Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

Gypsy and DG thanks for stopping in!

Gypsy and DG thanks for stopping in!

Don't be strangers. Dude, if I were a diety, I'd just MAKE everyone chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Since that has never happened, my assumption is that there is no such thing as a diety. But, in my opinion, the closest thing to one is ANY OF US chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

I am thrilled to see so many elevated life conditions.

However, remember, when each of you is challenged, just as you have been promised that you will be, the Law is there to protect you; but you must pass the test of manifesting the wisdom to not give in to your fundamental darkness, in order to allow your Buddha nature the opportunity to prevail.

Win or lose! It's up to you!

(And if you lose, it's no sin. Just chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and try again!)

 

[Peregrin Took]

Most of you SGI members??

My dad was distric leader for SGI for many years(also a head ).That is until an unfortunate parting of ways, which mostly included; his opiate addicted girlfriend having a breakdown and claiming he was abusive(my dad is the biggest pussy you will ever meet, absolutely non-violent, although she did kick and hit him)and exposing that he gets high to his fellow members. I dont know how many of the local members and long time friends(15+ years) of my dads believed her, but my dad hasnt been to a meeting since After all this she broke into his house several times, stealing money and looking for pills. Eventually he was forced to file police reports and get a restraining order.

Like I said, I dont know if his friends believed her or not, but he hasnt been to a meeting since, and doesnt chant much anymore. Still the largest room in his house is his 'chanting room' and he keeps everything in tact as if he is ready to start back up at any second, including the 30+ chairs set up in that room from when he had meetings at his house regularly.

My dads a decent guy, I didnt grow up with him, just saw in during the summers and such. But he tought me alot about chanting and buddhism.

I dont think ive ever seen him as happy as he was when he was chanting. Really actually a sad story for me, but he is doing well now, re married again, fairly happy, but still not chanting often.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Peregrin, is there any way for you to turn him on to this thread? It sounds to me like he would really enjoy this place and we would sure enjoy having him visit here regularly. Some of us are SGI and some us are just chanting. We hope you will use the valuable lessons you have learned from your father and chant for his happiness, which would mean having him practice and chant again. You can do it Peregrin!

Your father deserves a break. I had an ex go back to SGI friends and tell them all sorts of horrible things that were not true. I know exactly how he feels. The devil of the sixth heaven works in whatever manner necessary to defeat the aspirations of attaining enlightenment in this lifetime. Your dad just needs to meet some "good friends."

We're here waiting for both of you.

Thomas

 

[Guest]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, the meeting is tommorrow night, the butsudan can be purchased online and apparently so can a gohonzon, but I will be procuring a butsudan this week and look forward to my first community Slow Gongyo. Otherwise, this thread has been picking up momentum! I love you dearly my special mentors and friends your making my life a much more "habitabital" place.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Babbabud]

Perigrin it would be great to have your pop stop in ... he has a seat here in the front anytime he wants it. Man sounds to me like this would be the perfect place for him to rediscover some happiness and would be really cool for him to share some of his experience with us.
nam myoho renge kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"ur contemporaries think of the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo
only as a name, but this is not correct. It is the essence, that is,
the heart of the Lotus Sutra .... Those who seek the heart of the
sutra apart from its title are as foolish as the turtle who sought the
monkey's liver outside the monkey, or the monkey who left the forest
and sought fruit on the seashore."

(WND, 861)
"This Is What I Heard"
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"...with strong faith and a wholehearted commitment to working for kosen-rufu, we can transform all our sufferings, including illness, into a catalyst for happiness and good fortune. This is the principle of 'changing poison into medicine.'

"Furthermore, such a spirit of challenge enables us to tap the wellspring of vibrant life-force within, causing us to feel youthful and revitalized. The German poet and playwright Friedrich von Schiller (1759–1805) wrote: 'The human heart, by new-born instincts moved, / That have in burning fights been fully proved.' When we lose our fighting spirit, we can become more susceptible to illness and aging. By struggling vigorously against and overcoming all kinds of difficulties, we can build a happy life."

SGI Newsletter No. 6766, The New Human Revolution—Vol. 18: Chap. 3, Moving Forward 10, translated March 13th, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

the Bodhisattva

the Bodhisattva

Several years ago, my father, a twenty-seven year member of the Soka Gakkai International, asked me if I was a Bodhisattva of the Earth. I thought he was asking me a trick question. My delayed response was a tentative “yes.” Then he asked if I knew what that was, and I told him, “No, but if it’s something good, then that’s what I am.”

When I finally learned the definition, I wasn’t sure if I should indeed be calling myself a bodhisattva, much less one that emerges from the earth. I was not in denial about the kind of person I was. It was difficult for me to truly care about other people because, through my eyes, the world was a place where only the strong survived. Looking out for others was not a part of my psyche. Other than family, who was looking out for me?

President Ikeda said, “Buddhism calls a person who embodies these qualities of wisdom, courage and compassion, who strives without cease for the happiness of others, a bodhisattva” (SGI President Ikeda’s Addresses in the United States, p. 65). The idea of living up to those lofty qualities didn’t quite fit into my exciting, yet highly self-centered, lifestyle. But now I had something to aim for. It was thrilling to know that I didn’t always have to be angry. The process would be difficult for me because I had to look deep inside myself for altruism.

The concept of bodhisattva is familiar to the practitioners of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism as the ninth of the Ten Worlds, a way that Buddhism explains life. It is defined as those who aspire to enlightenment and are fully awakened to their mission to help others do the same. Those in this state of life understand that to be completely happy, they must endeavor to remove the pain and suffering of others as well as lead them to happiness.

It is a human tendency that we spend our lives going back and forth between the six lower worlds, where we simply react to the environment around us. Moving up to the world of bodhisattva, and ideally enlightenment, requires tenacious effort on our part. Changing the way we live and think takes a realization of our dominant life condition and a strong determination to increase our potential for humanism--but we should take comfort in the fact that we can change.

I once spoke with a youth division member who, much like me, didn’t think she could possibly be a bodhisattva. She told me that she always thought of Buddhas and bodhisattvas as omnipotent beings who were not quite human. She envisioned them as nebulous figures who walked on water and floated through air.

Nothing could be further form the truth, although it’s understandable that some might feel this way, especially if they have read certain letters by Nichiren Daishonin. In “Letter to the Sage Nichimyo,” he tells the story of an ascetic, Aspiration for the Law, who peels off his skin to use as paper and rips out his bone for use as a writing utensil. He even mixes his marrow and blood to use as ink, all so he could share a verse of the sacred teaching with others.

In accounts of Shakyamuni’s previous existences, it is said that he used his body to fuel a thousand lanterns, fed his flesh to a leper and cast himself into a demon’s mouth. But don’t worry--no one will ask you to remove your skin to attain enlightenment. Ordinary people are not required to do such things. How we practice the correct teaching depends on the time and conditions in which we live. As the Daishonin says, “Of what use is it to peel off our skin when the country has an abundant supply of paper?” (WND, 324).

These stories serve to illustrate the importance of having a seeking spirit and a practice devoted to enabling the enlightenment of others. It is not necessary to make such extreme sacrifices to attain enlightenment, but the lesson we can take from the stories is the dedication needed to practice correctly. In “The Gift of Rice,” the Daishonin explains, “Because these things are the affairs of worthies and sages, they are impossible for us to do” (WND, 1125). However, there are plenty of things we can do to display the bodhisattva within. For example, mothers and fathers express this state when they show unconditional love for their children and fiercely protect them from harm.

In a view that is a bit more contemporary, bodhisattvas are people who are wholeheartedly seeking enlightenment for themselves and others while challenging any obstacle that may confront them. In talking about the bodhisattva, Nichiren Daishonin says, “Those in the ninth world of Bodhisattva live among the ordinary people of the six paths and revere others more than themselves, giving goodness to others while reserving evil for themselves” (Gosho Zenshu, 433).

It’s clear from this passage that bodhisattvas are those who put the happiness of others before their own while devoting themselves to Buddhist practice with courage. Through this passage, the Daishonin invalidates the notion that a bodhisattva is someone special who lives apart from ordinary human beings.

It is interesting to note that each bodhisattva who appears in the Lotus Sutra has a name that corresponds to a special quality he or she possess. For example, Bodhisattva Wonderful Sound contributes to the happiness of others through the beautiful music he performs, helping them tap the pure spirit they possess. Bodhisattva Medicine King represents the function of healing. In other words, we can choose to display whichever qualities of the bodhisattva that will help us fulfill our missions.

Those who practice Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and share it with others establish the life condition of absolute happiness as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. A bodhisattva is not one of the statues you might see at a Buddhist temple. It is a condition inherent in our lives.

Bodhisattvas of the Earth have four virtues: true self, eternity, purity and happiness. These are developed through self-reformation. The virtue of true self is established by strengthening oneself to withstand difficulties, turning them into opportunities for growth. The virtue of eternity is to experience freedom, through believing in the eternity of life, and to work spontaneously toward the greater happiness of society. Purity is to demonstrate true wisdom and reason, unswayed by selfish desire or ego. Happiness means to live with great joy, securely founded on the creative power of life. These qualities are developed by tapping into the ‘earth’ of Buddhahood. Bodhisattvas of the Earth are truly humane, compassionate and joyful people. (Basics of Buddhism, p. 26)

Nichiren Daishonin equated the four virtues of the Buddha’s life to the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Bodhisattva Superior Practices corresponds to true self, Boundless Practices to eternity, Pure Practices to purity and Firmly Established Practices to happiness. This suggests that the life condition of Buddhahood is expressed through the behavior of the bodhisattva.

Regarding Bodhisattvas of the Earth, President Ikeda also said, “Humanity today lacks hope and vision for the future. It is for preciously this reason that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have appeared. Without your presence, the future of humanity would be bleak and spiritual decline its destination” (July 12, 1996 World Tribune, p. 13). He is talking about every one of us who dedicates our lives to spreading joy in the places that we live and work and to creating peace for all humanity.

We are bodhisattvas when we do seemingly simple acts. Think of the time when a member went out of her way to comfort you during your pain. She is a bodhisattva. Or maybe someone sends you bits and pieces of President Ikeda’s guidance to encourage you. He, too, is a bodhisattva. Perhaps you have even done more than was deemed necessary to ensure the success of an activity. You are also a bodhisattva.

It is nothing other than strong faith in the Gohonzon that enables us to strengthen and expand our innate bodhisattva life condition. By exerting ourselves everyday in the essentials of faith, practice and study, we bring forth the qualities that we admire in others, the kinds of qualities that put the happiness of others in the forefront. When we practice strongly as Bodhisattvas of the Earth, we can say that, in essence, we are Buddhas bringing forth the power of the Mystic Law within. So yes, Dad, I can now answer with much more conviction that I am a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

Living Buddhism
November 2000
Page 6
By Alexis Trass, staff writer
Partly based on Yasashii Kyogaku (Easy Buddhist Study), published by the Seikyo Press in 1994.

 

[grandmesajoker]

Thank you for all of the articles PassTheDoobie..very enlightening...

I'm finding it a nice thing to stop by here and read a little each morning

 

[PassTheDoobie]

... the butsudan can be purchased online and apparently so can a gohonzon

Just a note from an old man that has been doing this for more than thirty years:

FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!!!!!!!

Never EVER consider to obtain the Object of Devotion over the internet. Those who play at those games do so at great risk, in my opinion. It's too simple to obtain a Nichikan Shonin Gohonzon from the SGI, as easydisco is doing.

Again, my advice to all is stay away from anything other the Gohonzon that Babbabud, giantmanbags, SoCal, Hitman and I have. That's the one easy is getting. Always2theleft, I hope you follow up on that number SoCal gave you as soon as you can.

 

[Babbabud]

woo hoo Chanting Growers Thread is rocking Makes me soo happy to see you all headed toward recieving your Gohonzon !!!
Woo hooo
nam myoho renge kyo !!

 

[CanonEos20D god]

my mom has been chanting nam myoho renge kyo since before i was born and I grew up with the SGI community. My mom holds meetings here in the burbs of toronto and i often join in and chant with them. I had no idea thet there was a community here on ic mag that shares the same beliefs as we do here and i think its great.

keep chanting nam myo ho renge kyo everyone!!!!!

 

[Delta9-THC]

Hi there still catching up only another 100 pages or so to go...
he he he he

going back to an earlier post doobie.. the one today at 02:57 PM I dont know if thats your time or mine..lol
I was reading the post ... one before last and was pondering....
al·tru·ism (ăl'trū-ĭz'əm)

1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.
2. Zoology. Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental to the individual but contributes to the survival of the species.

do you really think thats all people have the power to become great?
also another definition...
Altruism focuses on a moral obligation towards all humanity, while duty focuses on a moral obligation towards a specific individual (e.g. a king), a specific organization (e.g. a government), or an abstract concept (e.g. God, country etc). Some individuals may feel both altruism and duty, while others may not. As opposed to altruism, duty is much easier to enforce by an authority.
Peace as always
Take Care ~ Out There

 

[Guest]

I wrote my longest post eveer today at work then my computer crashed, I'll get back to that later, right now I am on my way to my first meeting!!!!!
Out the door, be back later with a better post! slow gongyo here I come....


Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!

 

[Babbabud]

Cool easydisco glad to see your going to a meeting . Your gonna be so happy you did. I will be at a meeting tonite also Canon hope you can stop by again . Please come back and share with us how the meeting goes Easy
nam myoho renge kyo !!

 

[always2theLeft]

delta you just gave me the motivation i needed to go back and read this whole thread.
Gona need alot of weed for this one, wishme luck
nammyohorengekyo!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Delta, this is what I think...

Delta, this is what I think...

do you really think thats all people have the power to become great?

Do I think all people have the power to be great? Absolutely! It might be argued that not all people have the karmic disposition to be great, but I think since life is a moment by moment event, we can never determine who is predisposed to greatness.

All people have the Buddha nature. Thereby, all people have the power to become great. Therefore, the truth of life is that greatness may come from the most humble of origin, and strength, courage, compassion and wisdom are innate ingredients that anyone can manifest at anytime.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the source for unleashing great personal power.

 

[Guest]

Kosenrufu = world peace

Kosenrufu = world peace

i just wrote the longest post ever and clicked post and it disappeared, 1 hour and half down the drain, what a waste

 

[Guest]

I dont care right now If I get fired I have to rewrite some of what I wrote

I dont care right now If I get fired I have to rewrite some of what I wrote

I made the meeting, so I left with AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH omg I can't believe I lost my most incredible post, please give me time to get back to work, I will post it later, very very disconcertinG! I had so much in there but its still a great day, i just have some deadlines to atttend too! be back soon

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo

Nam myoho renge kyo

so glad you made a meeting ... i didnt get home till late but saw your msg...maybe we can talk this evening...
forward easydisco
nam myoho renge kyo