Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

Dictionary of Buddhism definition of:

non-substantiality (Skt shunya or shunyata; Jpn ku): A fundamental Buddhist concept, also translated as emptiness, void, latency or relativity. The Sanskrit shunya or shunyata means emptiness. Shunya also means "empty" and "empty of." It is the concept that things and phenomena have no fixed or independent nature or existence of their own. Non-substantiality is neither negative or world negating but teaches the importance of perceiving the true nature of phenomena, which are on the surface transient. The Wisdom sutras developed the Mahayana concept of non-substantiality and Nagarjuna (c.150-250) systematized it based on them. This concept orginated in connection to those of dependent origination and of nonexistence of self-nature. Dependent origination means that, because phenomena arise only by virtue of their relationship with other phenomena, they have no distinct nature or existence of their own. Nonexistence of self-nature means that there is no independent entity that exists alone, apart from other phenomena. The common message is that the true nature of all phenomena is non-substantiality, and that it cannot be defined in terms of the concepts of existence and non-existence. Nagarjuna explained it as the Middle Way, a perspective that regards the categories of existence and non-existence as extremes, and aims to transcend them. The practical purpose behind the teaching of non-substantiality lies in eliminating attachments to transient phenomena and to the ego, or the perception of self as an independent and fixed identity.

 

[Guest]

Karma

Karma

PTD... So well said.

BOG. yes Both Good ean evil co-exist. Each has the potential to manifest. I have heard people say, "Even Hitler had a girlfriend." I took that to mean even Hitler desired to be loved as we ll as hated. Good and Evil One and yet not one.

GordyP. How a person enters nirvana is detemined by their karma at that moment! When children experience horrific events it can be determined to be their collective actions over lifetimes of being born as a human being. We can not say with any real wisdom why this person died this way and this person died that way. What we can say, is no matter how a person dies, if they face the final moment of their life with courage, they will enter nirvan courageously and be reborn courageously, whether they chanted the dimolku of the Lotus Sutra; Nam myoho renge kyo; or not in this lifetime.

Nichiren sayes, "A sword in the hand of a coward is uselsss. The Lotus Sutra is such a sword." Nichiren is refering to the daimoku or the 'heart' of the Lorus Sutra.

So even when children die a horrific death, as in the tsunami, if they face the last moment of their life unafraid they will enter nirvana unafraid and be reborn unafraid as well. How wonderful can cause and effect be when we realize Nam Myoho Renge Kyo permeats ALL phenomena. And for all those who held fear in their hearts, we can chant for their karma to change as well with the determination that nothing is impossible.

Avid

 

[BushyOldGrower]

So far today I have said Nom Myoko renge Kyo 1000 times for the lost people and I don't see or understand how anyone can be harmed in reality. People probably sleep as far as they know when they wait for the next life but I think it's possible for some that when they die they have a period of time to look around.

My father appeared to my mother the night he died and he told her he was fine and happy. That it was wonderful to be free and that he could go anywhere and see anything with just the thought of it. My father was a good man who like most people faced death with some apprehension but he told me once. "You know dying doesn't seem as bad after you get older it seems like it is thinkable."

Brave people face reality but they still have fear and weep when sad. I like what I see from Buddhists who aren't afraid to show their tears. I heard a buddhist statue of Mercy and Compassion wept stained tears that left marks on it when the tsunami happened. Things like this do happen for a reason too.

I doubt all those people were guilty of past life crimes and that it was all their karma though. Surely things do just happen and its hard to see the justice in it. I feel that reincarnation takes the sting out of things like this for me and the victims. Hopefully they just died like they did so many times before, like we have so many times before. Hopefully it wasn't as traumatic as we imagine for most victims and perhaps in the divine mercy of the universal intelligence there is respite.

I know in fact that when I die there will be nothing to fear but I will be afraid anyways. Knowing in your heart that you will never die gives you peace of mind and I wish everyone knew this fact. First I realized that I would make it but then I saw that the plan was so divine that everyone could make it and eventually would.

The Universe is like a Diamond perfect in its laws but far more beautiful. BOG

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Happy New Year 2005!

Happy New Year 2005!

New Year's Gosho

I have received a hundred mushimochi cakes and a basket of fruit. New Year's Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will gain virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and the sun shines more brightly traveling from east to west.

First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. However, closer examination reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. The reason I think so is that hell is in the heart of a man who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother, just like the lotus seed, which contains both flower and fruit at the same time. In the same way, the Buddha dwells inside our hearts. For example, flint can produce fire and gems possess value in themselves. We common mortals can see neither our own eyebrows, which are so close, nor heaven in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. You may question how is it that the Buddha can reside within us when our bodies, originating from our parents' sperm and blood, are the source of the three poisons and the seat of the carnal desires. But repeated consideration shows the validity of my claim. The pure lotus flower blooms out of the muddy pond, the fragrant sandalwood grows from the soil, the graceful cherry blossoms come forth from trees, the beautiful Yang Kuei-fei was born of a maidservant, and the moon rises from behind the mountains to shed light on them. Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins him, but fortune comes from one's mind and makes him worthy of respect.

The sincerity of making offerings to the Lotus Sutra at the beginning of the New Year is like flowers blooming from trees, a lotus unfolding in a pond, sandalwood blossoming on the Snow mountains, or the moon beginning to rise. Japan, in becoming an enemy of the Lotus Sutra has now invited misfortune from a thousand miles afar, whereas those who believe in the Lotus Sutra will gather fortune from ten thousand miles afar. The shadow is cast by the body, and just as the shadow follows the body, misfortune will befall the country whose people are hostile to the Lotus Sutra. The believers in the Lotus Sutra, on the other hand are like the sandalwood endowed with fragrance. I will write you again.

Nichiren

The fifth day of the first month.

http://www.sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/Gosho/NewYearGosho.htm

 

[Guest]

BOG. I think it is great to chant the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra 1,000 times for the deceased tsunami victims.

Your take on death sounds so similar to something Nichiren said regarding how we should face death and life. Nichiren always indicated that courage is an important quality to possess. I know it is scary to face to death, and we can not say how we will act ourselves at the moment of death. Fear is an emotion we have to learn how to let go of if we are going to be happy in this world, I believe.

I was reminded of the quote below when I began reading your post regarding life and death. thoushgt I would share it with you. many SGI members rembe this one I bet.

In another gosho, Nichiren encourages us to look towards death with the same vigor as we look toward life. In this quote Nichiren indicates, "There will be one thousand buddhas waiting to meet us at the moment of death. How Wonderous!" Nichiren ecnourages us to not have any fear, even at the momnent of death. The crusial moment is every moment of our lives, I believe.

Nichiren says, "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. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbor doubts and abandon their faith.

Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made when the crucial moment comes. Some of them feel pity for their wives and children and grieve at the thought of parting from them in this life. In countless births throughout many long kalpas they have had wives and children but parted from them in every existence. They have done so unwillingly and not because of their desire to pursue the way of the Buddha. Since they must part with them in any case, they should remain faithful to their belief in the Lotus Sutra and make their way to Eagle Peak, so that they may lead their wives and children there as well." (WND, p. 283)

http://www.sgi-usa.org/cgi-bin/pagecontext.cgi?page=283&term=ALTHOUGH,DISCIPLES&lineid=27708

Nichiren says, "To concieve of life and death as separate realities is to be caught in the illusion of birth and death. It is deluded and inverted thinking. When we examine the nature of life with pefect enlightenment, we find that there is no beginning marking birth and therefore, no end signifying death. Doesn't life as thus conceived already transcend birth and death?"(Gosho Zenshu, p.363)

Nichiren also says, "From childhood I, Nichiren studied buddhism with one thought in mind. Life as a human being is fleeting. An outgoing breath does not wait for an incoming one. Not even dewdrops on the verge of being blown off by the wind suffice to describe this transience. no one, wise or foolish, young or old, can escape death. Therefore I thought I should first learn about death, and than learn about other matters." (GZ. p.1404)

President Ikeda says, "The instant before we die could perhaps be compared to the summit of a mountain. Having completed our climb of the mountain of life, it is from that vantage point that we can look back and for the first time take in the whole of our life. We can survey our accomplishments, what we are leaving behind, how much good or harm we caused, and whether we were kind to others or hurt them. And we can assess which of these was greater. We may also ask ourselves to what did we ttach the greatest importance in our lives. At that crucial moment one's mind is bombarded with such questions. This is one aspect of the last moment of our lives." (Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra V.4, p.233)


Shakyamuni Buddha says the following regarding death,

"When living beings witness the end of a kalpa
and all is consumed in a great fire,
this my land, remains safe and tranquil,
constantly filled with heavenly and human beings.
The halls and pavillions in its gardens and groves
and adorned with various kinds of gems.
Jeweled trees abound in flowers and fruit
where living beings enjoy themselves at ease.
The Gods strike heavenly drums,
constantly making mnany kinds of music.
mandarava blossoms rain down,
scattering over the Buddha and the assembly" (Lotus Sutra 16 p.230-231)

President Ikeda also says," President Toda once said that it would be interesting if a device were invented that could make it possible to see life after death. He elaborated:'If it were possible to see the life of a deceased father or sibling that had become one with the universe, you would find some there shrieking in agony and some filld with joy. But the deceased entity, which abides in a state of suffering or joy depending on its karmam is not visble, having neither form nor color. Unless you understand this view of nonsubstantiality, you cannot grasp the essence of the BUddhist doctrine of life." (Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra V.4. p.269)

Avid

 

[Guest]

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Well I just wrote a big ole long page as a response to all that has been written while I was at work, and the minute I pushed submit the puter went down. So here is the short version:
Since entering this site 6 months ago and reconnecting with a part of life that I let go of from my own personal delusion, my life has changed beyond words. You have each and everyone touched my life and encouraged me in ways that you really have no grasp on. But then maybe you do. For you all would have to receive some if not more of the same benefits from being a part of this thread and each of our lifes.
I have never in my life that I can remember, have embraced life with so much joy, and not be afraid of all that appears to be bad. WE have all been shifted and moved and relocated. Our lifes have all been in a process of complete change and new beginnings. The happiness and excitement that it has brought goes beyond words and can only bring tears of joy. The only saddness is feeling all of this and knowing that this is the worst time in alot of peoples life. How fortunate we are to have each other and NamMyoHoREngeKYo. I believe we all will have our meeting on the mountain in the near future. How much you all mean to me goes beyond words. Southern Girl

 

[PassTheDoobie]

From all of us in 2005

From all of us in 2005

To all of you still in 2004! Have a great day, drive safetly, don't get drunk, and try and remember to chant at midnight (we just finished three hours and a full five prayer ushitori gongyo, so you know I'm buzzing). And.......

Happy New year!!!

 

[Guest]

I will Be There!

I will Be There!

I will be completing a full 5 prayer Gongyo at the strike of Midnight here! Would not and could not think to start the year without it. I never drink so I don't think you have to worry about me doing it on such an important day. I embrace 2005 with all that my life has! Southern Girl

 

[BushyOldGrower]

Thank you all for being who you are. I don't think we need to wait until we die to meet and we must be connecting in a group sort of way. A chanting growers group.

Could we all meet in chat sometime? You all teach me so much of what I wish to learn. My wife and I have always observed our own rituals and we do burn candles. Is there a day of the week most spiritual to you? We consider Saturday our Holy Day.

I did some celebrating last night and had fun locally but tonight I will be home with Mrs. BOG watching Times Square and hoping no bombs go off.

Avid Learner, since life and death is a great delusion most suffer from the truth that both are one is profound. When I realized that I knew this truth it changed me. What I swear I saw at age 15 was the perfection of the system of the universe. The cycle of rebirth was visualized in my waking dream or out of body experience or vision. I called it Nirvana but some would call it being born again. This second birth was for me the source of my faith.

Ihave a question for all of you. If you had almighty power suddenly what would you do? Seen Bruce Almighty? Funny movie but he was just a man who served his own small purposes and he had no idea what he should do.

What would you do? I will tell you what I would do after I hear your thoughts. Now remember that you are almighty now.

One other question. I want to learn more of the rituals and practice. I am reading at SGI and the lotus sutra is my current assignment.

And Tom, Happy New Year sir! 3 1/2 hours chanting must make you walk a foot above the ground for awhile afterward. BOG

NO FEAR!!!!!

 

[Babbabud]

Happy New Year !!!!
Gosh I love this thread .....thank you so much

Remember
the flow of water
Live at the natural level
Fluid
Live close to the Earth
Fluid
Live giving Life
Fluid
Live falling free
Fluid
Live in the stream
Fluid

 

[BushyOldGrower]

I am probably mixed up but you could call me a "christian buddhist muslim hindu pagen sun worshiper. Don't forget mother nature or she will remind you that while the sun may be father she is mother. Don't mess with Mother Nature is what the Tsunami should tell people. We have raped this planet too long. BOG

Even a mothers patience has its limits...

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Or as I said two days ago, as I was explaining what had happened with the Tsunami:
You can only fuck mother earth for so long before she says "OUCH"!

I'm with you BOG. Too much to say, but not enough time to comment. I hope this conversation stays current for a day or two.

Dearest Bud: You love this thread? This thread loves you!

SoCal: Thank you for sharing the New Years Gosho.

"Ho-nin-myo" everyone! (Means: "Your life begins from this moment forward!")

T

 

[Guest]

Mother Nature

Mother Nature

Could not agree with you guys more. So I will remind all of the predictions made of the shifting of the plates, that was suppose to occur in 2000. When I did my little swing through the New Age group. There was a map that showed how the earth would be afterwards. Florida and California were gone. The coast line of Texas will be at Waco. I can tell you that I have more fear seeing cars in San Diego trying to drive with water up the wheel base. This is a part that has 1 inch of rain a year if they are lucky. It is all bound to happen and Tommy, what protection for you and So Cal that you are not there right now. I have been saying it for years. More reason to hold on to what is important.

And Mr. Bog! We do not play when we speak of our trip to Vancouver. I have no intentions of waiting till death to meet people whom I have never met, yet have played such an important role in the happenings of the end of 2004 for me. Stronger connections than I have ever had at any SGI meeting. I KNOW that GordyP and I will be there. Just waiting for the word.

And Bruce Almighty?! Well I do that everyday. There is nothing that I would like to do that I don't do. However, if I could have a major power, it would be that all had the gift of NamMyoHoRengeKyo, the tool to turn their life around and create indiviual happiness that would in turn create Kosen Rufu. I would never want the responsiblity of Jesus Christ. Nor would I want to take the joy away from those to turn their personal adversities into joy away from them. The joy of finding your way. The world is as it is suppose to be. These are the lessons we have created for ourselves collectively. If it weren't to be, we would already have been saved from ourselves. It is life.

Love to you all, May all your wildest dreams become real, and see you soon! Southern Girl

 

[GordyP]

Good Fortune to All in 2005!

Good Fortune to All in 2005!

After a rather uncertain start to 2004, I was reunited with an old friend in September and directed here to this group of chanting growers. Not much in my life has been the same since: a better job, many new (if unseen) friends, finally making a commitment to and gaining great faith in the life forces of Buddhism and the words of Nicherin, a new "hobby" here at the I.C. site, and great anticiaption for wonderful good fortune ahead in 2005! It's as if I've been hunkered down in a foxhole for the past three years and finally lifted my head and opened my eyes. You are who you think you are, and your world is what you make of it. I'm in a very good place right now, thanks to this practice and all my cyber-friends here relating to me, teaching me, and always encouraging me. I can't thank you all enough for your part in this great positive turnaround in my outlook for the future. Love and best wishes to you all in this brand new year! And Yes, I WILL be in Vancouver with many of you, as soon a date is set.

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

GordyP

 

[GordyP]

Almighty Power

Almighty Power

BOG, I neglected to weigh in on your survey mentioned earlier today.

When you first bestowed Almighty Power to me, I felt like a kid in a candy store! Look out world!, you're about to become a much better place, particularly in my part of town!

But alas and alack, I then settled down to think seriously about your question. If "Almighty Power" is refering to the attainment of enlightenment of a Buddha, I believe I would do well to return that power to the true Buddha who gave it to me. It would have to have been a gift because I'm likely still a few billion lifetimes away from achieving such enlightenment according to the Law. I have much, much more to learn about the true nature of good and evil before I would dare wield any such power correctly.

But then, why would a Buddha give me such a gift unless he/she fully intended for me to have it and use it? And wouldn't the wisedom of the true nature of good and evil be part of the package of "Almighty Power"? BOG, are you sure this isn't a trick question?

GordyP

 

[Mrs.Babba]

I havent ever posted in this thread...but i do read it a bit, I just wanted to wish everyone here a Happy New Year

 

[Guest]

BOG. I think, I would desire for all life to be equal as me. I cheated. This is the last portion of the 'Life Span' chapter of the Lotus Sutra; Chapter 16.

Avid

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Happy New Year to you Mrs. Babba! Congratulations on your karmic encounter with the bank robber! "So you're not going to give me the money? O.K."

And Happy New Year to you Mrs. G, wherever you are. I trust you are safe and well.

 

[Babbabud]

The Message of Posture

The Message of Posture

Observe your body
Mandala of the universe

Observe your body of ancient design
Holy temple of conciousness
Central stage of the oldest drama

Observe its structured wonders
Skin..... hair.... tissue
Bone .... vein ... muscle....
Net of nerve

Observe its message
Does it merge or does it strain?
Does it rest serene on sacred ground
Or tilt , propped up by wire and sticks?

On tiptoe one cannot stand for long
Tension retards the flow

Superfluous noise and redundant action
Stand out- square, proud, cramped
Against the harmony

Observe the mandala of your body



Happy New Year to all
lets remember to relax and for gods sakes feel good

this poem was taken from the Tao Te Ching

 

[Guest]

And Happy New Year to you Mrs. G, wherever you are. I trust you are safe and well.

:smile: Thank You PTD....i am touched that you remembered me, but i guess you maybe know i am always lurkin' in here... and yes doin' quite well, thanks again... I truely hope the best New Year for you Thomas and all that are on this thread.. This thread has changed my life.... i have grown as a person and continue to grow thanks to some very special people on here...
...(((i wuv u guys)))...

chant...... it works......

:smile: ms.g