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

Power Prayers Create Happiness for ALL!

Today is going to be a great day! I'm about to start the day chanting for the success of our SGI District meeting here tonight. And I'll spend my day finishing up business and doing my best to encourage others during the last days on my job. I'm full of appreciation, and want to share this determination/vision with you.

On Sunday Morning, right as I was sitting down to chant I had this prayer and determination flow through me to you and the world. 
As I was chanting I could see the eyes of all the people who are suffering, all the longing, all the need for hope. I was chanting into their eyes with this prayer: 

I am chanting to

Be in touch with you, my readers, my members, my friends and family and all I touch directly or touch through my blog or writings. 

I chant to say exactly what you need to hear  - in a way that inspires you to discover the great power in your life, experience unsurpassed happiness, and share your happiness with others through your own words and through forwarding the chantforhappiness.com url to others all over the world. (There is a translation button in the top left corner of this blog - it can be translated with one click into any language) From these actions more and more people release their sufferings, change their lives and inspire those around them. 

I value a world where no human ever has the compulsion, wish or action to hurt another soul...where we all aim for everyone's happiness  ~  because a sincere wish for the happiness of ALL is what is in everyone's hearts. 

Happiness for all! 

I aim to be a living example that happiness is possible and that life can be fun and wonderful and exciting! I live to show that a wish for happiness for all is a wish for happiness itself, expressed in everything, through everything and with everything. 

Through all of our chanting, actions and words, human impulses change.

We are all joined together ~
Me and all my fellow travelers, 
be they Buddhists who chant, 
people who pray, 
or people who just wish for a better future - 
where there is no suffering, 
no hunger, 
no physical pain inflicted on any one or any thing of any kind. 

What would a world like this look like? 

The Heart of Compassion rising in the land!

Kosen Rufu. 

This goal is possible through each of us becoming happy. This is Human Revolution. When we each have the courage, the conviction, and take the action through chanting to purify our lives and to do our own human revolution we are changing life for all. It is the law of the universe. When we each change inside...we change EVERYTHING.

This is the reason I am living in this world. 

Today we have a really exciting Buddhist meeting here at my apartment. We will be "full to the rafters". Many members who haven't been able to attend in a while will be here. People are coming to tell their stories of Victory. All will be inspired. 

I am studying the World Tribune and President Ikeda's words every day. This month's Gosho is so perfect "A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering." It has always been one of my favorites. 

President Ikeda writes: "People who have polished their lives through practicing Nichiren Buddhism come to brim with a rich and abundant power, which enables them to apprehend reality just as it is, bring forth wisdom and creativity, surmount difficulties, and savor good fortune and benefit."

YES! 

Facing Life Without Fear and with FORTUNE and gratitude

O, I have so much to write today. I could write to you all day. Maybe I will. For now, I will post this for you. 

Yes, I was, in fact, laid off yesterday. But I was so filled with power-full Daimoku and that I was actually able to continue encouraging others along the way. 
Because of this practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and bringing forth the power of the entire universe in my life ~ I have so much fortune in my life. 

What is Fortune? 

Fortune is what you build in your life by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo day in and day out. Money can't buy fortune, but fortune is essential to happiness. Fortune is being able to be laid off and greeting it with a smile. It is knowing that I am protected in every possible way. I will not suffer financially, I will still have insurance, I will not lack for anything. I have the resources and the connections to take being laid off and turn it into a sparkling experience that will inspire you and everyone around me. I feel as if I have been launched on a big adventure...not a huge tragedy. Fortune in the state of mind to not be discouraged sad or afraid. 
Fortune is what money can't buy, but Daimoku (chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo) brings! 

Yesterday morning I went into my place of work knowing 900 people were going to be laid off all across the country. I had a feeling my position would be one of them...
I distributed pictures I'd taken of our students out in the field practicing their health care work, and I put some on the bulletin board.
I saw my manager, the Campus President, in the hall and she said "Got a second?" 

And I knew. 

We went into her office and she told me everyone who does what I do has had their job eliminated and I just laughed and said "Thank goodness I chanted three hours yesterday and an hour this morning!". She knows about my Buddhist practice, and has a statue of the Buddha on her desk. She is such a lovely woman. I have loved working for her. I spent the rest of the time asking some questions, finding out about my generous severance package, and expressing gratitude about how much I've enjoyed working for her and how I will continue to be chanting for her and everyone in the company and at the campus. She has such a beautiful heart and she has put everything into making this campus a success. She told me she was talking to her husband this morning and reflecting about the people she had to let go today. She said she knew I was going to end up encouraging her, not draining her, when she laid me off. Of course! I am a Buddha! I give life, I don't take it. And I do it from the heart, it just flows from me. It is great joy for me to speak words that soothe the soul of others, and infuse joy and hopefulness. 

When I got back to my desk there was an email reminding me that that this day, this exact day, 11/12, is the anniversary of the day my sweet Mommy died in 2009. For those of you who have been reading the blog since then you'll remember. Others can go back and read the postings about this time if you would like. I chanted her home, we all chanted her home, and we held a life celebration that inspired every one. My sweet Mommy was a loving, loving wonderful soul. Somehow the fact that I was laid off on this day encourages me even more. It is like she is saying "Go Jamie go! Don't worry about a thing! This lay off will be a wonderful opening for your life. Wonderful things await you!" 

And then Julia my dear friend, and Morag my new friend through this blog in the UK, sent me the Gosho quote for today from the Daily Wisdom gosho quotes book. Check it out.

This letter (Gosho) was written to Shijo Kingo from Daisaku Ikeda. You know, Nichiren Daishonin was born in 1222 in Japan, right? So that was Samurai times. Shijo Kingo is the modern day equivalent of today's person living in the world and practicing Buddhism. He was in service to his lord Ueno. From his lord he had his lands, his job, his livelihood.  At one point Lord Ueno told Shijo Kingo he had to stop practicing Buddhism, and Nichiren Daishonin sent many encouraging letters to Kingo. Kingo did not stop practicing, and in the end, he was able to save his lord's life and be totally victorious in all ways. 

From the Gosho (honorific writing by Nichiren Daishonin)
A Warning Against Begrudging One's Fief
Written July 1277

"Even if your fief (lands, goods) should be confiscated or you yourself driven out, 
you must think that it is due to the workings of the ten demon daughters, 
and wholeheartedly entrust yourself to them. 

Had I not been exiled, but remained in Kamakura, I would certainly have been killed in the battle. In like manner, since remaining in your lord's service will likely be to your detriment, this may be the design of Shakyamuni Buddha."

The meaning is very clear. And I do feel so fortunate. I will be chanting up a storm. On Sunday, before I chanted for three hours, a fresh new determination for the happiness of all beings flowed through my heart and pen onto paper. I will share it with you all. And as I was chanting I felt like I was looking into the eyes of every being that is suffering in every way and vowing to change our world...change the source of suffering itself...change the urge to inflict pain on anyone and purge this planet of unhappiness. That is Kosen Rufu. That is what is in my heart. We can all accomplish this through doing our own human revolution and becoming happy ourselves. 

If this post of this blog moves you please share it with others. You can post it on facebook using the buttons below, or you can send emails with the url chantforhappiness.com in the body of the email. 

It is a beautiful, cold and sunny day here in the Chicago area. I am chanting for you to be victorious and overflowing with happiness. I am chanting for you to be the kind of person who is so happy, that others naturally want to know what is the source of your enthusiasm, your hopefulness, your smile! And then you can tell them they have the same source, and that by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo they can tap into it to! And this blog and the SGI, Soka Gakkai, and their own determination can help them be happy too. 

Hello Obstacles!

I post the flower here as a symbol of the unfolding of Buddhahood within all of our lives. When we chant consistently our lives unfold peacefully and beautifully and happily. I am so grateful for receiving the gift of these flowers...they are beautiful and strong and sending me their own kind of encouragement right now. 

On "Obstacles":

What do Buddhists mean when they use the word "obstacles"? We mean the same thing other people say when they use the word "problems". And we use this word for a reason. 

If you are a true practicing Buddhist you have no problems. Problems are stagnant things that hang around forever. Problems are something people learn to live with and accept. Problems tend to linger...when people feel powerless to change them. 

But "obstacles" are totally different.

Obstacles come to strengthen our lives and make us happier. 

As practicing Buddhists we KNOW our lives are on a positive trajectory. We KNOW that if we persevere in our practice, and continue studying, helping others learn to chant, that all our obstacles will clear away. 

Obstacles are the logs on the fire that serve to STRENGTHEN our lives! We burn them with our fierce Daimoku. How can we be afraid of them? We should actually be grateful for them. I remember the first time a leader suggested that I have gratitude for my obstacle. I had to chant about her suggestion. I had to chant myself into a state of appreciation for my obstacle. Of course that helped to clear it away. 

At this moment I am facing a huge obstacle. Woohoo! That means a huge benefit is right around the corner. Isn't it wonderful to live life with this attitude? I share my life with you so you can claim victory for yourself in the face of obstacles. 

Instead of looking at the challenges in your life as "problems" please take another view. Realize that obstacles are there for your own development and USE your practice to knock them down one after another. And you will emerge with a strong and undaunted life force that will inspire others and bring you the kind of happiness you truly want...the kind of happiness that comes from within. 

Say to your life: 


Hello Obstacle and Hello Benefit.


They are one and the same.
Especially if you have the right attitude and a strong practice.
We practice daily so that when a big obstacle hits us we are strong, strong, strong.

I had a friend in Japan who had chanted for more than 40 years.

He said "When I get a big problem I am so happy! I know that there will be a big benefit from this problem!"

And he really has the right idea.

Today, Monday morning, I am facing some meetings which will determine my future at the company where I work. All the employees are facing uncertainty today. I wrote a few days ago that layoffs and closings have been announced, but no specifics have come out so far. No Problem! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

I am so grateful I chanted for three hours on Sunday. I am not scared, and I will keep smiling. I will encourage my fellow co-workers as much as I can. I was chanting for their happiness...and for their peace of mind. I am a walking Buddha in the world, just like all of us Soka Gakkai members. Everywhere I go I represent Daisaku Ikeda. My goal is to make him proud and do the right thing at all times. Especially in times of great change! My goal is also to encourage people everywhere with every fibre of my being. 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Chanting with a wide open heart

Chanting three hours today

Join me! 

I'm chanting to inspire each of you in the use of this fabulous life-changing tool we have found... the tool of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...the name of the rhythm of life itself. When we chant these words and focus on what we want to create, we make the impossible possible! 

That is what chanting is for. 

Making the impossible possible. 

If it was easy we wouldn't have to chant at all. 

But our challenges FUEL our growth!!! And we can take the bull by the horns and change anything we wish. 

I'm chanting for you to find the strength and determination to take each one of your challenges and use your own life force through chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to convert every poison into medecine! 

 I'm chanting for each of you to be so incredibly happy and inspired and that all your dreams are coming true! You are so happy that you have to tell everyone about this amazing practice! 

I'm chanting for my life to be a shining example that a life lived and dedicated to the happiness of everyone is a life that is fun and happy. 

I'm chanting for a world that is safe, free of hunger and pain, and filled with the light of love, and light and warmth. 

I'm chanting for everyone who works for my company to be happy and secure. And I chant for me to use my talents the best that I possibly can for Kosen Rufu with people who inspire me in an environment I love! 

Benefits Overflowing - even amidst uncertainty!

Look at my beautiful flowers! 
I am overflowing with wonderful fortune! 

I have been enjoying my life so much lately. 
And nothing...nothing will daunt me. 


I am continuing to focus on chanting to increase my capacity for love, and for happiness. I am chanting to increase my capacity to help others, my capacity to experience pleasure, intelligence, vision. I feel my life expanding in all directions. 

I am also chanting to release my resistance to change. Phew, what a powerful prayer that is. I started chanting that way after I set up an appointment with a medical/nutritional intuitive. It's a good thing I have this power prayer to release my resistance to change, and I will continue to chant it with sincerity. The intuitive (who came highly recommended by a trusted friend) basically told me I have to change every thing I eat, and many of the things I use daily...like plastics and scented soaps, bubble bath, etc! Oh my goodness. We shall see. At this point I'm taking a look at all the changes and seeing what I can do. She said I've never been entirely healthy and can't even conceive what this level of vitality feels like. Hmmm. 

And I found out today that my company released a report that there will be many layoffs and changes. It was no big surprise and it is public knowledge. I greet this news with optimism and enthusiasm. If I am going to be staying on I will devote myself to success. If it's time for a new endeavor I will create a success in that as well. How wonderful to be possessing such an undaunted spirit. Here I am, as many of you know...on my own for the first time in my life...yet totally unafraid. And for long-time readers of this blog you know that wasn't always true. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. This is truly an inconspicuous benefit I am experiencing. Truly, what is better than inner strength and determination...lack of fear and real peace of mind? My prayers for strength are manifesting! 

Every day I am chanting to have confidence in my OWN LIFE!!! I chant to have confidence in my ability to make decisions, and in my own heart for my own self. I chant to appreciate and love myself. That is the powerful prayer we ALL need to have. ESPECIALLY WOMEN, and especially men! We all have to do it.

The women of America took a powerful stand for the world on election day. The entire planet breathed a sigh of relief. Aaaaaaahhhhh...now let us create a new America of unity and love. I will continue chanting every day. Every day. For the security and unity and wisdom of our great country and our great planet! 

Torrie's Experience of STRONG FAITH!!

Here's a message overflowing with hope from a Blog reader and blog writer, my new friend Torrie Patillo! Above is a picture of Torrie and her Mom Michele. Torrie is on the right. 


She writes a blog called http://onemilliondaimoku.wordpress.com. 
check it out! Thank you so much Torrie for sending this Thank you so much Torrie for all your enthusiasm, leadership in the SGI and strong, strong determination! You are an inspiration to us all, and I KNOW you will be victorious!  in. 


Here's the wonderful letter she wrote me, and her experience follows. 


From Torrie:

"I've been following your blog for the past 3 months, and I absolutely LOVE it!! You have given me lots of hope, encouragement and guidance over this time. I constantly forward your blog to my district, my kayo-kai sisters and my mom. I began my practice with SGI on 03/15/09 along with my life partner Tiffany. My mom Michele received Gohonzon 6 months later. We've had a lot of benefits from the practice. In 2011 a HUGE obstacle surfaced; my mom was diagnosed with Kidney failure. I've been chanting BIG TIME for her total health victory. I have lots of moments of sadness, anger, feeling defeated, but I always pick myself back up with daimoku, the Gosho, Living Buddhism, World Tribune, Sensei's website, spending time with SGI members, hanging out with my YWD friends, guidance from seniors in faith and YOUR blog. I had a break-through that I wanted to share with you (see my blog post below). I have a long way to go toward victory, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I KNOW 100% ALL PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED for the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra. I also mentioned you and your blog on my blog todayhttp://onemilliondaimoku.wordpress.com Thank you sooo much for being an awesome Bodhisattva, Myoho sister and warrior for Kosen-rufu. Sensei would be sooo proud! I chant daily for you to be victorious in all areas of your life, chant for the happiness/victories of your district, and chant for the happiness/victories of your blog followers. On behalf of SGI's YWD worldwide, WE LOVE YOU!!! Thank you so much for all that you do. I chant to repay my debt of gratitude to you and other SGI members world-wide. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!"
~Torrie Pattillo (YWD-Chapter Leader)
  Pikesville Maryland
 Jones Falls District
 Chesapeake Bay Region
 Mid-Atlantic Zone  

Torrie's Experience 

Most of you know my mom has ESRD (Kidney failure) and started Dialysis on June 15th, 2012. Well here's some GREAT news (and an answer to my prayers and the prayers of everyone else who's supported along the way); The University of Maryland Kidney Transplant Center coordinator called me today: they are ready for me to start the "work-up" to be my mom's donor. I have to do a 24 hour urine collection
so they can test the strength of my kidneys, a pap-smear, some blood work and a physical, then an all day medical evaluation, plus a few more test. They said I'm a perfect match for my mom, we just need to wait a little longer because of her blood transfusions. (her blood has formed antibodies due to the 3 blood transfusions, so her blood is confused right now, otherwise our blood is PERFECT together, and my kidney is perfect for her body otherwise). (I also need to lose a little weight, thank goodness I'm a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition LOL, now I can finally get this weight off in a healthy and sustainable way. I have the tools, now need to use them). Fortunately, even if her blood continues to have issues with my blood, that won't slow anything down. I would go into a "cross-match program". Here's an example/scenario of what that means

(Let's say a lady named Tina is a B+ blood type and needs a kidney. She has a daughter named Marie who is an O+ and wants to be her mom's donor and has a perfect kidney, but their blood types are incompatible. My mom Michele is an AB+ and I'm a B+ so our blood types ARE compatible, (actually AB+ although a rare blood type, is the ONLY blood type that can receive a kidney from ANY blood type as long as the antigens match, which mine do match. My mom was fortunate to have this blood type) but my mom is also compatible with Tina's daughter Marie. Since Tina is NOT compatible with her own daughter, but IS compatible with me, and my mom is a universal recipient, I could be Tina's donor and her daughter Marie could be my mom's donor.)

I don't mind doing the cross-match program, I actually think it's great because essentially I get to save 2 lives at once. The donor center is just going to keep doing testing to make sure that doing the cross-match is best for my mom. If my kidney is better for her, we'll go that route, but if cross-match is equally good, we'll do that so we can save her life and someone else's life. I'm putting it in the hands of the universe. I'm praying for the best possible outcome, the best kidney for my mom, and praying that everyone involved lives a long, happy, healthy life. I'm really excited about this process..even though it's scary, I'm very happy to do this for my mom, and happy that I may even get to help someone else in the process. How cool is that??? What a great mission :-) I'm very grateful I get to participate in this, and share this journey with my wonderful mommy :-)

Thanks again to everyone who's supported my family during this time. My wife, my family, my friends, the Wright family (my in-laws), my SGI family (Buddhist friends) my IIN friends, even my facebook friends...you all have been sooo important in this process, encouraging, compassionate and committed/united in prayer. People have visited my mom at the hospital during her 10 hospital stays, called her to support/encourage her, went over to chant with her, chanted/prayed for her, sent cards and gifts, advocated for her medical care, sent uplifting emails, left wonderful comments, have called me, chanted with me, offered support, offered to run errands, talked with me during weak moments, facebooked kind words, ect. It's amazing!!! I love you all. Thank you soooo much!!! I promised my mom a TOTAL HEALTH VICTORY, and dammit, I'm going to show her actual proof. I promised you all our prayers would be answered, and here we go, we're almost there :-) I'm VERY absolute in my beliefs that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo works and would protect my mom. It's coming to fruition at high speed. I am OVERWHELMED with gratitude right now. Thanks to each of you and thanks to the Universe!!! ♥ To each of you, I extend love, light, gratitude, appreciation and a commitment to repay my debt of gratitude. Stay tuned for a TOTAL Health Victory and good health head to toe for my mom, and I pray for victory in all areas of life for each of you.
-- 
Torrie Pattillo-Wright~

A Great After-Election Poem from Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda did not just write this poem, but I think today is a great day to share it with you!

The Indestructable Power of the People - A March of Joy and Tenacious Effort!" ( Excerpt)

The people
O, the people!
How great and noble
The indestructible mountain range
Of capable people!

Therein lies
The power to overturn
the unscrupulous,
The power to laugh dismissively
At the arrogant.

The united hearts of the people
Are like the sun.
Nothing is stronger
Than the people.
The people are a great wave~
No, a raging breaker.

For the colossus
Of the people arisen.
The ultimate power of destiny
That will determine the future
Of the Century of Humanity
Lies in the people.

Beside the people~
A human alliance
Of monumental scale~
All authoritarian forces
Pale into insignificance.

The people, who are fearless!
The people, who crush and destroy evil!

Those who sincerely value the people
Are wise and praiseworthy,
Those who vigorously take action,
Are filled with joy and courage,
Their faces shining brightly with victory.
Their lives are that of genuine humanity.
Upholding as they do
A lofty mission
Like the heavenly emissaries,
Commanded by all humankind.

Always uniting together as one,
The stout hearts of those capable individuals
Grow ever stronger
And shine ever brighter,
Creating a history of honor and triumph.

In such people
And in the realm in which they are active~
Together profoundly significant~
Stretches a vast open road of glory
That transcends all changes and transitions.

In tumultuous times,
Where each day
Is marked by ceaseless change,
We are serene
And undeterred.

We are always
Staunch allies of the people
We are determined to warmly welcome
With supreme compassion
Those who have been driven to despair
by the crass folly of those in power.
And
We have the power of friends
United in a shared purpose~
A power that can restore smiles
To the grim, frozen lips
Of many people
And make them gentle friends.

We wish to dedicate this precious life
To bestowing on all
Without exception
The crown of happiness ~
Happiness that shimmers
WIth the tranquil light of glory.

(May 2001)
Daisaku Ikeda

Power Prayers Create Benefits!

Thank you Katie for this beautiful Montana Sunset!

One aspect of Nichiren Buddhism, SGI Buddhism, is knowing that what we are thinking when we are chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (the name of the rhythm of life itself) is very important. 

In other words, our determinations will help us direct the aim of the arrows we are aiming into reaching our goals in our own lives. 

If we are sitting in front of the Gohonzon wondering what we are going to have for breakfast  -  our prayer will not be as effective as one with a clear target. 

There are prayers I like to call POWER PRAYERS that bring out the most benefit and help me to have the deepest certainty and conviction when I chant and pray. 

POWER PRAYER FOR LOVE AND EXPANDED CAPACITY:

I chant to EXPAND MY CAPACITY in all areas of my life. I chant to expand my capacity for LOVE, to expand my capacity for HAPPINESS, to expand my capacity to love and cherish myself and those around me. I chant to expand my BRAIN capacity, and my capacity to REMEMBER! I chant to expand my capacity for all positive thoughts...and to make positive causes every single moment of every day. I chant to expand my capacity to FEEL LOVED and to ACCEPT LOVE in my life. I chant to feel the love of those around me. I chant to let it in. I chant to expand my capacity to dance in joy, in love and in light. I chant to expand my capacity to spread that joy and love and light to others! I chant to expand my capacity to reach people who are suffering and to offer them the tool of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.  I chant to meet the people who are looking for this practice and want to learn about it. I chant for the happiness and peace of mind of all people...and that no children or adults should be living in fear, in hunger, in want. I chant to end bullying in any way, shape or form. I chant to change from the inside out...to release the resistance in my life to change. I chant to be open to changing in any way that will help me to be a shining beacon of light and hope to myself and those around me. 

Now THAT'S a Power Prayer! 
Share your power prayers with me. And share your results. The readers of this blog are waiting to hear about YOUR breakthroughs! 

One of the keys to Happiness...

We are all Buddhas. We all possess the power of the entire universe in our lives. And like this picture says, when we see the Buddha nature in another, that is what arises in their lives. 

I talk about my children on this blog from time to time. This picture says it all. I always expected the best and spoke positive words to them. I think it is important to never put our children down. The world does enough of that. 

I always told my kids how much I believed in them, and how proud I was of them. I'd say to them "You know the best course of action to take. You are so wise....I am so proud of you. And you know what? They always made me proud. They never did anything to disappoint me. They gave their best, and are still giving their best in all their endeavors. And the picture above really says it all. 

I always saw the best in my children. I always will see the best in them. And in turn, they have grown to see the best in themselves too. You know, we all are Buddhas, but ignorance obscures our view...feelings of guilt obscure our view...feelings of doubt obscure our view. 

Our daily practice of Buddhism serves to remove that ignorance and reveal our lives as the sparkling diamonds they are. And the best thing is we can chant about this. I chant to experience each moment as the brilliant sparkling diamond I really am inside. I chant to raise my life condition so that nothing, nothing, nothing can defeat me. 

We might not win every single struggle, but we only lose when we feel defeat. 

Every single day when we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo we access that power to win and channel it in the direction we want it to go. That is the core of our Buddhist practice. We do this in the morning and we do this in the evening. And when we chant every day twice a day it is not a chore, it is an honor...a blessing and a right. We each sit in front of our Gohonzons (scrolls inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin...the heart of the Buddhist altar) and we address our own lives with our prayers.

I hope you greet this day chanting in joy, and if you are in America chanting for your country. Or even if you are not in America, please chant for America. Please chant for America to elect the candidate who will best represent ALL the people...especially the ones who don't have enough money to influence the politics of the land. We need the kind of president who can work for us all. 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! 

Every day Proof of the power of the mystic law

A reader wrote in reminding me that every "experience in faith" is not necessarily a big, huge experience. And she's right. When we are chanting consistently, the little things just keep adding up all the time. 

This weekend I had moment after moment of joyous experiences. I saw a group called "Straight No Chaser" at the sold-out Rialto Theater in Joliet. They were great. They started as a group of college kids at Indiana University, and one of their members put a video on YouTube and the rest was history. They told everyone to film them, take pictures, and tweet away. It was such a departure from the normal "please don't take any pictures" message. And so right on for this moment! They gave an awesome performance filled with energy. 

And yesterday I spent the morning chanting and communicating on line. I am always looking for ways to help people find out about chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, this blog and the SGI. If you have any ideas for me, let me know. 

Later in the day one meeting with a friend got rescheduled and I ended up having an energetic dinner party here with my son Aaron and my oldest friend. Every moment of this weekend just flowed seamlessly. Those are the benefits of bringing forth the law of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo every single day. 

The reader who wrote me about small experiences sent this in:

 "I like the big dramatic proofs you have posted, life and death struggles and great storms. I like to think the the Law can be small fry too.  It seems to me I have a little proof every day; fortunate coincedences and such.  Just this week-end, I knew I had to have cash to pay for a delivery coming on Monday, but was not sure of the amount, so I chanted 'for just enough' to pay it.  I worked Sunday morning, took some cash, but used some of it pay for groceries and such.  I phoned up monday morning to get the amount and if I hadn't bought the groceries it would have been enough.  so I chanted for the little extra and my first customer that came in spent exactly twice the amount I needed and paid in £ coins. 
so I can pay the for the delivery and put the rest in the bank. N-M-R-K."

Thank you! Please send your experiences, large or small to chantforhappiness@gmail.com 

Mamta's Hurricane Experience

Here is an experience from Mamta, a blog reader. Thank you Mamta for sending this in! 

Is it YOUR turn next?  

I invite ALL readers to share your experience here on this blog.

 Get published! Encourage people! Send your experience to chantforhappiness@gmail.com.  

Mamta and her Children. 

This experience is from Mamta Neb who lives in Princeton, New Jersey. The picture of the downed tree above is an example of the destruction of the hurricane that was close to her house. Thank you Mamta for sharing this with us.


Mamta's Hurricane Experience:

I started practicing Nichiren Buddhism in June 2011 while I was posted in Singapore. I moved out from Singapore in November 2011 to the US. Though, I started this practice out of sheer curiosity due to the fact my sister in India is one of the senior members. However, ever since I started this, I have seen my life COMPLETELY changed for the better. While there are lots to share about my triumphs and victories where the negative circumstances were soon masked by the positive changes which maximized the potential to achieve happiness, I would definitely like to share one of the most notable benefits that I recently saw during the Hurricane.

In the last 100 years, Hurricane Sandy had quickly acclaimed the title of being one of the worst hurricanes the east coast had both witnessed and dealt with. This being my first hurricane, I could have never imagined how devastating it could be. My friends and neighbors shared their experiences related to the last few hurricanes (Irene, Katrina) and how they were hit by power outages/loss of water/ flooded basements/ falling trees etc. While I heard all this, I was very confident that we would be safe this time and would not face any problems as we have the Power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

I started chanting earnestly in front of Gohonzhon and was consistently praying for our protection as well as those who surrounded us. I was confident that my prayers would be answered. My family and I were sure to chant for our protection and happiness in this time where we needed it the most.

The Strom hit us on Monday. It started raining since Monday morning and towards the evening, there was a heavy wind (almost at a speed of 50-60 miles per hour). I went to see the condition in the basement and was scared to see the water level which was rising high in the Sump pump. Usually, when the water level goes beyond a particular level, the pump starts automatically flushing the water out. As expected, we lost the power at 6 PM in the evening while it was still raining outside. I fell into despair and everyone in the family and our neighborhood got apprehensive about the flooding basement. At that very moment, I made a strong determination that NO MATTER WHAT, none of us including ourselves and the people around us would have the Flooding Basements and Falling Trees. I chanted to fulfill my mission and to show actual proof of my chanting and to reap the benefits as well.

I continued to chant all this while and finally went off to sleep with a growing sense of confidence and hope.

The next day when we all woke up, the first thing that I did was run to the basement to check the water condition expecting a flooded basement. I came downstairs expecting the worst only to have all my previous assumptions to be challenged. The basement was completely dry without a sight of a leak anywhere. The water levels in the Sump pump did not rise up beyond the "threshold" mark. My eyes brimmed with water as I knew that the Universe had just given me protection.

The Strom had stopped outside. We went out in our neighborhood to check the condition with our neighbours and to my utmost joy, none of our neighbors had flooded basements. There were no trees on the road except one at the back yard of our neighbors which did not cause any damage. At that very moment, I felt such a Great Sense of Gratitude towards the Mystic Law and an unshakable confidence of 100% victory.

It was unbelievable that an area which was approximate 1.5 - 2 miles from our house was completely saved. There were no trees on the road and hence no damage whatsoever.

As we made the drive out of our area and onto the road to see how others weathered this storm, it was devastating to see these enormous trees that once stood firmly were now spread across the roads. I have attached some pictures that I took that depict exactly what we saw as we drove by.

The Mystic Law is exactly what it spells, mystic. I don’t know how it happened, but I’ve come to realize that this Mystic Power blankets us with protection at any given moment in time. It’s give and take really, the more firm our belief in the Mystic faith, the more we can get out of it with any given circumstance that may be thrown at us. And in this, we can see that our protection is a direct result of the positive functions that are always in the works by our Universe.

In closing remarks, I would like to share one of the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1. p, 614 - "The Supremacy of the Law".

"So long one maintains firm faith [in the Mystic Law], one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods [the positive functions of the Universe]. I say this for your sake. I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever."

Nam myoho renge kyo!!!!

Saturday Daimoku

That's a nice quote isn't it, however...sometimes you just can't WILL yourself into being happy and satisfied and grateful. But you CAN chant yourself into HAPPINESS.

We chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, which is the title of the Lotus Sutra, the name of the rhythm of life itself, and literally means: "I fuse (or devote) my life to the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration (or Sutra, or teaching)".

Think of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as the blood that runs through your veins, the beating of your heart, the mists that rise and fall, and every beat of every heart on this planet and beyond. It is the great cosmic connector, the "God particle" so talked about in physics. And you are not supposed to believe that chanting these words helps your life in any way. No. But you can test it to find out. If you chant the words what happens? Only you can be the judge, and no one will ever tell you what to do.

This practice is one of complete freedom. You chant for as long as you like, whenever you like. It is recommended that everyone chant twice a day, and I totally understand that through personal experience. I know how I feel when I am chanting twice a day, and I know how I feel when am not. Chanting consistently is what moved your life into the path of continuous growth and happiness. Chanting consistently is much easier when you chant twice a day...it moves your life into rhythm with the universe. People are there when you need them...all seems to revolve nicely around you. Lately I am meeting incredible people and broadening my scope and knowledge of all things good in the world. I am in complete rhythm with making new friends.

This practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo changes each one of us fundamentally. With these words we tap into the indestructible life force of the universe, and determine that the change starts within us. When we change on the inside, our universe, our environment and all the people in it change to reflect our inner changes. This is the nature of the fundamental Buddhist concept of Human Revolution. 

I chant to make WHATEVER change is necessary in my own life to bring me total and complete strength and happiness. I chant to raise my life condition so that I am swayed by NOTHING. I chant to show brilliant actual proof so that when you read this blog you say "Yes! If Jamie did it I can too!" Because you can. Your life has the same power mine does. When you chant you tap into Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. The power you generate is up to your determination. 

Were you impressed by the experiences this week? Will you send me yours to share? The DETERMINATION behind each one is the key to their success. I hope you continue to read these experiences and share them with your friends. I hope you will forward me your records of victory to share with others. It is a cause to make, and also will help deepen your understanding of the power of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Julia said she realized a lot while writing her experience. 

This morning my heart is full. I am so grateful for my own gifts and all that I have created. 

My heart goes out to the East Coast of America. I wish I could wave a magic wand and give you all back your homes and your beautiful seaside boardwalk. I know your hearts must be so sad and your lives so torn apart. I chant for you this morning. 

I also chant because I heard another young man died in a hazing incident. I cannot think of anything more useless or destructive than hazing. I can't fathom the stupidity of hurting people for any reason. I am chanting for this stupid practice to stop. 

And the election...the election...
Chanting for my country and every person in it. 

Shika's Experience - Chanting for Her Father's Health

I was introduced to the practice by my sister's friend three years back.  I felt protected instantly  after chanting during some of the darkest moments . Initally like most of us, I chanted 5-10 minutes and then didn't for weeks. Thanks to some of the critical situations in life and the leaders' persistence I continued and became more active.

I have overcome a number of obstacles both from within and without during these years and have experienced many benefits (which I'll share with all of you soon).

This year in August my father, who suffers from chronic pancreatitus, suddenly got another acute attack on august 15th. After getting admitted to the hospital, his condition worsened and he was shifted to Fortis ICU for respiratory distress syndrome and acute pancreatitus. His serum amylase and lipase (indicator of pancreas) were above 1600 and the normal level is below 200. The normal PO2 level(indicator of lung function) is above 80 and his was 50. In such cases they put patients on ventilators but the doctors negligence turned out to be a benefit for us. His face used to be almost blue during those days.

This was a few days after I recieved my gohonzon and I just had complete faith that it has to be a benefit so that he has an even healthier life. Also On the same day I got an oppurtunity to be the MC for the August SGI meeting and I joyfully accepted it chanting through the night for a vibrant zadankai (meeting) and all members to be inspired. I determined to do my own human revolution by not panicing in such crisis instead giving faith and courage to my sister and mother who were clearly in utter panic.

Whenever I was in doubt, I read sensei's lecture on the gosho "The good medicine for all ills".  Josei Toda wrote,"Dont let anything shake you. Just chant with your whole life. Never lose heart. Activate the positive forces of the universe.  I chanted sincerely to change the poison in his pancreas to amrita . I visualised waving a sword of nam myoho renge kyo in his pancreas .

Papa's serum amylase and lipase- an indicator of pancreas dropped back to below 200 which is normal by august 19th i.e. within 4-5 days which was extremely remarkable .

We received protection in the form of my doctor aunt who dropped everything and came to our city  and instructed the low skilled staff of "a hospital in india " to handle his lungs better .
My sister also started chanting more seriously and started seeing results herself. His lung condition was still very weak. She chanted for papa to do spirometery exercises every hour as instructed  even though he was very weak. She chanted for him to want to get better and not give up even in the extreme condition of the ICU .

However, the infection in his body i.e. the TLC counts kept shooting up. In spite of that,  he started looking and feeling better. By the end of the week his TLC was as high as 30,000 (normal is below 11000) and the doctor in fortis said it's unbelievable that he doesn't look as sick as his reports say he is. I smiled, of course.

I read the gosho again and again. At the risk of sounding stupid to my family full of doctors, I encouraged them to read it. Sensei says, " The Buddha is likened to a physician because he teaches people the "medicine of immortality. " The medicine of immortality is "amrita". Elsewhere Nichiren daishonin says," Amrita is nam myoho renge kyo " .

Meanwhile The doctor insisted for him to get neckline since all his other veins were swollen. Now, the neckline can cause many more infections for a lung patient esp in the ICU and by then he had developed hospital aided pnuemonia. The doctor gave us one hour to decide and sign the consent form. I started chanting very strongly and within minutes one of the male nurse found a perfect vein in the arm somewhere which lasted three days.

Because of staying calm and being in a high life condition, we could decide immediately without even our mom to take him out of "A hospital in our city" to " Hospital in another city " where my aunt is an HOD. I was chanting all throughout the way. We met with many obstacles , the ambulance met with an accident , the ac didnt work  but papa's vitals didn't change a bit throughout the journey and he safely shifted to a private ward. Again, he didn't see us frown when any of this was happening, rather all he heard was Nam myoho renge kyo .

We met the best of doctors in the other city. The doctor again suggested a neck line but my sister had determined by then to not let that happen and well it didn't. His TLC i.e. the infection count came down to normal within 3-4 days. And within a week he was out of the hospital walking, talking a bit, urinating, defecating all by himself. His pancreas is damaged 40-50% but he can have a normal life with even half the pancreas. There is no damage to any other vital organ which is very good after an acute attack like this. His lung capacity is actually better than before now.  He has been a chain smoker since 50 years and he has not smoked since over a month now and has no intention of doing so. Like I said, his face is way brighter than before, and he walks twice a day by himself, eats healthy meals, has breakfast and is on the road to full recovery. My mother remarked yesterday that it was impossible to think that we'll all have a lifestyle where  no one smokes in the house and we have have fruits and breakfast on the dinner table. She said life has actually become 180 degrees better.

All this while I chanted for the medicine king buddha to manifest in his life. Leaders told me to read out the gosho" actual proof " to him during our stay and I did. I chanted for all our relatives to see actual proof through this experience. I chanted for my human revolution and to stay calm through it all. We (my sister, me and mom ) had just three small arguments through such high stress period and managed to be  encouraging and always smiling around papa. My sister and brother in law have started chanting and my brother in law already has had an experience.
I determine to keep showing actual proof through this practice and encourage each and everyone who's watching my life.