A Heart Full of Gratitude Towards all Humanity

I am so grateful for my Gakkai family...for my Gakkai family here in Chicago, throughout California and for all of you readers who are my Gakkai family too. Many are celebrating holidays at this time of year. I hope you are warm and happy end reveling in friendships and family. 

According to Nichiren Buddhism we really are family. 

In the study guide for the Essentials Exam part three there is an essay on the Gosho "The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude." On page 31, Daisaku Ikeda writes about the debt that each one of has for all of humankind and why:

"The third is the debt of gratitude to all living beings. Life is eternal, extending through the three existences of past, present and future; the sutras teach that we have been born in the world after having undergone the cycle of birth and death infinite times. From that point of view, at one time or another in the past, all men have been our father and all women have been our mothers  (See the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin - 2, 637). Buddhism sees us all as related and owing debts of gratitude to one another.

Nichiren indicated that this is why we should wish for the happiness of all people. Since supreme happiness lies in attaining the life state of Buddhahood, the best way to repay our debt of gratitude is to teach them Buddhism, the ultimate means for attaining enlightenment." 

...Those who have a sense of appreciation and gratitude are loved and trusted by everyone, and lead lives of tremendous fulfillment and satisfaction. Based on the Daishonin's teachings, it is clear that the inner radiance of those who embody true gratitude will imbue their lives with indestructible good fortune and benefits throughout the three existences."

I am headed to the Chicago Buddhist Center today for a meeting with a heart full of gratitude.

If you have not yet joined the Gakkai family I encourage you to enter the SGU portal to the right. It will lead you to the SGI-USA website. There are links to centers all around the world through this website. If you need help connecting send me an email and I will do my best.