thanks ptd and bonzo ive often wondered that myself. always browsin this thread, but never feel like i have anything to contribute, you guys take care, bartender187
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Chanting Growers Group
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Good to hear from you Bartender!
Good to hear from you Bartender!
"What is more, once you become a disciple or lay supporter of the votary who practices the true Lotus Sutra in accord with the Buddha's teachings, you are bound to face the three types of enemies."
(On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 391) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's poem, Seikyo Shimbun, February 6th, 2007
Good to hear from you Bartender!
"What is more, once you become a disciple or lay supporter of the votary who practices the true Lotus Sutra in accord with the Buddha's teachings, you are bound to face the three types of enemies."
(On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 391) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's poem, Seikyo Shimbun, February 6th, 2007
What will happen in the future
depends on what causes we are making now.*
By doing our very best to make sure that our young people's opinions
are reflected and applied, as much as possible, in our activities,
let's help create a fresh new current in our movement.
What is most important is what happens in the future.
Daisaku Ikeda
*"And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present." - "The Opening of the Eyes", WND, page 279
depends on what causes we are making now.*
By doing our very best to make sure that our young people's opinions
are reflected and applied, as much as possible, in our activities,
let's help create a fresh new current in our movement.
What is most important is what happens in the future.
Daisaku Ikeda
*"And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present." - "The Opening of the Eyes", WND, page 279
"Nichiren Daishonin made incredible efforts to foster young people in order to ensure the perpetuation of the kosen-rufu movement. One such person was Nanjo Tokimitsu, who is said to have met the Daishonin at a young age. The Daishonin warmly watched over his growth from a boy into a young man.
"The life of Tokimitsu, a true and loyal disciple of the Daishonin, was a series of daunting adversities. As a child, Tokimitsu had lost his father, a local steward, and then later his beloved younger teenage brother who had practiced the Daishonin's Buddhism alongside him. Tokimitsu also encountered persecution and slander on account of his faith. [Because of his support of the Daishonin,] the government levied heavy punitive taxes on his estate, causing him and his family to live for a time in crushing poverty.
"It was the Daishonin's compassionate and rousing encouragement that enabled his young disciple to remain undaunted in the face of unending adversity--oppression by the authorities, the loss of loved ones, financial hardship, and illness. The Daishonin repeatedly stressed the importance of faith to surmount obstacles, teaching his disciple to strive with the heart of a lion king. In one letter to Tokimitsu, he writes:
"When those who are vital to your interests [that is, people who are important to you] try to prevent you from upholding your faith, or you are faced with great obstacles, you must believe that the king Brahma and the others will without fail fulfil their vow [to protect the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra], and strengthen your faith more than ever.... If people try to hinder your faith, I urge you strongly to feel joy. (WND-2, 566)
"And in another letter, he says:
"'Whatever happens, however, you must not despair. Be firm in your approach, and if things should not go as you wish with regard to your lands, then determine to be more contented than ever, adopt an attitude of indifference, and if you like, come here.' (WND-2, 576)
"Also, on learning that someone in Tokimitsu's family was ill, the Daishonin offered this warm-hearted encouragement:
"Is it true that there is illness in your family? If so, it cannot be the work of demons. Probably the ten demon daughters are testing the strength of your faith.... Persist in your faith with the firm conviction that both Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra are free from any falsehood. (WND-1, 899)
"The Daishonin is saying in effect: 'You have no need to worry. Hardships only strengthen your faith. Don't be defeated! If your faith is strong, you will attain happiness in the end.' This message of the Daishonin serves as powerful encouragement to us even today.
"It is especially important that we instil confidence and courage in the youth, and show them the way to a bright and hopeful future."
SGI Newsletter No. 7102, EXECUTIVE LEADERS CONFERENCE—PART 2 [OF 2], Fostering the Youth Is Fostering the Future, Nov. 18th, 2006, translated Feb 5th, 2007
"The life of Tokimitsu, a true and loyal disciple of the Daishonin, was a series of daunting adversities. As a child, Tokimitsu had lost his father, a local steward, and then later his beloved younger teenage brother who had practiced the Daishonin's Buddhism alongside him. Tokimitsu also encountered persecution and slander on account of his faith. [Because of his support of the Daishonin,] the government levied heavy punitive taxes on his estate, causing him and his family to live for a time in crushing poverty.
"It was the Daishonin's compassionate and rousing encouragement that enabled his young disciple to remain undaunted in the face of unending adversity--oppression by the authorities, the loss of loved ones, financial hardship, and illness. The Daishonin repeatedly stressed the importance of faith to surmount obstacles, teaching his disciple to strive with the heart of a lion king. In one letter to Tokimitsu, he writes:
"When those who are vital to your interests [that is, people who are important to you] try to prevent you from upholding your faith, or you are faced with great obstacles, you must believe that the king Brahma and the others will without fail fulfil their vow [to protect the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra], and strengthen your faith more than ever.... If people try to hinder your faith, I urge you strongly to feel joy. (WND-2, 566)
"And in another letter, he says:
"'Whatever happens, however, you must not despair. Be firm in your approach, and if things should not go as you wish with regard to your lands, then determine to be more contented than ever, adopt an attitude of indifference, and if you like, come here.' (WND-2, 576)
"Also, on learning that someone in Tokimitsu's family was ill, the Daishonin offered this warm-hearted encouragement:
"Is it true that there is illness in your family? If so, it cannot be the work of demons. Probably the ten demon daughters are testing the strength of your faith.... Persist in your faith with the firm conviction that both Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra are free from any falsehood. (WND-1, 899)
"The Daishonin is saying in effect: 'You have no need to worry. Hardships only strengthen your faith. Don't be defeated! If your faith is strong, you will attain happiness in the end.' This message of the Daishonin serves as powerful encouragement to us even today.
"It is especially important that we instil confidence and courage in the youth, and show them the way to a bright and hopeful future."
SGI Newsletter No. 7102, EXECUTIVE LEADERS CONFERENCE—PART 2 [OF 2], Fostering the Youth Is Fostering the Future, Nov. 18th, 2006, translated Feb 5th, 2007
Thats exactly it T, i was basically asking for one: Is there a certian and or set way to describe what Nam myoho renge kyo means so we are not in slander of The Law. number two can we describe what it means to us from our hearts of course without stepping too far away from what it does actually mean.
Im asking this cause i was asked in chat what it meant and i felt going through 1 through 5 would not have translated what it means to me quickly and hearfelt enough, in other words maybe not getting to the person that asked with enough emotion and speed to catch their attention.
So good to se you here bar have a seat look around ask a question once in a while your here for a reason bro and you made that clear to me over the last few days, welcome!
peace
bonz
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Nam myoho renge kyo>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Im asking this cause i was asked in chat what it meant and i felt going through 1 through 5 would not have translated what it means to me quickly and hearfelt enough, in other words maybe not getting to the person that asked with enough emotion and speed to catch their attention.
So good to se you here bar have a seat look around ask a question once in a while your here for a reason bro and you made that clear to me over the last few days, welcome!
peace
bonz
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Nam myoho renge kyo>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I think I already answered this...
I think I already answered this...
In my opinion:
You can't add meanings that are not there. But as I said, since to express Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in English is to translate the Sanskrit character (Nam) and the Chinese characters (Myo, Ho, Ren, Ge, and Kyo); there are nuances to the meanings of the characters used. Those written languages use expressions of action or objectivity as components of comprising complete thoughts.
They don't use letters to spell words. The character we interpret as "Nam" is very rich in meaning. They all are!!! The character "Myo", as you know is also interpreted to be “Wonderful.” Since Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the embodiment of the Buddha of Beginningless Time, the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Thus Come One, the Entity of the Law, one may say that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means “Devotion to the Eternal Buddha Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Thus Come One.” “Kyo” is said to have a connotation of sound or vibration, as I am sure you know. So as you can see a precise translation that is standard is difficult to achieve and obviously not necessary.
There are many Gosho in which Nichiren Daishonin discusses the meaning of the characters expressing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo—none of them describe it in exactly the same way. To commit slander in the heartfelt act of sharing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with another person is a pretty hard thing to do. You’d have to be pretty insincerely sloppy in not giving a flip if the person you're talking to is getting a word or not, in order to commit slander--in my opinion.
The person that shakubuku’ed me wouldn’t even tell me what it meant or what it was out of fear I would reject it. Did she commit slander in awakening my faith in the way that it did for me? (NOT!!!)
Never forget that the person you are shakubuku’ing that rejoices at hearing the Law made the cause to have the fortune to encounter it. You are just doing your job and being a conduit. The Dharma transcends our transient identities, which unfortuantely are the only ones we know ourselves by. The Law doesn’t find us. We find the Law. In all circumstances
I knew that was what you were really asking dude! YES!
Express yourself from your heart, to the best of your ability. What more could be expected of anyone?
I think I already answered this...
In my opinion:
Bonzo said:
You can't add meanings that are not there. But as I said, since to express Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in English is to translate the Sanskrit character (Nam) and the Chinese characters (Myo, Ho, Ren, Ge, and Kyo); there are nuances to the meanings of the characters used. Those written languages use expressions of action or objectivity as components of comprising complete thoughts.
They don't use letters to spell words. The character we interpret as "Nam" is very rich in meaning. They all are!!! The character "Myo", as you know is also interpreted to be “Wonderful.” Since Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the embodiment of the Buddha of Beginningless Time, the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Thus Come One, the Entity of the Law, one may say that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo means “Devotion to the Eternal Buddha Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Thus Come One.” “Kyo” is said to have a connotation of sound or vibration, as I am sure you know. So as you can see a precise translation that is standard is difficult to achieve and obviously not necessary.
There are many Gosho in which Nichiren Daishonin discusses the meaning of the characters expressing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo—none of them describe it in exactly the same way. To commit slander in the heartfelt act of sharing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with another person is a pretty hard thing to do. You’d have to be pretty insincerely sloppy in not giving a flip if the person you're talking to is getting a word or not, in order to commit slander--in my opinion.
The person that shakubuku’ed me wouldn’t even tell me what it meant or what it was out of fear I would reject it. Did she commit slander in awakening my faith in the way that it did for me? (NOT!!!)
Never forget that the person you are shakubuku’ing that rejoices at hearing the Law made the cause to have the fortune to encounter it. You are just doing your job and being a conduit. The Dharma transcends our transient identities, which unfortuantely are the only ones we know ourselves by. The Law doesn’t find us. We find the Law. In all circumstances
I knew that was what you were really asking dude! YES!
Express yourself from your heart, to the best of your ability. What more could be expected of anyone?
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Be sure to strengthen your faith, and receive the protection of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions. Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.
[ The True Aspect of All Phenomena, WND Page 386 ]
[ The True Aspect of All Phenomena, WND Page 386 ]
fallenangel
Active member
that helped me a lot ptd .. i like that a lot ,, ok ,, just wanted to drop by and say hi .. wish all love and good fortune .. take care all fallenPassTheDoobie said:
Always happy to hear from you fallen!!!
Always happy to hear from you fallen!!!
The Daishonin states,
"... diligently polish your mirror day and night."*
Myoho, the Mystic Law, is
the very driving force for our unlimited improvement.
Let's ceaselessly advance each and every day!
Daisaku Ikeda
* "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."
- "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime", WND, page 4
Always happy to hear from you fallen!!!
The Daishonin states,
"... diligently polish your mirror day and night."*
Myoho, the Mystic Law, is
the very driving force for our unlimited improvement.
Let's ceaselessly advance each and every day!
Daisaku Ikeda
* "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."
- "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime", WND, page 4
"More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!"
(The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, February 7th, 2007
(The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, February 7th, 2007
"Of crucial importance is our fundamental attitude, what we are thinking about in our innermost hearts. Are we really determined to fight for the cause of our mentor, for the cause of the Gakkai, or are we just going through the motions while really thinking only about ourselves? There is a tremendous gap between these two attitudes."
SGI Newsletter No. 7102, EXECUTIVE LEADERS CONFERENCE—PART 2 [OF 2], Fostering the Youth Is Fostering the Future, Nov. 18th, 2006, translated Feb 5th, 2007
SGI Newsletter No. 7102, EXECUTIVE LEADERS CONFERENCE—PART 2 [OF 2], Fostering the Youth Is Fostering the Future, Nov. 18th, 2006, translated Feb 5th, 2007
Religious strife must be avoided at all cost; under no circumstance should it be allowed. People may hold different religious beliefs, but the bottom line is that we are all human beings. We all seek happiness and desire peace. Religion should bring people together. It should unite the potential for good in people's hearts toward benefiting society and humanity and creating a better future.-Daisaku Ikeda
Even an ignorant person can obtain blessings by serving someone who expounds the Lotus Sutra. No matter if he is a demon or an animal, if someone proclaims even a single verse or phrase of the Lotus Sutra, you must respect him as you would the Buddha. This is what the sutra means when it says, "You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha." You should respect one another as Shakyamuni and Many Treasures did at the ceremony in the "Treasure Tower" chapter.
[ The Fourteen Slanders, WND Page 757 ]
[ The Fourteen Slanders, WND Page 757 ]
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Hello friends
hope all are doing well. Had a great time in the Bay area. Was never able to spend time at the SGI center though. We had a very strange occurence. Seems that even though the messge phone said they were open daily , no one ever changed the message to say they would be closed for presidents day. A strange day to observe. NO one put the message on the phone so I guess we were the only ones that didnt know. Sat outside the SGI Center in San Fran on sunday for atleast two hours in disbelief that there would be no sunday gongyo. I was really amazed that there was no note or messages to this effect. Such a large center and no communication. I was amazed by this. But we had our ommamori and chanted a bit in front of the SGI center. Glad to be home
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Hello friends
hope all are doing well. Had a great time in the Bay area. Was never able to spend time at the SGI center though. We had a very strange occurence. Seems that even though the messge phone said they were open daily , no one ever changed the message to say they would be closed for presidents day. A strange day to observe. NO one put the message on the phone so I guess we were the only ones that didnt know. Sat outside the SGI Center in San Fran on sunday for atleast two hours in disbelief that there would be no sunday gongyo. I was really amazed that there was no note or messages to this effect. Such a large center and no communication. I was amazed by this. But we had our ommamori and chanted a bit in front of the SGI center. Glad to be home Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
E
EasyMyohoDisco
PassTheDoobie said:
This is a very special message to me, I have read this Gosho a few times and have stressed the parts I can remember to others and myself. Now it coincides with my appreciation for Gohonzon that I am seeing everyone and myself as respect worthy in the in sense that, part of being a practicioner of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is the fundamental respect for The Mystic Law and all its manifestations including all animate and inanimate (ho). Yet I still slander, yet I still have fundamental darkness! So then I conclude what I lack is respect for Gohonzon and myself at those times when I should have been more strict and employed the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before whatever it is that led me astray! I try and live with my life observing the world in ichinen sanzen (3000 realms in a single moment), then I catch a "slip up" and work not to let that mistake re-occurr by chanting about it and remembering who I walk with and what I represent.
I am living my life now walking with my mentor, I am trying to live as if Nichiren Daishonin is by my side. I strongly feel that I'm also accompanied by Sensei Toda Sensei Makiguchi Daisaku Ikeda and Thomas. This helps me keep my goals and plans in the right place which leads me to avoid slander and really focus more on introducing someone to this practice and accomplishing my goals. Avoiding carelessness and laziness coupled with more reverance and respect for life leads me to better understand the phrase (if my memory serves me correct, or if I'm off please let me know) " A bow of Obeisance to the Buddha is a bow of Obeisance to yourself and the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Ten Directions"
So for me to "walk the walk" I have to watch my step, words, actions, thoughts, reactions, queries, problems/beefs, and so forth. So these days walking with the right crew I am really learning that I must work as hard as possible and tirelessly be a humble friend to humanity so that my thoughts and beliefs will manifest in my life and progress my wish for worldwide kosen-rufu. This year I pledge to work harder for all of us, and to rise above my self imposed limitations and distractions and really watch out for slander and hypocrisy. Also this year I pledge to SMILE MORE AND BASK IN THE SUNLIGHT! I am chanting for real goals and even have a goal set right now to become a victory by March 26, 2007! I have another strong goal to go back to school this fall by 9/07 and begin formal education with the "right" frame of mind.
Faith is Action! Thanks to THomas and Bonzo for the great dailouge over the weekend! Thanks to fallen for the message. Peace to the Babbas, Hitman, Socal and all our brothers and sisters!
E
EasyMyohoDisco
Wisdom is in truth the source of victory.
Buddhism elucidates the principle of
"substituting faith for wisdom."
With the faith of mentor and disciple
wisdom is boundless.
Let's achieve victory by continually
seizing the initiative.
Above is an unofficial translation of "To My Friends" based on President Ikeda's guidance published in the Seikyo Shimbun.
Buddhism elucidates the principle of
"substituting faith for wisdom."
With the faith of mentor and disciple
wisdom is boundless.
Let's achieve victory by continually
seizing the initiative.
Above is an unofficial translation of "To My Friends" based on President Ikeda's guidance published in the Seikyo Shimbun.
from a friend
from a friend
"Finding out about buddhism (Nam Myoho Renge Kyo) was a life changing experience. Humans are constantly seeking meaning. We live a life filled with suffering. We suffer when we can't have what we desire, when we get what we do not desire, when someone we love dies, or when we get sick and old. We suffer when we are born and we suffer constantly. It is a fact of life. Suffering is the one thing you can depend on. No one can escape it. The most famous and powerful people will grow old and die, in what in cosmological terms is far less than the blink of an eye. A bubble popping on the surface of a lake cannot express this transience.
So to find something that has meaning is a really amazing thing. That is how religions get started. People want to know that there is a bigger picture. Some are happy to build a mythology around various gods or a paternal diety, for example. It gives us comfort, in the face of a cold harsh universe that will as soon kill us as look at us. To me, the truly amazing thing about buddhism, is that it does not posit some god who will care for us, or condemn us. Instead it posits a Law, that underlies all life, and through discovering this Law, we can seize our destiny."
from a friend
"Finding out about buddhism (Nam Myoho Renge Kyo) was a life changing experience. Humans are constantly seeking meaning. We live a life filled with suffering. We suffer when we can't have what we desire, when we get what we do not desire, when someone we love dies, or when we get sick and old. We suffer when we are born and we suffer constantly. It is a fact of life. Suffering is the one thing you can depend on. No one can escape it. The most famous and powerful people will grow old and die, in what in cosmological terms is far less than the blink of an eye. A bubble popping on the surface of a lake cannot express this transience.
So to find something that has meaning is a really amazing thing. That is how religions get started. People want to know that there is a bigger picture. Some are happy to build a mythology around various gods or a paternal diety, for example. It gives us comfort, in the face of a cold harsh universe that will as soon kill us as look at us. To me, the truly amazing thing about buddhism, is that it does not posit some god who will care for us, or condemn us. Instead it posits a Law, that underlies all life, and through discovering this Law, we can seize our destiny."
Song: "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" by World Peace Records.....follow this Myspace link:
http://www.myspace.com/kellymcclain
http://www.myspace.com/kellymcclain
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will be your staff to take you safely over the mountains of death. The Buddhas Shakyamuni and Many Treasures, as well as the four bodhisattvas headed by Superior Practices, will lead you by the hand on your journey. If I, Nichiren, precede you in death, I will come to meet you at your last moment. If you should precede me, I will be sure to tell King Yama all about you. Everything that I tell you is true. According to the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren is the guide who knows the passes and gorges along the way
[ The Swords of Good and Evil, WND Page 451 ]
[ The Swords of Good and Evil, WND Page 451 ]
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