In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness.
When you wage a struggle,
you might win or you might lose.
But regardless of the short-term outcome,
the very fact of your continuing to struggle
is proof of your victory as a human being.
A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—
developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood."
Daisaku Ikeda
Today is Martin Luther King Day. And inauguration day for President Barack Obama. It is a day of hope and new beginnings.
When we practice Buddhism every day is a day of hope and new beginnings. We embrace the "Hon Nim Myo" spirit, meaning "from this moment forth." The past is inconsequential, the future becons, and the point of power is right now, right here, sitting in front of our Gohonzons dialoguing with the source of our lives, directing our energy and vitality.
Each moment we spend chanting and creating our lives is eternal. Every Daimoku we chant goes deep into our lives for all eternity. Every chant holds meaning for our lives seven generation in the past and seven generation in the future. It is this realization of eternity and the expansiveness of each one of our lives that brings us power. Remember we each chose to have the karma we have and be born with our challenges in order to prove the validity of the law, strengthen our life and raise the life condition - vibration of us all.
We are all true Boddhisatvas. When we embrace our challenges, rather than running from them, we can change them. As President Ikeda says "It is important to take a long range view." What you are chanting about may not change today, tomorrow, or for months to come. But every time you wake up, chant and challenge it you strengthen your life. Strengthening our lives is happiness itself. Whatever your challenge - make a fresh determination every single day and you will win. What is strength? Resiliency. Determination. Resolve. Courage. Hope. Victory.
"Strength is happiness. Strength is itself victory.
In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness.
When you wage a struggle,
you might win or you might lose.
But regardless of the short-term outcome,
the very fact of your continuing to struggle
is proof of your victory as a human being.
A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—
developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood."
Daisaku Ikeda
Jamie do you ever feel that there is something you want but that maybe your higher self doesn't want it? I've been conflicted over an issue for a while. It is something I have a hard time letting go of and I suffer over it. I feel like I should let go of it, but also that I would like it to happen. I was wodering about your thoughts on this general issue.
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