Overcoming Fear

This photo is courtesy of my friend Axel Koch. He just went though the Panama Canal last week.

I've been considering the nature of fear lately. I mean, here I am, living on my own, and I was just laid off. (My last dy is this Friday) One would think that I would be really scared. I probably would be scared if I didn't have this practice. But I'm not at all scared. I chant Daimoku (Nam Myoho Renge Kyo) every day to have confidence in my life itself. I chant enough Daimoku to override my fear, and keep the negativity and fear far away from my brain. I know that with every chant I am connecting to the power of the universe itself. My life is unstoppable. How could I be afraid?

I am filled with appreciation for my last job, and I'm really looking forward to working with the outplacement firm that will help me with my resume and job finding skills. 

The primary thing I can say today is that I always chant enough Daimoku to keep any fear at bay. The moment I feel any creeping fear or sadness in the corner of my mind I head straight to the Gohonzon and chant. I vow to be victorious in all areas of my life. I am determined to turn this "log" into a fresh flame of benefit. The Gosho (writing of Nichiren Daishonin) for this month is "A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering." I have embedded some of the quotes from this Gosho into my life. I will be leading a discussion on this Gosho at my house this Wednesday. 

"In the Latter Day of the Law, the votary of the Lotus Sutra will appear without fail. (That's me and you) The greater the hardships befalling him the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith. Doesn't a fire burn more briskly when logs are added?"

The Gosho goes on to state that "...anyone who teaches others even a single phrase of the Lotus Sutra is clearly the Buddha's envoy." 

and 

"Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help him to reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation."

The Gosho is rich with phrases to cherish. When I was a young Buddhist I cherished "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." from the Gosho called Happiness in this World. 

At the moment I am cherishing my hardships and using them to fuel me forward, and increase my ability to connect with people, to have compassion and to inspire! 

Happy Holidays

I put up my Christmas tree today...
with all the trimmings, 
and twinkling lights all over my home. 
It's awesome. 
Although I have never been a Christian, I grew up in Oak Park Illinois and we celebrate Christmas here. We sing carols, we give gifts, we go to Christmas shows, we give gifts, and we spread holiday cheer. One of the best things about being a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism is we can continue our cultural heritage in whatever form we choose. 
It is no stranger for me to have a Christmas tree now than it was when I had a tree as a child. 
All of us, in any country we live, we can celebrate whatever customs we wish. 
And we come together to chant. We'll chant in this room with the Christmas tree here. 

Let the Christmas season commence. Happy Holidays! 

Power Prayers for Health

As President Ikeda says, health is the most important thing of all. We all know the truth of this statement. 

I have improved my health through this practice. I used to have allergies, asthma, and frequent headaches, along with the additional weight.   

I don't experience any of those things anymore.

Today I am sharing with you some of the thoughts, prayers and determinations that have become the fiber of my life lately. 

As I am chanting, these thoughts of appreciation and determinations flow through my mind as I connect with the universe during morning and evening gongyo:

Power Prayers for Health:

Power prayers come in several formats. The first type of power prayer is the determination. It is the prayer you pray when you are determined to make something happen in your life. They usually begin, not surprisingly, with "I am determined." 

The second type of power prayer is the power of appreciation...reveling in the experience of having received a previous prayer and being grateful for it. 

Power Prayers: 

Being healthy is easier than ever. 

I easily draw to myself all the resources and people I need to help me to be the healthiest, happiest version of me. 

All the best information just flows to me. Suddenly I know just what my body needs to be nourished and enlivened, and I naturally crave these things. I am becoming stronger and more resilient every single moment. I feel the best I have ever felt. I glow. 

I love to move and express myself. 

All the clothes I need to feel great at every moment naturally flow into my life. 

All the resources I need come to me now. 

I easily and happily become the very best version of me! 

I appreciate myself for releasing my resistance to change and for letting my life flow. 

Being Healthy. Tips for losing weight.

A reader wrote me to ask how I lost the weight. Here is my reply:

I had a problem with my weight every since I can remember. I'll see if I can find a before and after picture for you....

All through grade school, high school and college...then on into and past my twenties and thirties. 

I lost weight over and over and always gained it back. I was always hungry. According to some doctors, the typical American diet is one that starves the body of the nutrients it needs. That's one of the reasons so many of us are hungry all the time. 

I have finally conquered this problem and feel better than ever. 

Here are the tips I can give you:

Make a list:

I made a list of all the reasons I wanted to be thinner. I love this list and will always keep it close to heart. My reasons range from being healthy enough to play with my grandchildren when they come. I don't know when that will be, but I want to be young no matter what age I am. And being healthy is what feeling young is all about. I love feeling good and sexy and being able to buy any clothes I wish. I love being able to shop in any store...not just the larger size stores and departments. 

Make a book or poster:

I have a book of pictures of cute clothes, inspiring quotes and loving pictures of couples together. I update this from time to time with new clothes and pictures that inspire me. I have lots of pictures that include ships and water. And I'm leaving on a cruise in three weeks. These techniques really work. 

Find a visualization that works for you:

I could not conjure an image of myself thin. But I could envision myself walking into the petite section of my favorite clothing store, going to a rack and choosing a tiny looking outfit, going into the fitting room and trying it on and being so happy because it fit! I picture myself laughing and really enjoying the fact that anything I like fits. 

Write some affirmations:

I wrote out a list of things beginning with the phrase "Wouldn't it be nice if..." Such as "Wouldn't it be nice if all the efforts I've ever put into weight loss all came together and this time losing weight is easier than ever." and "Wouldn't it be nice is I could go into any store and find clothes that look great on me." Using the phrase "Wouldn't it be nice" releases some of the resistance we might have to affirmations. It just works. 

Love exercise ~  find something that makes you happy:

Find what works for you. I walk and use free weights and machines. Sometimes I ride my exercise bike. I love the feeling I have when I walk. I love the way it boosts my mood. My brain loves getting the oxygen hit from walking. If I don't walk for a couple of days I feel my mood slipping a bit and I get back on that treadmill or exercise bike. 

Choose a program:

Right now I am trimming down even more by adopting a plant-based whole food lifestyle change. It is actually the easiest way to lose weight because you can eat as much as you want. I am so grateful to my dear friend Julia for inspiring me. At first all I could think about was what I couldn't eat. She helped me to see all the things I could eat, and how tasty they are. Thank goodness for Trader Joe's! I've been eating this way for over a week now and it's much easier than I thought it would be. I have books I can recommend and other tips for this. Let me know if you are interested. I am doing this for my health, and I really feel great! 

Some of the members in my district have been very successfully doing Weight Watchers. 

Chanting tips:

I chant to release myself from the world of hunger and to raise my life condition. 
I chant to release my fear of change. 

I hope these help. Let me know if you want to hear more about this subject. 
Happy Day after Thanksgiving. 

Happy Thanksgiving ! A great day to polish our altars.

Pikachu 

at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - right on my TV

My kids loved to play with Pokemon when they were young. Pokemon bring me back such wonderful memories of sitting on the floor and playing with my boys.  Pika was always my favorite, but at one point I knew almost all the Pokemon names. Pika just makes me laugh. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you wherever you live. 

I am so grateful for all of you and your messages to me. I'm grateful for sharing this incredible lifetime with you. I am so grateful to be alive at the same time as President Ikeda. I'm grateful for this practice. And so grateful for my healthy family. 

I wish you all a marvelous day today. 

The holiday comes from when the pilgrims celebrated an abundant harvest. We take the time to be with our families and appreciate each other and good food and drink. Many families have the customary turkey and stuffing dinner. 

It's a day to be together. 

I like to take time on the holidays to clean my altar. 

Our Buddhist altar is really important because 

it represents our lives. 

When we have a Gohonzon 

we have a "Home within a home."

Today I took everything off my altar and cleaned it really thoroughly. I used a hair dryer to melt off some residual candle wax I found on the wood. I shined the wood with wood cleaner and dusted everything else. I keep my altar very clean, but some days I just like to go the extra mile and polish it up. I've always believed that the way I care for my altar is reflected in the way my environment treats me. A dusty or cluttered altar isn't good, it's neglected. We don't want to neglect our lives. Our altars should be free and clear and uncluttered. If there are things that don't belong, now is a great time to remove them. The only objects that should be on our altars are: fruit, water, greens of some kind or flowers, bell and candles and incense if you use them. 

Have a great day ~ 

Raising children to have faith in the power of their lives

Aaron and Ben - Best friends and brothers

The fish we were watching last night at the restaurant. 

We've been having a blast this holiday week spending time together. Aaron is growing his beard to raise money for prostate cancer research. I called him Paul Bunyan last night just for fun.  

I got a few questions about how I raised my boys as Buddhists. 

I think the most important thing I do is strive to be inspiring to my boys. I want to show them that practicing buddhism can lead to a happy and fulfilling life. They have seen me unhappy, and they have watched me determine to change. They've seen me shed 70 pounds. They've watched me in every job I've had, watched as I've greeted every adversity as a challenge and produced great results. They have seen me rise out of heartbreak and seen me become happy again. It's very important to me to inspire them with my actions, words, and with my life itself. 

And I always chant for them to be happy and to fulfill their mission for Kosen Rufu. If they didn't have a mission for Kosen Rufu they would not have been born to me. And I have tried not to push them. Oh sure, there were times I begged them to come to a big meeting, and times I lured them with food. But I always tried not to push them too hard. And in the times that they weren't chanting, or couldn't chant, or were too tired to chant I followed President Ikeda's guidance and said "That's okay sweetie, you don't have to worry, I'm chanting for you twice as hard today." And the next time I would invite them to chant they would gladly join me. 

I have been behind the scenes chanting and chanting for their happiness. 

And I always speak encouraging words to them. I NEVER put them down. I say "I trust you. I know that you have wisdom and that your life always knows what is best for you. I know you will be fine. I'm not worried about you. I am so proud of you."

And of course, when they want to talk I do my best to listen with a full heart and with no judgement. I may steer them, but don't have a heavy hand. 

Those are some of the key aspects I've found to raising Buddha Boys. 

Getting laid off ~ How-to keep a great attitude and Succeed

Yesterday I chanted three hours in the morning ~ because I wanted to ~ and because I could. I find that the more I chant the more I want to chant. Those three hours just flew. They went faster than some five minutes of chanting have gone. I was so connected to my prayer. 

Here is my insight on getting laid off and keeping a great attitude and successfully finding a new job. 

I have done this before. Every lay off I have had has resulted in something wonderful coming into my life. When I was laid off in San Francisco I was able to accomplish my goal of moving back to the Midwest to raise my boys. When I was laid off in 2010 I was able to have some major surgery and not have to worry about a thing (thanks to Paul), and this layoff will result in something wonderful. I am sure. I'm not technically done with this job until the end of the month, but I am just sewing up loose ends at this point. 

Keys:

I don't hold resentment about the company that laid me off.  I don't take it personally or bad mouth them. It is business. Carrying around resentment is never good. 
I once knew someone who told the story of how wronged she had been by the company that laid her off. She told this story to anyone who would listen...over and over. This is just a bad practice and really unhelpful in moving forward and being happy. No one wants to hear this and it generated negative energy. Let it go. 
I take the time to show each person I worked with appreciation for my time with them, and keep as many relationships as I can through many means, Linkedin makes it easy to stay connected, but actually getting together with people is the best way to be connected. 

Stay close to your previous work friends. You never know where the lead for the new job will come from. This last job came about because of an email a business friend sent to me. 

Most importantly ~ Things I do to keep my spirits up and create benefit while in the job search mode:

I connect to my greater prayer as a Votary of the Lotus Sutra. I chant in appreciation at every moment and chant to show actual proof through my life. I chant to pull the entire energy of the universe through my life in order to inspire all those around me. I chant that this experience will inspire people to their very core...that they can watch me going through this process and not getting down (I am sincerely happy - this is not some kind of fake positive thinking facade). 

I can show what a courageous, determined human being, who has absolute faith in her own power can do...inspire others in the midst of life changes and turmoil. The fact that I am so protected financially and in all other ways is no accident. I have dedicated my life to the happiness of others...and through this process my life is protected. Whenever I start to feel even a little bit down I chant MORE and the feeling goes away quickly. 

I stick to my daimoku schedule as always. I chant at least an hour in the morning...enjoying my tea and my time to direct and commune with my life itself. I have a cozy chair and keep warm. I have a good light on my Gohonzon.  I plan my morning around my hour of Daimoku. I relish this time. 

I continue chanting for other people. I don't just switch the focus to me. I chant with even more concentration for every one of the readers of this blog - YOU. I chant that this experience can somehow strengthen your faith, and that you will understand and use this practice more effectively than you ever had before...and that benefits will just flow from you...and that others will be asking what you are doing...and you can do shakubuku. You can chant this way too. You can chant to have the kind of experience that you will want to write up and share on this blog so that you can inspire others with your brilliant life. 

I take good care of myself. I eat well. I treat myself well. I talk nicely to myself. ESPECIALLY when you are laid off or looking for a job treat yourself with extreme care. I take my vitamins, I switched last week to a healthier way of eating and I feel energized and better than ever. 

I also make my list of what I am looking for in a job. 

That's it for now...it's time to go and get ready for tomorrow's holiday. We are celebrating Thanksgiving in the states. I am so grateful for YOU. For all of your emails, support, questions. I am so grateful for you. 

Can you just chant in your head and not out loud?

A reader wrote me today asking if she could just say Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in her head and not chant it. She was afraid someone would make fun of her. And the answer is, yes, you can chant in your head, but no, you will not get the same results as chanting out loud. 

Please find a place to be able to chant out loud.  There must be some place. Or chant while that person is not at home...or in a room with noise in it so no one will hear you. 

It is important to feel and experience the full power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo's out loud. 

Your life responds to the vibration and you cannot produce the vibration in your head. 

Chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for what you want. 
Make your list.
Write it down. 

You are so much more powerful than you realize. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the core of the power of all life, and chanting these words allows you to tap into the power that is yours. 

If you are only chanting in your head...focus your prayers on having the courage to chant out loud. 

You can do it. 

Such Fortune in my Life~

Aaron~Ben~Me

Michiko, Tomell, Donovan

Happy Monday morning! I hope it IS a Happy Monday morning for you, and that you are living a fulfilled and happy life. If you aren't ~ please don't despair. Just strengthen your practice and your faith and you will be on your way! Chant for what you really want! You chant to be able to make the impossible possible. Chant for what you really want. Refresh your practice if it's stale. Chant every morning and evening and go to your SGI meetings! No matter how long you've been gone you will be welcomed back with open arms. 

Yesterday was November 18th, day of the founding of the Soka Gakkai. 

Tomell was giving an experience at the Chicago Buddhist Center and we arranged to have lunch afterwards so he could meet Aaron and Ben and we could all meet his Mother Michiko and his nephew Donovan. 

As I was driving to pick up Aaron and Ben I realized my dreams had already come true. Both of them were excited about going to this Buddhist meeting, and meeting Tomell. Both of them have matured in their faith and have seeking minds toward their practice. It reminds me of the Buddhist parable about the man who stays at the Buddha's house, and the Buddha sews jewels into the lining of the man's coat. He leaves not knowing the riches he possesses, but they are there for him when he can realize them. It is just like that with Aaron and Ben. They have realized the riches in their coats! They are fired up about using this practice in their lives and excited about meeting other invigorating members. If you are a young man reading this and want to connect with them please write to chantforhappiness@gmail.com. 

Having my precious boys awaken to the absolute power that exists within their lives is something money can't buy. 

It is true fortune...benefit accrued from chanting over time. 

I know it's all coming together for their happiness and for the happiness of all the lives that they are going to touch. President Ikeda is absolutely right...the future of our country and of our world rests in the young people. If they can truly understand the depth of the power they have to change the world, and use Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as a TOOL ~ they will change the world! 

I do want to mention that my boys have not always been "enthusiastic" about going to Buddhist meetings. No. Many times I coerced, bribed, begged...to get them to go. The fact that they were actually looking forward to this is a huge benefit. And I know they got a lot out of it. 

I was curious to know about Tomell's relationship with President Ikeda. Tomell said he chose for a mentor a man who has no equal on the planet. NO ONE has over 300 honorary doctorates. No one has visited with the number of world leaders or written as many books, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. I can't keep track of the number of schools Daisaku Ikeda has founded. And we have the fortune to be living at the same time. Tomell says he thinks of President Ikeda as a coach. A life coach. A spiritual coach. This, of course, made perfect sense to my guys. 

Tomell also talked about having complete faith in Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Chanting for money without knowing where it would come from... Chanting about this job and having the perfect opportunity come to him...Tomell is a glowing example of FAITH in practice and benefits everywhere. He has accepted my offer to do some guest writing for this blog. At the moment I believe he is still in transit back to Dubai, but you'll be hearing from him soon. 

Thank you all for your encouragement regarding my being laid off. I truly believe it is a benefit, and my spirits are incredibly high. Thank you for your emails. You know I love to post your comments and receive your emails at chantforhappiness@gmail.com. I would love to print your stories of success and I am always happy to answer your questions.  

Julia's Experience of Victory

Good morning, I'm posting Julia's experience in case you didn't see it, and so you can forward it to your friends. It is truly an experience of victory...with more to come! Today my sons and I are going to the Chicago Buddhist Center to see President Ikeda's film, attend Tomell Caesar DaSilva's experience and give my boys a chance to get to know more practicing guys their age. I'll post pictures from today later. For now, please enjoy Julia's experience. 

Dear Chant For Happiness Readers,

There is perhaps no greater happiness than an occasion to honor one's debt of gratitude towards a mentor in Buddhism. A Buddhist mentor

is perhaps the most honorable person in one's life because they give us the means by which we can attain absolute happiness and

develop indestructible life strength that endures from lifetime to lifetime, throughout eternity, the cause of a permanent, positive upward spiral

that makes the heart dance for joy, even when there's no apparent reason to do so.

Jamie is just such such a mentor in my life.

Some of you may remember me from an earlier post here on Chant For Happiness. Jamie Silver Shakubuked me "with her life."

When Jamie first talked to me about the practice we discussed how it worked. Over a decade later  when I saw her again she didn't have to say a thing about Buddhism, because her life spoke for itself. The changes were unmistakable and I realized I had to start chanting right away. 

I received the Gohonzon nearly two years ago now. The benefits of chanting have been mounting for me lately. Most notably, as of this week, I have not only received

clarity about my mission I have been chanting for since 2012 began, but also, concrete actual proof that has literally enthralled even my skeptical husband.

I grew up in a very competitive culture in New York City where the arts were something you did as a child, "lessons" and the like, but were not considered something one should pursue into adulthood. In my case, this was not a source of conscious pain or sadness because I had not yet developed enough of my talent to realize what I was missing.

I became a therapist and a published author, a yoga instructor and healer. This all felt wonderful to me as I was helping other people, which has always been a passion of mine, and

reveling in a life of accomplishment. But deep down inside I was not happy. In fact, not only was I unhappy, I was getting sicker and sicker until finally the stress of my 

life landed me on the "permanently disabled" list.

When I first came down with the acute symptoms of CFS/Fibromyalgia/Chronic Lyme disease, I cracked up. I felt I had committed myself to a worthy spiritual and productive

life--how could it have failed me so miserably? I was sick all over, and I mean all over, and further more, I felt like an epic failure. A healer who gets sick? Who wants to be one of those?

Jamie chanted for me throughout several years of acute illness. I now realize that this, combined with the little spates of Daimoku I had chanted with her

over the years, is what enabled me to begin a sincere transformation of poison into medicine in my life. Before I became a Nichiren Buddhist, music took on something 

of the role of spiritual practice in the vacuum of my life as a chronically disabled person. However, as I have learned, there is no practice like the correct practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo , and though music

filled my life with meaning, goals, breakthroughs and eventually a community of others similarly devoted to self perfection in the service of its craft,

music on its own did not bring me happiness and fulillment. In fact, it was something of "nectar in a sieve" by which Aristotle defined hedonism.

As an adult learner, I always felt physically awkward with

my instrument. A severe case of TMJ made singing

physically unpleasant and downright frustrating.

As I became more

proficient, against these odds, and with tons of patient support from my husband, Cliff, who was also my principal music teacher, I found my new role as rhythm guitarist for our duo very challenging. My husband, a powerful improvisational player, would speed up during his solos and I would be left holding on for dear life as the tunes we played became too fast to enjoy, in my case, and I felt the sensuality and nobility of strong music eluded me.

All of this changed forever for me this week and this is why I am writing.  I have had the "big breakthrough" and there is not a shadow of a doubt about it. Music is my Dharma.

I now see even my disability has been part of my mission all along. Let me back up first in order to go forwards...

About ten years ago, towards the end of my tenure as a therapist in private practice I was waiting in line to pay for my car at the Ellis-O'Farrell garage in downtown San Francisco, near Union Square. I was wearing my guitar in a back-pack over a cashmere prayer shawl my husband, Cliff, had bought in India. The woman behind me tapped me on the shoulder and asked me where I was playing. "in my office between clients" was my answer. 

She said, "Oh," then added, "I'm a psychic and I was reading your aura while we were in line and I definitely saw that you are a healer who works through your music, and I wanted very much to come out and hear you sing."

I laughed and thanked her, but told her I only played for myself as a kind of centering between counseling clients. I was no where near comfortable enough with what I was doing to even imagine singing/playing solo (without Cliff) let alone heal anyone by doing so. 

I felt she must have misread me, that it must have been the prayer shawl, but I never forgot the event. And now that I am writing you I am realizing its significance. 

I struggled so much with my singing due to jaw and breathing problems over the years, and hand problems from playing guitar, that this summer, in despair, I told Cliff I was 

just too sick to continue with music. The symptoms of peri-menopause on top of my chronic condition was making the whole thing just too difficult. Shows were leaving me 

drained and I was demoralized by my trouble commanding a strong enough rhythm to make us sound professional.

Cliff tried to argue against me, on my own behalf, ironically, but I would not have any of it. I decided it was just too painful to continue to struggle with so little satisfaction.

I inaugurated my second daimoku log and put in "Clarity about my mission for Kosen Rufu and profound strength" as my chanting goals, along with "faith like flowing water."

Well, just after my declaration to Cliff that I was giving up, inconspicuous benefit finally yielded to very conspicuous benefit, what we commonly call "miracles."

First, my insurance finally consented to cover treatment for my TMJ. And this only happened because a woman in the orthodontist's office who does such things went to war on my behalf. Her name, turns out, is "Charity." And yes, I gave her a NMHRK card!

Around this time I finally fully engraved into my life the Gosho that I first fell in love with when I received the Gohonzon, "A Sword will be useless in the hands of a Coward." Jamie had told me that this sounded to her like the Gosho that would guide me to happiness!

I realized, in tears one night before the Gohonzon that I wanted more than anything to sing beautifully! And with pleasure. And to feel myself developing dynamically as a musician. I began to chant lustily, passionately, as I never had before for anything. I let myself sob when necessary as I unblocked my heart from my true desire. My district leader here in Ukiah had told me "Every tear you cry in front of the Gohonzon will become a diamond in your life." This gave me the permission and the faith I needed to feel my feelings while praying, without any fear that I would be wallowing in my misery. And yes, the tears, each time, gave way to exalted states of real joy, even as they were still drying on my cheeks.

I began chanting for two hours a day. Sure enough, though he could make me no guarantee up front, my orthodontist (who turns out to be one of the nation's experts in resolving TMJ) has been more effective than I could have dreamed in changing not only my bite, but in releasing me from untold amounts of tension in my neck and shoulders, and all the way down my spine.

I wear my splint 14 hours a day, and even enjoy singing with it because it gives me incentive to open up my mouth more and more. 

This was just the tip of the iceberg. Soon miracles and benefits began pouring in from all sides.

Next, the most amazing thing of all. 

I began dancing for joy. 

In every sense of the words. A pattern called a paradiddle that drummers use began insinuating itself into my hands and I began to be able to tap it out for longer and longer periods without messing up. I found myself doing it on the steering wheel of my car. And soon, on my legs, while I was chanting. To my surprise, the paradiddle matched

the interlocking cycles of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, which is six beats, and comes out perfectly in time with the drumming pattern every second daimoku. Wow, what a feeling!

Soon I was on the internet listening to my favorite trad music jam band called "Donna the Buffalo" and drumming to the polyrhythmic beat of my favorite tunes. Then, and this is what gives me joy-goose-bumps even to write it, I began drumming (with shakers) on my hips, while dancing to the tunes, and as of last night, drumming, dancing, and SINGING... ALL at the SAME TIME!

Woooooohoooo. This is what I call "Dancing for Joy!" It's amazing. I am dancing to express the joy I feel at healing to this degree, and the dancing itself fires up deep stores of joy in my body. It feels wonderful! I began to feel much healthier too. How could I not? 

Being this happy makes a person well. It's probably the only thing that really does. Happiness, that is. 

I have LOVED my last two performances. 

Completely different than EVERYTHING that has come before. Full of mystery and present moment satisfaction. Hearing my own voice with pleasure and having a talent scout come up to me and telling me I have "a golden voice, one like the honey that .... that...drips" 

I kid you not. It truly happened that way.

I called Jamie last night and shared excitedly about what has happened here. I asked her if I could share it with all of you. She said, yes, and had even recently downloaded a wonderful photo of me singing with Cliff that someone posted just around the time all of this started happening for me.

Dance for joy!

May you all find the profound strength within your life to chant for your true mission. Its worth the wait. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Chanting for Happiness...How to Begin

This picture is the sunrise today in Panama, taken by my childhood friend Axel Koch

This post is great for newcomers, and may have some fresh tips for those already practicing.

Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!

Here you will learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

First of all make a list of what you really want in life. Take a new look at your desires and write them down.  Dream big. What do you really want? What do you want for yourself? What do you want for others? What do you want for the world? Make a list. There is no such thing as a “bad” desire as long as you wish no harm on others. Many Buddhists began chanting with desires that later turned into other desires. Don’t worry about it. Chant for what is really in your heart. Be true to yourself. 

I suggest having some sort of journal to write in. Writing in a journal helps you become aware of your progress and benefits.

Choose a place to chant comfortably. You’ll want to sit in a comfortable chair. Where would you feel most at ease chanting out loud? It is helpful to have something on the wall to focus on. It's helpful to rest your eyes on something slightly above eye level. It can be anything. When I first started chanting in my little two room apartment in San Francisco, I sat on the mattress on the floor and gazed up at the moon in a poster of Mono Lake. Choose something soothing to rest your eyes on. I find it helpful to have a table nearby for my tea, and other things I like to have close when I chant. You may want to put a little table up as an altar, but you don’t need that to begin. 

Write the words Nam Myoho Renge Kyo on a piece of paper (or use the card enclosed in this book). The words are pronounced as follows: 

Nahm, rhymes with Mom, 

meeyohoh, with three long vowels, 

rain gay, 

key oh. 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. 

Nahm Meeyohoh Rain Gay Key Oh

Hold your hands with the palms facing in and touching each other in front of your heart. Sit with your back as straight as possible and say the words over and over and over again. 

You do not have to concentrate about what is in your mind at first. Just say the words. Breathe whenever you have to for as long as you like. See if you can chant for a few minutes, then a few minutes more. Chant for as long as you can!  

The rhythm should sound like a train moving, or horses running. There should be some energy to it. You can chant as fast or as slow as you wish. Speed of chanting is up to you. 

If you want to hear how it sounds you can go to the top left corner of this blog and chant with me. I begin slowly and speed up with more energy. 

See how it makes you feel. Can you chant for a little longer? Maybe even a little longer than that. Can you get to the point where you don’t have to think about the words, but can actually think about what you want? It may take a little time. Naturally you will begin to chant for what you want. You’ll see. 

When you are finished chanting you can write in your journal.

Start by writing an assessment of your life right now. What’s going well, what you’d like to improve on. Then write how you felt before chanting and after chanting. In your journal set a goal for how much you want to chant every day.  When I started, I could only chant five minutes a day in the morning and five minutes in the evening. I had a timer next to me and I’m sure there were times I stopped before I’d even reached five minutes! You will build up momentum! Commit to chant twice a day every day. Keep your goals in mind and you’ll remember your reasons for chanting! 

These words and this vibration go deep into the heart of your life itself. They summon forth your highest wisdom, vitality and sense of purpose. They also uproot the karma that is making you suffer, and give you the opportunity to change this karma forever. You will still have challenges and problems in life when you chant...but eventually you will see them as the opportunities they are. Problems are the FUEL you need to catapult your life into a life of happiness and joy. You have begun a journey to uncover the true happiness that exists in your shining Buddha life. Congratulations!
Also - make sure to search on Soka Gakkai followed by whatever country you live in. This site will help you to connect with people who will be happy to help you learn to chant, overcome your problems, and reveal your brilliant, wonderful self!  Fellow Soka Gakka members love to help each other. 
and go to IKEDAQUOTES.org to read Daisaku Ikeda's words. He is lighting the way for us all...and for YOU!

A Really Powerful Power Prayer

Last week I was feeling like I needed a boost from an old friend, Louise Hay. Have any of you read her wonderful books? Her masterpiece is a book called "You Can Heal Your Life." 

I picked it up and opened it to a random page and found her power prayer to affirm to your life 

"I release my resistance to change. 
I am willing to release my resistance to change." 

Louise Hay recommends saying that phrase out loud every morning while looking at yourself in the mirror. I took her advice. I said those words while looking at myself in the real mirror, then I said those words while looking into the mirror of my life ~ the Gohonzon. 

I chanted in earnest. I am READY! 

Immediately two major changes took place. Major changes. And I am STILL chanting every day to release my resistance to change, and everything is flowing beautifully. I really AM ready and powerful enough to change. This is a really powerful prayer! 

And the changes in my life, my dietary overhall and being laid off from my job are going to prove to be HUGE benefits in my life. 

I am making changes in my diet and focusing on what I CAN eat, not what I CAN'T. I have several smart and wonderfrul friends who have made these changes to their diets and feel healthy and vibrant and energized. They are guiding me along the way. Julia made a long list of foods from Trader Joe's for me. Thank you Julia! I already feel better physically. 

And I am SO optimistic about my present and my future in all ways. 

I will keep you posted, and once again I just want to let you know that when you chant every morning and evening and focus on the happiness of others there is no room to be sad. I have not had one moment of regret or sadness over having this job transition and I am protected in all ways. I chant in gratitude every moment and am more available than ever to help others. I continue to chant for all my fellow co-workers. I chant for them to have hope and happiness rising in their lives too. 

Please realize that your life is limitless and chant to bring forth ALL your power. DO not ask for favors when you chant. you are not asking anyone or anything to grant your wishes. No. You are drawing forth your own power. You can tell your life what you want. 

Every day I read President Ikeda's words in the World Tribune and Living Buddhism. I know he is speaking to me, just as he is speaking to you. I chant to have the same prayer for world peace as he does...and for my prayer to be as expansive as his...and for the power of my prayer to increase by 10,000 times. Your life is limitless. Prove it through your own determination and share your victories with me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com. Send pictures too! 

Chanting for Happiness for all!

Over the past few days I have received many messages from you.

Thank you~

We are all connected because we read this blog together. We are all connected because we access the power in our own lives by reciting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (the name of the rhythm of life itself and live our lives as Votaries of the Lotus Sutra.

Please join me in chanting for the Happiness and Victory of all who read this blog, of all who practice, and for the happiness of everyone in the world.

I look forward to sharing all your victories and pictures on this blog. Please send them to me! 

Last night's District Meeting was so inspiring. We are all joined together in love, all of us pioneering member of this great movement, proving the power of this practice with our lives. Young and old, rich and poor, well and sick, we are forging brilliantly ahead and lighting the way for everyone we touch. I hope you are going to your SGI meetings, being inspired and bringing your own light of hope to brighten the paths of your fellow travelers. 

President Ikeda's Message for November 18th, 2012

(Please feel free to forward to your fellow members. Just type chantforhappiness.com in the body of an email message and they will get this post)

SGI President Ikeda’s Message for Soka Gakkai Foundation Day, November 18, 2012

I would like to offer my congratulations to all my beloved SGI members around the world on the occasion of their festive gatherings celebrating the 82nd anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding. My wife and I here in Tokyo are thinking of you, envisioning your bright, smiling faces.

Thanks to your dedicated efforts during 2012—the Year of Developing a Youthful SGI—our organization has achieved even greater growth, entering an unprecedented age of kosen-rufu where capable young Bodhisattvas of the Earth are emerging in ever-increasing numbers all across the globe.

With the announcement of our theme for next year—the Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI—our SGI organizations everywhere are advancing powerfully toward 2013. The coming year will mark many significant milestones, including the 760th anniversary of the establishment of Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching (in 1253), the 85th anniversary of first and second Soka Gakkai presidents Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda embracing faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism (in 1928), as well as the 70-year anniversary of their arrest for refusing to compromise their beliefs (in 1943). Next year will also bring the long-awaited completion of our new Soka Gakkai Headquarters, currently under construction.

With a renewed pledge to repay our gratitude to our mentors, let’s strive wholeheartedly to show actual proof of our Buddhist practice by further developing our movement and achieving victory in all our endeavors, thereby solidly securing the foundations for a new eternally youthful SGI.

In September 1951, two months after the establishment of the young men’s division and young women’s division in Japan, Mr. Toda issued his “Guidelines for Youth,” which opens with the words, “A new age will be created by the passion and power of youth.”1 It was a call to all members, especially the youth, to achieve dynamic progress and development toward a new age.

Youth are our greatest hope and treasure. This is the time for youthful Bodhisattvas of the Earth, awakened to their mission, to stand up, one after another, and broadly expand our movement. In the same spirit as my mentor, I now call out to you with the highest hopes: Bring forth the youthful power of the SGI to illuminate the hearts and minds of people around the world and usher in a new age that shines with infinite brilliance!

1 Translated from Japanese. Josei Toda, Toda Josei Zenshu (The Collected Writings of Josei Toda), (Tokyo: Seikyo Shimbunsha, 1981), vol. 1, p. 58.The great vow of Nichiren Daishonin is kosen-rufu—in other words, world peace. The Daishonin writes: “If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquillity throughout the four quarters of the land, should you not?” (WND-1, 24). He also says: “From the time that I was born until today, I have never known a moment’s ease; I have thought only of propagating the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo]” (WND-1, 965).

Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda, and I, and all of the dedicated members who have struggled alongside us past and present, including each one of you, have practiced in exact accord with this spirit of the Daishonin, blazing trails where none before existed and building the grand stage for kosen-rufu. Please never forget this indisputable fact.

When we consider that the great path of worldwide kosen-rufu will continue infinitely into the distant future, this present time is the pioneering age of our movement. As such, each and every one of you without exception has an important role to play as a model for our members of future generations.

I hope you will all create outstanding records of triumphant achievement in your respective places of mission. Always win where you are right now, not some place or some time in the future. Achieving one solid victory after another in your life as good citizens of your communities is the sure and certain way to advance kosen-rufu, carry out your human revolution, and attain enlightenment in this lifetime.

Let’s make the sun of time without beginning rise brilliantly in our lives each day, sending forth and spreading the great light of hope to illuminate our communities, societies, and the future. United in the spirit of “many in body, one in mind,” let’s show people the world over the nobility and strength of those who stand up to transform the karma of humankind.

Let us now stride forth with joy and energy toward 2013—the Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI—and further toward the triumphant centennial of the Soka Gakkai in 2030. Let us do so with vibrant daimoku and boundless courage, with youthful hearts and youthful vitality, and in the most wonderful harmony.

My wife and I continue to chant earnestly that all of you, our most dear and precious members around the world, will lead long, healthy, fulfilling lives and that your families will prosper and triumph through all.

Best wishes!

Daisaku Ikeda November 18, 2012