From the December 11th World Tribune, page 7:
Offering Silent Prayers
Silent prayers are offered in the heart.
Accordingly, even though we may read their words,
it is what we actually think -
the thoughts occurring to us -
that become our prayers.
Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda said:
"Since we are human,
it is only natural that various thoughts occur to us
while we are chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
But if we chant earnestly,
then gradually we can focus entirely on the Gohonzon.
If we chant with an earnest frame of mind,
various worries about our daily lives will be resolved.
At that time, for example,
the complaints of a spouse
can sound as soothing as a lullaby.
But let's be careful when offering silent prayers.
The thoughts in our heart
are clearly expressed to the Gohonzon."
If, during silent prayers we think, "That guy's a real jerk," then even though we may be reading the silent prayers' words, it is the thought in our heart, "He's a real jerk,"
that becomes our prayer to the Gohonzon.
Offering the silent prayers
properly is a decisive struggle.
The prayers that someone offers
reflect his or her life state.
Prayers have to be concrete,
and they must be made with determination.
Whether chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
or offering silent prayers,
the most important thing
is to pray with a resolute mind.
Prayers should not be abstract.
The Buddhas and Buddhist deities
respond to earnest, strong prayers
arising from the very depths of one's life.
From The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, by Daisaku Ikeda
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