3 Keys to Revving your Chanting Engine! (And getting to an hour a day!)

 

Hello Beloved Friends! 

I took this photo from Mulholland Drive in LA when Aaron and I were visiting LA. He's now in Portland doing his ultrasound fellowship. 

My son's not just a doctor, he's a visionary. There is a new version of ultrasound available to doctors and he aims to be one of the first M.D. academicians teaching it to residents!

I'm here in Phoenix doing my EFT Tapping work with people who have lost loved ones to suicide, and other traumatic losses. I'm teaching them to communicate with their nervous systems in a way that opens a path to peace and happiness. I'm also helping people with stress to build self-compassion. 

This month, I moved into a friend's gorgeous home where I'm happily house-sitting for a few months. 

And, in the move and motion of my life, my practice lost a bit of its verve. I'm sure you know what I mean! We strive to have faith like flowing water and a solid and consistent practice. And every once in a while there's an ebb in the tide! 

Soooo...I made a determination to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo an hour a day, with consistent morning and evening gongyo for 100 days and strong goals. 

Yayyyy! 

And do you think I sat down that first day and chanted 60 minutes all at once like the strong Buddha I know I am? 

Well, this time, it was hard. My voice hurt. I got up once and got totally distracted. And although I joined with fellow members in sharing this 100-day Daimoku Challenge, I am chanting at home alone. And my engine of chanting Daimoku needed to be REVVED! 

I remained determined. Every day I did my best, and today I DID chant a solid hour. I did not get up once for anything. I did not check my phone. I sat there and poured my heart out to the Gohonzon (my life). As I was chanting this blog I am writing right now came to me. So here are my

3 Keys to Revving Your Daimoku Engine 

(and getting to an hour a day or more) :

1. Show yourself some self-compassion. 

It's okay if you are not perfect from the beginning. Do more and more every day to get to a solid hour. Just don't give up! 

Also, when I began this 100-day campaign, I wasn't sure of my exact targets, but I knew the more I chanted, the more clear they would become. 

Each day strive more and more. 

2. Make a pact with your Buddha Buddies! Find someone to challenge a 100-day daimoku campaign with, that's the best way. And if you can't find someone you know, just join along with me! 

3. Become stronger and stronger each day, and when obstacles arise greet them with joy and say "I was expecting you!" and turn poison into medicine! 

Sending you great love! And please remember I do not represent the SGI although I love them. And if you share this post please say it's from ChantforHappiness.com  With love, Jamie at ChantforHappiness@gmail.com

What does Nam-myoho-renge-kyo mean and why do we chant it?

What does Nam-myoho-renge-kyo mean, 

and why do we chant it? 

By Jamie Lee Silver, ChantforHappiness.com - 
(Not an official SGI site)

(Subscribe by putting your email in the box to the right. 

Translate button is at the top right.)

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the mystic law that means:

"I fuse my life with the mystic law of cause and effect 

through sound vibration (or sutra)." 

It is the title of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha's highest teaching that declares all people possess the Buddha Nature...all people are Buddhas...and we can access this nature, and the wisdom, fortitude, resilience, and happiness that we possess by calling our Buddha Nature forth in our lives using this phrase. 

We are all Buddhas - 

(We do not pray to the Buddha for favors...we pray to connect with our own Buddha-nature and change from the inside, so that our environments may change) 

We possess the key to enlightenment 

we can tap the river of life 

that runs through ALL life 

- summoning the mystic law 
and realizing 
we ARE the Mystic Law. 
We chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ~ 
and we ARE Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ~the Mystic Law. 

When we have something we don't like in our lives, we chant to summon the power of the mystic law, use that power to change from the inside, and show actual proof of the power of our own lives, and our lives will glow with brilliance. People around us will naturally want to know what gives us this glow. 

It works the same way when we have a goal. We chant, "I am determined to fulfill this goal so I can show actual proof and raise the vibration of the entire world!" 

Yes!

I like to think of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as "I am one with the rhythm of all life." It is the rhythm that exists within all of life...the reason for the turning of the tides...the reason for the seasons...the atoms that exist within every single cell...from an elephant to a spec of dust...to the cells in our hearts and minds. Everything possesses this connectedness...this rhythm.  
It is all-encompassing and contains the wisdom and energy of all of life itself...the whole universe. 

When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo we tap into that energy and access it for our lives...directed towards our desires and for the fulfillment of happiness for all. In this practice, it's okay to have desires. More than okay! We don't have to alleviate them. Desires make us who we are and lead us to chant. 

When we chant we change the internal life within our lives. We change the core and fiber of our lives. We change our karma. And when we make that internal change, our ENVIRONMENT (meaning everything that is not within our own skin, our jobs, our relationships, our sense of self, everything we experience and think) ALL of that changes to reflect our internal change. We call this "Human Revolution."

When we chant we harness the energy that is our birthright. And we chant for however long we wish, twice a day, every single day, to get and keep our lives in rhythm. 

When we are in rhythm we are in the right place at the right time... to find out about and get the job...or to meet the man of our dreams...or to protect our child from danger. 

When we are in rhythm life isn't so much of a struggle as it is a joy...we see the beauty in everything and we feel our lives overflowing with appreciation. 

We chant for something and get it or something better. We get access to internal happiness and strength that cannot be blown away by any event or obstacle. 

In fact, we view obstacles themselves as benefits, as strange as that may sound....because obstacles make us chant more, and when we chant more we draw even higher life conditions and deeper satisfaction into our lives. 

What can we chant FOR? Anything. We chant for others, we chant for our planet, our countries, and ourselves. 
We can chant for whatever our desire may be...even if it might not be the "right" desire for us. In the act of chanting, we will change our karma and our desires themselves will naturally begin to shift. We will open our lives to the deeper wisdom within...the deeper yearning, the REAL desires that we have forgotten or given up on. We will grow. We will prosper and we will blossom. 

We will gain the wisdom of the right action to take - because ACTION springs from wisdom. 

The challenge is...we need to do it. We have to chant to bring all this rhythm and harmony out. And that's why we practice together as an organization, the SGI, The Soka Gakkai, our fellowship of friends who support each other, chant for each other, and create a new Soka family for each practitioner. We are so fortunate. 

We are in this life together...sharing our challenges and our successes. If you are not yet connected to the SGI please go to sgi-usa.com and find your local members. You will be so glad you did. 

Some Powerful Quotes from our mentor Daisaku Ikeda from Ikedaquotes.org:

THIS moment, this instant, is important, 
not some unknown time in the future. 
Today, this very day is what matters. 
You must put your whole being 
into the time that exists now. 
For future victory rests in the present moment.

BUDDHISM holds that everything 
is in a constant state of flux. 
Thus, the question is 
whether we are to accept change passively 
and be swept away by it, 
or whether we are to take the lead 
and create positive changes on our own initiative. 
While conservatism and self-protection
might be likened to winter, night, and death, 
the spirit of pioneering and attempting to realize 
the ideals evoke the images of spring,
morning and birth.

Do gongyo (our daily recitation of the Lotus Sutra) 

and chant daimoku with a fresh spirit. 
And, filled with renewed vitality, 

Build a history of accumulating fresh benefit."

Daisaku Ikeda, from Ikedaquotes.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5 Ways to Really Enjoy the Silent Prayers!

 

Here's a beautiful Phoenix sunset!

Hello my friends! I know it's been ages since I've written. I'm living here in Phoenix where the sun shines every day. 

I moved here to be closer to my son Aaron, knowing he was going to be leaving for a year's medical fellowship in hand-held ultrasound in Portland in July. 

His next adventure is about to begin! After his fellowship, he will teach other doctors this important new skill! He and I have loved living five minutes from each other. We've chanted many mornings at 6:00 am together.

I have been loving my practice of Buddhism. These days I concentrate on getting an hour of Daimoku and luxuriate in the silent prayers. As I appreciate and love my practice, I appreciate and love my life. 

Here are 5 Ways to Really Enjoy the Silent Prayers: 

1. Slow down! What's the hurry? I remember so clearly the day I met Daisaku Ikeda. One of the things that struck me the most was how took time to take everything in. He got out of the car in front of the San Francisco Civic Center, looked up to see the SGI Flag hanging proudly and he stopped and threw his arms open as if he was taking it into his heart. 

I was surprised. I thought a man with as much to do as Sensei would be in a hurry. But he takes it IN. Let's savor and love each moment of our prayers! 

2. Feel the prayers. Really feel them. Thank the Gohonzon, your life, and your scroll. Thank Nichiren Daishonin. Think about how he traveled from temple to temple seeking true Buddhism, and how he made a vow at 16 to be the wisest man in Japan. Pick any of your favorite treasured stories of him, Tatsunokuchi, addressing Hachiman with fury...whatever you wish. 

3. Take TIME thanking Daisaku Ikeda, Josei Toda, and Mr. Makiguchi. I picture them in prison, and all they went through and solemnly thank them. Without them, I would not be chanting. 

4. After having a wonderful time praying for the SGI and your own silent prayers, savor every ring of the bell for your dear friends who are no longer here physically. I ring the bell very slowly as I let each ring of the bell carry the vibration to each of my lovies. And I pray for them, not just say their names. I offer gratitude and love. 

5. In the last prayer I encircle the globe in white light and picture a smile on the face of the world. 

Oh, what a glorious practice we have! I hope you are well and happy. And I hope you love every minute of your practice and your LIFE! 

With Love, Jamie Lee Silver, ChantforHappiness@gmail.com

1 Great Way EFT Tapping Can Help When It's Really Hard to Chant

I have to ask: 

Have you ever found it impossible to chant? 

You sit down, light the candles and/or incense, ring the bell and realize you just can't chant right now. You might try for a little while, but your mind is racing so much you can't "settle" and you feel you are wasting your time? 

Has this ever happened to you? Has it happened at a time you feel you really need to chant? If so, you are not alone, that's for sure. And you're not a bad person, either! 

You know I've incorporated EFT Tapping into my daily routine and here is a way it can really come in handy. EFT frees your brain so you can focus better. Truly! 

OK, when it's hard to chant try this. Tap with the tips of the fingers on one hand on the side of the other hand between your pinky and your wrist and say: 

"Even though I really want to chant and really can't chant, I deeply and competely accept myself and all my feelings." repeat this three times. 

Then tap on the top of your head with both hands, or either hand and say "I really want to chant adn I really don't want to chant." THis is your reminder phrase for the rest of the tapping sequence. Tap on your eyebrow. Repeat this phrase. Tap on your temples...repeating the phrase. Tap under your eye. Repeat the phrase. Tap under your nose. Repeat the phrase. Tap under your lip. Repeat the phrase. Tap just under your collar bone. Repeat the phrase. and end by tapping on your inside wrist, repeating the phrase. 

Do this as many times as you wish. See the effect if has on your body and mind. Try chanting again. 

What you are doing is sending signals to your nervous system that it can calm down. The calming of your nervous system (and the clearing of your energy meridian lines through tapping) allow the blood flow to return to your thinking and focusing mind. 

Try this. And reach out for a session if you want to go deeper.  Email me at ChantforHappiness@gmail.com and we can set up a session for you. I'm Clinically Certified in EFT Tapping and help with concentration, grief-relief and stress relief. 

Sending love as always! 

Jamie Lee Silver

Turning Stress to Peace and Grief to Gratitude Through Chanting and EFT Tapping - A Free Gift for 10 Action Takers

 

Greetings From Arizona!

What interesting times we are living in! I'm sitting here looking out over the mountains and thinking of you. I picture you sitting down in front of your Gohonzon and chanting, determining, and praying, just as I do every day. This is the cornerstone of my life. And there are other modalities that also serve us. I want to introduce you to one: 

Now every morning I also do EFT. (Emotional Freedom Techniques, or Tapping) What is EFT you ask? It is a way of communicating with your nervous system to signal it can relax. It is one of the healthiest things that you can possibly do. By Gently Tapping on several meridian points while following along with me, you will relax your nervous system. 

When the nervous system is relaxed the body achieves a state of wellness, vitality, and clarity of mind. I am an expert in this field now, having achieved my certification and international accreditation two years ago. 

And now, for the first 10 people who respond to this post, and meet via zoom, I am offering an EFT Tapping Tune-up for only $49. Along with this, you will receive the FREE gift of the recorded version of "Our Forever Ben, One Mom's Letters to Her Son-in-Spirit and His Poetic Replies."  

During this Tune-up we'll take something that is causing you worry, or anger, or depression, and free that emotion from your nervous system.  It is truly amazing. That's why this Buddhist, your friend, does it! 

I specialize in turning Grief to Gratitude, (Including the grief of missing your old, pre-Covid life!) Stress to Peace, and Anger to Laughter. It is a precise, and fun way to create a breakthrough in your life. 

As a 35-year practicing Buddhist, I can confidently say this technique helps you break through those things that you may have been chanting about for some time. 

Send me an email at ChantforHappiness@gmail.com and we can set up a time for your Tapping Tune-up! 

PowerPrayer to Raise Our Life Conditions Now!

Hello beloved readers! 

In these uncertain times, what's a Buddhist to do? 

I have great news for you,  THIS IS OUR TIME! Buddhism shines when times are tough. Now, more than ever we can show actual proof through our lives. Now, more than ever, even if we don't have meetings to go to, we can do shakubuku with our bright shining lives. 


No matter what we are going through we have the option to let our Buddhahood shine through. I find myself being even kinder than I've ever been. I'm smiling at everyone. I'm letting cars in and I'm never angry in traffic. I'm making sure I let pedestrians walk and wave to them. I do these things all the time, but now I do them even more. 

As Buddhists, we are the last ones to give in to hopelessness! We have no hopelessness! We are Buddhas and we dance! As Daisaku Ikeda says: "If we don't have hope we have to Create it." and we have the perfect place to do it! Right in front of our Gohonzons is where it happens.

Now is the time to up our levels of Daimoku. Now is the time to make sure that we are not just mindlessly letting our minds wander while chanting. Now is the time to leave our phones in the other room as we chant! Now is the time to invite our friends to chant with us (if it's advisable where you live) Now is the time to focus and PRAY. Now is the time to raise our life conditions! 

You asked me, so here is something I created for you based on how I am praying right now: 

PowerPrayer to Raise our Life Conditions to make every day a joy no matter WHAT!
By Jamie Lee Silver, chantforhappiness.com 

While chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: 

Gohonzon! My life! 
Now, more than ever 
I am tapping into the life force of the universe 
that is MY life force. 
As I chant, 
I am bringing forth the full power of the universe inside me to raise MY life condition 
and raise the life condition of everyone 
and everything on the planet. 
Right now I am chanting to end the suffering of anyone who is suffering. 
I am determined to keep my life condition SKY HIGH 
so anyone who comes in contact with me 
is brightened by my presence! 
Goohonzon! I am born to win! I am a Buddha!
I am determined not to give in to fear. 
I am determined to keep my head up 
and show actual proof of the power of this practice. 

I am determined to be present. Be smart. Be all I can be. 

This is my moment! This is all our moment. 

All the shoten zenjins in the universe come to our planet right now and end this coronovirus. 

Shoten zenjin! Wherever you are in the universe come to earth right now through the power of my daimoku. 

I am now tapping into my own power as a Buddha 
more than ever before. 
I will win! no matter how our lives may change, 
may we all be strong 
and have such an incredible life force that 
we can overcome and persevere through anything. 
May this planet be more united and positive than ever before. 
May LOVE rule this world...starting with me! 
And, may the youth of the world rise up and realize their power to make this world their own. 

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!!!

I'm busy every day helping people stay calm and relieve stress through chanting and EFT Tapping. What interesting times right now! Right? I'm here for you! Reach out if you'd like to learn Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT tapping to relieve anxiety! 

PowerPrayer to Make it Happen Now! We are NEVER alone.

From Daisaku Ikeda: 

"Though we may seem to be chanting alone, 
we are not. 
As we chant, 
untold billions of heavenly deities 
are facing the Gohonzon with us. 
In this way, 
the protective forces of the universe assemble en masse (altogether)
and work to safeguard each one of you, 
manifesting in your environment 
and the actions of the people near you, 
the actions of your friends and fellow members." 

~Daisaku Ikeda
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the quote I was referring to at our last meeting. I LOVE this quote! 

PowerPrayer to SEE ACTUAL PROOF! 
While in front of the Gohonzon tell your life as you chant: 

LIFE show me this practice works. 
BUDDHAS get busy! I demand results now! 
Every nam-myoho-renge-kyo I chant makes a difference. 
With this Nam-myoho-renge-kyo I am CHANGING my life now! WIth This Daimoku
With this Daimoku I am changing my karma. 
Now! Let me see results in _____________________
And reach this goal____________________________
and feel this way_____________________________
Gohonzon, blow me away with actual proof so that all around me will wan to know how I did it. 
And I can tell them Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 
and invite them to a meeting!
Let me encounter the people who are searching for this practice, searching for happiness now! 

__________________________________________________


I am grateful to you my friends. Grateful for every single one of you. You touch my heart. You inspire me. And we are getting to know one another in person at our meetings. 
Every morning when I face the Gohonzon and chant, my first prayer is for the untold billions of deities within my life, body, and spirit to wake up and greet the untold billion deities on the Gohonzon.

And I chant for all who are seeking peace to find this blog, find this practice, and, if we are meant to work together, to find me through my website TapforHappiness.com. All for Kosen Rufu! I chant to have victory in my business and have my life inspire people that they can end their suffering and experience true joy. 

Just like any true professional in the SGI, I strive to make President Ikeda proud of me as his successor, by my professionalism, passion, and results.  

And knowing that untold billions of heavenly deities are with me as I chant my two hours every day. Well, it just boosts my spirit, my daimoku, my hope, and determination. I am the Buddha. And so are you! 

No matter what you are facing, Daimoku will get you through. Please remember that I can't give individual guidance via email. Please go to your local senior in faith for guidance. That is the beauty of the Soka Gakkai. 

Have a great weekend!