Chanting Growers Group

[Guest]

My Life is an Entity of the Mystic Law

My Life is an Entity of the Mystic Law

"There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them. All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the "Treasure Tower" chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it. I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case."

An outline of the "Entrustment" and other chapters,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 915)
Written to Nichinyo-ama on 25 June 1278 from Minobu
{SO NICE I HAD TO REPOST IT TWICE ON THE SAME PAGE!!!}




"Our fundamental darkness is the root of all suffering and unhappiness."

Not my words but truth that I believe I would tell someone else. I am working at this and together we will continue to triumph! Victory. Heart of Gold! Summon your strength and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, much has been learned recently and I will work more persistently at further planning and further preparation for our mission of kosen-rufu.

".. you must summon up deep faith that Myoho-renge-kyo is your life itself." (WND,3)

so my life at each moment is Myoho Renge Kyo, the name of my life is Myoho Renge Kyo.

 

[scegy]

easy, well if he was your friend, he had a good life even death brings something to someone or something, but you know that, i feel with u man
bubba: no worries about me chanting, i just haven't been around ic for a while, needed some time for me good to see u too
anyone has an opinion on my Q?it really trubles me i can't figure it out.

 

[bartender187]

chanting for your love ones SoCal

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"In contrast, although Nichiren and his followers are few, because they are different in body, but united in mind, they will definitely accomplish their great mission of widely propagating the Lotus Sutra."

(Many in Body, One in Mind - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's essay, Seikyo Shimbun, June 25th, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

We're all still chanting for you SoCal!

 

[Guest]

He's right Socal, WE are all with you bud! UNITED WE STAND!


**Please take notice, if and when you find reposted material, such as when PTD makes a post and a few posts later you will see me reiterate, or paraphrase those posts, That is my way to re-emphasize, re-analyze, re-mind my potheadself, how very important and how much I need to stress those studies yet again. I go through this thread many times a day, reading and rereading all the posts, sometimes I have written very lengthy posts which I do not post or ones that take so long by the time I hit send, I am no longer on the site and lose the posts. This happens more than I care to fully disclose but in any event, the truth is, I need this thread and its content just as much as I need all of you continually participating and propagating Kosen-rufu (get your Gohonzon if you have not done so yet). This practice begins with us and spreads from us, my methods may vary and seem exceptionally askewed to some (including me at times), but the Soka Gakkai is universal, we are all welcome, even with all our quirks. I toke pot, help people, and now have dialouge with like minded and or receptive "good humans" on a regular basis which adds a delicious dimension in my life. The Gohonzon (myself) has transformed me from a confused introvert, to a less confused friend of all. work in progress! **



"FROM THIS POINT FORWARD"

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Irrespective of the challenges you may be facing at present, please be absolutely confident that people who practice Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism possess within their lives the seeds of the greatest possible good fortune in all the world."

SGI Newsletter No. 6893, 61ST SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING—Part 1 [of 2] Creating a Wonderful Personal History, June 15th, 2006. Translated June 26th, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

".. winter always turns to spring."

(Winter Always Turns to Spring - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 536) Selection source: SGI member's experience, Seikyo Shimbun, June 27th, 2006

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Two great sources of daily encouragement can be found here:

One is via email called "To My Friends." Be aware that it is very SGI-centric in the scope of the encouragement. To subscribe, just follow the instructions below.

If you have a friend(s) who would like to get To My Friends directly get them to
send an E-mail to the following address and just simply write - "subscribe"

: [email protected]

from there on it is all automatic!

A French version of this is available by writing to :

[email protected]

Another is from the SGI-USA site, and consists of quotes exclusively from "The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin." You can see the "Daily Wisdom Gosho Excerpt" at:

http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/index.html

(an example of which is below)

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?

[ Happiness in This World, WND Page 681 ]

 

[Guest]

Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?

[ Happiness in This World, WND Page 681 ]

I just read this same post in my email, its a very very great resource!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

This question scegy?

This question scegy?

i'm here to ask you something, what do you think about bringing a child to this world today? i mean, i'm 22 now and as i see and feel that the world it's not getting a better place, it's worse from day to day.
i'm aiming at young couples starting their life. i mean what will a child see when he comes to this world...wars, money, comercials, idiotic politicians...etc..which and who will eventually effect his life, probably in a bad way.

In my opinion it matters a thousand times more, who the parents are that bring a child into the world, than the world a child is brought into. We all make our own reality. To think that one's perception of "the way things are" is absolute for everyone, everywhere is delusion. The important thing is that if one were to have become so cynical towards the potential of the world as to view it not fitting for a child to grow up in, then one should definitely not have children until that view somehow changes. Otherwise, the child will inherit that view, and all one has done is create a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Yes I am a very happy dad and my children are actually quite amazing. They have given a meaning to my life that I could never have comprehended without their advent into this world. They teach me as much as I teach them. I also suggest anyone wanting to have children to make a commitment to themselves that they will endure anything and everything for their sake. Make sure your other half is someone that you will stay with regardless of the ups and downs that ALWAYS accompany marriage.

By the way scegy, this is my fourth marriage and I didn't have the first one of my six children until I was already 48 years old. I am not talking down to you or out of my ass. I've lived what I just shared with you. However, this IS my life experience. I hope this helped with your question and you will understand that I have shared as much about my personal experience as I am comfortable doing here. I'll have nothing to add to my answer to your question.

Thanks for your understanding my young Brother!

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law.

[ The Izu Exile, WND Page 35 ]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Scegy! Or was it this one?

Scegy! Or was it this one?

here's another one for you....i haven't figured out my gf....although she appears to follow the crowd, she amazes me sometimes with her thoughts that are similar to mine...what i'm thinking is...women still have(some) the feeling for life, so something that is now to me a great revalation is to her a simple life fact...you know what i'm talking about?

I believe that is called maturity. It is already a proven fact that women mature more quickly in life than men do. When we are young men we usually reject this idea or dispute it, but it is a proven fact. That doesn't automatically mean that men are immature, it means that they are slower to assimilate life experience in a way that allows them to "grow up" at the same rate that women do. It may have less to do with "the feeling for life" than it does about just "feeling" or sensitivity.

Another proven fact is that we all start out at the embryonic stage as women. Did you know that? We all start out "XX" and then around 50 percent of us lose a leg off the second "X" and become "XY" which tells the developing fetus to 'turn on the testosterone' which then determines which genitalia it develops. All men were once women, but not the other way around.

Without woman, the propagation of Nichiren's Buddhism would be nowhere near where it is at this time. One of the most significant things about Nichiren and his teachings is his respect for and acknowledgement of woman. As revealed by the Lotus Sutra, men and women are just two different, but necessary, versions of the same thing--human life. We share the same potential for Buddhahood yet have definitively different karmas.

If you can truly understand woman at the age of 21, you will have been years ahead of me!

T

 

[Delta9-THC]

lol I'm not sure If I ever will totally understand anyone ... let alone half the population in one thought
but I am gonna enjoy trying to understand


Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!


(anyways as they say -)
"stay shifted"
(what does that mean ?)
Peace

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Doesn't this remind you of MyohoDisco - Bodhisattva of the Earth?

Doesn't this remind you of MyohoDisco - Bodhisattva of the Earth?

Let's challenge to strengthen our faith
by having fresh determination and resolve each and every day!
No matter what might happen in our lives,
there is nothing we need be afraid of.
Through having the type of faith that
enables us to "change poison into medicine"*
and by having bright as the sun, cheerful optimism,
let's encourage and inspire each other so that everyone can bring forth
boundless courage and strength to overcome all obstacles in life!

Daisaku Ikeda

* "Changing Poison into Medicine":

http://www.sgi.org/english/Features/quarterly/0201/buddhism.htm

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Changing Poison into Medicine

Changing Poison into Medicine

SGI members often speak of "turning poison into medicine" when they describe how their Buddhist practice has enabled them to transform a difficult, negative or painful situation into something positive.

In its most fundamental sense, "changing poison into medicine" refers to the transformation of deluded impulses into enlightenment. The Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, attributed to the third-century Indian Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna, compares the Lotus Sutra to "a great physician who changes poison into medicine." This is because the Lotus Sutra opens the possibility of enlightenment to people whose arrogance and complacency had caused them to "scorch the seeds of Buddhahood." In earlier sutras such people had been condemned as being incapable of becoming Buddhas. An important implication of this principle, thus, is that there is no one who is beyond redemption.

In his writing, "On First Hearing the Teaching of the Supreme Vehicle," Nichiren develops this idea, stating that by using the power of the Mystic Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, one can transform the three paths of deluded impulses, karma and suffering into the three virtues of the Buddha, i.e., the Dharma body, wisdom and emancipation.

This can be understood to mean that any unfavorable situation can be changed into a source of value. More fundamentally, it is by challenging and overcoming painful circumstances that we grow as human beings.

How we respond to life's inevitable sufferings is the key. Negative, painful experiences are often necessary to motivate us. One Buddhist scripture describes illness as awakening the desire to seek the truth. Likewise, people have been inspired to a lifetime commitment to peace and justice by their experience of war and injustice.

The process of changing poison into medicine begins when we approach difficult experiences as an opportunity to reflect on ourselves and to strengthen and develop our courage and compassion. The more we are able to do this, the more we are able to grow in vitality and wisdom and realize a truly expansive state of life.

Suffering can thus serve as a springboard for a deeper experience of happiness. From the perspective of Buddhism, inherent in all negative experiences is this profound positive potential. However, if we are defeated by suffering or respond to challenging circumstances in negative and destructive ways, the original "poison" is not transformed but remains poison.

Buddhism teaches that suffering derives from karma, the causes that we ourselves have created. The Buddhist teaching of karma is one of personal responsibility. It is therefore our responsibility to transform sufferings into value-creating experiences. The Buddhist view of karma is not fixed or fatalistic--even the most deeply entrenched karmic patterns can be transformed.

By taking a difficult situation--illness, unemployment, bereavement, betrayal--and using it as an opportunity to deepen our sense of personal responsibility, we can gain and develop the kind of self-knowledge from which benefit flows. Buddhism teaches that self-knowledge ultimately is awareness of our own infinite potential, our capacity for inner strength, wisdom and compassion. This infinite potential is referred to as our "Buddha nature."

The original meaning of the phrase "to turn poison into medicine" relates to this level of self-knowledge.

In the "Belief and Understanding" chapter of the Lotus Sutra, Subhuti and others of the Buddha's long-time disciples respond to the prophecy that another disciple, Shariputra, will attain the ultimate enlightenment. The disciples admit that they had long ago given up on becoming Buddhas themselves, but that on hearing the teaching of the Lotus Sutra they renounced their earlier stance of resignation and spiritual laziness. "[T]heir minds were moved as seldom before and danced for joy." Nagarjuna and T'ien-t'ai (538--597) therefore compare the Buddha to a good doctor capable of turning poison (the laziness and resignation of the aged disciples) into medicine (a sincere aspiration for the ultimate enlightenment of Buddhahood).

This teaching of the possibility of profound transformation makes Buddhism a deeply optimistic philosophy. This optimism propels Buddhists as they seek to transform the negative and destructive tendencies within their lives as well as those in society and the world at large.

(from: http://www.sgi.org/english/Features/quarterly/0201/buddhism.htm )

 

[Guest]

Let's challenge to strengthen our faith
by having fresh determination and resolve each and every day!
No matter what might happen in our lives,
there is nothing we need be afraid of.
Through having the type of faith that
enables us to "change poison into medicine"*
and by having bright as the sun, cheerful optimism,
let's encourage and inspire each other so that everyone can bring forth
boundless courage and strength to overcome all obstacles in life!

Daisaku Ikeda

* "Changing Poison into Medicine":

http://www.sgi.org/english/Features/quarterly/0201/buddhism.htm

Couldn't Have said it better myself! Many in body yet One in mind.

WOW, DO I HAVE SOME ROCKET FUEL TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL!

first some encouragement and guidance......

Gosho Excerpt:

"The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law."

The Izu exile,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 35)
Written to Funamori Yasaburo on 27 June 1261 from Izu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/35.html




Daily Encouragement:

In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.


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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today's encouragement sure does apply to each and everyone of us especially "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). Let Nam Myoho Renge Kyo be your guide as always and realize that the sum of the positive and "negative" effects in your life result from both the positive and "negative" causes. My life is a work in progress, who's isn't, yet I always feel compelled to try and rise above my current state of being or lifecondition almost as a reflex. The reason behind my 'method of madness' is simply I have been completely enriched and motivated by my practice of Nichiren Buddhism that now my inner circle which once consisted of unproductive, lackluster, confused potheads, now also encompasses the incredible membership of the Soka Gakkai. So to further analyze my personal life, now that I have raised my "standards" in the company that I regularly keep (circle of friends, SGI buddies), my former negative, semi-negative influences have been OVERSHADOWED by the incredible nature of my SGI family and our kinetic (never static or stagnant synergy).

My wife and I have also been learning 'tis best to appreciate the good as well as the bad and always remember that the sum of both is greater than an individual event (be it good or bad). Its drastically improved our relationship.

My mother has been suffering through some extreme issues which seemingly have been going out of control for her. This has been ongoing, prior to my affliation with SGI, and always a source of my "personal environmental corruption". I love the lady so much, it physically pains me to know she suffers so, thus I have tried advice and improving my communication with her attempting to be more effective in her immediate life. To no avail, everything has seemed to have little to no effect on her, until recently. I have taken it upon myself to approach the most difficult problems in my life and face them HEAD ON, with no fear and courage, helping my mother has been impossible until now.

With the benevolent help of this thread (including my beloved mentors), then the blessing of my immediate SGI family within my District, and the coordination of my district leaders I have been able to approach my District Leaders seeking their assistence in speaking to my mother and helping her understand Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and Nichiren Buddhism. In the past I have told her about Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and have documented it here on this thread but never have I actively approached one of my superiors to try a "fresh approach" to a new problem!

It was as if I was using the Pathagorem Theorm to find the missing side of a square (pathagoras created a2+b2=c2 to find the missing side of a right triangle), or in other words trying to turn on a car with the wrong key. There was absolutely nothing I can say to her that would make coherant sense in anyway, until the recent intervention by my District Leader at my sincere request. Now my mother will attend a meeting sometime in July and her personal District Leader will be calling her over the Holiday weekend to open a further dialouge with her and present her with a chance to overcome her personal oppression. A HUGE HUGE VICTORY FOR ME AND PROOF THAT THE BENEFITS YOU REQUEST FROM THE GOHONZON DO IN FACT MANIFEST IN OUR LIVES. I have chanted for my mother to have a decent oppurtunity for some 'light' regarding SGI to shine towards her direction.

Its with great honour and respect that I tell you all, "Solve your problems, begin the work this instant to take advantage of this lovely day!". It all begins with you, I started reading this thread occasionally then began to study those same posts over and over and now I have fully read this entire thread and realize how I reached this point in my life, and how lovely the road ahead will be. Granted we all know the obstacles only get more difficult and the path becomes ever more perilous but my faith in the Gohonzon and Nichiren has shown me that, this relationship we have is something that has been ongoing and will continue to grow and become a more effective juggernaut of Kosen-rufu than we have expirienced in this lifetime, in other words the best is always yet to come.

Life was so confusing for "little old me" not to long ago, I contemplated absurd irregularities and postulized out of this world nonesense, all a direct result of letting the "environment" run my life, the opinions of others, the results of my unplanned actions, and worse the ill almost fatally resulting consequences of bad company resulting in something I most certainly am not! Yet let myself fall victim to unfortunately time and time again. Now I can stand on my own two feet and humbly yet ultimately confidant express my true reason for being to all who care to ask and that my friends is, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

For me that is where all this began; all this confidence, energy, good fortune for those around me and myself, better sleep!, more productivity throughout my day, increased vigor and stamina, better plans and results (toda told us, "never leave anything to chance!"), ultimately the best way of life for someone such as myself (a student of life and a student of the Mystic Law)

For some of us, this Myoho Renge Kyo has been attempting to emerge into the forefront of our life, but we have not let ourselves reach that point yet! Thus we must apply ourselves and work much harder! Focus our energy and resources to "single-mindly seek the Buddha". I used to goto work and try and get away with doing as little as possible, how sad. Now, I goto work and from the moment I begin till the end of the day, its about how much effort I excerted (put in) throughout my day. Work does not end after your 9 to 5! It continues in your personal life and as such, you should treat those moments dedicated to yourself as if they were just as important as your daily JOB or Routine. So apply yourself 1000% at work and also 1000% after work in your personal life. You following me still?

I have a massive amount of love for you! Thanks for making it this far, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and seek to acquire your Gohonzon if you have not already done so.


Words from your friend,
MyohoDisco

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The inconspicuous benefits of efforts made for kosen-rufu are certain to manifest as conspicuous rewards. Nothing is ever wasted in Buddhism."

SGI Newsletter No. 6893, SGI President Ikeda’s Speech, 61ST SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING—Part 1 [of 2], Creating a Wonderful Personal History, June 15th, 2006, translated June 26th, 2006

 

[Guest]

make a positive/good/beneficial cause realize a wonderful effect

make a positive/good/beneficial cause realize a wonderful effect

For wags:

back in 1972 a member in my district lived in LA, California. At the time they had a young district smaller district with young members who struggled to make meetings so many chant directly for cars. By the year 2001 of the 20 members in that district, as a result of their chanting for cars, they all eventually led their own districts. 20 californian yutes (i mean youths, heehee) led to 20 districts and countless other benefits as a result.

We are all connected, its erie to us sometimes how this interconnectivity aspect relates to us.



for scegy:

glad to see you around brother, and I think ptd nailed your question, lets keep hanging out here and enjoying the benefits!


Dutchgrown:

much love to you, you have been a huge inspiration and your consistency on this thread is admirable


delta9 (or smiley):

Glad to see you here and around


socal:

been chanting for you, and remember every tough moment is just another chance for you to take advantage of all your resources and fine tune your "plan"



mr and mrs babba:

nam myoho renge kyo
nam myoho renge kyo
nam myoho renge kyo


bartender:
thanks again for backing us up.


ptd:



Thank you for the advanced Buddhist Ciriculum. Your efforts have some how improved everything except my spelling! Peace to you and the sweet family, much love to your dear wife!


If I did not mention you this moment, I will direct this to you, Let me know how I can help you and I'll do it. Lets realize the unlimited potential within us! Take advantage of now and stop dwelling on the past, hindsight is 20/20, and I think its time we get to work!