You can Overcome ALL Your Problems! Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo WORKS!

I know I say it over and over, and Daisaku Ikeda, and all of us KNOW that we are the Buddha...but how often do we chant in the sublime recongnition of being the Buddha and seeing through the Buddha's eyes? 

In our daily lives sometimes it seems there is just so much to chant for that we don't know where to start. Whenever I feel this way it is a signal to me to chant to see through the eyes of the Buddha and realize I am the Buddha at every moment. I also focus on chanting for others, kosen-rufu and elevating my life condition. 
If we have this perspectice on our lives it puts all of our problems into perspective. 

When I first began chanting almost 30 years ago in San Francisco I would ask my leaders "I am chanting every day, I am doing shakubuku with every breath I take, and I just bought a car so I can drive my beloved YWD to meetings...WHY am I having these personal problems?" 

And some of you have written me with similar questions. 

I was given this answer: "You are a leader for kosen-rufu...(world peace) one day, your members will come to you with problems just like you have now, and you will REALLY know how they feel, and you will know exactly how to encourage people." And they also told me that whatever I was going through, I was expiating karma for my life, and for my children's lives as well...seven generations back, and seven generations in the future. I learned to focus on the big picture...not just on all my problems, but on chanting for kosen-rufu and the happiness of my district members and all members...and not just members, but the whole world. Every day I would ask in my prayers while chanting "What is my mission in life? What is my mission in life?" and I knew the answer even as I was chanting...I knew I wanted to help people who were suffering like I was before I began chanting, and to help them find out about this practice and try it. 
Whoever you are - reading these words right now ~ I want you to know you HAVE found the solution, and you can use this practice to overcome suffering of ANY kind. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, practicing with the SGI, studying and introducing others to this practice is the formula for incredible happiness and strength. One day, you will look back on the hard times and realize they were golden moments that strengthened your life and your practice! 

My life proves it. 
Your life will prove it too. 
We Soka Gakkai members are proving the power of the law with our lives. 
As many of you know I've faced a tremendous challenge with the illness of one of my children. And every day I have used this practice to remain strong and to persevere and to WIN. I have chanted to be a better person, and to bring out my inner wisdom, and to work together with the health professionals to bring him back to wellness. Sometimes I have had to say difficult things. But every morning, with my focused prayer, I have set the course for a day filled with wisdom and power. I am steering the ship...even if I can't control everything, I can control myself and set goals. 

Now I have some peace! 
All week I've been side-by-side with my son who was recently released from the hospital and I've been cherishing every minute, every laugh, every experience.  The joy I feel in my heart just to be with him is immense. Every daimoku right now is filled with gratitude. I feel I have already won! 

Shikha's Health Experience

I originally posted this last year, and wanted to make sure you all see it. Thank you Shikha! Please send your experiences to chantforhappiness@gmail.com

I was introduced to the practice by my sister's friend three years back.  I felt protected instantly  after chanting during some of the darkest moments . Initally like most of us, I chanted 5-10 minutes and then didn't for weeks. Thanks to some of the critical situations in life and the leaders' persistence I continued and became more active.

I have overcome a number of obstacles both from within and without during these years and have experienced many benefits (which I'll share with all of you soon).

This year in August my father, who suffers from chronic pancreatitus, suddenly got another acute attack on august 15th. After getting admitted to the hospital, his condition worsened and he was shifted to Fortis ICU for respiratory distress syndrome and acute pancreatitus. His serum amylase and lipase (indicator of pancreas) were above 1600 and the normal level is below 200. The normal PO2 level(indicator of lung function) is above 80 and his was 50. In such cases they put patients on ventilators but the doctors negligence turned out to be a benefit for us. His face used to be almost blue during those days.

This was a few days after I recieved my gohonzon and I just had complete faith that it has to be a benefit so that he has an even healthier life. Also On the same day I got an oppurtunity to be the MC for the August SGI meeting and I joyfully accepted it chanting through the night for a vibrant zadankai (meeting) and all members to be inspired. I determined to do my own human revolution by not panicing in such crisis instead giving faith and courage to my sister and mother who were clearly in utter panic.

Whenever I was in doubt, I read sensei's lecture on the gosho "The good medicine for all ills".  Josei Toda wrote,"Dont let anything shake you. Just chant with your whole life. Never lose heart. Activate the positive forces of the universe.  I chanted sincerely to change the poison in his pancreas to amrita . I visualised waving a sword of nam myoho renge kyo in his pancreas .

Papa's serum amylase and lipase- an indicator of pancreas dropped back to below 200 which is normal by august 19th i.e. within 4-5 days which was extremely remarkable .

We received protection in the form of my doctor aunt who dropped everything and came to our city  and instructed the low skilled staff of "a hospital in india " to handle his lungs better .
My sister also started chanting more seriously and started seeing results herself. His lung condition was still very weak. She chanted for papa to do spirometery exercises every hour as instructed  even though he was very weak. She chanted for him to want to get better and not give up even in the extreme condition of the ICU .

However, the infection in his body i.e. the TLC counts kept shooting up. In spite of that,  he started looking and feeling better. By the end of the week his TLC was as high as 30,000 (normal is below 11000) and the doctor in fortis said it's unbelievable that he doesn't look as sick as his reports say he is. I smiled, of course.

I read the gosho again and again. At the risk of sounding stupid to my family full of doctors, I encouraged them to read it. Sensei says, " The Buddha is likened to a physician because he teaches people the "medicine of immortality. " The medicine of immortality is "amrita". Elsewhere Nichiren daishonin says," Amrita is nam myoho renge kyo " .

Meanwhile The doctor insisted for him to get neckline since all his other veins were swollen. Now, the neckline can cause many more infections for a lung patient esp in the ICU and by then he had developed hospital aided pnuemonia. The doctor gave us one hour to decide and sign the consent form. I started chanting very strongly and within minutes one of the male nurse found a perfect vein in the arm somewhere which lasted three days.

Because of staying calm and being in a high life condition, we could decide immediately without even our mom to take him out of "A hospital in our city" to " Hospital in another city " where my aunt is an HOD. I was chanting all throughout the way. We met with many obstacles , the ambulance met with an accident , the ac didnt work  but papa's vitals didn't change a bit throughout the journey and he safely shifted to a private ward. Again, he didn't see us frown when any of this was happening, rather all he heard was Nam myoho renge kyo .

We met the best of doctors in the other city. The doctor again suggested a neck line but my sister had determined by then to not let that happen and well it didn't. His TLC i.e. the infection count came down to normal within 3-4 days. And within a week he was out of the hospital walking, talking a bit, urinating, defecating all by himself. His pancreas is damaged 40-50% but he can have a normal life with even half the pancreas. There is no damage to any other vital organ which is very good after an acute attack like this. His lung capacity is actually better than before now.  He has been a chain smoker since 50 years and he has not smoked since over a month now and has no intention of doing so. Like I said, his face is way brighter than before, and he walks twice a day by himself, eats healthy meals, has breakfast and is on the road to full recovery. My mother remarked yesterday that it was impossible to think that we'll all have a lifestyle where  no one smokes in the house and we have have fruits and breakfast on the dinner table. She said life has actually become 180 degrees better.

All this while I chanted for the medicine king buddha to manifest in his life. Leaders told me to read out the gosho" actual proof " to him during our stay and I did. I chanted for all our relatives to see actual proof through this experience. I chanted for my human revolution and to stay calm through it all. We (my sister, me and mom ) had just three small arguments through such high stress period and managed to be  encouraging and always smiling around papa. My sister and brother in law have started chanting and my brother in law already has had an experience.
I determine to keep showing actual proof through this practice and encourage each and everyone who's watching my life.

PowerPrayers to Strengthen Your Practice and for Unlimited Self Esteem

Good morning. It's early on Sunday morning and I'm heading off downtown to the Tozo going on now.

At the Chicago Buddhist Center I will be chanting for all of you to achieve every single one of your goals and to grow in faith as you complete your million daimoku towards your goals. Please remember you are WORTHY and you are not asking anyone or anything to fulfill your prayers...you are TELLING your life the way it's going to be. "LIFE this is what I want!" and email me if you want to join the campaign or share your goals and pictures with me: chantforhappiness@gmail.com

ALSO ~ do you have any requests for powerprayers on a particular subject...ones that might help great numbers of people? I am about to submit my book soon! Email me! 

Here are two PowerPrayers from my upcoming book of PowerPrayers. The first is for strengthening your practice. The second is for unlimited self-esteem:

PowerPrayer to Establish a Strong Practice 

for Chanting My Way to Absolute Happiness! 

I will chant every morning and every evening 

no matter what. 

I will no longer allow anything to stop me! 

I am establishing the strongest practice imaginable 

and I am becoming so fully resourced in self esteem 

that I fully commit to myself:

I keep my promise 

to myself 

first and foremost 

with the understanding that 

I can only really love/help others 

when I myself have become strong and self-loving.

And it’s very natural for me now to share Nam-myoho-renge-kyo because my life is overflowing with benefits. 

The more I chant, the more I want to chant. 

I look forward to my time with myself 

dialoguing with my own life

and discovering who I really am. 

I feel the connection more deeply every time I chant. 

I see actual proof that my self esteem is rising:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Nothing can stop me from getting to discussion meetings 

and studying SGI periodicals and books. 

I am deepening my understanding of what I study with every Daimoku I chant. 

My eyes are opening.

My depth of understanding is growing! 

Study helps me to see the connection 

between my chanting 

and what I see happening in my life. 

What a privilege! 

PowerPrayer for Unlimited Self Esteem

As I am chanting, 

I am becoming a woman/man/person 

of unlimited self esteem. 

I open my heart to myself and my life. 

I am determined to really love my-self 

in a way I have never done before. 

I am determined to take 

the best and most tender care of myself 

and to learn to really want 

and manifest 

all the very best things my life has to offer me 

and this world has to offer. 

From this moment forward 

I am a person of unlimited self-esteem. 

I learn from my mistakes, 

I don’t dwell on them or in them. 

I understand that I am Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 

and I have unlimited power 

to focus on the things I do right. 

I spend more and more time 

in self-appreciation and gratitude.

And it feels wonderful.

These are the qualities I appreciate in myself:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are the qualities I am strengthening in myself and my life as I chant:. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PowerPrayer for Health

You can chant this for yourself or in someone else's name:

PowerPrayer for Health


I,                 , am bringing into my life 
everything I need 
for radiant energy and complete health. 
As I am chanting, 
everything I need, 
including the perfect mindset 
is speeding its way towards me. 
All of the best medicines, 
herbal treatments, 
practitioners, 
techniques 
are abundantly available in my life. 
I am healing at every moment.
I am growing more and more healthy every day! 

I love myself enough to realize 
that I deserve all of the best kinds of support. 
I no longer live in fear, disappointment and doubt. 
I am absolutely certain 
that I have the power to create my health. 

I have heard and internalized the voice of my my mentor who has stated repeatedly, 
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the roar of the lion, what sickness can therefore be an obstacle?'

I know that true health 
lies in creating a life condition of challenge and victory. 

Every little setback I experience 
galvanizes in me more resolve 
to chant ever more resounding Daimoku 
and strengthen my practice. 

I transform each obstacle as it arises 
into more actual proof and encouragement 
with which I inspire others. 

My illness has become a source of victory 
and great intimacy and friendship 
with a multitude of people whose suffering 
I have shared, 
and for whom I have the deepest respect and empathy. 

I am a shining beacon of hope 
to anyone who has suffered because of failing health. 
Because I have embraced my illness for what it is, 
the opportunity to show actual proof through my life, 
I have already won!

Bhavya's Experience of Victory

Bhavya and Ayaan

My name is Bhavya Sawhney 
I have been practicing this beautiful philosophy for the last 7 years. I am the mother of two-kosen rufu kids, one 6-year girl Aashina, and a 5-month-old boy, Ayaan. With this practice I have had lots of victories and today I will share the most recent one.

Last week was very tough for me. I had an important test on Friday the 12th of this month, but since Monday the 8th Ayaan had severe stomach flu. He had become very cranky and wouldn’t leave me.  I was getting very tense since I had to study as well as take care of him. If I tried to leave him with my mother in law or my husband he would just cry for hours.

This time, instead of getting stressed and applying my own strategies, I made the Gohonzon my center and put my practice first.  I  also read Sensei’s guidance often. 

“There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull when we feel stuck in some situation or other when we are negative towards everything when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn. At such times we must transform our passive mind set and determine “I will proceed along this path I will pursue my mission today”. When we do so, a genuine springtime arrives in our heart and flowers start to bloom.”

 Also I reached out to Jamie and requested her support so every day of that week I made a determination to chant one hour of daimoku together no matter what, to excel in my exam and for Ayaan to get over this flu. On Monday the doctor told me it could take 2 weeks for him to get better! When Jamie and I were discussing about this we said “No way! He will get well immediately with our Daimoku! It has to be out a.s.a.p!”

This daimoku was setting a victory every day for me, a mission that was getting closer and closer.  By chanting an hour every day I was able to focus more on my studies. This daimoku was giving me a rhythm to study and concentrate and not to get tense. In every way, I was putting my practice first. Ayaan would be with us doing daimoku too for the full hour. It is difficult to do that. Many people strategize things but won’t get up to chant. But for me it was my practice. 

I stopped strategizing and started doing winning daimoku that no matter what I will be able to study, and the day of test my little monster will be ok. He won’t bother my mother in law and my husband.

Here I stand to report my victory. 

I went to take my test and my son was perfectly fine. He had overcome the flu that very same day!

I would like to conclude with the gosho line “MUSTER YOUR FAITH AND PRAY TO GOHONZON THEN WHAT IS THERE THAT CANNOT BE ACHIEVED “

I am determined to work for kosen rufu whole heartedly... to be the sun of my family...to never doubt this Gohonzon no matter whatever happens. I will do morning and evening gongyo consistently to introduce my friends and family to this practice.

What Can Your Chanting Accomplish in Your Life?

What can you accomplish through chanting? 

The power of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo 

is bigger than your biggest problem. 

"There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is. By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort. Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, your continual prayer will at some time manifest in a form greater than you had ever hoped." 
~ President Ikeda  (From Faith in Action page 152)

What are some examples of actual proof I've accomplished through chanting? 

Click "Read More" below to see the rest of this post

From Dying to Living ~ From Poison to Medicine ~ Experience in Health

Julia Landis

~ This experience is too important to miss. Enjoy!

The Great Repair Shop of the Human Heart. 

"It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror reflecting the essential nature of phenomena [i.e. the Dharma nature] and the true aspect of reality...

...Arouse deep faith and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. ~ Nichiren Daishonin (WND-1 p. 4)

I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and studying the teachings that elucidate the central philosophy of the Lotus Sutra for nearly three years now. What is the key or central element to that philosophy? That each of our lives contains the seeds of Buddhahood and that an exalted state of life is ours as soon as we come to realize, support, and harmonize our lives with this indelible fact. 
Click "read more" below to see the rest of Julia's experience:

Power Prayers for Health

As President Ikeda says, health is the most important thing of all. We all know the truth of this statement. 

I have improved my health through this practice. I used to have allergies, asthma, and frequent headaches, along with the additional weight.   

I don't experience any of those things anymore.

Today I am sharing with you some of the thoughts, prayers and determinations that have become the fiber of my life lately. 

As I am chanting, these thoughts of appreciation and determinations flow through my mind as I connect with the universe during morning and evening gongyo:

Power Prayers for Health:

Power prayers come in several formats. The first type of power prayer is the determination. It is the prayer you pray when you are determined to make something happen in your life. They usually begin, not surprisingly, with "I am determined." 

The second type of power prayer is the power of appreciation...reveling in the experience of having received a previous prayer and being grateful for it. 

Power Prayers: 

Being healthy is easier than ever. 

I easily draw to myself all the resources and people I need to help me to be the healthiest, happiest version of me. 

All the best information just flows to me. Suddenly I know just what my body needs to be nourished and enlivened, and I naturally crave these things. I am becoming stronger and more resilient every single moment. I feel the best I have ever felt. I glow. 

I love to move and express myself. 

All the clothes I need to feel great at every moment naturally flow into my life. 

All the resources I need come to me now. 

I easily and happily become the very best version of me! 

I appreciate myself for releasing my resistance to change and for letting my life flow. 

Torrie's Experience of STRONG FAITH!!

Here's a message overflowing with hope from a Blog reader and blog writer, my new friend Torrie Patillo! Above is a picture of Torrie and her Mom Michele. Torrie is on the right. 


She writes a blog called http://onemilliondaimoku.wordpress.com. 
check it out! Thank you so much Torrie for sending this Thank you so much Torrie for all your enthusiasm, leadership in the SGI and strong, strong determination! You are an inspiration to us all, and I KNOW you will be victorious!  in. 


Here's the wonderful letter she wrote me, and her experience follows. 


From Torrie:

"I've been following your blog for the past 3 months, and I absolutely LOVE it!! You have given me lots of hope, encouragement and guidance over this time. I constantly forward your blog to my district, my kayo-kai sisters and my mom. I began my practice with SGI on 03/15/09 along with my life partner Tiffany. My mom Michele received Gohonzon 6 months later. We've had a lot of benefits from the practice. In 2011 a HUGE obstacle surfaced; my mom was diagnosed with Kidney failure. I've been chanting BIG TIME for her total health victory. I have lots of moments of sadness, anger, feeling defeated, but I always pick myself back up with daimoku, the Gosho, Living Buddhism, World Tribune, Sensei's website, spending time with SGI members, hanging out with my YWD friends, guidance from seniors in faith and YOUR blog. I had a break-through that I wanted to share with you (see my blog post below). I have a long way to go toward victory, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I KNOW 100% ALL PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED for the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra. I also mentioned you and your blog on my blog todayhttp://onemilliondaimoku.wordpress.com Thank you sooo much for being an awesome Bodhisattva, Myoho sister and warrior for Kosen-rufu. Sensei would be sooo proud! I chant daily for you to be victorious in all areas of your life, chant for the happiness/victories of your district, and chant for the happiness/victories of your blog followers. On behalf of SGI's YWD worldwide, WE LOVE YOU!!! Thank you so much for all that you do. I chant to repay my debt of gratitude to you and other SGI members world-wide. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!"
~Torrie Pattillo (YWD-Chapter Leader)
  Pikesville Maryland
 Jones Falls District
 Chesapeake Bay Region
 Mid-Atlantic Zone  

Torrie's Experience 

Most of you know my mom has ESRD (Kidney failure) and started Dialysis on June 15th, 2012. Well here's some GREAT news (and an answer to my prayers and the prayers of everyone else who's supported along the way); The University of Maryland Kidney Transplant Center coordinator called me today: they are ready for me to start the "work-up" to be my mom's donor. I have to do a 24 hour urine collection
so they can test the strength of my kidneys, a pap-smear, some blood work and a physical, then an all day medical evaluation, plus a few more test. They said I'm a perfect match for my mom, we just need to wait a little longer because of her blood transfusions. (her blood has formed antibodies due to the 3 blood transfusions, so her blood is confused right now, otherwise our blood is PERFECT together, and my kidney is perfect for her body otherwise). (I also need to lose a little weight, thank goodness I'm a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition LOL, now I can finally get this weight off in a healthy and sustainable way. I have the tools, now need to use them). Fortunately, even if her blood continues to have issues with my blood, that won't slow anything down. I would go into a "cross-match program". Here's an example/scenario of what that means

(Let's say a lady named Tina is a B+ blood type and needs a kidney. She has a daughter named Marie who is an O+ and wants to be her mom's donor and has a perfect kidney, but their blood types are incompatible. My mom Michele is an AB+ and I'm a B+ so our blood types ARE compatible, (actually AB+ although a rare blood type, is the ONLY blood type that can receive a kidney from ANY blood type as long as the antigens match, which mine do match. My mom was fortunate to have this blood type) but my mom is also compatible with Tina's daughter Marie. Since Tina is NOT compatible with her own daughter, but IS compatible with me, and my mom is a universal recipient, I could be Tina's donor and her daughter Marie could be my mom's donor.)

I don't mind doing the cross-match program, I actually think it's great because essentially I get to save 2 lives at once. The donor center is just going to keep doing testing to make sure that doing the cross-match is best for my mom. If my kidney is better for her, we'll go that route, but if cross-match is equally good, we'll do that so we can save her life and someone else's life. I'm putting it in the hands of the universe. I'm praying for the best possible outcome, the best kidney for my mom, and praying that everyone involved lives a long, happy, healthy life. I'm really excited about this process..even though it's scary, I'm very happy to do this for my mom, and happy that I may even get to help someone else in the process. How cool is that??? What a great mission :-) I'm very grateful I get to participate in this, and share this journey with my wonderful mommy :-)

Thanks again to everyone who's supported my family during this time. My wife, my family, my friends, the Wright family (my in-laws), my SGI family (Buddhist friends) my IIN friends, even my facebook friends...you all have been sooo important in this process, encouraging, compassionate and committed/united in prayer. People have visited my mom at the hospital during her 10 hospital stays, called her to support/encourage her, went over to chant with her, chanted/prayed for her, sent cards and gifts, advocated for her medical care, sent uplifting emails, left wonderful comments, have called me, chanted with me, offered support, offered to run errands, talked with me during weak moments, facebooked kind words, ect. It's amazing!!! I love you all. Thank you soooo much!!! I promised my mom a TOTAL HEALTH VICTORY, and dammit, I'm going to show her actual proof. I promised you all our prayers would be answered, and here we go, we're almost there :-) I'm VERY absolute in my beliefs that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo works and would protect my mom. It's coming to fruition at high speed. I am OVERWHELMED with gratitude right now. Thanks to each of you and thanks to the Universe!!! ♥ To each of you, I extend love, light, gratitude, appreciation and a commitment to repay my debt of gratitude. Stay tuned for a TOTAL Health Victory and good health head to toe for my mom, and I pray for victory in all areas of life for each of you.
-- 
Torrie Pattillo-Wright~

Shika's Experience - Chanting for Her Father's Health

I was introduced to the practice by my sister's friend three years back.  I felt protected instantly  after chanting during some of the darkest moments . Initally like most of us, I chanted 5-10 minutes and then didn't for weeks. Thanks to some of the critical situations in life and the leaders' persistence I continued and became more active.

I have overcome a number of obstacles both from within and without during these years and have experienced many benefits (which I'll share with all of you soon).

This year in August my father, who suffers from chronic pancreatitus, suddenly got another acute attack on august 15th. After getting admitted to the hospital, his condition worsened and he was shifted to Fortis ICU for respiratory distress syndrome and acute pancreatitus. His serum amylase and lipase (indicator of pancreas) were above 1600 and the normal level is below 200. The normal PO2 level(indicator of lung function) is above 80 and his was 50. In such cases they put patients on ventilators but the doctors negligence turned out to be a benefit for us. His face used to be almost blue during those days.

This was a few days after I recieved my gohonzon and I just had complete faith that it has to be a benefit so that he has an even healthier life. Also On the same day I got an oppurtunity to be the MC for the August SGI meeting and I joyfully accepted it chanting through the night for a vibrant zadankai (meeting) and all members to be inspired. I determined to do my own human revolution by not panicing in such crisis instead giving faith and courage to my sister and mother who were clearly in utter panic.

Whenever I was in doubt, I read sensei's lecture on the gosho "The good medicine for all ills".  Josei Toda wrote,"Dont let anything shake you. Just chant with your whole life. Never lose heart. Activate the positive forces of the universe.  I chanted sincerely to change the poison in his pancreas to amrita . I visualised waving a sword of nam myoho renge kyo in his pancreas .

Papa's serum amylase and lipase- an indicator of pancreas dropped back to below 200 which is normal by august 19th i.e. within 4-5 days which was extremely remarkable .

We received protection in the form of my doctor aunt who dropped everything and came to our city  and instructed the low skilled staff of "a hospital in india " to handle his lungs better .
My sister also started chanting more seriously and started seeing results herself. His lung condition was still very weak. She chanted for papa to do spirometery exercises every hour as instructed  even though he was very weak. She chanted for him to want to get better and not give up even in the extreme condition of the ICU .

However, the infection in his body i.e. the TLC counts kept shooting up. In spite of that,  he started looking and feeling better. By the end of the week his TLC was as high as 30,000 (normal is below 11000) and the doctor in fortis said it's unbelievable that he doesn't look as sick as his reports say he is. I smiled, of course.

I read the gosho again and again. At the risk of sounding stupid to my family full of doctors, I encouraged them to read it. Sensei says, " The Buddha is likened to a physician because he teaches people the "medicine of immortality. " The medicine of immortality is "amrita". Elsewhere Nichiren daishonin says," Amrita is nam myoho renge kyo " .

Meanwhile The doctor insisted for him to get neckline since all his other veins were swollen. Now, the neckline can cause many more infections for a lung patient esp in the ICU and by then he had developed hospital aided pnuemonia. The doctor gave us one hour to decide and sign the consent form. I started chanting very strongly and within minutes one of the male nurse found a perfect vein in the arm somewhere which lasted three days.

Because of staying calm and being in a high life condition, we could decide immediately without even our mom to take him out of "A hospital in our city" to " Hospital in another city " where my aunt is an HOD. I was chanting all throughout the way. We met with many obstacles , the ambulance met with an accident , the ac didnt work  but papa's vitals didn't change a bit throughout the journey and he safely shifted to a private ward. Again, he didn't see us frown when any of this was happening, rather all he heard was Nam myoho renge kyo .

We met the best of doctors in the other city. The doctor again suggested a neck line but my sister had determined by then to not let that happen and well it didn't. His TLC i.e. the infection count came down to normal within 3-4 days. And within a week he was out of the hospital walking, talking a bit, urinating, defecating all by himself. His pancreas is damaged 40-50% but he can have a normal life with even half the pancreas. There is no damage to any other vital organ which is very good after an acute attack like this. His lung capacity is actually better than before now.  He has been a chain smoker since 50 years and he has not smoked since over a month now and has no intention of doing so. Like I said, his face is way brighter than before, and he walks twice a day by himself, eats healthy meals, has breakfast and is on the road to full recovery. My mother remarked yesterday that it was impossible to think that we'll all have a lifestyle where  no one smokes in the house and we have have fruits and breakfast on the dinner table. She said life has actually become 180 degrees better.

All this while I chanted for the medicine king buddha to manifest in his life. Leaders told me to read out the gosho" actual proof " to him during our stay and I did. I chanted for all our relatives to see actual proof through this experience. I chanted for my human revolution and to stay calm through it all. We (my sister, me and mom ) had just three small arguments through such high stress period and managed to be  encouraging and always smiling around papa. My sister and brother in law have started chanting and my brother in law already has had an experience.
I determine to keep showing actual proof through this practice and encourage each and everyone who's watching my life.

Determination for Health!

My dear friend Julia  has been chanting for two years on August 9th. 


We have known each other for 20 years. When we saw each other two years ago she was inspired by the person I had become through this practice and decided to begin a thorough practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. 

Teo years ago Julia was very ill. Although she is a young woman, her health had been failing for many years. She had not given up all hope of wellness, but she was clearly getting worse not better. 


She has vigorously embraced this practice! She is continually inspiring me! Now she is doing her life's work of helping people through telephone counseling, she is walking again, running again and beginning to become the picture of absolute health! 


Here is the determination she gave me yesterday towards creating a healthy life:


'I am determined that to create everlasting health in my body, mind and spirit. I am profoundly and irresistibly attracting any resources that will help me to become healthy. Every resource I need comes to me now....books, medicines, herbs, practices, websites, people, information flows to me now for my highest health and healing. 
I live in a state of radiant health. Everything in my environment is coming together and conspiring to make me WELL!
I have profound strength and wisdom to make the changes necessary to bring about complete health.'


Words are powerful! What are your determinations? Do you have any you'd like to share with the other blog readers? Are there any areas of determination you'd like me to address? 


Remember Determinations erase and replace complaints! Wherever you feel a sadness and need for change in your life - Make a new determination! Write it down! Chant about it! 

What if You are dealing with illness?

I received a question from a reader who's illness has gotten worse since she started chanting. 


She was asking for confirmation that she should keep chanting, even though facing these concerns. 


Today I atended a lecture at the Chicago Buddhist Center by Linda Johnson. She talked about many things, health included. I'll paraphrase a bit here. 


She said May is a time for us to reaffirm our mission to be able to demonstrate the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in our own lives in order to encourage others. 


Transforming our own destiny has nothing to do with anyone or anything outside of our own lives. It is something that we have to change from within. 


Nichiren Daishonin was a revolutionary during his time, and he is still a revolutionary NOW because he tells us to look within to solve our problems, not to look outside ourselves. 


Everything operates on the strict law of cause and effect. Everything around us, all the people, the job, everything, no exception (including illness) is operating on the law of cause and effect. And we have to realize that we have caused the effects we see in our lives today. But don't get upset and close your computer and run away when I tell you this! Understanding this fact is the only way that you will get mastery over your life!


All you have to do is OWN that you, living lifetime after lifetime, made the causes that have you in the place you are right now....with whatever sadness, sickness, loneliness, etc. You need to own your karma....only THEN can you make the deep determination to change it. 


But! Very important to KNOW! ~
Owning your karma is not the same as BLAME, GUILT, SHAME. Do not think of it as your FAULT...and above all, do not waste your time analyzing it and trying to figure it out. DON'T DO IT! IT WON'T GET YOU ANYWHERE!!!


All you need to do is recognize the interconnectedness of life, and see that the one common denominator in all your problems is YOU. And with that knowledge and power...YOU can change it! There is nothing Nam Myoho Renge Kyo can't change!!!!


Chant to get to the core of your karma...chant to reach into your life and uproot the karmic cause of suffering by the roots and dash it out of your body!!! 


Shut off your brain. Stop analyzing it! 


Just chant to change it! 


Pray to change it from a place you can use to encourage others. Chant "I must change this so I can be happy and my happiness will encourage others!!!"


About illness ~ Linda said chant to wake up every one of your cells to the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo... and send it through your entire body! She told a story about a woman whose son had lymphoma and the doctors had said he only had a short time to live. The mother chanted this way...sending Nam Myoho Renge Kyo through his bloodstream and now he is cancer free. 


You are powerful! 
Summon up the faith to change your karma. 
Please realize that chanting brings forth all you need to change to become happy, and change every single thing until you are happy and don't give up!! 

The Three Proofs in Buddhism

Sunday's two hour tozo (chanting two hours) at the center was really challenging! I lead the chanting (the microphone was given to me, so I set the pace and the rhythm) from 8:30 until 9:00 am and it seemed like a very long time! Time is so funny, isn't it...sometimes I can chant a whole two hours or more and barely look at the clock, other times a half hour feels like forever!
When I first started chanting I was determined to chant 5 minutes every morning and evening. Sometimes that 5 minutes seemed like an eternity. I'm sure I stopped at 4 and 1/2 minutes sometimes! But the effort was worth it...I started to see results so soon. I started to feel lighter, I got a job, I met John Denver for the first time...so many things began to happen when I started chanting.

Now, I am digging so deep in my prayer. I am determined to rid my life of the underlying suffering that has always been in my life. I am determined to be aware of my own Buddha nature, to feel it, see it, appreciate it all the time...or as much as possible! I want to feel the love that is all around me all the time. I want to access an even deeper love for my own self...I know this transformation is possible.

And as I mentioned a few blogs ago, I am also chanting to get these thoughts of regret and sadness OUT of my brain!

I am chanting for so many people. I keep pictures of everyone up on my wall by my altar, and chant for them!

I am also chanting to know which foods are best for my body, to actually want to eat healthy foods and to be more beautiful, more radiant, more healthy than ever before! I am chanting to be an example, and to show actual proof of the power of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. I am chanting to inspire people...many people to try chanting to see for themselves!

There are three proofs in Buddhism:

1) Is the practice rooted in original Buddhist doctrine?
The answer is YES, this practice goes back to the Lotus Sutra, expounded by Shakyamuni Buddha.

2) Does it accord with common sense?
The answer is YES, and that's one of the best things about this practice. It all just makes sense. OF COURSE you are the universe! OF COURSE you don't need a priest or interpreter to access that power. What you need is a tool. That tool is chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

3) Is there actual proof of this practice? ~ Does it work? Does it get results? This is the most important of the three proofs.
The answer is YES, but please don't take my word for it!
I hope you'll prove to yourself that the answer is YES. It is purely experiential. I dare you to have the courage it takes to chant and see for yourself! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

A Million Daimoku...chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Join me!
I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (pronounced Nahm Meeyoho Raingay Kyo)
It means - I fuse my life with the law of cause and effect through sound vibration, or I am one with the flow of life, or I am the Buddha myself! Chanting these words has a profound and practical impact on my life....and it can on anyone's life.
When you chant these words you tap into the eternal universe that's already inside you...the one you know is there, that you've always known is there. Chanting these words allows you to tap the great power you have always had.
On October 20th of 2009 I will have been chanting these words every day...twice a day for 25 years! Between now and October 20th I will be chanting two hours every single day. By October 20th I will have chanted a million daimoku (pron: diemoku, and it means chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo over and over) with a goal to accomplish many dreams:

Here are my determinations:
I wish to inspire others through sharing my heart, my struggles and my successes.
I wish to share the heart of my mentor Daisaku Ikeda (President of the Soka Gakkai International) with the world.
I will release my life from the underlying sadness I have always felt...the sadness that has no name and no real cause. I believe I was born with this sadness, and that it is my mission in this life to free myself from it.
I will have a body that is pain free! I will be able to move in any way I want. For several years I have been battling with a painful right leg. I believe it is arthritis, but I keep thinking I can solve the pain through some other means than surgery. I have never had surgery and never want to have it!
I will be on the way to losing the rest of the weight I've been challenged with my entire life. (I've already lost 50 pounds).
I will naturally attract opportunities that delight me!
I will make lots of new friends and connections!
I will become a published author!