Our lives blossom when we introduce others to this practice. (Shakubuku) When we introduce others we are doing the work of the Buddha. We are the Buddha after all. As my friend Kate says: The Gohonzon cannot get down off the wall and tell people about chanting. Only we can do it. And THIS is one of the main reasons we are worthy votaries of the Lotus Sutra. When we help others learn to practice our lives expand and we change our karma. And one other thing...whatever is STOPPING us from doing shakubuku is also stopping us in life.
Think about it. If we are too scared to do shakubuku (tell others about the benefits of chanting) chances are there are a lot of other things we are also too scared to do, right? When we overcome this fear...we become stronger and more courageous in all things. Don't take my word for it, try it yourself. And, like all other things...it starts with determined Daimoku. We can break through any obstacle in life with daimoku, study and ACTION. We can break through whatever is stopping us.
Shakubuku is easy, not hard. There are so many people who are seeking the solution to their problems. There are so many who are suffering with no solution, but look at us... We know we can transform any poison into medicine. We are changing our karma right here, right now. I do shakubuku out of compassion for those who are still searching.
Five Things I Tell People About Chanting:
1. You can chant for whatever you want. And if you don't get exactly what you want, you will get something better. You get to KEEP your Desires! In this practice desires are NOT the cause of your suffering. They are the fuel for your happiness. How refreshing! (Life is long. Patience is important. Not giving up is KEY.)
2. You don't have to convert. It's like meditation. Anyone can do it.
3. You don't have to believe it will work. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the law of cause and effect. We don't have to understand it. When we turn on the light do we UNDERSTAND why electircity works? I don't. But it works. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a law. The law of the universe. You can tthese words and you will see an effect in your life. It will work.
4. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means "I fuse my life with the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration." It is the name of the rhythm of life itself. If you intone the name of the rhythm of life itself while focusing on your desires you tap into the energy of the universe...your highest potential...to make your dreams come true. Internal change is where it starts. Chanting works because chanting creates an effect on the INSIDE of your life. And because we are connected to our environment our environment HAS to change. It HAS to. And it will.
5. No rules. Nothing to memorize. No uncomfortable positions or clothing. No lifestyle rules. All people regardless of race or sexual orientation are welcome.
If people have time to talk I also discuss the SGI, President Ikeda and the benefits of being part of this incredible organization.
As many of you know, I looked for this practice for the first half of my life. I knew it HAD to exist. I kept finding practices that said my desires were the cause of my suffering.... Somehow I KNEW that my desires weren't bad...that they were a part of me, a lovely, beautiful part of me. So I kept searching until I found this practice. I know others are out there...just like I was...searching. That's why I write this blog! And I have been so grateful for the last 29 years to be able to chant and sing the story ~ CREATE the story of my life.
So everywhere I go I bring cards. I made them myself but you can usually buy them at the SGI Centers. I have the words Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and the phonetic pronunciation. They also say: Chant these words and become happier than you ever imagined, and my blog and the contact info for the Chicago Center are on them.
I hand people a card, even if I've just met them for a moment at a store, or in line somewhere.
I say "I just have to let yoou know about this- Have you ever heard of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo? This is truly amazing. When you chant these words and think about what you want you become happier than you ever imagined."
Everyone says Thank You!
Almost NEVER does anyone respond negatively.
And with each person I am planting a seed. It might not sprout now, but it might sprout when the NEXT person tells them, or when a family member starts chanting. At any rate it it a great cause for YOUR life too!
It all starts with Daimoku.
I chant this PowerPrayer to meet the people who are seeking this practice.
There are Bodhisatvas out there who made the vow to return at this time to prove the power of this law, but they haven't found it yet. YOU can be the one who helps them live out their vow.
PowerPrayer for Shakubuku
(to introduce others to this practice)
When you are experiencing benefits and your life is glowing like the sun, you will naturally want to share your secret with other people.
Simply put, Shakubuku means sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others. From the Japanese, it means “to clear away illusions that prevent one from recognizing the ultimate truth or reality.” This truth is that we are all Buddhas. Every time you share Nichiren Buddhism with others you are doing the work of the Buddha, in helping others to attain happiness by realizing that they are Buddhas, too. Each time, you bring people one important step closer to knowing who they are and their absolute happiness.
Life,
Bring me the people who are ready to hear about
this practice.
Let me meet the people who want to practice right now!
Give me the courage to tell them about it
and the heart and wisdom to touch their lives.
Increase my level to really CARE about others, and to be articulate in sharing this practice.
Increase my level to really CARE about others, and to be articulate in sharing this practice.
Give me the confidence and
let my life SHINE with BENEFITS and ACTUAL PROOF
so that people want to know my secret!
Let my life SHINE!
Do you have any shakubuku tips for the readers of this blog? Email me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com. Also send your experiences with a picture and a bio so you can share your inspiring practice on the blog!
let my life SHINE with BENEFITS and ACTUAL PROOF
so that people want to know my secret!
Let my life SHINE!
Do you have any shakubuku tips for the readers of this blog? Email me at chantforhappiness@gmail.com. Also send your experiences with a picture and a bio so you can share your inspiring practice on the blog!
