Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

What we achieve in this one year will
determine our future for eternity.
Just like the dynamic sun beginning to rise,
let's unyieldingly advance with courage and confidence
and become certain victors,
no matter what might confront us!

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.

[ The Third Day of the New Year, WND Page 1013 ]

 

[Bonzo]

Good morning my friends!!!!!

Good morning my friends!!!!!

Nam myoho renge kyo

peace and ya'll have day of ACVANCEMENT and VICTORY!............. 2007!!!! WOW

Can you beleive its 2007, trippy huh? Lets kick some ass!!!!

bonz












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

 

[SoCal Hippy]

SGI Introductory DVD

SGI Introductory DVD

A 20-minute film that answers the questions: What is the SGI? What are its philosophical underpinnings? Who are its members and what do they do?

http://www.sgi.org/media/sgi-dvd.html

I just came across this and not sure if it's been posted here before. I have a couple co-workers that I will share this with as I thought it a great way to let them know the kind of Buddhist practice I am involved with.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"If lay believers and their teacher pray with differing minds, their prayers will be as futile as trying to kindle a fire on water."

(The Eight Winds - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 795) Selection source: Soka Gakkai Study Department Chief Morinaka's essay, Seikyo Shimbun, January 1st, 2007

 

[Babbabud]

Never seen it before SoCal but definetly enjoyed it thanks
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[fallenangel]

lots of chanting so far in 07 .. peace freinds

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Thanks SoCal!

Thanks SoCal!

You are already a lay practitioner and therefore one of the "good men" described in the sutra. One who listens to even a sentence or phrase of the sutra and cherishes it deep in one's heart may be likened to a ship that crosses the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. The Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help one reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation."

[ A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering, WND Page 33 ]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"No prayer to the Gohonzon goes unanswered.
All struggles begin with prayer.
There is no greater strategy than the Lotus Sutra.
Daimoku is the sharp sword that can defeat all devilish functions.
And a consistent practice of gongyo provides the momentum for carrying out
the five eternal guidelines of the Soka Gakkai:

(1) Faith for a harmonious family
(2) Faith for each person to become happy
(3) Faith for overcoming obstacles
(4) Faith for health and long life
(5) Faith for absolute victory

"I will never forget my mentor Josei Toda's impassioned cry: 'Pray to be able to win for the sake of kosen-rufu. Chant resounding daimoku. Now, let's do gongyo together!' Gongyo is a lion's roar that signifies the voices of mentor and disciple chanting in unison. As such, when I am doing gongyo, my two great predecessors in kosen-rufu, President Makiguchi and President Toda, are right there with me. Every day, I invoke the resonant sound of daimoku, embracing each of my fellow members in my heart.

"Let's embark joyously on the Year of Advancement and Victory, making a fresh start with a renewed attitude towards gongyo."

SGI Newsletter No. 7066, SGI President Ikeda's Editorial January edition of Daibyaku Renge. Prayer Is the Driving Force for Advancement and Victory. Translated Dec 28th, 2006

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

BACK TO BASICS
Thursday, January 04, 2007

Selection Source: More Insight on 'The One Essential Phrase' pgs. 4-5 (World Tribune, December 7, 1981, Pg. 5)

Nichiren Daishonin's greatness lay in the fact that he was able to clarify Nam-myoho-renge- kyo as the Mystic Law that underlies the "me" of our lives. No matter how weak or strong our sense of self-identity may be, Nam-myoho-renge- kyo is the ultimate existence that lies at the
core of both our own lives and that of the universe around us. Therefore, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge- kyo, we are practicing the Buddhism of the Middle Way that allows us to establish an unshakable and eternal identity, impervious to the winds of change and impermanence, which blow in our daily reality.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Welcome EV!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Emptiness

Emptiness

The concept of shunyata (Sanskrit), or ku (Japanese), has been variously translated as latency, non-substantiality, emptiness and void. One of the first detailed articulations of this idea comes from the Buddhist scholar Nagarjuna, living in India between 150 and 250 C.E. Nagarjuna believed that the state of "neither existence nor nonexistence" described in this concept expressed the true nature of all things. The paradoxical nature of this idea, however, makes it somewhat foreign to Western dualist logic, and has helped contribute to a stereotype of Buddhism as a detached, mystical philosophy which sees the world as a grand illusion. The implications of ku, however, are much more down-to-earth, and are in fact consistent with the findings of contemporary science.

Modern physics, in attempting to discover the essence of matter, has arrived at a description of the world that is very close to that of Nagarjuna. What scientists have discovered is that there is no actual, easily identifiable "thing" at the basis of matter. Subatomic particles, the building blocks of the physical world that we inhabit, appear to oscillate between states of being and nonbeing. Instead of a fixed "thing" in a particular place, we find only shifting waves of probability. At this level, the world is actually a highly fluid and unpredictable place, essentially without substance. It is this non-substantial nature of reality that the concept of ku describes.

Ku also elucidates the latent potential inherent in life. Consider how, when we are in the grip of a powerful emotion, such as anger, this expresses itself in our entire being--our glaring expression, raised voice, tensed body and so on. When our temper cools, the anger disappears. What has happened to it? We know anger still exists somewhere within us, but until something causes us to feel angry again, we can find no evidence of its existence. To all intents and purposes, it has ceased to exist. Memories are another example; we are unaware of their existence until they suddenly rise into our consciousness. The rest of the time, as with our anger, they are in a state of latency, or ku: they exist and yet they do not.

In the same way, life (in all its manifestations) contains vast potentials and possibilities which are not always apparent or obvious, but which, given the right circumstances, can become manifest. This infinite potential is, in fact, the very nature of life.

An understanding of ku, therefore, helps us to see that, despite how we may see them, things--people, situations, relationships, our own lives--are not fixed, but dynamic, constantly changing and evolving. They are filled with latent potential which can become manifest at any time. Even the most seemingly hopeless situation has within it astoundingly positive possibilities.

It is very natural for us to apply various types of definitions to people, situations and ourselves, in order to make sense of the world. Unless we are careful about the nature of our thoughts and opinions, however, we can easily become trapped in narrow and often negative views: "He's not a very nice person," "I'm no good at relationships," "There will never be peace in the Middle East." As soon as we make up our minds about something in this way, we impose a limitation on it, shutting out the possibilities of positive growth and development.

When we choose to view things in term of their infinite positive potential, however, our thoughts and actions become a constructive influence, helping create the conditions for that potential to become a reality.

Because of the intimate interconnectedness of all things, each of us, at each moment, has a profound impact on the shared reality of life. The way we see things has a definite, defining effect on reality. Realizing this enables us to act with the confidence that we can shape reality toward positive outcomes.

The most positive and constructive view is to believe in the unbounded positive potential inherent in all life. Buddhism terms this potential--the real nature of life--"Buddhahood," which Nichiren defined as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Nichiren encouraged his followers to chant this mantra with the firm conviction that by doing so they are tapping the latent potentiality of Buddhahood in themselves and in the situations they are part of.

[ Courtesy January 2001 SGI Quarterly ]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by Nichiren on April 28, 1253. Having studied widely among all the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truths of Buddhism: that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood. The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. But to Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist text, it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings in one way or another seek to clarify. What follows is a brief and unavoidably limited explanation of some of the key concepts expressed by this phrase.

Nam

The word nam derives from Sanskrit, a close translation of its meaning is "to devote oneself." Nichiren established the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, nam indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.

Myoho

Myoho literally means the Mystic Law, and expresses the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and the many different ways this life expresses itself. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such phenomena is a constant reality known as myo.

Renge

Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our individual lives are determined by the causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma." The law of cause and effect explains that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we can change it. The most powerful cause we can make is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of our life and will definitely manifest in time.

The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person.

Kyo

Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. Also, the Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp in a piece of woven cloth, symbolizing the continuity of life throughout past, present and future. In a broad sense, kyo conveys the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation of the Mystic Law.

Primary Practice

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo--also known as "Daimoku"--is the primary practice of SGI members. Through this practice, one is able to reveal the state of Buddhahood in one's life, experienced as the natural development of joy, increased vitality, courage, wisdom and compassion.


"When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

--Nichiren, On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime

(from: http://www.sgi.org/buddhism/practice/nam-myoho-renge-kyo.html )

 

[PassTheDoobie]

First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts.

[ New Year's Gosho, WND Page 1137 ]

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Faith is light. The hearts of those with strong faith are filled with
light. A radiance envelops their lives. People with unshakable
conviction in faith enjoy a happiness that is as luminous as the full
moon on a dark night, as dazzling as the sun on a clear day.

from SGI-USA
"For Today & Tomorrow"

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

SGI PRESIDENT IKEDA'S DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT
Thursday, January 04, 2007


Life is a series of changes, a succession of ups and downs. But those who possess a prime point, a home to which they can return no matter what happens, are strong. To come home to the world of friendship in the SGI, to talk things over and prepare for a fresh departure-this is the way I hope all of you will live. When you do, you will advance upon a fundamentally unerring path to happiness.

 

[Dignan]

Hey all.

At work when I can't chant, I've been putting this Daimoku audio on repeat on my computer. It's a few minutes long and I find it pretty moving.

About 2/3 of the way down this page: http://www.buddhanet.net/audio-chant.htm

Peace-

Dignan

 

[fallenangel]

thanks for the link .. i played it like 20 times

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The Lotus Sutra of the Correct Law says that, if one hears this sutra and proclaims and embraces its title, one will enjoy merit beyond measure. And the Supplemented Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law says that one who accepts and upholds the name of the Lotus Sutra will enjoy immeasurable good fortune. These statements indicate that the good fortune one receives from simply chanting the daimoku is beyond measure.

[ The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra, WND Page 143 ]

 

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

EARNEST RESOLVE
Thursday, January 04, 2007

Selection Source: Letter to the Mother of Oto Gozen (1), Learning from the Gosho: The Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg. 128

We see that distinctions between priestly and lay, male and female, did not matter in the least to Nichiren Daishonin; he fixed his gaze solely on people's hearts, their spirit.

Spirit means inner state of life, or one's heart. It decides what we devote our lives to. It is the fundamental prayer on which we base our existence. A person's spirit is invisible but becomes manifest at a crucial moment. Not only that, it also controls everything about a person, each moment of every day - it is the fundamental determinant of one's life.