Chanting Growers Group

[easyDaimoku]

YES!

YES!

Point Two, regarding the words, “You must listen carefully and hear of the Thus Come One’s secret and his transcendental powers.”

The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says: This passage supports the concept of one who is eternally endowed with the three bodies. Various interpretations on these words have been transmitted.

As for the transcendental powers, the actions that are carried out instant by instant, motion by motion, by us living beings are regarded as transcendental powers. Thus the voices of the wardens of hell punishing the offenders are all to be referred to as transcendental powers. The countless things in the three thousand realms that undergo the process of birth, abiding, change and extinction, are all in themselves embodiments of transcendental powers.

But in the view of Nichiren and his followers, the realization and understanding of the concept of attainment of Buddhahood in one’s present form is what is meant by “the Thus Come One’s secret and his transcendental powers.” For outside of the attainment of Buddhahood, there is no “secret” and no “transcendental powers.”

The eternally endowed three bodies mentioned here are gained through a single word. And that single word is “faith” or “to believe.” Therefore the sutra says, “We will believe and accept the Buddha’s words” (chapter sixteen). You should stop and consider the meaning of these two words “believe” and “accept.”

OTT /pg.125

PTD, Thanks for accepting my challenge and for posting this great great post! It takes so much time to do what you do, and I am so grateful for that. You know, it is so significant that you posted this because as I recently mentioned my gf has such a strong practice right now and was in 5 World Tribune pictures within the month july (and first issue in august) and I was only in 4! HAHAHA, the Buddhas over here are doing something everyday for kosen-rufu!

Been working so hard and been chanting so much! Last night my close friend's son received his Gohonzon and I had two guests (both YMD) attend the meeting! There were 10 people in my crib and one got his Gohonzon, that was just magical! I have really been dedicating my life, more and more, to this SGI movement. As we know, the SGI is the only organization in the world correctly carrying out the Buddha's mandate to shakubuku and to be happy and in harmony through our daimoku. I been chanting so much, but my gf is chanting even more than me and is waking up early than me! I gotta ease up on the kush and get up early to join her (yep, this is the cause I'm making for the rest of this week).

I'm doing so many activities for kosen-rufu that my life is the embodiment of a man focused on kosen-rufu for the happiness of all mankind. I really want everyone that reads this to develop a strong connection to the Gohonzon and keep reading the quotes on this thread derived from Nichiren Daishonin. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda is also an invaluable resource to study towards getting closer to attaining/accepting your Gohonzon, as he always bases his words on Nichiren Daishonin's sincere guidance and encouragement. Late SGI President Josei Toda (2nd President) and the First SGI President Makiguichi also have laid an incredible framework for President Ikeda to fortify our 4 divisional family (mens, womens, young womens, and young mens divisions). However, its up to us to keep this going and to do our part for kosen-rufu.

I ask you friends, are you making the necessary causes for the sake of kosen-rufu? I ask myself the same fucking question and believe most of the time I am. That isn't good enough for this type A personality, no no no! I need more and want more. I want every woman, man, and child to be happy or at least know they have the potential and hope to be happy just as they are today!

I'm so glad that everyone here is chanting: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!


My heart is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo-Nichiren! What's in your heart? Must be good things if you're here with us!


TALLLLY-HO!!!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Mount Sumeru is paltry in comparison to the towering debt you owe your father; the great ocean is shallow compared to the profoundness of the debt you owe your mother. You must bear in mind these debts you owe to your father and mother."

(The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 637) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, August 8th , 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"We are in a time of great transition and change. The existing norms and values of modern-day society are being called into question, and new perspectives and approaches are needed. But what should our foundation be? Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism clearly asserts that it is respect for human dignity and the sanctity of life.

"The fundamental mission of religion lies in inspiring and encouraging people to protect the welfare of humanity, to value and nurture life, and to lead a more meaningful existence."

SGI Newsletter No.8294, SGI President Ikeda's Study Lecture Series, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY,[29] "Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki". Translated from the June 2011 issue of the Daibyakurenge.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Therefore, the best way to attain Buddhahood is to encounter a good friend."

(Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 598) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's essay, Seikyo Shimbun, August 9th , 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The Daishonin's Buddhism is a teaching that helps us bring forth the strength to deal with any difficulty we encounter in this troubled, strife-filled world. It is a teaching that enables us to accumulate indestructible 'treasures of the heart' (WND-1, 851)."

SGI Newsletter No.8294, SGI President Ikeda's Study Lecture Series, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY,[29] "Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki". Translated from the June 2011 issue of the Daibyakurenge.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"[Again, when Nichiren and his followers recite Nam-myoho-renge-kyo], they are burning the firewood of earthly desires, summoning up the wisdom fire of bodhi or enlightenment."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 710, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 11) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, August 10th, 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"It is often the case that the free-soaring, progressive spirit of a single individual can open up a whole new current of thought."

SGI Newsletter No.8294, SGI President Ikeda's Study Lecture Series, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY,[29] "Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki". Translated from the June 2011 issue of the Daibyakurenge.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime

Just what constitutes a deeply meaningful life? What is true happiness? Nichiren Buddhism is a teaching of hope that enables us to forge a state of unsurpassed and indestructible happiness and to lead a life of supreme value, while also helping others do the same.

Everyone has the potential to attain Buddhahood; moreover, they can gain that lofty state just as they are, and in fact are assured of being able to do so in this lifetime. The Buddhism of Nichiren clearly elucidates this wonderful path to enlightenment.

Nichiren's profound teaching of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime was a revolutionary concept that turned prevailing Buddhist thought on its head. Indeed, it continues to shine today as a principle that can powerfully transform the age and open a bright future for our modern world in the 21st century. [. . .]

The Profound Meaning of Chanting Daimoku

"If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life." (WND, 3)

"On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime" is an important writing that clarifies the basic theory and practice of Nichiren Buddhism. SGI members throughout the globe have deepened their understanding of the essence of Nichiren's teachings by earnestly studying this writing as a guideline for practice and study.

Although the original is no longer extant and the precise date and name of the recipient are unknown, this letter is traditionally held to have been written around 1255 and addressed to Toki Jonin. [. . .]

The practice of chanting daimoku is the foundation of the Daishonin's lifetime teachings. The Buddhism of Nichiren, unlike the established Buddhist schools of his day, was not dedicated to the worship of a specific god or Buddha. Nichiren established the means for all people to achieve enlightenment, the ideal of the Lotus Sutra, by formulating the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which enables us to activate our inherent Buddha nature and manifest it as the life-state of Buddhahood.

There are two aspects of the daimoku in Nichiren Buddhism: the daimoku of faith and the daimoku of practice. The daimoku of faith refers to the spiritual aspect of our practice. This essentially consists of the struggle we wage in our hearts against our inner delusion or darkness; a battle against the negative and destructive forces within us. It means breaking through the darkness clouding our Buddha nature and bringing forth the life-state of Buddhahood through the power of faith. The daimoku of practice, meanwhile, refers to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ourselves and also teaching it to others. It means making efforts in word and deed for the happiness of ourselves and others as evidence of our spiritual struggle against inner negativity and illusion.

When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we are both chanting the name of, and calling forth, the Buddha nature in our own lives and the lives of others. When our faith wins out over inner doubt and delusion, the power of our inherent Buddha nature is called forth by the sound of our daimoku and spontaneously manifests in our lives.

The key point that set Nichiren Buddhism apart from the other Buddhist schools of his day was the establishment of this concrete means for attaining Buddhahood. And from the time he first declared Nam-myoho-renge-kyo until the moment of his death Nichiren ardently strove to teach this supreme path of enlightenment to people throughout the land.

In the opening passage of "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime," Nichiren clearly and fully articulates the basic philosophy of salvation that lies at the heart of his teaching, which exists for the happiness of all humanity. [. . .]

[This passage states] that by manifesting within us the mystic truth inherent in all living beings, we can free ourselves of the endless sufferings of birth and death. The name of that mystic truth is Myoho-renge-kyo, and the way to manifest it is through chanting Myoho-renge-kyo.

The Significance of Our Existence as Human Beings

"Nevertheless, even though you chant and believe in Myoho-renge-kyo,if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching." (WND, 3)

The concept of "attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime" refers to an ordinary person becoming enlightened during the course of their present existence. What this also means, by extension, is that they can achieve this just as they are. As such, "attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime" means the same thing as "attaining Buddhahood in one's present form." [. . .]

This view contrasts sharply with the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings, which expound that one can become enlightened only after practicing austerities over countless lifetimes. Because the life-state of Buddhahood is at one with the eternal Mystic Law and abounds with infinite wisdom and compassion, it tended to be seen as something completely separate and removed from the lives of ordinary people steeped in illusion. Attaining enlightenment was thought to require overcoming the unfathomably deep chasm between the spiritual states of a Buddha and ordinary people. [. . .]

Nichiren Buddhism clarifies that it is specifically in this present existence, in which we have been born as human beings, that we can actualize the principle of attaining Buddhahood in one's present form that is revealed in the Lotus Sutra. This is what led him to elucidate his profound teaching of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. [. . .]

Nichiren places importance on the present lifetime of human beings. Of course, not only humans but all living beings possess the Buddha nature and have the potential to attain Buddhahood in their present form. But the reason Nichiren stresses attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime is that his focus is always first and foremost on the happiness of human beings.

The human heart is sensitive, multifaceted, and rich, and has the capacity to achieve incredible feats. But for that very reason, it often also undergoes great suffering and torment. Likewise, the human heart can become trapped in an endless, negative downward spiral. [. . .]

As evidenced in many of his writings, Nichiren repeatedly stresses the crucial importance of the heart or mind. It is in this inner realm of life that the potential resides for dramatic shifts from evil to good or from good to evil. That is why Nichiren's teaching of enlightenment can be viewed as a process that begins with inner change. In other words, through the power of faith, we can defeat the negative functions inside us . . . and manifest the positive functions of life that are one with the Dharma nature-that is, our Buddhahood. [. . .]

Emphasis on Inner Change

"Therefore, when you chant myoho and recite renge, you must summon up deep faith that Myoho-renge-kyo is your life itself." (WND, 3)

*Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." (WND, 4)

In "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime," Nichiren thoroughly explains that we cannot achieve enlightenment without a profound change in our lives themselves--that is, a change in our hearts and minds.

First of all, he says that the mystic truth with which all living beings are endowed reveals "the principle of the mutually inclusive relationship of a single moment of life and all phenomena." What this means is that our lives or our minds at each moment both embody all phenomena and pervade all phenomena. This could be described as a state of life of oneness with the universe.

Also, Nichiren warns that if we seek the Mystic Law outside ourselves, then no matter how much daimoku we chant, we will not be able to attain enlightenment; on the contrary, our Buddhist practice will only "become an endless, painful austerity." He clearly states: "Even though you chant and believe in Myoho-renge-kyo, if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching." Nichiren explains that summoning up deep faith is the key to chanting daimoku, and declares that when we do so, we can polish our lives and attain enlightenment. [. . .]

In addition, Nichiren speaks of "the mystic entity of the Middle Way that is the ultimate reality"--in other words, the mystic, inscrutable nature of life, of our hearts and minds, that manifests as Buddhahood. In this way, he indicates that Myoho-renge-kyo is the mystic law of life, of the inner realm of our beings. On that basis, he asserts that when we chant daimoku with deep faith in the Mystic Law, we can attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. [. . .]

A Teaching of Genuine Humanism

Next, I wish to touch on three aspects in which Nichiren's teaching of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime is significant.

First, by opening the way for all people to attain enlightenment in this lifetime through chanting daimoku, Nichiren established for the first time a teaching of genuine humanism. Opening the way to enlightenment for all people could be called the prerequisite for a genuinely humanistic religion. This, I believe, is the religious or philosophical significance of the principle of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. [. . .]

Second, by opening the path to attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime, Nichiren made it possible for us to lead lives based on the infinite power of the Mystic Law--that is, to lead solid and secure lives that give us the courage and confidence to be self-reliant. This is the significance of the principle of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime in terms of our individual lives.

In Nichiren Buddhism, attaining enlightenment is not about embarking on some inconceivably long journey to become a resplendent godlike Buddha; it is about accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one's being. This revolutionary view of realizing enlightenment fundamentally changed the whole meaning of Buddhist practice as it was traditionally viewed.

In other words, it is not a matter of practicing in order to scale the highest summit of enlightenment at some point in the distant future. Rather, it is a constant, moment-to-moment, inner struggle between the opposing courses of revealing our innate Dharma nature or allowing ourselves to be ruled by our fundamental darkness and delusion. This unceasing effort to polish our lives is the heart and essence of Buddhist practice. Only by winning over our inner darkness and negativity can we be victorious in life and reveal our full potential. [. . .]

The Significance of Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime from the Collective Perspective

"The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. That is why the sutra states, 'After I have passed into extinction, [one] should accept and uphold this sutra. Such a person assuredly and without doubt will attain the Buddha way.' Never doubt in the slightest." (WND, 4)

Third, the principle of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime is significant in that it offers a source of hope to humanity and opens the way to transforming the destiny of all humankind. This is its collective or universal significance. [. . .]

Without surmounting the fundamental human delusions of greed, anger, and foolishness, we will not be able to solve the many problems that the world faces today, including the preoccupation with economic growth, politics that are devoid of humanism, international conflicts, warfare, growing disparity between rich and poor, and rampant discrimination. One conclusion from my dialogues with leading thinkers is that the only real solution is for human beings themselves to change, that the sole key lies in "human revolution."

It could further be said that without establishing a correct view of life and death, it is impossible to conquer inner darkness and delusion at the most fundamental level. Without the view of life and death of the Middle Way . . . true and lasting happiness cannot be achieved.

The only way for human beings to change is for them to conquer their inner darkness and rediscover the eternal sanctity and dignity within their own lives. Cultivating the noble spirit with which all people are originally endowed will directly lead to a change in the destiny of humankind. With that conviction, we of the SGI have been working to build a network of good all around the globe. [. . .]

--SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

Excerpted from a translation of the January 2006 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai study journal

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Nichiren declares that the varied sufferings that all living beings undergo--all these are Nichiren's own sufferings."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 758, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings)Selection source: New Human Revolution, "Lighthouse - 55"

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"To earnestly continue chanting and taking action for the happiness of others, even if no one else sees our efforts—such unseen virtue will definitely bring clearly visible reward in the form of wonderful victory."


SGI Newsletter 8273, Living the Gosho: Words of Encouragement from SGI President Ikeda, Benefit Shines in Sincerity, No. 39, Translated Monday, July 11th, 2011.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The greatest evil among evils produces consequences that not only affect the perpetrators personally but extend to their sons, their grandsons, and so on down to the seventh generation. And the same is true of the greatest good among good."

(On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 820 Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 9th, 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"No matter what the times or circumstances, the practice of chanting daimoku is our foundation. Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo' (WND-1, 681).

He urges us to chant daimoku in times of 'both suffering and joy.' To keep chanting through all--times of happiness, sadness, or suffering--is the sure path to attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the means by which we can tap our inner Buddhahood, vanquish devilish functions, overcome our karmic suffering, and transform our state of life. It is an unparalleled practice that enables us to savour the 'boundless joy of the Law' (WND-1, 681).

Chanting daimoku makes it possible for us to forge a state of absolute happiness in which being alive is itself a joy. If we always keep chanting no matter what happens, we will come to savour complete peace of mind. We will be able to bring forth the vast and boundless life-state of Buddhahood within us."

SGI Newsletter No. 8272, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY, [28] 'How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood Through the Lotus Sutra', Chanting Vibrant Daimoku Is the Driving Force for Limitless Progress--Everything Starts with Our Own Inner Transformation, translated July 6th, 2011.

 

[easyDaimoku]

I travel quite a bit now to support meetings everywhere So tonight is no different. On my way to a two hour toso, which is just a get together where we will all chant: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo together and also do gongyo.

My life is Myoho-renge-kyo and my friends here especially you are so myoho! I send much love to everyone here especially my comrades in faith who I care about so much and constantly chant for! The Chanting Growers Movement ROCKS! This thread is the cause for the appropriate and correrct widespread propagation of Kosen-rufu in America on my behalf. I will continue to be the American Ambassador for World Peace thanks to the efforts of my brothers and sisters in faith electronically connected to the international cannaverse!


TALLLY HO - Let's keep chanting for victory and happiness

 

[easyDaimoku]

Last night was great! Today is gonna be so much fun too! Chanting Meeting with a pool party and bbq right after I'm going in 5 minutes and just wanted to say let's have the best super charged morning Gongyo and enjoy the most amazing day together in spirit with Nichiren Daishonin. Living this way is a victorious way of living for me

I am so happy to have my Gohonzon and especially to be chanting so much daimoku!

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

 

[easyDaimoku]

"The mentor embodies and practices the Mystic Law. The disciples in turn strive to do likewise. Following the mentor's example and teachings, they continue to take personal action for kosen-rufu. This is the only way forward. The true transmission of Buddhism resides in this living connection between mentor and disciple."

SGI Newsletter No.8294, SGI President Ikeda's Study Lecture Series, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY,[29] "Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki". Translated from the June 2011 issue of the Daibyakurenge.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Whatever trouble occurs, regard it as no more than a dream, and think only of the Lotus Sutra."

(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 502) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, August 11th, 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Kosen-rufu is the spreading of ties of friendship and trust. Expanding positive human ties is the essence of our efforts to further kosen-rufu."

SGI Newsletter No.8294, SGI President Ikeda's Study Lecture Series, LEARNING FROM THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN: THE TEACHINGS FOR VICTORY,[29] "Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki". Translated from the June 2011 issue of the Daibyakurenge.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The main contributing factors for the successful development of the kosen-rufu movement are: sincerity, an unwavering spirit, wisdom and perseverance. It is by our constant painstaking efforts to develop these areas in our lives that our lives truly do blossom with the magnificent blooms of victory and success!

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"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 - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 4) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, June 18th, 2011

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"'Could not this illness of your husband's be the Buddha's design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvana sutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood? Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way.'From 'The Good Medicine for All Ills' (WND-1, 937).

"Illness does not equal unhappiness. Illness itself can provide us with an opportunity to develop a more profound state of life and to fundamentally transform our karma. This is the way of faith for attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. Therefore, though we may experience ill-health, it's important that we stay strong and resolute in spirit.

"The Daishonin affirms that 'sick people will surely attain Buddhahood.' We can definitely transform poison into medicine. With the lion's roar of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can triumph over all illness.

"I am wholeheartedly chanting for the well-being and long lives of all of our members."


SGI Newsletter No.. 8257, LIVING THE GOSHO: WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SGI
PRESIDENT IKEDA (34) Never Be Defeated by Ill-health, translated June 17th, 2011 from the June 16th, 2011, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun