Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

"And yet, though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered."

(On Prayer - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 345) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 25th , 2011

 

[Desiderata]

PTD

PTD

Let's live as the Buddhas we already are, and have always been! This requires great faith and tireless effort. The reward can only go to one who makes the effort. It's up to no one but us.

Do you have the courage to do Human Revolution? Regardless of whether one succeeds or not, the trip is exhilarating! The effort indelibly sets you on the path, and achieving this goal is guaranteed.

Bowing in humble obeisance,

T

When you came back bro, I thought, what can I 'think' of to say that will be worthy, meaningful, grateful, and not slander Nichirens words. My mind was blank. But my Heart is full again, and all I can do is Chant, "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!"

Words can not express what your truth means my friend!

PS. I felt Wierds long post was really meaningful
in all that he absorbs and expresses very well. He brings deep things up to the surface for all to see. He's like a scuba diver for the truth.....

Love you all,

Desi

 

[easyDaimoku]

Nam myoho renge kyo
So wonderful to have this thread back in action. The closest group to chant with these days is over an hour away. I really do depend on you guys for encouragement. When this thread is going strong it always feels like a group chant ... thanks so much for your encouragement !!
Nam myoho renge kyo
Nam myoho renge kyo
Nam myoho renge kyo

Babbarino, that only means its time to shakubuku your neighborhood! Just like Nichiren Daishonin, and just like you helped me get my practice started, please take advantage of the summer and chant to do some great shakubuku in your district (area). I will do the same.

Please chant for youth division too to join in brother and ask Momma to help too. Both of you and change the destiny of NorCal during these turbulent times in America. Both of you have such an amazing mission, especially after overcoming so much in such a short amount of time since you began your practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

Its our right, privilege, and honor to do shakubuku as the Daishonin mandates. Its our great fortune to be alive during the pioneer years of the SGI and with our amazing mentor President Ikeda. It is my sincere pleasure to have a brother like you, that actually cares about worldwide kosen-rufu as much as we do. I miss you so much man, it didn't feel right that I was recently close and didn't connect with you homie. You're my brother and one of the best friends I ever made. We will make sure to keep winning together.



T-bone, thanks so much man! I am going full speed ahead and really advanced so much in my personal fantasies during the last 24 hours. It was almost of the happiest day of my life (since yesterday to now), but I missed a couple nice meetings today to follow-up on some delightful treasure, and suffice to say the high of happiness I get from our SGI meetings cannot be matched by exotic pussy, the most potent meds and bubble, nor serious financial riches. I am at my happiest when I'm loving my region and encouraging my people You and yours will always be my people, let's keep documenting all the actual proof we are generating for the sake of saving others from their drama filled life without a Gohonzon. With the Gohonzon, even the dramatic nature of life turns into an amazing episode of happiness time and time again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Mr. Tony Matsuoka and Mr. Ted Osaki, avoiding George Williams, loving President Toda and honoring Sensei Ikeda so that me and Babba and so many other could begin our practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in this life.

Let's all keep winning together everyday. I'm so happy to be writing this

 

[PassTheDoobie]

When you came back bro, I thought, what can I 'think' of to say that will be worthy, meaningful, grateful, and not slander Nichirens words. My mind was blank. But my Heart is full again, and all I can do is Chant, "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!"

Words can not express what your truth means my friend!

PS. I felt Wierds long post was really meaningful
in all that he absorbs and expresses very well. He brings deep things up to the surface for all to see. He's like a scuba diver for the truth.....

Love you all,

Desi

Brother D,

Worthy? Never! You are a Buddha, and anyone considering you less than that is deluded! You never fail to uplift and inspire my life Desi. It is I who should be grateful to be worthy. And I am!!!

Deeply!

And Weird's long post led to an understanding on my part of just how shallow my undertstanding had been! That post opened up an important component of why I've come back and I consider that result to be a direct benefit from the Gohonzon to me!

We are all here together for a reason. We are from all walks fo life and all places in the world. If we didn't share the common goal of sharing our lives and learning more, why would we be here? There must be a reason this all keeps going.

So let's continue!!

Much love and deepest respect!

Thomas

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Both oneself and others together will take joy in their possession of wisdom and compassion."

(Ongi kuden- Gosho Zenshu, page 761, The Record of the Orally Transmitted
Teachings, page 146) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 2nd, 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"When we have problems, there is no need to fret or worry. Problems can make us a better and stronger person. The German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) imparted the message that fortune smiles on those who persist with courage and integrity. When you come up against a difficulty, don't give in to defeat or despair. Stand tall and proudly forge ahead on the path of your mission. If you do, you will eventually be able to transform poison into medicine and usher in a brilliant new day."

SGI Newsletter No. 8266, Our Brilliant Path To Victory By Shin’ichi Yamamoto, The Fresh Development of Youth--Part 2 [of 2], translated June 27th, 2011, from the May 26th, 2011, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"'The [Lotus] sutra says, '[They are] unsoiled by worldly things like the lotus flower in the water. Emerging from the earth....' [LSOC15, 263]. Here we see that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth are the lotus of the entity of the Mystic Law, and that the lotus is being used here as a simile. From 'Cover Letter for "The Entity of the Mystic Law"'(WND-1, 431).

"Life is a battle with our problems and karma. However, in the same way that the lotus growing in a muddy swamp brings forth pure and fragrant blossoms, we can bring happiness and victory to bloom in our lives and help others do the same. This is the way of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth whose lives are 'like the lotus flower in the water' (LSOC15, 263).

"Those who sincerely chant and actually spread the Mystic Law in society brim with the great life-force of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Each of you, our noble members, is an entity of the Mystic Law. Please remember that, no matter where you are, that is the place for you to fulfil your mission from time without beginning."

SGI Newsletter No. 8268, LIVING THE GOSHO: WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SGI PRESIDENT IKEDA, (37) Like the Lotus Flower, translated June 29th, 2011, from the June 25th, 2011, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily newspaper.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

You and yours will always be my people, let's keep documenting all the actual proof we are generating for the sake of saving others from their drama filled life without a Gohonzon. With the Gohonzon, even the dramatic nature of life turns into an amazing episode of happiness time and time again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Mr. Tony Matsuoka and Mr. Ted Osaki, avoiding George Williams, loving President Toda and honoring Sensei Ikeda so that me and Babba and so many other could begin our practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in this life.

Let's all keep winning together everyday. I'm so happy to be writing this

I think I must have listened for you! No one else listens more closely than you, and the benefit you report as your actual proof is exactly the same as my own. Could that be by chance?

Then it is possible that the reason I had that good fortune is because of the good fortune of knowing you! As always with the Law, one filled vessel gives rise to another. Can anything that happens to either ever really be distinct and separate? We are kenzoku-myo!

Original disciples of the Buddha in his True Identity!

Bowing in humble obeisance,

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Treating one's friends with courtesy means that, although one may encounter them ten or twenty times in the course of a single day, one greets them courteously as though they had traveled a thousand or two thousand miles to see one, never showing them indifference."

(The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 636) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's guidance, Seikyo Shimbun, July 31st , 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor 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, July 30th , 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Mothers' love for their children is incredibly profound. We must adamantly oppose war and any other form of violence that causes pain and sorrow to mothers and robs children of their futures. World peace and the happiness for humanity all begin with treasuring and appreciating mothers—this is an unwavering conviction that I feel driven to stress and loudly proclaim for all to hear."

SGI Newsletter No. 8285, SGI President Ikeda's Essay: OUR BRILLIANT PATH TO VICTORY, "Women Paving the Way to a Century of Humanity"—Part 2 [of 2]. Translated from the June 25, 2011, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"

(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, August 1st , 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The expansion of our bonds of friendship with people
is the expansion of kosen rufu!
Let us unhesitatingly rush to the side of friends who need our help and support.
Not advancing would be the same as retreating!*
It is only by taking steady steps forward that we can be victorious!

Daisaku Ikeda

*The Buddha is another name for a person of unceasing struggle. The Buddha continuously takes action to construct happiness for people, and to liberate people from all kinds of authority. "I have never for a moment neglected" describes this aspect of dynamic action and struggle. (Lectures on the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" Chapters of the Lotus Sutra by Daisaku Ikeda, Volume 2, page 125)

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Persevering, always pressing forward in spite of every obstacle—that is the source of success and the driving force for victory."

SGI Newsletter No.8291, New Human Revolution, Humanistic Education, Vol 24, Chapter 3, translated July 28th.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realised this truth. The sutra's statement, 'Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,'cannot be false in any way."

(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 217 Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, August 3rd, 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Am I putting you guys to sleep?

Much love and deepest respect,

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Let us find ways to constantly convey our feelings of appreciation and gratitude to those family members, friends and acquaintances who aren't members of the SGI themselves but who lend their support and understanding towards our activities! It is only our own growth and development, and our attitude towards life that will serve as the best possible proof of the validity and efficacy of our practice of Buddhism.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[easyDaimoku]

Sorry for not checking in sooner! I have been on a home visiting campaign for the past week, been attending meetings, after spending a few weeks chasing girls and realizing some awesome fantasies. Yes, all play and not enough Buddhist Practice is not a good mix! But I'm sure the hardcore Chanting Growers already know what I mean!

Last night I had a meeting encouraging leaders for a great chapter out here and I began talking about how shakubuku is so important in this month of August, then discussed the significance of the YMD and MD meetings we are having at the end of this month, only to finish off telling people some amazing points regarding the importance of mentor and disciple in this Buddhist practice. Nichiren is our originally enlightened Teacher (I prefer the term master, but that doesn't fly with everyone), he left us his Gohonzon for our happiness and practice during our time and folks, I shit you not, He is right there inside the Butsudan! Nichiren Daishonin is the Gohonzon, we chant to the Gohonzon, we are the same mind as Nichiren in that same instant!

I've seen weird chanting, Babba, Mrs. Babba, chase, so many others fusing their life with the Gohonzon and feeling good about it. That's why its my sincerest wish that everyone really develops a strong connection and powerful appreciation for the Gohonzon, which will help you read more of President Ikedas encouraging words on a daily basis and really advance so much more in our lives. Maximize your happiness my friends? How by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

You know that's president Ikeda's wish for all us humans, to be happy and healthy. I didn't know that when I developed bonds with so many others on this thread like Desi, Bonz, Scegy, SoCal and others, but I've learned that President Ikeda created the SGI 4 divisional (mens, womens, young womens and young mens divisions) for our family and our happiness. He is unprecedented in creating such an amazing 4 divisional family throughout the globe. Many people like me are doing human revolution everyday and we are involved in the SGI-Buddha network. President Josei Toda called the SGI "the Soka Gakkai-Buddha" for a reason! Imagine the millions of chanting people throughout the world, for an instant sharing the same unique hopes and desires in our heart for world wide kosen-rufu, that isn't just one Buddha here one Buddha there, it is actually one Buddha everywhere! We are united for the rest of this life, through the internet seemingly, but in actuality through our hearts and hopes for this practice to continue and propagate for over 10,000 more years.

I challenge everyone, especially Thomas, to keep doing shakubuku, sharing this practice with our friends, keep caring about our friends and keep living your lives to the fullest capacity! Let's never live with regrets anymore and take the "bull by the horns" everyday! I know I am!

Today I had an uncomfortable series of moments with one of my new bosses. I knew in my heart she was wrong, but I wasn't seeking my mentor during that time. I wasn't trying to use what I know about President Ikeda's heart and wasn't compassionately trying to understand how I could help my boss become happier. When I shifted gears after she left I started putting up pics of our Founding SGI presidents, of the 5 guidelines for the SGI USA and then I realized, my mission is to also bring kosen-rufu right into this office and help every single person there achieve a victory at work or abroad. Yes I am concerned with the happiness of all humans everywhere I go.

Your boy is living with "a true sense of equality" and not trying to do anything but help others become happy! It sucks when people talk so much that you only hear their voice for a long time, but during those moments its up to Bodhisattvas like us to listen and to deeply care for each individual. Its up to us to rack our brains and figure out how we could support this person to become happy and save them from further suffering. Its weird that when some people chant in frot of the Gohonzon once or twice, they get immediate benefit and forgot they even chanted in front of the Gohonzon or revert to worshiping monotheistic creatures or people. In the SGI we cherish each human life and honor with deep respect every single person.

Our happiness is not just a function of our karma and our causes, no SIR! Our happiness is chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, that's absolute happiness, not relative happiness like boning the hottest babe you ever banged (i know this now). Seeking pussy, money and fame only goes so far! Seeking absolute happiness through our faith is so noble, virtuous and just what the Buddha ordered! Nichiren wants all humans to enjoy the same happiness, the same 100% level of happiness capacity each unique person is capable of attaining. It isn't about who is the smartest, sexiest, or trickiest. This practice is for everyone grower and non-grower alike! When other people push their beliefs on you, remember that in the SGI, everyone is a winner and very few are born into this practice so you are usually dealing with pioneers! We are all pioneers of worldwide kosen-rufu. Worldwide kosenrufu began when President Ikeda left Japan and landed on Hawaii. He is still carrying out Nichiren Daishonin's and Josei Toda's sincerest wish, to alleviate suffering and help all people have a chance to attain Buddhahood!

I would love to go on and on, but now I have a meeting to prepare for Thank you so much for your time and please be happy!



P.S.- Thanks so much Tom, I read your post when you posted it and it made me so happy to have you back on the thread spreading the love! I wish I was with you and the little princess right now, but I'm sure that will happen in the near future

 

[Durdy]

"When we have problems, there is no need to fret or worry. Problems can make us a better and stronger person. The German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) imparted the message that fortune smiles on those who persist with courage and integrity. When you come up against a difficulty, don't give in to defeat or despair. Stand tall and proudly forge ahead on the path of your mission. If you do, you will eventually be able to transform poison into medicine and usher in a brilliant new day."

SGI Newsletter No. 8266, Our Brilliant Path To Victory By Shin’ichi Yamamoto, The Fresh Development of Youth--Part 2 [of 2], translated June 27th, 2011, from the May 26th, 2011, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun.

Really great stuff!