Chanting Growers Group

[BushyOldGrower]

Like a Child placed in the pilots seat of an airliner?

Like a Child placed in the pilots seat of an airliner?

Yes you probably guessed right and it isn't a trick question. If you were that ignorant kid placed in the drivers seat I doubt you would turn off the auto pilot. Maybe if the real pilot said it was ok and that he would make sure everything was ok.

We all realize that while some day we may have great responcibilities even as children we knew what was too much for us. Now I dare to tell you this because I believe you are all willing to hear it but like the Lotus Sutra some things aren't meant for everyone.

There is the lesser vehicle I usually work in but you are a different group so even though this can cause doubt and loss of faith in the masses you make me feel I can tell you what you may consider my delusion of grandiosity.

I was in this state of a sort of nirvana in which I knew everything somehow. I questioned if my thinking was sound as it seemed insane that I could do anything. I reasoned that if I could do anything then could I move a mountain? I don't remember how but I quickly figured out how to do it and it wasn't with shovels. Didn't want to move any mountains so I thought of something else I shouldn't be able to do. Making it rain seemed impossible but in a flash I knew that it would be very easy to make it rain as hard as I wanted right then. Suddenly a thought flashed in my mind so strong.

Make it rain? I thought with horror! I realized that having seen the perfection of GOD's system that the auto pilot was on. Even having considered making it rain which might not have done any real harm seemed akin to Blasphemy to me. If you see a work of art revered for hundreds of years like the statue David would you change it? Would you mark up the Mona Lisa? Of course not unless you were a vandal.

Perhaps I was just flipped out that night but I knew many things after it that I had no business knowing. That was a supreme gift but I had been seeking this experience, meditating and studying. I had been praying a lot too and that day I stopped on my way home from school in a small deserted church. This 15 year old was serious and prayed for enlightenment sincerly and I remember humbling myself to God. That night it happened.

The New Year thought from me is this. If you worry don't. The universe is composed of infallable laws that ensure our progress. Life isn't a thing that can be stopped in this universe. Everything is perfect really and we don't have to do a thing but continue to learn and teach others the truth.

I agree that Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the best gift we can give so that is my New Year's Resolution. To spread the word. To give hope. To help the masters of the past and present accomplish the next step in our grand adventure.

DON'T WORRY...BE HAPPY! Bog and the Mrs. love you all!

 

[SoCal Hippy]

The Order of Enlightenment

The Order of Enlightenment

If the Universal Law is non-discriminatory, why are some enlightened before others?

The Maka Shikan explains:

When the sun appears in the east, it first illuminates the tallest mountains, then the next highest peaks until finally even the valleys are filled with light.
The sun does not discriminate.

The first enlightened are those who seek the truth most strenuously, they are like the tallest mountains who first receive sunlight. Inspired by their example, others follow and are illuminated like the next highest peaks.

Finally, the Universal Law illuminates even those of low capacity, like sunlight filling the valley.

[Paraphrased from Great Calming and Contemplation (a translation of the Maka Shikan), p. 122]

Nichiren Daishonin wrote:
"Fire can be produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, and a candle can light up a place that has been dark for billions of years. If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the Mystic Law."
(From "The One Essential Phrase")

And:

"Please understand that I am merely joining my one drop to the rivers and the oceans or adding my candle to the sun and the moon, hoping in this way to increase even slightly the volume of the water or the brilliance of the light."

(From "Recitation of the Hoben and Juryo Chapters")

 

[Babbabud]

When
I am
Of highest capacity
It flows through me

When
I am
Of middling capacity
I write poems about the flowing

When
I am
Of low capacity
The flow irritates me


Stay High

 

[GordyP]

What? Me Worry?

What? Me Worry?

That was a great analogy, BOG. Given your scenerio, I would definitely feel like a child in the pilot's seat of a jet liner. To be all-powerful and not know which buttons to push would be a recipe for disaster. But then . . . even with our delusion-causing ignorance now at this moment, we're wise enough to know my last statement is a contradiction in terms. To me, it is impossible to be all-powerful without also being all-knowing. So with that definition in mind, it would also be impossible for me to be sitting in that pilot's seat without first knowing exactly how to fly the plane (or chopper, S.G.).

I'm also with you on the view that from a universal viewpoint, all is humming along perfectly in tune with the natural Law. We are simply at a point (moment) in the quest for enlightenment where we're meant to struggle and muddle about here on this clod of dirt, sorting out our delusions from the truth. In this lifetime I can't say for sure, but I'd like to think even after the attainment of enlightenment, I would choose to leave the plane on auto-pilot. If it ain't broke, don't try fixing it! Adversity and ignorance are just part of the trip package we have, along with love and compassion and all the warm/fuzzy stuff. So as your new year's message states; if you're worrying, don't. The plane's still in the hands of a good pilot.

Bubbabud, you keep blowing me away with the poetry you bring to this site! I sent a copy of what you shared with us from the Tao Te Ching on the "Message of Posture" to my daughter in Med School. Something every aspiring physician should read and take to heart. And to me it seemed perfectly timed with BOG's message to stop worrying so much:

On tiptoe one cannot stand for long,
Tension retards the flow

A beautiful and calming realization for me. I feel like I've been on my tiptoes far too long and it's time to stand comfortably now and allow the lifestream to flow freely through me. Now that my understanding and faith (and regular practice) of daimoku has helped guide me to this place, I am confident this year to come will find me standing much more comfortably in control of my thoughts and actions . . . more in tune with truth. I would encourage everyone here to read the words you shared at least one more time.

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

GordyP

 

[Guest]

Standing on Flat Feet

Standing on Flat Feet

On tiptoe one can not stand too long, Tension retards the flow!

I would say that alot of us came together in this site standing on our tip toes in one way or another. And somehow through our life connections and situations out of all our control, we are learning to get off the toes. Seeing how over the last 6 months, I have been forced to see how the tension that we create trying to put square pegs in round circles works so against what we are to be really doing. We fear letting go of control but find that when we do (under forced situations) life sure flows better and comes out with more of the results that we want in our lifes when always based on the law.

I have a new found joy in my chanting to be intimately sharing it with another, something I have never had in my 15 year practice. It definitely seems to be a positive encouragement in your life to maintain that practice and knowing that the relationship is based on NamMyoHoRengeKYo is a benefit beyond words.

At this moment, it is the greatest gift in my life. To have my practice back, for my faith to be stronger than ever, to feel a joy for life that I don't ever truly remember having. To want to stand from the newest and tallest skyscrapper in Taipa and scream it to the roof tops. You don't care how silly and crazy you look. Because it doesn't matter. You know it is truth.

So Bog!.....It is the greatest gift to give another in life. To be able to help someone feel like this inside is worth more than any money or things anywhere. You can't take those things with you, and this never leaves you. Does adversity and obstacles appear? Everyday! But to have a point and base to focus, there is nothing you cannot overcome. What else could you give or do with such great honor.

And we all have been brought here for a reason. So you just continue to play it out. We never know where we might end up. Southern Girl

 

[BushyOldGrower]

It must have been that one who comes forth...

It must have been that one who comes forth...

As I read and learn things forgotten I wish that we had come together many years ago but as SG pointed out everything happens in its time for a reason.

Because of this group I have been able to complete on of my lifes works. One that I hope can be left behind as a gift from this lowly creature.

You will be the first to see my Book and table of contents. Each chapter has a word of wisdom paragraph from yours truly. :wink:

Perhaps one day I will be known as the Buddha who made medicine for everyone!" Maybe the Buddha who loved his dog. I think you are all buddha's and the thought scares me a bit.

Silly huh? We are gonna have such fun...

We can go on alms for the poor tours and find poor peeps to give money too just for the K+. BOG

 

[Guest]

Congratulations Bog!

Congratulations Bog!

How great for you to complete a goal. It looks great! :friends:

And yes I have many times wished that we would have all met long ago. But there are so many situations and times in life that we all have had to do individually. Too many lifes and karma involved, so therefore you have the right time. But Boy, when the right time comes, the waiting and trials you endured become nothing once the dream arrives. Southern Girl

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Awesome BOG

Awesome BOG

Congrats on your accomplishment. Very impressive I do say and for you to actually show a shining result on top of the cover makes my mouth water. Looks sooooooo good!! Very funny add-onedited because of ego-reduction)

This morning wrote out my goals for 2005 while chanting. I believe the last one the most important for me:

" Never give up until everything is accomplished"

Let's all grow tremendously in spiritual health and good fortune in 2005.

 

[stonegirl]

Great idea

Great idea

"We can go on alms for the poor tours and find poor peeps to give money too just for the K+. BOG"

GETTING ALMS TO GIVE ALMS! Sounds like an act of profound compassion. How about rather than just giving it to the poor peeps, we educate their children with it. We could teach the children the value of being good citizens and the importance of the alms giving of their lives for the sakes of their families. It could then become a slef perpetuating phenomena.

T

 

[BushyOldGrower]

Thanks from my heart to all of you who have helped.

Stonergirl, I am here to learn and I thought alms for the poor were just donations or coins. Please educate me in proper use of rituals anyone as I am hungry to show my devotion to the perfection of the all.

Help me chant for Gypsy to decide to open a retail outlet in Vancouver so we can all meet up with him too. I wish to convert Gypsy to buddhism and it should be easy. Just look at him? He looks like one already. I told him buddhism is the perfect religion for aethiests. BOG

Love you all very much...

 

[BushyOldGrower]

Gypsy chants all the time too. He may not realize it but in chat he always says, "LALALALALALA" BOG

 

[stonegirl]

We share the same desire

We share the same desire

"Help me chant for Gypsy to decide to open a retail outlet in Vancouver so we can all meet up with him too. I wish to convert Gypsy to buddhism and it should be easy."

Your wish has been ours for longer than we've known you.

 

[BushyOldGrower]

Yes, StoneGirl and TOM!

Yes, StoneGirl and TOM!

SeedBoutique of Vancouver could be reality if we make it so and by chanting how can we fail? Like the roar of the Lion, Nam Myoko Renge Kyo is and another ally you have in me.

After my last post I understood what you did mean about having the money earned to give and this also is happening here. My son and family will be out of the house I need to sell soon. They plan to move to Vancouver soon.

Every morning we watch the news and cry at what is shown but today we cried a bit harder. A very enlightened mother told her plight trying to keep the childrens minds occupied with happier thoughts. She said that they weren't old enough to have the level of enlightenment to understand something like this. But, I think she did have the level of enlightenment and we both saw it right away. We both burst into tears at her position and her children were so beautiful. Imagine all the families so much worse off.

Recently I emailed my family asking when we will learn how to spend our money? How much will we spend in our war on Iraq compared to this catastrophy that has killed 50 times those in 911? No one to blame? No one to attack and take retribution on? What will America do when it is hit by the fist of GOD? When the fist pushes up again from the divers places in the sea to create huge earthquakes? Will they ever see the truth? BOG

I believe a peaceful Earth is possible with all the buddhists in the universe to help us but if left alone I don't know. This planet is so plunged into the depths of delusion it seems unlikely. Help us brothers from above the sky...

 

[GordyP]

A Toast to a Bushy Old Grower

A Toast to a Bushy Old Grower

Hey BOG,

I just wanted to THANK YOU for keeping this thread alive for the past three days! I've seen this "unified lull" in postings before. Always figured we were all caught up in some cause chanted for, a cause that is now being manifested. That's most definitely the situation in my case right now, though it's still no excuse for not weighing in on issues here on the thread more often.

May All Your Causes Be Rewarding
Still hoping to see you in Vancouver

GordyP

 

[Guest]

Appreciation

Appreciation

BOG. I belive, the tsunami is a response to the worlds level of appreciation for humanity. Currently, we are having conflicts all around the world. people are dying from famine, diseases, and other treatable causes. Yet, We as a people have not really doen anything specific to reduce their suffering.

In response, Life takes away lives as if they never existed, just as we are doing in wars, famine, and diseases, except without long lasting pain and suffering, as in most wars, famines, and diseases, people are suffering, notwithstanding the lax attitude our society has for the safety of children, both orphaned and not.

Now, all of a sudden with all of these children orphaned all around the Indian Ocean Rim, as well as all the children that gave their lives, to rally the world to their rescue, the world is concerened of the welfare of these children. Never before has this efer happened as a response from all humanity. Perhaps society may begin to embrace ALL children suffering, no matte where or from what source.

I consider that an expediancy. All of the children, both dead and alive; have donated their lives for the understanding of others to embrace all life equally, everywhere. That is what Nichiren Daishonin called Kosen-Rufu.

Avid

 

[Guest]

Hello To All

Hello To All

Well I haven't taken the time to stop and write the last few days but as everyone, I'm here! Sometimes its nice to shut the trap for a bit and see what everyone else is doing and lately its been the same as me!
Life gets strange sometimes with its twists and turns and when you least expect it, it can come at you with such great joy. So many nice things are happening for me and so all I can see right now is the good and not the bad!
So here goes the opinion!
To me and what I have observed in the past 4 years, has been alot of tragedy and death, and records with weather everywhere. In the year 2004, the US had record tornados and hurricanes. San Diego is sitting underwater as well as LA, so there is a movement throughout the world of the occurances. There has also been a feeling of a clearing, if you will, alot of people have died since the first in my hospital alone. We have been running 6-8 codes a day. Which is phenomenal. I was told several years ago, that from 2000-2010, the people who are not willing to change to meet the spiritual movement will be taken. I thought that bizarre at the time but not now. And I agree with points that Bog and Avid Lerner both stated. But I need to make a statement and if I have picked up on an edge that does not assist then please accept my apologies now.
I'm sensing still the ill feeling with the US since the elections. We are a great nation with alot of wonderful people. We as a country would have no debt if all the countries we have helped in the past made good on even 1/3 of what we have given to just about every country. We have lost alot of lifes fighting other peoples causes, at their request. I had to smile inside when simultaneously we are at war in Iraq and pouring millions yet again, to another country in need. One church alone here raised $30000 on one Sunday service to send. Florida recieved the same outpouring of help that I witnessed during the hurricanes. But it is disturbing that we have so much pain, and poverty and children being molested everyday and none of the movies stars or churchs are raising money for them. People who are ill are being sent to collections and credit ruined everyday over poor health. One of our 4 sufferings. So .....whats my point of all of this? It always takes bad things to create good things. It always takes not having to appreciate what you do have or obtain in life. That is the awakening that needs to occur in everyone. Hope you don't have to have a flood, tornado, hurricane, mud slide, forest fire, severe illness to get in the right place. That to me is what alot of this is about. What is important?

 

[PassTheDoobie]

In my opinion it is karma, just karma; just as it always is.

In my opinion it is karma, just karma; just as it always is.

Where were all of us and all of this compassion when half a million Tutsi's were being slaughtered in Rwanda less than ten years ago? What about the more than 100,000 CIVILIAN casualties (collateral damage) so far in Iraq, or the 25,000 more CIVILIAN casualties in AFGANISTAN? Three weeks before the big wave on the day after Christmas, as many people died in the Philippines from floods and landsides from a Typhoon then did in the twin towers on September 11th, and it barely made the news. Was there even a headline about it in the States? Big disaster, little disaster; death is death. Sorrow is sorrow. Loss is loss. 250,000 people died in an earthquake in China 12 years ago. Do you even remember that? 40,000 people died in Iran last year. Do you remember that?

So no, paint me cynical when it comes to the west's sense of morality or of their true caring for the poor and the suffering. WE HAVE FUCKED AS MANY COUNTRIES AS WE HAVE HELPED, SG. No one owes us anything. We have taken as much as we have given. We are powered by the desire and intellectual capacities of the masses escaping wherever it is that they are coming from. When people in the US hear the word 'immigration', they think of Mexicans or Haitians or Dominicans trying to swell the rolls of our welfare system. A few generations’ ago people despised the immigrants coming from Ireland and Italy the same way.

Trust me, some of these charitable contributions are motivated out of a sense of "competitive compassion" as much as they are by any real sense of human compassion. I don't think this disaster is going to change a thing. Your cable new organizations are glutting out on pictures of destruction, carnage, and true human suffering. It makes for great TV. People feel better about themselves, because it wasn't them. They feel they have somehow been protected.

But from what? I again say longevity is what it is: relative.

Just my humble opinion.

If you want to see the world change, or change the world, become a Buddha (Buddhahood manifesting as your fundamental life condition) in this lifetime.

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"We have lost alot of lifes fighting other peoples causes, at their request."

That didn't happen in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, Panama, Grenada, Kosovo, Iraq, Afganistan, or anywhere as far as I can remember; except when Bush1 came to the rescue of his buds and future business partners in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Maybe I need a history lesson. Can anyone think of the examples I am missing? When the US goes to military action, it is usually because of self-interest (national security/projection of power) or business interest, athough these motives are never reported or discussed. If the real reason we were going to these conflicts were revealed to the American People, in my opinion, they would reject the conflicts for the sake of their children.

Do you really think we are in Iraq to provide freedom to the Iraqi people or to promote democracy in the middle east? Gimme a break! These are by-products. The prime purpose is one the American People would have never supported with the blood of their sons and daughters.

Fact and not an opinion.

T

 

[Babbabud]

The Perfect Paradox

The perfect
Contains
The imperfect

The great design
Contains
Deliberate flaw

Error
Is the architect
Of evolution

The complete life
An infinite series
Of timely accidents

Each blundering moment
A perfect part
Of the perfected hole

 

[Guest]

Thomas... I for one, agree with you.......
We are not in Iraq for freedom.....
It's Oil and $$$$.....
Thanks to the Bush Dictatorship.........