Chanting Growers Group

[Delta9-THC]

And for your warm encouragement (compassion) to another expressing their challenge and strong determination ... you will recieve
Wisdom!

Frankly I have always been so impressed with who you are, my Brother! Keep on keeping on! Because of your own suffering you are so well prepared and capable to help others. Trust that based on the concept of jihi you have experienced the suffering in your life for the sake of encouraging those that are seeking the way.

For you, I am sure this is true. You delight me! Thank you!

T

I actually was touched by you saying that ...
I needed some reasurance and here you are : )

My life has been many things but mainly not within my control ... I find everyone feels like I do sometimes ...

I used to believe things couldn't change and was very isolated for a time .... Now i have hope

Thankyou Thomas ...and Keep on keepin on ... my brother

Now hasn't been a good time for me having faith as there has been a loss of somebody I know a nice guy and someone who i would like to consider a friend ... for the past 2 days he has been on a life-support machine after he was hit with a glass and left unconcious in a pub ... he has now died and the 17 yr old who did it has been arrested ....

There was no real reason for it and I have no explanation ... its like a question that wont go away ... I sincerely hope he is somewhere better

I dont even know why I felt to say this but ... I suppose I needed to
Havent really had anyone to talk to as anyone else that knows is still in shock

Socal ...
I feel for a while I did too lose hope I am only gaining some now ... and I am by no means a practising buddhist (chanting/meetings/prayer) just within my thoughts and action (I hope)... but I only know a few truths and learn from here all the time


"Those who live their lives to the fullest, unperterbed by the noisy clamor around them, are victors in life. Never give up. If you persevere in your efforts, someone will definetely support and protect you. Never lose hope."

Daisaku Ikeda


I sincerly hope you are healthy again soon dutchgrown .... and feel strengthened

Peace Delta

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Gohonzon

Gohonzon

Gohonzon is the object of devotion in Nichiren Buddhism. In Japanese, go means worthy of honor and honzon means object of fundamental respect. Nichiren defined the universal Law permeating life and the universe as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and embodied it in the form of a mandala. In the Gohonzon, a scroll on which are written Chinese and Sanskrit characters, Nichiren symbolically depicted the life state of Buddhahood, which all people possess.

SGI members chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to a Gohonzon enshrined in their own homes. The Gohonzon, together with a practitioner's faith and chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, acts as a stimulus to activate the life-condition of Buddhahood innate in one's life.

Our inner life-condition changes constantly as we come into contact with different external stimuli, everything around us--people, the weather, a piece of music, the color of the walls--creates some kind of influence on us. A painting can cause the viewer to feel enraptured, calm or disgusted, and a letter can either cause joy or shock and dismay. In order to bring out our highest potential condition of life, our Buddhahood, we also need a stimulus. Nichiren's enlightenment to the law of life enabled him to create a stimulus that would be able to activate the life-condition of Buddhahood within us.

[Note: One can still chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and experience benefit if one is not near, or unable to see a Gohonzon. The most essential element in Nichiren's practice for drawing forth one's Buddhahood, is the strength of one's faith.]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Confidently and wisely,
let's initiate courageous action
that will lead to us all making dynamic advancement!
That single action will eventually
cause others to take action.
Those who make the first move will
most certainly be victorious and successful

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[SoCal Hippy]

now I need a few hours with the Gohonzon.

Can you tell everyone the way you are able to chant a 'few hours' with the Gohonzon? and what those that do can expect?

(i ask that because it is my challenge at times to chant 'hours'.....

Thanks!!!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

???

???

what those that do can expect?

EXACTLY WHAT YOU CHANT FOR!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Wisdom

Wisdom

A Buddha is characterized as a person of profound wisdom. The idea of wisdom is core to Buddhism. But wisdom can be a vague and elusive concept, hard to define and harder to find. How does one become wise? Is wisdom something that we can actively develop, or must we merely wait to grow wiser as we grow older? Perhaps it is because wisdom is such an indistinct concept that it has lost value as a relevant ideal in modern society, which has instead come to place great store in information and the attainment of knowledge.

Josei Toda, second president of the Soka Gakkai, characterized the confusion between knowledge and wisdom as one of the major failings of modern society.

His critique is starkly demonstrated in the astonishing progress of technology in the last century. While scientific and technological development has shown only a mixed record of alleviating human suffering, it has triumphed remarkably in its ability and efficiency in unleashing death and destruction.

Toda likened the relationship between knowledge and wisdom to that between a pump and water. A pump that does not bring forth water (knowledge without wisdom) is of little use.

This is not to deny the importance of knowledge. But knowledge can be utilized to generate both extreme destructiveness and profound good.

Wisdom is that which directs knowledge toward good--toward the creation of value.

Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of the five kinds of wisdom, describe and analyze in detail the dynamics of wisdom and how it manifests at different levels of our consciousness.

When wisdom is functioning in our life, it has the effect of enabling us to overcome the ingrained perspectives of our habitual thinking and arrive at a fresh and holistic view of a given situation. We are able to make a broad assessment of facts, perceive the essence of an issue and steer a sure course toward happiness.

Buddhism also likens wisdom to a clear mirror that perfectly reflects reality as it is. What is reflected in this mirror of wisdom is the interrelatedness and interdependence of our life with all other life. This wisdom dispels our delusions of separateness and awakens in us a sense of empathetic equality with all living things.

The term "Buddha" describes a person who freely manifests this inherent wisdom. And what causes this wisdom to well forth in our lives is compassion.

Buddhism sees the universe, and life itself, as an embodiment of compassion--the interweaving of the "threads" of interdependent phenomena, giving rise to and nurturing life in all its wonderful and varied manifestations.

It teaches that the purpose of human life is to be an active participant in the compassionate workings of the universe, enriching and enhancing life's creative dynamism.

Therefore, it is when we act with compassion that our life is brought into accord with the universal life force and we manifest our inherent wisdom. The action of encouraging and sharing hope with others awakens us to a larger, freer identity beyond the narrow confines of our ego. Wisdom and compassion are thus inseparable.

Central to Buddhist practice is self-mastery, the effort to "become the master of one's mind." This idea implies that the more profoundly we strive to develop an altruistic spirit, the more the wisdom of the Buddha is aroused within us and the more powerfully we can, in turn, direct all things--our knowledge, our talents and the unique particularities of our character--to the end of creating happiness for ourselves and others.

Speaking at Tribhuvan University in Nepal in 1995, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda commented, "To be master of one's mind means to cultivate the wisdom that resides in the inner recesses of our lives, and which wells forth in inexhaustible profusion only when we are moved by a compassionate determination to serve humankind, to serve people."

If human history is to change and be redirected from division and conflict toward peace and an underlying ethic of respect for the sanctity of all life, it is human beings themselves who must change. The Buddhist understanding of compassionate wisdom can serve as a powerful basis for such a transformation.

(from: http://www.sgi.org/english/Buddhism/more/more19.htm )

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Hey SoCal!

Hey SoCal!

I can't speak for Easy, but for me it takes determination and desire.

Sometimes it's easier to chant for other people than it is for myself. When I see and worry about the issues challenging the people I love and care about, that equals compassion. I got in three hours yesterday because it seems everyone around me, including myself, are facing challenges up the wazoo--and yes, I chanted A LOT for you! I hadn't gotten that much Daimoku in since the twins were born.

What started it? Initially, a phone call to a friend that I challenged to create Power of the Law Actual Proof within three weeks for something he seeks and desires. It is something he needs and of all the people I know, something he deserves. The thing that really got me to sit down and start to do what I intended to do, but had not yet begun, was my baby's eyes staring into mine. She has a terrible cough that we can't seem to cure. For whatever reason, when she stared into my eyes, I could hear her saying, "Help me daddy!"

I was tired as hell, and had not intended to do Daimoku. But thinking of my friend, then thinking of my friends, and then thinking of my sick baby, and then thinking of my Master's incredible mercy and my tremendous good fortune, and realizing, "I am the Buddha and I make my own benefits!"; I became motivated to break through and free myself of the impass the Devil of the Sixth Heaven had laid out for me.

From there it was easy: a glass of water, a comfortable chair, and a tremendous desire to help others and do my best to show them the way. How could I expect benefit in my own life if I was such a hypocrite as to encourage others to chant abundant Daimoku, and not be chanting abundant Daimoku myself? Is that bullshit or what? FUNDAMENTAL DARKNESS IS ALWAYS BULLSHIT!!! That's why it's called FUNDAMENTAL DARKNESS. It is ignorance to the true nature of life.

I can only break free of it myself. No one else could help me. I had to help myself. And the next thing I knew I was chanting effortlessly. Yes, I stopped to fill my glass with water and to take a leak, but it was the memory of my baby's eyes looking into mine that got me started and helped me finish.

Frankly, I am one of the most fortunate people I know. And the reason I can say that is sincerely because of all of you. Thank you!!!! Thank you for helping me be more than I was, and more than I am, and helping me realize how much more I can be!

I don't want to sound redundant, but I bow in obeisance to all of you!

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

Thomas

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Bodhisattva

Bodhisattva

A bodhisattva is literally a living being (sattva) who aspires to enlightenment (bodhi) and carries out altruistic practices. The bodhisattva ideal is central to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition as the individual who seeks enlightenment both for him--or herself and for others. Compassion, an empathetic sharing of the sufferings of others, is the bodhisattva's greatest characteristic.

Strengthening Compassion

The path of a bodhisattva is not an otherworldly undertaking for people with unique gifts of compassion or wisdom. Rather, the qualities of the bodhisattva are inherent in the lives of ordinary men and women, and the purpose of Buddhist practice is to strengthen these qualities until compassion becomes the basis of all our actions.

Practice for Self and Others

For SGI members, bodhisattva practice is actualized in the twin, mutually reinforcing aspects of "practice for oneself and others." While many people may at first be inspired to practice Buddhism by the desire for personal happiness, to overcome illness or some other challenge, as their life-state expands, they naturally develop a deeper concern for the happiness of others and are motivated to take compassionate action, including sharing with others the insights of Buddhism.

 

[Babbabud]

Post 3296 has got to be one of the most profound beautiful post we have had grace our pages. Thankyou PTD for being such a good friend. Thanks for your buddha nature. Thanks to all who read this buddha nature. I chant for you all.
nam myoho renge kyo!!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Keep on keeping on Delta!

Keep on keeping on Delta!

Now hasn't been a good time for me having faith as there has been a loss of somebody I know a nice guy and someone who i would like to consider a friend ... for the past 2 days he has been on a life-support machine after he was hit with a glass and left unconcious in a pub ... he has now died and the 17 yr old who did it has been arrested ....

There was no real reason for it and I have no explanation ... its like a question that wont go away ... I sincerely hope he is somewhere better

I dont even know why I felt to say this but ... I suppose I needed to
Havent really had anyone to talk to as anyone else that knows is still in shock

But my dear Brother now is exactly the time when you should have faith. Whatever has brought you here as a personal experience that has helped you prove to yourself and understand that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is real, has happened so that you can be confident that the promises that the Daishonin has made about the truth of life, that are beyond this realm, are true.

It’s for times like this when something makes no sense that the things you know from this realm can help you find comfort and understanding—confidence in your convictions. This, ultimately, is the purpose of faith. It’s the reason we can manifest the power of the Law--so that we can persevere through the tough times, like now.

He was a nice guy and someone you considered a friend. To me that means he was worthy in this lifetime to have known a Buddha. He was fortunate to have been close enough to the Law that a Buddha will chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for his peaceful repose. Do you think the Daishonin would ever mislead us in his teachings about the worthiness of that?

It’s up to you now, to make sure he finds the way in his advent in his next lifetime. Through the compassionate prayer of a Buddha in his behalf, how could he possible not be born with you again in that next lifetime for the purpose of your prayer being fulfilled? Impossible Brother! Chant for him and have supreme confidence that he is VERY OK!

Whatever karma he had to die the way he did and the time in his life that he did is now finished—it’s expiated. No matter the karma he created that would be his reality in his next life, the one karma you can be sure of is the effect he had on you and the way he has made you care. Because of that he endures. Because of that his Buddha nature will be awakened.

Based on your prayer, that is what will happen. And when that becomes manifest in his next lifetime, no matter what else happens, he will at some point attain supreme perfect enlightenment. Trust that to be true. Have faith and confidence in that truth.

His ultimate happiness will depend on his own efforts, but his achievement of that is guaranteed by virtue of him finding his place in your heart. Keep him there and you never have to worry about whether he is somewhere better, ever again. I promise.

 

[Guest]

Dear Socal,

First I didnt forget the Ted Osaki article, its coming sooner than later. I have been struggling in a few aspects of my life, well slacking off really. Having the discipline to sit before the Gohonzon has been what I dub "consistency issues" in many of my posts. Its essential that I "set" my mind to meditate with the Gohonzon at least twice a day, its a subconscious programming that takes place unlike any other, in a recent issue of the World Tribune a lady who fell into a coma awoke with almost total amnesia, they asked her "whats your name" "where are you from" "do you remember what happened" she says to them " all I remember is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo."

PTD is right about the Devil of the 6th Heaven being so insiduous and cunning, I know this is reality because as my practice continues to triumph and my determination becomes stronger I realize its even more difficult to continue. Someone told me once its easier to do the right thing than to do the so called wrong thing, THATS NOT TRUE TO ME. I find myself at that impasse daily when it comes to daimoku, how much easier is it to sitdown and read a book, smoke a joint, call your family, watch television, go on the computer. Now in comparison to that how easy is it to sit in front of the Gohonzon comfortably chanting your fighting Daimoku for longer than your regular intervals? If it as tough for you as it is for me, thats a manifestation of the Devil of the 6th Heaven also known as Fundamental Darknesss for me.

here is another thing that messes me up big time when I am not "chanting enough", earthly desires and deluded thoughts. Holy Mackarel, everytime I stumble and make a decision I am not pleased with, its clear to me that my mind was not in the right place. Why wasn't my mind in the right I always ask myself? The answer is usually, did you chant enough this morning, its almost bedtime did you chant enough this evening, did you do sanjo before you left your house, do you feel you need to chant anymore today(is everything perfect?), Can you make time to chant right now? We both know Socal that Nam Myoho Renge Kyo will alleviate the suffering of birth and death and every poison can be turned into medicine! Push yourself, only you can truly push yourself!

Then why do we deny ourselves the right to ALWAYS be in haramony with Myoho Renge Kyo by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, I think its our Fundamental Darkness inclusive to our environment (esho funi). I know when I am not radiating my Buddhanature or just being the best I can be, my environment adjusts accordingly and likewise engages me in a similar fashion. Here's something that I can say helps alot, tackling the Biggest Problems/Situations/Issues First. This concept of attacking the toughest issues first is the Soka Spirit! Young and Old we are all cubs of the Lion King and should be as fierce, proud and resilient as the Lion King. Our Roar is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, our resolve should also be as powerful as our proclamation and our Value Creating Initiatives the nourishment to our Palace of Human Dignity (organism)!

When you and I chant the fighting Daimoku all the protective forces increase their effect and on the other hand the Devil of the 6th Heaven is doing push ups getting ready for his next assault. You know the deal, Never be Defeated, Never accept Defeat, even if all odds are against you, YOU STILL HAVE MYOHO RENGE KYO! You Still have me, You Still have your SGI Family, You Still have your mission, Mr.Socal this is not mission difficult this is Mission Impossible, mission difficult would be a walk in the park!

"THE WORLD OF FAITH EXSISTS TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE!"

You how far we have come along in the last few months, and rest assure my brother the best is yet to come. A Votary of the Lotus Sutra once told me that when we was down, lost and confused in life, seeking his mission a leader in SGI told him, don't worry in 30 years you will realize your mission. 30 years later I (easydiscoduck, baby baby I can't stop!) became an SGI member, I am eternally greatful for Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, for Values instilled in my life, the ability to stop seeking motivation and comfort outside myself and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as I forge on enlisting my fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth towards our goal of Kosen-rufu. Some of us maybe at the point in our lives were 30 years down the line we would be almost 100 but embracing Nam Myoho Renge Kyo transcends time space is limitless and boundless.

last night and this week has been very draining, i needed/need to chant all I could/can, I thought of all of you while I did, today I did not make enough time to chant before I left my house, but I did sanjo and will return to my Gohonzon and chant. Ohh actually I have a meeting then I will go chant with my Gohonzon and look into the mirror, then tomorrow I have a toso for a member who is suffering with heart problems (please keep ruth in your prayers) and over the next two days I will elevate my life condition considerably. It doesnt matter that I didnt chant 10 minutes ago, because its from this moment forward!

You are the Buddha and You make the benefits. Chant to chant more, thats an excellent cause. Keep planting seeds of hope of your life and the fruits will flood into your environment.

your brother,
easydisco

P.S. Hillbillieonpcp, hi buddy, this is your official invitation to come join us! HIllbillieonpcp is a great Bodhisattva of the Earth! HELLO DUTCHGROWN! HELLO SCEGY! HELLO D9! HELLO ALWAYS! HELLO HITMAN and his Momma! Hello to all helping me deal with my spyware fiasco! Hello to all!

 

[Guest]

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
nam-myoho-renge-kyo
nam-myoho-renge-kyo

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Happy to report!

Happy to report!

My daughter's 8 day old cough that was still full bore yesterday, even seemingly getting worse which is why I chanted so hard for her, is gone now. No coughing for the last four hours. It has mystically disappeared.

So I knocked off another hour tonight (of Daimoku with my wife joining me this time) to give thanks and to continue my prayers for several of you.

Thank you Gohonzon!!!

Delta, this Gosho is for you:

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Embracing the Lotus Sutra / WND (excerpt) pgs. 62-64

Embracing the Lotus Sutra / WND (excerpt) pgs. 62-64

When you look at those of superior capacity, do not disparage yourself. The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment. Conversely, when you compare yourself with persons of inferior capacity, do not be arrogant and overproud. Even persons of superior capacity may be excluded from enlightenment if they do not devote themselves wholeheartedly.

One may think fondly of one's native village, but, paying no visit and with no particular reason to go, one in time gives up the idea of returning. Or one may pine for a particular person, but, with no hope of winning that person's love and having exchanged no vows, one abandons the thought of waiting. So in like manner we neglect to journey to the pure land of Eagle Peak, though it surpasses in grandeur the palaces of nobles and high ministers, and moreover is quite easy to reach. We fail to behold the gentle and benign figure of the Buddha, who has (31) declared, "I am a father to you," though we ought surely to present ourselves before him. Should we not grieve at this, until our sleeves are drenched with tears and our heart consumed by regret?

The color of the clouds in the sky as twilight falls, the waning light of the moon when dawn is breaking - these things make us ponder. In the same way, whenever events remind us of life's uncertainty, we should fix our thoughts on the existence to come. When we view the blossoms of spring or the snow on a winter morning, we should think of it, and even on evenings when winds bluster and gathering clouds tumble across the sky, we should not forget it even for an instant.

Life lasts no longer than the time the exhaling of one breath awaits the drawing of another. At what time, what moment, should we ever allow ourselves to forget the compassionate vow of the Buddha, who declared, "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 the Buddha]?”(32) On what day or month should we permit ourselves to be without the sutra that says, "[If there are those who hear the Law], then not a one will fail to attain (33) Buddhahood"?

How long can we expect to live on as we have, from yesterday to today or from last year to this year? We may look back over our past and count the years we have accumulated, but when we look ahead into the future, who can for certain number himself among the living for another day or even for an hour? Yet, though one may know that the moment of one's death is already at hand, one clings to arrogance and prejudice, to worldly fame and profit, and fails to devote oneself to chanting the Mystic Law. Such an attitude is futile beyond description! Even though the Lotus Sutra is called the teaching that enables all living beings to attain the Buddha way, how could a person such as this actually attain it? It is said that even the moonlight will not deign to shine on the sleeve of an unfeeling person.

Moreover, as life does not go beyond the moment, the Buddha expounded the blessings that come from a single moment of rejoicing [on hearing the Lotus Sutra]. If two or three moments were required, this could no longer be called the original vow of the Buddha endowed with great impartial wisdom, the single vehicle of the teaching that directly reveals the truth and leads all living beings to attain Buddhahood.

As for the time of its propagation, the Lotus Sutra spreads during the latter age, when the Buddha's Law is about to perish. As for what capacity of persons it is suited to, it can save even those who commit the five cardinal sins, or who slander the correct teaching. Therefore, you must be guided by the intent of [the Lotus Sutra, which is] the immediate attainment of enlightenment, and never give yourself up to the mistaken views that stem from doubts or attachments.

How long does a lifetime last? If one stops to consider, it is like a single night's lodging at a wayside inn. Should one forget that fact and seek some measure of worldly fame and profit? Though you may gain them, they will be mere prosperity in a dream, a delight scarcely to be prized. You would do better simply to leave such matters to the karma formed in your previous existences.

Once you awaken to the uncertainty and transience of this world, you will find endless examples confronting your eyes and filling your ears. Vanished like clouds or rain, the people of past ages have left nothing but their names. Fading away like dew, drifting far off like smoke, our friends of today too disappear from sight. Should you suppose that you alone can somehow remain forever like the clouds over Mount Mikasa?(34)

The spring blossoms depart with the wind; maple leaves turn red in autumn showers. All are proof that no living thing can stay for long in this world. Therefore, the Lotus Sutra counsels us, "Nothing in this world is lasting or firm but all are like bubbles, foam, heat shimmer." (35)

"[At all times I think to myself ]: How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed way?" These words express the Buddha's deepest wish to enable both those who accept the Lotus Sutra and those who oppose it to attain Buddhahood. Because this is his ultimate purpose, those who embrace the Lotus Sutra for even a short while are acting in accordance with his will. And if they act in accordance with the Buddha's will, they will be repaying the debt of gratitude they owe to the Buddha. The words of the sutra, which are as full of compassion as a mother's love, will then find solace, and the cares of the Buddha, who said, "I am the only person who can rescue and protect others," will likewise be eased. Not only will Shakyamuni Buddha rejoice, but because the Lotus Sutra is the ultimate purpose for which all Buddhas appear in the world, the Buddhas of the ten directions and the three existences will likewise rejoice. As Shakyamuni said, "[If one can uphold it even for a short while] I will surely rejoice and so will the other Buddhas."(36) Not only will the Buddhas rejoice, but the gods also will join in their delight. Thus, when the Great Teacher Dengyo lectured on the Lotus Sutra, Great Bodhisattva Hachiman (37) presented him with a purple surplice, (38) and when the Honorable Kuya recited the Lotus Sutra, the great deity of Matsuo Shrine was able to gain protection from the cold wind.

For this reason, when praying that "the seven disasters will instantly vanish, and the seven blessings will instantly appear,"(39) this sutra is the most effective of all. That is because it promises that its votaries "will enjoy peace and (40) security in their present existence." And when offering prayers to avert the disasters of foreign invasion and internal revolt, nothing can surpass this wonderful sutra, because it makes certain that persons who embrace it will "suffer no decline or harm within the (41) area of a hundred yojanas."

Nonetheless, the way that prayers are offered in our present age is the exact opposite of what it ought to be. Prayers today are based upon the provisional teachings, which were intended for propagation in previous ages, rather than upon the secret Law of the highest truth, which is intended for propagation in the latter age. To proceed in this way is like trying to make use of last year's calendar, or to employ a crow for the kind of fishing that only a cormorant can do.

This situation has come about solely because the error-bound teachers of the provisional teachings are accorded high honor, while the teacher enlightened to the true doctrine has not been duly recognized. How sad to think that this rough gem, such as was presented (42) by Pien Ho to the kings Wen and Wu, should find no place of acceptance! How joyful, though, that I have obtained in this life the priceless gem concealed in the topknot of the wheel- turning king,(43) for which Shakyamuni Buddha appeared in this world!

What I am saying here has been fully attested to by the Buddhas of the ten directions and is no mere idle talk. Therefore, knowing that the Lotus Sutra says, "It will face much hostility in the world and be difficult to believe,"(44) how can you retain even a trace of disbelief; and when it says, "Such a person assuredly and without doubt will attain the Buddha way," how can you refuse to become a Buddha?

Since the remotest past up until now, you have merely suffered in vain the pains of countless existences. Why do you not, if only this once, try planting the wonderful seeds that lead to eternal and unchanging Buddhahood? Though at present you may taste only a tiny fraction of the everlasting joys that await you in the future, surely you should not spend your time thoughtlessly coveting worldly fame and profit, which are as fleeting as a bolt of lightning or the morning dew. As the Thus Come One teaches, "There is no safety in the threefold world; it is like (45) a burning house." And in the words of a bodhisattva, "All things are like a phantom, like a magically conjured (46) image."

Everywhere other than the Capital of Tranquil Light is a realm of suffering. Once you leave the haven of inherent enlightenment, what is there to bring you joy? I pray that you will embrace the Mystic Law, which guarantees that people "will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences."(47) This is the only glory that you need seek in your present lifetime, and is the action that will draw you toward Buddhahood in your next existence. Single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and urge others to do the same; that will remain as the only memory of your present life in this human world. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Nichiren


Notes:

31. Lotus Sutra, chap. 3.
32. Ibid., chap. 16.
33. Ibid., chap. 2.
34. A mountain located in Nara. A place of great scenic beauty, it often appears in traditional Japanese poetry.
35. Lotus Sutra, chap. 18.
36. Ibid., chap. 11.
37. According to The Biography of the Great Teacher Dengyo, in 814 Dengyo visited Usa Hachiman Shrine in Kyushu, where he lectured on the Lotus Sutra. The deity, much moved, is said to have personally presented Dengyo with a purple robe.
38. Kuya (903-972) was a Nembutsu priest who spread the Pure Land teachings among the common people, traveling from one province to another. He chanted the name of Amida Buddha while dancing in the streets. According to The Biographies of Eminent Priests of Japan, when Kuya stayed at Unrin-in temple in Kyoto, he saw an elderly man, shivering with cold, who announced himself to be the deity of Matsuo Shrine. Though the man had heard the Wisdom sutras, he said, he had not yet been able to hear the Lotus Sutra; so he was still shivering in the wind of greed and delusion. Kuya recited the Lotus Sutra for him, whereupon the deity was relieved of
his suffering.
39. These words appear in the Benevolent Kings Sutra. The "seven disasters" are: (1) extraordinary changes of the sun and moon, (2) extraordinary changes of the stars and planets, (3) fires, (4) unseasonable floods, (5) storms, (6) drought, and (7) war, including enemy attacks from without and rebellion from within. The "seven blessings" means averting or eradicating the seven disasters.
40. Lotus Sutra, chap. 5.
41. Ibid., chap. 26.
42. Pien Ho was a native of the state of Ch'u in China during the Spring and Autumn period (770-403 BCE). According to Han Fei Tzu, Pien Ho found a precious stone at Mount Ch'u and presented it to King Li. When the king had it appraised,it was identified as a mere stone. So the king had Pien Ho's left leg cut off at the knee. After the king's death, Pien Ho again presented the precious stone, this time to King Wu, only to have his right leg cut off at the knee on a second charge of deception. Later, after King Wen had ascended the throne, Pien Ho wept for three days at the foot of Mount Ch'u, holding the precious stone and shedding tears of blood at the kings' ignorance. Hearing of this, King Wen asked for Pien Ho's stone and had it polished. It was then recognized as being genuine and, in consequence, is said to have been widely treasured by the populace.
43. This story appears in chapter 14 of the Lotus Sutra. The "priceless gem" indicates the one Buddha vehicle.
44. Lotus Sutra, chap. 14.
45. Ibid., chap. 3.
46. Probably a reference to a similar passage in Nagarjuna's Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, discussing the non-substantiality of all phenomena.
47. Lotus Sutra, chap. 5.

 

[420KushMaster]

hey bubba,

just wanted to say hello and glad this thread is still going strong.
say hello to the ms for me. have a great day all peace

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Hey dude!

Hey dude!

Where ya been? We haven't seen you in here for ages!

You must have just re-registered. Welcome home! Don't be a stranger!

Thomas

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism

The Mahayana tradition, in which Nichiren Buddhism is included, emphasizes the bodhisattva practice as the means toward the enlightenment of both oneself and others, in contrast to teachings which aim only at personal salvation.

Monastic Focus

After Shakyamuni's death, the Buddhist Order experienced several schisms, and eventually 18 or 20 schools formed, each of which developed its own interpretation of the sutras. As time passed, the monks of these schools tended to withdraw more and more from the lay community, devoting themselves to the practice of monastic precepts and the writing of doctrinal treatises.

Buddhism for All

Around the beginning of the first century of the Common Era, a new group of Buddhist believers emerged who were dissatisfied with what they saw as the self-complacency and monastic elitism of the earlier schools and aimed at the salvation of all people. They called their school of Buddhism Mahayana (great vehicle), meaning the teaching which can lead all people to enlightenment, and they criticized the earlier, traditional schools for seeking only personal enlightenment, labeling them Hinayana, or lesser vehicle. A Mahayana Buddhism arose as a reform movement seeking to restore the original spirit of Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra is one of the best known Mahayana Sutras.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

When our heart and sense of purpose change, everything changes. As we work for the happiness and welfare of others, we enter a path in which our lives come to shine with the greatest possible brilliance. It is just as the Daishonin says when he writes: “If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way.” (GZ, 1598).

 

[Delta9-THC]

thomas... i agree that now is a time for faith ...
I hace more than ever yet sometimes still not enough ....
and sorry for being vague ... I am kind of talking about 2 things at once ... this recent tragedy and past events... but

I have been reading everytime I can from this thread and agree

things can and do change we make our own benefits

Hope your well thomas

Hope everyones ok

Sorry thomas but my faith is as of yet unexplainable to me or you ....
Of Course I am honoured ...
I continue to work towards my goals and hope you strive towards yours too ... and If I can help ... I will!

I have a very open mind and continue to read with intrigue¬!

Peace

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Everything is good Bro! It's always good! That's the whole point! But understand that one of my favorite sayings is that, " I have the patience of a communist." I will not stop chanting for you to see what I see--that D-9 is a Buddha and that your faith is equal to mine, or exceeds it, until that reality manifests itself.

I will not give up! I refuse to believe that you can't see it; that you won't see it. I will keep seeking that result until I can get you to "look into the mirror." You already took action and made a cause on this thread that you are not aware of, that I can not ignore--it would be my slander to ignore.

I respect and care about you too much to do anything else. Please bear with me.

I bow in obeisance to you Brother!

Thomas (and the honor is all mine.)