Preparing for a Daimoku Toso

What's a toso and why do Nichiren Buddhists do them? 

A Toso is an extended chanting session...an hour...two hours...three or more. They are not required or suggested or enforced in any way. People who do tosos just feel like doing tosos. Today I doing a toso because I really feel like chanting. Remember that scene in Forest Gump? WHen he's interviewed after running across the country and back for so long and he's asked why he did it, he says: "I just felt like Running." 

I have many challenges. No doubt you have many challenges too. We live in very challenging and uncertain times. 

I am writing my list of things to chant about, making tea, having a friend join me and here I go!
Join me! 

Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda

FAITH is the fundamental source of vitality. Do not be defeated by a slump in faith. It is important to strive in chanting daimoku, and in association with one’s fellow believers. Although we speak of activities for kosen-rufu, the benefit of all such efforts ultimately returns to oneself.


BUDDHISM expounds the principle that “earthly desires are enlightenment”. In like manner it may well be said that hardships are benefits. As long as you maintain faith in the Gohonzon, you can definitely make your problems and sufferings the springboard towards great happiness.

THE question is whether or not prayer is at the basis of your action. Both a sense of responsibility and compassion are manifested in prayer. Action without prayer is nothing but an artifice.


NICHIREN DAISHONIN said, “Do not expect good times but take the bad times for granted” (WND, p998). If you engrave this teaching in your life, you will have nothing to fear. Nor will you ever become deadlocked. The important thing is to take that first step. If you barely overcome one small fear, it will give you the courage to take on the next one.

WHETHER or not one has attended this or that school is a trivial matter when viewed from the cosmic scope of Buddhism. Please take pride in the fact that you are studying in the eternal university if life, which teaches the supreme law of cause and effect – the Mystic Law – and the way to lead lives of absolute freedom.

THE ultimate aim of attending university is also to become happy. Likewise, gaining a good position in society is also merely a means to attain happiness. In contrast, faith constitutes the direct path to happiness. It connects directly to that goal. Guiding people to happiness is the SGI’s mission.

OUR Buddhist practice entails much hard work and effort, but there is also the tremendous joy of human revolution that could never be derived from merely leading a life of idle pleasure. That is why Nichiren Daishonin sternly warns that we must not forget the promises we have made when the crucial moment comes.

BUDDHISM teaches that it is possible to live to be 120 years old. In this sense, we are all still very young and our lives are just beginning. Our spirit to live “from this moment on” makes our lives youthful and refreshed.

CAN one live a truly happy existence if he spends it uneventfully never experiencing the waves and storms of hardships or painful experiences? I doubt it. In the process of struggling through and overcoming wave upon wave of tribulation, you can discipline yourself and elevate your state of life. In so doing, you can lead a life which is far more valuable than that of the one who never experiences storms of hardship.

FIRST, be healthy. 

Second, establish your economic base. 

Third, be trusted on your job. 

Fourth, raise your children with affection, 

and establish a secure family life. 

These are all aspects of daily life, 

and apart from daily life, there is no Buddhism.

 

Source: Daily guidance by Daisaku ikeda, Vol. 1 to 5, Singapore soka association.

True Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda

PRACTICE and study are like the two wheels of a cart and faith is like its axle. No matter how great your knowledge of Buddhist doctrines, without practice, it will be incomplete.

REALIZING eternal freedom and happiness is the goal of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. It constitutes the purpose of our faith and of our life as a whole. You can never relive this particular existence. If you are to crown your life with the laurels of victory, you must never be cowardly. In every instance, I hope you will summon forth the courage to advance along the great path of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

WHAT seems like a misfortune can be an opportunity. Wherever we find ourselves, we are in the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. Complaining does not help. Whining does not produce anything of benefit. When faced with trouble, the way to rouse one’s courage is to think positively. If one sets a positive goal - to learn something new, to regain one's health, to live a richer life - courage, hope and wisdom will well forth to meet the challenge.


ONLY when you experience the crushing, painful depths of sufferings can you begin to understand the true meaning of life. Precisely because you have experienced great sufferings, it is imperative that you go on living. The important thing is to keep moving forward. If you use your sadness as a source of growth, you will become a person of greater depth and breadth - an even more wonderful you. This is the harvest of your pain and sufferings.

SOCIAL progress, economic progress, and in fact all progress depends upon the progress of human beings themselves, who are the protagonists in these endeavours. At the same time, if the faith or ideology that human beings take as their foundation does not advance, there will be no real human progress.

FIRST of all, it is vital that we practise faith as part of the SGI organization, for only the SGI are people working together towards kosen-rufu in the unity of "many in body, one in mind". Some people may think that practicing faith alone, unconnected to the organization, is easier. But when people practice alone, their faith tends to become selfish and their actions, egocentric. This is a frightening thing.

YOU have to pray to the Gohonzon to become more broad-minded and tolerant. You have to chant and look unflinchingly at the people and the things in your life that are making you unhappy. 

Running away from things you find unpleasant is what causes suffering. 

But, if you face and challenge such situations, they will enrich your life.

NICHIREN DAISHONIN told us that "One who perseveres through great persecutions and embraces the sutra from beginning to end is the Buddha's emissary". (MW 3, p290) As long as we are striving to realise kosen-rufu, we are sure to encounter persecution. 

And it is the very presence 

of great obstacles 

that serves to strengthen our faith 

and forge 

the state of Buddhahood within us.

FAITH in the Mystic Law is the fundamental power to overcome the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death and to develop an eternally free and joyous state of existence.


YOUR Buddhist study will greatly support your efforts to develop a faith that never wavers, no matter what obstacles may arise. I hope you will have this spirit to read the Gosho, as it is a wonderful expression of your faith.

 

Source: Volume 1 to 5, Daily Guidance, Singapore Soka Association

Inspiring Experience from Geeta, a reader in India!

Myself, Geeta Gurav, was introduced into this amazing world of SokaGakkai by my Husband Mr.NarendraGurav 4 years ago. And it’s the most prestigious gift of my life. 

My Husband took the practice seriously from the beginning, but I was taking it lightly. I attended meetings regularly, but was not serious like my husband.

I was working at Fort – Mumbai and had to leave by 6.20 in the morning. In the discussion meetings many times I heard that we should keep a goal and chant towards it. Also senior leader visited us when we were new in the practice and told us the importance of goals in life. With Total Conviction for the first time I chanted for 1 Hour to get a job in Vashi for which I had been trying for quite long. To my surprise very next morning I got call from the company that I was selected with my desired Package. This was my first victory and since then we have numbers of Victories not only in our lives but in our friends’, members’, office colleagues’ and relatives’ lives.

Around this time, my husband decided to start business and I also encouraged him. Same time Building extension work came up…we were in deep thought how to manage as business needed huge money Then we also got the news that we would be receiving the GOHONZON. I was excited and told my husband now things would settle down. We took mortgage loan and extended 2 rooms which ended our worry of where to keep the Gohonzon. Enshrinement of Gohonzon was life changing experience again. It gave us feeling of having some one in the home who can guide us throughout lifetime.

During all this we came to know that I had conceived. It was great surprise because 6 years earlier I had a miscarriage due to Chicken Pox within 3 months pregnancy and had infections in blood which resulted into no chances of conceiving again. We really thanked the new addition to our family and making it complete. Because of Members chanting and support throughout after gap of 13 years and miscarriage, I had normal delivery. 

Gosho passage says, “ as practice progress & understanding grows, the tree obstacles & four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere, you should not be influenced or frighten by them.” Soon we started facing financial difficulty. My company did not offer salary during 4 months of leave for delivery, we had new loan with bigger EMI and our business was still a Baby. 2 companies whom we were getting regular orders, stopped giving us orders and we were caught up in personal debts. We had to stop the business and we started looking for new opportunities. Almost for 7-8 months my husband was without any earning and whereas expenditure was added because of new born baby. I stopped going in Auto till the station and started walking. My husband stopped eating night meal most of the time. We defaulted on EMI’s, telephone bills, delayed school fees of our daughter. We walked up to 30 minutes to attend meetings to save some money.  

  Amidst all this one day, our daughter said “Mom I am a big girl now, I don’t want to drink milk anymore” This she said because she knew what her parents were going through and now her younger brother needed milk more than her. I am truly blessed to have such an understanding daughter. I rejoined office keeping my 3 months child to a baby sitter and as a Buddha child, my son stays very nicely with the baby sitter.

Gosho says, “Wise will rejoice while foolish will retreat.” In spite of all these challenges, my Husband, even for a second, never felt defeated instead he cut down on his own expenses and bought me Gosho Book so that I could read the Gosho. Time to time my husband also sought guidance from senior leaders. Now we were very regular in our practice. In fact I became more regular in morning and evening Gongyo. It was only because of having correct attitude towards life and deep faith in the Gohonzon & sensei we could stand tall to our problems.

Like the Goho says “Winter always Turns into Spring”… My prayer was answered. My husband got a call to work in Dubai. Overcoming confusion with power of chanting he went to in Dubai in December last year. But our true victory was the company deals in Corporate Gifting – the same business he was running here in India. Once again we got the proof that this practice gives you what we actually need and at the right time. 

Now there was new obstacle ready for me. On 23^rd December I coughed in the office and saw little blood. I got scared at first but then chanted to support myself. Sensei says “No matter how harsh the adversity, we can always find a way to make in to a opportunity for our great human revolution. We can always use to create value.” I chanted and chanted for getting Right Doctor and Right Treatment. Finally after few days of hospitalization I was discharged and I have recovered fast and resumed my activities.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Daughter because of her only – I can attend all the meetings – she always takes care of her younger brother and allows me to attend the meetings or doing home visits. At times I reach home after 8-30 or 9 also. My little one also support by remaining calm and loving. My both Kids are following this beautiful practice and making me proud. My daughter is also speaker for today meeting.

My victory is of my one of office friend who was not getting married for long time.  From day one of my practice every day I chanted for her happiness and marriage. To my surprise on 25^th April, she told that she was getting engaged on 2^nd May. This is a huge Victory for me before this May 3^rd Meeting that after praying and chanting for continuous 4 years, finally she is getting married. 

Here I would like take A Fresh Vow to propagate the Law. My favourite Gosho is “The Dragon Gate” and now I can feel that I am no more Carp, but have really become a Dragon”. I determine to develop my Block and spread the Happiness to all till the last moment of my life.

Thank you all.

Incredible May 3rd Guidance!

MAY 3 is our initial starting point, 
and simultaneously, 

the day we make 

our final declaration of complete victory. 

It is the grand anniversary which celebrates our efforts to realize a golden age of supreme spiritual triumph and glory. May 3 is invincible, unshaken by raging tempests. 

May 3 is filled with jubilation 

and ever-victorious hope. 

May 3 is the day which our friends around the world rejoice,
celebrate and deepen their determination to keep striving for
kosen-rufu. 


WHEN one dedicates himself/herself to the Gohonzon 
and advances in practice 
for the sake of his/her own enlightenment 
and for kosen-rufu, then, without doubt, 

he/she will become capable of truly loving others, 

and others in turn will say to themselves 

that there is something about him/her that shines.

BY arousing sincere faith 
in the Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret
Laws inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin,
and striving to chant daimoku and propagate the Law, 
you can tap the power of the Buddha and the Law
inherent in the Gohonzon and 
transform the negative karma in your life. 
Everyone can thus attain Buddhahood.


COURAGE and effort are extremely important, 
for they lead to glory and victory. 
Life is like a marathon. 
Even if you should fall a little bit behind the others 
during the race, 
there is no need to be impatient;
as long as you win in the end. 
The person who breaks the tape at the finish line 
is the true victor.


ONLY after surviving the harsh trial of winter 
can seeds burst into fresh growth in the spring time. Similarly, only by surmounting hardships 
can we be victorious in life and savor real, lasting joy.
Conversely, if we shun difficulties 
and lose our challenging spirit,

then all we will be left with in the end is failure and regret. Therefore, please blaze a trail 

through the "forest of difficulty" 

we find ourselves in and 

let's work again energetically for

kosen-rufu.

Source: Daily guidance by Daisaku Ikeda

Inspiring May 3rd Guidance!

MAY 3 is our initial starting point, 
and simultaneously, 

the day we make 

our final declaration of complete victory. 

It is the grand anniversary which celebrates our efforts to realize a golden age of supreme spiritual triumph and glory. May 3 is invincible, unshaken by raging tempests. 

May 3 is filled with jubilation 

and ever-victorious hope. 

May 3 is the day which our friends around the world rejoice,
celebrate and deepen their determination to keep striving for
kosen-rufu. 


WHEN one dedicates himself/herself to the Gohonzon 
and advances in practice 
for the sake of his/her own enlightenment 
and for kosen-rufu, then, without doubt, 

he/she will become capable of truly loving others, 

and others in turn will say to themselves 

that there is something about him/her that shines.

BY arousing sincere faith 
in the Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret
Laws inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin,
and striving to chant daimoku and propagate the Law, 
you can tap the power of the Buddha and the Law
inherent in the Gohonzon and 
transform the negative karma in your life. 
Everyone can thus attain Buddhahood.


COURAGE and effort are extremely important, 
for they lead to glory and victory. 
Life is like a marathon. 
Even if you should fall a little bit behind the others 
during the race, 
there is no need to be impatient;
as long as you win in the end. 
The person who breaks the tape at the finish line 
is the true victor.


ONLY after surviving the harsh trial of winter 
can seeds burst into fresh growth in the spring time. Similarly, only by surmounting hardships 
can we be victorious in life and savor real, lasting joy.
Conversely, if we shun difficulties 
and lose our challenging spirit,

then all we will be left with in the end is failure and regret. Therefore, please blaze a trail 

through the "forest of difficulty" 

we find ourselves in and 

let's work again energetically for

kosen-rufu.

Source: Daily guidance by Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda's Wise Words

THE path to attaining Buddhahood or true happiness consists alone in chanting daimoku to the Dai-Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret Laws and carrying through with the practice of faith for oneself and others.



BEAUTY has value, and the creation of value is our practice. The basis of beauty is the beauty of the spirit, which is cultivated by faith.


THOSE who apply themselves to the study of the great philosophy of Buddhism are truly respectworthy. Those who study the Gosho each day, even if just a little, constantly invite the winds of change and growth into their lives – refreshing breezes that nourish and strengthen their faith. The writings of Nichiren Daishonin are truly profound. On each reading, there are new discoveries and new determinations made.


MARA represents our own inner weakness and negativity, which function to obstruct our Buddhist practice. We have both a weak self and a strong self; the two are completely different. If we allow our weak side to dominate, we will be defeated. The thought, “I am still young and have a lot of time, so I can relax and take life easy,” is the seductive whispering of Mara, a function of our own weakness.


LIFE is a struggle. Buddhism is a struggle. Only by surmounting great suffering can we appreciate life's depth and joy. That is why we must continue to move forward. We must take action. This is what the philosophers of the world teach.