Chanting Growers Group

[BushyOldGrower]

Wow.

Let me tell you what happened the morning after my experience at age 15... I was a kid so full of energy from what he had seen. I had the truth and I saw all the reasons why what I had seen had to be true. Suddenly faith was real and belief seemed pale in comparison. I was faced with what to do with my divine knowledge of the universal way.

Mrs. BOG was my 15 year old girlfriend at the time and she remembers me that day. It was as if I walked on air because the ectasy of my experience hadn't worn off. I was telling her about what I had discovered and how I thought it could be written down.

Perhaps I was delusional to think I could write this complex concept in a short paper but I tried. The complex concept was too large to be maintained by my normal conscious mind and I was unable to put my experience into words.

The reason I told my g/f was because if written this concept proved itself and made it pointless to even need laws to regulate people misbehaviors. I knew that we could all be self regulating if we understood and knew the truth.

I have been reading about all the eastern philosophies including taoism, buddism and hinduism. I like these new forms and I see this as the evolution of what jesus was talking about. The new age religion to come that brings a world of peace. An end to againstness.

Southern Girl, thank you for your wise words. I will regain my foothold and return to the place I have not been able to return to with the help of my friends here. Now I am confident of that. Recently I met people in Vancouver who told me of meditations I can attend with masters who will help me reattain that which I feared I no longer deserved.

Stonergirl, I am so happy for you. Tom did confide in me about what had happened to you. I know he told me this because we are going to be so close some day. Tom and I already know this. This news of your hesitancy to seek treatment or even chant for this tells volumes about you sweet thing. You are the eternal mother. Your children mean so much to you that you considered yourself unimportant compared to their welfare to the point of denying your own needs.

There are essential oils that can actually regenerate nerves but we are the ultimate healers. You will put that beautiful smile back on your face eventually and your children will make it hard not to smile fully. Everything happens for a reason.

There are no coincidences...See them as signs. I keep following the signs on my quest which will never end. There is the singularity and it is the lifeforce energy called Love. This is why many have defined GOD as Love. When you experience the lightning bolt of love you will know that there is a heaven people.

We will all meet soon. BOG

 

[BushyOldGrower]

Here is a short, um I forget what they are called but they are like eastern puzzles to teach and lead people toward the enlightenment experience.

A young seeker was working in a field when he noticed a very wise old master carrying a load of wood on his back. The young man ran up to the old wise master and asked a question, "What is it like to be enlightened?"

The old wise master stopped and set his load down. he rested for a moment and looked into the young mans eyes...he sighed and picked up his load and trudged onward. BOG

Tomorrow I want to tell you about a good king...

 

[Guest]

Hey Ya'll!

Hey Ya'll!

Stonegirl
I did not know of your Bells Palsy. I wish that I had. That is something that happens to adults as mono does with teenagers. It is caused from extreme stress physically, as well as mental. It was thought to be believed and still is that it is a depletion of Vit B and B complex. The ususal treatment is rest, no work, and Vit B shots. I think they have gotten stronger mixtures of vitamins now or I should say combination. It is very very treatable and it does not stay forever. Never does it stay. The way that you care for yourself is very important to your recovery. You had tremendous strain on your small frame body caring 3 children, who all had an incredible weight for being triplets and having a small mom. You were very much at risk, have taken wonderful care of your babies, and put up with my big brother so I say "CHANT ABOUT IT". It's ok if we ask for something for ourselves. Think about that.

Bog I must say that it will be very interesting in here with you about. And you have been with Mrs. Bog since 15? I'm impressed. I might get that kind of time if I add them all together. That would not be one of my stronger suits. Yeah, I was in the back passing notes when folks were signing up for that assignment.

SoCal, I got alot of them kid stories for ya. And Thomas has got 3 at once. As they say in the south, "Dear God in Heaven". And a little girl first. Oh My!

And I want you all to know that GordyP doesn't answer my PM's since he got his new job and he is Man on the Town in Hoosierland. I think he and Max may be up to something.

Southern Girl

 

[Guest]

Two Kinds of Faith

Two Kinds of Faith

This letter was written on February 25, 1278, to NajnoTokimitsu, the lord of ueno district, Suruga Province. Tokimitsu had been exceptionally fiathful since childhood in the face of all difficulties and had the courage necessary to protect the Daishonin's Buddhism. Durring the Atsuhara Persecution, he played a crucial role in protecting the suffering believers. His own home was their main refuge. As A lord, he exerted some influence and used it to guard the Daishonin's lay followers and priest. His actions did not meet with approval by the Kamakura government, and unreasonably heavy taxes were levied on his estate. Eventually he could no longer afford to keep a horse- a hardship for samurai-or to buy clothes for his wife and children.
Moreover, Nanjo Tokimitsu, like the majority of people of Japan, was hard presesd for even basic necessities, becausr the country had been troubled by widespread famine. In spite of his own financial difficulties, however, he continued sending provisions to the daishonin at Minobu. This letter is a reply in which Nichiren Daishonin expresses his gratitude for Lord Nanjo's offerings and praises him for his deep sincerity.

 

[Guest]

Continued....Two Kinds of Faith

Continued....Two Kinds of Faith

I have duly received your offerings of taros, skewer-dried persimmons, parched rice, chestnuts, bamboo shoots and bamboo containers of vinegar.

There was once a great ruler in India named King Ashoka. He reigned over a quarter of the land of Jambudvipa and attended by the dragon kings, controlled the rain at his will. He even used spiris to do his bidding. At first he was a merciless ruler, but later he was converted to Buddhism. He made offerings to sixty thougsand monks each day and errected eighty four thousand stone stupas. In inquiring into the previous lifetime of this grat sovereign, we find that in the days of Shakyamuni Buddha there were two little boys called Tokusho Doji and Musho Doji, who once offered the Buddha a mud pie. Bevcause of this act of sincerity, the boy Tokusho was reborn as King Ashoka within one hundred years.

The Buddha is of course respectworthy, but when compared with the Lotus Sutra, he is like a firefly beside the sun or the moon. The LOtus Sutra is as superior to Shakyamuni Buddha as heaven is higher than the earth. To present offerings to the Buddha produces such great benefits, yet even grater benefit is obtained by making offerings to the Lotus Sutra. If such a marvelous reward was brought about by the mere offering of a mud-pie how much more will come aout as a result of all your various gifts! The Buddha was far from being short of food, but now we are in a land where hunger prevails. Therefore how could it be possible that the Buddhas Shakyamuni and Taho and the ten demon daughters will fail to protect you?

Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, Their passion flares up like fire, Buat as time goes on, They tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing. Since you pay frequent visits to me regardless of the difficulties, your belief is comparable to flowing water. It is worthy of great respect!

Is it true that there is illness in your family? If so, it cannot be the work of evil spirits. The ten demon daughters must be testing the strength of your faith. None of the spirits who listened to the Lotus Sutra would ever dare trouble a votary of the sutra and have their heads broken as punishment. Persist in your faith with the firm conviction that both shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra are free from any falsehood.

With my deep respect,
Nichiren

The twenty-fifth day of the second month

 

[Guest]

Sorry for all the continuations

Sorry for all the continuations

I typed all that out so I was afraid to go too long and lose it. I read this and thought it applied to everyone in here-Old and new alike. So this is my first formal educational contribution to the thread.
We are all going to make it....We will all be Victorious!
This Buddhism and having you all in my life right now and the timing of it all is my greatest source of joy in life right now. I hang on to it with everything I have left in me right now. To be in the middle of so much turmoil and feel peace at the same time is a first for me in my practice. I remember years ago seeing that in Thomas. See him brought to tears over things at the time I didn't understand and wanted too. Hoped when I "growed up" I would. I think I finally turned a little of that on and it just happened. Didn't chant for, didn't know what it was to know to chant for it. Somebody just turns the light on. Anyway, don't know what all that was about, but you got to share it!
Love, SG

 

[PassTheDoobie]

BOG is such a Buddhist

BOG is such a Buddhist

And yes I agree with SG that having you here is going to be a really good thing for us all. I am so anxious to have this dialog and am so grateful you are willing to have us share it with others. You are a wise and compassionate man. I respect your viewpoints. However, I am absolutely convinced we have a deep past life relationship, and the basis of your comprehension of what I explained to you when we first met in Vancouver, was mystic to witness and literally feel as the connection between us manifested itself almost instantly. I saw the moment of the tearing of your eyes, as you thought of the compassion and worthiness of a belief set based on the spreading of truth for the sake of the happiness of others. You have since begun chanting Nam-myoho-renge-hyo and are therefore obviously a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

So we have both been contemplating the basis of discerning the truth for a very long time. I respect Jesus. Remember, that renouncing other faiths is not neccessary in the Buddhism of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The Law is like the law of gravity. No matter what your opinion or understanding of it is, in fact one can become so deluded as to think they can fly; if you jump off a ten story building, the undeniable law of gravity will influence the circumstance in the natural course that it does EVERY single time. You WILL fall. No meditation will allow you to go against the tenets of this physical law which has neither will, nor taste, nor form, nor sound; yet undeniable exists and is there. (I have experienced transmigration myself, but this isn't what I am talking about)

Faith in the Buddism of the Law is the action of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and taking action to achieve your desires, the most significant of which, will become the process of sharing your life experience of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to support and encourage others as they strive consciously or unconsciously for their enlightenment and to plant the seed of Buddhahood in others. This is the ninth world of bodhisattva. For instance in my experience the story you told is nice. It's cool. But from my studies and experience it is incorrect. It is more like the westerized transcendental meditation concepts or zen. It comes from the hinayana perspective of the pursuit of some esoteric truth that one seeks through contemplative meditation for the sake of a pursuit to know the unknown. It is based on the sutras and the teachings from the time period of Shoho, after Shakyamuni's death. Dudes like Nagarjuna were rapping all kinds of deep esoteric concepts of contemplative meditation. (Although, historically I don't know of any Buddhas, someone that is enlightened, keeping the teachings that took them there to themselves.)

But contemplative meditaion is limited. EXTREMELY LIMITED. If the basis of all of this is the Buddha's teachings, then they are based on the Buddha wisdom, and if they are based on the Buddha wisdom they will be based on the Buddha's compasion, and if they are based on the Buddha's compasion they should reflect the Buddhas Will. The Buddhas Will is the Pacification of the Land through the Progagation of the Law. The buddhas teaching to be administered and propagated far and wide must then be universal in its power to influence its practioners toward happiness. It must be universally transferrable, universally powerful, universally of merit and positive influence. It must have substance and be documented. It must not be limited by the intellectual capability of the practitioner. In the Buddhism of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, these are referred to as the three proofs of: theoretical, doctrinal, and actual proof.

I'm not picking on the story or the point it is conveying. A thousand years ago, the Buddhas teachings say, that view would be appropriate, but not now. It is the Latter Day of the Law. The One True Law that Shayamuni revealed but did not identify, was identified and transmitted by the True Buddha, just as Shakyamuni said it would be. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo IS THE BASIS OF REALITY.

This would be a whole lot easier to explain, (as it will be one day) when we sit down together over a doobie and just look eyeball to eyball and get into it. There are lots of cool books by lots of cool writers that say lots of cool things. They can inspire and help people. They can enhance clarity and diminish delusion. But they cannot enable the achievement of enlightement. You cannot understand the True Aspect of all Phenomena, the Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life, without the daimoku of the Law to unlock the Buddhahood existing latent within you. Not in one lifetime for sure. No other Buddhism that I am aware of, (Tibetan, Esoteric, Shingon, Ritsu, Zen; ANYTHING) that states there is a path one can embrace which will allow the attainment of enlightenment in a single lifetime.

THAT is why we practioners call the mission of Bodhisattva of the Earth as that of being practioners of True Buddhism; the Buddhism of the True Cause and True Effect. The correct practice obligates us to care for one another and encourage each other as much as we can. This takes a high life condition to do consistantly. Start chanting and you feel it. STOP chanting and you feel it too. See your life go one direction when you are chanting and another when you are slacking. Both positive and negative experiences are a part of the development of faith. Many many of the positives are outgrowths of negatives that were turned around through chanting when we find ourself out of rhythm and in trouble.

I wrote all that just to make comments on the parable! I love you dude! Know I am saying these things as my interpretive opinions based on my years of practice and study of the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. When you SEE the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in your life--what you chant for happening time and again--you can grasp and validate the theories using the doctrines as the basis of your understanding and your life as the proof that these understandings are correct. That is all I would ever ask of you. Sincerely try and see what happens!

I have so much more to say!

Thomas

 

[PassTheDoobie]

PS: BOG: Dude I blew it up and I LOVE the note on your computer. You have no idea how happy I was to see it there. May your every prayer be fulfilled to your satisfaction!

SG: Thank you for your contribution and thank you for your advice on stonegirl's condition.

You all bring me true joy! Thank you! Have I told you all how happy I am to know you? Thank you all for taking the time to share so much! We are all keeping our promises to each other from the infinite past, I am sure.

 

[BushyOldGrower]

I get things mixed up sometimes...

I get things mixed up sometimes...

I still don't think I get the full point of the story Tom but to me the way I took it was like this. People think that there is something out there that will make them happy and this is a delusion. That is why the wise man didnt say much. No matter what he knew it made little difference in day to day life as life is work. Simply put we keep on keeping on and probably that kid should have gone back to work to. Life is work and we never stop seeking enlightenment because there are all levels of enlightenment yet to be achieved. Don't think that I feel that I know it all. Many things do confuse me and I like to try and see things in their simplest terms.

We need some time to talk but if we have any theological differences I am sure they will just make for an interesting discussion. Your grasp of so many terms and concepts is excellent but there are some areas of debate within even Buddhism of course. We both always wish to learn as we teach so together perhaps we can spread the word on chanting. I have already mentioned this thread in my Quit Tobacco Thread as a way of helping with addictions. We need a lotta threads. We need a lotta time to talk but no hurry. One thing we all have in this wonderful universe is "time enough for love". That's the title of one of my favorite writers books.

Now the story if the Good King...This story means so much to me for many reasons.

Once upon a time a good king ruled the land and he ruled with love and kindness. He was loved by his people and his family. In all things he was fair. Through his life people had shown him loyalty and love including his dog. Like myself his dog reincarnated many times to return to the good king. (my addition)

The land prospered under his rule but eventually he became old.
While still being strong he decided to turn over his kingdom to deserving loyal assistants and when all was done he and his entourage set off on a quest. The kings final quest. The king was brave and he had always been successful in evey quest but this time his loyal followers didn't understand at first.

Where were they to go? What was this quest now that they had no duties? The king and his fine big dog led the procession up the road toward the sacred mountain. It was late season and the weather wasn't kind. As they traveled to the mountain some fell by the wayside but the King would not stop his progress. He pushed onward through snow and wind until all his followers had died or fallen. Just he and his loyal dog remained as he peaked the sacred mountain. The king had always figured he would do this some day and even as an old man he had accomplished his final quest. He planned to die and sat down with is dog half frozen.

His dog looked into his eyes and the king told him that he had been his best friend loyal and true through it all right until the end and his dog licked his face. They were happy having completed a wonderful like but then a UFO showed up and an angel hopped out.

The angel said, "you are a great man and you have been granted entry to heaven right now because you deserve it." The good king stood up and nodded as he told his dog to hop in the ufo. The angel said, "no, he can't come." The king backed up a step and said, "that dog has been with me through it all and I'll be damned if I am gonna leave him. You just git then!"

The angel quickly apologized stating that it actually was ok to bring the dog because that was the last test. The angel said that if the king had agreed to leave the dog he would have failed the test. So the king and his dog got in the ufo and flew to heaven together and they all lived happily ever after...

Why do I like this one? Because I have seen ufo's and as a child an alien who looked like a man had telepathy with me. I believe in aliens. Do you? BOG

 

[Guest]

i don't know........

 

[BushyOldGrower]

I wanted to mention this. I was at age 15 meditating and seeking the enlightenment experience actively so that is unusual I guess. After what I call my nirvana I wanted to have others experience the same thing.

One of the first things Tom mentioned when we met in Vancouver was the term, "Evangelical Buddhism". We discussed whether we were imprisoned in a karma curse or not? If we aren't just fine right now the way we are or do we have to attain some experience?

I believe this experience is there to be had and that even greater ones are also available to us. The problem may be the old dead religions that say there is no such experience to be had. I like to find the commalities in the different scriptures as I find all sacred scriptures sacred indeed.

Southern Girl mentioned similarities between Buddha and Jesus and that morning after my experience I was trying to make this point. That there is one truth and that truth isnt science or religion. It is both. Truth of the way of the universal laws like gravity can't be changed. People can be deluded but there is a higher law we all learn as we seek enlightenment.

If we can find the truth and share this within our own perameters without stepping on others views we move to a higher level of understanding. The first mystical law?

I think I can use that one just like I can count on gravity can't I? When we know this rather than believe it we become very powerful because then we know the truth that we have the power of creation. It just takes some time and anything imaginable can be done. Love, BOG

 

[BushyOldGrower]

the true agnostic is wise by saying, "I don't know". No delusion there... BOG

 

[Guest]

Part I

Part I

Yes Gang! Part I! I don't know if I will be able to type all this in one without getting booted and I have tried to asimilate all of this that is coming at me so quickly. After chanting for a while, you will understand. But I think that So Cal and PTD understand those moments that don't come real often, when the light comes on and you are flooded with realizations in timing of present events. If you are speaking it to another, you talk too fast and if you are writing it is frustrating because you can't type fast enough, afraid you will lose the thoughts or won't get them across. And sometimes you don't but it doesn't matter cuz you got it. Now with that out of the way....
I went to a District Meeting last night for the first time in 6 years. There was only one person there who knew I would be coming. She was Alan's shakabuku and I trained her and she is now a District Chief. I was alittle late, because of work, however, when I arrived a little late, you could have heard a pin drop in the room. At first, I wanted to run out. There were 3 senior leaders there who had played a big part in my active 10 years. There were hugs and bows and tears. And one said, "I have chanted and chanted for this day". That is where I got the study. Which as it was being discussed, I was thinking of all of you in here and how I could apply it to all of us.
I cannot explain the feeling inside. It has been with me since the hurricane. It is a calmness inside that started out being uncomfortable. It was a letting go of control. An acceptance, one that allows you to listen. One that has you believe it IS ok. My God, there is so much I want to type and just cannot. So I am off today, get up to pay the bills with my first check, call the bank to make sure we are all on the same page and find out that a deposit for $3200 was made in my account on Nov 10, my birthday. FEMA deposit! So as of today, ALL ALL of my bills are paid except the mortgage and the car, I have my old job back making $9/hr more, I'm in my home and got my homestead reinstated and I'm learning how to deal with all the things that I ran from in the first place, while I wasn't chanting.
And that is the most important part of this whole thing. All of my benefits and my life being put into rhythm with you guys, coming home etc all began the first time I sat and did Gongyo and Daimoku on July 7. What a magical mystery tour this has been. SG

 

[Guest]

Part II For Mr. Bog

Part II For Mr. Bog

ANd so Mr. Bog, with that all out of the way, which would have been much better if I could talk, I want to try and address the above conversation. Maybe I can maybe clarify a point.

While I was not chanting, I was not idle spiritually, I thought. I read all of Emmett Fox, Science of the Mind. I read the Bible from front to back. I did Yoga, Meditation classes, hung with my psychic friends, delved back into astrology and collecting my tarot cards. I was miserable. Got high, sat out on the deck at night, watched the ocean and the barges go by, talked with my roommate about the world in its entirity and I was still fighting everyday of life to keep it all together. Finances, personal relationships. Everything was an effort. I planted a seed in my youngest son when he was 5 and he gave it back to me when he was 20.

From the moment I chanted in front of my Gohonzon and walked out into the living room and looked at my family and said, "Look Out! Anthing is possible", I knew it and felt it. I was different from that moment. That peace inside after 5 years kept me together through all this change. And the benefits have not stopped.

Alot of what you speak of is good. But it is transient. When you chant NamMyohoRengeKyo it is not a moment or a thought, it IS a knowingness that comes into play through action. Through your environment. It puts you in rhythm with the Universe for the right things to happen at the right time and be in the right place. It is a power in your life that hears and feels your inner desires and if your attitude is in check the sky is the limit. You may get beat to death learning a lesson but only because you put yourself there. You are in charge of that part.

There are universal truths that run through alot of religions and philosophies and that is definitely the truth. I have not given up my love to read about other beliefs or interests. But none of it has given me what I have now. And it really isn't about the benefits. It is a feeling that you desire the benefits to show truth to others so that they can feel what you feel. There is no right way but to say the words and what you need to have will play out for you. We are all different but it works the same for everyone. It is an incredible peace inside, a knowing that you don't know, a knowing that it is ok,

I hope that I have expressed to you what I'm trying to say. Southern Girl

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Yes SG, and quite elegantly, I might add!

Yes SG, and quite elegantly, I might add!

I was so happy to see by the post that Mrs.G was still with us!

My dear Brother, we have not known each other in this lifetime that long, but long enough from previous lifetimes as to not need these explanations, I think. I would assure you that you have never, ever given me the impression that you feel that you know it all. I certainly would hope that my sincerity is not being expressed in such an obtuse manner as to make anyone think I feel I know everything. As you have previously stated, I am very clear on the fact that I am still learning. The biggest obstacle to the attainment of 'anuttara samyak sambodai' has always been, as has been mentioned here many times, the obstacle of thinking we know what we do not know. However, this is why the actual proof part of the Buddhism of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is so vital for us to witness and experience. The power and influence of the Law is undeniable.

Please anyone! Chant in the manner in which it is discussed here, sincerely seeking the proof that will help initiate your journey along the path, and then tell me you didn’t see or feel anything. I think after three or four months of this thread, I would have heard it by now. There are some things that I AM sure of, as far as my life is concerned. I keep looking for anyone to prove to be the exception to the influence of the Law. There have been none in 31 years. That isn’t to say that there won’t be or isn’t someone who Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will have no influence on; or what we have been discussing won’t be applicable to. I agree that it is a possibility. However, not only has my experience been that I have found no exceptions, the teachings that I have studied propose the theory of the fact that there will be no exceptions, and then the postulators of these theories have given the research and doctrinal evidence of why these ideas are correct. Frankly it is all very convincing! And these guys aren’t 21st century self –help book authors! They are historical religious figures with credentials out the ass!

I am, in a very humble-cannabis-grower way, only trying to share my experience and the efforts I made to study all of this shit! And the reason I did was to know what I needed to know to have these kinds of conversations. Not for egoistic reasons, but because I take my responsibility as a Bodhisattva of the Earth very seriously. From the core of my being, it is what I have been doing to some degree or another, ever since I embraced this practice at the age of nineteen. I am fortunate to have three of my closest friends as contributing thread participants. One I have known for over 40 years, another for over 30, and the other for almost 15. I almost decided to end this thing a while back and they convinced me not to. It will end, I suppose, whenever no one has anything to say. I am lucky to have my own faith reinforced by the experience of encouraging them, and likewise their experiences encourage me. The things I have come to know and experience have been universally transferable to others seeking to follow the same path.

Truth is truth, goodness is goodness, love is love and people are people. I DO BELIEVE that all religions or philosophies have some level of validity, or why would they have practitioners? The ancient Greeks were pretty smart folks with a poly-deity belief set. They must have seen things come down from Apollo and Zeus and shit, or they would not have continued to worship them. All of the religions that I am aware of present a case for the fatalistic view that the ultimate outcome of each of our lives is ultimately influenced by something/someone more powerful than ourselves. Only modern philosophy presents the case that, in life, “you are what you eat;” cause and effect. However, only the Buddhism of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo presents the view that we are ultimately responsible for every life experience, even the most terrible ones; but at the same time the most wonderful ones too. In this Buddhism there is no ‘more powerful’ entity pulling the strings or making judgments. OUR actions are the determinate of our happiness. You have already said such a profound thing so clearly. If the opposite of enlightenment is ignorance, then the path we owe it to encourage one another toward is obvious. And to the best of our abilities, in my opinion, we should do so. That is what is being attempted here.

And for the record, thank you! You are correct and quite astute to bring out the obvious, but which has never been formally disclaimed before. I am aware of other views and interpretations with Buddhism of Buddhism. To study the Buddhism of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, it is literally impossible not to know of these varying interpretations, because Nichiren Daishonin spends half of his writing refuting erroneous interpretations through what can be mind numbing doctrinal proofs. The dude knew his shit. We haven’t discussed the historical aspects of the True Buddha’s life, but he shut down SCORES of priests in several debates in which he dispatched them in a matter of minutes. If anyone thinks the biblical miracles are impressive, check out what Nichiren Daishonin did during his lifetime. And the cool thing is, that since it all happened just a bit more than700 years ago, this isn’t story telling handed down through the ages. It is historical fact. Many of his teaching exist written in his own handwriting. So the point is, I know there are other views. Ask me about one and I will do my best to refute it based on the Daishonin’s explaination.

And so another simple response has gotten way out of hand!

Yes! I believe in UFO’s! Buddhism as a philosophy that completely allows for them, if not acknowledging they would come. Shakyamuni clearly describes lifetimes that did not take place on Earth.

I will end this with the same paragraph as yesterday: I love you dude! Know I am saying these things as my interpretive opinions based on my years of practice and study of the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. When you SEE the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in your life--what you chant for happening time and again--you can grasp and validate the theories using the doctrines as the basis of your understanding and your life as the proof that these understandings are correct. That is all I would ever ask of you. Sincerely try and see what happens!

Thomas (BYE everbody! Signing off for 48 hours to travel back to the US)

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Ouch! Too much fire and brimstone? Sorry if I get carried away. I assume I should say things as I see them and I see them with a conviction. I never ever want to offend anyone. I am sorry if I may ever do so without meaning to. I am back, if anyone wants to call me. Thomas

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Quite a "Magical Mystery Tour" indeed!

Quite a "Magical Mystery Tour" indeed!

SG, "We are waiting to take you away......" You are so encouraging girl. Keep it going and keep posting. What you are sharing here from your experience ('the light is on...') gets me so excited about practicing with more and more determination. (remember, 'The 8 Winds')for me? Thanks for that and taking the time to put everything down here for all to see.

Bog, I loved the king/dog story. Your insights into the philosophy of life is very enlightening. I admire the path you have taken from such a young age. You are such a truth seeker and that I believe is how you have found Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. The key I believe is to just continue to try chanting and add this practice to what you are allready doing. This Buddhism is all about 'actual proof'. And if you try this sincerely, you will see the proof appear exactly as it should in your life.

PTD, I don't think it too much 'fire an brimstone'. I admire you also Dude for the time and serious contemplation you put into your posts. It is such a constant daily rush of reminding us why we practice this Nichiren Buddhism. Hope your jet lag is short and stay healthy.

I was like out of touch for a couple days, didn't chant too much but reading 2 pages of posts here on this thread is what I needed today. Thanks!

from the Gosho (letter by Nichiren Daishonin) On Prayer

....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. If the bodhisattvas, the human and heavenly beings, the eight kinds of nonhuman beings, the two 30 31 sages, the two heavenly deities, and the ten demon daughters would by some unlikely chance fail to appear and protect the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, then above them they would be showing disdain for Shakyamuni and the other Buddhas, and below they would be guilty of deceiving the beings 32 of the nine realms. It makes no difference if the practitioner himself is lacking in worth, defective in wisdom, impure in his person, and lacking in virtue derived from observing the precepts. So long as he chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they will invariably protect him. One does not throw away gold because the bag that holds it is dirty; one does not ignore the sandalwood trees because of the foul odor of the eranda trees around them; and one does not refuse to gather lotuses because the pond in the valley where they grow is not clean. If they ignore the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, they will be going against their vow. Now that the Former and Middle Days of the Law are over, persons who observe the precepts are as rare as tigers.

 

[Guest]

Thank God the Weekend is OVER!

Thank God the Weekend is OVER!

I cannot tell you how spoiled I'm getting to 3 days a week. I scheduled a little overtime right before christmas for the obvious and dreading it. I'm liking these new life determinations.

SoCal! Buddy I stay in the 8 winds. Until I started chanting, my father would tell me if it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any at all. But I am very spontaneous and for the moment kind of person and without focus or direction that can be dangerous! I love to talk to you guys and always look forward to coming here and am always disappointed when noone has written anything for the day. I believe totally that there is a purpose for us all being here right now and what I share with you may be part of my purpose. And I'm in a very strange mode right now. I cannot express really what is going on right now or how I feel and you guys are the closest I know that I can even share with right now It is exciting and you have to have someone to share with. So that is not a problem, however, I don't hear anybody else trials and tribulations.

PTD, I totally missed that you wrote you were on your way home. I was wondering what was going on with your plans as far as coming back.

GordyP-Whats up Dude! Haven't seen you in days.

Take Care! Southern Girl

 

[BushyOldGrower]

Fire and Brimstone? Should I feel Chastised then? I don't because when you speak you show your convictions TOM. I have never heard you say anything but what you feel would be best. You are a remarkable teacher TOM and perhaps this is the answer I have sought. In the Aquarian Gospel the word of power is spoken of but never spoken aloud and they called themselves, "the brotherhood of silence".

You all probably should know the truth about where Jesus was coming from. Remember that he never claimed to be GOD and that he prayed to Father. We are all men deluded by some things in our experience but great masters see what is important. Great masters had power to heal and to work miracles. A true prophet is one who is always right not just usually.

All that aside I am not defending Jesus except as a misunderstood teacher that I respect. My ignorance of many things will soon be dispelled I am sure but the things I know will be the same. The things I think could change.

I already see the power of the chant as a positive self affirmation but what do these chants really mean? Is there a certain best way to chant? My wife and I sing it together 3 times then say, "OMMM". Don't ask me why but it just feels good.

I do believe in the power of faith. Faith healers depend on your belief in them or GOD or whatever power. I see no need for a person GOD throwing lightning bolts down from heaven but this is a childrens version of the truth.

Most people have problem with some concepts we find entertaining to try and understand but they aren't all that complicated really. We can figure it all out but is the goal to be powerful? To harness a super power?

If you believe in yourself many things seem to work out in your favor. You see quitters never win and winners never quit. Am I confusing you? Well I am in my second joint and my mind does romp around some.

We are chanting and I will read whatever you send me TOM. Fair enough? All I ask is the time to understand each other fully. To everyone here I ask for your patience and understanding. I have many problems that limit me but with a little help from my friends the only thing that matters to me will happen.

I fear however that if I am ever allowed back into that place that I shall never return. The Ectasy is rapturous and beyond my ability to communicate. There is a heaven but its so good you really should wait until last to experience it.

I have a tip for you all..."You will reach enlightenment when you die". That's really soon enough. BOG

As we age we tend to lose desire naturally so it gets easier...

 

[BushyOldGrower]

So after I realized that I couldnt write down all the concepts learned in my "nirvana" I thought...so, what to do then? I had a sort of vision that a wonderful future awaited me and that it involved a few things.

1. I would never die and likely none of us ever do.

2. That I was saved and that I had a mission on Earth but that my ministry would be after the year 2000. I saw my future and it seemed incredible to me that I would be where I am now. A pot guru?

3. I realized that all that seemed far fetched and that there was nothing really to do but work. That what I now knew really changed nothing because life is simple. The rewards in life are our families and the love of our children, spouses, brothers and sisters and our pets. That my treasure was my girlfriend and the family I would have.

To me having a best friend to share my life with was my goal. I committed to my wife for life and I hope we get some more time together.

What do I consider my ministry? It is a very simple philosophy really. I believe in karma and the eternal spiritual energy within us all.

My GOD isnt a guy on a throne but more like TOM mentioned. Gravity. Like Gravity GOD to me is an energy wave of love that propagates life. In my vision I saw the earth thickly coated in greenery. The life force so prevalent on this planet is a huge and powerful but tiny portion of what I call GOD.

We are all part of this universe. The universe is one. We are one I tell you.

It doesn't matter who said the truth. Sometimes it just needs to be said.

GOOD NEWS! We all have time enough for love...we never end. BOG