Notes from Paradise - Our Own Human Revolution Changes the World

From my apartment in the early morning sun

Hello, here we are at the brink of August. I'm celebrating being in my new apartment in Florida for one month, seven years of this blog, and the anniversary of Daisaku Ikeda meeting Josei Toda and finding his new mentor and philosophy of life.

Lately, every time I read the poem Daisaku Ikeda composed and recited to Josei Toda at his first meeting, it brings tears to my eyes:

"Traveler,
From whence do you come?
And where are you going?
The moon has set.
But the sun has not yet risen.
In the chaos of darkness before the dawn
seeking the light,
I advance
To dispel the dark clouds from my mind
To find a great tree unbowed by the tempest
I emerge from the earth."

August 2016, Living Buddhism, cover

I imagine this scene over and over in my mind. I take it to be a meeting of two joined hearts...a re-meeting of hearts...as if they had always known each other, and reencountered each other at this meeting.

The words of the poem strike me in so many ways. Remember the time? 
Japan was still in ruins...people were wondering what kind of hope to have...and in whom to believe. 
"The moon has set."
The war is over...
"but the sun has not yet risen". 
What will the future hold? 

We can all relate to this in different ways. 
In my life, the moon has set. I have begun my new life without my son, and I have moved 1200 miles away from my friends and family...
"But the sun has not yet risen"
....I am rebuilding my life...making new friends...finding my way in a new land, a new paradise. Last night, and many nights, I walk along the beach and marvel at the incredibly beautiful sky. And I see lovers of all ages, and families with little sweet boys playing together...and I think "Keep smiling Jamie you are building your future...you just got here less than a month ago!"

And I set my own sights on my mentor in faith Daisaku Ikeda. He is a man of peace...a man of prayer...a man of action. Every day I chant to see the world through his eyes...to have wisdom...to have creativity and drive to do shakubuku! (I have someone set to get the Gohonzon next weekend...and am chanting for her every day. I'll let you know more next week.) And I chant and strive to see that my life has meaning...that all of our lives have meaning. We have the most profound philosophy. Are we living in a way that lights the way for others...
We are continually striving!  

And we are all living in this in-between time in America. We are seeing the potential rise of fascism...one man...one self-centered egomaniac who wants to command all...and many of us are concerned. I have been chanting ceaselessly for kosen-rufu to come through my own life...my own life!

And doing shakubuku has never been more important. 
As each new person gives rise to human revolution within their life...we change ALL of life. 

Let's all keep chanting and bringing forth the power of the universe from within our lives! 

Notes from Paradise - Our Own Human Revolution Changes the World

From my apartment in the early morning sun

Hello, here we are at the brink of August. I'm celebrating being in my new apartment in Florida for one month, seven years of this blog, and the anniversary of Daisaku Ikeda meeting Josei Toda and finding his new mentor and philosophy of life.

Lately, every time I read the poem Daisaku Ikeda composed and recited to Josei Toda at his first meeting, it brings tears to my eyes:

"Traveler,
From whence do you come?
And where are you going?
The moon has set.
But the sun has not yet risen.
In the chaos of darkness before the dawn
seeking the light,
I advance
To dispel the dark clouds from my mind
To find a great tree unbowed by the tempest
I emerge from the earth."

August 2016, Living Buddhism, cover

I imagine this scene over and over in my mind. I take it to be a meeting of two joined hearts...a re-meeting of hearts...as if they had always known each other, and reencountered each other at this meeting.

The words of the poem strike me in so many ways. Remember the time? 
Japan was still in ruins...people were wondering what kind of hope to have...and in whom to believe. 
"The moon has set."
The war is over...
"but the sun has not yet risen". 
What will the future hold? 

We can all relate to this in different ways. 
In my life, the moon has set. I have begun my new life without my son, and I have moved 1200 miles away from my friends and family...
"But the sun has not yet risen"
....I am rebuilding my life...making new friends...finding my way in a new land, a new paradise. Last night, and many nights, I walk along the beach and marvel at the incredibly beautiful sky. And I see lovers of all ages, and families with little sweet boys playing together...and I think "Keep smiling Jamie you are building your future...you just got here less than a month ago!"

And I set my own sights on my mentor in faith Daisaku Ikeda. He is a man of peace...a man of prayer...a man of action. Every day I chant to see the world through his eyes...to have wisdom...to have creativity and drive to do shakubuku! (I have someone set to get the Gohonzon next weekend...and am chanting for her every day. I'll let you know more next week.) And I chant and strive to see that my life has meaning...that all of our lives have meaning. We have the most profound philosophy. Are we living in a way that lights the way for others...
We are continually striving!  

And we are all living in this in-between time in America. We are seeing the potential rise of fascism...one man...one self-centered egomaniac who wants to command all...and many of us are concerned. I have been chanting ceaselessly for kosen-rufu to come through my own life...my own life!

And doing shakubuku has never been more important. 
As each new person gives rise to human revolution within their life...we change ALL of life. 

Let's all keep chanting and bringing forth the power of the universe from within our lives! 

5 Essential Points Every Shakubuku Wants to Know - And a PowerPrayer to Introduce Others

(You can now subscribe to this blog by putting your email in the box to the right.
Translate using the button at the top right as well) 

Our lives blossom when we introduce others to this practice. (Shakubuku) When we introduce others we are doing the work of the Buddha. There are many ways to do shakubuku...in this post I focus on planting seeds. Three people had to tell me about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo before I started chanting. I had three seeds. Then I embraced this practice fully when an extremely articulate and passion woman (Kate Randolph) and I spent a day together. We'd been total strangers. After a day with her I began a dedicated practice with the wonderful San Francisco members who raised me as a Buddhist. 

You never know when seeds will sprout. Some of my friends began chanting right after I started. My Mom jumped right in after a year saying "I want what you've got!" and chanted the rest of her life. Many times with me and my two boys. 

So I plant seeds.

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. 

Shakubuku is easy, not hard. 

It all starts with Daimoku. And a sky-high life condition! When we are beaming and happy people want to know our secret. And we want to tell them.

I chant this PowerPrayer to meet the people who are seeking this practice.
I firmly believe that there are Bodhisattvas out 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.

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! And that includes chanting for people you love. You can help others through your chanting. 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. After chanting for a while, you may want to fully embrace this practice. After seeing the actual proof you will probably want to. But you can test it first and watch your own results. It works. 

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 electricity works? Most likely not. But it works. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a law. The law of the universe. You can these 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. Chanting has No rules. No paths to memorize. No uncomfortable positions or clothing. 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 30 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, and 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 the contact info for the Chicago Center are on them. If appropriate I invite them to a meeting.

I hand people a card, even if I've just met them for a moment at a store, or in line somewhere. 

After I thank them for helping me,  I say "I have something special for you. I just have to let you know about this- Have you ever heard of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo? 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 a great cause for YOUR life too!

PowerPrayer for Shakubuku 

(to introduce others to this practice) 
By Jamie Lee Silver from Chantforhappiness.com

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. Please do not cut and paster this PowerPrayer. If you want to share please use the buttons at the bottom of this post. 

Life!

I chant for kosen-rufu Now! 
I deeply desire a world of respect for all of life. 
Let me meet the people who want to practice right now!

Give me the courage to tell them 
about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

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. 

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! 

When We Are Having Trouble Focusing Our Prayer....

Has this ever happened to you? 

Today I sat down at the Gohonzon all ready to have a great dialogue with my life in daimoku and my mind just jumped around so much I couldn't focus at all. Thoughts roamed through my head, but none of them were "prayers" really, they were just thoughts about the day before, the upcoming day, tomorrow, but they were not in the realm of prayer, the realm that I call "telling my life what I want." 

I took a look at the recent publications from the SGI and they are just awesome. They improve with every issue. I really look forward to studying them in depth and sharing what I've learned. But now I want to chant...to dig in...to dialogue...not to just think random thoughts. 

What do we do when it's so hard to focus while chanting? 

Well I could just give up and say "I can't connect today..." But I can't let myself do that. I just can't. I have time to chant right now and I must use it! I have emails from you and I really want to be in a high life-condition to answer them. I am moving out of "having surgery mode" and back into life at full throttle - the life I love, exciting, fun, interesting, full of writing, learning and laughing. 

So, I decided to spend the rest of this toso focusing on shakubuku. Goodness knows this world is in turmoil. We live in the age of Mapo and it seems like all the news is bad. So I am turning my prayer to reaching and meeting the people who are searching for this practice. My goal is to meet them, (or have them be someone I already know) and have the wisdom to say what they need to hear, invite them to a meeting and have one person receive Gohonzon this month.

My goal is also to have people find this blog, connect with the SGI (link is at the right!) and start chanting that way. 

The next person I introduce to this practice may be someone I've spoken to for years, months, days. It may be someone I've just met who may have a best friend or family member who has been chanting for them for years, and my invitation is just what they need to reinforce a desire to practice.  

I know one thing for sure....nothing makes me happier than introducing someone to this practice and watching their life change as they embrace it. One more person challenging life...one more person gaining the understanding that happiness comes from WITHIN...one more person fighting for kosen rufu makes a huge difference. 

Chanting for shakubuku is a joy! 
Doing shakubuku 
is the fastest way for us to change our karma. 
Every person practicing brings more joy into their life and into the lives of others! 

If you have started practicing because of this blog I'd love to hear from you at chantforhappiness@gmail.com

3 Ways to Bring More Joy Into Our Lives

Yes! We can all Have SUCH JOY!

"Everything becomes a source of value, 
everything is brought to life, 
when we base ourselves on Daimoku. 
The Daishonin teaches that 
myo in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 
means "to revive, to return to life." 
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo rejuvenates all knowledge, 
it revitalizes our daily lives. "

From Faith Into Action p.118 by Daisaku Ikeda

To build a life of happiness, strength and vigor we start with consistent practice...faith, practice and study.

I know, I know. I am constantly telling you that chanting twice a day - every day, studying, going to SGI meetings, encouraging others, and introducing people to chanting are the keystones of a powerful practice. I tell you these things because they are true. Please don't take my word for it. Please see for yourself. It cannot be described. It has to be experienced! And along with a solid practice, here are some other proven ways to build your happiness:

Three Ways 
to Bring More Joy Into Our Lives

1. Smile! 
Spreading joy will bring more joy into your life. 
WE create our joy...our environment doesn't do it for us. We can find joy anywhere...in noticing the beauty of the sky, in a flower, in a smile. The scientific research I am reporting in my speeches prove that EMOTIONS are contagious. We can spread our smiles and make a cause for everyone's happiness. Our smiles literally light up the happiness emotion in another person's brain - whether they smile back at us or not! 

2. Improve Your Word Choices
Our words both express and determine how we feel. Why feel overwhelmed when you can choose to feel "In demand" instead. Why be "stressed" when you could be "blessed"? Our words are so much more powerful than we think!  

3. Exercise and Listen to Music
In my research I've also learned that science has proven that exercise releases "feel good" hormones in our bodies. And so does listening to music we love. It lowers our blood pressure and calms stress. Stress is what leads to inflammation and inflammation leads to all kinds of diseases.  Now, I'm not a doctor, but I can tell you exercise will make you happier. But only if you do it!

Shakubuku (helping others learn to chant) is Easy

That's right. Shakubuku is easy. Not hard. We are all Buddhas. We shine. Our light GLOWS. If we carry nam-myoho-renge-kyo cards with us, we can plant seeds of shakubuku wherever we go. And some of those lives we touch will practice. I know this. 

When I lived in San Francisco I have a goal to give out 10 cards a day. I walked a lot, and met a lot of people. And I worked for a newspaper and my name was in that paper all the time. I would routinely get calls from people asking "Are you the Jamie Lee Silver who gave me the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo card on the corner of the street that day?" and then they'd tell me they were practicing and their lives had changed in so many ways. Never doubt that every seed you plant makes a difference! 

There is also the kind of shakubuku we do with our close friends and family, where we lead them to the Gohonzon through our shining life conditions and sit side by side with them as we teach them to practice. I will write about that at another time. 

How do we do this kind of shakubuku? 

First of all we can chant to meet the people who are seeking this practice. 

I know I was seeking this practice for years before I found it, and I know many others are seeking too. Most people are caught up in unending karma, not knowing how to get out of it. 

We know the way to enable people to unlock the key and end suffering in their lives. We've changed so much of our own karma, and we can teach others. It just makes sense. 

And I want to remind you that I speak for myself on this blog. I am not an official representative of the SGI; I only relate my experiences and thoughts, with the hopes that you will become absolutely happy and enjoy being part of the Soka Gakkai International. In some countries it is safe to pass out cards. In others it is not. Please use your wisdom! 

Here's how I do it. 

1. I carry nam-myoho-renge-kyo cards with me wherever I go. Whenever someone waits on me in a store, and as long as there's not an impatient line behind me, I always take the time to connect with the person who is helping me. I start up a conversation, thank them and smile. We chat about whatever is topical, the weather, the place, the food...whatever. And before I leave I say "I have something special for you." and take out a card. I ask them "Have you ever heard of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?" and most of the time they say no. I say, "Well Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a phrase that if you say it over and over and think about what you want, you get it, or something even better. Its the name of the rhythm of life." Usually they ask me more about it and I reply. If they don't ask me any questions I will move on, but they have the card with the SGI website and the name of this blog on it. I have planted a seed. 

Once we plant a seed we never know when it will sprout. I began chanting when 3 people told me about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in the span of two weeks. I thought the message was coming in loud and clear, and I began chanting, and saw results right away. 

When we do shakubuku it's not important for every single person to begin their practice that day. Just telling them about it is enough to start. And whomever you've shared this with will feel your energy. They will feel your high life condition. Every morning I chant to have the life condition of the Buddha, and to be the Buddha at every single moment. 
Today I went to a networking meeting and we all had a moment to stand and introduce ourselves. A man came up to me and said "Where do you get all that positive energy?" That's my cue. I gave him a card and we'll be talking again next week. He's going to go to the website. He has young children. Because of this moment in time, his young children can be introduced to this practice, vanquish bullies, and live lives of victory. 

You never know when you'll be able to change someone's life permanently. When I had been practicing for just two months I called an acquaintance and asked her to a meeting. She began practicing immediately. EVERY month for years and years she called me and said "jamie, I don't know what prompted you to pick up that phone and call me that day. We barely knew each other. But I want you to know that forever and ever I am grateful to you for introducing me to this practice." I just heard from her last week. It's been 28 years since the day I introduced her. 

Doing shakubuku is the greatest joy in the world. It's easy. We can all do it. 

If you send me your shakubuku stories I can share them with your fellow readers. chantforhappiness@gmail.com

Five Keys and a PowerPrayer for Introducing Others ~ Doing Shakubuku

Thanks to the Facebook page, Nichiren Buddhists, India for this image. 

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. 

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's Enjoy our Lives!

I love this picture, and it is so true. 
In front of the Gohonzon, we create our lives. 
We tell our lives exactly what we want. 
And when we are not in front of the Gohonzon sometimes we have to just take a deep breath 
and enjoy the moment...
just live in the moment. 

Sending you love and peace on this Sunday afternoon. 
My dear friend just agreed to get her Gohonzon on Wednesday. 
May you ALL have friends who decide to practice this month! See the shakubuku PowerPrayer from a few days back. 

My Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Card Design

Some of you wrote in asking for my shakubuku card design. 
It's very simple. 
It looks just like this:

Chant "Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo"

(Nahm Meeyoho Raingay Keyo)

To be happier than you ever imagined possible!

ChantforHappiness.com

Your blog for daily encouragement

Jamie Lee Silver

Chanting Coach and Mentor

email: ChantforHappiness@gmail.com

SGI-USA.org

PowerPrayer for Doing Shakubuku ~ Introducing Others to this Practice

Our lives blossom when we introduce others to this practice. (Shakubuku)

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.

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...and that I somehow had to stop desire in my life and I kept looking. Somehow I KNEW that my desires weren't bad...that they were a part of me, a lovely, beautiful part of me. 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 have my blog and the contact info for the Chicago Center are on them. I have cards with my own contact information on them too.

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 you 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."

And if they are interested and want to know more I answer their questions. I usually say something about this being something they can do no matter what religion they are, and that they get to keep  - and chant for - their desires.
I usually mention a recent benefit too! 
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.

Give me the confidence that 

every time I share Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

I am a planting a seed

and no seed is wasted.

Each seed is a profound cause

for my happiness

for their happiness

for Kosen Rufu.

Inspiring Power Prayer Experience from Morag in the UK

(This experience is from Morag in Hythe, UK. Thanks Morag, you are an inspiration! 
If any of you have Power Prayer experiences please send them to chantforhappiness@gmail.com. We are collecting Power Prayer quotes and experiences for our soon-to-be released Power Prayer book)

"I came across Jamie's blog sometime in the middle of last year, 2012.  Right from the start I thought her enthusiasm and mission to share Nichiren Buddhism leapt from the computer screen.  I had been practising for just over 5 years, going to local meetings and studying  quite diligently.  It's a wide district geographically, members are very spread out, so you tend to see the same faces all the time.  I felt at a bit of plateau, chanting regularly and getting small consistant benefits and proofs  but no  'oomph.'  

After reading a few blogs I started to forward them to other members.  I remember two phrases that burned into my heart and stayed there;  

'If you don't like something about your SGI meetings, chant to change it' and 'I determine to be a shining example that this practice works and to meet people who want to hear about it.'  

I incorporated that last one straight into morning Gongyo, started carrying cards around with me to hand out whenever anyone showed the slightest interest in me or Buddhism. That phrase alone changed my whole outlook and my confidence talking about my practice to anyone has grown since then.

I had not heard the term 'power prayer'. I like to think Nichiren would recognize it as he described chanting with the determination as if to get fire from damp wood.  I liked it as a way of encompassing determinations and really focusing my daimoku.  I set up a file on my computer; 'Buddhist Prayers' with a background picture of a lotus blossom and started writing them down and printing them off. (Yes I know, way too much time on my hands).  

As Buddhists, all our prayers should be linked or based on the desire for Kosen-Rufu, and I preface each one with that now. And try to mean it right into my heart.  Surprisingly, for someone who likes reading and writing; essays, letters, whatever, I actually keep my power  prayers very short. I distill my determinations right down to concentrated essence.  But I do write them down.

Towards  the end of last year, I wanted to encourage new members, really push for a shakabuku meeting in my area.  Jamie's enthusiasm was infectious.  I found a venue for a shakubuku meeting and proposed it at an SGI  meeting and got a rather downbeat response.  Hm, 'if you want to change something....' so I started chanting and wrote:  'for kosen-rufu and the growth of this district I will have meetings at the Light Railway Hall.' 

I went to New Year Gongyo at a house in Ashford, which has more members.  Up till then I had not had any meetings at my own home as my husband, while not opposed to my practice, does not want to be at home while meetings go on.  That new year I vowed, ' For kosen-rufu and growth of this district I will hold meetings in our home and hold New Year Gongyo in 2014.'  I wrote that one down too.

My husband and middle son have been motocross enthusiasts for years, my son is a champion.  This year is the busiest yet for week-end meetings.  As soon as I saw the list, I asked lightly, 'would you mind if I had meetings here if you are away?'  That was fine.
So I contacted the scheduler, (who has been wholeheartedly supporting the goal for new members) and booked meetings in our home every month till october (when the season officially ends). 
Even if alone, I decided I would have home Tozos towards the goal of new members.  (Ding ding! round one.)

Then at last months meeting, almost as a throw away line, a leader said 'Yes, we'll do something about your Idea for shakabuku meetings.'  (Ding ding! round two.)

That's great I thought, I already have the leaflets and posters printed and 99% of my script.  I'm up for it!  

This week I booked the hall for a shakubuku meeting on July 1st.  

This month's SGI magazine had a section dedicated to the experience of shakabuku meetings. Perfect. 

Power prayers are ongoing; one thing I am learning is patience. 

 I felt a bit bit poetic this week and wrote:
'For kosen rufu and the growth of this district, I use my Buddha strength to draw the bow of the Lotus Sutra, aim my arrows of daimoku to win in all my determinations.'

NMRK Morag.x  

Power Prayer for Today's Full Moon

Today's Moonrise over the Lake, 

posted by my friend Mojo in Louisiana.

March 27th Daily Guidance from Daisaku Ikeda from For Today and Tomorrow:

"While controlling your mind, 
which is at once both extremely subtle 
and solemnly profound, 
you should strive to elevate your faith 
with freshness and vigor. 
When you do so, 
both your life and your surroundings 
will open wide before you 
and every action you take 
will become a source of benefit. 
Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind 
is the key to faith 
and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime."

And how do we do this? How do we understand the subtle workings of our mind? 
We are so fortunate to have discovered the key of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. We can chant to understand the subtle workings of our mind. We can chant to see our minds in action. We can chant for the realizations that will keep leading us to victory in our lives, and enable us to help others become happy right alongside us. These prayers alone refresh our faith.

Sharing Happiness and Joy with Others

There is nothing I love better than seeing someone transform their problems through this practice. It is one of the greatest joys in life. 

My career has often given me opportunities to sit down with people on-on-on for coffee and networking.  I usually, just drop the fact that I'm having a Buddhist meeting, or I speak briefly about my blog. 

That's ALL I do, then I follow their lead. If they say "Cool, I've always wanted to know more about Buddhism", I'll open a discussion. If they ignore my comment, or don't seem interested I will move on in the conversation. 

That's it. I just take their cue. If they want to know more I usually start by talking about my own story, and sharing how I looked for this practice for so many years. I KNEW it had to exist. But I kept finding practices that said you had to alleviate your desires to be happy. And I kept searching until I found this practice that says "Earthly desires are enlightenment" and you can chant for what you want. Then I either answer their questions or share more about how I raised by kids as Buddhists with the knowledge that they could solve every one of their problems, from bad dreams to arguments with friends by chanting. And I answer their questions. That's how I do it. 

Sometimes people who don't initially want to discuss it will come to me later with questions, or they'll introduce a friend of theirs to me who wants to learn. It's all about planting seeds. I always use discretion. When I am working for a company I don't say anything to my fellow employees for quite some time, and with some of them I never bring it up. I follow my higher instincts in this regard. If I feel a spark of connection with someone, I will casually mention my practice as I described and see if they want to talk about it. If someone is really interested I will bring them literature and invite them to a meeting. I've introduced a lot of people this way, and planted a lot of seeds. 

And I've been careful. I worked for a Baptist organization for 5 years. I was VERY careful not to talk about Buddhism much within the organization. Only my closest companions knew! 

Keys to introducing others - It's easy!

Hi, I posted this picture because I think it is the essence of doing shakubuku. (Shakubuku is sharing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with others - shakubuku is COMPASSION) 

Here are some keys to telling people about the practice:

First of all, I know it's obvious to some, but chant to meet the people who are ready to hear about this practice. And chant to have the kind of life that inspires others. Chant to show actual proof and BE an inspiration every day. Happiness will flow from you. 

This absolutely works. 

I have proven it time and time again, and so have many others. 
I think shakubuku has two categories....people we know and people we don't know. 

I have introduced both. Some of the people I know well who have started chanting were in my life many years before they began. Mary knew me for over 20 years, Julia and Danielle for at least 12 years, but the beautiful thing is, I kept chanting for their happiness, I kept planting seeds and sooner or later the depth of my happiness and great fortune in life touched THEIR lives and they decided to practice. It took a while, but they are strong members! The key is to continue to chant to show actual proof through your life. My Mom started chanting a year after I joined saying "Jamie, I want what you have." 

Here are some tips to shakubuku people you don't know. This is a great joy for me. 

1. Carry Nam-myoho-renge-kyo cards everywhere. I never leave the house without them. 
Who do I talk to? Everyone. I'm a naturally friendly person and I believe there are no strangers, there are just people I haven't met. So the person at the grocery - I give them a card. I say "Thank you so much!" and smile. Then I get the card out and say "Here, I have something for you. Have you ever heard of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?" then I give them the card. I say "these are words that, when you say them over and over and think about what you want, you get it. I've been practicing for 28 years." I say, "And I have the most incredible and happy life!" And they can already see that from my life condition and how cheerful I am. The card has the SGI website and the address sof my blog and my name and telephone number on it. 

People usually look me straight in the eye and say "Thanks! I really needed to see this today." and if there's time and no one behind me waiting they will usually start talking about a challenge they are facing and telling me that our encounter was meant to be. I live in the midwest, and people are really friendly here, but I've done this all over the world. If people want to keep talking I stay and answer their questions. If they don't I move on. 

I used to work for the San Francisco Bay guardian newspaper and my name was listed in many places. People would call me at work all the time and say "Is this the Jamie Silver who gave me that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo card on the corner of...2 years ago" (This was before cell phones) and I'd say yes. Then they would tell me all about how they found a local SGI meeting, got their Gohonzon and solved the biggest problem in their lives. They tracked me down to tell me. 

The thing is you just never know what another person is going through. They might have prayed just that morning "Oh please, I need a solution to my problems right now!" and you show up and give them a card. How wonderful is that? They may be contemplating suicide, or have someone in their life that really needs to hear about this practice. A simple few words from you can change the course of their lives and the lives of those around them. 

We are all so important. We are Soka Gakkai Buddhists. We live in a world of suffering. We can easily overcome our social fears and hand out Nam-myoho-renge-kyo cards and invite people to meetings. My meetings are filled with people I met in this casual sort of way, who are now practicing! I am a Buddha. you are a Buddha. So many people are searching for Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. We can help them find it. 

Please feel free to send in your thoughts and experiences. I am so grateful for you!