Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)

[SoCal Hippy]

"As Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'When a tiger roars, gales blow; when a dragon intones, clouds gather'[1] (WND-1, 799).

"When we adopt the attitude - 'I summoned this storm!' - our hearts will be filled with a bright sense of hope and purpose."

"The Daishonin taught his embattled disciples to face adversity with joyous faith deriving from standing up courageously on their own initiative."

"Unless one steers straight into the waves, the boat will be capsized. In the same way, we must never accede to or fear devils. The only thing to do is to face them head-on. That's the way to forge the indestructible life-state of Buddhahood."

SGI Newsletter No. 8746, Learning from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory [46], The Three Obstacles and Four Devils. The Wise Will Rejoice, Let's Achieve Eternal Victory through Undefeated Buddhist Practice, from the November 2012 issue of the Daibyakurenge

[1] This refers to a traditional Chinese saying. According to popular belief, the roaring of a tiger causes the wind to arise, and the chanting of a dragon produces rain. Nichiren Daishonin cites these beliefs to indicate that a great action invites repercussions of the same magnitude.

Nam myoho renge kyo

Mugi wasshin!!!

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Non Chanting Growers Question

Non Chanting Growers Question

I'm hoping someone with experience with passing a Urine drug test can give me some first hand guidance or direct me to where I can get an answer.

I smoked pretty much daily up until November 4 when I started seriously looking for a new job.

I did smoke about 1/2 a bowl on Thanksgiving and again last Wednesday.

I have a job offer, contingent on a successful passing of a Urine drug test this Tuesday.

Any help is deeply appreciated. Thanks!

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Gosho: "On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime"

If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail un-surpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life.

The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, true and correct in both word and principle. Its words are the ultimate reality, and this reality is the Mystic Law (myoho). It is called the Mystic Law because it reveals the principle of the mutually inclusive relationship of a single moment of life and all phenomena. That is why this sutra is the wisdom of all Buddhas.

Life at each moment encompasses the body and mind and the self and environment of all sentient beings in the Ten Worlds as well as all insentient beings in the three thousand realms, including plants, sky, earth, and even the minutest particles of dust. Life at each moment permeates the entire realm of phenomena and is revealed in all phenomena. To be awakened to this principle is itself the mutually inclusive relationship of life at each moment and all phenomena. Nevertheless, even though you chant and believe in Myoho-renge-kyo, if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching. "Inferior teaching" means those other than this [Lotus] sutra, which are all expedient and provisional. No expedient or provisional teaching leads directly to enlightenment, and without the direct path to enlightenment you cannot attain Buddhahood, even if you practice lifetime after lifetime for countless kalpas. Attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime is then impossible. Therefore, when you (1) chant myoho and recite renge, you must summon up deep faith that Myoho-renge-kyo is your life itself.

You must never think that any of the eighty thousand sacred teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha's lifetime or any of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions and three existences are outside yourself. Your practice of the Buddhist teachings will not relieve you of the sufferings of birth and death in the least unless you perceive the true nature of your life. If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain. It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbor's wealth but gains not even half a coin. That is why the T'ien-t'ai school's commentary states, "Unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one cannot eradicate one's grave offenses (2)." This passage implies that, unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one's practice will become an endless, painful austerity. Therefore, such students of Buddhism are condemned as non-Buddhist. Great Concentration and Insight states that, although they study Buddhism, their views are no different from those of non-Buddhists.

Whether you chant the Buddha's name, (3) recite the sutra, or merely offer flowers and incense, all your virtuous acts will implant benefits and roots of goodness in your life. With this conviction you should strive in faith. The Vimalakirti Sutra states that, when one seeks the Buddhas' emancipation in the minds of ordinary beings, one finds that ordinary beings are the entities of enlightenment, and that the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana. It also states that, if the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their land. There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds.

It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

What then does myo signify? It is simply the mysterious nature of our life from moment to moment, which the mind cannot comprehend or words express. When we look into our own mind at any moment, we perceive neither color nor form to verify that it exists. Yet we still cannot say it does not exist, for many differing thoughts continually occur. The mind cannot be considered either to exist or not to exist. Life is indeed an elusive reality that transcends both the words and concepts of existence and nonexistence. It is neither existence nor non-existence, yet exhibits the qualities of both. It is the mystic entity of the Middle Way that is the ultimate reality. Myo is the name given to the mystic nature of life, and ho, to its manifestations. Renge, which means lotus flower, is used to symbolize the wonder of this Law. If we understand that our life at this moment is myo, then we will also understand that our life at other (4) moments is the Mystic Law. This realization is the mystic kyo, or sutra. 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. That is why the sutra states, "After I have passed into extinction, [one] should accept and uphold this sutra. Such a person assuredly and without doubt will attain the Buddha (5) way." Never doubt in the slightest.

Respectfully.

Maintain your faith and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Nichiren

Background

This letter was written to Toki Jonin in the seventh year of Kencho (1255), two years after Nichiren Daishonin established his teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. At the time of this letter, the Daishonin was thirty-four years old and was living in Kamakura, the seat of the military government. Toki was a staunch follower of the Daishonin who lived in Wakamiya in Shimosa Province. He received some thirty letters, including Letter from Sado and one of the major treatises, The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind. A retainer of Lord Chiba, the constable of Shimosa, Toki had become a follower of the Daishonin around 1254.

Of all his writings from the mid-1250s, On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime focuses most clearly on the tenets of the Daishonin's Buddhism;many of the other works of this period are aimed chiefly at refuting the erroneous doctrines of other schools and discussing theoretical questions. This short essay not only reflects the theories T'ien-t'ai formulated based on the Lotus Sutra, but also reveals the concrete practice for attaining Buddhahood - namely, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo - that is missing in T'ien-t'ai's theoretical framework.

Myoho-renge-kyo is the title of the Lotus Sutra, but to the Daishonin it is much more; it is the essence of the sutra, the revelation of the supreme Law itself. Apparent in this work are both the depth of his thought and his conviction that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the only teaching that can lead people to Buddhahood in this lifetime.

Notes

1. "Chant myoho and recite renge" means to chant the daimoku of the Mystic Law, or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
2. The Annotations on "Great Concentration and Insight."
3. As used here, "the Buddha's name"denotes Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
4. This sentence can also be interpreted to read, "If one understands that one's life is myo, then one also understands that others' lives are all entities of the Mystic Law."
5. Lotus Sutra, chap. 21.

 

[Weird]

I'm hoping someone with experience with passing a Urine drug test can give me some first hand guidance or direct me to where I can get an answer.

I smoked pretty much daily up until November 4 when I started seriously looking for a new job.

I did smoke about 1/2 a bowl on Thanksgiving and again last Wednesday.

I have a job offer, contingent on a successful passing of a Urine drug test this Tuesday.

Any help is deeply appreciated. Thanks!

get an over the counter drug test and test yourself to see if your concern is necessary

from what I understand there are no employment tests where you are observed peeing so synthetic urine seems the go to for many people, whizzinator specifically.

I have no direct experience with it so that is the best I can offer.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Thanks Weird, appreciate your feedback.

I have no direct experience with it so that is the best I can offer.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

The Daishonin encourages us:

"Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy."*

Life is an unceasing series of challenges. Let's walk with wholehearted
commitment along the path to kosen-rufu, unwavering and unflinching!

Daisaku Ikeda

* Gosho, Happiness in This World - WND-1 pg 681, "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."

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men."

(The Unity of Husband and Wife - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 464)
Selection source: Myoji no Gen, Seikyo Shimbun

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"The only way to battle devilish functions is to rouse one’s faith in the Mystic Law to overcome one’s ignorance and illusion.

"...Developing the kind of faith that allows one to overcome hardships and obstacles begins with adopting a determined attitude and making a firm decision."

SGI Newsletter No. 8746, Learning from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory [46], The Three Obstacles and Four Devils. The Wise Will Rejoice, Let's Achieve Eternal Victory through Undefeated Buddhist Practice, from the November 2012 issue of the Daibyakurenge

 

[Babbabud]

Hope the job search is going well SoCal

Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Life is eternal, extending through the three existences of past, present and future; the sutras teach that we have been born in this world after having undergone the cycle of birth and death infinite times. From that point of view, at one time or another in the past, all men have been our father and all women have been our mother (cf. WND-2, 637). Buddhism sees us all as related and owing debts of gratitude to each other.

"The Daishonin indicates here that this is why we should wish for the happiness of all people. Since supreme happiness lies in attaining the life-state of Buddhahood, the best way to repay our debt of gratitude to others is to teach them Buddhism, the ultimate means for gaining enlightenment."

SGI Newsletter No. 8487, Learning from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory, [36] "The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude." Youth, Become Champions of Humanism Who Shine with the Supreme Philosophy of the Mystic Law!, from the January 2012 issue of the Daibyakurenge

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!"

(The Three Kinds of Treasure- The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 851) Selection source: New Human Revolution - Castle of Capable People - 7 , Seikyo Shimbun

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"No matter what our circumstances, all of us, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and courageously taking action for kosen-rufu, can definitely manifest the life-state of Buddhahood, resembling a beautiful full moon shining serenely in the skies of our heart. Filled with joy at knowing that we, just as we are, are supremely respectworthy entities of the Mystic Law, we can confidently tap the wisdom and power of the Buddha to never be defeated by anything.

"As the Daishonin teaches, we can transform karma into mission, and awaken from the state of ordinary people simply waiting to be saved to Bodhisattvas of the Earth dedicated to actively striving alongside our mentor to help others attain enlightenment, thereby realizing happiness for ourselves and others."

SGI Newsletter No. 8491, A Jewelled Crown of Happiness for the Women’s Division[1], from the issue of Daibyakurenge

[1] May 3, Soka Gakkai Day, is also Soka Gakkai Mothers Day, in celebration of the women’s division members, the “mothers of kosen-rufu.”

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!"

(The Three Kinds of Treasure- The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 851) Selection source: New Human Revolution - Castle of Capable People - 7 , Seikyo Shimbun

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"My wish is that my disciples will be cubs of the lion king, never to be laughed at by the pack of foxes."

(In the Continent of Jambudvipa - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 1062)
Selection Source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shinbun

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Mr. Makiguchi stated: 'Encountering obstacles or devilish functions is what distinguishes "practitioners" from mere "believers."'[1] He also said: 'People leading lives of minor good who practise faith only for their own benefit will certainly not encounter obstacles, but those leading lives of major good dedicated to altruistic bodhisattva practice will most definitely be assailed by devilish functions. Encountering obstacles and devilish functions is what identifies one as a practitioner.'[2]

"The three obstacles and four devils are the functions of fundamental darkness or ignorance arising from our own lives and the lives of others. When we practise the bodhisattva way that draws forth the inherent enlightenment or Dharma nature[3] of ourselves and others, obstacles and devilish functions are bound to make their appearance.

"Mr. Makiguchi also said that we should actively seek to bring such devilish functions out into the open. By summoning them forth and vanquishing them, he asserted, we could deepen our faith, acquire immeasurable benefit, and change poison into medicine,[4] establishing a life condition of supreme happiness. And through his personal example of facing persecution and battling obstacles with this spirit, he left a model of faith and Buddhist practice for all members of the SGI."

[1] Changing poison into medicine: The principle that earthly desires and suffering can be transformed into benefit and enlightenment by virtue of the power of the Law. This phrase is found in a passage from Nagarjuna’s Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, which mentions “a great physician who can change poison into medicine.” This phrase is often cited to show that any problem or suffering can be transformed eventually into the greatest happiness and fulfillment in life.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Dharma nature: Also, fundamental nature of enlightenment: The unchanging nature inherent in all things and phenomena. It is identified with the fundamental Law itself, the essence of the Buddha’s enlightenment, or ultimate truth.
[4] Translated from Japanese. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Makiguchi Tsunesaburo Zenshu (Collected Writings of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi), (Tokyo: Daisanbunmei-sha, 1987), vol. 10, p. 152.

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by 'No worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality.'"

(Reply to a Believer - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 905) Selection Source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shinbun

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"The reason that most people do not attain Buddhahood, the Daishonin asserts, is that, though they may have embraced faith in the Lotus Sutra from the distant past to the present, they end up being defeated by the three obstacles and four devils.

"This present moment is crucial, the Daishonin is saying. The three obstacles and four devils are hurdles we have to overcome to attain Buddhahood. By surmounting them, our attainment of Buddhahood is guaranteed. That is why when the three obstacles and four devils appear, “the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat” (WND-1, 637).

"The appearance of the three obstacles and four devils serves to show that we are on the correct path of Buddhist practice. The Soka Gakkai’s great tradition of faith since the time of founding president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi has been established by our unwavering commitment to strive for kosen-rufu with selfless dedication, undaunted by any hardship or obstacle. This is something that we must never forget."

SGI Newsletter No. 8746, Learning from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory [46], The Three Obstacles and Four Devils. The Wise Will Rejoice, Let's Achieve Eternal Victory through Undefeated Buddhist Practice, from the November 2012 issue of the Daibyakurenge

 

[Weird]

nam myoho renge kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet."

(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land- The Writings of Nichiren Dashonin, Vol. 1, page 17) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"I will win, no matter what!"

Having such strong confident faith means to believe in the power of the practice with unwavering conviction.

Let's advance proudly basing our actions on the "Strategy of the Lotus Sutra!"*

Daisaku Ikeda

* Gosho: The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra- WND-1, pg 1000, "It is the heart that is important. No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. 'All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.' These golden words will never prove false. The heart of strategy and swordsmanship derives from the Mystic Law. Have profound. faith. A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered."