What is TRUE Success in Life?

I love reading President Ikeda's words. They are infused with the energy of life...

This morning I chanted for over an hour and did gongyo. It is an important day, I have a speech to give in the morning, a presentation to business referral sources in the afternoon, and it is also a big day personally. 

My son is being interviewed for placement in a community that will be very positive for his life. The results they show regarding the people who have lived there are remarkable. People are living lives of value...just the answer to my prayer for my son. It is two states away...about an 8 hour drive, but I'm sure, as any parent would know, that I would fly with him to the moon and back if I thought it would be a positive experience for him that would impact his life. I will miss him. But I am happy for him. It is the answer to my prayer. It IS the result of trusting the Gohonzon (the power within my own life).

So I pulled out my favorite book of Daisaku Ikeda quotes for you - Faith in Action. It has quotes arranges by category. I truly could just publish the whole book on this blog because every one of the quotes is impactful, but for today I'll just choose a few under SUCCESS. 
From Faith in Action, page 68:

"What is success in life? 
Who are the truly successful? 
There are famous and powerful people 
who become pitiful figures in their old age. 
There are people who die alone, 
feeling empty and desolate. 
Just what is success? 

The English thinker Walter Pater (1839-94) wrote:

"To burn always with this hard, gemlike flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life."

The person who lives life fully, glowing with life's energy, is the person who lives a successful life."

Yes! 

and on the same page:

"Such things as money, fame and material possessions 
offer fleeting satisfaction 
that can be called relative happiness. 
However, when we transform our lives internally, 
when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said 
to have established absolute happiness."

Daisaku Ikeda

Now, that's not to say that we can't, or should not have wealth, or fortunes of the storehouse. This practice is not about taking a vow of poverty. But we all know, that yes, money is great because we can do so much good with it, but money alone does not bring happiness. It is our inner state of life, our towering conviction that NO MATTER WHAT LIFE PRESENTS TO US - No matter what.. We will win. We can bring forth our own Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and win. That is fortune! 

Win in the Morning and You Win in LIFE! Great Experience from Roberto

Roberto and his "baby" Moty

Win in the Morning and You Win in Life! 

Good morning, my name is Roberto Filacchione and I have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism since 1998.

In mid April of 2011 I had declared that I simply refused to keep driving a car without air conditioning. After that, my wish came true, in a way, when my car’s engine suffered a major damage that would cost me $1000 to have it fixed. But I just couldn’t afford paying for one more repair of many hundreds of dollars on a car with already 240,000 miles on it. I sold it to my mechanic for less than $500. That left me without a car and no transportation to get to work.

My finances were in bad shape: I had no money saved; my credit history showed a repossessed car, and my salary was incredibly low. Not wanting to be too dependent on others I decided to not accept any bailout money from my father, who had always been our family’s traditional “savior”.

The problem was that I needed to get back and forth to work every day and that meant traveling from Weston to downtown Fort Lauderdale and back. So, I got myself a bike to get to the nearest bus stop. Other times my co-workers or friends offered me rides But the truth is that I felt very demoralized and humiliated since I had never been without a car in my life. However, I understood that this was my opportunity to overcome my self-destructive nature and raise my low life condition. A life condition in which I didn’t take care of my health, my body, my teeth, my relationships, my Buddhist practice, my finances, and also my main means of transportation: my car.

Once at a district meeting, the young son of a friend of mine asked what was the difference between achieving your goals through positive thinking and praying, chanting, and practicing Buddhism to make them true. What I learned is that the difference is that, besides thinking positively and writing down a long –or short- bucket list, you achieve those goals by winning over your weaknesses like self-doubt, hopelessness, or even old resentments; by doing your human revolution. In the circumstances that I just described, this human revolution meant that, besides going to meetings, studying the writings, lecturing, or participating in the financial contributions, I needed to understand that I was in the right circumstances to do my own human revolution. 

During that time I was visited by my men’s division region leader who shared with me  guidance from Daisaku Ikeda that Mr Morinaka conveyed to the rest of the men’s division. It states: “Winning in the morning leads to winning in life… how we start each morning determines that day’s victory or defeat. It’s important that we resolve to win in the morning and begin our work with an energetic, refreshed spirit. We must not forget that is the secret to continual success.” I immediately determined to chant one hour every morning before going to work, and sooner than later things started to move even more quickly towards a positive direction: I was able to find the best and shortest bus routes to work. By saving on gas and insurance I was able to pay my outstanding bills, and most importantly, I was able to appreciate myself, and my life regardless of not having a car at that moment. I was developing something more than self-esteem, which was unconditional self-love and self- acceptance regardless of what I possessed or lacked with the spirit of not begrudging my life.

Having to ride the bus I was also able to witness a lot of the drama that we all miss when we drive on our super highways: Poverty! The slow demise of the poor and homeless –whether young or old, man or woman- who wander our city streets and buses, sometimes shoeless. I realized that I could not be seeing all this by pure coincidence. It became obvious to me how much we need to work towards kosen rufu in America. I thought to myself: who knows how many people could avoid this fate if they knew about Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

At this point, I had been without a car for one year and half and continued chanting for exactly the one I always wanted. My finances were getting in better shape and, through it all I began to develop a new level of compassion and empathy for those who suffer really badly in life. I understood the importance of spreading the law and share the practice with as many people as we can. I didn’t resent my life and I simply couldn’t after I saw how others were suffering so much.

I finally develop the courage to take action and when I decided to go to the bank and try to get a car loan, to my surprise I no longer had a repossession in my credit history and my credit score was so good that I received a higher line of credit than I even needed and at a very low interest. I was able to purchase a car at a great price and in perfect conditions. It had been hardly used.

Through doing my human revolution I got more than a car. I learned to take care of every aspect of my life and I was determined to show proof that this practice really works. I knew that when we persevere in our prayers we get even more than we ever imagined. But the greatest benefit of all is that I gained a renewed sense of mission in my life where I want to give all I can to never see another human being suffer. In My Dear Friends in America pg. 313 President Ikeda states “The vast ocean is capable of encompassing anything; a small pond can only contain so much. The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is as all encompassing as the universe itself. We are its practitioners. Let us cherish those around us – family, friends, and fellow members – embracing all with our big hearts and enjoying life together. Let us live truly great and wonderful lives.” This is what it means to me to fight for kosen rufu. Thank you.

Here's my experience live and in person! Listen here~!

I gave this experience this evening as encouragement for the upcoming Women's Division Victory Meetings. 
Go to SGI-USA.org to find the local victory meeting by you. 
(I know these are happening in the US, not sure about other countries!)

Click below to hear my experience from when I started this blog to now:

Voice Recorder >>

Fundamental Darkness You just can't see!

If you've read my last few blog posts you know I made some fierce determinations. I saw some things I knew I wanted to change inside my life.


Well....I have to be the one to inform you that when you make fierce determinations, it is inevitable that the fundamental darkness that is inside your life (the functions that hold you back) will rise up in your life. 


This happened to me last week, and I just couldn't see it for what it was...a function....I thought it was REAL! I started suffering from intense longing. 


You see, we all have a "world" that is our home world (meaning the one we return to most often...our karma). Mine is the world of HUNGER. And hunger can be a world of suffering, or it can be an enlightened world. I was suffering....longing for my sweet Mommy who died two years ago in November, longing for my boys away at college...longing for a special man....ouch...I was hurting so bad. 


So I called my dear friend and mentor in faith, Kate and she gave me great guidance. 


First of all she reminded me that this was a good thing...for the longing to resurface. It gives me another time to stare my basic life tendency in the face and scream back at it...and change this suffering forever! She said I could decide right here and right now that I was changing my life state forever....from the world of Hunger to the worlds of Boddhisatva (helping others) and Buddhahood - also helping others and chanting. Happiness. And I could continue to chant to raise my life condition and do my own human revolution....changing positively every day from the inside out. 


She talked about Spiritual Independence. She said this is the time for all SGI members, and every person on the planet to realize their own power. She said I didn't have to go back and chant three hours tonight...or do anything else radical. I just had to stare the hunger in the eyes and say no more! 


It all seems so simple doesn't it? And the funny thing is....it is so simple. And I immediately felt freed from the grip this feeling had on me.


She said - change the feeling...then go back to the Gohonzon and celebrate your life. Awesome. I can do that. I can do that! And so can you! She said the SGI is centering on November 28th - spiritual independence day...the day that the SGI members were all excommunicated from the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood. Truly a day of rejoicing. Truly a day and a time to realize we ALL have the Buddha nature right within our lives, and the key to connecting with our every happiness. We need NOTHING to draw it forth. It is who we are. It is who YOU are. We need no blessings from priests or anyone else! All we need is to claim our own freedom! 


Claim your freedom today!


Look at your deepest suffering...is it anger...hunger...hell...greed...and stare it down and declare your own happiness! EVEN IF IT RESURFACES...CONQUER IT AGAIN!!! 

Everyday Access to the Universe Within

Everyday I access the highest power possible...the one that is right within my life. Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo allows me to tap into this power for the good of all. I chant the name of the rhythm of life itself...that is why all of life responds to my chanting. 


I chant for my own happiness, of course, and I spend a lot of time focusing on prayers for people around me whom I see struggling. I picture their faces as I last saw them...and as I am chanting I see their grin widen...and their eyes start to sparkle and I hold them in my prayer in a happy state. Sometimes they are people I know well, other times, especially now that I have a new job...I chant for people I am just beginning to get to know...and I am certain that my prayer is going to touch their lives. 


I am seeing changes at my new job...things are lightening up...there is a BUDDHA there! Things HAVE to lighten up, I am going to watch my place of employment soar with happiness. I am determined to bring my light to shine. It can be no other way. That's WHO I AM, and every day I spread more and more joy. That's the true beauty of the process of Kosen Rufu (world peace through the dignity and power of each person). When I chant for the happiness of others, and smile, and glow... I cannot keep this happiness from myself. 


Two weeks from today I will receive keys to my new apartment and begin a life that is different from the life I have known these past 30 years. And three days later...my youngest son will graduate from High School. What exciting times! What a time to keep digging deeper into my life to unearth the diamonds there...to let my light shine...to enjoy my new life...new job...new friends.  


I am chanting every day to realize with every cell in my being, that I am worthy of love...I am worthy of EVERYTHING that I desire...and I shall make it so!


And so can you!!! Chant for exactly what you want. And if you don't feel you deserve it...chant to CHANGE that feeling once and for all. Chant to know your own worth...for YOU, my dear friend...and a BUDDHA too!!!

My Ben

Ben Silver

OK it's time to put the pedal to the metal again and chant really hard for my very own Ben...my Benjamino. 


He's such a great and determined warrior of a kid. 


He's 18 and finishing off his senior year of High School. He's a runner, who is passionate about running, one of the top ten in the state of Illinois (which is the top running state in the nation). 


Right now he can't run. He has a hip that is so painful that he can barely walk...and it comes from training too hard...pushing himself too hard...it comes from being so determined. And it's frustrating and sad for him to not be able to run this track season. He's also got a sinus infection so he is just feeling so down. 
He chants a fair amount, but I think he has yet to really prove the power of this Gohonzon with his life. Of course I can't push him to chant.
 But I can chant with the determination that my prayer will absolutely penetrate his sadness...that there will be medicine springing from this practice...and that MY Daimoku is enough for both of us. 
It is interesting that this comes about just as Mother's Day approaches. Really interesting. I will pour so much prayer into him, and chant really strongly. I know we can somehow turn this around. There is nothing more important in a mother's life then for her children to be happy. 
Please join me in my prayer for my Ben...and thank you soooo much!

Happy May 3rd!!! Soka Gakkai Day!!!

Happy Day of Master and Disciple!!


Happy Day to once again renew your faith...set your determinations and together with Daisaku Ikeda and all the members of the Soka Gakkai, work together towards Kosen Rufu (World Peace). 


What is the significance of this day you ask? 


May Third is when Josei Today, second President of the Soka Gakkai took on the mantle of Kosen Rufu by accepting responsibility for this organization. He was already in a weakened state from having been in prison for refusing to give in to the Japanese Government by not supporting the war effort in WWII. He devoted the rest of his life to teaching and lecturing and leading people to happiness one by one. And later, his disciple, Daisaku Ikeda also took the reigns of Worldwide Kosen Rufu on this date. 


It is a significant time for all of us to say "YES! I will do my OWN Human Revolution. I will chant with even more strength and regularity (EVERY morning and evening!!!) I will chant more daimoku. I will redetermine to win in every aspect of my life!!!" 


I started this day with strong prayers of appreciation towards my mentor Daisaku Ikeda, and Josei Toda and Tunesaburo Makiguchi. Without them dedicating their ENTIRE lives to this practice, I would never have encountered this teaching, and I would still be suffering...knowing SOMEHOW there must be a practice I can use to build my own happiness...and continuing to look for it. 


I mean, when you really think about it, the facts just blow you away. Ever since Daisaku Ikeda first encountered Josei Toda, at the age of 19, he has devoted every waking second to ensuring the propagation of this law...so that all of us could have the tools to create our own happiness and build this world into a world that respects life itself. It is truly something to appreciate. 


Thank you Daisaku Ikeda. I will do everything in my power to help people find out about this great practice, and to teach people to practice correctly so that their lives will be OVERFLOWING with happiness...like mine is! Like all the members of my District! The purpose of this blog is to reach the people who sit at their computers every day and think "The secret to happiness in life must be in here somewhere!" And it is! Chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! Join the Soka Gakkai and make the best friends you have ever had in your life!!! VOW with all your heart to create the happiest of lives so that you can be an example for other people...and it shall be so!!!!
Write out your vision of your life...write out your dreams in narrative form...and make them come true!!!

Turn your Karma into MISSION!!!! True Happiness every moment!

I had to show this picture one more time....this is a photo of my sons getting to know their grandfather for the first time EVER. I chanted for a long time to have this wonderful man, Eli, be found...and to become part of the family again after almost 50 years. And here he is! Actual Proof!! Daimoku Works!!!




What does it mean to turn 
Karma into mission?


Take Your Deepest Desires and Accomplish Them!


Let me give you an example.


Say you have something you are trying to change. One day you think "YES ~ I CAN CHANGE THIS!!!", then the next day you are discouraged and feel hopeless again. If you can recognize the hopelessness for what it is ~ a negative function in your life seeking to hold you back, then you can elevate your understanding of every single challenge that you face.


As some of you know, my husband of many years and I are in the process of splitting up. We have 
raised two great children together and it's time for us to move on. I don't see it as a failure...but really as a victory since we are both headed towards more compatible relationships. I chant for his happiness and deeply desire it for him. I know we will always be friends....


AND...Right now...my deepest wish (among others) is to love and be loved. I want to feel REALLY cherished. I want to have the kind of love I sometimes see in other couples. When I was on my cruise I met two couples who inspired me right down to my toes. I could feel their love for each other...I could see the admiration in their eyes, and most of all, I could see the real pleasure they got in making each other feel good! THAT'S what I want! Nothing less!


And whenever I start to get that feeling of hopelessness, I turn it around in a few seconds by realizing...THIS IS MY MISSION. I VOW in front of the Gohonzon that I will have this kind of love, and not just for myself. I MUST have this kind of love because I need to inspire my district, my blog readers...I NEED TO MOVE THE UNIVERSE with my prayer. EVERYONE DESERVES THIS!!!
And everyone CAN HAVE IT. I'm in the process of proving it.


Then ~ how can I be unhappy? I know victory is certain. I have proven the power of this Gohonzon 
(in other words - the power of my own life ~ over and over....) I can do it again!!! I will do it again.
I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! I have so many victories to shout from the rooftops! This will be one more of them....


And remember  - if it's easy ~ then it isn't the kind of karma I'm talking about! Everyone has things that are easy...things you can master quickly...and everyone has things that are "stuck"! THAT's the kind of karma I'm talking about.
And you, yes YOU have the power within you through chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...studying the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and Daisaku Ikeda, going to SGI meetings, and telling people about this practice....if you do those things....YOU WILL WIN!!!! NO DOUBT!!!

Happy Easter

Another beautiful thing about being a Buddhist is you can celebrate any holiday you want to! 


Some years we have a Passover Seder...some years we celebrate Easter...and some years we do both. 


I was raised celebrating Easter...culturally. We got our Easter dresses and had an egg hunt and a family brunch. 


Today, on this holiday celebrating spring, we had a great time! 


My sister and her fiance, and my nephew and his girlfriend joined us along with Eli and we had a blast! 


Eli and I hid eggs filled with money and candy and my sister cooked a great meal at my house. Fun Fun Fun. 


And yesterday we went downtown and showed Eli Chicago and took him to some live jazz...


At every moment I am thinking how grateful I am to have the practice I have...the chanting I do brings me above any of the things that used to annoy me...and puts me constantly in the right place at the right time...like having the email about free live jazz tickets come to me a few days before Eli arrived. NICE. 


We all watched the jazz and laughed together and just had a great time...every moment I am so appreciative...thank you life! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! I hope you are enjoying this day too!

Incredible Benefit...the most authentic happiness ever!

We have had an amazing benefit here for our family...something some might call a "miracle", but I know it had a profound cause...chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.


My husband has been separated from his father since he was five years old. We had one picture of his father (Eli) holding him and laughing with him when he was just an infant. I could see so much love in that photo...and warmth. No one knew where Eli was...but there were rumors that he was in Australia.


I had a picture of Eli on my altar for many years. I chanted for them to be reunited, and to have a relationship. I looked at my beautiful children and thought how sad it was that Eli did not know his grandchildren, and I kept chanting. For many years I saw no result...but I just kept chanting.


A few years ago Eli was found in Australia.


Yesterday, on my first son's 21st birthday, Eli arrived in Chicago to stay with us for a long weekend.


Amazing actual proof.


Just looking at him, his grandsons, and his son...is mind blowing.
He looks just like them...of course!


Whatever you are chanting for....do not give up!!!!


Daimoku WORKS absolutely!!!!