I like this quote.
Scegy and Desi and Hitman and Bonz and Always....you around???
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Chanting Growers Group
- Thread starter PassTheDoobie
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I like this quote.
Scegy and Desi and Hitman and Bonz and Always....you around???
Been a bit AWOL. Been OK just not victorious is the best way to state the situation. You know me. haha
Hope Payaso, Scegy and Hitman are still doing good!
Congratulations T! That is so awesome and validates the prayer to the Gohonzon. What a great pair you and M have become. Just blows me away.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
I am with you Easy, same here.
Have more posts to go thru to catch up but will do tomorrow and post regularly from then. Sorry if it seems like I am flooding the thread. It is not my intention.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
From "On Persecutions Befalling the Sage", in the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 997.
Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren’s followers are like roaring lions.
Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren’s followers are like roaring lions.
Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo!
Keeping our goals and targets absolutely clear and our prayers specific, let's now set about scaling life's loftiest peaks! Using the strategy of the Lotus Sutra* let's definitely realise victory.
Daisaku Ikeda
* Gosho: "Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. 'All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.' These golden words will never prove false." The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - WND-1, page 1001.
Daisaku Ikeda
* Gosho: "Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. 'All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.' These golden words will never prove false." The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - WND-1, page 1001.
"Mr. Toda insisted that nothing is worse than cowardice. Each individual, he said, needs to cultivate the dignity of a lion king. And he added that if each of us isn't strong and committed to the welfare of others and society, everyone will suffer."
SGI Newsletter No. 7960, 38th SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING—PART 1 [OF 2] Confidently Sharing Our Ideals and Convictions with Others, from the March 15th, 2010, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated March 19th, 2010
SGI Newsletter No. 7960, 38th SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING—PART 1 [OF 2] Confidently Sharing Our Ideals and Convictions with Others, from the March 15th, 2010, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated March 19th, 2010
"I will be the pillar of Japan. I will be the eyes of Japan. I will be the great ship of Japan. This is my vow, and I will never forsake it!"
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 280) Selection source: Study Material for the Gosho for April: "The Opening of the Eyes", Seikyo Shimbun, March 23rd 2010.
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 280) Selection source: Study Material for the Gosho for April: "The Opening of the Eyes", Seikyo Shimbun, March 23rd 2010.
The Lotus Sutra
The teachings of Shakyamuni, the historical founder of Buddhism, are recorded in an enormous body of texts, known as sutras. The manner in which the philosophy of Buddhism is presented within the sutras varies widely. This can be explained by a number of factors. During the some 50 years over which Shakyamuni shared his teachings with the people of his day, he traveled widely throughout India. Rather than expound his philosophy in a systematic manner, his teaching mainly took the form of dialogue. Meeting with people from a wide range of backgrounds--from ministers of state to unlettered men and women--he sought to respond to their questions and doubts. Most of all, he sought to provide answers to the fundamental questions of human existence: Why is it that we are born and must meet the inevitable sufferings of illness, aging and death?
The sutras were compiled in the years following the death of Shakyamuni; it is thought that the Lotus Sutra was compiled between the first and second century C.E. In Sanskrit it is known as the Saddharmapundarika-sutra (lit. "correct dharma white lotus sutra"). Like many Mahayana sutras, the Lotus Sutra spread through the "northern transmission" to Central Asia, China, Korea and Japan. Originally entering China in the third century C.E., the Lotus Sutra is said to have been translated into several different versions of the Chinese, of which three complete versions are extant. The fifth-century translation of Kumarajiva (344-413 C.E.) is considered to be particularly outstanding; its philosophical clarity and literary beauty are thought to have played a role in the widespread veneration of this sutra throughout East Asia.
The title of the Lotus Sutra in Kumarajiva's translation, Myoho-renge-kyo, contains the essence of the entire sutra, and it was on the basis of this realization that Nichiren (1222-1282 C.E.) established the invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as his core Buddhist practice.
The Lotus Sutra is considered the sutra that fulfills the purpose for Shakyamuni's advent in the world, expressed in these words: "At the start I took a vow, hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us." In other words, the purpose of Shakyamuni's advent was to enable all people to attain the same state of perfect enlightenment that caused him to be known as "Buddha," or "awakened one."
The Lotus Sutra contains a number of concepts that were revolutionary both within the context of Buddhist teachings and within the broader social context of the time. Many of these are not stated explicitly but are implied or materialized in the dramatic and even fantastic-seeming events portrayed in the text. Much of the genius of later scholars of the sutra, such as T'ien-t'ai (538-597 C.E.), lay in their ability to extract and systematize these principles.
A core theme of the sutra is the idea that all people equally and without exception possess the "Buddha nature." The message of the Lotus Sutra is to encourage people's faith in their own Buddha nature, their own inherent capacity for wisdom, courage and compassion. The universal capacity for enlightenment is demonstrated through the examples of people for whom this possibility had traditionally been denied, such as women and people who had committed evil deeds.
In many sutras a number of Shakyamuni's senior disciples are condemned as people who have, through arrogant attachment to their intellectual abilities and their self-absorbed practice, "scorched the seeds of their own enlightenment." The profundity of Shakyamuni's teachings in the Lotus Sutra, however, awakens in them the spirit of humility and compassion. They realize that all people are inextricably interlinked in their quest for enlightenment, and that if we desire happiness ourselves, it is imperative that we work for the happiness of others.
In this sutra, moreover, Shakyamuni demonstrates that he actually attained enlightenment in the infinite past, not in his current lifetime as had been assumed by his followers. This illustrates, through the concrete example of his own life, that attaining enlightenment does not mean to change into or become something one is not. Rather, it means to reveal the inherent, "natural" state that already exists within.
As Daisaku Ikeda has written, the Lotus Sutra is ultimately a teaching of empowerment. It "teaches us that the inner determination of an individual can transform everything; it gives ultimate expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent in each human life."
[Courtesy, July 2002 SGI Quarterly]
The teachings of Shakyamuni, the historical founder of Buddhism, are recorded in an enormous body of texts, known as sutras. The manner in which the philosophy of Buddhism is presented within the sutras varies widely. This can be explained by a number of factors. During the some 50 years over which Shakyamuni shared his teachings with the people of his day, he traveled widely throughout India. Rather than expound his philosophy in a systematic manner, his teaching mainly took the form of dialogue. Meeting with people from a wide range of backgrounds--from ministers of state to unlettered men and women--he sought to respond to their questions and doubts. Most of all, he sought to provide answers to the fundamental questions of human existence: Why is it that we are born and must meet the inevitable sufferings of illness, aging and death?
The sutras were compiled in the years following the death of Shakyamuni; it is thought that the Lotus Sutra was compiled between the first and second century C.E. In Sanskrit it is known as the Saddharmapundarika-sutra (lit. "correct dharma white lotus sutra"). Like many Mahayana sutras, the Lotus Sutra spread through the "northern transmission" to Central Asia, China, Korea and Japan. Originally entering China in the third century C.E., the Lotus Sutra is said to have been translated into several different versions of the Chinese, of which three complete versions are extant. The fifth-century translation of Kumarajiva (344-413 C.E.) is considered to be particularly outstanding; its philosophical clarity and literary beauty are thought to have played a role in the widespread veneration of this sutra throughout East Asia.
The title of the Lotus Sutra in Kumarajiva's translation, Myoho-renge-kyo, contains the essence of the entire sutra, and it was on the basis of this realization that Nichiren (1222-1282 C.E.) established the invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as his core Buddhist practice.
The Lotus Sutra is considered the sutra that fulfills the purpose for Shakyamuni's advent in the world, expressed in these words: "At the start I took a vow, hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us." In other words, the purpose of Shakyamuni's advent was to enable all people to attain the same state of perfect enlightenment that caused him to be known as "Buddha," or "awakened one."
The Lotus Sutra contains a number of concepts that were revolutionary both within the context of Buddhist teachings and within the broader social context of the time. Many of these are not stated explicitly but are implied or materialized in the dramatic and even fantastic-seeming events portrayed in the text. Much of the genius of later scholars of the sutra, such as T'ien-t'ai (538-597 C.E.), lay in their ability to extract and systematize these principles.
A core theme of the sutra is the idea that all people equally and without exception possess the "Buddha nature." The message of the Lotus Sutra is to encourage people's faith in their own Buddha nature, their own inherent capacity for wisdom, courage and compassion. The universal capacity for enlightenment is demonstrated through the examples of people for whom this possibility had traditionally been denied, such as women and people who had committed evil deeds.
In many sutras a number of Shakyamuni's senior disciples are condemned as people who have, through arrogant attachment to their intellectual abilities and their self-absorbed practice, "scorched the seeds of their own enlightenment." The profundity of Shakyamuni's teachings in the Lotus Sutra, however, awakens in them the spirit of humility and compassion. They realize that all people are inextricably interlinked in their quest for enlightenment, and that if we desire happiness ourselves, it is imperative that we work for the happiness of others.
In this sutra, moreover, Shakyamuni demonstrates that he actually attained enlightenment in the infinite past, not in his current lifetime as had been assumed by his followers. This illustrates, through the concrete example of his own life, that attaining enlightenment does not mean to change into or become something one is not. Rather, it means to reveal the inherent, "natural" state that already exists within.
As Daisaku Ikeda has written, the Lotus Sutra is ultimately a teaching of empowerment. It "teaches us that the inner determination of an individual can transform everything; it gives ultimate expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent in each human life."
[Courtesy, July 2002 SGI Quarterly]
"There is no need for you to be impatient. If you can achieve something very easily right from the start, you will find no sense of fulfillment or joy. It is in making tenacious, all-out efforts for construction that profound happiness lies.
Daisaku Ikeda
Daisaku Ikeda
A wife who leads her husband to take faith will enjoy the same benefit as Lady
Pure Virtue. All the more fortunate is a case like yours, in which both wife and
husband have faith! It is like a bird possessing two wings, or a cart having two
wheels. What is there that you two cannot achieve? Because there is a heaven and
an earth, a sun and a moon, the sun shines and the rain falls, and the plants
and trees of benefit will surely blossom and bear fruit.
(WND, 915)
An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters
Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278
Pure Virtue. All the more fortunate is a case like yours, in which both wife and
husband have faith! It is like a bird possessing two wings, or a cart having two
wheels. What is there that you two cannot achieve? Because there is a heaven and
an earth, a sun and a moon, the sun shines and the rain falls, and the plants
and trees of benefit will surely blossom and bear fruit.
(WND, 915)
An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters
Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278
We are no longer in an age when one person can shoulder everything. Of course,
for the day-to-day running of the organization someone will still be officially
designated as president, but ultimately our future development hinges on every
member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president. With this
spirit, this sense of responsibility, this leadership in your activities, may
you always work for kosen-rufu and for the victory of the people. May you also
build a Soka Gakkai where everyone can advance joyfully, a Soka Gakkai of
undying progress.
Daisaku Ikeda
for the day-to-day running of the organization someone will still be officially
designated as president, but ultimately our future development hinges on every
member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president. With this
spirit, this sense of responsibility, this leadership in your activities, may
you always work for kosen-rufu and for the victory of the people. May you also
build a Soka Gakkai where everyone can advance joyfully, a Soka Gakkai of
undying progress.
Daisaku Ikeda
If only you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, then what offense could fail to be
eradicated? What blessing could fail to come? This is the truth, and it is of
great profundity. You should believe and accept it.
(WND, 130)
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
eradicated? What blessing could fail to come? This is the truth, and it is of
great profundity. You should believe and accept it.
(WND, 130)
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
I feel great pity for you and the others, but there is little I can do to help.
Nevertheless, I pray day and night to the Lotus Sutra. Spare no effort in
offering up prayers with firm faith. It is not that my resolve [to save you] is
weak. Rather, it depends on the strength of each person's faith.
(WND, 678)
The Story of Ohashi no Taro
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on March 4, 1276
Nevertheless, I pray day and night to the Lotus Sutra. Spare no effort in
offering up prayers with firm faith. It is not that my resolve [to save you] is
weak. Rather, it depends on the strength of each person's faith.
(WND, 678)
The Story of Ohashi no Taro
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on March 4, 1276
When we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon, the good and evil
capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental
existence. Lives that are full of the pain of Hell, lives that are in the stage
of Hunger, lives warped by the state of Anger -- such lives too begin to move in
the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being
pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the
opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental
existence. Lives that are full of the pain of Hell, lives that are in the stage
of Hunger, lives warped by the state of Anger -- such lives too begin to move in
the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being
pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the
opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.
Daisaku Ikeda
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Thank you SoCal for all the inspirational posts!
PTD: Always nice to get away a few days! Hope these past few days were peaceful and restful!
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Easy, Babba: Thank you both for your contributions!
Much love to you all!
Thank you SoCal for all the inspirational posts!
PTD: Always nice to get away a few days! Hope these past few days were peaceful and restful!
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Easy, Babba: Thank you both for your contributions!
Much love to you all!
E
EasyMyohoDisco
Always swung by recently! Good to have you back concurrently with a revived rythym in my life. Today is my Gohonzon Birthday and I'm gonna make Gohonzon #1 in my life throughout the year and show everyone around how it's done!
I'm reconnected with my shakubukus and making progress in getting them to meetings and helping them chant! Let's keep sharing our experiences and inspiring the masses!
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
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