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Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)
- Thread starter PassTheDoobie
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"Today, ..., I would like to proclaim: 'We are treasure towers shining with the light of happiness!'
"A giant and magnificently adorned treasure tower appears in the Lotus Sutra. What does this treasure tower signify?
"The Daishonin clearly explains this in a response to a question from Abutsu-bo, a follower from Japan’s northern climes [of Sado Island]: 'In the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra.... [T]hose who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower' (WND-1, 299). And the Daishonin concludes: 'Abutsu-bo is therefore the treasure tower itself, and the treasure tower is Abutsu-bo himself' (WND-1, 299).
"In other words, your life itself is the treasure tower.
"The life of an individual is not something weak or powerless; it contains within it potential as vast and limitless as the universe. The treasure tower of life remains solid and unshaken, no matter what hardships may assail it. No one can destroy it."
SGI Newsletter No. 8732, SGI President Ikeda’s Message, 64th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting,Treasure Towers Shining with the Light of Happiness
"A giant and magnificently adorned treasure tower appears in the Lotus Sutra. What does this treasure tower signify?
"The Daishonin clearly explains this in a response to a question from Abutsu-bo, a follower from Japan’s northern climes [of Sado Island]: 'In the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra.... [T]hose who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower' (WND-1, 299). And the Daishonin concludes: 'Abutsu-bo is therefore the treasure tower itself, and the treasure tower is Abutsu-bo himself' (WND-1, 299).
"In other words, your life itself is the treasure tower.
"The life of an individual is not something weak or powerless; it contains within it potential as vast and limitless as the universe. The treasure tower of life remains solid and unshaken, no matter what hardships may assail it. No one can destroy it."
SGI Newsletter No. 8732, SGI President Ikeda’s Message, 64th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting,Treasure Towers Shining with the Light of Happiness
"The voice carries out the work of the Buddha"
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 708, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 4)
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 708, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 4)
"If we take bold, courageous action for the sake of our friends' happiness
our own lives shine, too. It is the accumulation of such selfless acts
that builds indestructible 'treasures of the heart'*."
Daisaku Ikeda
* Treasures of the Heart: https://www.sgi-usa.org/memberresourc...s_of_heart.php
our own lives shine, too. It is the accumulation of such selfless acts
that builds indestructible 'treasures of the heart'*."
Daisaku Ikeda
* Treasures of the Heart: https://www.sgi-usa.org/memberresourc...s_of_heart.php
"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)
(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 502)
"Before initiating his nonviolent struggle, Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), the great champion of nonviolence, declared: 'So long as there is even a handful of [people] true to their pledge, there can be only one end to the struggle—and that is victory.'[1]
"A pledge or vow only has meaning if it is fulfilled. And the vow for kosen-rufu, in particular, means that we must keep striving until final victory is achieved.
"I hope all our leaders will demonstrate such strong resolve and tenacity."
SGI Newsletter No. 8775, Our Brilliant Path to Victory, May—The Month of the Vow of Mentor and Disciple
[1] Louis Fischer, The Life of Mahatma Gandhi (New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1983), p. 75.
"A pledge or vow only has meaning if it is fulfilled. And the vow for kosen-rufu, in particular, means that we must keep striving until final victory is achieved.
"I hope all our leaders will demonstrate such strong resolve and tenacity."
SGI Newsletter No. 8775, Our Brilliant Path to Victory, May—The Month of the Vow of Mentor and Disciple
[1] Louis Fischer, The Life of Mahatma Gandhi (New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1983), p. 75.
"Let's put in our best effort for kosen rufu. No per se 'adversity', can hold up against a person of strong inner resolve! All of our struggles and hardships are like fuel that propels us forwards and accelerates the pace of our advancement."
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
"When Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they have already 'cast off' their present bodies. This is because, in doing so, they have shown that they do not hesitate to give up their lives."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 731, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 70)
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 731, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 70)
"Those who can overcome their own weaknesses are indeed true victors. Never be defeated. By constantly making every effort to win in life, let's adorn our lives in the very best of happiness!"
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
"'Thank you' is a 'magic word' that brings joy to both the person who says it and the person who hears it. Those who feel and express appreciation have beautiful hearts. Those who can appreciate others’ kindness will grow into leaders who can work for the happiness of others.
"The Daishonin constantly thanked his followers. He never failed to express appreciation for their sincerity, sending them letters upon letters of encouragement.
"I will say 'thank you' again today, cherishing the belief and wish that when we all show greater appreciation for one another, the world will become a happier and more peaceful place."
SGI Newsletter No. 8769, Soar into the Skies of Hope! [9] Greeting Others and Expressing Thanks, from the 1st Jan., 2013, issue of Boys and Girls Hope News, the Soka Gakkai newspaper for the boys and girls division
"The Daishonin constantly thanked his followers. He never failed to express appreciation for their sincerity, sending them letters upon letters of encouragement.
"I will say 'thank you' again today, cherishing the belief and wish that when we all show greater appreciation for one another, the world will become a happier and more peaceful place."
SGI Newsletter No. 8769, Soar into the Skies of Hope! [9] Greeting Others and Expressing Thanks, from the 1st Jan., 2013, issue of Boys and Girls Hope News, the Soka Gakkai newspaper for the boys and girls division
"Those who call themselves my disciples and practice the Lotus Sutra should all practice as I do. If they do, Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, Shakyamuni's emanations throughout the ten directions, and the ten demon daughters will protect them."
(On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 978)
(On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 978)
"It's said that not to advance is to retreat.
It's in the midst of advancement that we can grow and develop.
It's while we are taking action that we can find true joy.
With courage in our hearts, let's advance!
Let's break through those personal walls that limit us!"
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam myoho renge kyo
It's in the midst of advancement that we can grow and develop.
It's while we are taking action that we can find true joy.
With courage in our hearts, let's advance!
Let's break through those personal walls that limit us!"
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam myoho renge kyo
"Troubles and upsets are part and parcel of life. We may fall ill or find ourselves deadlocked at work. There may be times when we struggle with relationships in our workplace, our communities, or at home. In a sense, to live is a constant challenge, and life is the arena of our struggles."
SGI Newsletter No. 8742, The New Human Revolution––Vol. 26: Chap. 2, Banner of the Law
SGI Newsletter No. 8742, The New Human Revolution––Vol. 26: Chap. 2, Banner of the Law
"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."
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 3)
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 3)
"And yet, though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered."
(On Prayer - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 345)
(On Prayer - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 345)
"In response to the question, 'What have you enjoyed most in life?' Helen Keller (1880–1968) replied: 'Overcoming difficulties.'[1] This was the spirit of a great woman who, though blind and deaf, had pressed forwards through all challenges to lead a life of social activism and contribution to humanitarian causes. Keller also declared: 'Patience and perseverance always conquer in the end.'[2]
SGI Newsletter No. 8764, SGI President Ikeda’s Editorial, Walking the Path of Happiness and Victory Together with the Women’s Division, translated from the Daibyaku Renge
[1] Joseph P. Nash, Helen and Teacher: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy (New York: Dell Publishing Co., Inc., 1998), p. 523.
[2] Judith St. George, Dear Dr. Bell..., Your Friend, Helen Keller (New York: Scholastic Inc., 1992), p. 54.
Nam myoho renge kyo
SGI Newsletter No. 8764, SGI President Ikeda’s Editorial, Walking the Path of Happiness and Victory Together with the Women’s Division, translated from the Daibyaku Renge
[1] Joseph P. Nash, Helen and Teacher: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy (New York: Dell Publishing Co., Inc., 1998), p. 523.
[2] Judith St. George, Dear Dr. Bell..., Your Friend, Helen Keller (New York: Scholastic Inc., 1992), p. 54.
Nam myoho renge kyo
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!!!
New Years Gosho
I HAVE received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit. New Year’s Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts. For example, flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. You may question how it is that the Buddha can reside within us when our bodies, originating from our parents’ sperm and blood, are the source of the three poisons and the seat of carnal desires. But repeated consideration assures us of the truth of this matter. The pure lotus flower blooms out of the muddy pond, the fragrant sandalwood grows from the soil, the graceful cherry blossoms come forth from trees, the beautiful Yang Kuei-fei was born of a woman of low station, and the moon rises from behind the mountains to shed light on them. Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one’s heart and makes one worthy of respect.
The sincerity of making offerings to the Lotus Sutra at the beginning of the New Year is like cherry blossoms blooming from trees, a lotus unfolding in a pond, sandalwood leaves unfurling on the Snow Mountains, or the moon beginning to rise. Now Japan, in becoming an enemy of the Lotus Sutra, has invited misfortune from a thousand miles away. In light of this, it is clear that those who now believe in the Lotus Sutra will gather fortune from ten thousand miles away. The shadow is cast by the form, and just as the shadow follows the form, misfortune will befall the country whose people are hostile to the Lotus Sutra. The believers in the Lotus Sutra, on the other hand, are like the sandalwood with its fragrance. I will write you again.
Nichiren
From: "The Gift of Rice Gosho"
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!!!
New Years Gosho
I HAVE received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit. New Year’s Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts. For example, flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. You may question how it is that the Buddha can reside within us when our bodies, originating from our parents’ sperm and blood, are the source of the three poisons and the seat of carnal desires. But repeated consideration assures us of the truth of this matter. The pure lotus flower blooms out of the muddy pond, the fragrant sandalwood grows from the soil, the graceful cherry blossoms come forth from trees, the beautiful Yang Kuei-fei was born of a woman of low station, and the moon rises from behind the mountains to shed light on them. Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one’s heart and makes one worthy of respect.
The sincerity of making offerings to the Lotus Sutra at the beginning of the New Year is like cherry blossoms blooming from trees, a lotus unfolding in a pond, sandalwood leaves unfurling on the Snow Mountains, or the moon beginning to rise. Now Japan, in becoming an enemy of the Lotus Sutra, has invited misfortune from a thousand miles away. In light of this, it is clear that those who now believe in the Lotus Sutra will gather fortune from ten thousand miles away. The shadow is cast by the form, and just as the shadow follows the form, misfortune will befall the country whose people are hostile to the Lotus Sutra. The believers in the Lotus Sutra, on the other hand, are like the sandalwood with its fragrance. I will write you again.
Nichiren
From: "The Gift of Rice Gosho"
