Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

Encouraging and guiding others in their faith and practice
helps serve as a mirror for our own lives
Let's consistently nourish our hearts and minds.
Patiently and with perseverance,
let's do our very best to inspire and encourage each other
wholeheartedly and earnestly.

* "It is like the situation when one faces a mirror and makes a bow of obeisance: the image in the mirror likewise makes a bow of obeisance to oneself." - "Ongi kuden", Gosho Zenshu, page 769, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 165

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Kids...

Kids...

We were all in the living room watching a childrens video. So my three-year old suddenly whirls to face the Gohonzon (our opened alter) and begins chanting clearly, loudly, yet sonorously, “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!” At which time my youngest son (by three minutes) twists 45 degrees in his high-chair to also face the Gononzon and joined her in chanting the Daimoku. Both had their hands clasped together, intensely focused, but smiling. They chanted for about two minutes, which seemed like forever, as I watched transfixed by the thought of displaying a relationship with the Law in accord with the Daishonin’s teaching, at such an early age.

Later as I put my daughter to bed, we went from a story about snow white (I kind of bluff the parts I can’t remember, but the idea is the same), to her sudden question:

“Daddy what does ‘ge’ mean?”

“‘Ge’?” What do you mean by ‘ge’?”

“You know daddy, like Nam-myoho-ren‘ge’-kyo?”

“Well, ‘renge’ means lotus flower.”

“Then what does ‘Nam’ mean daddy?”

“It means devotion, like to devote your life to something.”

“What does ‘kyo’ mean daddy?”

“Well, actually, kyo means sutra—“ (she cut me off)

“You mean like a teaching?”

I couldn’t hide my joy because that is the correct answer and the rush when those words came out of her mouth are something I hope to experience again many times. I grabbed her in my arms and hugging her tight and said, “That’s right, baby! That’s exactly right! How could you know that?”

“I don’t know daddy, I just knew.”

 

[Bonzo]

Enlightenend kids T :wink:

PEACE

bonz

>>nam myaho renge kyo>>

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The mystic principle that is the essential nature of phenomena possesses two aspects, the defiled aspect and the pure aspect. If the defiled aspect is operative, this is called delusion. If the pure aspect is operative, this is called enlightenment. Enlightenment constitutes the realm of Buddhahood. Delusion constitutes the realms of ordinary mortals.

[ The Entity of the Mystic Law, WND Page 417 ]

 

[Babbabud]

PTD thankyou so much for the large goosebumps !!
nam myoho renge kyo

 

[bartender187]

^^
took the words out of my mouth. thats the exact feeling i got when i read that.

 

[Guest]

Gosho Excerpt:

"When it comes to studying the teachings of Buddhism, one must first learn to understand the time.


The selection of the time,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 538)
Written to Yui on 10 June 1275 from Minobu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/538.html




Daily Encouragement:

When something needs saying, it is our duty to speak out. When something is right, we should say so; and when something is wrong or mistaken, we should likewise point it out. Cheating, lies or scheming should be denounced with alacrity. It is precisely because we have done this that the Soka Gakkai and SGI have developed to the extent they have. To say what must be said-that is the spirit of propagation and the essence of the Soka Gakkai and SGI.

Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/

Gosho Excerpt:

"I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground."


On rebuking slander of the law and eradicating sins,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 444)
Written to Shijo Kingo in 1273 from Sado - Ichinosawa
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/444.html




Daily Encouragement:

We have to make ourselves heard. We have to speak out for what we believe in. When we, the people, boldly state our true convictions-never losing our optimism or sense of humor-the times will change. When it comes to speaking out for justice, there isn't any need for restraint. On the contrary, to be reserved or hesitant under such circumstances is wrong.

Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism:
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/

We are in this together and the only option is Victory. It begins within you, see yourself for what you really are accept all your defeats, mistakes, victories, triumphs as who you are. Make Lemonade from your lemons and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

I am with you, together we will continue to grow and spread Nichiren Buddhism to even the most remote locations imaginable because you will find the Buddha where others will not venture. Seek the Buddha, aquire your Gohonzon and begin your practice.

Our mission is not for the faint of heart but for the bravehearted!

With all my love,
easydisco

From my heart to yours, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The character myo of myoho, or Mystic Law, has three meanings: to be fully endowed, to open, and to revive. These three meanings of myo are all implicit in chanting daimoku. In other words, chanting daimoku contains (1) the myo of perfect endowment—meaning that the single Law of Myoho-renge-kyo encompasses all phenomena; (2) the myo of transformation that “opens” the world of Buddhahood in the lives of beings in the nine worlds (the worlds from Hell through Bodhisattva); and (3) the myo of great benefit, whereby a life filled with suffering is “revived” into a life of great tranquillity and joy.

"Our life itself is an entity of the Mystic Law. Therefore, it is fully endowed with all phenomena. Fundamental darkness and the enlightened Dharma nature, earthly desires and enlightenment, and the nine worlds and the world of Buddhahood—all of these exist within us. For precisely that reason, we can carry out a mystic and fundamental inner 'revolution'—changing darkness into light; kindling the flame of enlightenment by 'burning the firewood of earthly desires' (OTT, 11) and thereby manifesting the world of Buddhahood in our life of the nine worlds.

"The key to achieving this profound inner transformation is our heart—our fundamental attitude or mind-set. Therefore, the Daishonin warns in 'On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime': 'If you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching' (WND, 3). When we diligently exert ourselves in chanting daimoku based on this admonition, always remembering that a change in our own heart or mind is crucial, the three meanings of myo will clearly manifest themselves in our life.

"Needless to say, the Law contained in the practice of chanting that the Daishonin spread is truly wondrous. However, even the power of this wondrous Law cannot fully manifest in a life that is clouded by ignorance. Ignorance is the inner darkness that prevents us from believing in the Mystic Law and staying focused on the Buddha nature of ourselves and others. The practice of chanting enables us to break through this darkness and vibrantly bring forth our Buddhahood. Battling our ignorance—this inner struggle is the essence of chanting daimoku."

SGI Newsletter No. 6871, SGI President Ikeda’s Study Lecture Series, LECTURES ON “ON ATTAINING BUDDHAHOOD IN THIS LIFETIME,” [4] Transforming Our Fundamental Attitude—Refusing to Live a Life That Is an “Endless, Painful Austerity” - Battling Ignorance, April 2006 Daibyaku Renge, translated June 8th, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"However, even the power of this wondrous Law cannot fully manifest in a life that is clouded by ignorance. Ignorance is the inner darkness that prevents us from believing in the Mystic Law and staying focused on the Buddha nature of ourselves and others. The practice of chanting enables us to break through this darkness and vibrantly bring forth our Buddhahood. Battling our ignorance—this inner struggle is the essence of chanting daimoku."

 

[Guest]

tonight was mrs.disco's first time Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo before(in front of) the Gohonzon! So powerful!!! I had to Chant for quite a while and now I will go chant a bit more. Its the most powerful session and proof I have yet to witness, I have many things to discuss but for now I must continue to reflect on this incredible expirience.

wow, what else can say but thank you. this is very personal yet very powerful and something I need you all to know. I have had extended happiness since I embraced Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and knew mrs.disco would chant because I continuously chanted for her protection and the eventual understanding of her/my/our relationship with the Gohonzon. This makes me an even happier man!

Written to all believers in May of 1273 from Ichinosawa on Sado

"The Lotus Sutra is the teaching of shakubuku, the refutation of the provisional doctrines." True to the letter of this golden saying, in the end, every last one of the believers of the provisional teachings and schools will be defeated and join the retinue of the Dharma King. The time will come when all people will abandon the various kinds of vehicles and take up the single vehicle of Buddhahood, and the Mystic Law alone will flourish throughout the land.


The nobility of spreading Buddhism

No one is going to wait for you to shakubuku them. It takes thousands upon thousands of waves dashing against the rocks at the ocean's edge to wear them down. In the same way, you must chant daimoku over and over to help even one person attain happiness. Shakubuku is the religious revolution which will bring about kosen-rufu.

Nichiren Daishonin stated "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is assiduous practice." The basis of faith is to chant daimoku throughout your lifetime. This is the practice of the Buddhist principle: "Faith equals daily life."

World Tribune, October 19, 1981, Pg. 5

 

[Desiderata]

Hello Friends! easydisco pm'ed me a great pronounciation post. Easy said that it's normal to chant at a 1 1/2 second rate or 40 times a minute. So before listening to GratefulH3ad's wav chant files I just started chanting from my own light..........hey, we have plenty of time here so why rush it.

Well, first off without knowing what Nam Myoho Renge Kyo means, I was introduced into the flow and I was receiving from you all as well as giving. It was {is} a real life experience. For starters, it drove away my depression at the instant I started chanting. I feel like a big part of a wholeness when I'm chanting for myself and others. I want to say I could feel you all chanting. You know it's hard to put into words, but I'm taking affirmative action when I'm chanting............I'm making a positive effort towards things that need help, understanding, and changing.

I have alot of reading to catch up on here. Thankyou all!

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

 

[Guest]

Hello Friends! easydisco pm'ed me a great pronounciation post. Easy said that it's normal to chant at a 1 1/2 second rate or 40 times a minute. So before listening to GratefulH3ad's wav chant files I just started chanting from my own light..........hey, we have plenty of time here so why rush it.

Well, first off without knowing what Nam Myoho Renge Kyo means, I was introduced into the flow and I was receiving from you all as well as giving. It was {is} a real life experience. For starters, it drove away my depression at the instant I started chanting. I feel like a big part of a wholeness when I'm chanting for myself and others. I want to say I could feel you all chanting. You know it's hard to put into words, but I'm taking affirmative action when I'm chanting............I'm making a positive effort towards things that need help, understanding, and changing.

I have alot of reading to catch up on here. Thankyou all!

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Depression is hard to overcome and the devil of the 6th heaven is quick to mask certain things in order to deviate us in a negative direction, I excercise extreme caution now with my state of mind and state of being, chanting has led me to change my diet and eat healthy foods and supplement myself with all the vitamins and minerals I need to function at a higher capacity. Before I was chanting I would only dream of this, and never implemented any lasting changes but now I know I cannot leave this to chance and I have to apply myself entirely to this cause, Kosen-rufu is hard work and begins the moment you awaken each day. Sometimes depression leads to self medication but you must always remember,

You who are possessed of wisdom,
entertain no doubts on this point!
Cast them off, end them forever,
for the Buddha's words are true, not false.
He is like a skilled physician
who uses an expedient means to cure his deranged sons

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the answer, heal yourself and realize the Gohonzon will always forgive you! 'You who are possessed of wisdom, entertain no doubts on this point!'

If your daily routine includes gongyo and a few minutes of chanting, take advantage to also properly nourish yourself and make it a point to be prepared to work harder than you ever worked in your life. Put your all into everything you do after your morning routine and then capitalize/execute/make those dreams reality. I kid you not, this is my approach. How many people know I chant, everyone around me does! How many people have increased energy, focus, self-esteem, positivity, strength in my presence everyone because I am trying to help everyone as I live my day in harmony with Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. You can call me MyohoDisco because with conviction I proclaim my life in the saha world this time around began like a symphony and now is in the most powerful movement!

Be strong, overcome and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

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?

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Well said; well done, MyohoDisco! I bow in obeisance to you!

Well said; well done, MyohoDisco! I bow in obeisance to you!

"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, page 598) Selection source: Living Buddhism, Seikyo Shimbun, June 11th, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Let's initiate action!
Let's courageously take one step forwards!
Courage is indeed the source of power that enables us
to make great fundamental changes in ourselves and our surroundings.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[Guest]

Gosho Excerpt:

"I say this for your sake. I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever. Only then will the ten demon daughters lend you even greater protection."


The supremacy of the law,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 614)
Written to Nichimyo Shonin on 4 August 1275 from Minobu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/614.html




Daily Encouragement:

Education definitely changes people's lives. This is why the SGI is so earnest when it comes to Buddhist study, which is the highest field of learning; it is the study of human beings and the foremost education. Buddhist study is the soul of the SGI.

Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/

 

[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, page 905) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, June 12th, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Buddhism teaches that sufferings are the fuel or springboard to enlightenment. Life is filled with problems. Our problems and sufferings lead us to chant daimoku to the Gohonzon. If we chant, make efforts, and grow, our hearts will become richer and stronger. Suffering is the fuel of wisdom, and it opens the way to happiness.

"This applies to the suffering of illness as well. Through sickness, human beings can gain insight into the meaning of life, understand life’s value and dignity, and enjoy a more fulfilling existence.

"The Daishonin writes: 'Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way' (WND, 937). The suffering of illness leads to enlightenment, and the hindrance of illness is a 'good friend.' Through the power of the Mystic Law, we can transform suffering into joy, anxiety into hope, worries into peace of mind, and every difficulty into a positive outcome. Furthermore, the strong life-force and wisdom we acquire through chanting makes it possible for us to win over illness."

SGI Newsletter No. 6853, SGI President Ikeda’s Conversation Series, Discussions on Life and Death <NEW SERIES>, Learning from Illness, translated May 26th, 2006

 

[Guest]

The Winning Life
Each of us possesses the potential for a winning life. Within us is the ability to live with courage, to have fulfilling relationships, to enjoy good health and prosperity, to feel and show true compassion for others, and the power to face and surmount our deepest problems.
Crucial to living a winning life is to undergo an inner transformation that will enable us to bring out our highest human qualities and change our circumstances. This process is a revolution of our own character, an individual human revolution.
Consider the following scenario:
Perhaps you feel under-appreciated at work. Maybe your boss is belligerent or ignores you. After a while you develop a chip on your shoulder. Though you may be an expert at hiding negativity, every once in a while it rears its ugly head. Perhaps your co-workers or boss perceive you in turn as not being entirely committed to the success of your job, or that you have a bad attitude. Of course there are myriad reasons for your attitude and all of them "valid." But whatever the reasons, you miss opportunities for advancement because of the poor relationship. This is a common scenario in today's working environment.
But suppose you start coming to work with a new attitude that is not just a mental adjustment but an outlook bolstered by a deep sense of vitality, confidence and compassion, and based upon serious self-reflection. Your compassion leads you to have empathy for your boss's situation. Armed with a new understanding, you treat your boss differently, offering support and finding yourself less and less discouraged by any negativity he or she may display toward you.
Your boss begins to see you in a new light. Opportunities present themselves.
This is obviously a very simple example and many of us would say this is a natural thing to do, but to live this way every day requires a basic change in our hearts and character. Once the change is made, like a never-ending domino effect, we can have continual impact on the people around us.
The practice of Buddhism as taught by Nichiren Daishonin is a catalyst for experiencing this inner revolution. It provides us with immediate access to the unlimited potential inherent in our lives by which we can live a winning life.
It is the promise of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism that we can attain a state of freedom and unshakable happiness for ourselves while creating harmony with others.
Buddhism is a way of life that — on the most fundamental level — makes no distinction between the individual human being and the environment in which that person lives. Like a fish in water, the two are not only inseparable, but each serves as a catalyst for the other. Thus, to a Buddhist, self-improvement and enhancement of our circumstances go hand in hand. The two are actually so interlocked that it is incorrect to consider them separate entities. In treating the sufferings and delusions of human beings, there is the accompanying benefit of better social conditions, since the one is the source of the other Ö for better or worse.
While the word Buddha may conjure up images of a specific person from history or world religions courses we have taken, it is also a description of the highest state of life each of us can achieve. Buddha actually means "awakened one," and the historical Buddha (known as Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautama) discovered that all humans have a potential for enlightenment Ö or "Buddhahood" in the depths of their lives. This could be likened to a rosebush in winter; the flowers are dormant even though we know that the bush contains the potential to bloom.
Similarly, by tapping into our potential, we can find unlimited wisdom, courage, hope, confidence, compassion, vitality and endurance. Instead of avoiding or fearing our problems, we learn to confront them with joyful vigor, confident in our ability to surmount whatever life throws in our path.
Buddhism also shows us the most satisfying way to live among others. It explains that when we help others overcome their problems, our own lives are expanded. When our capacity increases and our character is strengthened, the source of our problems comes under our control. Because we make an internal change, our relationship with our problems changes as well, wresting positive resolutions in any number of astounding yet tangible ways.
Through this process of inner reformation, we can also fulfill our dreams and desires. Rather than calling for the eradication of desires, Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism recognizes that to be human means to have desires and that as we proceed in our human revolution, we elevate our state of life, "magnetizing" our lives to attract that which will further our happiness.
Not only do we fulfill our desires as we change ourselves through Buddhist practice, but the very pursuit of those desires through our practice is like rocket fuel propelling us toward our enlightenment. Life is ever-changing, moment-to-moment. The only constant in life is change. Our minds are constantly in flux, and while one minute we may have the courage to conquer the world, the next minute we can be overwhelmed by even the simplest occurrences. But through our steady, daily practice, we continually strengthen our resolve and ability to live a winning life. Winning in life, however, is not the absence or avoidance of problems. Being human, almost by definition, means we will constantly meet up with challenges. True happiness or victory in life is having the tools to take on each hurdle, overcome it, and become stronger and wiser in the process. Inside each human being is a storehouse of all the necessary traits to tackle every problem that confronts us. Buddhism is the practice that allows us access to this storehouse and unleashes our inherent power to take on all of life's challenges and win.

Section Two
The Practice
There are three basics in applying Buddhism: faith, practice and study. They are the primary ingredients in the recipe for developing our innate enlightened condition, or Buddhahood. All three are essential. With this recipe, we will experience actual proof of our transformation in the forms of both conspicuous and inconspicuous benefit. The recipe is universal. These basics are the same in every country where this Buddhism is practiced.
Faith --Traditionally, religion has asked its believers to have faith in its tenets before accepting the religion, without any proof of the religion's assertions. But how can we have faith in something with which we have no experience? Unless a religion can provide benefit to the believers' daily lives and help them overcome their struggles, they cannot become happy by practicing it. Today, many religions lack the ability to truly empower people to change.
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.
Practice -- To develop faith, we must take action. We strengthen our wisdom and vital life force by actualizing our Buddhahood each day in a very concrete way. Practice in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism consists of two parts: practice for ourselves and practice for others. Practice for ourselves is primarily the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Each morning and evening, believers participate in a ritual that, along with chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, includes recitation from two significant chapters of the Lotus Sutra chapters which explain that each individual holds the potential for enlightenment and that life itself is eternal. This ritual has been traditionally referred to as gongyo (literally, "assiduous practice"). Practice for others consists of action based on compassion to help give others the means to make fundamental improvements in their lives, similar to what we are undergoing through our own engagement with Nichiren Daishonin's teachings. The development of our compassion through such practice for others is also a direct benefit to us.
Study -- To gain confidence that this practice is valid, and to understand why your efforts will bring about a result, it is essential to study the tenets of this Buddhism. The basis of study comes from the founder himself, Nichiren Daishonin. More than 700 years ago, he instructed followers in the correct way to practice; and his writings, which have been preserved and translated into English, give us valuable insight into how this practice will benefit us today.
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was formed to support practitioners of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and help them teach others about it on a global scale. Today, there are some 12 million members in 156 countries, and the American branch is called SGI-USA (for more information, please see Section Four).
The SGI has prepared numerous study materials that offer deeper looks at Buddhist theory, as well as practical applications through members' testimonies. (See "Suggested Reading" at the back of this booklet.) There are also English translations of the original teachings of Buddhism, such as the Lotus Sutra. By helping to build understanding and confidence, the study material provides vital encouragement for us especially at crucial moments.
The basic prayer or chant is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is the name of the Mystic Law that governs life eternally throughout the universe. Nichiren Daishonin revealed this law as the underlying principle contained in Buddhism's highest teaching, the Lotus Sutra. All life is an expression or manifestation of this law. Thus when we chant this Mystic Law, we attune our lives to the perfect rhythm of the universe. The result is increased vital life force, wisdom, compassion and good fortune to face the challenges in front of us.
The translation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is as follows:
Nam -- Devotion. By devoting our lives to this law through our faith, practice and study, we will awaken the life-condition of Buddha, or enlightenment, inside ourselves.
Myoho -- Mystic Law. As the Daishonin explained in one of his writings: "What then does myo signify? It is simply the mysterious nature of our life from moment to moment, which the mind cannot comprehend or words express. When we look into our own mind at any moment, we perceive neither color nor form to verify that it exists. Yet we still cannot say it does not exist, for many differing thoughts continually occur. The mind cannot be considered either to exist or not to exist. Life is indeed an elusive reality that transcends both the words and concepts of existence and nonexistence. It is neither existence nor non-existence, yet exhibits the qualities of both. It is the mystic entity of the Middle Way that is the ultimate reality. Myo is the name given to the mystic nature of life, and ho, to its manifestations" (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 4; see "Suggested Readings").
Renge -- Literally, the "lotus flower," which seeds and blooms at the same time. This represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. We create causes through thoughts, words and actions. With each cause made, an effect is registered simultaneously in the depths of life, and those effects are manifested when we meet the right environmental circumstances. Life itself is an endless series of causes and simultaneous effects. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the deepest cause we can make in order to produce our desired effect.
Kyo -- Sound or teaching. This is how the Buddha has traditionally instructed Ö through the spoken word, which is heard.
Myoho-renge-kyo is the Lotus Sutra's title and contains its essential meaning. Nichiren Daishonin added namu (contracted to nam), which comes from Sanskrit. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the ultimate invocation of life, often referred to as the language of the Buddha.
There are no prerequisites or rules as to what to chant for. We simply make the decision to begin chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. And by chanting, we experience the energy and wisdom to make our lives fulfilled. In the sixty years since this Buddhism has been widely accessible through the efforts of the Soka Gakkai worldwide, millions have chanted about every conceivable problem and goal, from the most dire health and financial crises to the most urgent matters of the heart. Unlike in most Western religions, when we chant we are not praying to an external deity invested with human qualities like judgment. Our prayers are communicated into the depths of our being when we invoke the sound of the Mystic Law. This universal Law is impartial, and no prayer is more or less worthy than another. The only issue is whether we can create value in our lives and help others do the same. As the Daishonin teaches, we attain enlightenment through a continual transformation that takes place in the depths of our existence as we seek to fulfill our desires and resolve our conflicts. It is important to understand that our prayers are realized because we bring forth from within ourselves the highest life-condition and the wisdom to take correct action.
Once people begin experiencing the benefits of chanting, they may decide to make a deeper commitment and begin a more complete Buddhist practice. The first milestone after beginning one's practice is to receive the Gohonzon, the object of devotion for Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. The Daishonin inscribed his enlightenment in the form of a mandala called the Gohonzon, and believers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to a scroll form of the Gohonzon enshrined in their own homes. (For information on how to receive the Gohonzon, please ask your sponsor or contact the SGI organization in your area.)
In the Gohonzon, the Daishonin graphically depicted his enlightenment, or Buddhahood, which is the enlightened life-condition of the universe. The important point here is that the same potential for enlightenment exists within each of us. And when we fuse our lives with the Gohonzon by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to it, we tap into that enlightened life-condition, our own Buddhahood.
This is why the Daishonin calls the Gohonzon a mirror for the inner self. It is a way to see inside, to begin changing what we don't like and strengthening what we do like. We have the potential of many life-conditions, which appear when we come in contact with various external stimuli. For instance, someone may be rather mild-mannered and quiet, but another person might say something that sparks a show of temper. This temper or anger was dormant inside until provoked by the environment. To bring out our highest potential condition of life, our Buddhahood, we also need a stimulus. As our conviction develops, we will come to see that the Gohonzon is the most positive external stimulus, and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to it is the internal cause that will activate the latent state of Buddhahood in our lives.
The scroll of the Gohonzon is kept on an altar in the practitioner's home where it can be protected from the daily routine of the household.
How often do we chant? Our basic ritual, which includes chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, reciting sections of the Lotus Sutra, and offering silent prayers, is carried out diligently each morning and evening. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the primary practice, is like fuel for an engine. Reciting the sutra is a supplementary practice, like adding oil to that engine. When the two are combined, it is most effective, and we feel the confidence of performing in top condition.
We are also free to chant as often as we like and to our heart's content. Most new practitioners will experiment with chanting until they experience something tangible, sort of like a "test drive." The duration of any particular chanting session is up to each individual's preferences and needs. The complete morning and evening ritual, however, should become the basis of our daily practice, a special time when we can communicate directly with the rhythm of the universe.
As we start to see actual proof of the power of our Buddhist practice, we naturally come to share our experiences with friends and encourage them to try practicing as well. This sharing with others is another key to developing our inner potential for enlightenment, or Buddhahood.
The SGI's ultimate purpose is to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful world where all people experience happiness. We can make our lives larger and experience a stronger life-condition by endeavoring to help others. This way of life founded on compassion is instrumental in helping us strengthen our own Buddha nature. It is the altruistic interaction with people in our daily lives that will help us grow and become enlightened.
This is not only Buddhist theory -- most people recognize the satisfaction and growth that accompany their efforts to truly help others. Practicing Buddhism to overcome our own problems or circumstances gives us insight we can share. We can chant for our families and friends, we can encourage others to practice, we can begin to show our own transformation so that others will be encouraged to find out the source of our great changes and newfound personal freedom.

Gosho Excerpt:


"When an evil ruler in consort with priests of erroneous teachings tries to destroy the correct teaching and do away with a man of wisdom, those with the heart of a lion king are sure to attain Buddhahood. Like Nichiren, for example. I say this not out of arrogance but because I am deeply committed to the correct teaching."


Letter from Sado,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 302)
Written to Toki Jonin on 20 March 1272 from Sado - Tsukihara
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/302.html




Daily Encouragement:

It all comes down to hope. If we SGI members advance with hope and buoyant spirits, then we have nothing to fear in either the present or the future. The Law will continue to spread as long as those who uphold it remain vigorous and well.

Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/
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Hold Your Heads HIGH and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
United we stand.

 

[Guest]

Great Great News!! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

Great Great News!! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

I came home today from a fulfilling day of hard work and found a great message waiting on my answering machine from a chapter leader, "MyohoDisco we would like you to emcee the next District Meeting to speak and encourage the youth!"

So I rejoice with all of you, if you could see me now, I am happy and here with you!

So to recap, lol

I was invited to be a director/speaker for the upcoming SGI youth engagement on the 24th! I am thrilled beyond words, and so happy to know your prayers have also been accumulating in my favor further encouraging my growth and further enhancing my ability to spread this love with all of you. As I am sure if your chanting with me right now we are gaining momentum propagating Buddhism, truly an honor to shakabuku (maybe I recieved this call today because I shared a World Tribune with a co-worker), nothing better than telling someone how to reach into the unlimited well of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, you can tell 'em "I Love Chanting Nam Myoho Renge" Usually I have been getting " Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, what is that?" or "why"....

You see, I know Nichiren Buddhism is for everyone, even those who assume they are beyond reproach. If you lack the confidence in yourself, I will walk you there, lets chant, lets do this together!

If I didn't realize it by now, I am sure I was born for Buddhism in the Latter day, weren't you?

I work very hard on this and share the results with all.

Thank you!!!!

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[Babbabud]

Woooo hooooo

Woooo hooooo

Way to go Easy that is such an honor. Im sure you will make a great speaker as your post lately have been super encouraging thanks !!!
nam myoho renge kyo