Today I'm going to do a Daimoku Toso. I'm joining with a friend and chanting for many hours - (3 at least).
Join me if you can!
When I first began chanting, a leader told me our lives and our karma can be compared to a glass with dirt at the bottom. The dirt represents the karma that exists inside our lives. She said when you start to chant you stir up that dirt and see it swirling around...and if you want to really dig deep and clear it out, you might want to chant a Daimoku Toso (chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for an hour or longer).
Note: No one ever HAS to chant a long toso. Please don't think you are not a "good" Buddhist if you don't want to, or can't chant for long periods of time. There is no prescription for chanting. We just do our best! I do tosos when I have huge challenges, or to join the SGI when we are having big movements. The longest I ever chanted was 12 hours before the 2010 Rock the Era events for the youth division. Three youth division joined my district in the following month!
As always, these are my insights. I'm an enthusiastic SGI member, but I don't represent the SGI in an official capacity in this blog.
11 Tips for Chanting Joyfully
for Longer Times:
From Chantforhappiness.com by Jamie Lee Silver - If you share this, please make sure to have chantforhappiness.com in the post1. Give Yourself Some Credit! Go YOU!
Realize that what you are about to do...chanting longer than usual ~ doing a Daimoku Toso ("Toso" is usually used for chanting one hour or longer) has profound significance for your life. Give yourself credit for this worthy goal.
2. Write your goal or goals.
(Some of these goals may occur to you naturally as you're chanting) You may want to write yourself a Power Prayer connected to the greater good...to the real difference you want to make in the world.
Remember that you are a precious votary of the Lotus Sutra and when you break through, the energy is forever changed. You are paving the way for others to break through ~ Your Happiness is IMPORTANT!
Example of a goal/determination/PowerPrayer:
"I am determined to have the most beautiful, loving relationship so that I can totally inspire other people that great relationships are possible ...I can show actual proof with my life, and be able to introduce others to this practice!"
President Ikeda's guidance says you can chant to have 10,000 times more power in your prayer. So I usually dedicate some time to chanting to increase the power of my daimoku by 10,000 times!
3. Have your favorite drinks close by.
...tea...water...soft drinks...whatever you like.
4. DEMAND your results! YOU are the Buddha!
Do not beg favors from a 'higher power." You are the higher power. Remember, the Gohonzon cannot get down off the wall and do the Buddha's work in the world. YOU are the Gohonzon; it is inside your life. The Gohonzon is a reflection of the highest life condition that exists within your own life. So when you are chanting CLAIM what is yours! Tell your life what you want. And know that all real change comes from within.
5. Chant to change to do your own Human Revolution.
When we change, our environment changes.
Take responsibility for your life...not blame. Realize whatever you are going through, whatever is causing you to chant...it's your karma..not your FAULT. Chant to reach the root of that karma and pull it out of your life. THEN your life circumstances and environment will change to reflect it. You don't have to figure out the deeper cause, don't worry about getting it right. Just chant to change it!
6. Keep Your Favorite Buddhist Study Material Close by
...whatever touches your heart when you read it. And if you find yourself losing focus open it up to any page you want. I have "For Today and Tomorrow" next to me right now. I just opened it for you right now...I read "When we chant sonorous Daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist deities throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating." Read your passage and get right back to chanting!!!
7. Invite others to chant with you!
8. Have pen and paper handy.
You'll want to write down those brilliant ideas that come into your mind while you're chanting. You'll also want to write down some of those pesky thoughts and reminders that keep coming back...things like "remember to buy dog food." Just write it down and eject it from your brain so you can focus on what really matters.
9. Take care of your body
You may want to get up and stretch at the end of every hour. Keep fruit or a snack at hand for an hourly break. Put your electronics away. You are dedicating this time. It takes energy not to dilute it, and it is so important to stay focused!
10. After you chant, write in your journal.
11. Welcome Obstacles!
Bear in mind, some obstacles might arise after your toso. And just say
"Hello obstacles! I was expecting you!"
When you take on the mission to change your karma for yourself and others you can compare it to turning your speedboat to HIGH. The faster you go, the more resistance you feel.
Above all - Don't give up! You CAN change your problems into benefits. You ARE the Buddha!
I am chanting for you to accomplish your goals and shine with happiness. But your prayers are the most important!
If you are using the PowerPrayers please let me know how they are working for you! Email me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com
I'd love to hear from those of you who have connected to the SGI through my blog!
I am sharing your stories with Daisaku Ikeda, Sensei.
Email me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com
