Chanting Growers Group

[GeorgialouWho]

Attaining enlightenment does not require us to become anything other than a human being; it is recognizing our own true value and worth exactly as we are. By being true to ourselves, we can become happy. Only we know what it is that makes us happy and only we know when we are making efforts to make ourselves happy. Comparing ourselves with others only leads to a sense of inferiority or superiority. By focusing on surpassing our own limitations--without focusing on what others are doing--we will find it much easier to grow. No matter how much we try to become like someone else, we can only be ourselves.

Each one of us plays a valuable role in society and in the movement toward world peace. "Buddhism teaches that all things have a unique beauty and mission. Every person has a singular mission, his or her individuality and way of life. That is the natural order of thins" (Faith into Action, p. 140). The SGI is an organization where each of us is free to express ourselves in our own unique way, while striving to accomplish world peace. For the SGI to work as an organization for the people, it has to be made up of many different types of people. "Total revolution will be achieved only when people with all sorts of characters and talents fully live us to their abilities as they scale the peak of kosen-rufu on into the coming century" (Selected Lectures on the Gosho, vol. 1, p. 155).

The SGI is based on the concept of "many in body, one in mind." This represents the many different individuals that make up the SGI and our combined efforts or determination to accomplish world peace. Our mission is to learn to appreciate the differences in each individual, while striving to achieve the common goal of kosen-rufu. Nichiren Daishonin uses the analogy of fish in water to explain the unity of "many in body, one in mind." President Ikeda explains further, "‘To become inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim is to realize that our existence flourished within, and even depends on, the beautiful tapestry of human relationships woven together with the people around us" (Selected Lectures on the Gosho, vol. 1, p. 155).

Everyone has a specific role to play in society. Our mission as Buddhists is discovering what that role is and challenging ourselves to go beyond our limitation. When we make these daily efforts, we will be contributing to kosen-rufu as individuals and as Buddhas.Living Buddhism
March 2001
Page 6
By Willie Mack
Based on Yasashii Kyogaku (Easy Buddhist Study) published by the Seikyo Press in 1994.


Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

GeorgialouWho

[Babbabud]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Feeling a bit in the middle of all this. Ive got alot of stuph on my plate I need to be chanting about. I love all you guys!! Ill be away for a bit.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[GeorgialouWho]

I don't know what the score would be if anyone does that sort of thing but I'll tell you what ole DAIROKUTEN-NO-MAO is kicking ass here and taking names!

devil king of the sixth heaven
[第六天の魔王] ( Jpn dairokuten-no-mao )
Also, devil king or heavenly devil. The king of devils, who dwells in the highest or the sixth heaven of the world of desire. He is also named Freely Enjoying Things Conjured by Others, the king who makes free use of the fruits of others' efforts for his own pleasure. Served by innumerable minions, he obstructs Buddhist practice and delights in sapping the life force of other beings. One of the four devils. See also devil; four devils; Heaven of Freely Enjoying Things Conjured by Others.`buddhist dictionary


The sentence that struck me the most is; "served by innumerable minions, he obstructs Buddhist practice and delights in sapping the life force of other beings."

I will be chanting for ALL because we ALL have alot of stuff on our plate and this is not time to be getting caught up in some BS that we all know is BS; there is too much at stake! This is the crucial moment how many times has that quote been posted on here. Be good humans....

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

GeorgialouWho

[SoCal Hippy]

You must never think that any of the eighty thousand sacred teachings
of Shakyamuni Buddha's lifetime or any of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas
of the ten directions and three existences are outside yourself. Your
practice of the Buddhist teachings will not relieve you of the
sufferings of birth and death in the least unless you perceive the true
nature of your life.

(WND, 3)
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255

[SoCal Hippy]

"I hope that you will always speak the truth boldly, saying what needs
to be said no matter whom you're addressing. When it comes to
championing a just cause, you must never be cowardly, never fawn, never
try to curry favor."

Daisaku Ikeda

[EasyMyohoDisco]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Feeling a bit in the middle of all this. Ive got alot of stuph on my plate I need to be chanting about. I love all you guys!! Ill be away for a bit.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Dude we're chanting everyday here, everyday for you and yours. Take that to the bank!

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!

[GeorgialouWho]

[I]Life's Innate Good and Evil[/I]

Concerning the nature of good and evil, Nichiren Daishonin writes; " Good and evil have bben inherent in life since time without beginning...the heart of the Lotus School is the doctrine of of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, which reveals that both good and evil are inherent even in those at the highest stage of perfect enlightenment. The fundamental nature of enlighenment manifests itself as Brahma and Shakra, whereas the fundamental darkness manifests itself as the devil king of the 6th Heaven" (WND 1113) Nichiren explains that all people are endowed with surpreme good and evil, as well as the possible life states in between. We can either be godly as "Brahma and Shakra" or as devilish as the "devil king."
Good and evil, in other words, are innate, inseparable aspects of life This Buddhist concept is called the "oneness of good and evil" This teaching, however, does not mean that evil is good nor does it imply that the distinction between good and evil is irrevelent. Instead, it teaches us to perceive and triumph over evil inside-thereby conquering evil on the outside-through confidence in the universal goodness of life.
Buddhism in a New Light Shin Yatomi

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

GeorgialouWHo

[GeorgialouWho]

[I]Life's Innate Good and Evil[/I]

Concerning the nature of good and evil, Nichiren Daishonin writes; " Good and evil have bben inherent in life since time without beginning...the heart of the Lotus School is the doctrine of of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, which reveals that both good and evil are inherent even in those at the highest stage of perfect enlightenment. The fundamental nature of enlighenment manifests itself as Brahma and Shakra, whereas the fundamental darkness manifests itself as the devil king of the 6th Heaven" (WND 1113) Nichiren explains that all people are endowed with surpreme good and evil, as well as the possible life states in between. We can either be godly as "Brahma and Shakra" or as devilish as the "devil king."
Good and evil, in other words, are innate, inseparable aspects of life This Buddhist concept is called the "oneness of good and evil" This teaching, however, does not mean that evil is good nor does it imply that the distinction between good and evil is irrevelent. Instead, it teaches us to perceive and triumph over evil inside-thereby conquering evil on the outside-through confidence in the universal goodness of life.
Buddhism in a New Light Shin Yatomi

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

GeorgialouWHo

[GeorgialouWho]

continuing from Buddhism in a New Light by Shin Yatomi:

In the context of Nichiren's teaching, good means the "fundamental nature of enlightenment: or absolute freedom and happiness resulting from profound self knowledge. Evil indicates the "fundamental darkness" or life's innate delusion negating the potential of enlightenment and causing suffering for oneself and others. This inner darkness echoes with the despair that our lives are ugly and meaningless; it drives a wedge of fear that splits the hearts of people into "us" and "them." Nichiren's concept of good and evil in this sense, may be better understood as the dynamic, innate workings of life that become manifest or dormant, rather that the external moral codes determined by cultural and social conditions.

With Daimoku,

GeorialouWho

[GeorgialouWho]

MONDAY, February 4th, 2008

--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle? It is written that those who embrace the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra will be protected by the Mother of Demon Children and by the ten demon daughters."

(Reply to Kyo'o- The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 412)
Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, February 4th, 2008


Nobody protects like a MOTHER and THE SISTERS!
With Daimoku,

Georgialouwho

[SoCal Hippy]

“In the ‘Simile and Parable’ chapter of the Lotus Sutra, it is taught: ‘In that land bodhisattvas will be looked on as a great treasure.’ (The Lotus Sutra, p. 52). The most precious treasure of any land is not its vain celebrities or its arrogant rulers. The supreme treasure is bodhisattvas who work steadfastly for the happiness of others and for peace and justice in the midst of the turbulent and troubled real world. This is all of you. You are these bodhisattvas, the equals of Buddhas, the ‘treasure of treasures,’ protected and praised in lifetime after lifetime…”

Daisaku Ikeda

[SoCal Hippy]

"Buddhism teaches the principle of cherry, plum, peach and damson, that all things have a unique beauty and mission. Every person has a singular mission, his or her individuality and way of life. That is the natural order of things."

Daisaku Ikeda

[SoCal Hippy]

Between cause and effect, cause is primary. That is "Hon'nin-myo,"

..."Original cause and original effect" in this passage are the same
as "true cause" and "true effect." The "Life Span" chapter of the
essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra overturns the concept of
Buddhahood stated in the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings as well as those
of the first half, or theoretical teaching, of the Lotus Sutra. Later
in the same letter, Nichiren Daishonin refers to the "true cause" of
the Buddha's enlightenment, stating, "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the heart
of the "Life Span" chapter, is the mother of all Buddhas" (WND, 184).

Nichiren Daishonin's teaching is known as the "Buddhism of the True
Cause" because it elucidates the fundamental Law or principle by
which all Buddhas attain their original enlightenment and by which
all people can become Buddhas.

What does this principle of "true cause mean" to us ordinary
practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism? Nichiren Daishonin quotes the
Contemplation on the Mind-Ground Sutra: "If you want to understand
the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are
manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results
will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in
the present" (WND, p. 279).

In one sense, how we approach life and our Buddhist practice depends
on whether we have a perspective of "true effect" or "true cause." A
perspective of "true effect," only sees enlightenment, or happiness,
a result of past causes. From the perspective of "true cause,"
enlightenment, or happiness, is an ever-present potential; the cause
for bringing it forth can only be made right now, in the present
moment. The moment we make the "true cause," enlightenment reveals
itself.

From the standpoint of the mystic principle of true cause (Jpn hon'in-
myo) past, present and future exist fully in this moment. We cannot
change the past, yet there is no reason to let it bind or restrict
us. All of us face setbacks, disappointments and crises from time to
time, but whatever our circumstances or our past, by chanting Nam-
myoho-renge-kyo with a strong resolve, we are creating a brilliant
future in this moment. The wisdom of Buddhahood emerges within us and
informs our thoughts and actions. The true cause for enlightenment
and the true effect of enlightenment are fully present at each moment
as we exert ourselves in faith and practice.

Regarding the spirit of true cause, SGI President Ikeda said in a
dialogue with young people, "The past is the past and the future is
the future. You should keep moving forward with a steady eye on the
future, telling yourself, `I'll start from today!' `I'll start afresh
from now, from this moment!' This is the essence of Nichiren
Daishonin's Buddhism of True Cause, the spirit of starting from the
present moment. This is the heart of our daimoku"

(World Tribune,November 1, 1996, p. 11).

[GeorgialouWho]

SoCal thanks for keeping it going with such great encouragement and most profound posts. Just wanted to let everyone know that we are chanting sunday at dharma dawgs; 5 hours; from 7a-12p our time and will be chanting for unity, clarity, healing and deep gratitude for everyone on this thread and beyond.
Also wanted to share that my Aunt who has never chanted and doesn't have an interest really but 'supports' told me the other day "well i know you are doing so good g because of your chanting; there's no other reason for it." i know that is a great a profound success! for me for my family and for her especially. She has a daughter who is going thru a similar situation and things are very ugly so she said she's going to tell her she should start chanting. This is so profound this is how kosen rufu is to unfold; a third will practice; a third will support; and a third don't care either way meaning there is no opposition to the practice whatsoever.

So be it, Will it so...Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

GeogialouWho

[EasyMyohoDisco]

This is so profound this is how kosen rufu is to unfold; a third will practice; a third will support; and a third don't care either way meaning there is no opposition to the practice whatsoever.

So be it, Will it so...Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

GeogialouWho

Shakubuku in my humble opinion cannot be accurately described in numbers. I have been hearing people say the same quote in the SGI including on this thread since I began to really get into the practice. Its sounds very nice and coincides with a glass half full reality but I'm just beginning to doubt the numbers. Assuming their is a mathematical system yet to be discovered that incorporates the Mystic Law and its infinitesimal properties and permeations, or the True Cause precipitating what we know as reality, I personally feel that not even the M-Theorists or the Super-string theorists using the most advanced mathematical equations have yet to even prove what they consider 11-dimensions or rather 10+1 (doesn't that ten sound like the ten directions, ie. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Ten Directions). Essentially these philosophical, mathematical, scientific genius in recent history (the last 10,000+ years) have really accelerated our understanding of Mappo Exponentially but we just so happen to know Nichiren laid it out perfectly and flawlessly.

But then I begin to wonder about our Population explosion, and remember after World War II in america, the birth of the baby-boomers led to a population explosion, lets begin to consider the 6+billion people and the nature of this planet as running ragged on a depleted state, it seems only logical that the Humanistic approach we all share is the basis for the continued existence and expiation of all the counter-productive/progressive properties (at the very least in a conquered form) in our physical realm could sustain physical life indefinitely yet the devil of the 6th heaven collectively countermands these lofty principles. So then let me just consider something; if when I'm chanting in front of Gohonzon and Nichiren, Nikko, Sensei Toda my grandparents everyone is inside of me, I'm in my Buddhastate, I'm contemplating how I could do my best; there is only answer to the universal question I sing it everyday, daimoku and gongyo. Kosen-rufu via Shakubuku.

Well the universe consists of images we believe we're seeing and fundamentals we believe to be true, consistently we prove ourselves wrong but I just want to say that in our current state of existence there is room to think what you wanna think and do what you wanna do and say what you wanna say and imagine what you want to imagine. How then could anything have a conceivable limit, wouldn't it be a self imposed limit due to self-awareness and self-creation. Principles that mimic Buddhism yet disregard the underlying reality of infinite possibilities and infinite perceptions and behold, The True Cause, The Mystic Law the underlying fabric goes beyond belief and wisdom. We can also offer The Mystic law is inherent in all even the other dimensions science envisions because it truly is the underlying fabric of all, so then how could billions of humans, googles and scores of everything in this world and others not be consistant with that reality as well? I offer my friends that 100% of the universe which is Eagle Peak, Nirvana, Heaven, ShangriLa, ClubMed, Hedonism, you name it is 100% full of objects, people and things that are 100% consistent with The Mystic Law. But isn't that here and now, right where you sit or stand?

I digress, its awesome we have a numerical goal (for shakubuku and compassionate understanding by other) but what if all the numbers are One number and you could bend that number, couldn't you begin to bend the three thirds of practitioners, cool folk and unbelievers to 100% either way, because each one compared to the other creates a duality among the populations; intent, belief, perception, reality! How come we set goals, I think its to propell ourselves to achievement, why use numbers to understand the sweet song and dance of the universe, because in our present forms it WORKS! I love that I've been inspired to shakubuku a third of the world, but my Buddhawisdom tells me its closer to 100% (the whole number 1) the entire world that I'm destined and working on shakubukuing.

Leadership or not, we must chose to create the reality which we perceive to be true. With or without Science or Math, there is still Buddhism, the truth of Buddhawisdom permeates every reality.

Thank you G for that quote, it sparked alot of thought, I'm still wondering about things I can't even use words to describe right now but I gotta run to class and so I better get up and shake my ass. Hope Everyone makes the best of today with what they got!!!!

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!