Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)

[SoCal Hippy]

The Daishonin encourages us to "move about without fear like the lion king."*
The heart of Buddhism is all about being "courageous". So now, courageously and enthusiastically, let's take action to realise the great ideal of kosen-rufu!

Daisaku Ikeda

*"Wherever your daughter may frolic or play, no harm will come to her; she will move about without fear like the lion king. ... A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith." - "Reply to Kyo'o", WND-I, page 412

 

[Weird]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"There are some words of the Daishonin that I would like all of us to engrave in our hearts. It is the passage from The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings: 'Great joy [is what] one experiences when one understands for the first time that one’s mind from the very beginning has been the Buddha. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys'(cf. OTT, 211–12).

"Realising that 'one’s mind from the very beginning has been the Buddha' means awakening to the fact that one’s life itself is the ultimate reality, incomparably noble, strong, and wise and in complete rhythm with the fundamental Law of the universe. A person who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can experience 'the greatest of all joys' as an entity of the Mystic Law and lead a life of supreme fulfillment and victory.

"Nothing surpasses the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The Daishonin writes: 'Myo [mystic] means to revive, that is, to return to life' (WND-1, 149). In accord with these words, let’s bring forth the inexhaustible life force that resides within us, and joyfully and energetically expand our circles of joy, hope, and happiness in our families, communities, workplaces, and societies."


SGI Newsletter No. 8643, Paving the Way to a True Golden Age of Worldwide Kosen-rufu (SGI President Ikeda sent the following message to the 61st Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, on October 7th, 2012. At this meeting, Soka Gakkai President Harada announced the organisational theme for 2013 as “Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI.” Translated 10th Oct. 2012 from the October 8th, 2012, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun

[1] “New Power” General Meeting—a general meeting for members who have just started practicing or who are still young in their Buddhist practice. “Kayo Leaders” General Meeting—a general meeting for young women’s division group leaders, who are known in Japan as “Kayo leaders.”

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"'The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair' (WND-1, 829), says the Daishonin. Being able to encounter the Mystic Law in the Latter Day and walk the path of worldwide kosen-rufu together as SGI members, united in the shared struggle of mentor and disciple, is itself an unsurpassed honour. It is a brilliant, golden life.

"Mr. Toda said: 'When life in this troubled world is hard, we are forced to ask ourselves why we were born. It is due to our karma from past existences that we were born in this world with the mission to carry out kosen-rufu in response to the Daishonin’s decree. It all comes down to whether we are aware of this or not.'[1]

"When, in the long course of life, you face a struggle that you feel is crucial or major, you may experience a sense that 'The reason that you have survived . . . was so that you would meet with this affair.' I have had numerous such struggles together with my mentor and my fellow members that made me think they were 'the reason I had survived until now.' And I’m sure that must be true of many of you, too.

"When we chant and take action with the resolve that this present place and time in which we find ourselves is a crucial battlefield for making fresh breakthroughs in kosen-rufu, and also a decisive opportunity for changing our own karma, the way to victory will open. The key is seeing times of great challenge as opportunities for great positive change, and joyfully tackling the situation. This is the hallmark of true champions and the way of life of people of genuine wisdom."

SGI Newsletter No. 8731, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY [45] “Reply to Yasaburo.” A Struggle of Words to Open the Way for Kosen-rufu, from the October 2012 issue of the Daibyakurenge, translated 6th March 2013

[1] Translated from Japanese. From an article in the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge, August 1956 issue, p. 44.

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo!

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[Weird]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Yes Yes Yes!!!

Yes Yes Yes!!!

"You must persevere through this trial and see for yourselves the blessings of the Lotus Sutra."

(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 498) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's message, Seikyo Shimbun, June 10th, 2012

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"'Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study' (WND-1, 386), writes Nichiren Daishonin. The important thing is that you continue to study [the Daishonin’s teachings] and put what you have learned into practise. Even if you can’t remember everything you’ve studied, some of it will remain with you, engraved in the depths of your life. At a crucial moment, it will enable you to bring forth the power of faith to overcome the challenge before you.

"Those who have a solid body of teachings as their guide are strong. The source for all victory is found in the Gosho, the collected writings of Nichiren Daishonin.... It will form a foundation for happiness for the rest of your life and give you the strength to always emerge victorious."

SGI Newsletter No. 8534, Humanistic Teachings for Victory, (4) The Gosho Is the Eternal Foundation of the SGI, from the 21st March, 2012, issue of the Soka Shimpo, the Soka Gakkai youth division’s fortnightly newspaper, translated 8th June 2012.

Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[Weird]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"'The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair' (WND-1, 829), says the Daishonin. Being able to encounter the Mystic Law in the Latter Day and walk the path of worldwide kosen-rufu together as SGI members, united in the shared struggle of mentor and disciple, is itself an unsurpassed honour. It is a brilliant, golden life.

"Mr. Toda said: 'When life in this troubled world is hard, we are forced to ask ourselves why we were born. It is due to our karma from past existences that we were born in this world with the mission to carry out kosen-rufu in response to the Daishonin’s decree. It all comes down to whether we are aware of this or not.'[1]

"When, in the long course of life, you face a struggle that you feel is crucial or major, you may experience a sense that 'The reason that you have survived . . . was so that you would meet with this affair.' I have had numerous such struggles together with my mentor and my fellow members that made me think they were 'the reason I had survived until now.' And I’m sure that must be true of many of you, too.

"When we chant and take action with the resolve that this present place and time in which we find ourselves is a crucial battlefield for making fresh breakthroughs in kosen-rufu, and also a decisive opportunity for changing our own karma, the way to victory will open. The key is seeing times of great challenge as opportunities for great positive change, and joyfully tackling the situation. This is the hallmark of true champions and the way of life of people of genuine wisdom."

SGI Newsletter No. 8731, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY [45] “Reply to Yasaburo.” A Struggle of Words to Open the Way for Kosen-rufu, from the October 2012 issue of the Daibyakurenge, translated 6th March 2013

[1] Translated from Japanese. From an article in the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge, August 1956 issue, p. 44.

Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbor doubts and abandon their faith."


The Opening of the Eyes (Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272)

 

[Weird]

Point One, concerning the “Belief and Understanding” chapter

On “Words and Phrases,” volume six, says, “In the Lotus Sutra of the Correct Law, this chapter is entitled ‘Belief and Wish’ chapter. Though the meaning is similar, the word ‘wish’ is less appropriate than ‘understanding.’ The chapter describes [how the four disciples, Subhūti, Kātyāyana, Mahākāshyapa, and Maudgalyāyana, gained] an understanding of the teachings, but what justification is there for the use of the word ‘wish’?”

The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: The twenty-eight chapters that make up the Lotus Sutra bear various titles; “Belief and Understanding” is the title given to this chapter. The truth of three thousand realms in a single moment of life too has its origins in this single word “belief” or “faith,” and it is through this single word “belief” that the Buddhas of the three existences of past, present, and future attained their enlightenment.
This word “belief” is a sharp sword that cuts off fundamental darkness or ignorance. Therefore with regard to belief, Words and Phrases says, “Belief means to be without doubt.” It is a sharp sword that cuts away doubt and perplexity.
“Understanding” is another name for wisdom. Belief represents the value or price we attach to a jewel or treasure, and understanding represents the jewel itself. It is through the one word “belief” that we are able to purchase the wisdom of the Buddhas of the three existences. That wisdom is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Belief is the source of wisdom and belongs to the stage of hearing the name and words of the truth. Outside of belief there can be no understanding, and outside of understanding there can be p.55no belief. It is through this one word “belief” that the seeds of perfect enlightenment are sown.
Now when Nichiren and his followers believe in and accept Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they are gaining possession of a great precious jewel; in the words of the “Belief and Understanding” chapter, “This cluster of unsurpassed jewels / has come to us unsought.” Belief is the seed of wisdom, but failure to believe will lead one to fall into hell.

---> http://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/ott/PART-1/4

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Becoming a Buddha is nothing extraordinary. If you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with your whole heart, you will naturally become endowed with the Buddha's thirty-two features and eighty characteristics. As the sutra says, "hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us," you can readily become as noble a Buddha as Shakyamuni.

Letter to Niike, WND Page 1030

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"How we lead our lives is up to us. It is not determined by our environment. We create our environment. We open the way for ourselves. The purpose of faith is to keep that spirit alive in our hearts."

SGI Newsletter No. 8740.* Dialogue for the Future: Travelling the Path of Victory Together with You, [7] Proudly Walk the Path of Self-Improvement, from the Nov. 1st, 2012 issue of the Mirai [Future] Journal, translated March 28th, 2013

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Kyo'o's misfortune will change into fortune. Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved?"

(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 412) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, April 1st, 2013

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Whatever trouble occurs, regard it as no more than a dream, and think only of the Lotus Sutra."

(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 502) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, March 18th, 2013

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Everyone has the potential to become a capable and talented person.
With the unwavering belief in the Buddha nature that each one of us has
let's continue to patiently and warmly encourage others.
Let's do our utmost to help people
to unlock their hidden talents and abilities!

Daisaku Ikeda

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Weird]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Stan G.]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! Cheers everybody, I hope you have all been keeping blessed and happy!

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Nam myoho renge kyo

Nam myoho renge kyo

Everything Is Determined in This Moment

We often feel bombarded with one situation after another that make us wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or, "Why is this happening to me?" Especially when we are struggling in life, some of us might perceive ourselves as victims who have no clue about why we are suffering the way we are.

How do we answer the, "Why me's?" How do we improve our lives?

The renowned Chinese Buddhist scholar T'ien-t'ai (538–597) said: "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" ("The Opening of the Eyes," The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 279).

Many people seem to look at life as if it is limited to this one existence. In Buddhism, however, we view life as eternal. Therefore, our lives are not just limited to this present existence. "Causes that existed in the past" refers not only to what we did yesterday or ten years ago, but also to previous existences since the remotest past. Though some of us like to wonder and even fantasize about what our past lives must have been like, because life is more vast and profound than we can imagine, it is difficult to fathom our actual past existences.

All the causes we made in the past have accumulated in lifetime after lifetime and these causes are manifested as karma. We create our own karma. The moment we do something, say something or think something, an effect is registered in the depths of our being. As our lives meet the right circumstances, the effects of those causes take shape in various forms. These various manifestations of our individual karma are what lead to the uniqueness of our appearance, the situations we face and our lives.

"If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present."

In order to understand our past causes, or our karma, we do not need to go to a psychic or a guru. In light of the eternal law of cause and effect, by simply looking at our life at present, we are able to understand what causes we made in the past.

Though we cannot undo the causes we made in the past, we can determine the way their effects influence our lives in the present. Reflecting on our experiences—and based on our own decisions and the actions we take—we either stagnate or advance forward. Each moment builds upon the previous one. So, how do we create the best causes for our future?

"If you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present."

Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism teaches us that in our present environment, regardless of how excruciating our suffering may be, we do have the power to determine our future. The actions we take at this present moment influence the outcome of our future. The greatness of Buddhism is that is shows us we are responsible for choosing how we lead our lives, and it teaches us how we can change our karma. Karma is not unchangeable like fate, which is a predestined path of what our life will be. We can change our karma based on the actions we take right here, right now. It is never too late to change our lives for the better.

For example, in the aftermath of a big earthquake, your house may have completely collapsed (with your entire family safe, of course) and you set yourself to the task of rebuilding your house. Given that you have all the resources you need to reconstruct your house, what course of action will you take? It would certainly be easier to rebuild the house according to the original plans, but how safe would you feel when the next earthquake rolls around? You are naturally determined to try and construct your new home to withstand the next earthquake. And now due to the tragedy of losing your first house, you have an idea of what kinds of adjustments you can make to try and avoid the same problem and improve your new home. The ultimate goal would be to rebuild your house to withstand all the earthquakes to come!

Likewise, instead of repeating the same cycle of suffering in our lives, we can choose to use our struggles as a springboard to fortify our inner strength. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which encapsulates the essential spirit of the Lotus Sutra, is the greatest resource available to us for constructing an eternally indestructible fortress of happiness in our lives. Chanting this phrase is the key to fusing with the law of life that exists throughout the universe. It is the greatest cause we can make for our lives. This cause remains in our lives throughout the three existences of past, present and future.

Chanting to the Gohonzon and teaching others about Buddhism represents the greatest possible good and accords with the law of life itself. It is the way to attain a state of eternal happiness.

Though we cannot see our past or future lives, we can find clear direction on how to live in this present life based on our understanding of the causal law of life operating across the three existences of past, present and future. Through chanting, we are able to elevate our life-condition and perceive our fundamental karma. Once we realize our karmic tendencies we are able to challenge them head on.

In "On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime," Nichiren Daishonin explains: "The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime" (WND-1, 4).

Each moment of our lives is a struggle between creating good causes and giving in to our own weaknesses and negativity. We always have the choice of taking responsibility for our future and taking action with the strong conviction that it is never too late to change our lives for the better.

Nichiren Daishonin, in encouraging Shijo Kingo to live happily in the present without dwelling on past events or worrying about what might happen in the future, says: "Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law? Strengthen your power of faith more than ever" (WND-1, 681).

Happiness is not something that we will find somewhere off in the distance; it is to be found in the present. Both past and future are contained in the present, and though we know that life is eternal, everything exists in the present. There is no need to ponder too long on the "Why me's?" since we know that we alone are responsible for our present situations. Why waste time wallowing in the misery of the unchangeable past when there is so much joy and appreciation to gain in making each moment, each day, a valuable step toward the unlimited potential of the future?

Living Buddhism, April 2001, p. 6

Nam myoho renge kyo!