And We're Off!

It is definitely a new day!

We have now entered the 80th year of the Soka Gakkai's founding. You may know that the number 8 has tremendous significance in Eastern cultures. First of all, if you lay an 8 on its side it is the symbol of eternity...right? 8 also means myo...or to open...and this is the year of opening, and this is the moment of opening for me.

I'm always talking about Human Revolution, and the fact that when you change inside your environment changes to reflect it. Well, get this. All summer long I chased the sun around my yard. We have tall trees surrounding us everywhere, so I was constantly moving my chaise. And at a certain time, because of the trees on the lot next door, the sun just went poof...way too early if you ask me. I would look up at these tall trees and think...if only they weren't blocking my beloved sun...

Sooo, new neighbors bought the house a few weeks ago, and all day on Thursday there were 6 very nice men cutting down trees on the lot next door. They even took away our brush, and the tree that had fallen in our backyard (from the neighbor's lot) AND the dead tree that had fallen in our wood lot. And in return I gave them coffee and cookies and they came inside and played guitar for me. Wonderful!

Yesterday was an awesome day in downtown Chicago. I walked from the train all the way to 111 N. Wabash (Heaven on Seven) and back. Quickly. And my hip was fine. I felt like my old smart and quick self! I was smiling the whole way!

I also was invited to teach chanting classes at the Chicagoland Wellness Center. We're calling the class "Chant for Happiness" just like this blog, and the owner herself is very excited about learning to chant!

And today....drum roll please...I connected with someone I am going to help in her spiritual weight loss journey. OMG it is so much fun ~ I am just pinching myself. This is truly the work that I was born to do. She has already changed her energy around this whole subject and is excited about what lies ahead. We first spoke on Wednesday and I gave her some homework to complete by today...and she had done it all, and was already feeling transformed. So Yaaayy! Here we go!

And my son Aaron came home last night for his first long (9 day) stay since Christmas. He worked at U of I all summer. He is a man now...20 years old...so handsome...so strong and self assured. He has made and is making all the goals he has set for himself. He has had a personal breakthrough at school. Both of my sons are so strong...their life force is flowing. They are chanting and I am chanting for them. I appreciate my life~ I appreciate me life!!

November 18th 2010!!!

Well, it's finally here...the day we have been thinking about for soooo long. Today is the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai and the 50th Anniversary of the Soka Gakkai in America. This is truly a day to celebrate.

Last night we held an inspiring and uplifting meeting here at my house. People didn't leave until about 10:30; everyone was so happy to be hanging out together...we really are like a family. Every Wednesday we meet here, share stories, encourage each other and gain inspiration together. Last night, one of our newest youth members (he's in his early 20's) described his experience of chanting. He said he used to worry constantly and now he doesn't worry at all anymore. He takes things as they come and keeps chanting. he knows everything is going to turn out fine. You know, some people never, ever get to that stage in life. It's called Peace of Mind! Go Kris! He really knows the heart of this practice: faith, practice and study. We chant, we study and we teach others, and we introduce others...that's how you get benefit in Buddhism. You become the best version of yourself...a true Boddhisatva!

You Buddha YOU!

In this practice all humans are equal! We are all Buddhas...every single on of us...all of us are unique with our own special gifts...and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo allows us to tap the power of the universe within.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo means : I fuse my life with the mystic law of cause and effect through sound vibration. And it does just that...fuses your life with the very rhythm of life itself....and when you chant these words and connect with your desires, you can watch your dreams come true right in front of your eyes.

The sky is the limit...there is nothing you can't wish for...and you add power to your prayer when you deepen your prayers to include the happiness of all...for instance, when I chant for my own happiness I am always chanting to be an example that this practice works...so that my results and life and happiness can inspire people!

Tonight, at 7:00 California time my dear, dear friend Danielle is getting her Gohonzon. She was the young woman we found in San Francisco to take care of our sweet Buddha boys before they were old enough for school when we were at work. Danielle was gifted...a natural earth mother...she taught me so much about parenting, and she was so young at the time...but old for her years. When we moved from San Francisco we kept in touch and she moved up to Cloverdale...a truly heavenly place. This spring Aaron and I visited Danielle and we all chanted together. She called me on my birthday to tell me she wanted to embrace this practice. And tonight she's getting her Gohonzon! It is a new birthday for her...one she will never forget. I will ask her, and report back to you...just what was it that had her make this pivotal decision right now~!

Happier every single day

You know, the best thing about this practice is always knowing what to do when you have a problem. It's so simple. Chant. you'll feel better and the circumstances will also change. There is no doubt about it. just keep moving forward and don't give up. So far, there has been nothing in my life that I could not change when I sat and chanted about it...

I created and prospered in great and fun jobs. I served on various boards of directors, I made many income goals...

I gave birth to two great boys. I chanted for them before they were born...I chanted that my prayers would change their karma even before they were born...and that they would have dreams and pursue them...and be strong...and that I would be a good, wise compassionate mother to them...so many other things.

What a joy it has been to be raising them as Buddhists. From their very first years, when they had problems we would chant together, and they learned that there was no problem they could not solve. They solved problems with bullies, they have chanted for tests and grades...they have alleviated bad dreams, they have reached personal goals! How incredibly wonderful it is to have given them this tool. I think continually how I would have chanted to change my problems when I was a sad, sad teenager. I would have loved this practice...I looked for it, and finally I found it at the age of 25. A little too late for high school, but not for the rest of my life!

What else have I chanted about? To have friends. People who know me now cannot imagine me as I used to be...friendless and sad. I sat in front of my altar and cried, I vowed to change in any way necessary to have friends...I chanted for real friends. And here I am now...with so many truly dear friends, all over the world.

I have changed so much...I have lost 70 pounds and am keeping it off. I'd call that a miracle, but because I chant the law of cause and effect, I know it is not a "miracle" because I made the causes to make it happen.

How great it is to live knowing that there is not a problem I can't solve...not a hurt I can't make go away...sure, I am not perfect, and I am still working on some things...but I know I will get there and that makes life so exciting! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Wonderful Day

I ask you, really, what is better than a true friendship? I spent the day today with my wonderful friend Kindred. I began the day chanting for three hours, I've had such a heavy, heavy heart. I am chanting to change the deepest emotional pain in my life, it's not gone yet...I know I can conquer it...I know I'm doing such deep karma changing. It's as if it just has to come out to be banished forever. I come from a line of women with broken hearts...and I have vowed in front of the Gohonzon to change this karma. And, as all of us who practice this Buddhism have observed, some karma is just harder to change than others. But, as Nichiren Daishonin says...no prayer goes unanswered!

Anyway, I had the art fair in Geneva, and a day with Kindred to look forward to. We laughed all day long, and talked and enjoyed the artwork. I found a place that I am going to sell some beautiful coats that no longer fit, along with some jewelry. And we found an interior designer and booked an appointment for both of us to go back so Kindred can sell her beautiful hand-made chandelier. I'm really excited about this! She worked for an entire year creating this chandelier...she even traveled to California to learn how to make the electrical work!

This could be just the breakthrough she needs! Her work is high end...and I think she just found her market. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!

Meanwhile my dear friends Julia and Danielle in Northern California are preparing their homes to receive the Gohonzon! They get it! They understand the power of this practice. Rock and Roll! Friendship is just where it's at!!

Gosho Quote for you

On this, the one year anniversary of my Mom's death, I share with you these words that have been inscribed in my heart.

This is one of the only religions that has the actual texts of the founder in written format...not someone else's interpretation of the founder's words. This quote reinforces how incredibly fortunate we are to have the Gohonzon and be able to draw the rich power of the universe from within our lives.

...from Reply to Kyo'o

This was written to Shijo Kingo's infant daughter, but meant for his parents. They had been followers for many years, and had recently been bestowed with the Gohonzon. They were one of the first families...and they had written the Daishonin to inform him that Kyo'o was very sick. This letter was his response. It was written August 15th, 1273.

Gosho Quote (This is almost the whole of this short Gosho):

Since I heard from you about Kyo'o Gozen, I have been praying to the gods of the sun and moon for her every moment of the day. Always cherish the Gohonzon which I sent you some time ago for her protection. This Gohonzon was never known, let alone inscribed by anyone in the Former or the Middle Day of the Law. The Lion, king of beasts, is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for her protection, Nichiren is like the lion king. This is what the sutra means in "the power of an attacking lion." Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is like the roar of a lion, what sickness can therefore be an obstacle?

...Wherever your daughter may frolic or play, no harm will come to her, she will be free from fear like the lion king... But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then he will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff. I Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi, so believe in this Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is none other than Nam Myoho Renge kyo. Miao-lo states in his interpretations, "The revelation of the Buddha's original enlightenment is the heart of the sutra."

Kyo'o Gozen's misfortunes will change into fortune. Muster your faith and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved? You should believe the Lotus Sutra when it says, "This sutra fulfills one's desires. It is the pond's cool, clear water that quenches thirst." and "They will have peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next. When I am pardoned from exile in this province, I will hasten to Kamakura where we will meet. If one considers the power of the Lotus Sutra, he will find perpetual youth and eternal life before his eyes...."

Thank you Nichiren Daishonin!

Love to you!

Jamie

Constantly Growing

I feel like a beautiful, exotic plant that is about to burst forth in flower...the stems have grown, the water source is secure, and the sun is in the most favorable condition for me!
My spiritualweightloss.com web site is up and running, I'm writing articles for Megan Gala's magazine, and I am awaiting my business cards in the mail! Every day I run out there like a little kid! I probably would have gone to the Chamber meeting today if I'd gotten them in time...but it wasn't meant to be...no...I got to walk in the sunshine on this glorious day...and I also opened my business account! Woohoo!

And tonight's meeting was awesome. My entire district chanted with me for a whole hour...such heartfelt, life changing daimoku. Next week is the November General Meeting with food and song and new guests...it will be incredible.

Ben's picture is all over the newspapers for coming in tenth at state. I swear, there's a huge article. He definitely WON! Aaron took his big organic chemistry test and thinks he did well...and I'm here with the luxury of having time to chant to my heart's delight...chanting in appreciation and knowing that I'll find the perfect place to live, and I'll be helping people to lose weight and earning a living at the same time. Today I cleaned right down to the dust bunnies in my Butsudan room...all the while saying: "I am clearing this space to make room for all the wonderful things coming into my life right now...I am clearing my space to welcome new energy and income and people into my life! Woohoo!