Begin withThe Revitalization of Individual Human Beings ~ Quote from Sensei

Wherever we are, 

it is necessary to begin 

with the revitalization 

of individual human beings.

That will lead to the reformation of society 

and the world 

through human revolution. 

That is the teaching of the Lotus Sutra. 

And actions directed toward that end, 

I would like to stress, 

represent the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra.

Daisaku Ikeda

A Member's Experience: From Victim to Victor

Preface from Jamie:

Some of us are naturally more suspicious of people's motives and actions based on previous negative experiences. But if we cling to these past hurts and wrongs we run the risk of playing the role of the victim throughout our lives. Nichiren Buddhism gives us the keys to rise out of this victim mentality and emerge as a strong and powerful VICTOR in life. From Victim to Victor! What a powerful journey. 

The following experience was originally posted on a busy day in April. I post it again just in case you missed it. This friend-in-faith has managed to quiet her negative mind and  focus on the positive. How wonderful! 

Experience of Going From Victim to Victor:

"I have always questioned people’s actions and behavior thus being very careful of my behavior and attitude since it can cause so much happiness as well as pain to others. More so if one is from a religious and spiritual background, our life should reflect our values and beliefs. I have always tried to be a good person giving my all in whatever I do. In the process though we sometimes make mistakes and because of this we should be careful of what we say about others because no one is perfect.
Unfortunately, we as human beings forget our imperfections or mistakes and constantly hurt each other through our words or actions. 

This is something I have always have a hard time dealing with. 

When I was a victim of bad word or actions I would have sleepless nights and worrisome days. The sadness and anxiety would not go away and I would rehash the hurt and pain by asking over and over, “how could this happen to me or my family”? I do not deserve this when I have given so much. Or maybe it’s my fault for everything that has happened.

Since having encountered and embraced Nichiren Buddhism through practice by chanting, ‘Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” and reading President Ikeda books/literatures, my anxiety and rehashing the hurt and pain are not as bad as it used to be. 

I am so much at peace; and quiet reflection on positive thoughts has truly changed my outlook on bad experiences. 

There is a saying in Nichiren Buddhism, “changing poison into medicine” which is such a profound and positive mental state of one’s mind which can truly change an individual’s life condition. 

One can change the ‘poison’ of earthly desires and sufferings into “medicine’; something positive for one’s personal growth and development, thus helping others and praying for the people who have caused you pain instead of harboring ill feelings towards them.

This philosophy makes your life so much less burdensome you actually feel happier, stronger and good inside. 

In my current job my bosses always have good things to say about me even saying that since I have been in the department, I have brought “momentum” to the workplace. 

When my daughter got sick they suggested that I apply for the Family Leave Act so that my job is protected. It was approved right away once I submitted the paperwork to Human Resources. My daughter had a cyst in her adrenaline gland which was growing and could have been cancerous and had to be removed surgically. The cyst was found by accident after doing tests for another medical problem which have all been corrected. 

Now she is completely well, has graduated successfully from High School even though she had two surgeries this year, and is moving into the next phase of her life while chanting strong Daimoku. I am so grateful! 

Your Future is in your hands, and heart and mind

VICTORY! The Sansho Shima PowerPrayer Works!

ROAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!

WOW is all I can say.  

Sometimes even though I have been practicing for a long time, I am BLOWN AWAY by the power of my own life through chanting with fierce determination and roaring Nam-myoho-renge-kyo like a lion. 

Yesterday morning I chanted the very same sansho shima PowerPrayer I posted for you in the morning. 

There was a particular obstacle I was determined to overcome regarding the set up of my new website. I had been worrying about this problem for more than a month. 

On Monday, when Julia and I were writing the PowerPrayer for Sansho Shima, and using the quote from President Ikeda about obstacles losing their power when they are recognized for what they are, I realized this website problem was really nothing but an obstacle, and I determined to blow it away through my daimoku. 

So in my morning power hour of daimoku I chanted the PowerPrayer I posted for you yesterday 
(and am reprinting today for you at the bottom of this post) 
and chanted "NO WAY SANSHO SHIMA! I MUST ADVANCE!" 

And later in the afternoon, in the middle of a flash thunderstorm the problem was resolved. It was literally as if the very heavens had come to wash away my obstacle!

Sometimes, If we really want to overcome something, we just have to get to the point that we are DONE with it, and blast daimoku from the depths of our lives. When I was chanting I was literally sweating from the release of energy. And when I was finished chanting, I KNEW my daimoku had worked. The minute we make the cause, we also make the effect. 

Is there something you have been putting up with and think is a problem that will not go away? 
Is there something that's been on your mind that you are ready to blast with daimoku? 
If you can recognize it for the sansho shima (obstacle) that it is, you can elevate the problem and blast it out of your life. 

I would love to hear from you when you accomplish this. 

If I can do it you can do it! 

Send me emails of your victories! I am including your comments in my book as testimonials. Before I print I will ask if you want to be identified or would rather remain anonymous. It's up to you. Email me your results to me at my new email: Jamie@chantforhappiness.com~ 

Here's the PowerPrayer that generated immediate results. 
Go for it! 

Sansho Shima PowerPrayer:

Hello, Sansho Shima, 
I was expecting you.
I recognize you for what you are.

Sansho Shima, I see you for what you are! 
No way! 
Not this time
not any more. 
I'm in charge now.
I AM Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
I am roaring like a lion.
You  are not real, you  have no power here.
On the contrary, 
I take your pure energy now, and though my Daimoku I make you my ally, instead. 
Shoten Zenjin! 
Support me in every single action I take towards my goal. 
I am doing the Buddha's work on earth. 
Support me in every way!

This_______________(fill in the blank) 
is going to change immediately! 

I now use this obstacle to fuel my determination.

Sansho Shima (obstacles), I am now turning you into Shoten Zenjin (protective forces of the universe)! 

You are now the cause 
for victory in the lives of those I will
encourage by sharing this story.
You are now part of a powerful 
and inspirational story of victory.


Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

When We Feel Lost ~ A Quote from Sensei

"There may be times 
when life seems gloomy and dull. 
When we feel stuck in some situation or other, 
when we are negative toward everything, 
when we feel lost and bewildered, 
not sure which way to turn --- 
at such times we must transform our passive mind-set 
and determine, 
"I will proceed along this path," 
"I will pursue my mission today." 
When we do so a genuine spring-time arrives in our hearts, and flowers start to blossom."

Daisaku Ikeda

PowerPrayer for Defeating Obstacles (Sansho Shima)

As you know, Julia and I are working on a book of PowerPrayers for you. Well today I have a sneak peek for you. I'm giving you a PowerPrayer we wrote together just yesterday. 

As you know, in any worthy endeavor obstacles HAVE to arise. That is a a natural function of life. But the important question is this : Can we see them for what they are, necessary obstacles to FUEL our determination and make us chant HARDER? Or are we FOOLED by them into thinking "Oh well, I guess I wasn't supposed to do this anyway" and then give up? It is up to each of us to either determine to win, or just succumb to losing. 

The first step is recognizing them for what they are:

"When devilish functions are recognized for what they are, they lose their power."
Daisaku Ikeda, June 2013, Living Buddhism page 23. 

Yesterday Julia and I made a fierce determination to win over the obstacles that have arisen for us in pursuit of our worthy goal of writing and getting this book into your hands so that it can help you and your friends become truly happy. 

I share the prayer we are both chanting. This morning I just finished an hour of chanting this prayer. Nothing will stop me. Nothing can stop you!!


Sansho Shima PowerPrayer:

Hello, Sansho Shima, 
I was expecting you.
I recognize you for what you are.

Sansho Shima, I see you for what you are! 
No way! 
Not this time
not any more. 
I'm in charge now.
I AM Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
I am roaring like a lion.
You  are not real, you  have no power here.
On the contrary, 
I take your pure energy now, and though my Daimoku I make you my ally, instead. 
Shoten Zenjin! Support me in every single action I take towards my goal. I am doing the Buddha's work on earth. Support me in every way!

I now use this obstacle to refuel my determination
and I will chant   ______  number of hours
every day until until I have ultimate victory.

Sansho Shima, I am now turning you into Shoten Zenjin! 
You are now the cause 
for victory in the lives of those I will
encourage by sharing this story.
You are now part of a powerful 
and inspirational story of victory.
You are not leaving me in a diminished condition
I am raising you to a high life condition
and purpose.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

Scaling Mountain after Mountain

From President Ikeda:

Life is about scaling one mountain, 
then facing the next one, 
followed by the one after that. 
Those who persevere 
and finally succeed in conquering the highest mountain 
are victors in life.
On the other hand, 
those who avoid such challenges and take the easy route, descending into the valleys, 
will end in defeat.

Daisaku Ikeda