How to Practice to Receive Maximum Benefits

How to practice to receive maximum benefits

  

Vice President Tsuji once said, "We all have the same Gohonzon and practice in the same way; however, we find that while some people find tremendous benefits, nothing much happens for others, and still others find tremendous loss. What is the correct relationship with the Gohonzon? How can we practice to it to receive benefit?"

  

"The Gohonzon that is outside ourselves brings joy from within ourselves. And, when we establish a relationship with the Gohonzon in front of us by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, that Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo within ourselves will well up. 

  

If we look at the Gohonzon and think to ourselves that by doing this, `I'm going to get something,' it is like a beggar asking for something. Even under these circumstances, we will probably receive a benefit; however, the type of benefit we receive in this way will be as tiny as the tip a waiter gets compared to full payment for a meal."

  

"We should chant daimoku with the attitude that through our prayers to the Gohonzon, whether it be for a new home, our business or our health, we will be able to contribute to the cause of kosen-rufu. Ask the Gohonzon, `For kosen-rufu, please let me overcome these difficulties.' Buddhist gods will render protection based on our prayer for kosen-rufu. Without thinking about kosen-rufu and simply chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, we will find little benefit. Benefit derived from our prayers based on kosen-rufu is as dynamic as flying in an airplane, while chanting just for our own sake is as slow as walking in terms of gaining benefit."

  

Source: Excerpt from a lecture given by SGI-USA Vice General Director Greg Martin at the Seattle Culture Centre on June 9, 1995

INSPIRING QUOTES BY PRESIDENT TODA ON FAITH

INSPIRING QUOTES BY PRESIDENT TODA ON "FAITH"

President Toda used to say: "Don't be impatient. Since you have embraced the Gohonzon, your situation will definitely improve. There's no need to worry. Sure there will be hard times, times when you feel like crying. But as long as you have the Gohonzon, your life will become bright and joyful." As long as we persevere in faith, we will become happy. We must never doubt this no matter what happens but always advance resolutely, staunchly enduring all hardships and obstacles along the way. This is what true faith is."

"Soka Gakkai Second President Mr Toda warmly encouraged members who were facing various problems in life, such as business difficulties, financial worries, illness and family discord. He said: "Nichiren Daishonin overcame every obstacle. This is actual proof of the power of faith. You have the Gohonzon. You have the strategy of faith. Live as a spiritual champion. You'll definitely be able to find a wonderful solution beyond anything you've imagined. Faith that is not defeated by any adversity is what enables us to build a citadel of eternal happiness."

"President Toda once said, 'Your faith is full-fledged if you can truly tap absolute confidence from the depths of your heart and say, 'I am all right because I embrace the Gohonzon and everything is all right with me because I worship the Gohonzon.' Furthermore, you will be completely all right when you can say with firm conviction, 'This morning I did Gongyo and, at any given moment, I am dedicated to Myoho. My life is absolutely fine.'"

"A Soka Gakkai women's division leader once asked second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda what was most important when talking to others and trying to communicate the greatness of the Mystic Law to them. He replied with a question of his own: 'What is the most important thing in life and faith?'

"Uncertain as to how to respond, the leader remained silent.

"'It is conviction,' replied Mr. Toda. 'When you read newspaper stories about people who have been defeated in life, it's because they have lost conviction. As practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism, therefore, we must always prize and value above all the absolute conviction demonstrated by the Daishonin.'

"On another occasion, Mr. Toda also said: 'You truly are a person of strong faith if you have the deep-seated conviction that everything will be fine because you have the Gohonzon, that you will be okay because you chant to the Gohonzon. You know you don't need to worry about having to do this or that, or how things are going to turn out. You uphold the Gohonzon. You chanted before it this morning, you are upholding it now. If you have the conviction that your life will be all right, then it will. From today, adopt that attitude. There isn't the slightest doubt that you will become happy.'

"In this way, Mr. Toda stressed the importance of having absolute conviction in faith."

Source: as quoted by President Ikeda in various articles / speeches / guidances.

Ten Key Points to Apply to Your Buddhist Practice to Derive Maximum Results

Ten Key Points to Apply to Your Buddhist Practice to Derive Maximum Results

  

1) FAITH

There are several things we can do to strengthen our faith. First, we can practice vigorously to get results or benefits. Second, we can attend SGI discussion meetings and listen to other’s experiences. Third, we can study SGI publications to deepen our understanding of Buddhism. Fourth, we can connect with seniors in faith to receive encouragement and advice. The benefits of the Gohonzon are expansive, infinite and know no bounds

  

2) MISSION

What’s our mission in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism? The first mission is to become happy oneself. The second mission is to help others become happy, which is what we call Kosen-rufu or world peace. It’s very important to support our mentor SGI President Ikeda and the SGI’s mission of peace, culture and education and also to help develop capable ad positive successors for the 21st century.

  

3) GOALS

The third point is having a Goal. We often hear that goals should be specific and detailed. We can set bold, ambitious goals. The more impossible they are, the more rewarding they become when we reach them. We can also set goals that we feel comfortable with. Basically, we set goals to overcome hardship and create value.

  

4) DETERMINATION

Now that we’ve converted our dreams and desires into very concrete goals, next is my fourth key point: Determination. We have to be determined to change, determined to never give up and determined to take the correct action now!

  

Let’s talk about determining to change. It means to do Human Revolution. It’s important to shift our fundamental life tendency in order to change our destiny and our karma. If we don’t, we’ll just repeat the same life pattern.

  

5) DAIMOKU

So far, we have faith, we understand our mission, our goal is set and we’re determined not to give up until we reach our goal. Now on we need lots and lots and lots of Daimoku. Key number five is Daimoku, chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Besides morning and evening prayers, we have to chant as much as possible. Abundant prayer is the key

  

6) TAKE ACTION

Next we have key number six: Take Action. Everything is empty without action. In Buddhism, we have to take action, to say: ”I’m the one who has to do it. It’s my karma, my destiny. When my goals are fulfilled, it’s my joy and my fortune.”

  

7) STUDY

The seventh key point is Study.  This Buddhism is meant to be studied. Each day we should study even one sentence or paragraph as if every single word is directly intended for us, for our lives. When things don’t seem to be going our way, or we find ourselves in a crisis, it is an understanding of the Buddhist life-philosophy that keeps us going till we win. I believe everyone knows the importance of study.

   

8) SHARE BUDDHISM WITH OTHERS

The eight key point is to share Buddhism with others. The will of Nichiren Daishonin is the peace and happiness of all people on earth, through the propagation of his Buddhism. Nothing is a greater cause than chanting Daimoku and sharing this Buddhism and the SGI peace movement with other people. We have to make such a great cause in order to transform our own karma.

  

9) SHARE MY EXPERIENCE WITH OTHERS

Now we come to the ninth key point: Share our experiences. We should share the essence of our experiences, not just the results, I would like to encourage you to chant for the wisdom to share your struggle, your determination and the efforts you made so people will have concrete information they can walk away with – knowing how they also can do it. In this way, we create the most value out of our precious experiences.

  

10) CONTINUE MY PRACTICE OF FAITH THROUGHOUT LIFE

OK, we’ve got everything covered, so what would you guess the tenth key point is? It’s ‘Continuing in our Practice’ of faith. The goal of this Buddhism is to bring happiness to oneself and to others. When we have achieved our personal goals, we have more capacity to help others. In a deeper sense, it’s the real beginning of our practice, not the end. The lamp we light for someone else illuminates our own way. When we make efforts for the happiness of others, we are helping ourselves simultaneously. Once we achieve our dreams and goals, we should not slacken in faith. There is continual struggle in life between the negative and positive, between good and evil. This is where a benefit can turn into an obstacle if we stop polishing our lives. It’s also very important to support our organization every way we can.

  

I hope I did not throw too many keys at you! Are you ready to take action? Will you be unstoppable? The ultimate key is in your own hands. I hope that within a short time, you will be able to declare that you have realized more benefits than anyone and that you are the happiest person in the world.

  

Ten Points To Derive Maximum Benefit From Our Practice

By Jeanny Chen (from November 2000 issue of Living Buddhism) - Some key points and highlights

DEPENDENT ORIGINATION

DEPENDENT ORIGINATION

Buddhism teaches that all life is interrelated. Through the concept of "dependent origination," it holds that nothing exists in isolation, independent of other life.

When we realize the extent of the myriad interconnections which link us to all other life, we realize that our existence only becomes meaningful through interaction with, and in relation to, others. By engaging ourselves with others, our identity is developed, established and enhanced. We then understand that it is impossible to build our own happiness on the unhappiness of others. We also see that our constructive actions affect the world around us. And, as Nichiren wrote, "If you light a lamp for another, your own way will be lit."

If as individuals we can embrace the view that "because of that, this exists," or, in other words, "because of that person, I can develop," then we need never experience pointless conflicts in human relations. 

The following story brings out the Buddhist Concept of Dependent Origination or Interconnectedness as well as the importance of Gratitude in our lives.

WHO IS PACKING YOUR PARACHUTE ?

Air Commodore Vishal was a Jet Pilot. In a combat mission his fighter plane was destroyed by a missile. He however ejected himself and parachuted safely. He won acclaims and appreciations from many.

After five years one day he was sitting with his wife in a restaurant. A man from another table came to him and said "You're Captain Vishal ! You flew jet fighters. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Vishal.

"I packed your parachute," the man smiled and replied.

Vishal gasped in surprise and gratitude and thought if the parachute hadn't worked, I wouldn’t be here today.

Vishal couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. He wondered how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything because, he was a fighter pilot and that person was just a safety worker"

So friends, who is packing your parachute?

Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. 

We need many kinds of parachutes when our plane is shot down – we need the physical parachute, the mental parachute, the emotional parachute, and the spiritual parachute. 

We call on all these supports before reaching safety.

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important.

We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.

As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize the people who pack your parachute. 

Lets' appreciate and have deep gratitude for all those packed our parachutes this year, one way or the other - through their words, deeds, prayers or maybe by simply being there in our lives !

Source: Dependent Origination Concept (Courtesy July 1999 SGI Quarterly]

Good Fortune

Good Fortune

What is the secret to victory? Mr. Toda once described that in a certain sense life is a gamble. "If you are lucky, you will win," he said. "But if you are unlucky, then sometimes no matter how hard you try you lose. This is a hard fact." That is why, in addition to ability, good fortune is essential. The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku. I hope that you will all act in accord with the fundamental Law of Buddhism and lead victorious lives filled with unsurpassed good fortune.

 - Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President

DAIMOKU: QUALITY OR QUANTITY

DAIMOKU: QUALITY OR QUANTITY

Here, President Ikeda responds to a question from an Italian member about whether quantity or quality is more important in chanting daimoku. Pointing out that Buddhist practice is not about rules and formality, President Ikeda says that we should chant and act in a way that creates value and gives us a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

  

"A 100,000-lira note is worth more than a 10,000-lira note. It goes without saying that it is preferable to have the note with the greater value. In the case of daimoku, the important thing is to chant earnestly and with strong conviction. Of course, it would be even better to have lots of 100,000-lira notes! [Laughter.] The bottom line is that both quality and quantity matter in chanting.

  

The principle of “responsive communion” is very important in Nichiren Buddhism. To use an analogy, when talking on the phone, if the connection is good, we’ll be heard even if we speak softly, but if it’s bad, then sometimes the other person won’t be able to hear us even if we shout. In order for our prayers to be effective, we need to express them honestly and directly to the Gohonzon.

  

The Daishonin states: “What is called faith is nothing unusual” (WND-1, 1036). In other words, we can just be ourselves. He continues:

  

'Faith means putting one’s trust in the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions, and the heavenly gods and benevolent deities, and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a woman cherishes her husband, as a man lays down his life for his wife, as parents refuse to abandon their children, or as a child refuses to leave its mother.' (WND-1, 1036)

  

We should be honest and unpretentious when we chant to the Gohonzon. If we are suffering or feeling sad, then we should take that suffering to the Gohonzon without hiding it, expressing in our prayers what is in our hearts.

  

It is the Daishonin’s wish that we all become happy. By coming in contact with and connecting with the life of the Daishonin [by chanting to the Gohonzon], therefore, we are certain to attain happiness. It is inconceivable that the Daishonin would fail to protect those who are striving as his emissaries to realize kosen-rufu.

  

Essentially, we practice the Daishonin’s Buddhism for our own happiness and well-being. In chanting daimoku, too, the main thing is that we ourselves feel happy and satisfied. It’s not a matter of formality; there are no rules specifying how long we have to chant and so on. While it is often helpful to set ourselves a target for the amount of daimoku we want to chant, when we’re too tired or sleepy, or we find ourselves dozing off in front of the Gohonzon and just chanting out of force of habit, then it is far more valuable to get some rest and chant properly another time, when we’re refreshed in body and mind.

  

The most important thing is that we are filled with a satisfying sense of revitalization after chanting. When we continue chanting in this way each day, we will naturally come to experience a life in which all our desires are fulfilled."

  

President Ikeda’s Guidance:

Source: From remarks at a question-and-answer session during the North Italy Representative Leaders Meeting commemorating July 3, Mentor-Disciple Day, Milan Community Center, Milan, Italy, July 3, 1992.

FAITH AND ATTITUDE

FAITH AND ATTITUDE

Today I’d like to talk to you about how to make your prayers as effective as possible.

Firstly, it is very important to set clear goals. If you are sick, your goal will be to get better as quickly as possible; if you have problems with human relationships, you will want to get over these as soon as possible; and if you have financial difficulties, then of course you should be setting goals accordingly.

Once you have decided on the goal, the most important thing to do next is make a strong determination: ‘Whatever happens, I absolutely will attain that goal’. A firm determination like this is very important. The next stage, of course, is prayer. And after chanting daimoku, the next step necessary is to take action in order to realize your goal. Of course, after we’ve done all that, we know what the effect will be: actual proof. If we do not achieve the goal we have set then, in certain cases, we may need to review the determination, set a new goal, and once again strive to achieve it.

WHY WE NEED TO PRAY

There are three reasons why we should pray. Firstly, so we can have the same wisdom as the Buddha. Secondly, so that we can have life-force, in other words the energy, the courage, to take action. Thirdly, so that we can benefit from the protection of the shoten zenjin, the Buddhist ‘gods’, the protective functions within the universe.

One point I’d like to make sure that you really understand, is that the shoten zenjin only start to take action and protect us when we ourselves undertake action. So, in order for us to achieve a goal, we need to act. We need to move. We need to make efforts. And it is important that our actions and our efforts are the best we can possibly undertake. To ensure that our actions and efforts are efficient, we need wisdom. Furthermore, if we are to attain the goal we have set ourselves, we need to make constant efforts – and we also need courage.

So we pray to the Gohonzon to have the wisdom to take the best, most efficient action possible; to have the life-force to make constant efforts; and to attract the protection of the shoten zenjin when we take an action. However, even if we chant ever so hard, it will be very difficult to boil that pot of spaghetti unless we take action. And to make sure that we not only boil the spaghetti, but that it is al dente, we need wisdom and we need experience.

QUALITY OF PRAYER

The quality of our prayer is also extremely important. For example, someone who is sick may simply pray to overcome their illness. Or they may pray to regain their health in order to fight for kosen rufu. There is a very big difference between these two types of prayer.

To take another example, suppose there’s a couple who have been unable to have children, despite trying for a long time. While they may be chanting to have a child as soon as possible, what are their reasons for wanting a child? Are their reasons purely personal, because it would make them happy, because they want to have children? Or are they chanting to have a child do that they can bring this child up to become someone who will be a capable person for kosen rufu? There is a huge difference between these two in terms of quality of prayer.

The reason it is very important for us to focus on the quality of our prayer is that President Ikeda has said that true and sincere prayers for kosen rufu (not prayers aimed simply at justifying our own point of view) will be answered without fail.

TAKING ACTION

Very often, however, members chant a lot of daimoku but do not take any action. Some people don’t take action because they are afraid of the results they might see. They are afraid that they won’t see the result they want, so they don’t take any action. For example, a salaried employee with a fixed income might want to become self-employed, or start his or her own business, but might not take any action for fear of accumulating a lot of debt.

Another common example is found amongst young people who want to get married. Because they’re not sure that the marriage will work out, and that they will live happily ever after, they are full of anxiety. So, before they get married, they think, “Well, maybe we should live together.” Some end up not getting married as a result of having lived together.

So, even when people chant a lot of daimoku, other factors such as personality and human character come into play and prevent people from taking action, even if they are praying. 

Of course, taking action also includes Soka Gakkai activities. When you participate in Soka Gakkai activities, you are encouraging others. So you are actually working as a messenger of the Buddha. Inevitably, therefore, all those who participate in Gakkai activities will accumulate good fortune. And because these people accumulate good fortune, they will be able to achieve their goals and show actual proof.

I know that all of us have very different circumstances and situations – some of us may not have that much free time. Nevertheless, I really want to encourage all of you to participate in Gakkai activities because this will allow not only you, but your whole family, to be bathed in good fortune. So in order to achieve our goals, not only do we need to take concrete action, we also need good fortune. That is why Soka Gakkai activities are crucial.

MAKE UP YOUR MIND

In Italy, we have a couple who have been living together for fourteen years. Once they came to me because they wanted to receive guidance. I said to them, “You’ve been trying out your relationship by living together for fourteen years now. The fact that it has continued this long, is this not a sign that it is working?

Even though their relationship had been successful and they still wanted to live together, they still weren’t sure whether they should get married. Of course I gave them all kinds of encouragement, but there is one particular point that I would like to share with you. I asked them, “In order to make a firm determination, how much time do you need?” To make a determination requires less than one second. So I asked, “How many seconds there have been in fourteen years?”

You may laugh at this story but please, reflect on your own life.

To sum up, to put Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism into practice, we need to decide, chant and take action.

FAITH AND PRACTICE DOUBT-FREE FAITH

DECIDE

Clarify the goal and make a determination

DECIDE CHANT CHANT

If you have a problem, Chant one million daimoku

ACT ACT

Make maximum effort; Strive to resolve the problem

EXPERIENCE

Accumulating experiences deepens one’s faith.Theories without experiences are no more than pure idealism

RESULT

Show actual proof DON’T DOUBT

BELIEVE 

Faith means having no doubts

Source: Written by By SGI-UK Advisor Mitsuhiro Kaneda, UK Express March 2000

BENEFITS OF PRACTICING NICHIREN BUDDHISM

BENEFITS OF PRACTICING NICHIREN BUDDHISM

I occasionally meet people who complain, “I’ve been chanting, but I’m not getting any benefits.” As long as you earnestly practice your faith, it is absolutely impossible not to receive any benefits. We cannot judge the Gohonzon’s power merely by our own limited vision. 

  

The eyes of common mortals are totally unreliable. They are limited in that, even when they are wide open they can only see immediate benefits and cannot perceive the profound ones. For instance, if you happen to be involved in a serious traffic accident but emerge with only slight injuries, you offer your heartfelt gratitude to the Gohonzon. However, when the day ends uneventfully, and you return home safe and sound, you grumble, “Nothing good happened to me today.” This is the way of us common mortals.

  

Which is the greater benefit: to encounter misfortune and overcome it, or not to have any misfortune whatsoever? It goes without saying that the latter is far greater.

Buddhism terms readily visible but small benefits as “conspicuous,” and invisible but great benefits as “inconspicuous.” Small benefits are easy to recognize, but the great benefits take time before you notice them.

Visible benefits are not as great as invisible benefits. In Buddhism the intangible benefits are truly great. I’m not denying the value of conspicuous benefits, but it’s important to understand this point. If you fail to do so, you may think you will always receive conspicuous benefits, and if you don’t, you may lose confidence in faith.

We can understand the concept of conspicuous and inconspicuous benefit in terms of absolute and relative happiness. To improve one’s life materially and physically is to attain relative happiness. But relative happiness, no matter how great, has nothing to do with absolute happiness. That’s why we are so often told not to be swayed by superficial things in our practice of true Buddhism. When you become rich, you might lose sight of that essential something in your faith, and forget about your absolute happiness. 

*No matter what happens to you, you should continue to chant (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo) to the Gohonzon. 

*When you feel happy, you should thank the Gohonzon for your happiness. 

*When you feel sad, you should pray to the Gohonzon so that you can replace the sadness with joy. *In any event, it is the Gohonzon alone that you can depend on.

You should understand that something great is happening as long as you sincerely continue your faith, even when you don’t recognize it. By maintaining pure faith for five, ten, fifteen years and so on, before you realize it you will have arrived at a completely happy state of life – one you could not even have imagined. This is inconspicuous benefit. The power of the Gohonzon – the power of the Buddha and of the Law – is absolute. Whether or not we can call forth that power depends on our powers of faith and practice. Please tell your members to exert themselves, never doubting the Gohonzon’s power no matter what may occur, and always be convinced of the great blessings which will accrue from their practice. 

Source: Guidelines of Faith by Satoru Izumi

WHAT DOES NICHIREN BUDDHISM SAY ABOUT DESIRES?

WHAT DOES NICHIREN BUDDHISM SAY ABOUT DESIRES? 

SOME PEOPLE SAY WE CAN FULFIL ALL OUR DESIRES JUST BY PRAYING, 

IS THAT TRUE?

  

Nichiren Buddhism acknowledges the existence of desires as an integral part of being human and teaches the principle of “earthlydesires are enlightenment”, that encourages the transformation, rather than the elimination, of desires. Explaining that both “earthly desires” and “enlightenment” are intrinsic to all individuals’ lives, it is important to cultivate wisdom and inner strength so that we are neither negatively influenced nor controlled by our tendencies to attachment. Through powerful prayer to the Gohonzon, we are able to transform these desires into a driving force for our own growth. With such a prayer, our desires cease to cause suffering, and become an impetus for our wisdom and happiness instead.

Furthermore, prayers serve to propel us in the direction of happiness. While the Gohonzon enables each practitioner to realise their prayers, we might sometimes feel not all of our immediate desires and prayers have been fulfilled. At such a crucial moment, it is important to understand that the simple attainment of all our immediate desires does not mean our prayers have been answered. Rather, it means having the absolute conviction that everything has turned out for the best, and that the benefit accrued from our prayers will return to 155our lives in the most appropriate way.

Simply praying for our goals is not enough. It is equally necessary to make efforts and take concrete action towards the realisation of our desires. “Prayer without action is idealism and action without prayer is futile.” Giving an analogy to explain to school students how prayers are answered, President Ikeda explains, “[I]t’s misguided to think that simply chanting, without making any serious attempt to study, will improve your grades. The realisation of your prayers begins with making concrete efforts towards their fulfilment.”

  

Source: Value Creation, June 2016

  

How to become Men/Women of Unlimited Self Esteem

How to become Men/Women of Unlimited Self Esteem

  

You can analyze your situation all you want. You have to get to the root of why “I don’t believe in the greatness of my life”. You have to grab it by the roots and yank it out of your life. The answer is probably so simple, but we tend to over-analyze, it gets complicated and the solution seems far away. Your mission as a Buddhist is to become happy – not to master suffering. We have the negative and positive sides of us – one says, “who are you kidding”, the other, “you can do it”. You have to fight to not to give in to your negativity. This is not about being a writer, an artist, an actor, etc. It is about becoming the man or woman that you always wanted to become, a man or woman who really values his/her life.

  

The obstacles you face are the answer to your prayer.

  

Those feelings of self-doubt, those feelings that “I am a failure” – those are the feelings that I have to face and to address. How you feel about yourself, that feeling of self-loathing, of not being good enough, of being a sham. Those are the feelings you have to face. Your talent is not being questioned; it is about how you feel about yourself. That is the karma. You have to value your own life, to appreciate that it has nothing to do with anybody else validating you. Follow your heart; follow your Buddhahood and the effect from that, the benefit from that will be massive.

  

You need to follow your heart, truly treasure your life. When Nichiren Daishonin inscribed the Gohonzon, he was already chanting daimoku out of the greatness of his life, his Buddhahood, his enlightened state; he inscribed the Gohonzon for all humanity so that everyone could relieve his or her suffering. When you sit in front of the Gohonzon and chant, you have to have the most reverence for your life, the same as the Daishonin’s; therefore your life deserves that kind of reverence.

  

If you chant for two weeks to really be a person of unlimited self-esteem and to really, truly appreciate your life including your flaws, your accomplishments, your defeats and your losses, your victories, all that you have created and to truly appreciate your talent as XYZ for two weeks, everything will change.

  

Forget about the past garbage. Put it away. That will only make you feel impotent. From today on, really chant about being that man/woman of unlimited self-esteem. Really appreciate everything about your life; all the things that make you incredibly unique and wonderful. All your sufferings, problems, heartaches, will be the stuff you need, in order to share your experience, to encourage and to inspire others. Focus on really, truly awakening to your greatness. This is the opportunity (sufferings, obstacles, lack of self-esteem) you needed to go through in order to become outrageously successful – so you can fulfil your dream. If you focus on this – really valuing your life now, then everything will fall into place in a much bigger way. This is something no one can give you; the universe is showing you what you need to tackle. When you first chant this way, a lot of garbage may come out of your life, a lot of negativity, awful feelings may surface. We always bring into our lives what matches our life condition. So chant to feel incredible joy about your worth and you will feel and know self-worth and greatness.

  

You not being able to do whatever you determine is a manifestation deep down of your feeling of fear, that you are not good enough, that you do not have it in you. You must get yourself to a place where there is the greatness of your life, then everything will be transformed. We have to believe in our Buddhahood. When we face the Gohonzon, we should say, “I am going to praise my wonderful life”. It is important to awaken to your own greatness. Your life is the Gohonzon. Now is the time for you to start over.

  

When you pray to a deity, your prayer becomes passive. Our voice is the Mystic Law. This law is not outside of you. When you get a benefit, it was you who created it. You must awaken to your greatness, appreciate and value your own life. It is no different to the enlightened life of Nichiren Daishonin, embodied in the Gohonzon.

  

Just as a beautiful piece of art elicits a response, or a great book touches your life in a certain way, we must elicit the Buddha nature from our own lives. It is right here, and the Gohonzon is the perfect vehicle to bring out that strength, joy and vibrant life condition; then you take that to the world and change the environment. We are not necessarily chanting for the house, the car, the job, the relationship, but we are chanting to elevate our life condition to attract that happiness. The results that we see in our lives are a reflection of our life condition. Every day as you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo consciously call forth your Buddhahood to manifest itself consistently. Chant to rise above your basic tendency of disbelief, or continually thinking that you are a common mortal who does not deserve good fortune in this life. Do not negate your life when you sit in front of the Gohonzon. Do not beg. Do not scream. Do not berate the Gohonzon. Believe in the greatness of your life; manifest the extraordinary side of you. The Gohonzon is the tool we need to bring out our Buddhahood. My life is the Gohonzon. Do not slander your life. The doubt is necessary to prove to myself that “I am a Buddha. I will fulfil every one of my dreams for myself”. We already possess something incredible – our Buddha nature, the Gohonzon. But we do not believe that the good fortune, the “million dollars” is truly mine. I will not be able to get it, or to enjoy it. Trust that the Gohonzon, your prayer, is the absolute means for you to transform your life. Trust and faith are the key words.

  

Chant with the expectation that every one of your wildest dreams will be fulfilled beyond your wildest imagination. Chant to believe in your Buddhahood. Trust in the greatness of your life. In “On Attaining Buddhahood”, Nichiren Daishonin made a primary point: to free ourselves from the suffering of birth and death which we have endured in lifetime after lifetime, and to attain absolute happiness, we need to awaken to the mystic truth that has always been within our lives. That truth is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. That truth is “I am a Buddha”. Trust that you have everything you need for your happiness. 

 

TEN POINTS TO BECOME A PERSON OF UNLIMITED SELF-ESTEEM

1.Chant to become a person of unlimited self-esteem

2.Chant to awaken to your own greatness

3.Chant to appreciate your life, including flaws, accomplishments, defeats, losses, and victories and truly appreciate all that makes you a unique and wonderful person

4.Chant to make the impossible possible

5.Chant to consistently manifest your Buddha nature and rise above your basic tendencies and overcome your inherent negativities in your life

6.Believe that you are a Buddha and create all the benefits for yourself

7.Believe you are the Gohonzon

8.Trust that in the Gohonzon, you have the means to fulfill each and every desire to become extraordinarily happy

9.Chant to display your Buddhahood and to bring forth that strength, joy, vibrant life condition

10.And then take it to the world and change the environment.

Source; Article by Danny Nagashima, SGI General Director (USA)

The Real Meaning of Karma

The Real Meaning of Karma

Even people who know very little about Buddhism tend to have heard of karma, a word that has entered the language, and is used even when the concept isn't fully understood. In essence the theory is as simple as the translation of this Sanskrit word: 'action,' though its simplicity is also extremely profound. Buddhism teaches that every word, thought and deed is engraved in our lives. These are causes that will one day lead to noticeable effects. At one level this is something most of us are aware of: the cigarettes we smoke today will have an impact on our health at some time - we don't know when or necessarily how (whether it'll be heart problems, respiratory illness or cancer), but effects there will be. Similarly, the half-hour of exercise we've just completed has no immediate effect, but we know that if we exercise consistently, over time the result will be changed shape and increased fitness. 

Buddhism goes further, stating that our lives are shaped in just the same way, by everything we do in the course of each day and that even our personalities, our looks and our circumstances can be explained by the karma we have accumulated over countless previous lifetimes. As Daisaku Ikeda says: 

The late Arnold Toynbee interestingly compared the human karmic situation to a banking account in which entries are always being made in the debit and credit columns to alter the balance, which is the fate of the individual life at any given moment. Buddhists believe that what Dr Toynbee called the karma balance sheet continues in effect after death and into coming lives.

Buddhism also teaches that, as with a bank account, changing our karma is within our control. Just as cutting down on expenses and making the effort to pay in more money can put our account into healthy credit, so making positive changes in our lives, in our interaction with other people, and in our relationship to the world in general, creates ‘good’ karma which can change our destinies. Nichiren Daishonin, in his treatise ‘The Opening of the Eyes,’ quotes from the Contemplation on the Mind Ground Sutra which makes this point strongly, ‘If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present’. 

Daisaku Ikeda explains it like this:

Most people in the West accept the idea that effort (causes) produces rewards (effects). In short, the Buddhist law of causes and effect seems to agree with what human beings everywhere experience in actual practice; and although actual karmic links are often very difficult to demonstrate, awareness of a degree of connection between his actions and their outcomes can inspire man to strive to be and do better.

Importantly he makes the point that the potential to change our karma is enormously increased by our Buddhist practice. Think, for example, of a water pipe. If it is not used for a long time, it will rust and the water which first runs through it will become turbid. In this example the turbid water is compared to the unhappy life condition of the human beings which is bound by negative karma. However as you continue chanting to the Gohonzon everyday with strong faith, sending clean water into the water pipe, that is your life, you will eventually change your karma fundamentally without fail just as the water becomes clear. (Buddhism in Action).

Source: Karma - By Sarah Litvinoff UKE 1995

KARMA CHANGED THROUGH FAITH IN GOHONZON

KARMA CHANGED THROUGH FAITH IN GOHONZON

By Karen Heng, Singapore Soka Association SSA Honorary Zone leader.

  

Two years ago, before my conversion to True Buddhism. I have birth to my second daughter, Hilda. At both doctors found that she had a malformed left kidney. She was immediately operated on.

  

Things went well for a while until she was eight months old, when one night she has a high fever. This lasted for almost two weeks. Although we consulted several doctors and specialists her condition odd not improve. We finally decided to send her to the Singapore General Hospital. 

  

She was awarded immediately for examination. Detailed test were conducted; diagnosis - malignant blood cancer, called "Letterer Siwe Disease". On hearing the news, the whole world seems to fall on us. What was worst, she has to go through a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

  

After the operation the doctors told us that her condition was incurable because the cancer has spread to the other organs. Her liver and spleen were three times the normal size. They pronounced that that she will live only a few months. 

  

It was a terrible shock for both my husband and I. A feeling of hopelessness overcame us. During this time we spend a lot of money consulting spiritual mediums and for the sake of my daughter, I took all sorts of regions worship. I even changed her name as suggested by a relative abd also foster her to a fiend but all these were of no avail. 

  

Every day after work, I would spend the evening in the ward till she was sleep and then rushed off to consult spiritual medium.

  

While I was in this hell like state my present district leader Mdm Lee Bee Eng came to tell me about the Gohonzon. She told me that my daughter's condition was due to my bad karma and only the Racine of True Buddhism would enable my family to change her destiny. She also related many benefits received by fellow members. She further explained why people had problems and how they could change their bad karma for the better.

  

I was deeply moved by her sincerity so I started chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo as I felt there was hope. After a few weeks of chanting, my daughter's condition improved as was soon discharged from the hospital but had to return for weekly treatment. 

  

The actual proof convinced me of the infinite power of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. So I gave up all other forms of worship and started doing Gongyo. Each morning I begin my morning prayers at 4.00 am and chanted 3 to 4 hours daily. 

  

As my daughter was given the "In-vein" treatment , the doctors has to pick an artery from her arm to inject the medication into her bloodstream. As my baby was on the plumb side, the doctors always has robles in locating the artery. So very often, after making bruises here and there, an artery on her forehead causing profuse bleeding.

  

I chanted desperately for wisdom to be bestowed on the doctors so that they would discover a less painful method of treatment. Less than one month, we were informed by the doctors that they carried out some research and found that my daughter could take oral treatment instead.

  

Hearing this, I could not hold back my tears of relief. I realized that through my foremost prayers my daughter's karmic retribution was been lessen. We are also changing poison into medicine."

  

From then on, I have been practicing whole- heartedly, introducing Buddhism to so many people and attending every discussion meeting. In less than a year, my daughter's condition improved so remarkably that the doctors found it unbelievable. In fact, they attempted to stop medication totally to see if could survive without drugs.

  

It had been one year since my daughter's treatment stopped. She is now a healthy and beautiful three year old girl. Recently I was told by her doctors that they had referred her case to the National University of Singapore NUH-Pediatrics for case study. Of course, they had yet to know that it is the power of Nam- Myoho-Renge-Kyo at work.

  

Looking back, I feel that I was very fortunate to have met the Gohonzon which has enabled me to lessen my bad karma. We enshrined the Gohonzon in May 1981. Seeing my actual proof, my husband and both my daughter also started to chant.

  

To show my appreciation, I am devoting myself to the happiness of others through various activities promoted by the Women's Division.

  

Truly, my daughter's recovery from what was certainly an incurable disease has shown to us the immense power of the Gohonzon and just as the 26th High Priest Nichikan Shonin says" No prayers will go answered, no sins unforgiven, all good fortune will be bestowed and all righteousness proven." 

  

Source:

Personal Experience By Karen Heng, Tiong Bahru Chapter.

Note; Mdm Karen Hemg has also been cured of nose cancer in the 90s and is presently now a volunteer in the Singapore Cancer Society in Singapore General Hospital. 

PRESIDENT IKEDA'S ENCOURAGEMENT

PRESIDENT IKEDA'S ENCOURAGEMENT 

"My friends, whatever happens don't be surprised or afraid. I will be your roof and breakwater in the fiercest of storms. Have peace of mind, and joyfully and serenely savour the spring breezes of life in this spiritual hometown of Soka. Please lead a life of triumph !"

"Be firmly assured that those with faith in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, which always turn to spring, and please tenaciously keep on challenging life's hardships. There...in, lies the essential path to leading a life of the richest fulfilment."

"I want you to be sharp, considerate and wise people. And whatever happens, you must never lose heart, you must always keep trying and be patient. Such a person will always triumph. It is the Lotus Sutra that has taught us this unbeatable strategy."

Source: President Ikeda - NHR - Vol 26, Chapter 1

DO YOUR HUMAN REVOLUTION AND WINTER WILL TURN TO SPRING

DO YOUR HUMAN REVOLUTION AND WINTER WILL TURN TO SPRING

  

There is always a tendency to blame others for the problems we faced, rather than examining if these problems were actually caused by our actions/ behaviors, directly or indirectly. Instead of having this attitude when facing the possibility of a divorce, this member did her human revolution, deepen her faith, chanted stronger daimoku and participated in kosenrufu. Eventually, she saved her marriage. 

  

SGI Member's Testimonial:

  

I started chanting in June 2011, daily for at least 1 to 2 hours, sometime even more than 2 hours. I took up faith with Nichiren Buddhism because of the relationship with my husband.

  

I have been sincerely practicing daimoku with precise prayer. 6 months ago, I was suffering from a broken relationship with my husband.

  

I was very sad, as I do not wish to have such broken family/relationship and I always wish to give my children a very harmonious family.

  

When I was almost about to give up the relationship, a Soka Gakai member gave me a lot of support, sharing her experience on how she overcame and rescued her marriage through Nichiren Buddhism.

  

The problem that I faced was not a simple one. It was the results of family and relationship issues, personality and job pressure from both parties.

  

All these created the reasons for divorce.

  

I took up faith in Nichiren Buddhism and made the decision to take up the challenge to rescue marriage life.

  

A week after I started chanting sincerely, my husband sent me a message telling me “he need more time to do the best on family, and hope to have my understanding on him”.

  

It was a miracle from daimoku to the Gohonzon. The divorce did not proceed. Thus, I continued to increase daimoku daily to clear my karma.

  

I know this was my karma, which caused my husband to be under depression in a “world of darkness”. I vow to change my karma; to turn winter into spring; to change poison to medicine.

  

Through the chanting, I know everything happened with a reason.

  

It seemed like my life took the path to take up faith in Nichiren Buddhism because of this marriage issue. Through the chanting, my relationship with my in-law also improve and we become closer day-by-day.

  

Chanting to the Gohonzon is like a mirror reflecting ourselves; we become aware of our weaknesses.  I started to change my weakness and do my human revolution to build a better relationship with my husband.

  

Even though the divorce is out of the way at this moment, the problem between us could not be simply resolved overnight.

  

However, I never give up every bad thing that happened in my life. I continue with my strong prayer, attend weekly meeting and do kosen-rufu.

  

I believe deeply in the Gohonzon that I will turn my life to spring in one day soon.

  

“The process of changing poison into medicine begins when we approach difficult experiences as an opportunity to reflect on ourselves and to strengthen and develop our courage and compassion. Suffering can thus serve as a springboard for a deeper experience of happiness. From the perspective of Buddhism, inherent in all negative experiences is this profound positive potential.”

  

Whenever bad/worst thing happened, I would chant to the Gohonzon with a precise prayer.

  

“Apologize to the Gohonzon whatever I did wrong in previous time and current time, I must turn the poison into medicine.”

  

As a result of this unwavering faith, all bad circumstances improve for the better without any expectation.

  

Through chanting, I started to change my personality, thinking and attitude. Before I took up faith with Nichiren Buddism, I like to nag my family members and at my husband for not helping with the housework even he was back from work and was very tired and feeling down.

  

After chanting, I now have a positive thinking.

  

Before, I like to compare others’ husbands with mine but after chanting daimoku, I learned that nobody is perfect. I have to accommodate the weakness of my partner, cherish the life that he has given me – this is a true love towards my husband.

  

I know that I need more daimoku to get my husband out from a “dark” situation.

  

Even though I know he was very close with a married woman (she was going through a divorce with her husband), I never give up our marriage.

  

I continue chanting to and have deep faith in the Gohonzon. I will turn winter to spring soon. I chanted sincerely to the Gohonzon that my hubby will be able to apprehend the situation clearly and correctly.

  

With precise and strong daimoku for a few months, he did not contact that woman anymore.

  

I am really thankful to the Gohonzon and the faith in Nichiren Buddhism. Nowadays, our relationship become better day-by-day, and we are planning for our new baby soon.

  

I am sending a lot of daimoku to my husband everyday whenever I am chanting. I pray to the Gohonzon that I want my husband to be a capable leader and contribute to kosen-rufu.

  

Nichiren Daishonin stated, “If both of you unite in encouraging their [your husbands’] faith, you will follow the path of the Dragon King’s daughter and become the model for women attaining enlightenment in the evil latter Day of the Law” (MW-1, 146).

  

I wish everyone would have great wisdom from chanting daimoku.

  

Remember – Do not give up even we are facing any problem/obstacles during our daimoku to the Gohonzon.

  

The problems that happen in our life are our negative karma and we have to chant strong daimoku whether we are sad or happy.

THE GOHONZON IS WITHIN US

THE GOHONZON IS WITHIN US

  

I find that so many people still chant to the Gohonzon as if it were some God or some force outside of themselves. The attitude with which we chant, and the attitude with which we view the Gohonzon is most important, because if we have a distorted view, we will have a distorted practice, and it is that distorted practice and view, that we will teach to others.

We know from study that the characters on the Gohonzon represent the two sides of life and all of the positive/negative attributes that exist within life, including that fundamental darkness that coexists within every human life. Nichiren Daishonin says that there is no life that has one without the other. The characters representing both aspects of life are written on the Gohonzon. For me what is exciting is to know, that even without my being able to read it, Nichiren Daishonin wrote all of these characters on the Gohonzon, which represent every aspect of life, in such a way that every character is looking at the centre just like you and me. Every character is looking at Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Think about the Ceremony in the Air. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the axis of the universe and we’re forming a circle around that axis.

All of us are looking at Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. It is the centre that every character is looking at. Why? It is because Nichiren Daishonin is giving us a continual message every time we look at the Gohonzon. The message is that we must base our life on the Law and never on the person. It is the mystic law that has enabled every Buddha throughout eternity to be able to manifest their fullest potential, and that it is the key, which is the centre, for everything. We have to make Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo the centre of our life and we have to base our life on Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. It means being able to see and to hear ourselves. It means that whenever we are facing a problem, we don’t just try to use our brain to figure it out, or strategise how to fix it. Many members still do this, and after they have racked their brain as to what to do in order to get from Point A to Point B or to fix the problem, they then chant the solution to the Gohonzon to make it work! . I think that this is practising incorrectly. Let me tell you why.

When we talk about the nine levels of consciousness, the first five are our senses. Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste and Touch. The sixth level is the conscious mind. The seventh is the unconscious mind. The eighth level is what we call the karma storage area, which is that area in our life that has accumulated every cause we have ever made throughout all existences. Below that is the ninth level of consciousness, which Buddhism says, is the one pure, unchanging reality of our life.

Every single one of us has fortune and lack of fortune in our life. In the areas in which we have fortune, we can do the same things we see other people do and we can achieve our goals but in the areas of your life where you lack fortune, you can do the identical thing you see your neighbour doing, but the object of your desire seems to move further and further away (laughter), right?

EXCHANGING MISFORTUNE FOR FORTUNE

When we are dealing with problems in our lives, they have a causal connection to us. Many times they come from that place in our life where we lack fortune. And so, if we use our brain to strategize how to fix things, our brain can only go to the eighth level of consciousness, which is the karma storage. That is the area which stores up and accumulates all of the causes we have ever made, and it’s seems to be the place in which; WE DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE FORTUNE . Our brain then devises a solution based on lack of fortune. By following this “mental” solution, we will keep reinforcing the same pattern of karmic tendencies over and over in our lives.

But what Nichiren teaches is that by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo you can pierce through the eighth level of karma storage. Pierce through it, be unaffected by it, and you can reach the pure unchanging reality and infinite wisdom of your life that is unaffected by karma storage. That answer is the correct answer for your life. It’s not affected by your karma in the area in which you lack fortune. And this is why I believe Nichiren Daishonin says we must become the master of our mind rather than allowing our mind to master us.

My point is this; when we pray, we need to start from a determination such as: “I will accomplish X,” (whatever X is). We also have to understand from Buddhism that we create our life every moment through our thoughts, our words, and our behavior. Prayer in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is profoundly different from prayer in other religions. We are not praying to something outside of ourselves to bestow something on us. Instead, our prayer here is the determination that; “I will create the object or thing that I am praying for through my causes of thought, words, and actions. I am the creator of my life and I will take the responsibility to create the thing that I am praying for, and that after I have chanted this kind of determined daimoku, I will accomplish X.” I then must come to a realization… “How in the world am I going to do this? That answer only exists inside of my life. I can tap my wisdom for the answer when I have the belief and conviction, that the answer exists inside of me.” And I start chanting with the determination to pull that wisdom up from within my life to clearly see what it is that I need to do in order to create the thing that I’m praying for. 

That is why President Ikeda says:

“Benefit comes from you. Nobody gives you benefit.”

Source: Linda Johnson, SGI-USA WD Leader (The Art of listening with the eyes of a Buddha)

CHANTING DAIMOKU FOR THE ABSOLUTE HAPPINESS OF THE PERSON WHO WE DESIRE TO HAVE A LOVING & HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH

CHANTING DAIMOKU FOR THE ABSOLUTE HAPPINESS OF THE PERSON WHO WE DESIRE TO HAVE A LOVING & HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH

The key is prayer - chanting daimoku earnestly. When we encounter someone we find hard to deal with, we need to pray sincerely for that person. When we argue or fight with another person, it means that both of our life conditions are low. Praying for the happiness of the other person will greatly elevate our own state of life.

Emotional conflicts are frequently caused by misunderstandings, so it's important that we talk to each other with an open mind. We need to have the courage to engage each other in dialogue.

- Daisaku Ikeda

When you are chanting to be with someone you love, always chant for their happiness first.

We are sometimes afraid to do so, thinking what if their happiness does not include you? What if their happiness means being with someone else? This is when we should realise that no matter how many strategies you make, how many prayers you write, the Gohonzon will always give you results based on your intent.

Love is never selfish, it is always selfless and unconditional. If you love someone, their happiness is what should matter, absolute happiness, then you can't choose what or who will make them happy. You can't have a conditional prayer saying that XYZ will only be happy with me or XYZ's happiness will lie in being with me.

You can of course chant for both your happiness to be linked and connected, and that you will awaken each others happiness, but their absolute happiness should always be first and foremost.

With this intent, unconditional love, and a focused and powerful Daimoku, you will see victory in a way you never imagined !!

Ten points to become a person of unlimited self-esteem

Ten points to become a person of unlimited self-esteem

1. Chant to become a person of unlimited self-esteem

2. Chant to awaken to your own greatness

3. Chant to appreciate your life, including flaws, accomplishments, defeats, losses, and victories and truly appreciate all that makes you a unique and wonderful person...

4. Chant to make the impossible possible

5. Chant to consistently manifest your Buddha nature and rise above your basic tendencies and overcome your inherent negativities in your life

6. Believe that you are a Buddha and create all the benefits for yourself

7. Believe you are the Gohonzon

8. Trust that in the Gohonzon, you have the means to fulfill each and every desire to become extraordinarily happy

9. Chant to display your Buddhahood and to bring forth that strength, joy, vibrant life condition

10. And then take it to the world and change the environment

Source: Guidance by Danny Nagashima, SGI General Director (USA)

DAIMOKU IS A GIFT WE GIVE TO OURSELVES

DAIMOKU IS A GIFT WE GIVE TO OURSELVES

  

Many times we've been chanting and give up when things don't move. But with what attitude have we been chanting? We must go for our dreams 100%! Never do anything half-hearted. If in your heart you don't believe it will happen, it will not happen. It matters what you do in front of and away from the Gohonzon. Your attitude always matters.

  

The solution is always daimoku and if you don’t believe that, then chant to believe it. Chant to have the courage to take action. Chant to pullout of your life what you need and when you need it. The moment you feel weak, fight back. President Ikeda says even if you get knocked down five times, get up six. Always have the spirit to get up. We can change anything in the moment. We can change this moment and tomorrow. We must be courageous; we must challenge those things that we do not believe we can achieve. If we never challenge the impossible, we can never, ever know the full power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

  

The only person who can achieve our dreams is ourselves. We have to rely on ourselves to achieve it, to do it. Nothing in life brings greater joy than achieving a goal through your own effort. If you are not a coward who quits, you can achieve anything. President Ikeda has been writing a lot to the youth lately, but I tell you he's talking to all of us. He says youth isn't just age. It is spiritual strength. Youth means not to be resistant to change, to never settle for mediocrity and to continually seek growth.

  

Making constant effort over our lifetime is the key to our happiness. Always be on guard: look at yourself and ask: Am I limiting myself? It is human nature to want to take the path of least resistance. But the path of least resistance is the path of little change, little growth and a lifetime of unhappiness and frustration.

  

Chanting abundant daimoku is the key to everything. It puts our lives in rhythm so that we can accomplish everything we need to do. It is important to enjoy morning and evening gongyo and daimoku. It is a very mystical experience when you put your practice first, which in effect is putting your life first. You'd be amazed how much you will get done and enjoy doing it. Chanting lots of daimoku is the gift we give oourselves; it is the key to enjoy life.

  

Source: Culled from General Lecture by Linda Johnson, SGI-USA, 21.03.1998

HOW TO CHANT TO CHANGE THE CORE OF YOUR LIFE

HOW TO CHANT TO CHANGE THE CORE OF YOUR LIFE

First of all, before you begin:

Relax, clear your head, clear your heart!

But especially your head, your mind, relax emotionally, mentally, physically. It is important to be very natural.

Second: 

When you chant, you really need to use your eyes. 

• Focus on the Gohonzon. 
• Then listen to your voice. 
• Focus on the ‘myoho’ character [about one fifth of the way down, in the middle] which means‘mystical’. You have to use your eyes. This is extremely important.

When you use your eyes, your mind stops. Clear your mind by strongly focusing your eyes. Let your thoughts rest by using your eyes. When you’re busy thinking all the time, your brain is sucking energy. This means your brain is getting stronger (which is not healthy), but your core isn’t changing because the energy isn’t being directed there.

What you really have to do is look at the Gohonzon with power and let your mind relax. The Gohonzon in your life already knows your worries and desires. Keep everything in your heart – *just chant with your eyes locked on the Gohonzon.* Then when Nam Myoho Renge Kyo comes into tune with the core of your life, it will melt away and dissolve karma. It will change into strength so you can become strong and clear-minded enough to accomplish your desires.

In this way you should come to enjoy the act of chanting because you’re feeling the core of your life. You’re fusing with the highest potential in your life, represented by the Gohonzon. 

*When you’re thinking strategies, you’re not changing your karma.*

Question: When I chant I often imagine what I want. I picture it in my mind. I see it happening in my mind. Is that OK?

Answer: Positive imaginations are a good thing, but not strategies. If you get to imagining how to make it happen, instead of the images of it, then you are strategizing.

Prayer should come from the heart! The Gohonzon knows your worries and desires. Keep them in your heart, focus on the Gohonzon and simply chant. If you can do simple, good daimoku and gongyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo goes stronger, deeper, to expand you, dissolve difficult karma and generate positive results. Daimoku should come from your core. If it comes from the brain, the brain becomes stronger and so does the confusion.

When you close your eyes or avert them from the Gohonzon, the power to fuse the core of your life with the Gohonzon weakens and the mind plays around. Chant clearly, confidently, comfortably.

* Don’t read while you chant!

* Don’t do anything while you chant.

* Just chant.

When you read, read. When you chant, chant. After good daimoku you may read or your schedule may require you to get right to work or do things you need to do. You may have a busy life, but don’t have busy daimoku.

Don’t be busy but focus! Through focused daimoku, you can melt away negative karma. Chanting is a time to cultivate your life, not think about your strategies.

Daimoku is the time to enrich your Buddha nature, not the time to have a Planning meeting for your life or day.

IN MY HEAD: POSITIVE IMAGINATIONS 

IN MY HEART: DEEP PRAYER

IN MY MOUTH: CLEAR CHANTING

Source: Lecture by Ted Morino - EX SGI-USA Vice General Director