Greetings from Chicago

Thanks for posting this on Facebook, Tomell.

It makes Chicago look like the Emerald City (minus the green). I've always loved the fact that on either side of the John Hancock building (the tallest one on the left of this photo)  the buildings each scale down in size so nicely, making a building style version of Mt. Fuji. Can you see it?

I live in the Western Suburbs -  somewhere around where this picture was taken. 

Beyond the tall buildings is Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. Being on a boat on a hot summer night watching the sun go down over the city, and the golden lights of the skyline emerge, is one of the most glorious experiences. Being at the top of the John Hancock building in the surprisingly inexpensive Signature Lounge at twilight is another inexplicable delight.

This Monday morning I am chanting about what would inspire each of you the most. I've been chanting for quite a while. I chant at least an hour before writing each day. I chant to tap into my highest wisdom so I can offer you something of value for your day. I think of what President Ikeda would say to you.

This morning I just opened my book "Faith in Action" to the pages on Gongyo and Daimoku.

A Heart Full of Gratitude Towards all Humanity

I am so grateful for my Gakkai family...for my Gakkai family here in Chicago, throughout California and for all of you readers who are my Gakkai family too. Many are celebrating holidays at this time of year. I hope you are warm and happy end reveling in friendships and family. 

According to Nichiren Buddhism we really are family. 

In the study guide for the Essentials Exam part three there is an essay on the Gosho "The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude." On page 31, Daisaku Ikeda writes about the debt that each one of has for all of humankind and why:

"The third is the debt of gratitude to all living beings. Life is eternal, extending through the three existences of past, present and future; the sutras teach that we have been born in the world after having undergone the cycle of birth and death infinite times. From that point of view, at one time or another in the past, all men have been our father and all women have been our mothers  (See the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin - 2, 637). Buddhism sees us all as related and owing debts of gratitude to one another.

You are the Buddha ~ A quote from Daisaku Ikeda

A Buddha is definitely not an absolute being living a 

static existence. 

A Buddha shares the sufferings of others 

and, sensing the condition of the time,

earnestly ponders how to transform that condition. 

A Buddha vows to struggle 

in order to lead the people and the age to 

enlightenment. 


The strength of this vow 

causes the 

Buddha's enlightenment to

mature into rich wisdom.


~ Daisaku Ikeda

One Person Can Change the World

This month is almost over, and many people in America are involved in taking the essentials exam. I've been studying and helping others study. Studying together is one of my favorite Buddhist activities. 

As I was posting this beautiful picture, which makes me think that Spring will finally be here at some point, I was taking a look at our study material. Those of us who have been practicing for a while know this quote well, and I love hearing it over and over and deepening my understanding of it:

President Ikeda States:

"A great human revolution 

in just a single individual 

will help achieve a change 

in the destiny of a nation 

and further, 

will enable a change 

in the destiny of all humankind."

Great Soka Gakkai Meetings

We had the best Soka Gakkai Meeting last night at my house.  It was going to be a one hour tozo, but since we had three guests we only chanted half an hour. It was such beautiful chanting. It felt so good. After we finished I turned to everyone and explained why we do Gongyo: 

I said, "How did that feel? That was an experience of you being the Buddha. When we chant these words we are reciting the Lotus Sutra, the words of the Buddha. We are experiencing life as a Buddha. That means we are experiencing being the infinite source and power of the universe. Doing Gongyo and Daimoku is our moment to elevate our lives into Buddhahood. We do it twice a day because sometimes we forget!" And everyone laughed. 

Hope is Life's Treasure

"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."

Inspiring Encouragement for Illness

For any of you who are facing illness - this should raise your spirits! 

The person who originally compiled these quotes 

was able to use this practice and modern medicine 

to overcome breast cancer completely. 

Please feel free to forward a link to this blogpost 

to anyone who is suffering from illness. 

From President Ikeda's Lecture series "The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin: On Prolonging One's Life Span - Faith for Leading a Long and healthy Life" in the July-August 08 Living Buddhism. (Thank you to my friend Melissa Bradford for compiling these great quotes!)


“Suffering from illness is a means by which you can eradicate your negative karma.”  
President Toda, as quoted by President Ikeda. - pg 70 

“To see illness as an opportunity to transform our karma – this strong spirit and resolve can break through all obstacles and devilish functions and open wide the path to happiness.  Like a rocket blasting out of the earth’s atmosphere, the passionate conviction of faith that comes from viewing illness as an opportunity to transform our karma can become a powerful engine propelling us forward not only in this existence but throughout eternity, enabling us to freely savor everlasting happiness.”  Pg 74