heart with you.) 

During my early years of chanting I had to keep tissues by the Gohonzon. I was tapping into something deep within my life...releasing it and moving on. Sometimes it still happens, especially when I chant for a long time and reach a deeper level. 

At kosen-rufu Gongyo we watched a film of Daisaku Ikeda. He spoke about a Gosho where Nichiren Daishonin is writing to Shijo Kingo, the "everyman" of the time. He was a Samurai warrior...almost like us...working for our "lords" experiencing living in the world and all the emotions of the time. Nichiren Daishonin wrote to Shijo Kingo (not a direct quote) "Don't betray your grief and consider everything a benefit. Things that look like they should not have happened will turn to benefits in the end if you persevere in your practice"

I guess that's a message we need to hear over and over and over. I KNOW I chose these battles, I KNOW I summoned these obstacles because they are the perfect obstacles for my growth as a Buddha. But sometimes it doesn't feel that way, and I need to be reminded. 

I spoke with Kate in LA later in the day and she reminded to keep my level of appreciation high, and of course, that's the right thing to do. 

So my message of the day is it's natural to experience emotions while chanting. Every tear cried in front of the Gohonzon is a Diamond in your life. 
As Nichiren Daishonin says 
"Suffer what there is to suffer and enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life and continue chanting Nam-myoyo-renge-kyo no matter what happens. Then you will experience boundless joy from the law. Strengthen your faith more than ever." From the Gosho Happiness in this World. 

Absolutely Everything is a Benefit

From The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, by Daisaku Ikeda. 

In suffering and joy, we can find meaning.

What does the wisdom of the true aspect of all phenomenon add to our lives? It gives us the power to skillfully use everything that happens to create value. 

Many things occur in the course of life. There are sufferings and joys, tailwinds and headwinds. All such phenomena provide opportunities for us to make the true aspect of the world of Buddhahood in our lives shine; we can use everything  that happens to expand our happiness. This is what it means to lead a life illuminated by the wisdom of the true aspect of all phenomena. 

Worth is not found in joy alone, nor is success the only valuable outcome. Suffering is the mother of realization, worries and failures, as long as we are not defeated by them, enable us to deepen our faith. Our sufferings become the raw material with which to build our happiness. This is the principle that earthly desires are enlightenment. Earthly desires, like other phenomenon, are themselves the true aspect. 

Fundamentally, for people with faith in the Gohonzon, everything that happens is a benefit. This is the difference between those who believe in the Mystic Law and those who don't. 

As a young man, I once asked President Toda what makes a person great. Smiling brightly, he replied: "It's having confidence. In life and in everything, it's confidence that counts. "There are many important things in life. Among all possible answers, Mr. Toda, without a moment's hesitation cited confidence. By this, he meant of course, great confidence in the Mystic law. 

"I will show victory in my life without fail." 
"I will help everyone definitely become happy."
"I will cause my workplace and my community to develop greatly."
"I will change the current of the times toward the emergence of a joyous society of humanism."
Those who possess confidence and who take unwavering action based on such confidence are great. 

Confidence is single-minded resolve. 
Confidence is courage. 
Confidence is hope. 
Confidence is inner latitude and mercy. 
As Nichikan indicated when he said, 
"Buddhahood means a strong mind of faith 
in the Lotus Sutra," 
confidence is itself the world of Buddhahood.

Although confidence and the world of Buddhahood are invisible to the eye, they are certain to become manifest in concrete form. This accords with the principle of the true aspect manifesting in all phenomena. Buddhism is not empty idealism. 

From The Heart of the Lotus Sutra by Daisaku Ikeda, page, 116 as quoted on the chantforhappiness.com blog by Jamie Lee Silver

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Shakubuku (helping others learn to chant) is Easy

That's right. Shakubuku is easy. Not hard. We are all Buddhas. We shine. Our light GLOWS. If we carry nam-myoho-renge-kyo cards with us, we can plant seeds of shakubuku wherever we go. And some of those lives we touch will practice. I know this. 

When I lived in San Francisco I have a goal to give out 10 cards a day. I walked a lot, and met a lot of people. And I worked for a newspaper and my name was in that paper all the time. I would routinely get calls from people asking "Are you the Jamie Lee Silver who gave me the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo card on the corner of the street that day?" and then they'd tell me they were practicing and their lives had changed in so many ways. Never doubt that every seed you plant makes a difference! 

There is also the kind of shakubuku we do with our close friends and family, where we lead them to the Gohonzon through our shining life conditions and sit side by side with them as we teach them to practice. I will write about that at another time. 

How do we do this kind of shakubuku? 

First of all we can chant to meet the people who are seeking this practice. 

I know I was seeking this practice for years before I found it, and I know many others are seeking too. Most people are caught up in unending karma, not knowing how to get out of it. 

We know the way to enable people to unlock the key and end suffering in their lives. We've changed so much of our own karma, and we can teach others. It just makes sense. 

And I want to remind you that I speak for myself on this blog. I am not an official representative of the SGI; I only relate my experiences and thoughts, with the hopes that you will become absolutely happy and enjoy being part of the Soka Gakkai International. In some countries it is safe to pass out cards. In others it is not. Please use your wisdom! 

Here's how I do it. 

1. I carry nam-myoho-renge-kyo cards with me wherever I go. Whenever someone waits on me in a store, and as long as there's not an impatient line behind me, I always take the time to connect with the person who is helping me. I start up a conversation, thank them and smile. We chat about whatever is topical, the weather, the place, the food...whatever. And before I leave I say "I have something special for you." and take out a card. I ask them "Have you ever heard of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?" and most of the time they say no. I say, "Well Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a phrase that if you say it over and over and think about what you want, you get it, or something even better. Its the name of the rhythm of life." Usually they ask me more about it and I reply. If they don't ask me any questions I will move on, but they have the card with the SGI website and the name of this blog on it. I have planted a seed. 

Once we plant a seed we never know when it will sprout. I began chanting when 3 people told me about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in the span of two weeks. I thought the message was coming in loud and clear, and I began chanting, and saw results right away. 

When we do shakubuku it's not important for every single person to begin their practice that day. Just telling them about it is enough to start. And whomever you've shared this with will feel your energy. They will feel your high life condition. Every morning I chant to have the life condition of the Buddha, and to be the Buddha at every single moment. 
Today I went to a networking meeting and we all had a moment to stand and introduce ourselves. A man came up to me and said "Where do you get all that positive energy?" That's my cue. I gave him a card and we'll be talking again next week. He's going to go to the website. He has young children. Because of this moment in time, his young children can be introduced to this practice, vanquish bullies, and live lives of victory. 

You never know when you'll be able to change someone's life permanently. When I had been practicing for just two months I called an acquaintance and asked her to a meeting. She began practicing immediately. EVERY month for years and years she called me and said "jamie, I don't know what prompted you to pick up that phone and call me that day. We barely knew each other. But I want you to know that forever and ever I am grateful to you for introducing me to this practice." I just heard from her last week. It's been 28 years since the day I introduced her. 

Doing shakubuku is the greatest joy in the world. It's easy. We can all do it. 

If you send me your shakubuku stories I can share them with your fellow readers. chantforhappiness@gmail.com

Be happier than EVER! Here's How ~ 5 Essential Keys and a PowerPrayer to Happiness

Our Happiness starts with us, with our conviction, with our hope and with our Happiness PowerPrayer. We can choose happiness in life. But it takes energy to do this! 

How much are we going to put into making our vision a reality? 

The Positive Psychologists talk about something called Activation Energy -  the "start up" energy that is required get something started. Establishing our solid practice requires "Activation Energy" and once this is established we are, as I say, "on a roll". It will affect all areas of our lives. 

I remember when I was concentrating on this activation energy. I knew that the more energy I put into my practice, the less energy I needed to use in my daily life...the more smoothly everything in my life went. Somehow everything took less time, and I was always in the right place at the right time. The same is true today. 
When I was first starting to chant, I sought our help. Fellow SGI members came to chant with me at night and in the morning for a while to help me establish this rhythm. (Thank you Dolores and San Francisco members!) 

Here's what it takes to Establish a Strong Practice: 

1. Strong Desire - written goals and determinations are really helpful...a fire burning in your heart...HOPE!
2. Connecting with the SGI and making friends in faith. 
3. Keeping to a schedule (even if a bit flexible) of chanting twice a day every day. 
4. Studying the Gosho and President Ikeda's guidance and sharing this practice with others. 
5. Encouraging others to the best of our ability. 

This is the formula for happiness - and you can do it! 

No one can do this for us. We are the only ones who can change our karma and the best thing is 
WE CAN CHANGE YOUR KARMA. 
We CAN do this. 
We CAN be Happy.
We can change anything.

But we have to do it! No one can do it for us. Once we establish the daily rhythm we WILL notice a difference, unless we are eroding our lives by constant complaining and "why me-ing". 
Turn "Why-me?" into "YES ME!" Remember that no matter what we are facing  - We Summoned this storm! Our obstacles are tailor made for us to launch our lives into the next level of happiness. Our obstacles get us there. We can't change our karma without them! 

Our Happiness is important. 
Our happiness changes the world. 
Happiness is our birthright, 
it is our mission, 
and it is possible. 

Of course each of our actions make a difference:

Smiling at another is a cause for our (and their) happiness. According to recent studies, when we smile at a person our smile alone makes a person happier. Our emotions are contagious. And the act of smiling makes us happier too. Isn't that wonderful? 

Power Prayer for Happiness:
You may want to read this before chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 
and keep some of these phrases in mind while you chant. 
Use them to fill your life with determination!
By Jamie Lee Silver
From Chantforhappiness.com

Life! 
I am determined to build a life of happiness! 
I am filled with appreciation 
I am determined to chant every day - twice a day 
from now on! 
I am determined to use ALL my problems 
as fuel for creating victory 
in all areas of my life...
and use my life
to show that the impossible is possible
and encourage others to chant. 
I WILL WIN is all aspects of my life! 
I will win in these areas______________,______________,_________________________, ________________. 
I am determined to be happy, 
healthy, 
successful 
and have great and fulfilling relationships! 
I am determined to strengthen my practice, and deepen my faith.  
I renew my determination
to chant every day twice a day, 
study, 
go to as many meetings as possible, 
and encourage others!
I WILL do this.
I deserve to be happy! 

And become a part of our wonderful Soka Gakkai organization to support you. 
In the SGI you will find friends in faith, be encouraged, and encourage others. 
Use the SGI-Portal link at the right to find a meeting near you. 

Sensei's Great Guidance for Overcoming Illness

For any of you who are facing illness - this should raise your spirits! 

The person who originally compiled these quotes 

was able to use this practice and modern medicine 

to overcome breast cancer completely. 

Please feel free to forward a link to this blogpost 

to anyone who is suffering from illness. 

From President Ikeda's Lecture series "The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin: On Prolonging One's Life Span - Faith for Leading a Long and healthy Life" in the July-August 08 Living Buddhism. (Thank you to my friend Melissa Bradford for compiling these great quotes!)

“Suffering from illness is a means by which you can eradicate your negative karma.”  
President Toda, as quoted by President Ikeda. - pg 70 

“To see illness as an opportunity to transform our karma – this strong spirit and resolve can break through all obstacles and devilish functions and open wide the path to happiness.  Like a rocket blasting out of the earth’s atmosphere, the passionate conviction of faith that comes from viewing illness as an opportunity to transform our karma can become a powerful engine propelling us forward not only in this existence but throughout eternity, enabling us to freely savor everlasting happiness.”  Pg 74

“Becoming ill in itself is certainly not a sign of defeat.  Even the Buddha, who is said to have ‘few ills and few worries’ (LS, 214), struggles with sickness from time to time.  Accordingly, there will be times when we are confronted with illness.  The important point above all is not to be defeated mentally or emotionally by the prospect of being ill.  Faith is the source of the fighting spirit to stand up to illness.  Therefore, as we noted earlier, Nichiren Daishonin first of all talks about the ‘treasure of faith’.  Pg 77

“As Nichiren says, ‘Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way’ (The Good Medicine for All Ills, WND-1, 937).  If a practitioner who upholds faith in the Mystic Law becomes ill, it definitely has some profound meaning.  It could be said that confronting illness is one route to awakening to the eternity of life.  President Toda often said, ‘A person who has overcome a major illness knows how to deeply savor life.’” Pg78

From Matilda Buck’s guidance, World Tribune 4/27/01 pg 10 “When We Face Disappointment” – regarding SGI leaders who overcame cancer and chanted this way:  

Through this experience, I will become someone who does not doubt the Gohonzon (my life), no matter what happens.
As a Bodhisattva of the Earth, I have the mission to experience this, and as a Bodhisattva of the Earth, I have the mission to create a victory.
I will share the power of Buddhism with others, even as I grapple with this experience.
I won’t let my spirits stay down.  I won’t make a place in my life for negativity to settle.

From The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra Volume 6:  “Praying with doubt is like trying to keep water in a bathtub with the plug pulled.  Our good fortune and benefit will drain away.  A passage from the ‘Perceiver of the World’s Sounds’ chapter reads, ‘from thought to thought never entertaining doubt!’  A confident prayer will reverberate powerfully throughout the entire universe.”  Pg 88

From Buddhism Day by Day:

“Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life.  It teaches that, instead of agonizing over a serious disease, or despairing of ever overcoming it, we should use illness as a means to build a strong, compassionate self, which in turn will make it possible for us to be truly victorious.”  pg 300

“The expansive world lies not in some distant place; it exists right where you are.  That is why you need to win where you are right now.  Today’s victory is linked to your eternal victory.”  Page 314

“No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat.  Never conclude that you’ve reached a dead end, that everything is finished.  You possess a glorious future.  And precisely because of that, you must persevere and study.  Life is eternal.  We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past.  We must always have the spirit to begin anew ‘from this moment,’ to initiate a new struggle each day.” Pg 315

“The air around us is filled with radio waves of various frequencies.  While these are invisible, a television set can collect them and turn them into visible images.  The practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo aligns the rhythm of our own lives with the world of Buddhahood in the universe.  It ‘tunes’ our lives, so to speak, so that we can manifest the power of Buddhahood in our very beings.”  Pg 314

From For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda:

Sept 20 pg 288:  When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire.  The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success.  On the other hand, if you think “This is never going to work out,” then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and then everything really will move in the direction of failure.

Aug 15 pg 249:  The first thing is to pray.  From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving.  The darker the night, the closer the dawn.  From the moment we chant daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts.  Hope – prayer is the sun of hope.  To chant daimoku each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result – this is the path of “changing earthly desires into enlightenment,” taught in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.