Chanting Growers Group

[Guest]

Yeah B,

I did some good shakubuku, one of the most militant people in my office was desperately seeking some advice to help her get by (dealing with a very negative boss, who is usually the epitomy of bad karma). So I told her about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, printed out some materials for her and told her that he also has a buddha nature. Usually this lady who is in her late 60s is ranting and raving about murdering terrorists and killing muslims (i work in a jewish pro-israel environment that is very anti-arabic and to avoid complicity of slander I am now constantly propagating The Law here, this is a mission from Gohonzon to show how my unique Buddhanature is also within their hearts in their own unique way).

I have not been so successful in the past dealing with ichicantikas (persons of incorrigible disbelief) nor those who worship devilish functions, but smiling everyday and working hard and including everyone in my immediate environment in my love and compassion for humanity even if I have to immediately rebuke them when the slander is flying really has added a huge benefit, really a daily benefit of progress in my work days. I propose to all of you Bodhisattvas of the Earth to always continue forward despite the bullshit... NEVER GIVE UP, Nichiren Daishonin never gave up!

So Bonz, that issue about self-doubt came out twice last night in my planning meeting and then I just remembered a great lesson I have read in this thread many times and also remembered seeing it in the World Tribune pretty often, the best way to overcome self-doubt is thru Faith, Practice and Study. Shit its so true, it mind boggling. Its worked for me time and time again and when I slip into an undesirable path I have to keep remembering Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will help me cross the sea of suffering...

Guilt has plagued me like a friggin swarm of locust in my head, I am now embracing that "Yes I can feel that but its an illusion, the truth is even the Devil of the 6th Heaven in enlightened in the Gohonzon." I believe I'm the Gohonzon, united with Gohonzon Buddha/ Nichiren Daishonin, how can I fail if I am protected? We should always remember as faithful chanting growers that we are protected...

Last night my grow was seemingly discovered... the smell was so strong my neighbor approached me and asked if I toked, he said he tokes so I said "Yes I do, i buy from one guy I know that lives far away, let me give you some bud.." I gave him a few buds he said he would give me a few buds etc., but then I realized, NO MORE GROWING IN MY PLACE! (I don't know him too well but he hears me chanting all the time so he knows I am a votary of the Lotus Sutra and going to shakubuku him) Immediately I thought about Gohonzon, with a smile I knew this was something I had to chant about, it happened before my meeting and I went to chant about it and chanted about it.

After the meeting I gave a bunch of meds and a quater of my bubble stash to the husband of our district leader (great family that know I grow and also have grown in the past) *(we might be forming a chapter soon and I might be promoted to Chapter Leader, more responsiblity, I'll take it with a smile our group is growing!)* he is going to be operated this week on something pretty painful and the meds will help him alot, I told him my issue/challenge and he is going to let me (invited me to) grow my plants in his home. WOW, I had no doubt I was protected, that "severe blow" to my lifestyle was Gohonzon's way of protecting me. WOW.....

I lost all my clones I tried to clone ( still have mothers from two plants from my last grow, again protected ), I have a fresh safe grow room to continue to medicate myself and friends and more important somehow it feels like I have more faith. I thought I was like boarding TOTAL COMPLETE FAITH... I must be even closer now.

I'm telling you, Trust Gohonzon will fulfill your dreams and desires.

I love my wife more it seems, I have meds I didn't have to pay and arm and a leg for, I have great friends on this site (Hi hillbillieonpcp Hi Baccas Hi Tree Hi baccas Whats up Bonz My man PersonalMeds Hi there Socal (my brother) Whats up Babba Hey Respect! Whats up hitman Hi Mrs.Babba, et al. {excuse me for forgetting you but your in my heart I have a list if I said I'll chant for you I chant for you}) awesome SGI friends, improved family relations, improved work relations, More energy and vigor, Very little to no depression, Very little to no anxiety, I got buds right now thats friggin sweet, I got faith and thats THE BEST!

Thanks Thus Come One PasstheDoobie, this thread was the move to make this millenium! man oh man am I GRATEFUL!

Writing this I feel teary, but in a happy very good way. Thanks so much to all.

With humble and deep respect for you and yours,
MyohoDisco

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life."

(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, December 7th, 2006

 

[Babbabud]

How aware are we of our own inner life, our spirituality—something so intangible yet so priceless? How much effort do we make to perceive that which is not obvious, which can neither be seen nor heard? I believe the exploration and enrichment of the human spirit is what determines our very humanity. Such enrichment provides an inner compass that can lead civilizations to greatness. --- Daisaku Ikeda
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Bonzo]

Howdy my friends!

Nam myoho renge kyo!!!

Man what a line up of great posts, i have read them all at least 5 times.

Truck story tomorrow, i promise, i have to try to get more than 5 hours sleep once in awhile.

I had a good day, somewhat mentally strenuios, but thats what made it a good day believe it or not.

I hope you all had excellent shiny days today and have even better ones tomorrow!

peace , love and deepest respect

bonz






>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Nam myoho renge kyo>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Selection Source: These excerpts are from "For Today and Tomorrow," a book of daily inspirationals by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

President Toda often said: "Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly! Buddhism is a deadly serious win-or-lose struggle. If you should [pray with such an earnest attitude] and still have no solution forthcoming, then I will give you my life!" This invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life
inspired the members.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Gold can neither be burned by fire nor corroded or swept away by water, but iron is vulnerable to both. A wise person is like gold and a fool like iron. You are like pure gold because you embrace the "gold" of the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra reads in part, "Sumeru is the loftiest of all mountains. The Lotus Sutra is likewise the loftiest of all the sutras." It also states, "The good fortune of the believer cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water."

[ The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life, WND Page 217 ]

 

[Guest]

Okay, this week I worked hard, I tried to make every and all "ends meet", I humbly encouraged others to chant The Daimoku of The Lotus Sutra, and here is a quick observation....

I used to firmly believe:

1) I would be dead before my 15th b-day, then 18th, then 21st, then 24th, etc. here I am alive in the end of 2006 and I found my sweetspot!

2) My relationship with my wife was destined to fail, not so 6 years going strong!

3) I could not hold a steady job, cannabis proceeds were my only income (sporadic at best), I have a real job and make money for the government (they tax the shit outta my check) so I am repaying my debt of gratitude to my country/sovriegn!

4) I ruined everything for myself, absolutely everything. Now I gain so much everyday I have to keep growing in every aspect of my life to keep up!

5) I had no trust or respect for others especially myself. I have friends and family I love and trust.

6) No love in my life, for nothing just fear pain and angst. I have a huge heart and work towards propagating Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in every avenue I encounter in life and every next person I meet.

7) I had so many near death expiriences I was dubious I was still alive! I now know I have always been protected from practicing Buddhism and widely propagating (kosen-rufu) the five chracters of Myoho Renge Kyo! I have faith this will continue going forward.

8) I never thought I would amount to anything because I felt I was totally an evil and bad person (through not conforming ever to catholic ideaology). NOT SO! I am told now by others how nice I am, how good I am and even that I am a perennial optimist! A perrenial optimist! WOW THATS AN HONOR FOR ME, HUGE!

9) I had no respect for others, now in every next action/move going forward COMPASSION FOR MANKIND IS KEY! ITS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL THIS TO CONTINUE.

10) I love my momma! Before I thought she was my worst enemy!

I was about to quit this site the other night when I was discovered by my neighbor for excessive smoking while my meds were drying. I chanted about it and know I can't quit just yet, writing all this is soo good for me I know someone else is bound to benefit. There is a huge amount of bad karma I have notice on other slanderous threads and sometimes I feel like cutting them a new asshole because its slandering the site that houses my thread. I know in my heart, I'm only here for this, for Tom and especially for me and Gohonzon.

This is were I learned how to find Gohonzon, then Babba gave me a gongyo book, then Thomas tutored me best he could and Socal Kept coming back (always a pleasure to read your posts). Unfortunately I messed up a few relationships by not answering pms and letting the devil of the 6th heaven make a cameo at an inoppurtune time but please forgive me, I'm not good at keep up with others and I am working on it more everyday, I really am.

I hope you all continue with your Faith, Study and Practice. It all begins with You.

Don't Be Afraid. Don't be Defeated. Faith! Victory of Gold!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"In the end, no one can escape death. The sufferings at that time will be exactly like what we are experiencing now. Since death is the same in either case, you should be willing to offer your life for the Lotus Sutra. Think of this offering as a drop of dew rejoining the ocean, or a speck of dust returning to the earth."

(The Dragon Gate - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1003) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's speech, Seikyo Shimbun, November 24th, 2006

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

THE BUDDHA'S "THREE RULES"
For Improving Dialogue

Buddhism values dialogue. By sharing the thoughts, feelings and experiences of ourselves and especially of others, we expand our horizon of humanity and develop bonds of trust and friendship. To understand another person and be understood by her or him is to experience the joy and the strength of our common humanity.

When we experience benefit from our Buddhist practice, for example, we wish to share it with others. But sometimes our conversations may not go as we expect. In fact, enjoyable and meaningful dialogue rarely occurs without effort.

The Lotus Sutra expounds three key points to keep in mind when we dialogue with others, especially when we try to communicate the greatness of Buddhism. In the "Teacher of the Law" chapter of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha explains to Bodhisattva Medicine King and an assembly of eighty thousand bodhisattvas about what is commonly known as "the three rules of preaching":

"Medicine King, if there are good men and good women who, after the Thus Come One' has entered extinction, wish to expound this Lotus Sutra for the four kinds of believers', how should they expound it? These good men and good women should enter the Thus Come One's room, put on the Thus Come One's robe, sit in the Thus Come One's seat, and then for the sake of the four kinds of believers broadly expound this sutra" (LS10, p. 166).

Shakyamuni goes on to explain his metaphors of the Buddha's "room," "robe" and "seat": "The 'Thus Come One's room' is the state of mind that shows great pity and compassion toward all living beings. The 'Thus Come One's robe' is the mind that is gentle and forbearing. The 'Thus Come One's seat' is the emptiness of all phenomena. One should seat oneself comfortably therein and after that, with a mind never lazy or remiss, should for the sake of the bodhisattvas and the four kinds of believers broadly expound this sutra" (LSIO, 166).

The three rules of preaching, in other words, are
1) to enter the "room" of compassion for all people;
2) to put on the "robe" of gentleness and forbearance; and
3) to take the "seat" of the emptiness of all phenomena. In "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings Nichiren Daishonin explains this Buddhist concept: "Now Nichiren and his followers who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are fulfilling the three rules of preaching each moment of their lives. The robe [of the Thus Come One] means the robe of gentleness and forbearance, that is, the armor of perseverance. The seat [of the Thus Come One] means carrying out one's religious practice without begrudging one's life. By carrying out such practice, one awakens to the emptiness
of all phenomena. The room [of the Thus Come One] is so called because he dwells in compassion and spreads [his teaching], just like a mother thinking of her child" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 737).

Compassion: Entering
'The Thus Come One's room'

The "Thus Come One's room" indicates the expanse of the Buddha's compassion. The Buddha's compassion embraces all people and protects their lives from suffering and confusion. So it is compared to a room. Our efforts in dialogue begin with our compassion for others. Here compassion may be also understood as friendship and respect. Since the Buddhist concept of compassion is based on the universality of Buddhahood, compassion is not one's pity for those who seem weaker or inferior; it is more like a sentiment of friendly respect amongst equals.

Without compassion, friendship and respect, dialogue becomes merely a disguise for a self-righteous "monologue" detached from the reality of people. The stronger our sincere desire to remove others' suffering and impart joy, the broader and deeper our lives become, capable of embracing everyone. This may be why the Daishonin compares the Buddha's compassion to a mother's unconditional love for her child. Indeed, compassion is like a warm, inviting room in which no heart can remain closed.

Gentle Forbearance: Putting on "the Thus Come One's robe'

As clothes protect our bodies from the weather, "the Thus Come One's robe" is symbolic of gentle forbearance with which to continue our dialogue despite the misunderstanding and criticism of others. No matter how sincerely we may try to talk and listen, sometimes our words not only seem incapable of reaching the hearts of others, but also invite unkindness. At such moments, we may be tempted to lose our temper and return vengeful and harsh remarks. Or we may wish to retreat into selfish detachment and build walls around our fragile ego, thinking, "I don't care anymore."

To have fruitful dialogue, however, we must overcome such spiteful anger and egotistic isolation, which only highlight our own weaknesses. Dialogue, in this sense, offers an excellent opportunity to develop the inner strength to remain respectful and unswayed by negative circumstances. A Buddha's "gentleness" actually comes from her or his inner strength. A Buddha's "forbearance" is not a passive acceptance of verbal abuse from others, but an active search of new strength within to understand and embrace others' inner powerlessness that impels them to become abusive. To be "gentle and forbearing" in dialogue, therefore, is completely different from being a passive victim of verbal abuse.

If we simply try to "put up" with others against our will, sooner or later our suppressed frustration will erupt in rage. To avoid such an unpleasant outburst of emotions, some people may try to "let out steam" occasionally in a somewhat more controlled manner. The more fundamental solution, however, lies in broadening and strengthening our lives so that there may be less "putting up" with anyone. As we develop our inner strength of Buddhahood through prayer and practice, we can free ourselves from the destructive urge to get even and genuinely appreciate our capacity to embrace others. Each time we try to stretch our lives to embrace others, we can praise ourselves for our inner growth, instead of putting up with them and getting angrier inside. We "put up" with someone usually as a temporary concession with expectation of future reward - "I take what you're saying, but you'll be nice to me from now on." But if we are not rewarded as expected, we will feel betrayed and explode in anger. The true "forbearance" of a Buddha, however, derives from genuine inner strength so it does not build any negative pressure inside him. It is not a "bargain" we make with others in dialogue. Rather, whenever a Buddha embraces others with forbearance, she will be filled with joy and appreciation for her life.



Wisdom: Taking the 'Thus Come One's seat'

To take the "Thus Come One's seat" is to develop an elevated perspective from which we can put others and ourselves at case, as people feel comfortable when they are seated In a nice chair. More specifically, to take the Buddha's seat is to develop wisdom to see the "emptiness of all phenomena." Put simply, the teaching of "emptiness" (also "non-substantiality" or "void") means that nothing exists on its own accord and that everything changes through its relationship with the environment.

In more practical terms, this teaching explains that whatever we think as absolutely fixed actually can be changed for the better. Or we may say that since nothing stays the same, we can make anything out of everything. Life is what we make of it. At the same time, we cannot pass judgment on or limit others, not allowing their other possibilities. Nor should we be attached to only one perspective and close our minds to anything else.

In this sense, to take the "Thus Come One's seat" is to discard our shallow attachments and develop open-mindedness and wisdom to create value in any circumstance. As the Daishonin explains, we can develop such open-mindedness and wisdom through our earnest, selfless Buddhist practice. When we take action for the sake of others' happiness, we can develop a profound state of life in which we are no longer attached to selfish gain or temporary fame. Instead we can rise above our shallow attachment to our appearance or material possession and see everything in life in its proper perspective at each moment. Taking "the seat of the Thus Come One," therefore, is truly a freeing experience.

As the Daishonin says, "Now Nichiren and his followers who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are fulfilling the three rules of preaching each moment of their lives," ultimately we can develop those qualities of compassion, gentle forbearance and wisdom through praying earnestly to the Gohonzon to bring forth our innate Buddhahood and exerting ourselves for others. The three rules of preaching, therefore, are not intellectual exercise or rhetoric, but guidelines to develop our lives for truly enjoyable and meaningful communication.

By Shin Yatomi, SGI-USA Study Department Vice
Leader, based in part on Yasashii Kyogaku (Easy
Buddhist Study) published by Seikyo Press in 1994.

Thank you all for the patience and love you so freely give.

Much Love and Respect to you All!!
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"How great is the difference between the blessings received when a sage chants the daimoku and the blessings received when we chant it?" To reply, one is in no way superior to the other. The gold that a fool possesses is in no way different from the gold that a wise man possesses; a fire made by a fool is the same as a fire made by a wise man. However, there is a difference if one chants the daimoku while acting against the intent of this sutra.

[ The Fourteen Slanders, WND Page 756 ]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"However, there is a difference if one chants the daimoku while acting against the intent of this sutra."

 

[pieceofmyheart]

Beautiful description of the "three rules" Babba. Easy enough for all to understand and put into practice in out lives.

compassion
gentleness

The Buddha's compassion embraces all people and protects their lives from suffering and confusion. So it is compared to a room. Our efforts in dialogue begin with our compassion for others. Here compassion may be also understood as friendship and respect. Since the Buddhist concept of compassion is based on the universality of Buddhahood, compassion is not one's pity for those who seem weaker or inferior; it is more like a sentiment of friendly respect amongst equals.







As clothes protect our bodies from the weather, "the Thus Come One's robe" is symbolic of gentle forbearance with which to continue our dialogue despite the misunderstanding and criticism of others. No matter how sincerely we may try to talk and listen, sometimes our words not only seem incapable of reaching the hearts of others, but also invite unkindness. At such moments, we may be tempted to lose our temper and return vengeful and harsh remarks. Or we may wish to retreat into selfish detachment and build walls around our fragile ego, thinking, "I don't care anymore."

Very nice, means a lot.

 

[Guest]

Good morning everyone...I hope you all are doing well....I have been really busy and have barely been able to update my threads...

I have a new hurdle to face this next month/year.....And that means even less time online.

I might even have to discontinue my internet service...So I will try to get on-line as much as possible till then...Take care everyone...Keep up the good work...

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Selection Source: SGI Newsletter No. 7042, Discussions on Life and Death, A Constructive Approach to Aging—Part 2 [of 3], translated Dec. 5th, 2006

"The struggle against aging is really a struggle against the fear to face new challenges. The aging process occurs more rapidly in those who start thinking that they've done enough, who lose the spirit to foster younger people, and who remain attached to the past. Those who keep challenging themselves to the end are the most admirable and youthful of all. Such people are ever young and true victors of life."

 

[Guest]

POMH Glad you found your way back. Thanks for the words and spirit behind those words. Don't be a stranger and keep on chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

Hi RESPECT, you can count on us. Same thing (sorta) happened to Scegy recently and its always a pleasure having you both pop in and update us. Keep on chanting and when you can keep us posted with your progress. How soon until you get Gohonzon?

Great day, after alot of daimoku for something I knew was coming via my faith in Gohonzon, I now have a huge bigger (3times bigger) flower room off-site (not in my home, woohoo) and instead of just 1k I can now use 2-4k!! I'm very excited about this and very pleased that my faith continues to help me build more faith and inspire others to do the same. My wife and I did some great shakubuku today with some friends, I love her.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the key to unlocking your happiness.

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Wooooo hooooo !!! thats great news Easy. How can anyone not have super butterflies over that. Sounds like your hobby just took a giant step forward. Good luck with your setup. May your HPS shine brightly !!!Hope everyone is quiet cause of all the fun they are having this weekend!! Glad you enjoyed the post POMH !!! We are still just beaming about our grandbabbababy!!
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Gypsy Nirvana]

On the road in Myanmar (Burma)

On the road in Myanmar (Burma)

Here are some pics I took recently......I thought that you guys might enjoy them....

 

[WARDONE]

is this gonna be the next dvd gypsy i cant wait buddy fill me in

 

[Guest]

With all your exceptances of things that happen and are as they are, not once in this huge thread have I seen true compassion. Internet at it's finest, ya'll are.
My opinion only.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Ha! Thanks for the grin!

Ha! Thanks for the grin!

With all your exceptances of things that happen and are as they are, not once in this huge thread have I seen true compassion. Internet at it's finest, ya'll are.
My opinion only.

Then let me also express mine: You've never even read this thread! What a bullshitter! "With all your exceptances of things that happen and are as they are..." You kind of blew it saying something like that. Evidently it is not THIS huge internet thread you were reading. You must be confused.

Respectfully,

Thomas