Happy Monday!

Here's a picture of me, Aaron and my Dad from yesterday. He and Jan are up visiting from North Carolina and we all had a great weekend with them!

Good Monday Morning!

Daisaku Ikeda wrote this for us on January 2nd, 2012...his 84th birthday.

 "Hope Is Life's Treasure"

Hope is
life's treasure.

Those
who have hope
are always happy.

One can have
all the wealth, power and fame
in the world,
but if one loses hope,
one will falter and stumble
in life.

The ancient Roman orator
Cicero wrote:
"Our capital is invested in hope
rather than in money;
if that hope be abandoned,
all else will be amassed
only to be lost later on."

The arrogant
who ridicule the hopeful
invariably fall in defeat,
left with naught but regret.

On no account
must we ruin
our lives,
which shine with such promise!

Hope is
a jewel that inspires and uplifts.
As long as we have hope,
we will never be deadlocked.

Victory always awaits
and happy smiles spread
where there is hope.

In the words of
the admirable Wangari Maathai,
the Kenyan environmental activist
and friend whom my wife and I
will never forget:
"Hope is like a flower,
which, when it blooms,
does so no matter
what mood it's in
or who is watching.
It always gives its best.
We can too."

Hope is
a flower that blossoms
in effort and perseverance.
Hope is
the noble visible reward
of those who accumulate unseen virtue.

People who live out their lives
with hope
never become jaded
or apathetic.

A contributive life
of giving hope
to those who are suffering
is a source of growth,
fulfillment,
learning,
creativity
and solidarity.

The great Spanish author
Miguel de Cervantes wrote,
"Just as light shines
more brightly in darkness,
so hope should be
more steadfast in trials."

Hope is the hallmark
of invincible fortitude.
Life is a struggle -
hence, our challenge is to live
with optimism and strength,
year after year.

InazoNitobe,
the great Tohoku-born educator,
friend of first Soka Gakkai president
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi,
declared that hope
can be found
even in the darkest gloom.

Such hope, he said,
is "visible only
to the eye of
faith and courage."

Even while imprisones dor his beliefs,
President Makiguchi wrote serenely,
"Depending on one's frame of mind,
even hell can be enjoyable."

Josei Toda later said
in gratitude to his martyred mentor,
"In your vast and boundless compassion,
you let me accompany you
even to prison."

As the third Soka Gakkai president,
I have steadfastly walked
the profoundly solemn
path of selfless dedication
of mentor and disciple.

I have given my life
to realizing all
the cherished hopes of
my mentor.
My heart is clear and bright,
without a cloud of regret.

As Nichiren Daishonin writes,
"The sun breaks through
the pitch-black dark."
Courageous faith is
the sun of limitless hope.

Mentor and disciple
committed to the noblest cause
will rise above all trials and adversity;
the unsurpassed brilliance of their lives
shining on forever.

Infinite hope!
The mystic law is the source.
A boundless state of life!
Faith and practice are the key.

In the Lotus Sutra,
we find these truly generous words:
"We beg that the merit (we have) gained...
may be spread far and wide to everyone,
so that we and other beings
all together may attain the Buddha way."

Kosen-rufu us
the supreme and colossal hope
of elevating
all humanity
to a vast life-state
of peace and happiness.

Ah---
Hope! Hope! Hope!
Hope is life's treasure.

At the start of a new year,
a new day,
let us set forth,
brimming with bright hope,
the sun of time without beginning
brimming in our hearts!

Let us boldly break through
even the deepest turmoil
of these troubled times,
and be the ones to create new hope!

Let us advance in triumph,
imparting the hope
of absolute victory
to one person after another!

The French writer and activist
Romain Rolland said,
"The last hope of our day
lies in youth."

I now wish to declare for all to hear:
"The greatest hope for the future lies in Soka youth."

My young friends,
never be defeated!

No matter what trials and hardships
may befall you,
never lose sight of
the golden light of hope!

Oh my friends,
my beloved friends
whom I trust with all my heart,
live out your lives with hope!
Be victorious without fail!

Daisaku Ikeda
--on my 84th birthday,
January 2nd, 2012

The Universe is in the Palm of Your Hand! Be joyful!

It's true. You hold the key to the entire universe that is already within you. All the power of the rushing waterfalls of the earth...all the power of the exploding supernovas...all the power of one person's triumph over evil, all the good and the bad that exists ANYWHERE  - You and I are microcosms of this power. We know this in our hearts. We feel it with our cellular memory. Science is lining up with it at an ever-increasing rate. And WE, you and I, are ahead of the game with the gem of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in our lives. 

We are ALL pioneers. We are all learning from each other. I'll bet if you and I sat down and had a cup of tea together we would each learn from each other. Soka Gakkai members (Value Creating Society) are mirrors of each other, and together are increase everyone's benefit. 

When we chant we SUMMON this power that is already in our lives. We awaken the knowledge and experience of our OWN power. We OWN it...we own all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly. We don't have to cower at the things we don't like about ourselves, or the unhappiness that still exists in our lives. We can continue to vanquish it through our chanting and determination. 
Through my years of practice I know my own inherent darkness well. It emerges as a voice that makes me feel lonely alone and without hope. But I have raised my awareness of it to the point that I understand it for what it is...just my inherent darkness coming forth...NOT anything REAL, and I can vanquish these thoughts by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and saying "No! No inherent darkness is arriving to darken MY day! Be gone! I replace dark thoughts with smiles and feeling of JOY and happiness and fulfillment! I am a Buddha! I have the power!"

We ALL can have determinations that make our lives sparkle! Today I am chanting:

"I now raise my life condition and experience every moment of this day as a Buddha. I will soak up every possible sparkling moment of happiness. I will be easy and unstressed! I will enjoy my wonderful family and create memories that will last forever. Everyone will have a great time at my house today, and we'll enjoy this beautiful fall weather and the pleasure of each other's company. I chant to expand my capacity for feeling joy all the way down to my toes! I expand my capacity for connection and love and warmth! Today, on this Beautiful Sunday when my Dad and Mom-Jan are visiting from Asheville North Carolina we will create a brilliant, sparkling memory of song, laughter and joy!" 

What sparkling determination can YOU have today? You BUDDHA You! 

Growing with Each other

I've attached a link here that I know you will find extremely amazing and useful. This is my dear friend Julia's blog. She has an incredibly profound and precise way of expressing this practice. 
I hope you will appreciate the beauty, sincerity and power of this post! Julia is showing tremendous actual proof of this practice...growing in faith and strength and health every moment of every day. 

May you be inspired by her words: 


http://dahliaandmoon.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-orbit-of-faith.html

Access Your Own Power!

We Buddhists know all about this...how to access our own power. Many others who haven't found out about this practice also KNOW they have power within them. But for too many people, they don't know how to bring it out consistently, and channel that power in the direction they want it to go. 

That's where we come in. Every time we have a benefit...every time we share it with others...we help others to get a glimpse of their own power. And when everyone has the tools to tap into their own power, that's how we will create Kosen Rufu together.
World peace through individual happiness! 

None of us is perfect. None of us has a life without problems. I don't have a carefree life...but I must admit, most days I shine like the sun and have a smile on my face...and I love to spread that to others. Life is too short to be glum...even though sometimes it feels like it is the only way. Did you know that you can cheer yourself us just by raising your eyes, looking up and putting a smile on your face? Did you know that a brisk walk can bring energy into your body and oxygen to your brain and improve your spirits? 

These are things I am definitely bearing in mind as the weather hits the mid fifties today. I admit it, I am a warm weather person. I like a good warm fire in the winter, but I prefer a warm beach in the sun. The winter can be hard for my spirits. 

I am following the guidance I gave you yesterday. I am chanting to change in any way possible to convert any disappointment into fulfillment, to change any hunger to fulfillment, so be satisfied and happy and energized. I am chanting to expand my reach...to really reach as far as I can with the good I can do in this world...and I am saying and believing "All the Best is coming to me NOW"

Have a great day!

You can change any problem - and become stronger than ever using this prayer!!!!

If you've been chanting to change things in your life...if you've been chanting about relationships, your career etc...consider looking inward and chanting to change yourself. Changing your SELF - doing your human revolution is vital to your successfull practice. 

What is the process?

1. Own the problem...realize that whatever you want to change may LOOK like it is outside yourself...but it's roots are within your life. That means that you cannot complain or say "WHY ME?". Really you have to own it...not BLAME yourself for it...not feel guilty about it. It's okay to get a little angry and make a fierce and roaring declaration to change whatever you need to change.

2. Turn your prayer INWARD. Chant to change YOURSELF. Chant to have the courage to make the changes you need to make in order to generate the results you want to create in your life. Remember that all change starts from within. And your environment will change to reflect the inner changes you have made. 

A SuperPrayers to accomplish this could be:

"I am determined to make any changes I need to make in my thoughts, my actions, my chanting, to make continual positive causes that will result in rooting the cause of my negative karma OUT OF MY LIFE!  I am determined to make the changes inside myself...to do my own human revolution and raise my life condition! I am determined to change in any way I need to change to attract the .......(you fill in the blank) into my life. Life! I am bringing the determination, wisdom and fire I need to create the life of my dreams. I AM NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO! I AM ROARING LIKE A LION IN MY OWN LIFE! I WILL CREATE MY LIFE! I do this not only for me, but for everyone who is suffering. I am determined to glow within my own life. I am determined to be a shining light for all who are suffering. I am determined to be the beacon of hope that ANYONE can solve their problems by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. I am ready to meet people who are ready to hear about this practice!  I chant to have the most inspiring life. Gohonzon (my life) I need to see these results now!"

You can do this! You Buddha YOU!

You WILL LOVE this post!!! A reader has a breakthrough!

Here is a great experience for you!
I originally heard from this reader in May. She and I exchanged several emails (not all of which I'm publishing here...but I promise, if you send me an email I will do my best to respond personally to you) 

My first email from this reader:

"I hope all is great.

Just been reading some articles on your blog and wanted to say thank you many times for 

your writings! I came into Buddhism after my heart was shattered too and every day I am feeling that I am letting go

and gaining a clear understanding of what kind of relationship I need. I also attracted a man who takes very good care of me

and who truly seems to like me. "

Later, she and I exchanged a few personal emails. Then she sent me an email describing how she had fallen and not gotten hurt, and how that incident was a realization for her as follows:

However, i realized that the focal point should be us asking Gohonzon

to strengthen our Buddhanature. 

Just as I fell physically and got back on my feet with great ease - it is important to cultivate and maintain a personality which is strong and well balanced. 

Reaching our goals is important, 

but many of them may only be reachable when we are truly ready spiritually

and psychologically. 

The main purpose is building that powerful self 

which can become capable of using all those benefits we ask for. 

So, I feel for having good relationships it is important to be your own best friend 

and be self - loving and reflect this attitude of self-love 

in the way we interact with other people - 

and by chanting many daimokus for “us” (family, other SGI members). 

I also believe that one can improve once self-confidence and self-esteem 

and thus be even more capable and strong 

for holding down one`s desired job and reaching the set goals (

or identifying them as nonsense). 

What i also like about this Buddhism is that no matter the circumstances - 

we do not throw the towel. Perseverance is key. 

Kosen Rufu starts with every single one of us fostering peace in ourselves, 

with our friends, at work. 

And her breakthrough came:

Just wanted to let you know that things have improved considerably. 

I got a better job situation and a nice place to stay AND my last boyfriend called me on

my birthday and he was really super sweet to me. He paid me a lot of compliments

and said me and my best friends should come to NY and he will keep me up 

to date on what is going on in his life. What a break through! Been chanting soooo

much for everything and my life right now is very, very impressive. 

Nichiren Buddhism is soooo goood. Sooooo goood. I am really grateful for having been introduced and it works wonders!!

Here are some of the elements she followed to produce her breakthrough! 

1)  I found that idea of making wishing lists very helpful

2) You encourage people do keep going even though their might not be any kind of proof at first. I kept chanting, chanting and chanting for a great situation with my ex even though "everybody" told me to just let it go....the results are impressive: as if all of that negative stuff had never happened  between us. 

3) I like the fact that you encourage people to demand proof. In my SGI circles people often tell me the Gohonzon is exlusively inside yourself and everything which happens is done by you. But, I noticed that chanting creates situations I would not have been able to control just by being me. So, yes, my Buddhanature get evoked, but things also start happening around me without me putting too much effort. It is almost like chanting puts me into favorable situations.  

I LOVE Hearing your Experiences! you can encourage others by letting me post them here. Thank you so much my friend!!! You GO Girl! 

If you REALLY are ready to change your karma ... do these things!

I am receiving mail from many of you who are lacking in hope and finding it hard to chant. Pleas read this post and consider it as personal guidance to YOU. YOU can do it. No one else can change your karma and change your life. You are the only one. You have all the tools you need! You are one of the lucky ones! You have found this practice. It's your time to take this practice and make the changes you want...and really become happy! 

I have always said that practicing Buddhism is not easy. It requires courage. It not only requires courage but it helps to BUILD courage and a strong sense of self. When you practice as I've outlined here you will be strong. You can take on ANYTHING. You will be happy. It takes perseverance, but I am here to tell you that you can achieve whatever you want. You can be happier than you ever imagined possible. But it takes work! And your life and happiness is WORTH IT!

There are 5 KEY aspects to a correct practice of chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

And when we are activating them ALL we are all HAPPIER in every possible way. Until you have activated these actions in your life you will never really know your own full power...you will be able to ROAR LIKE A LION. You will have power in your won precious life! 

1. It is important to be in the ORBIT OF FAITH! Attending SGI meetings is crucial. We really can't practice adequately alone. We all act as mirrors for each other. Our meetings serve to deepen our ties to each other and our ties to the world. If there is something you don't like about your meetings, chant to change them! How you feel about your Buddhist meetings is really a reflection of your own karma...life tendencies. If you "look down" on all the people at the meetings, you also "look down" on people everywhere. Have patience with yourself. See if you can summon the Ichinen (will put into action) to make a difference. Many of us have struggled with this at some time. I love being a leader because I infuse each meeting with energy. I chant at least an hour for the success of each meeting...I chant for every member to have a deep and meaningful experience at every meeting - refreshed in faith, more determined, happier!

2. Help others! Try this! Don't take my word for it! Encouraging others in their faith is crucial. And telling others about chanting is crucial too...even just giving them a Nam Myoho Renge card. I give out cards every single day. I have to. I feel I have discovered the key to absolute happiness and it fills me with joy to pass it on to others. I went to the doctor yesterday and the two lovely nurses may come to a meeting soon. I always give cards to people who help me in stores. They are always happy to get them. I love makeup and perfume and love to spend time trying new things. Last night I got a call from someone who I gave a card to TWO years ago at Sephora (a makeup store). She said she now works in the makeup department of another of my favorite stores and she told someone about me, and they had one of my cards too. Last week she came my study meeting, and she plans to come this week too! 

3. Chant every morning and evening. Chanting twice a day PUTS YOUR LIFE IN RHYTHM TO WIN! THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THIS! It sounds hard, but it is really the easy way. Chanting is MUCH HARDER when you do it every once in a while...and your results are less consistent too. You decide how long you will chant. I know that the more effort I put into my daily practice, the harder I work to stay focused, the MORE I connect with the Gohonzon (which is my life itself) the easier the rest of my life goes. I chant a minimum of an hour in my "laboratory of my life" every day. When I began this blog I was chanting a minimum of two hours a day. I often find I chant more when I have a lot of challenges, and the more I chant the more I WANT TO chant. Try it!

4. Study with the intention of deepening your faith.  In Nichiren Buddhism FAITH IS A VERB and a MUSCLE! Chant to strengthen  your faith. Chant to have the kind of benefit that makes you truly believe your own power. And do this again and again! THIS is exercising the muscle of FAITH. It is the power you muster while you are chanting to activate the power of your prayer. Studying is like working the muscle of faith. It will help you produce results. It will strengthen your faith. Studying the Gosho by Nichiren Daishonin, and the words of our mentor, Daisaku Ikeda will help you become happier and healthier and stronger in every way!

5. MAKE A STRONG DETERMINATION. Write it down. Really, writing it down is powerful! What do you want? What do you really want? How do you want to feel? What do you want to make happen? Who do you want to BE? Avoid the tendency to blame your environment. Blaming the people, things, jobs etc. is not useful. Instead, accept that your karma is your karma and vow to change it! That is where your power lies! Not in complaint!Chant to root your suffering out of your life. I visualize the roots of a tree inside my body and literally pull them out in my mind while I am chanting. Chant to expand the power within your own life. Chant to raise your life condition and be the strong Buddha you are meant to be!