When we are Disappointed - 3 Keys to Getting Back on Top

Surfers in Santa Cruz, California

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We all have disappointments from time to time. Sometimes we have expectations and we try very hard and BOOM - things just don't work out the way we want them to...and it can be really upsetting. 

Sometimes it feels like a wave is taking us under. But we have the greatest treasure. We know we are Buddhas. 

We are Buddhas who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. We have access to our deepest, most powerful selves (our Buddha Nature) by intoning these powerful words. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means "I fuse my life with the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration (or Sutra)" activating this vibration changes our lives profoundly...even if we just experienced a set back.  

Daisaku Ikeda says: 

"Resolve to be the sun. 

This is the first thing you must do. 

As long as you are the sun, 

No matter what problem you may be facing now, 

The dawn will always break, 

Fine weather will always return, 

And spring will never fail to arrive." 

From Faith into Action, page 8

And when you have a disappointment there are three things important to keep in mind:

1. Don't give up. Really. DO NOT GIVE UP. Do not think: "I did not pass this exam, so there is no hope for me." or "If I didn't get that job, I won't be able to get any job." Please do not think that your life is not worth living. I promise. It IS. YOU are important. You are important. And life can turn on a dime. Tomorrow IS another day. It is. Reach out. Call a friend. Call a hotline. Do not give up my friend. 

2. Use this practice. It's yours! Chant. Even if it's hard. Even if you feel you're not really connecting. Even if you can only chant a short time. Do it. Morning and evening. Chant. Invite your friends to join you. It's okay to cry and chant. I've done that enough times! 

And tell people about the practice. This week I told every professional I talked to on the phone, and just about everyone I met. And read president Ikeda's guidance every day. 

3. Please do not beat yourself up. You are human. You are a Buddha, but you are also human. I like to look myself in the eye when I get down and tell myself some encouraging words. You can too. You can go to the mirror, look yourself in the eye and say "I love you. I have a lot to offer. I'm okay. I'm a BUDDHA! This will work out. I'm okay," or whatever message you like. When we look ourselves in the eye and speak positively to ourselves it makes a difference. Try it. Don't take my word for it. 

Daisaku Ikeda also says: 

"It is not a question of your environment, 

those around you, 

or what the organization or leaders may be like. 

To be swayed by such externals is pointless. 

It all comes down to one person: you. 

What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, 

shining with joy and happiness, 

and live your life with confidence and courage. 

If you shine with radiant light, 

there can be no darkness in your life."

From Faith into Action, page 8

As always, I'm a fellow Buddha like you. I'm an enthusiastic SGI member, but I don't represent the SGI officially. I post this blog to encourage you through my own life.