Gratitude in Prayers

Gratitude in Prayers

  

Our prayers are answered only to the extent that we exert ourselves to realize the Buddha’s wish for the happiness of all humanity. The Gohonzon (Mystic Law) has no obligation to answer our prayers. It has not asked us to chant to it. We request the privilege of being allowed to pray to the Gohonzon. If we have such a sense of gratitude and appreciation, our prayers will be answered more quickly."

-Daisaku Ikeda

Solution is Always Daimoku

Solution is Always Daimoku

"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."

- Linda Johnson

Three Obstacles and Four Devils (Sansho Shima)

Three Obstacles and Four Devils

(Sansho Shima)

     

“When an airplane sits motionless on a runway, it encounters no resistance from the wind. As it accelerates down the runway, however, it meets resistance or drag from the air around it. The increasing wind resistance creates a lifting force under the wings, enabling the airplane to become airborne. As long as the plane maintains the sufficient speed, the opposing force of the wind will continue generating the lift necessary to sustain flight”.

“Similarly when we exert ourselves in Buddhist practice and begin to move toward our lasting happiness, we will meet the wind resistance of internal and external obstacles and function to resist or to stop our advancement.  Buddhism describe these function as the “Three obstacles and four devils”. In case of an airplane, the appearance of wind resistance demonstrates the plan’s speed had increased and that is about to become airborne. For us meeting “Three obstacles and four devils” is proof that we are accelerating toward happiness, our human revolution and the transformation of our karma.

   

The three obstacles are:

The obstacle of earthly desires, or obstacles arising from the three poisons of greed, anger, and foolishness

The obstacle of karma, obstacles due to bad karma created by committing any of the five cardinal sins or ten evil acts.The obstacle of karma also may be the hindrances presented by one's wife or children

The obstacle of retribution, obstacles caused by the negative karmic effects of actions in the three evil paths. It is the hindrances caused by one's sovereign or parents.

  

The four devils are:

The hindrance of the five components, obstructions caused by one's physical and mental functions

The hindrance of earthly desires, obstructions arising from the three poisons

The hindrance of death, meaning one's own untimely death obstructing one's practice of Buddhism, or the premature death of another practitioner causing one to doubt

The hindrance of the devil king, who is said to assume various forms or take possession of others in order to cause one to discard one's Buddhist practice. This hindrance is regarded as the most difficult to overcome.

  

These three obstacles and four devils weaken our spirit to fight for our own happiness, causing our life condition to decline. As a result our practice produces less wisdom and courage. Therefore it is important to keep a check on them and fight against them when they appear. It is quoted in the Gosho that "As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere.... One should be neither influenced nor frightened by them. If one falls under their influence, one will be led into the paths of evil. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the correct teaching."

When these obstacles occurs, We must summon forth our faith and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the practice of gongyo, daimoku and shakabuku and participating in gakkai activities with the conviction that they are turning points in our growth and will lead a brilliant and victorious life is to overcome with great resolve such obstacles. This we can do only by strengthening our faith, advancing kosenRufu, helping our fellow members to become happy by applying faith in their daily lives.

   

The important thing to realize is that when difficulties appear, they present an opportunity to make renewed efforts in our practice so that we are able to grow further and show proof of the power of Nam MyohoRengekyo. Obstacles and devils are a natural function of the practice and we should not be afraid of them – as our practice and faith deepens , we come to recognize the form of our own particular demons take, tailor made for each one of us , so that we continue to challenge ourselves in our quest to become better human beings.

PRAYERS

On Prayers

   

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 us brings joy from within. 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

  

MIND OF FAITH

MIND OF FAITH

  

One's mind of faith is extremely important. The mind of faith has a subtle and far-reaching influence. 

  

There may be times, for instance, when you feel reluctant to do gongyo or take part in activities for kosen-rufu. That state of mind is reflected exactly on the entire universe, as if on the surface of a clear mirror. The heavenly deities will then also feel reluctant to play their part, and they will naturally fail to exert their full power of protection. 

  

On the other hand, when you joyfully do gongyo and carry out activities with the determination to accumulate more good fortune in your life, the heavenly deities will be delighted and will valiantly perform their duty. If you must take some action anyway, it is to your advantage that you do so spontaneously and with a feeling of joy. 

  

If you practice reluctantly with a sense that it’s a waste of time, disbelief and complaints will erode your good fortune. If you continue to practice in this way, you will not experience remarkable benefits, and this will only serve to further convince you that your practice is in vain. This is a vicious circle. 

  

If you practice faith while doubting its effects, you will get results that are, at best, unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own weak faith on the mirror of the cosmos. On the other hand, when you stand up with strong confidence, you will accrue limitless blessings. 

  

While controlling your mind, which is at once both extremely subtle and solemnly profound, you should strive to elevate your faith with freshness and vigor. When you do so, both your life and your surroundings will open wide before you, and every action you take will become a source of benefit. Understanding the subtle workings of one’s mind is the key to faith and to attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. 

  

There is a Russian proverb which says, "It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry." Likewise, your happiness or unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad causes accumulated in your life. You cannot blame others for your misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all the more clearly. 

  

Mirror Guidance - Buddhism is the mirror that perfectly reflects our life. Daisaku Ikeda

  

DAIMOKU – NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO

DAIMOKU – NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO

"Daimoku chanted with the resonance, dynamism, and forward momentum of freely flowing water constitutes a winning rhythm. It's important that we chant at an invigorating pace resembling that of a noble steed galloping across the open plains. Daimoku is the driving force for absolute victory."

  

"There is no way that all of you, who chant daimoku to the Gohonzon and earnestly strive for kosen-rufu, will fail to become happy. You will not only enjoy happiness in this lifetime, but eternally throughout the three existences of past, present, and future."

  

"Real life, however, is filled with an unending series of problems, including such things as financial troubles, sickness, and family disharmony. But even though, at such times, your circumstances may seem unfortunate on the surface, if you keep chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo throughout, you will definitely be able to transform all that is negative into something positive in accord with the Buddhist principle of 'changing poison into medicine.' You can ride out every difficulty, turning it into an opportunity for growth. In this sense, it can be said that, on a fundamental level, you have already won."

  

"Your life could be likened to a play. You may be performing the role of someone suffering right now, but the play is certain to have a happy and triumphant ending. There is no way that it could conclude in misery. You will be able to enjoy happiness in lifetime after lifetime. You will be able to win eternally. So you have nothing to worry about."

  

"We of the SGI today who embrace the Mystic Law are the most fortunate of all the 6.8 billion people on this planet. Just because someone enjoys favorable circumstances doesn't necessarily mean they are happy. If they feel empty inside, they can't be said to be happy."

  

"Unsurpassed happiness is found in dedicating one's life to the Mystic Law, the supreme teaching of Buddhism. Happiness isn't the absence of problems or worries. Even Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day, encountered great hardships--he faced slander and abuse, incurred intense hatred and jealousy, and battled fierce onslaughts by the three powerful enemies. And he deliberately showed these struggles to his followers as an example for their own Buddhist practice."

  

"True joy can be found in the midst of challenges. Problems can help us grow. Strong opponents can make us stronger. It is just as the Daishonin says when he writes: 'It is not one's allies but one's powerful enemies who assist one progress' (WND-1, 770)."

  

Source: SGI Newsletter No. 7811, YOUNG WOMEN'S DIVISION COMMEMORATIVE GATHERING--PART 1 [OF 5], Be Cheerful Suns of Happiness, from the June 7th, 2009, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated July 3rd, 2009

Faith

Faith

  

“Result is a reflection of your faith in the Gohonzon. Whatever you are thinking in front of the Gohonzon will be true for you. Are you thinking failure or victory? Are you trying to tell the Gohonzon how to solve your problems or are you turning over your heart’s desire with unlimited trust to the Gohonzon? The Gohonzon’s power is beyond the comprehension of our minds. This is why we call it mystic. Our challenge is to dream of results as big as the power of the Gohonzon, which has no limit. With this attitude of faith, you can tap the infinite power of joy, gratitude and victory. If you find you are stuck, pray to release the chains of doubt & fear clouding your mind of faith. Pray for unbounded confidence & courage to win over your past & joyfully step into your bright future.”

   

- Sensei Ikeda

True Faith

True Faith

  

This piece talks about a very important aspect that is often not emphasized enough - Our Ichinen; Am I serious about my problem or am I simply complaining about the situation but not praying seriously about it? This guidance emphasizes the importance of actual proof, and not passively accepting a negative situation.

  

"We recite in our Gongyo, "Jiga toku burai" or "Since I attained Buddhahood". It is that crucial that we chant with conviction. To think that someone else will grant you Buddhahood is wrong. You must act yourself. 

  

I visited the Kawai residence in Fukui Prefecture of Japan to give guidance at a meeting being held there around February. Mr. Kawai who is now 51 years old had been blind from three years old after contracting measles. I told him, "You have eyeballs don't you? If you have eyes then you can open them. This Gohonzon is the Gohonzon of "The Opening of the Eyes". 

  

"The Opening of the Eyes" teaches us to see clearly. And yet you cannot see - it must be because you did something against the Gohonzon and the Buddhist teachings in your past. You must have committed great slanders in the past. Ask the Gohonzon to please forgive your slanders. Express your gratitude to have had the fortune to meet the Gohonzon in this lifetime. Pledge to dedicate your life to Kosenrufu. Ask the Gohonzon to allow you to see the Gohonzon, your family and others around you so you can contribute towards Kosenrufu." I asked him to pray in such a way. 

  

In the beginning of March, I received a message that he regained his sight after almost fifty years. Through his experience the whole Fukui prefecture has revitalized itself. It is such a surprise that one person regaining his sight can have such a great impact on an entire region. 

  

But what I wonder about this incident is why he couldn't regain his sight sooner? He was a member who offers his own home for meetings, never missed his Gongyo and had strong faith. Yet why wasn't he able to see sooner. It was because his attitude when doing his Gongyo and Daimoku was incorrect. His faith had gone off track. 

  

You must pray earnestly, "Isshin yokenbutsu fujishaku shinmyo" or "single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha". You must chant with gratitude and conviction that you will become one with the Gohonzon and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. There is no such thing as a sick or poor Buddha. Therefore all worries will be resolved. That is why you can achieve human revolution. Only human beings are able to achieve these things."

  

Source: Guidance by SGI Vice President Tsuji (Excerpt)

  

The Attitude of Prayers

The Attitude of Prayers

  

We normally pray in three ways:

  

1. Prayer out of habit – This means not having clear determination and clear targets.

2. Prayer with delusion – This means, using methodology while praying. For example, wondering how the prayer will be answered and trying to figure out the logistics.

3. Prayer with doubt – 99% of us practice with doubt.

  

While praying, it is not just enough to chant many hours or to complete a Daimoku target, we must remember that we pray because there is no way out. If we already have a solution, we will not pray. We must make impossible to possible. Prayer should be like putting fire to wet timber.

We must always have concrete prayer. What is concrete prayer? It is like – I want a cat. I want a white cat. I want a Persian cat and I want it within two weeks. This kind of prayer will produce results.

What is an experience? When the economy is going down, Gakkai members get very good jobs. This is proof of faith. In this, we can see that rationale and logic is not the determining factor. Normally while praying, one would think that if the economy is down, how can I get a good job? When we pray with this kind of mind, then we are using methodology.

What is faith? It is to have a big goal or a big dream. Then to pray that this dream turns into hope and to continue to pray so that hope becomes reality. We must have courage so that we can pray with 100% confidence in the power of Gohonzon. Courage can change everything, not intellect or money. Courage means power to make impossible to possible. Courage means ‘ I must do’ spirit and now how can I do. A coward cannot change history. Only a man of courage can. Courage cannot be obtained by money or by brain power but only by chanting.

The example of conviction can be found in Mahatma Gandhi’s life. He believed that nonviolence would win over the British armed forces. He did not have this belief based on historical proof of success on nonviolence. Nor was his belief affected by the fact that he had no weapons, arms or ammunitions. He was also not unnerved by many obstacles, persecution and imprisonments that he faced. For him, victory was decided in the beginning itself. He had 100% confidence. Though he never chanted, he actually practiced the essence of Buddhism. Therefore, pray with 100% confidence. Nothing is achieved when we have doubts. If we have doubts, our target begins to disappear or weaken.

We join the practice so that we can enjoy our life every day. We did not join so that we become serious, tense and feel very pressurized. The main purpose of Sugarcane is to produce sugar, even though the squeezed sugarcane waste can be used for producing other things. The main purpose of practice is to become happy. Believe in Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Gohonzon, Gosho and Sensei. Only Sensei is doing exactly what Gosho says. Therefore, he is our mentor. Believe in the Gohonzon. Challenge the impossible. Then joy will come from within. Gohonzon is in your own self and not outside. Belief in the Gohonzon is belief in yourself. This is the driving force that turns the impossible into possible. You will have the greatest joy when the impossible happens. When you see no way out, just chant with 100% confidence. Relying on money or intellect cannot bring happiness. You need to challenge the impossible. Chant to change and not for the sake of chanting. It is useless if you are doing lots of activities and there are no benefits.

There are three kinds of practice:

  

• When we chant a lot and do lots of activities but we have no clear targets, then it is like a car with in neutral gear. When you press the accelerator, the car makes a lot of noise and a lot of fuel is burnt out but the car remains stationery.

  

• When you do lots of daimoku and activities but your life is full of complaints, jealousy, contempt etc then it is like a car in reverse gear. The more you accelerate the more backward the car will go. In this case, the more you pray with a negative spirit, the worse it becomes.

  

• To put our practice into forward gear, make sure that you have concrete targets and no ill-feelings. Even if you are 100% correct and the other person is 100% wrong, if you have ill feelings, jealousy, grudges etc you are committing slander. There is nothing correct about slander. There is nothing like a correct slander!

   

Buddhism is not about correct or incorrect. Buddhism means win or lose. Since we are Sensei’s disciples, Sensei will not be happy if one wins and the other loses. We must both win. Pray for the people who are troubling you to win along with you. If you slander then all good fortune will collapse.

  

Your opinion and views, if it is not liked by others, pray first before talking. If your view is good for kosen rufu, pray with 100% confidence that your view be accepted. This will give you energy for self growth and to develop your faith. Therefore, appreciate those who trouble you. There is no use to fight. Both will go down in a fight. We must grow together. In Soka Gakkai everyone must be a winner.

  

There are two types of people. One who is always complaining and the other who is always optimistic, enjoying happiness even in adversity. Become a person who is optimistic and always cheerful. Good fortune will grow if you are cheerful.

  

From the history of Soka Gakkai, we understand the importance of standalone spirit and the courage of one person. Toda Sensei stood alone in 1945. He had with him only confidence in the Gohonzon. Today Soka Gakkai exists in 192 countries. Its members are overflowing with health happiness and good fortune. Fix a big target and develop your faith. Invisible faith will bring you real happiness.

  

It is foolish to chase after material benefits. Without suffering, we cannot strengthen faith. We need karma and suffering to build good fortune.

  

Pray for worldwide kosenrufu. This is the correct determination to have. Toda Sensei entrusted kosenrufu in Asia to the Youth. Kosenrufu in Japan is at great heights. India is the birth place of Buddhism. If as Indians we say Nichiren’s Buddhism is correct, people will definitely believe us. When we have big targets, smaller ones will automatically be achieved.

  

When we work for the poorest of the poor, then our life will be purified. Tagore and Gandhi were enlightened when they met the poor. Poverty is not a shame but not having any wisdom is a shame.

  

Thanks!

HAPPINESS

HAPPINESS

Happiness is not something that exists in a faraway place, It is within us. Faith is what taps and opens the happiness within. As long as your faith remains strong, whatever decision you make, it will take you in the best possible direction. Buddhism is reason, and the faith is the driving force in our lives.

  

The important thing is never to stray from the great path of Kosenrufu. No matter what happens, no matter what hardships you may face, never abandon your faith. Throughout your live, wherever you may go in the world, persevere in your faith with steadiness, humility and determination. If you quit, you will be defeated.

  

Faith is meaningless unless we carry it through until the very end. If we do not persevere in faith, we cannot transform our karma or build a foundation for genuine happiness. But people have a tendency to be defeated by their own weakness. They may practice in earnest for a time, but grow cowardly when faced with opposition or criticism to their faith. Or when they fall ill or hit a deadlock, they may become fainthearted and start having doubts.

  

Others abandon their faith because of a grudge held against another member arising from some minor personal conflict, and then leave the Soka Gakkai, the harmonious community of lay believers with a direct connection to the Buddha. To avoid this it is important that we base our lives not on our subjective emotions but on the teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho. 

Source: Page 112, Value Creation, Feb’14

FAITH

FAITH

  

"Faith is the courage to never give up. It means never giving up on the potential of your own life and that of others. It means never giving up on expanding happiness. It means never giving up on the victory of our cause. It means never giving up on creating peace. Faith, above all, is the courage to never ever give up on widely propagating the Mystic Law.

  

"You are my direct disciples who will be 'bluer than the indigo'―your achievements certain to surpass my own. You are th...e ones who will follow in my footsteps to lead long, long lives of great mission that will require unwavering commitment.

  

"The Daishonin’s spirit of 'What greater joy could there be?' expresses the very essence of faith. May your lives always powerfully resound with this same positive conviction. Please fearlessly and calmly discern the true nature of all obstacles with deep faith, and then confidently, wisely, and cheerfully overcome them. I hope you will also reach out to others near and far, and share with them the path of human revolution, which is a source of unsurpassed hope, fulfillment, and joy."

  

Source: President Ikeda, SGI Newsletter No. 8836, 67th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting.

  

ABSOLUTE HAPPINESS

ABSOLUTE HAPPINESS 

My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, said:

  

"For what reason have we been born? As the Lotus Sutra passage 'living beings enjoy themselves at ease' states, we have been born in order to enjoy ourselves. How dull it would be then, if we did not do so! When we believe in the Gohonzon with all of our heart, we will savor a state of being in which life itself, and everything we do, is a source of joy."

  

President Toda used the term "absolute happiness" to describe the state of mind in which we can feel that life itself is a joy. If you persevere in faith, you will definitely come to experience this.

  

Our Buddhist practice boosts the power of our "engine," strengthens our life force so that we can always declare, "I'm ready for anything!" When our engine is weak, even a small slope will leave us gasping and struggling painfully as we attempt to surmount it.

  

When you get right down to it, does material wealth assure happiness? Does fame? Does living in a big house? The answer is an emphatic "no." All the time we see people embroiled in bitter battles over money; people plunged into misery when onetime fame and popularity disappears; people ruining their own lives when they let fame and power go to their heads; and people living in large luxurious homes where family members cannot stand one another and a cold and hostile atmosphere pervades.

  

Such things as money, fame and material possessions offer a fleeting, transitory kind of satisfaction, something which can be called "relative happiness." However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established "absolute happiness." If we develop a state of mind as vast and resplendent as a magnificent palace, then nothing--no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life--can undermine or destroy our happiness.

   

The wonderful thing about Nichiren Buddhism is that through chanting daimoku, the four sufferings of birth, aging, sickness and death can be transformed into four castle walls or ramparts that fortify the palace of your life. Though it might be difficult to appreciate at first, the "mud" of our suffering provides the building material from which we can erect a solid bulwark for our palace of happiness within. The deeper the mire of suffering, the more indomitable a palace we can establish.

  

If you establish a solid foundation now, there is no limit to the size of the structure you can build upon it later. Many things contribute to building that foundation. Diligent application to one's studies helps build that foundation, as does exercising to develop physical fitness and stamina.

   

But our inner state of life lies at the core of our mental and physical well-being. Buddhist practice is the only means by which we can strengthen, purify and develop our inner life. We have to exercise our minds through study. We have to exercise our bodies through physical activity and sports. We also have to exercise our internal life condition through daimoku. When our inner condition of life changes, our minds and bodies also change. They will be refreshed and revitalized.

   

Daimoku charges our batteries. If we take care to regularly charge our batteries, then we'll always be full of energy and vitality. If we fail to keep our batteries charged, we won't have energy when we need it most and as a result may be defeated by our environment.

Those who saturate their lives with daimoku and learn to keep their batteries charged while they're young are building a foundation for lifelong happiness.

   

Since our Buddhist practice takes place in the midst of our daily lives, it is all too easy for us to grow lazy and neglect it. So in that respect, there is perhaps no more difficult practice when it comes to continuing. Nonetheless, if we challenge ourselves to keep up a little bit each day, before we realize it we will have built a path to happiness in the depths of our own lives.

   

Source: SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, Excerpted from Discussions on Youth (SGI-USA, 1998)

THE CORRECT WAY OF DOING GONGYO

THE CORRECT WAY OF DOING GONGYO

Gongyo is the basis of our Buddhist practice to the Gohonzon. In doing gongyo, we harmonize our lives with the great Treasure Tower of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo or the Gohonzon of the Three Great Secret Laws. 

Thus, gongyo is a very solemn ceremony in which we "gain entrance through faith”. It is when we solemnly pledge to work for kosenrufu, while praying to expiate all the slanders we might have committed in the past and to attain enlightenment. Gongyo enables us to reveal our Buddha nature from within. With a refreshed mind to live for both the present and the future, not looking back at the past, we encourage ourselves to challenge the reality of the nine worlds. When we conduct gongyo, the great medicine of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo permeates our entire being, so that we can purify our lives and eliminate the devilish functions which cause diseases and other problems.

Any person who undertakes this most important Buddhist ceremony must have a solemn, serious and dignified bearing in doing so. He should hold his posture upright in a natural, dignified way. His voice should be resounding, vigorous and confident enough to lead those who sit behind him.

The rhythm of gongyo should always be dynamic; the leader's voice should not be weak or difficult to follow. Gongyo should be done in a manner that makes everyone feel refreshed after it is finished. I feel sorry for those people who have to follow a leader whose gongyo drags on and is not rhythmical. I hope you realize that an excellent group gongyo depends on the leader's attitude.

Source: President Ikeda, Buddhism in Action, vol. 1, pg. 247-248

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Let me share an experience here. At a Culture Department meeting, a man got up to share his experience. The year before, he was diagnosed with cancer. Terminal cancer. After many years of practice, this diagnosis caused him to lose all hope. He lost such hope, that he shut everyone out of his life. He went to bed, waiting to die. Fortunately for him, a gutsy WD chapter leader showed up. She made such a racket, he had to open the door. She barged on in, and started talking to him. She convinced him to chant with her. He hadn’t chanted in weeks. She made him sit front and center; she sat in back of him. Failure was not an option for her. They didn’t chant very long; maybe 30 minutes. While they were chanting, he literally got hot inside. He felt heat enter his body from his back. All this physical stuff started happening. When they got done, his will to fight for his life was re-awakened. He went to see the doctor. It was a very bleak environment. He went in and said, “I want to thank you for everything you are going to do to try to save my life. Even if you don’t succeed, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.” 

The doctor was so shocked. He talked to him for a full hour, even though he had many other appointments waiting. They started a full course of treatment. Ultimately, this man was diagnosed as cancer-free. Through his life and example, we see how this woman’s ichinen woke him up. She poured her life into it. She didn’t go there with the attitude of, “I’m here to encourage you, but what you do is up to you.” 

Whether it’s us personally suffering in relationships, or with members, I really feel that in 1996 Matilda and I received guidance to change any relationship problem we’ve ever had in our life. Vice President Hasagawa shared that this was guidance President Toda had given President Ikeda. He was suffering from watching leaders hurt the members. It’s guidance for any situation. 

“Every pain, every hurt on account of another human being, engrave it in your heart. Never forget; never do it to another human being.” 

People teach us through negative example of how not to be, as powerfully as how to be. Some people’s mission is to teach through negative example. Our problem is that we separate from them; we don’t get it that they are a teaching us how to be better. Or, do we turn around and do the same thing? 

The reason we’re there, experiencing that problem, is because it is our mission to find the solution. The solution is never, ever, ever a matter of waiting for the other person to change. If we do, we miss our own opportunity to do human revolution.

Source: By Linda Johnson, SGI-USA WD Leader

Guidance from Sensei Toda

Guidance from Sensei Toda

My beloved mentor, second Soka Gakkai President, Josei Toda shared this guidance with absolute conviction. He said: 

"The power of the Gohonzon can only be described as Myo - unfathomable. Benefit can absolutely be gained through faith in the gohonzon. Faith in the gohonzon ensures victory. There's no way that your prayers will go unanswered." He also said " The power of daimoku is colossal. It can transform a life imbued with painful karma into one that is like strolling in a beautiful garden, or like a pleasant dream"

 

I believe some of you here today may be facing challenges at work, or facing problems in your relationships with others. Some of you may be on the verge of giving up, thinking that there is no way to carry on anymore.

However, all hardships and obstacles are paths that lead to a higher peak in life. 

Furthermore, we embrace the Mystic Law. As long as we base our lives on the Mystic Law, everything will be transformed into an energy source for happiness and nourishment for further growth.

When you find yourselves in great pain, that’s precisely the time to chant daimoku. By chanting daimoku, life force will well forth from within your lives. Courage will surge forth. With life force and courage, you can positively transform any adverse circumstances.

In this way, faith is the engine that propels us towards victory in all aspects of life. Anchoring your lives on faith, I hope you will surmount all obstacles in life. Advancing on the path of "Faith equals daily life" and "Buddhism manifests itself in society", as excellent citizens in your community and country, please create a brilliant history of achievement. This is the noble life that all of you, great champions of kosen rufu, are leading.

President Ikeda

Lessening One's Karmic Retribution

Lessening One's Karmic Retribution.

Experiencing The Effects of Bad Karma To A Lesser Degree

Thus how can we lessen our karmic retribution? “The Letter from Sado” quotes a passage the Hatsunaion Sutra that reads, “lt is due to the blessings obtained by protecting the Law that one can diminish in this lifetime his suffering and retribution." (MW 1, 40) The blessings obtained by protecting the Law refer to the act of embracing the Gohonzon, chanting daimoku as well as the actions one takes for the sake of kosen-rufu. Even though one may have created karma heavy enough to experience sufferings for countless lifetimes, by believing in the Gohonzon and by practicing Buddhism, one is able not only to diminish the sufferings but also to vanquish them completely. The great benefit of changing one's karma is made known in this way in the “Letter from Sado."

Why are we able to change our karma by taking faith in the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin? This is because Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the one and only pure Law that penetrates the origin of life and the universe and is deeper than the dimension of life that generates karma. When drawing out this karma from within one's life, one is able to eradicate all tendencies that have been produced by karma created in the past.

Of course, the process of changing karma is not an easy task. It certainly requires tremendous hardship. To change negative karma or the filth in one's life, one must first get out the dirt before getting rid of it. Hardships will thus appear as the filth which enables one to eradicate one’s negative karma through the practice of the Mystic Law. Only by overcoming such difficulties is one able to achieve true happiness and growth in one's life.

When we confront hardships in life, we must have firm conviction that each one is the chance to change our karma and put the principle of lessening karmic retribution into effect. This kind of practice leads to human revolution.

(Source: Buddhist Studies, Pg: 11-13)

  

An Experience by Shiven Goel

An Experience by Shiven Goel

"As long as there people suffering, as long as there are people who are miserable, the Buddha continues to fight. Members of the SGI cast aside fatigue, day in and day out, exerting themselves for the sake of one person after another. "

I saw these sentiments of President Ikeda come alive these last two months.

I knew a woman who desperately needed to start chanting. Her name is Bindya Goel. Mystically, she attended her first SGI meeting only three days before her life was thrown upside down.

An SGI member, Anchal Kashyap, was at Bindya’s house to help her learn to chant, when a loud scream came from the other room. Bindya’s son Shiven was on the floor of the kitchen, with a pencil that had pierced his brain. Bindya became completely hysterical and with Anchal’s help, they rushed the child to the hospital. The hospital scan showed that it was a new fully-sharpened pencil that had pierced this five-year-old boy’s brain from one end to the other. Shiven was having trouble breathing and was put on a ventilator. He was then rushed to Apollo Hospital.

The doctors at Apollo were stunned. They knew they needed to operate at once, but never before had they seen, heard, or performed a surgery like this. It was the largest foreign object they had ever seen inside the human brain. The surgery would be extremely life threatening – when they took the pencil out, there would most certainly be bleeding which could cause loss of life or huge damage to the brain.

All the members of my chapter of SGI were immediately informed. We needed to chant non-stop throughout the night for the success of the surgery and for Shiven to survive. Nichiren Daishonin says: “When Bodhisattva Jogyo emerged from the earth, he leapt forth joyfully.” True to these words, members all over Delhi put aside everything they were doing and started chanting with ferocity for the life of Shiven Goel. Almost all of these members had never seen, heard, or met Shiven or his mother in their lives.

I was in touch with Bindya every minute of that night. I kept telling her: “Chant, Bindya, chant!! Chant throughout the night! Your child’s life depends on how much you exert in faith now. This is not the time to be weak. You have to be like a demon armed with an iron staff – the staff of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Wield it to protect your son. Demand the protection of the Buddhist Gods – challenge the Gohonzon! Ask to see actual proof here and now.”

I soon saw the Buddhist Gods swing into action even as the ferocity of our chanting increased. The superintendent of the hospital, whom I knew because my father-in-law had spent a year in the same hospital, kept calling me throughout the surgery from the operation theater itself, reporting how the operation was progressing. We all were chanting accordingly.

Late into the night we were informed that Shiven had survived the surgery. There was no bleeding! The doctors had pulled off a seemingly impossible operation. However, they had no idea if the brain had been poisoned by the lead or what might be the extent of the damage. Since Shiven was right-handed and the pencil had entered from the left side of the brain it was highly possible that the center for his speech, comprehension, and coordination could be damaged permanently. 

The doctors could not say whether he would get out of the coma, and if he did, what would be the damage.

One thing was certain: our fight was far from over. Shiven became the focus of everyone’s prayers. Members got together and prayed and chanted throughout the following days for Shiven to get out of the coma.

Mrs. Asano, SGI’s WD Chief, who happened to be in Delhi at the time asked to meet with Bindya. We were scheduled to spend only fifteen minutes, but Mrs. Asano spent one full hour explaining the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and the power of a mother’s prayer. Her 100% conviction in the power of the Gohonzon was completely overwhelming. Mrs. Asano ended by saying when Shiven gets well (not if but WHEN), he has to come to Japan and report complete victory to Sensei. Bindya’s tears soon stopped and the lamp of hope lit in her heart.

We started giving ourselves daily targets for prayers for Shiven’s progress. It was a collective prayer of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. How could it be ignored?

We chanted for Shiven to start moving –in two days, he did.

We chanted that he get off the ventilator – he did it in his first attempt.

We chanted that he open his eyes – he did open them, a tiny bit at first.

We chanted that he respond – he did by moving his hand on command.

We chanted that he become fully conscious – he did only to cry uncontrollably due to pain.

We chanted that the pain would go away and he started smiling a little.

We chanted that he be able to walk – and he ran!

But he did not start speaking for a long time. We were all convinced that Shiven had to chant along with us all one day – soon – very soon ...

Miraculously, within 16 days Shiven was allowed to go home, where for the first time he said the word “mama.” He then graduated from words to phrases. I am happy to report that, on Tuesday last, our chapter met to chant daimoku of appreciation. When all the members had left, Shiven came up to me and said “Radhika Masi – Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!” Bindya and I had tears rolling down our faces. The Gosho says: The Lotus Sutra is a great physician who can turn poison into medicine; because it can cure what is thought to be incurable, it is called myo or wonderful.

Shiven has already lived up to his mission in life. He has given us all a chance to reflect on, challenge, and refresh our faith. He has shown us that there is no such thing as “impossible” in front of the Gohonzon. Through the fighting spirit of all the SGI members and his mother, Shiven has shown what it is to be a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

As for the SGI members of New Dehli – they have shown that we common mortals are actually Buddhas, who can find within our lives the compassion to share others’ suffering. We have the courage to pray and to change another’s suffering into great immeasurable happiness – for that person and as an example to all humanity.

Conspicuous and Inconspicuous Benefits

Conspicuous and Inconspicuous Benefits

Faith enables us to transform not only our day-to-day problems, but our lives at their very foundation. Through our Buddhist practice, we can develop a strong inner core and a solid and inexhaustible reservoir of good fortune.

There are two kinds of benefit that derive from faith in the Gohonzon: conspicuous and inconspicuous. Conspicuous benefit is the obvious, visible benefit of being clearly protected or quickly able to surmount a... particular problem when it arises--be it an illness or a conflict in our personal relationships. Inconspicuous benefit, on the other hand, is less tangible. It is good fortune accumulated slowly but steadily, like the growth of a tree or the rising of the tide, which results in the forging of a rich and expansive state of life. We might not discern any change from day to day, but as the years pass, it will be clear that over time we've become happy, that we've grown as individuals. This is inconspicuous benefit.

When you chant daimoku, you will definitely gain the best result for you, regardless of whether that benefit is conspicuous or inconspicuous.

No matter what happens, the important thing is to continue chanting. If you do so, you'll definitely become happy. Even if things are not solved in the way you had initially hoped or imagined, when you look back later, you'll understand on a much more profound level that it was the best possible result. This in itself is tremendous inconspicuous benefit.

The true benefits of Nichiren Buddhism are not so much of a momentary and conspicuous nature, but those of a lasting and inconspicuous nature that accrue in the depths of our lives. Conspicuous benefit, for instance, might allow you to eat your fill today but still leave you worrying about where your next meal will come from. Inconspicuous benefit, on the other hand, more resembles a situation where, though you may only be able to eat a meager meal today, you will steadily develop your life to the point where you will never have to worry about having enough to eat. The latter is surely a far more attractive prospect.

The more we exert ourselves in faith, the greater the benefit we experience

-SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

Source: Excerpted from Discussions on Youth (SGI-USA, 1998)

The Oneness of Life and Environment

The oneness of life and environment 

Illustrated through an inspiring experience:

Chieko Yamashita was married after World War II. Her husband failed in business and became obsessed with drinking and gambling.

Her family of four had no place to live, but were given shelter in the corner of a friend's kitchen. During the day, they would stay in a small park, with her infant child crawling around on the ground.

With help they were able to find a tiny one-room apartment; but they were still destitute.

To make dinner, she would go out with two ten-yen coins and buy sardines and spinach. She searched the streets of the outdoor market for dropped coins.

At one point, she had to leave her husband and children. The children were put into childcare. Overcome with anguish at the thought of this, she decided to gather her children and return to her husband. What followed were days of living in fear of physical abuse.

Ms. Yamashita joined the Soka Gakkai in 1965. At the time her husband was unemployed and she was supporting him by selling insurance door-to-door. Her husband also joined, but it was in name only. He would go to great lengths to keep his wife from practicing.

Each night he would beat her and demand that she quit the SGI. On one occasion he destroyed her altar with an axe, doused the wood with kerosene and set it on fire. She ran out of the house barefoot, clutching the Gohonzon to her chest. She spent the night locked outdoors chanting daimoku until dawn.

Eventually her husband found work. But he was reckless with money and they continued to live in poverty.

Throughout this time, Mrs. Yamashita scrimped and saved with the dream of one day having a house. When she had saved four million yen, she showed her savings passbook to her husband. He snatched it away. When she located it two days later, her account had a balance of zero. He had lost it all at the race track.

A senior in faith told her that she must take ultimate responsibility for her happiness. She was told "Unless you change, you will not be able to accumulate good fortune."

When she heard this, she made up her mind not to give up. She said:

"The Daishonin says, 'Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow. When the body bends, so does the shadow' (Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 1039). I determined to stop swinging between joy and sorrow because of the chaos in my life and to stop complaining about what my husband was or wasn't doing. I decided since this was my karma, I would take responsibility for overcoming it. I realized it was not about anyone else; everything depended on my life condition. I gained a profound conviction in the principle of oneness of life and environment."

Mrs. Yamashita exerted herself wholeheartedly in Gakkai activities. In the process, she was unexpectedly approached about managing some land in front of the train station. In the seventh year of her practice (1972), she was able to open her bicycle parking lot.

More than anything else, her attitude began to change. She came to have sympathy for her husband. She came to view her husband as a “good friend” for enabling her to deepen her faith. She explains:

"It's amazing. As soon as my resentment toward my husband turned into appreciation, he suddenly lost his infatuation with gambling. And he began to pray to the Gohonzon. For the first time we became a true married couple, able to talk openly and honestly about anything. Through all the negative and positive experiences, my husband taught me about faith. I have grown into a person who can feel incredible appreciation, knowing that I owe everything to the terrible hardship I experienced."

In addition to transforming her state of life, Mrs. Yamashita has transformed her financial fortune and she was able to realize her longstanding dream of building a private community center.

Daisaku Ikeda gave the center the name "Yamashita Glory Community Center." When she received Mr. Ikeda's calligraphy of these words, she took the characters for community center to mean "Treasure House."

Although she is the president of a company that operates a bicycle parking lot of approximately 4,000 yards, when asked what she does she says, "I'm just the bicycle lot grandma."

Source: Excerpted from the August, 2000, Living Buddhism, [pp. 36-38]

THE FOUR POWERS

THE FOUR POWERS

Buddhism talks about the principle of the 'four powers': the power of the Buddha, the power of the Law, the power of faith and the power of practice. The first two are embodied in the Gohonzon, but are only activated by the powers of faith and practice of the person who chants to it. In other words it is the power of o...ur faith and practice which determines the extent to which the power of the Gohonzon can appear in our lives. Josei Toda, the second president of the Soka Gakkai, said that it is vital to understand this point:

I often hear new members complain that they have not yet received any benefit. I find the majority of those people are preoccupied solely with getting benefit and pay no attention in strengthening their own powers of faith and practice. The statement 'Knock and it shall be opened unto you’ serves as a good illustration of the four powers. For example, if one exerts his powers of faith and practice to a factor of 100, the powers of the Buddha and the Law will also be manifested to the power of 100. Likewise, the powers of faith and practice exerted to a factor of 10.000 will manifest the powers of the Buddha and the Law to a factor of 10,000. We should fix this principle in our minds and dedicate ourselves to faith and practice without reservation.

Ultimately this means that we can see the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo only by putting it into practice - that is, by chanting sincerely, and taking action based on the wisdom gained from our chanting. What's more, if we do so while bearing in mind the principle of the four powers outlined above, we will begin to see that we can gradually reveal more and more of the power we inherently possess. 

Richard Causton