Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)

[PassTheDoobie]

"Mr. Toda said: 'True victory belongs to those who win in the end.' He also stated: 'Lions are distinguished by their roar.' . . .

"Mr. Toda said insightfully: 'Walk the path of heroes. Walk the path of the great. What we’re undergoing now is but a tiny fraction of the obstacles encountered by the Daishonin, whose teachings we uphold.' Let us also make our way with the same dauntless state of mind as Mr. Toda! . . .

"You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible. With that firm conviction, I hope you will make courageous efforts for kosen-rufu and advance along the supreme path to happiness."

SGI Newsletter No. 8733, the above is an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s speech at the 49th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, held in conjunction with the 4th Tohoku General Meeting, on 18th May, 2005, originally from the SGI Newsletter No. 4045, reprinted on 12th March 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Each conversation we have with a new found friend
is a priceless asset in our own personal lives.
We will forever be the developers of meaningful human relations!
Let's always try to encourage and support each other to help
as many people as we possibly can to form a connection with Buddhism.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"There has never been, nor will there ever be, a Buddha who does not encounter hardships. Only by struggling against difficulties can we attain the life-state of Buddhahood. Herein lies the essence of Buddhism."

SGI Newsletter No. 8733, the above is an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s speech at the 49th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, held in conjunction with the 4th Tohoku General Meeting, on 18th May, 2005, originally from the SGI Newsletter No. 4045, reprinted on 12th March 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood."

(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 283) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, March 13th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Mr. Toda declared: 'The great endeavour of kosen-rufu is a struggle against devilish functions. We cannot afford to cower at their onslaughts. If we allow them to defeat us, humanity will be forever enveloped in darkness.' Kosen-rufu is a struggle against devilish functions. That’s why we must triumph over them. Doing so leads to the creation of a beautiful realm of peace and happiness.

"There is no such thing as a struggle for kosen-rufu that is free of attack by devilish functions. The Daishonin expressly states: 'This world is the domain of the devil king of the sixth heaven' (WND-1, 495). . . .

"We battle devilish functions in order to become happy and attain Buddhahood. This struggle is the most powerful enabling force and shortest route to attaining a state of life shining with eternal benefit. . . .

"If justice and truth are vanquished, humanity will be shrouded in darkness. The only way to save our planet is to forge an ever-widening solidarity of those who champion good. And the foundation of those efforts is the philosophy of human revolution."

SGI Newsletter No. 8733, the above is an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s speech at the 49th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, held in conjunction with the 4th Tohoku General Meeting, on 18th May, 2005, originally from the SGI Newsletter No. 4045, reprinted on 12th March 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Human beings are equally vulnerable. They give their lives for shallow, worldly matters but rarely for the Buddha's precious teachings. Small wonder they do not attain Buddhahood."

(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. I, page 301) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, March 16th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The Daishonin encourages us: "What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"* There is nothing that can obstruct us when we have the powerful lion's roar of Nam-Myoho-Renge-kyo on our side! Let's chant with absolute conviction and confidence and boldly win over the negative forces of sickness!

Daisaku Ikeda

* Gosho: Reply to Kyo'o - WND Vol.1, pg 412, "Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle? It is written that those who embrace the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra will be protected by the Mother of Demon Children and by the ten demon daughters."

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Allow me also to share some of President Toda’s guidance, which I’d like you to engrave in your hearts.

"Mr. Toda said: 'In short, problems allow us to grow and develop; bad, ill-intentioned people enable us to expand and elevate our life-conditions. When we take such a positive view, we can lead strong and confident lives.' It is just as he says. Every society, every organisation has its share of problems as well as mean-spirited or dishonest individuals. There is no place that is absolutely perfect. It is by challenging issues that need addressing and fighting against those who are malicious and corrupt that we can develop ourselves and grow in both strength and ability."

SGI Newsletter No. 8733, the above is an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s speech at the 49th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, held in conjunction with the 4th Tohoku General Meeting, on 18th May, 2005, originally from the SGI Newsletter No. 4045, reprinted on 12th March 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Or again we may say that our head corresponds to myo, our throat to ho, our chest to ren, our stomach to ge, and our legs to kyo. Hence this five-foot body of ours constitutes the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, 716, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 28) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, March 14th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Mr. Toda was an expert on people, with brilliant insight into human nature. He once commented: 'Activity is important in producing capable people. It rejuvenates the organisation and fosters capable people.'

"While an abundance of free time and space may seem like perfect conditions for growth and development, in fact the opposite is often true. It’s difficult to become capable just by sitting around idly day in and day out, without doing anything of value. People’s ability and characters are forged and polished in the midst of activity, through taking on one challenge after another. In that respect, Gakkai activities provide an ideal means for fostering capable people. . . .

"Mr. Toda also said: 'A new undertaking begins by breaking out of the bounds of what we have done before.' These are words of profound meaning. I hope you will ponder them well. I would like you to accomplish great work, valuable work."

SGI Newsletter No. 8733, the above is an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s speech at the 49th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, held in conjunction with the 4th Tohoku General Meeting, on 18th May, 2005, originally from the SGI Newsletter No. 4045, reprinted on 12th March 2013

 

[easyDaimoku]

I'm in the home stretch and almost finished penning my first book! This is a very exciting moment in my life, all thanks due to the Gohonzon and practice established for us by Nichiren Daishonin. Without President Makiguichi sharing this practice with Mr. Josei Toda; then President Daisaku Ikeda would not have enabled and empowered Ted Osaki and Tony Matsuoka! Therefore, PasstheDoobie, the Babbas, us over here, and you over there wouldn't be doing this moment to moment refreshed life towards the middle way everyday. I'm so grateful for the aforementioned, including Siddartha Guatama (we refer to him by his other name Skakymuni Buddha), yet Nichiren is the originally enlightened Buddha as we've learned! The timeline isn't fucked up at all, we're the THUS COME ONES OF ORIGINAL ENLIGHTENMENT, We're Bodhisattvas of the Earth! We're courageously propagating the Mystic Law of Cause and Effect. Even if we get wallopped, we get back on track chanting to the Gohonzon day in day out!

Besides writing I'm starting my first business, I'm referring to this thread and the original to produce my business plan because Buddhism is reason and applies to everything! When I say everything I mean everything! My graduate school projects are based on Myoho-Renge-Kyo, my new business is based on developing bonds into an effective consortium based on the principles of Nichiren Daishonin's Writings and Orally Transmitted Teachings. I heavily rely on President Ikeda's writings too, they are really and essential tool to really ramp up your practice and protect yourself better in the world. Seven years after recieving my Gohonzon, I'm starting my first business! This is truly great!

 

[easyDaimoku]

These events take place in 1977.

Shin’ichi Yamamoto attends a series of auxiliary division meetings, firmly determined to encourage not only the Business Professionals Division, but also all the other divisions rooted in society and their local communities.

They include the Farming Communities Division members, who are producers of the food that sustains and protects human life, and the Housing Complex Division members, who are grappling with the problem of how to create a vibrant and harmonious community in new, densely populated housing complexes. Listening to Shigeo Kudo [a successful automobile salesperson who lived in the same ward], Naoyuki Oji came to realize that he had not tried his hardest at his job. He usually only made 50 or 60 sales calls a day.

And when a customer said he wasn’t interested, Oji took this as an indication of an unproductive lead, and he never made a second call or followed up. Oji realized that he had been defeated without ever really trying in the first place.
Kudo looked at Oji and said: “Mr. Oji, you seem a little tired. President [Shin’ichi] Yamamoto stresses that to be productive in society we need to have good health and a vigorous life force.

“We need a dynamic life force to push ourselves to keep making sales calls in spite of being refused. And if we’re not upbeat and energetic, we can’t excite customers about what we’re selling. I believe that establishing a genuine rapport between a salesperson and customer, one human being to another, is the key to being successful in sales.

“Making the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo our top priority is the key to producing a powerful life force. I especially make an effort to chant in the morning. I start my day by earnestly praying: ‘Today, too, I will win. No, I will definitely win!’

“The fact is, I learned everything about how to do my job in my Soka Gakkai activities. By living based on the philosophy we practice in the Soka Gakkai, everyone can win in the workplace.”

Volume 24, Chapter 4, Installments 20–38 of The New Human Revolution by Daisaku Ikeda (SGI President Ikeda’s ongoing novel The New Human Revolution, which he began writing in 1993, is the history of the progress of the Soka Gakkai following his inauguration in 1960 as its third president, and a record of the modern develop[ment of the Soka Gakkai International])

 

[CrazyDog]

Our faith and practice manifests itself
in our daily lives as victory and success
through the driving force of our chanting.
In our local community, society or wherever we might be,
let's always try to shine as good examples.

 

[Payaso]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

G-man is sending regards and thanks for your prayers.

 

[BushyOldGrower]

The new way of business will be part of the coming changes. As we hone our swords of justice we see a new paradigm of how to live.

The selfish, mean spirited competition of business where nice guys always finish last will someday end. The change is internal in all of us who progress on the path to Kosen Rufu.

There once was a better business ethic. Remember the saying that the customer is always right? That satisfaction is guaranteed? That the customer comes first.

We must really mean it when we do business. We must give respect for customers which means they get treated as we would wish to be treated. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is a Golden Rule that is so true no matter what religion you like.

I will chant that I may live up to a standard that I can be proud of. When I tell the truth I show respect for others. To lie is a betrayal of us all. Never lie unless absolutely necessary. I don't lie, not even to cops.

It's a principle, a higher law to never lie. An enlightened person would only lie to protect another in a specific situation. Like trying to save a persons life. Hiding a Jew from the Nazi's is an example of why one might lie but you can see this is rare.

People lie all the time. I hate little white lies used to be polite or make an excuse. They seem harmless but lying is bad for you. It makes people think its ok and it's not.

I will try my best to never lie again. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...

Tell Truth!!! There is usually no reason to lie. Take responsibility for your actions and do things you can be proud of. A Buddha doesn't lie. BOG

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway."*
It's when we are in the midst of severe hardships
that it's vital to have steadfast faith.
No matter what, at the very end of the day let's come out the victors!

Daisaku Ikeda

Gosho - "Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway." (Earthly Desires Are Enlightenment, WND1-page 319)

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Rising from his sickbed one day, President Toda said to a young man: 'Study the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism thoroughly! . . . My approach to Buddhist study is to focus on the heart—to focus on what the Daishonin is teaching us about faith. Make that your approach to Buddhist study, too!'"

SGI Newsletter No. 8835, Learning from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory, [50] “Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain.” Be “Good Friends” Who Illuminate People’s Lives with the Light of Compassion and Wisdom, from the March 2013 issue of the Daibyakurenge, translated 6th Sep. 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"If in a single moment of life we exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas, then instant after instant there will arise in us the three Buddha bodies with which we are eternally endowed. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a 'diligent' practice."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 790, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 214) Selection Source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shinbun, September 11th, 2013

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"On September 12 (1271), Nichiren Daishonin encountered the Tatsunokuchi Persecution. Triumphing over this extreme persecution, in which unscrupulous authorities attempted to behead him, the Daishonin discarded his transient status and revealed his true identity as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law.

"As we turn our thoughts to the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, let’s engrave in our hearts some words from the Daishonin’s writing 'The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra.' They were spoken just before he was about to be beheaded, and were addressed to his beloved disciple Shijo Kingo, who had tearfully accompanied him to the execution grounds, ready to die alongside him. Those words are: 'What greater joy could there be?' (WND-1, 767).

"The Daishonin had dedicated his life to the Mystic Law, the teaching of the ultimate truth, and to kosen-rufu, the noblest aspiration there is. Nothing could impinge on his vast and brilliant state of life. Nothing could hold him back. Nothing could defeat him. In that state, 'the greatest of all joys' (OTT, 212) welled up limitlessly from deep within him. And he demonstrated with serenity, conviction, and bright assurance that the protective forces of the universe would unfailingly act to protect him in response to his unswerving commitment to fulfilling the vow for kosen-rufu—a commitment that was one with the Mystic Law.

"The Soka Gakkai’s first and second presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, stood up with the same lionhearted spirit as Nichiren Daishonin in their struggle against the persecution of Japan’s militarist authorities during World War II. In addition, over the course of these past 66 years as Mr. Toda’s disciple, I have withstood all manner of attack and adversity in order to ensure the magnificent development of kosen-rufu.

"We encounter hardships and obstacles because we champion the cause of justice and truth. We cannot attain Buddhahood without struggling against obstacles. And the more we challenge ourselves for kosen-rufu, the more strength we can bring forth, the more new capable individuals we can foster, and the more new paths to victory we can joyfully open. I believe that, together with my true comrades, I have irrefutably demonstrated this fact."

SGI Newsletter No. 8836, 67th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting, Faith Is the Courage to Never Give Up, from 8th Sep., 2013, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated 10th Sep. 2013