Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)

[SoCal Hippy]

"Science is based on tested proof or empirical evidence. You conduct a test or experiment and then observe the results. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, similarly, teaches that nothing beats actual proof. In this regard, it stands alone among the religions of the world. I hope that each year you will strive to show clear proof of victory in Buddhism and your studies. Please always remember that showing such proof is the mark of a true successor."

Quote: Daisaku Ikeda

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, May 25, 2014:

If a spark as small as a bean is set to a single blade of grass in a spring field of a thousand square ri thick with grass, it becomes in an instant an immeasurable, boundless blaze. Such is also the case with this robe [you have offered]. Though only one robe, it has been offered to the Buddhas of all the characters of the Lotus Sutra. Be firmly convinced that the benefits from this will extend to your parents, your grandparents, nay, even to countless living beings, not to mention your own husband, whom you hold most dear.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 533
The Offering of an Unlined Robe
Written to the lady of Sajiki on May 25, 1275

 

[Babbabud]

Great to see you SoCal !!!
Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, May 26, 2014:

Because Buddhism has gradually been turned upside down, the secular world also has been plunged into corruption and chaos. Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow. When the body bends, so does the shadow. How fortunate that all of my disciples who follow the Buddha's true intention will naturally flow into the ocean of comprehensive wisdom!

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1039
A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras
Written to Toki Jonin on May 26, 1280

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, May 27, 2014:

To accept, uphold, read, recite, take delight in, and protect all the eight volumes and twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra is called the comprehensive practice. To accept, uphold, and protect the "Expedient Means" chapter and the "Life Span" chapter is called the abbreviated practice. And simply to chant one four-phrase verse or the daimoku, and to protect those who do so, is called the essential practice. Hence, among these three kinds of practice, comprehensive, abbreviated, and essential, the daimoku is defined as the essential practice.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 143
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, May 28, 2014:

"Single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha" may be read as follows: single-mindedly observing the Buddha, concentrating one's mind on seeing the Buddha, and when looking at one's own mind, perceiving that it is the Buddha.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 389
Letter to Gijo-bo
Written to Gijo-bo on May 28, 1273

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, May 29, 2014:

When one carries out the single practice of exercising faith in Myoho-renge-kyo, there are no blessings that fail to come to one, and no good karma that does not begin to work on one's behalf. It is like the case of a fishing net: though the net is composed of innumerable small meshes, when one pulls on the main cord of the net, there are no meshes that do not move. Or it is like a garment: though the garment is composed of countless tiny threads, when one pulls on a corner of the garment, there are no threads that are not drawn along.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 133
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, May 30, 2014:

But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412
Reply to Kyo'o
Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Shijo Kingo and Nichigen-nyo, on August 15, 1273

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, May 31, 2014:

Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood."

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 536
Winter Always Turns to Spring
Written to the lay nun Myoichi in May 1275

 

[Payaso]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Looking forward to some good news about Gypsy!

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

"Single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha" may be read as follows: single-mindedly observing the Buddha, concentrating one's mind on seeing the Buddha, and when looking at one's own mind, perceiving that it is the Buddha.

Thank you for this reminder... I will try to concentrate more.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[Babbabud]

Would love to get an update from our brother T
Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[Southern Girl]

Hello to all Chanting Growers!

Hello to all Chanting Growers!

Thank of all of you often and can't believe it has been 10 years s ince this group was started. It is also where I met Gordy P. Time flies! Gordy P is member now and helping with mens study. He finally landed a contract job, not in his chosen field but 2nd best to him for now. I have been in school full time (16hrs) working on 2 bachelors as well as full time work, so time is few. I will report that this old woman has a 3.93 GPA and yes I'm proud of myself! We enjoy what there is to enjoy, and suffer what there is to suffer. We were recently notified of being Grandparents x 4 now, and 2 of our Grandchildren will be here in a couple of weeks without parents. Mine and Gordy P. firs adventure at being Grandparents home alone. Gordy P. just hit the big 60 bday and I can say that neither of us are getting the aging thing! What do you mean? We are not too old! LOL My love and daimoku goes to all. Special "hey" to PTD! SG

 

[Babbabud]

Big hugs to you and Gordy SG
Nam myoho renge kyo !!

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, June 1, 2014:

The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the "Never Disparaging" chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, June 2, 2014:

Rather than offering up ten thousand prayers for remedy, it would be better simply to outlaw this one evil.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 15
On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, June 3, 2014:

As I said before, though no chapter of the Lotus Sutra is negligible, among the entire twenty-eight chapters, the "Expedient Means" chapter and the "Life Span" chapter are particularly outstanding. The remaining chapters are all in a sense the branches and leaves of these two chapters. Therefore, for your regular recitation, I recommend that you practice reading the prose sections of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" chapters.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 71
The Recitation of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" Chapters
Written to Hiki Daigaku Saburo Yoshimoto's wife on April 17, 1264

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, June 4, 2014:

However great the good causes one may make, or even if one reads and copies the entirety of the Lotus Sutra a thousand or ten thousand times, or attains the way of perceiving three thousand realms in a single moment of life, if one fails to denounce the enemies of the Lotus Sutra, it will be impossible to attain the way.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 78
Encouragement to a Sick Person
Written to Nanjo Hyoe Shichiro on December 13, 1264

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, June 5, 2014:

A person can know another's mind by listening to the voice. This is because the physical aspect reveals the spiritual aspect. The physical and spiritual, which are one in essence, manifest themselves as two distinct aspects; thus the Buddha's mind found expression as the written words of the Lotus Sutra. These written words are the Buddha's mind in a different form. Therefore, those who read the Lotus Sutra must not regard it as consisting of mere written words, for those words are in themselves the Buddha's mind.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 86
Opening the Eyes of Wooden and Painted Images
Recipient unknown; written in 1264

 

[Weird]

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, June 6, 2014:

The Great Teacher Dengyo says: "Neither teachers nor disciples need undergo countless kalpas of austere practice in order to attain Buddhahood. Through the power of the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law they can do so in their present form." This means that both the teacher who expounds the principles of the Lotus Sutra and the disciple who receives his teachings will, in no long time, together become Buddhas through the power of the Lotus Sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 133
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo