Chanting for the the Best Job for Kosen Rufu!

What does it mean to chant for the best job for Kosen Rufu?

I am chanting for the job that brings out the best of my life...that allows me to reach as many people as possible and to inspire them with my life. I want to be able to inform people of the power of the mystic law (called "doing shakubuku") in appropriate situations freely. In other words I want to Let My Light Shine!

Daisaku Ikeda states:

"An expert archer can accurately hit a target with a single arrow. I hope that all of you become masters of faith and masters of life who will realize complete fulfillment of all your desires. I also pray that you will be leaders of unshakable conviction who proudly open up a new stage of hope for Kosen Rufu and the world."

On Monday Morning I'll be giving a demonstration presentation as part of the process of attaining this new job.

When I was first informed that they wanted me to present I immediately thought, "Oh, no! I don't know enough about just what they are offering..."

Then I chanted about this presentation for some time, and realized that my nifty new Macbook Air has a program called keynote (similar to Powerpoint) and I set up a one-on-one training to learn how to use it yesterday.

Before I went to the Apple Store I spent some time designing the presentation on Keynote, and had a template picked out, and a lot of the wording. I didn't know how to get pictures into it or how to "animate" it.

I met with a young man in the Apple store and we had an absolute blast creating the most exciting presentation. I added a feature called "sparkle" so each of the lines comes across the page like a moving sparkler. I put in pictures I'd taken of health fairs and nurses...and I chose my colors and design. At the end I'm going to have someone give a mock testimonial about how much they love working with the organization I am representing. It's brilliant. I'm so excited about it. And I slept very well last night, thank you.

Yesterday was also a banner day because Peppino D'Agostino was in town and we all went to see him. How wonderful it is to have a dear friend who produces such wonderful music! And Ben is going to play at an open mic on Thursday. He has three original songs and another two he's almost done creating. They are all funny and heartwarming...just like him!

I'm about to start chanting in appreciation today...and to continue to do my human revolution and elevate my life condition. I am also chanting for the state of the world, for the protective forces to arise more strongly then ever, for the protection o f my family and for my own health and security. I also chant for everyone on my picture board by my altar, and for everyone who reads this blog. Even if I don't know you, I'm sending you Daimoku!

Before the Interview - focused chanting

When you chant - be SPECIFIC.

Chant for EXACTLY what you want!

If you don't know what you want...chant to know what you want.

Make a vow to be happy, and to help others be happy.

THAT is the vow of the Buddha that you are!

Yesterday, before the second interview (this one was by phone)

I chanted strong daimoku (Nam Myoho Renge Ky).

I chanted to connect life-to-life with the interviewer.

I chanted to connect my energy with Daisaku Ikeda's and to wholeheartedly live every moment for the sake of world peace. I chanted about the potential for this job to be the conduit for world peace.

I chanted to connect with my life source and vowed to win in every aspect of my life.

I chanted to be composed, not flippant or too quick to talk. I chanted to THINK before responding.

I also chanted in appreciation for my wonderful life, my health, my boys, my drive.

I also looked up the interviewer on Linkedin and learned a bit about him, including that we had both gotten our undergraduate degrees in the same state. That turned out to be the first thing he mentioned when he called.

During the interview I was calm, I was composed, and I also let my enthusiasm for the job come out.

I think it went very well.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...the next phase of my life is about to begin!

I'll keep you posted!

Almost there!

OK, so today I had my second interview for this cool job.

If I get it, it will be my highest base salary to date. There is not as much potential for upping the earnings as in a real sales job, but a steady income is just what I am looking for these days as I prepare to move out of the house and live on my own.

What I'm most impressed about it the real power of the Gohonzon...meaning the power of my own conviction in faith. I VOWED to find the perfect job for my life ... in education...for my future. And I vowed to do it by the 27th of this month...and, I have to say, that even though I VOWED to achieve it...there was a small part of me that doubted t was possible, and I chanted to overcome that doubt!

And look where I am right now.

I know it's not a "done deal". but I have a feeling I will be reporting a full victory to you very soon.

Chant for whatever it is you want.

Chant with conviction.

Chant with energy and appreciation.

Chant as if you ALREADY have received what you want.

Don't overthink your life...just chant...and chant to be Daisaku Ikeda's best disciple and to raise your life condition and to do your own human revolution...and tell people about this practice. There is no way you can fail.

I didn't say it was easy did I? No.

I said it was hard.

But you WILL have the life of your dreams.

I think it's worth the work...the inside work...the tears...the facing of your own demons. It is worth it all.

What do you think?

Another amazing Benefit...on its way!

Hello

So I made a strong determination to have a job by the Victory meetings of the 27th.

This week, I finally interviewed for a job that really sounds exciting!

I will have another interview on Monday, and we'll see where we go from there. All I can say is that I was totally energized throughout my entire visit to this place (I'll give details next week), and that the actual work itself sounded like something I would love...and I loved the people I met so far in the company. I was chanting for something exactly like this. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!!

By the 27th? It's not quite a done deal YET...but if all goes well, it WILL BE by the end of next week and then I'll head to California for a wonderful care-free visit and come back to a job.

As I said...chant for what you want!!!!! Just do it!

To Hoshi and everyone!

Hi!

Thanks for sending me your comment and my answer is very simple:

Chant for exactly what you want. Do not question your desires.

CHANT FOR EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT and let your desire flow freely.

You will then be chanting from your heart...the very core of your heart.

So do not doubt yourself. Chant hard. VOW that you will be happy and victorious. No matter what happens in this instance you will transform your life and be happy.

No doubt about it.

Write me again!

A Breath of Fresh Air ~ cold, but Fresh!

Yesterday really lived up to its promise.

The Louis Sullivan exhibit at the Chicago Culture Center was outstanding, and having a private tour from one of the foremost preservationists in the Chicago area...maybe even the world, was just incredible. Vince Michael and I went to high school, but as I mentioned before...I was such a different person back then...I'm sure anyone who meets me now can see it. Anyway, he explained each of the panels and helped us to see the genius behind the actual exhibit itself. It's the first time that such huge panels have been hung to show what the buildings actually look and feel like. It really shows the power of an exhibit like this.

After our personal tour we went up Michigan Avenue in the cold...and saw Second City at night. It was a great Chicago Day.

Today I am back to focusing on chanting in this dreary, dreary Chicago day. I will change my karma for the future. I a doing it right now. I have a job interview that sounds like fun tomorrow and I am absolutely determined to break through. I have vowed inside my life, to President Ikeda, to the members, to my life itself that I will break through in creating a life for myself beyond the one I have know. Ben is ready to launch...Aaron is secure...and it is time for me to have the next phase of my beautiful life unfold. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Wonderful benefit, wonderful life!

I am about to have such a great day.

My friend Katie is visiting from Montana. She and I became friends freshman year of High School. She walked up to me in the student center of Oak Park River Forest high School in Oak Park, Illinois, and asked me if I liked John Denver. Did I "Like" John Denver? At the time he was my spiritual compass, my light at the end of the tunnel, the spirit that kept my heavy heart hoping for release from my unhappiness. We became instant friends.

Years later, when I was about to fly to Chicago from San Francisco for the tenth anniversary of my graduating class, I chanted to find the person who needed and wanted to learn about chanting.

Katie and I saw each other outside the door to the event, spent the evening together, and she has chanted ever since. Even though she lives in Montana, we are in constant contact.

Today, we are joining another OPRF alumni at the Art Institute of Chicago. He is Vince Michael and I just spent an hour reading his blog. He's a preservationist of architecture and we're getting a personal tour of the Louis Sullivan exhibit from him at the Art Institute.

Check out his blog. I learned so much...I appreciated so much. After the Art Institute we're headed for adventures in Chicago and Second City tonight! Woohoo! I know how to live! But first...on to chant appreciative Daimoku!!

Here's Vince's Blog:

http://vincemichael.wordpress.com/

What I'm chanting for NOW

OK!

We have a big meeting on the 27th of this month at the Chicago Buddhist Center. It is called the Women's Victory Meeting and all are welcome. Linda Johnson, our National Women's Division Leader encouraged all of us to make big goals and determinations towards this date, and I have done just that. My first was for Ben, and we got that benefit already! I already told you that he got an amazing scholarship that he accepted to Miami University of Ohio.

My other determination is towards my finding a new job. Not just any job...but one where I will thrive, and that will allow me to move out of the house and start my new life.

I'm also chanting:

to do my human revolution and permanently raise my life condition...so that the things that come into my life...the job opportunities, the people, are all at a higher level already. I want to attract the man, (OK at the moment, the MEN) who will make me happiest. I'm ready to have some fun!

And, as always I'm chanting to be able to introduce people to this practice...

And for all members to experience countless benefits and be able to realize, within every cell of their beings, the greatness of this practice and the power of their own ability to tap into the source of their being through the incredible chant of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

How to chant for what you want

In response to Hema in India.

(See her comment at the end of the last entry here)

...great question...

Do you chant for everything you want or just one thing?

Make a long list Hema...be specific. Write it down. Say when you want it by and CHANT with the conviction that your life itself has the power to draw forth what you are desiring. Chant for everything!!!

ALL of your desires are GOOD!

Go for it!

You will accomplish your desires or something better.

Let me know how it goes.

Great Benefits Abound!

We've had a wonderful benefit here!

My son Ben, who is 18 and a senior in High School has been looking at colleges for a year or so. he's visited many of them, and gotten calls from numerous running coaches all over the country. He has been chanting and studying hard, and running.

This Sunday he went to Miami of Ohio for a visit. He went alone by bus. He loved it the moment he got there. At some of the colleges he's visited, the runners were isolated and spent a lot of their time playing video games. Ben's not much of a video game player, and wants to be integrated into the whole college experience.

At Miami of Ohio he felt at home right away. He loved the feel of the campus and everything he experienced there. He saw that the runners are really a part of everything...and, on Monday...the coach told him about a great scholarship offer he could extend to Ben. And Ben accepted the offer on the spot.

That's the part that gets me the most...I am so impressed by the fact that Ben was certain...he knew without a doubt that this was the right college for him...and it offered him the biggest scholarship of them all...almost a full ride. isn't that something. That is fortune. That is the kind of fortune you get by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. When Ben chants, he chants so heard he sweats. His whole life flows through his daimoku.

And now he is set.

It was a visual transformation as well. When he came home on Monday he LOOKED like a college boy. And he looked so serene. He has made a major decision. He made it by himself, and he fulfilled a goal he has had for many years of going to school on scholarship...his running efforts have paid off in a big way...all that running in the rain...all that pain...it has all paid off! Go Ben! I am soooo proud of you!!!

About this Blog

I started this blog in July of 2009 when I was at a crossroads and realizing some key things in my life.

Whereas:

I was heading into my 25th year of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and soon to be entering my 50th year of Life...

Whereas:

I still had some negative karma I was working on changing....

Whereas:

I had an aching heart...and was very aware of the fundamental darkness inside my life...

AND after being a Buddhist for 24 years I knew that I already had the key to changing my life for the better...and it starts with making new determination (goals put into action) ...and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

I decided:

To chant two entire hours every single day with set goals in mind, and blog the two hour a day campaign (daimoku campaign as we call it) so I could inspire others by my certain success.

At the Beginning:

When I started the campaign and blog I was in a marriage that was not happy, and hadn't been for some time. I was employed working for a senior living community and enjoyed my job in sales/marketing and public speaking. I had also been limping for several years with pain in my right leg from the hip to the foot and was trying all sorts of ways to heal the pain. Also, I practiced Buddhism within the Soka Gakkai organization, but I did not currently hold any position of leadership. I was also, as i mentioned above, aching in my heart.

What happened:

Immediately in 2009 I was asked to co-lead the Downers Grove District and embraced it wholeheartedly. There were two or three members coming out to meetings, and I knew my co-leader and I would be able to create a happy thriving district. I chanted every day then, and still do now, for every single member to be so happy that they are overflowing with happiness and telling other people about chanting because it's impossible NOT TO when happiness is coming through every cell! Now we have 15-20 people coming to meetings every single week and new members are joining us every month!

In the fall of 2009 my beautiful, sweet Mommy died, and I know that my chanting for two hours a day carried me through that experience. We held an great life celebration for her. We were very close, my Mom and I, and I miss her every day, but know she is cheering for me still, just like she did when she was alive.

Then I decided that my husband and I had completed our mission together of having and raising two brilliant Buddha Boys, and we decided to split, but remain together in the same house until Ben's graduation in 2011.

Right after that I was laid off, went to California to visit friends and came back to face the realization that the only way out of my leg pain was through a total hip replacement surgery. Yikes! I did that, and I've now recovered and am focusing now on creating my future!

The district is strong...I am strong...and I am still blogging away and invite you to join me! Send me your experiences with chanting and I'll publish them in the blog. Feel free to forward this blog link to anyone you would like to share it with.

The Meaning of Faith

In this unique practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo,

what does it mean to have faith?

What do we have faith in?

Great question!

Since we are ALL Buddhas, and we ALL possess the power of the entire universe within us, we have faith in our ability to tap that vital life force inside us, and make it manifest in the direction we so choose.

There is a famous phrase in the writings of Nichiren Daishonin that states:

"Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"

Sickness can mean physical ailment, but it also has a much broader meaning...any kind of suffering can be inserted here. The point is, that chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is stronger than any kind of problem one might have. By chanting these words victory is assured.

The point of having strong faith is to summon up, WHILE we are chanting, the conviction that we WILL accomplish whatever it is we are chanting about. While we are chanting we are vowing success in our minds...AS we chant. Chanting with this strong conviction held in our minds fills a person with endless vitality and FAITH.

Right now many Soka Gakkai members are making determinations towards the date of February 27th, 2011. On that date we will be gathering together and sharing our successes from our determinations.

My determination is to get a job to support the next phase of my life...one where I can make enough money to move out, support myself, and one that fulfills my list of requirements. I have several possibilities working now...let's see what I create.

I also will write some query letters about turning this blog into a book. It has such a great story from beginning to end. Every time I sit down to work on a book proposal or query letter I hear all kinds of doubt in my brain. I am determined either to rid my brain of doubt, or to get the query letters done even WITH the doubt in my brain.

How about YOU? Can you summon up determination and faith to make something important happen in your life by the 27th of February?

What could it be?

Around the first of the year I made a determination to get over a sad feeling that was lingering. And by the first of the year I was able to get rid of that feeling!

Dear friend in Bombay

Oh, my heart goes out to you Anamika!!

Please take the words I am going to tell you to heart.

(I received an email from a new friend in Bombay and this is my response - what I am saying here can encourage anyone and is meant specifically for Anamika) Her comment can be found under my posting of February 2nd.

Dear Anamika, please do not give up! Above all do not give up! You say you have been chanting since June. Are you in a District? Do you have friends in faith? Do you have the words of President Ikeda to read? Do you have your Gohonzon enshrined in a safe place in the heart of your home?

This Buddhism is the sure way for you to create happiness in your life. Please do not doubt this. Chant every single day for as long as you possibly can. Chant for exactly what you want and need. Make a specific list of what you need and want...the things you need for your life and safety, and the way you want to feel inside. Please chant from the bottom of your heart to connect with the spirit and the energy of Daisaku Ikeda, and chant to do your Human Revolution so you can experience true happiness. Your current suffering is actually your MISSION in life to CHANGE!!! And by changing this suffering you will inspire others to be able to change their karma too.

When you are chanting make a great vow to achieve VICTORY in all areas of your life. Remember that when you chant you are not asking anyone to bestow favors upon you. You are instead ACTIVATING THE POWERFUL UNIVERSE WITHIN YOUR LIFE. Chant with determination that you will WIN!!!

Remember that your karma is CHANGEABLE...(IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT)!!! You will create the BIGGEST HAPPINESS AND FORTUNE IN YOUR LIFE by chanting. Do not have any doubt. From the depths of the muddy swamp comes a brilliant lotus flower...a life of brilliance shining like the sun.

Do not give up hope. Chant as often as you possibly can. Chant for exactly what you need. Be specific. Be BOLD. Chant hard. When you chant...chant from the depths of your body...feel the energy flowing through every chakra.

Chant with the conviction that YOU CANNOT FAIL. You ARE A BUDDHA!!! YOU MUST SUCCEED for the sake of your own happiness and that of your son. Don't worry about your son not talking to you right now. Chant for his happiness every day and you will be reunited at some time in the future. Don't worry. Chant instead.

Do you have an email address I can email directly? I will write to you often and chant for you and help you in any way I can. One of the members in my district is in Delhi right now and I'll bet she would be able to talk to you by phone if you want. Can you send me a picture of you? I will share your story with the members of my district and they will chant for you too. You can also write President Ikeda and tell him of your struggles and determinations.

Have you heard of Tina Turner or seen her movie "What's Love Got to Do With It?" She is a big pop star, and was living a tortured relationship with Ike Turner before she discovered chanting. She was able to break from him and start a brilliant new life! She made her movie to show people that from the muddiest swamp comes the most beautiful flower. That is the reality of YOUR LIFE. You will be a brilliant beaming flower. Chant chant chant and write me again and again. I am Sincerely chanting for your happiness!

Watching the World...having a revolution...

Chanting for the people...and chanting for Anderson Cooper who was hit in the head today on the streets of Cairo...

Look at what is happening in Egypt and across the Arab World.

The people are taking their power back. The people are rising!

Daisaku Ikeda is always writing about the power of the people...and that in the end...the people themselves cannot be stopped...the people themselves are what is important. And Look at what is happening. There is momentum...the efforts to stop them have only fueled their determination.

The revolution of the people is the mirror image of the human revolution that happens within each person when they chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. The obstacles that arise when we embrace the interior revolution of banishing the darkness inherent in all lives...the darkness inherent in OUR lives...only serve as fuel for the fire...only make you want to chant more...BRING IT ON! Is the cry of the true Buddhist. I will remain undaunted...I will redetermine to win...I will vow to overcome my suffering and win in my life.

I am enjoying every moment here...going out with some interesting gentlemen, enjoying Ben choosing his college, and I'm interviewing for jobs. I'm exercising every day and bringing light and joy into my body. I'm chanting two hours a day in such joy and light. I'm in a space where Ican even savor and enjoy my sorrow...does that sound weird to you? Last week I went to a beautiful funeral for a friend's mother. I cried through the service and came home and spent the afternoon cocooned in my room listening to music that lets my tears flow...and I actually savored the sweet release of emotion...the joy of being a human and being able to cry. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

My tears that afternoon were an example of the ten worlds being contained in the ten worlds. Although one might express my life state at the time as being in the world of hell...I was in the world of Buddhahood at the same time. In my tears was the realization of the beautiful life I have led, and the life that lies in front of me because of this practice. I was living one of my favorite Gosho quotes: "Suffer what there is to suffer, and enjoy what there is to enjoy, and continue chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo no matter what happens, then you will experience boundless joy from the law."

Such Determination and fun!

I carry on, ever forward with the light of President Ikeda's heart burning in mine. I have so much to accomplish...so many of what other people may call "problems" but I choose to look at as opportunities. I must find a job, find a new place to live where I can continue to hold meetings, and learn for the first time how to support myself.

The field I was most recently in is having a very difficult time in this economy. And I am looking at new and creative ways to make money.

I am coaching people in spiritual weight loss...and considering some other things.

Yesterday I went to the Illinois school of broadcasting and did an audition tape. I am not kidding you when I say they told me it was the best audition tape in 2 and a half years. I thought they were just sweet talking me to get me to go to the school, but they insisted they were being sincere.

How nice!

I love to read out loud. They said I had great articulation and color. Cool. Now I'm going to explore getting funding for this school...and other ways that I can use my voice to do the Buddha's work.

Today I had lunch with my precious adoring and adored friend, and I am basking in the glow...

...and today I've chanted with friends all over the world...in India and in California. The heart goes so easily across the miles...distances are gone.

...Tonight I watched a few episodes of Modern Family with Ben and we howled in laughter. Tomorrow he goes to Illinois for an official visit with a car full of other runner recruits.

Tomorrow I have a full list of fun things to do including two parties!

What a great life I lead. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Faith is LIGHT

Faith is LIGHT.

The hearts of those with strong faith are filled with Light.

A radiance envelops their lives.

People with unshakable conviction in faith

enjoy a happiness that is luminous as the full moon on a dark night,

as dazzling as the sun on a clear day.

Daisaku Ikeda

Quote from Daisaku Ikeda

"The Real Benefit of the Mystic Law is inconspicuous.

Just as trees grow taller and stronger year after year,

adding growth rings

that are imperceptible to the human eye,

we too will grow toward a victorious existence.

For this reason it is important that we lead tenacious and balanced lives based on faith."

From For Today and Tomorrow

Chanting for YOU

Part of my chanting each day is dedicated to you. Yes you!

Even if we don't know each other personally, I can chant for you.

I AM CHANTING FOR YOU.

You can send me comments and questions to help me direct my prayers, and help you to focus yours. Remember that our intention and focus while chanting is very significant.

My prayers are not any better than yours...you are as powerful a Buddha as I am. But prayers from another on your behalf are always good!!

Results, Results, Results~!

Why do people chant?

To get results!

Last night's meeting was filled with the benefits that people are getting from chanting.

We went around the room and here are some of the reports:

One young man in his twenties looked fantastic...he had been chanting about 4 months, and said he'd had quite a week. A barrage of challenges came his way, and he calmly handles all of them! He was so peaceful and serene. he has the peace of mind that so many long for.

One young woman who turned 20 this year has been chanting about 5 months. She talked about how her Mom's company was just sold and her Mom was worried about keeping her job. She's been chanting for her Mom and things are looking good.

One woman has been chanting about 2 weeks, and she said that last night she had sweet dreams instead of nightmares. I can feel her energy rising and the light returning to her face. She's been suffering from sadness, and I can see she is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I started chanting I was very sad. My prayer was "get me out of this! I've been happy before, I can be happy again!" and very quickly I felt a change in my heart...a lightness...a feeling of hope...of rising from the depths! And I saw results all around me...I got a job...I became much more active and I felt excited about my life again.

Another person talked about a near-miss car accident. She was chanting and knows that chanting helped protect her from harm.

I'm personally all excited because a University in California wants to fly Ben out for a visit...and I am very optimistic about my future! I'm exploring ways to publish my book...Chant for Happiness...based on this blog.

Every person at the discussion meeting had a positive story to tell...everyone was glowing...everyone was showing the power of using this magnificent chant to accomplish their goals and create a happy life.

Discussion meetings a fun...short...a great away to connect. They last an hour and a half. For the first half hour you chant. After that there is open discussion, study and sharing. Friends are made. Lives are changed. You can find your nearest SGI discussion meeting by going to sgi-usa.org and calling the center closest to you. There is no cost and all are welcome! My meeting is in Downers Grove Illinois, USA. Every Wednesday. All are welcome!

Ready to start chanting?

Here are a few tips for chanting:

1. Breathe when you need to! Don't skip breathing. Take as long a breath as you need to and hop back into the rhythm of your chant.

2. The words are pronounced

NAHM MEYO HO RAIN GAY KEYO. (all Os are long Os)

When you chant it should be in a steady rhythm like the sound of horses running. You can change pitch occasionally, but it usually works best to stay steady on one pitch for a while.

3. You can just print out the words at first and read them.

4. After a while you can start thinking about what you want in your life...after you get the hang of the chant itself.

5. Go to the Website sgi-usa.org right away and find your local culture center...or call the national center and find someone in your area who chants. SGI Buddhists are everywhere. This person will be so happy you called and will really help you learn to chant.

6. Pick a spot in your house to chant. make it one where you feel really comfortable, and not a place that people will be walking through all the time...unless this is your only option.

7. make your list of what you want to see happen in your life. Date it.

8. Chant at least 5 minutes a day - every morning and afternoon.

9. Go to as many Buddhist meetings as you can.

10. Watch your life fully blossom into the sweetest, most beautiful life you always wanted. Go YOU!

Aah, tis a gift to inspire!

Oh Mannn, I love to inspire people! And I love to inspire people who inspire others, that's for sure. Today was the greatest buddhist Meeting at the Chicago Buddhist Center.

It was a meeting for District Leaders...to learn together and to set the course for the next two years.

I was able to spend a few moments sharing the success of the District that I co-lead here in Downers Grove.

Our success all stems from what we call the Master/Disciple relationship. Anyone can call themselves a Buddhist...but to truly embrace the incredible gold that lies within the master/disciple relationship is a lofty, golden, wonderful opportunity. At all times I ask myself "How would President Ikeda see this situation?"

I chant to see the world through his wise eyes, hear the world through his ears and make decisions based on his wisdom. When I chant for the members in my district, I chant for them to be incredibly happy and for them to know this relationship as well.

I picture President Ikeda as a great spinning motor...he is a normal person with exceptional Ichinen (will put into action). He accomplishes in one day what it takes many weeks to do. I chant to meld my energy with his.

Because of this, our district flourishes. Every member is receiving benefits and growing in faith every day. New members are joining us every month!

On the wall by my altar is a picture of all the members, and I chant for each one, and we all chant for each other.

I begin each meeting greeting every person who comes in...it is a party-like feeling.

We celebrate all of our successes and also mourn our losses together.

I teach Gongyo (the recitation of the Lotus Sutra) by doing what I call Echo Gongyo. It is the same way I taught my kids...similar to the way music can be learned. I say a line in perfect rhythm and with energy...and the group repeats it the same way. When we get to the end of each section we go back and say it all together perfectly! People learn so quickly!

We also take full advantage of all the technical tools at our disposal. I send colorful, bright emails, and we text as often as we like. Some people love texting, others don't. We have incredible growth and happiness in our district. I am always happy to help others learn what we are doing right!

Chanting two hours a day, of course is the key as well!

Aaahh this is a great way to live!

Chanting for all involved

Right now I am focusing my prayers on the lives of all those killed on Saturday, and on the recovery of the injured. I don't know all the details of the people who remain in the hospital, but I am chanting for a complete miracle for Congresswoman Giffords. It's a brain injury...she could have a total recovery. I know it's not expected...but I also know that a lot of people are chanting/praying and wishing her well.

I am picturing her brain and surrounding it with healing energy. I am picturing the area where the shooting took place and surrounding it all with healing energy. Although, as I said, I don't know every detail, I can still send my prayers.

I am chanting for all of us...for the country...to realize we are all Americans. We are all in this together. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

The Video I just posted below

Hi everyone.

I just posted my first video on this spiritual blog, because I think it has an important message for all of us in America. It is a message for us all.

I have been chanting for all the families involved in this event...for everyone involved...and for Sara Palin as well. It is time for our country to heed the wise words of this commentator. NONE of us should be speaking in violent rhetoric. He makes so many good points here.

I am always thinking "What would President Ikeda, say, think and do?"

And after chanting about this today, I feel certain that he is chanting for the families involved, the communities involved and for every single American as well.

Peace. Really. And love.

Keith Olbermann Special Comment On Gabrielle Giffords Shooting

A Message for the New Year

I prepared these quotes for the enshrinement ceremony taking place in Ukiah California for my dear friend Julia. She and my friend Danielle sprang like Boddhisatvas out of the earth this fall - both deciding to fully appreciate and embrace this faith...based on seeds I planted when I lived in California over the expanse of many years. When I first shared this practice with them they were not ready to chant...but after seeing the amazing changes and the actual proof within my life...when I visited them this year...they have both been chanting and experiencing huge benefits and changing their suffering into triumphs.

I hope you enjoy these quotes today, January 2nd, 2011.

It is my ichinen for each one of YOU to experience boundless joy from the law this year....and to enter 2012 entirely victorious!!!

President Ikeda quotes previous High Priest Nittatsu :

Wherever the Gohonzon is enshrined, that place, in a broad sense, takes on the significance of the high sanctuary. The sincere daimoku you chant to that Gohonzon with a concentrated mind free of all extraneous thoughts is instantly received by the Dai Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of True Buddhism. The place where you chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is instantly transformed into Eagle Peak. And this is where you attain Buddhahood in your present form (November 23, 1977)

A few other really cool quotes:

From My Dear Friends in America, a collection of Daisaku Ikeda's essays in America 1990-1996...just the greatest book - I remember cherishing each of these essays as they came out in the World Tribune...

"Faith is light The hearts of those with strong faith are filled with light. A radiance envelops their lives. People with unshakable conviction in faith enjoy a happiness that is as luminous as the full moon on a dark night, as dazzling as the sun on a clear day."

And you'll love this...from the essay in the same book called "Worshipping the Gohonzon Opens Your Life":

Nichiren Daishonin's basic object of devotion, (the Gohonzon) however, consists of writing, of words. Rather than a graphic image, the Daishonin made the written expression of the world of the intellect - the object of high reverence.

Words are mysterious, they have tremendous power....

When you worship the Gohonzon, the door to your microcosm is opened to the entire universe, the macrocosm, and you experience a great, boundless joy, as if you were looking out over the entire cosmos. You feel great satisfaction and rejoicing, a great wisdom --as if you held the entire universe in your palm. The microcosm enfolded by the macrocosm reaches out to enfold the macrocosm in its own embrace.

Just as we might look down on a bright, clear scene of the world below from a lofty mountain's highest peak, we can climb the peak of the mountain of wisdom (supreme enlightenment). We can attain a state of eternal bliss, experiencing the infinite expanse and depth of life moment after moment, as if we were flying through the universe and gazing at blazing comets, the brilliantly shining Milky Way and all of the beautiful stars.

And one last quote from the incredible essay "Gongyo is a Grand and Noble Rite." in the same book:

"For both the present and the future" is also written on the Gohonzon. For present and future --that is what faith is for. What the Buddhist Law is for. When we worship the Gohonzon, the eternal life of time without beginning wells up within us. Our faith is that every single day, every instant begins from time without beginning.

We are always setting out, full of hope, from today to the future, from this moment to eternal happiness. We are always young, always beginning. My message to you is that you must be absolutely certain of this, and live your wonderful lives without regret, with joy and brightness, always moving forward.

All my love!

Jamie