A Member's Experience: From Victim to Victor

Preface from Jamie:

Some of us are naturally more suspicious of people's motives and actions based on previous negative experiences. But if we cling to these past hurts and wrongs we run the risk of playing the role of the victim throughout our lives. Nichiren Buddhism gives us the keys to rise out of this victim mentality and emerge as a strong and powerful VICTOR in life. From Victim to Victor! What a powerful journey. 

The following experience was originally posted on a busy day in April. I post it again just in case you missed it. This friend-in-faith has managed to quiet her negative mind and  focus on the positive. How wonderful! 

Experience of Going From Victim to Victor:

"I have always questioned people’s actions and behavior thus being very careful of my behavior and attitude since it can cause so much happiness as well as pain to others. More so if one is from a religious and spiritual background, our life should reflect our values and beliefs. I have always tried to be a good person giving my all in whatever I do. In the process though we sometimes make mistakes and because of this we should be careful of what we say about others because no one is perfect.
Unfortunately, we as human beings forget our imperfections or mistakes and constantly hurt each other through our words or actions. 

This is something I have always have a hard time dealing with. 

When I was a victim of bad word or actions I would have sleepless nights and worrisome days. The sadness and anxiety would not go away and I would rehash the hurt and pain by asking over and over, “how could this happen to me or my family”? I do not deserve this when I have given so much. Or maybe it’s my fault for everything that has happened.

Since having encountered and embraced Nichiren Buddhism through practice by chanting, ‘Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” and reading President Ikeda books/literatures, my anxiety and rehashing the hurt and pain are not as bad as it used to be. 

I am so much at peace; and quiet reflection on positive thoughts has truly changed my outlook on bad experiences. 

There is a saying in Nichiren Buddhism, “changing poison into medicine” which is such a profound and positive mental state of one’s mind which can truly change an individual’s life condition. 

One can change the ‘poison’ of earthly desires and sufferings into “medicine’; something positive for one’s personal growth and development, thus helping others and praying for the people who have caused you pain instead of harboring ill feelings towards them.

This philosophy makes your life so much less burdensome you actually feel happier, stronger and good inside. 

In my current job my bosses always have good things to say about me even saying that since I have been in the department, I have brought “momentum” to the workplace. 

When my daughter got sick they suggested that I apply for the Family Leave Act so that my job is protected. It was approved right away once I submitted the paperwork to Human Resources. My daughter had a cyst in her adrenaline gland which was growing and could have been cancerous and had to be removed surgically. The cyst was found by accident after doing tests for another medical problem which have all been corrected. 

Now she is completely well, has graduated successfully from High School even though she had two surgeries this year, and is moving into the next phase of her life while chanting strong Daimoku. I am so grateful!