Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)

[PassTheDoobie]

"You will grow younger, and your good fortune will accumulate."

(The Unity of Husband and Wife - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 464) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's encouragement, Seikyo Shimbun, April 22nd, 2012

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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 May 2012 issue of Daibyakurenge, translated April 18th 2012

[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.”

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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, April 17th, 2012

 

[CrazyDog]

We are so grateful to all of our Men's Division members
who work very hard both in the local community and in society day after day.
With your abundant wisdom and various life experiences,
shine a light of hope in the hearts of everyone around you.
May you all stand as strong golden pillars of your district!


Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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, April 19th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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, April 18th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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, translated 8th April 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

It is said, "You must never forget your original resolution."
Any time we encounter a deadlock in life,
let's remember to return to that "original resolution" in our faith!
Let's engrave in our hearts the answer to the question:
"For what purpose am I practising?"
and strive along our chosen path of faith.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Connections forged through the Mystic Law are eternal. By fulfilling our role in this existence, we will definitely be able to create a happy and harmonious family.

"As I often say, a family can still be happy and harmonious, even if not every single member of the family is practising Nichiren Buddhism. All it takes is one person in the family shining with the sunlike brilliance of the Mystic Law to illuminate their entire family. The good fortune and benefit that person gains through faith will flow on to encompass the family’s descendants in generation after generation, so there is nothing to worry about if other family members don’t practise.

"Just focus on being the one who brings happiness and harmony in your family. When you expand your own state of life, you will be able to realise a happy and harmonious environment."

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, translated 8th April 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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, March 17th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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."

 

[Payaso]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[BushyOldGrower]

A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered.

Faith is powerful and if you had enough faith in this power you have it would be possible to move a mountain.

I once knew. I will know again, and I am not afraid. But do I have the faith to move that mountain? Do I have the courage to do anything?

Yes we do and we will but where would you like to move which mountain? When I had the chance I declined to make any changes. They all seem to be in just the right place already.

Would you make it rain even? It's not nice to mess around with mother nature or any of the higher laws. You can't have faith to the degree of the Buddha unless you be the Buddha.

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[BushyOldGrower]

We chant , Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...

And that helps us be the Buddha.

It is possible to walk in the light...

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"What a joy it is for us to have been born in the Latter Day of the Law and to have shared in the propagation of the Lotus Sutra! How pitiful are those who, though born in this time, cannot believe in this sutra!"

(Letter to Niike - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1026) Selection Source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shinbun, April 20th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Seek out friends you can trust, rely on, and consult with, and resolve to become such an individual yourself.

"Mr. Toda said: 'Make friends with even just one person whom you can share your heart with or who can teach you about faith in times of need.'

"...Since you possess within you the supreme treasure of the Mystic Law, you have nothing to fear. Even if your efforts go unnoticed by others, the Gohonzon is aware of everything, and all the Buddhas and heavenly deities throughout the universe will definitely protect you. So please don’t worry about anything. Have confidence in yourself, and just do your very best."

SGI Newsletter No. 8752, Humanistic Teachings for Victory, (9) Praying for the Happiness of All Young Women’s Division Members, Following the Correct Path in Life, from the 6th June, 2012, issue of the Soka Shimpo, the Soka Gakkai youth division’s fortnightly newspaper, translated 19th April 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path."

(Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 598) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, April 22nd, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

We are close to the 760th anniversary of the Daishonin's declaration of his teachings (on April 28th of this year). We, SGI members, are courageously carrying on the same spirit demonstrated by the Daishonin from the time of his proclamation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Through engaging in dialogue to spread the humanistic principles of Nichiren Buddhism for the sake of a peaceful and prosperous world,let's help as many people as possible to form a connection with Buddhism.

Daisaku Ikeda

*On April 28th, 1253, a great declaration rang out with the power to illuminate the lives of all humanity. It was Nichiren Daishonin's first proclamation of his teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, issuing from his home province of Awa (present-day southern Chiba Prefecture) and echoing into the eternal future of the Latter Day of the Law. (President Ikeda's editorial, Daibyakurenge, April 2013 issue)