Chanting Growers Group

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo !!

Nam myoho renge kyo !!

Welcome MrWags So glad to see you stop in my friend.
The Soka Gakkai website is a great place to take a good long look around. Lots of online text and information about Nichiren Daishonins buddhism.
http://www.sgi-usa.org/
Your seeking spirit is what has brought you here, Im so happy to see you show up Feel free to ask lots of questions as this is an open on running discussion. When you ask questions we all learn
MrWags congratulations on your "thread of the year " win you soooo deserve it
I know you already understand cause and effect ....like you say I think this is all prolly right up your alley...... you just have to remember it ...... Hope to see lots more of you here brother !!
nam myoho renge kyo !!

 

[mrwags]

Maybe We Are On To Something?

Maybe We Are On To Something?

We might also add Mr.Babba,that you and Mrs.B deserve a bow as well and let's see, Pass The Doobie as well maybe we are on to something obviously by the thread count curious minds want to know. Yes I will forever hold it in high regard Mr.B and Thank You. But I must say I'm most proud of our community for the warm welcome are visitors are getting. I sadly feel if it was the other way around it might be a different story,you see I started my growing journey at OG as Flameproof. The name in itself only proves my unstoppable desire to grow. I was new and asked alot of questions and got hammered by the kiddies. That is why it means so much, for this place International Cannagraphic taught me the skills that they would not. Now I go back from time to time and read the earlier posts over there and laugh my ass off. Knowing that if they had given me just a little time I would have learned and I WOULD HAVE SHARED EVERYTHING like I do here. That is what makes ICM home to me.

Mr.Babba I will read your link, every last word and I WILL learn and see if this is for me, because as you all know I'm a fast learner.

Oh and Babba give Mrs.B a big squeeze for me and tell her somebody Love's here TODAY.


Hope All Is Well In Your World
Mr.Wags

 

[mrwags]

I started my growing journey at OG as Flameproof. The name in itself only proves my unstoppable desire to grow.
Mr.Wags

I typed this and then a few minutes later read this:

Faith -- in Buddhism, faith is based on experience. Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism emphasizes obtaining "actual proof" of the teaching’s power. Faith begins as an expectation or hope that something will happen. At the start of our journey, if we are willing to try the practice and anticipate some result, we will then develop our faith brick by brick as examples of actual proof accrue.

you need a fire to make bricks.


Mr.Wags

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Happy to hear from you mrwags!

Happy to hear from you mrwags!

Check this book out. It is ABC and quite profound at the same time. I highly recommend it to everybody!

http://www.sgi-usa.org/Merchant2/me...e_Code=SOS&Product_Code=1055&Category_Code=B1

I am happy you are here wags. I trust that you will be staying. Read and learn and see that everything you already know in your heart to be true is reflected in this philosophy. Dogma carries little weight here.

The proof is in the pudding (chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo). If that doesn't work for you first, an exhaustive review of the doctrine is pointless. Sit somewhere quietly and observe your mind by chanting and thinking of the things that would make your life better. Challenge Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to show you it's power.

That way your reseach takes on the meaningful beauty of unlocking the mystery of life that you know exists from your life experience rather than from a merely philisophical perspective.

At any rate, we are excited to have you here. Get comfy! You will really like this book!

T

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Mai ji sa ze nen. I ga ryo shujo. Toku nyu mu-jo do. Soku joju busshin.

At all times I think to myself:
How can I cause living beings
to gain entry into the unsurpassed way
and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha? (LS16, 232)

Concluding Words of the 'Life Span' Chapter

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Welcome Mr Wags

Welcome Mr Wags

Welcome to this great site on Nichirens Buddhism. Another great book to look into that I recommend to those searching or want to learn more is the book titled: "The Buddha in Your Mirror"

http://www.amazon.com (just put in the title in the search)

Hope to see more of you as you try this practice of chanting Nam myoho renge kyo. Good luck!!!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: The lion's roar (shishi ku) is the preaching of the Buddha. The preaching of the Law means the preaching of the Lotus Sutra, or the preaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in particular. The first shi of the word shishi, or 'lion' [which means 'teacher'], is the Wonderful Law that is passed on by the teacher. The second shi [which means 'child'] is the Wonderful Law as it is received by the disciples. The 'roar' is the sound of the teacher and the disciples chanting in unison. The verb sa, 'to make' or 'to roar', should here be understood to mean to initiate or to put forth. It refers to the initiating of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 748, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 111) Selection source: For Young Men's Division study meetings, Seikyo Shimbun, February 3rd, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Don't forget to post in the thread for the rest of the month...

Don't forget to post in the thread for the rest of the month...

because each post in also an entry into the raffle to win the ICmag prize that was awarded to this thread! Check it out!

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=20129&goto=newpost

Heres what it looks like:

http://www.icmag.com/gallery/data/500/9ash_burl_kiff_box_2-thumb.jpg (http://www.icmag.com/gallery/data/500/9ash_burl_kiff_box_2.jpg)

http://www.icmag.com/gallery/data/500/9ash_burl_kiff_box_1-thumb.jpg (http://www.icmag.com/gallery/data/500/9ash_burl_kiff_box_1.jpg)

Thank you to all of you!

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

And remember what the Daishonin says about embracing esoteric teachings in the Latter day of the Law...

Have a safe trip kmarpa!

T

 

[Guest]

after two weeks reading this thread.....

after two weeks reading this thread.....

Thanks to PTD, Thanks to BABBA Thanks to all... Together we are at peace
let our plants, lives, family and friends also express that uniform comfort and joy

I am truly grateful for all the countless posters in this thread enlightening my path



nam myoho renge kyo !

 

[Babbabud]

Welcome to the "chanting growers thread " easydisco ... so glad to hear you have been reading our thread Believe me it has been put here just for your seeking spirit. Now that youve read the thread you can see the importance of chanting nam myoho renge kyo with faith in your heart. Choose the things that help you in your life and chant for them and see the results This is a real faith builder to watch the things you chant for from the heart manifest Great to have you join the discussion easydisco ... hope you will drop in again
nam myoho renge kyo !! like the roar of the lion

 

[Mrs.Babba]

Hi Everyone!

Hi Everyone!

PTD, and everyone, thanks for all the encouraging words, they mean alot to me, we have someone special in our lives that has starting chanting and she has been asking us questions about what we have been experiencing with our chanting and just a few days later she got the phone call she wanted, called us up last night and was very excited and couldnt wait to see what else was going to come of all this new and exciting step in her life, I'm talking about our daughter and we are very happy to see her interested in Buddhism...maybe she'll come to a meeting if shes in town....
mrwags...glad to see your looking around and asking questions, thats what its all about...I have so much to learn about this but I'm willing to try the main thing is that you chant, the rest is gravy
much love everyone!
nam myoho renge kyo!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The Buddha Nature Is Inherent In All People

The Buddha Nature Is Inherent In All People

Shariputra, you should know that at the start I took a vow hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us, and what I long ago hoped for has now been fulfilled. (The Lotus Sutra, ch. 2, p. 39)

In this famous passage from the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha presents one of the sutra's revolutionary principles. It is the fact that all people can attain the same state of life as he did, indicating the mutual possession of the Ten Worlds.

The Ten Worlds are states of life that all beings experience from moment to moment. They are Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Heaven (or Rapture), Learning, Realization, Bodhisattva (Compassion) and Buddhahood (enlightenment or absolute happiness). Earlier sutras depict the Ten Worlds as separate and distinct realms where people dwell. It was inconceivable that the pure state of Buddhahood could exist in the defiled lower worlds.

Shakyamuni's statement that all people can become equal to the Buddha, "without any distinction between us," attests to the superiority of the Lotus Sutra over provisional sutras. It indicates that the Buddha returns to the realm of the lower nine worlds to lead people to enlightenment, and that while existing in the lower nine worlds, ordinary people have the potential to attain Buddhahood.

In "Letter to Niike" Nichiren Daishonin explains: "As the sutra says, 'hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us 'you can readily become as noble a Buddha as Shakyamuni. A bird's egg contains nothing but liquid, yet by itself this develops into a beak, two eyes, and all the other parts, and the bird soars into the sky. We, too, are the eggs of ignorance, which are pitiful things, but when nurtured by the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is like the warmth of the mother bird, we develop the beak of the thirty-two features and the feathers of the eighty characteristics and are free to soar into the sky of the true aspect of all phenomena and the reality of all things. This is what is meant by the sutra passage that says in essence: 'All people dwell in the shell of ignorance, lacking the beak of wisdom. The Buddha comes back to this world - the land where sages and common mortals live together, the latter undergoing transmigration with differences and limitations -just as a mother bird returns to her nest, and cracks the shell of ignorance so that all people, like fledglings, may leave the nest and soar into the sky of the essential nature of phenomena and the reality of all things... (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 1030).

In the Daishonin's thirteenth century Japan, dominated by Buddhist sects that followed provisional sutras, Buddhas were thought to be transcendent savior figures. They were adorned with thirty-two extraordinary features, such as golden skin, Dharma-wheel markings on the soles of their feet, light radiating from their bodies, and so forth.

In this passage, Nichiren declares that Buddhahood is in fact inherent in the lives of all ordinary people. The role of the Buddha is not that of a supernatural being to which others are subservient.

By stating that "attaining Buddhahood is nothing extraordinary," he indicates that, remarkable as it may seem, we are originally endowed with the potential to do so. He uses the analogy of an egg to illustrate this fact. An egg is a common object, unremarkable on the surface and containing nothing but a sort of gooey liquid. Yet it possesses the potential to develop into a bird that can fly freely in the sky. Our lives are just like this. Outwardly we may be common mortals, yet we are naturally endowed with the potential to develop the state of absolute freedom of Buddhahood.

Although the Lotus Sutra attests to the existence of our Buddha nature, Nichiren Daishonin gave us the method to develop it by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. In doing so, the Daishonin says we can develop the Buddha's thirty-two distinguishing features. These are interpreted to be compassion, insight, wisdom and other human qualities, and not as physical attributes that set the Buddha apart from other people. The ultimate reality of life lies nowhere apart from ourselves. We attain Buddhahood in our present form.

Even though we possess the potential for the supreme state of Buddhahood, unless we encounter the proper external relationship - the object of devotion, the Gohonzon - we remain "in the shell of ignorance, lacking the beak of wisdom." The role or function of the Gohonzon as the embodiment of Nichiren's Buddha nature, is to "crack the shell" or furnish the proper external cause by which we can bring forth our innate Gohonzon or Buddha nature.

In The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, SGI President Ikeda explains how this passage from the sutra applies to our practice in the Buddhist community of believers: "Propagating the teachings as well as fostering and raising capable people are all activities that accord with the Lotus Sutra's spirit. Other SGI cultural and social activities only take on profound significance when they contribute to developing people of ability and bring more and more people into contact with Buddhism.

"The Buddha vows to elevate all people to the same state of life as his own. This is the spirit to raise capable people, to enable people to develop to their fullest potential. This is also the spirit underlying the mentor-disciple relationship.

"Of course, since we also strive to keep growing and developing ourselves, the determination to bring others not only to our level but above and beyond is the true spirit of the Buddha's vow to 'make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us.

"The true essence of humanism lies in our compassion and earnest commitment to pray and exert ourselves for the growth of our fellow members, particularly those newer in faith. The SGI is a humanistic organization. It isn't run on authority or orders from above. It moves forward with the joy of being in contact with genuine humanity" (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 1, p. 134-135).

This passage from the Lotus Sutra also illustrates the concept of the "oneness of mentor and disciple." Previous to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, the view was that "the disciple is the disciple" and "the Buddha is the Buddha." But as indicated by the passage "hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us," mentor and disciple are equal and united in their compassion for humanity and efforts to propagate the Law.

By Dave Baldschun, SGI-USA Study Department, based in part on Yasashii Kyogaku (Easy Buddhist Study) published by Seikyo Press in 1994.

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by Nichiren on 28 April 1253. Having studied widely among all the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truths of Buddhism: that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood. The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. But to Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist text, it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings in one way or another seek to clarify. What follows is a brief and unavoidably limited explanation of some of the key concepts expressed by this phrase.

Nam
The word nam derives from Sanskrit, a close translation of its meaning is "to devote oneself." Nichiren established the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, nam indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.

Myoho
Myoho literally means the Mystic Law, and expresses the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and the many different ways this life expresses itself. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such phenomena is a constant reality known as myo.

Renge
Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our individual lives is determined by the particular of causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma". The law of cause and effect explains that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we can change it. The most powerful cause we can make is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of our life and will definitely manifest in time.

The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person.

Kyo
Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. Also, the Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp a piece of woven cloth, symbolizing the continuity of life throughout past, present and future. In a broad sense, kyo conveys the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation of the Mystic Law.

Primary Practice
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the primary practice of SGI members. Through this practice, one is able to reveal the state of Buddhahood in one's life, experienced as the natural development of joy, increased vitality, courage, wisdom and compassion.


"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."

(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime- Nichiren)

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Why chant 'Nam-myoho-renge-kyo' instead of any other words? Do the words themselves have power? (answer taken from FAQ's on Buddhism)

All words have power. Words can make people happy or sad, angry or loving, and so on. Language has a more profound effect on our lives than we realize. Nichiren Daishonin says: "They say that.... if you so much as hear the words 'pickled plum', your mouth will begin to water. Even in everyday life there are such wonders, so how much greater are the wonders of the Lotus Sutra." (Major Writings, vol.3, pp.34).

Historically, Myoho-renge-kyo is the title and essence of the Lotus Sutra, the highest of Shakyamuni's teachings, as translated from Sanskrit into ancient Chinese characters. Nichiren Daishonin placed "nam," a Sanskrit word meaning 'devotion', in front of these characters; so that in simple terms Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means devotion to the ultimate Law of the universe. Each of the characters themselves contain extremely profound principles of life, however, and together they express how everything in the cosmos works in one harmonious relationship.

Of course this is extremely difficult to believe and understand, but that does not mean it cannot be understood, or that chanting this phrase does not have a profound effect on our lives.

Scientists and mathematicians use formulas and language which are quite incomprehensible to most other people, but they can convey even the most difficult concepts to each other with accurate use of these expressions. Daisaku Ikeda, president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), says: "In the same manner, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, even if we don't understand its profound meaning, we can tap the condition of Buddhahood. Our voice chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo permeates the cosmos and reaches the life condition of Buddhahood and all the Buddhas in the universe. It also penetrates our lives, enabling us to unlock the palace of Buddhahood, or the supreme life condition of eternity, happiness, true self and purity. It is the same as music that, without any explanation, reaches and filters into people's hearts, calling forth a sympathetic response from them."

The most important point to remember is that everyone who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can draw out of themselves the state of Buddhahood which influences all the other states in our life and guides our actions in the very midst of our day-to-day struggles and problems. Although it is very difficult to believe at first, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the essence of everyone's life, and when we chant this phrase it affects us in countless positive ways, from the very core of our lives.

The extent to which we can benefit from chanting depends not on the power inherent in the characters Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is limitless, but entirely on how much sincere effort we make when we practice. The natural Law of life is in everything, but only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and taking action in our daily lives can we tap or activate it, and so enable it to work for the happiness of ourselves and other people. Buddhism talks about the principle of the 'four powers': the power of the Buddha, the power of the Law, the power of faith and the power of practice. The first two are embodied in the Gohonzon, but are only activated by the powers of faith and practice of the person who chants to it. In other words it is the power of our faith and practice which determines the extent to which the power of the Gohonzon can appear in our lives.

 

[Babbabud]

Heya SoCal

Heya SoCal


Gotta love the latter day
Happy sunday to all, hope all are feeling high and happy...
Check it out .... both my wife and daughter are chanting
wow we are so fortunate to live in this time
nam myoho renge kyo !!!

 

[Guest]

I feel today more "joy, increased vitality, courage, wisdom and compassion"

I feel today more "joy, increased vitality, courage, wisdom and compassion"

Yes dear friend, I will honestly confess and articulate what drew me here above all, "A COMPELLING OVERWHELMING TRUE DESIRE TO FOLLOW MY HEART"

The daily intuition drawing me to this thread lies deep in my heart and courses through my spirit. Like everyone else we are but all equally divine and my path is less "clouded" with the simple yet sophisticated yet universal manifestation of peacefully resonating purity.

LOVE to PassTthDoobie your knowledge is profound among your sincere dedication, SoCal I admire your direction and thanks for the recent definitions, Babbabud consider me more than greatful, Mrs.Babba my life is enriched to know your hearts desire is potent enough to combine with your soulmates love and produce enough magnetism to draw not only your dear daughter but anyone who is willing to be intune with the greater peace. MrWags Blessing onto you and yours and congrats on the amazing grow I recently enjoyed viewing.


nam myoho renge kyo

 

[mrwags]

Yes dear friend, I will honestly confess and articulate what drew me here above all, "A COMPELLING OVERWHELMING TRUE DESIRE TO FOLLOW MY HEART"

The daily intuition drawing me to this thread lies deep in my heart and courses through my spirit. Like everyone else we are but all equally divine and my path is less "clouded" with the simple yet sophisticated yet universal manifestation of peacefully resonating purity.

LOVE to PassTthDoobie your knowledge is profound among your sincere dedication, SoCal I admire your direction and thanks for the recent definitions, Babbabud consider me more than greatful, Mrs.Babba my life is enriched to know your hearts desire is potent enough to combine with your soulmates love and produce enough magnetism to draw not only your dear daughter but anyone who is willing to be intune with the greater peace. MrWags Blessing onto you and yours and congrats on the amazing grow I recently enjoyed viewing.


nam myoho renge kyo

Now that is what I'm talking about.Since I see this is your 4th post Might I say Welcome Home and To Icm you intelect and karisma comes out in your word's so yet again we ALL win. Not to rehash what I've already posted but I came here 2 years ago to learn how to grow and somehow learned how to be a better person and for that no words could describe. Good Karma rule's here and always shall and with folks like you joining the fight WE WILL PREVAIL. Welcome Once Again And Thank You for the kind undeserving words, (look at a Teresa tree Or a Babba Bush to see REAL growers) and you will see mind body and soul I have A LONG way to go.

Now where's by new book at?


Mr.Wags

 

[KronickKanuck]

I found this thread on one of my first visits to ICM many months ago and found it very interesting then, soon I will finish reading all 2100+ postings. Since I have developed a curiousity in Buddhism and an interest in learning more about it.

You may call me grasshopper...

Peace
KK

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Welcome

Welcome

A warm welcome to alll the new posters....I really enjoy and appreciate your kind words and thoughts. To interact with others practising and seeking the truth is really encouraging and motivating. Please continue and I will do the same. :smile: