"No matter how hopeless or bleak things appear, the moment always comes when suddenly our spirit revives, and hope is reborn. That is why we must never give up."
"Hope is the secret to a robust life force."
"When we possess the treasure of hope, it gives rise to other treasures, too. Hope draws forth our inner potential and strength. Hope is a magic weapon that enables us to make our dreams come true."
All three quotes are by Daisaku Ikeda from Ikedaquotes.org
How is is possible to go from Hopelessness to Hopefulness again and again? For me the key is found in Daimoku.
Occasionally I post a blog talking about how I'd chant for two or three hours...I just keep chanting, and kind of lose track. I don't want to stop chanting. Today was one of those days. (I'm still evacuated from Hurricane Irma, but will return next week)
A reader wrote in and asked "How do you do this? I find it hard to chant for 10 minutes." And I understand that. Really I do.
As I've said before, I am a fellow Bodhisattva of the Earth. Next month I'll go into my 33rd year of practicing within the beloved SGI organization. I don't speak for the SGI. I only offer my life as an example of what is possible when you chant. In that light, I'll share with you my own techniques for overcoming hopelessness.
First of all, what is hopelessness...nothing but fundamental darkness, right? So when I'm feeling hopeless about anything, I know I need to really focus on building my life-condition through chanting.
Here is a PowerPrayer I am currently using. PowerPrayers are Fresh Determinations. They are meant to be read before chanting to fuel some thoughts while chanting...they are not a prescription...just some fresh ideas!
PowerPrayer for Moving from Hopelessness to Hopefulness:By Jamie Lee Silver of ChantforHappiness.com
Life!
Starting Right Now, With this daimoku,
I bring the light of hope into my life!
I feel every cell in my body responding to this bright presence as I realize YES I can accomplish my dreams.
I CAN and I AM changing my karma this very second. With every Nam-myoho-renge-kyo I am chanting!
Even though it feels like it may be impossible...it's NOT. Everything I dream can come true!
I will not be defeated. Fundamental darkness, I see you for what you are, and you are no match for me! I will chant you away, over and over again. I don't care how many times you rise up to make me feel hopeless...I WILL WIN! I WILL WIN because I am a noble Bodhisattva of the Earth. I will win because I am chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo right this very second. I will win! I will win for myself and I will win to be an example for others that ANYTHING is possible.
I will show, through my own life, that Kosen Rufu is possible...that a world of respect for all is possible. I will win over my own inner darkness so the world will become a brighter place!
I chant now for ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(fill in the names of the people you are chanting for)
I chant for these outcomes!_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I chant to see my life clearly, realize my shortcomings and change them. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
I chant for the world, my country, every member of my family, every person I love, every person I feel any kind of conflict with - I chant for their happiness!
I chant for kosen-rufu to happen through me...starting right here! Right Now!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(And a special note - sometimes while I am chanting, I wonder whether it's making a difference. Sometimes I do not immediately feel relief or refreshment. Sometimes chanting does feel like work. Do it anyway! The relief will come. The changes will come!)
Whatever you do...study...attend Buddhist meetings...do shakubuku and do not give up hope. The new day of happiness WILL dawn. If you need someone to talk to...please reach out to your fellow SGI members, friends, or professionals. Sending love!
No comments:
Post a Comment