Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

"While in the midst of a struggle, one may feel they are only making desperate efforts, but it is at times like this that one grows the most, advances, and polishes oneself. Striving is the springboard to success and victory."

SGI Newsletter No. 7999, The New Human Revolution--Vol. 23: Chap. 3, Courage 9, translated May 20th, 2010

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"In the light of the above points, this shows, my followers, that you had better cut short your sleep by night and curtail your leisure by day, and ponder this! You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come."

(The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 622) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, May 25th, 2010

 

[Babbabud]

Thanks so much for your compassion. Lucy , Mrs. B's loved the mother passed this morning at 11:05 am. I shared some Daimoku with her on her way out. Lets continue to chant for her and make her journey a quick one.

Nam myoho renge kyo
Nam myoho renge kyo
Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[FallenBuddha]

Nam myoho renge kyo... My deepest and most profound condolences and postive thoughts and vibes to you both at this sad time.

peace -fb

 

[EasyMyohoDisco]

My heart goes out to both of you

My heart goes out to both of you

Time

Time is too slow for those who wait
Too swift for those who fear
Too long for those who grieve
Too short for those who rejoice
But, for those who love –
Time is eternity.

'There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy and a tragedy'
(Mark Twain, The refuge of the Derelicts 1905)


But Not Forgotten

I think no matter where you stray,
That I shall go with you a way.
Though you may wander sweeter lands,
You will not forget my hands,
Nor yet the way I held my head
Nor the tremulous things I said.
You will still see me, small and white
And smiling, in the secret night,
And feel my arms about you when
The day comes fluttering back again.
I think, no matter where you be,
You'll hold me in your memory
And keep my image there without me,
By telling later loves about me.

(By Dorothy Parker)

'Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, which is why it is called the present'

'What the caterpillar perceives is the end, to the butterfly is just the beginning'

 

[Forest20]

Wake
By Langston Hughes

Tell all my mourners
To mourn in red --
Cause there ain't no sense
In my bein' dead.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

MrsB,

Just like Mrs. G's mom, Jolene, Albert Alonzo, Johnny in N.Y., Velma, and Southern Girl's dad, Lucy will now be in my daily prayers for the rest of my life. It's strange how many connections we have to individuals we have never met! Yet I chant Daimoku for these folks every day and many others.

I must owe them a great debt of gratitude! Or perhaps I am repaying my debt of gratitude to the person that links them to me. It is all explained by the Law of Dependent Origination.

Remember, your Buddhahood guarantees that of your parents. This is the Daishonin’s promise. You can take it to the bank.

Bowing in humble obeisance,

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Dependent Origination

Dependent Origination

Buddhism teaches that all life is interrelated. Through the concept of "dependent origination," it holds that nothing exists in isolation, independent of other life. The Japanese term for dependent origination is engi, literally "arising in relation." In other words, all beings and phenomena exist or occur only because of their relationship with other beings or phenomena. Everything in the world comes into existence in response to causes and conditions. Nothing can exist in absolute independence of other things or arise of its own accord.

Shakyamuni used the image of two bundles of reeds leaning against each other to explain dependent origination. He described how the two bundles of reeds can remain standing as long as they lean against each other. In the same way, because this exists, that exists, and because that exists, this exists. If one of the two bundles is removed, then the other will fall. Similarly, without this existence, that cannot exist, and without that existence, this cannot exist.

More specifically, Buddhism teaches that our lives are constantly developing in a dynamic way, in a synergy of the internal causes within our own life (our personality, experiences, outlook on life and so on) and the external conditions and relations around us. Each individual existence contributes to creating the environment which sustains all other existences. All things, mutually supportive and related, form a living cosmos, a single living whole.

When we realize the extent of the myriad interconnections which link us to all other life, we realize that our existence only becomes meaningful through interaction with, and in relation to, others. By engaging ourselves with others, our identity is developed, established and enhanced. We then understand that it is impossible to build our own happiness on the unhappiness of others. We also see that our constructive actions affect the world around us. And, as Nichiren wrote, "If you light a lamp for another, your own way will be lit."

There is an intimate mutual interconnection in the web of nature, in the relationship between humankind and its environment--and also between the individual and society, parents and children, husband and wife.

If as individuals we can embrace the view that "because of that, this exists," or, in other words, "because of that person, I can develop," then we need never experience pointless conflicts in human relations. In the case of a young married woman, for instance, her present existence is in relation to her husband and mother-in-law, regardless of what sort of people they may be. Someone who realizes this can turn everything, both good and bad, into an impetus for personal growth.

Buddhism teaches that we "choose" the family and circumstances into which we are born in order to learn and grow and to be able to fulfill our unique role and respective mission in life.

On a deeper level, we are connected and related not just to those physically close to us, but to every living being. If we can realize this, feelings of loneliness and isolation, which cause so much suffering, begin to vanish, as we realize that we are part of a dynamic, mutually interconnected whole.

As Daisaku Ikeda has written, an understanding of the interconnectedness of all life can lead to a more peaceful world:

"We're all human beings who, through some mystic bond, were born to share the same limited life span on this planet, a small green oasis in the vast universe. Why do we quarrel and victimize one another? If we could all keep the image of the vast heavens in mind, I believe that it would go a long way toward resolving conflicts and disputes. If our eyes are fixed on eternity, we come to realize that the conflicts of our little egos are really sad and unimportant."

[Courtesy July 1999 SGI Quarterly]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The Eternity of Life

The Eternity of Life

As a philosophy, Buddhism has always stressed the importance of squarely confronting the reality of death. Death, along with illness and aging, is defined in Buddhism as one of the fundamental sufferings that all people must face.

Because of this emphasis, Buddhism has sometimes been associated with a pessimistic outlook on life. Quite the opposite is, in fact, the case. Because death is inevitable, any attempt to ignore or avoid this most basic "fact of life" condemns us to a superficial mode of living. A clear awareness and correct understanding of the nature of death can enable us to live without fear and with strength, clarity of purpose and joy.

Buddhism views the universe as a vast living entity, in which cycles of individual life and death are repeated without cease. We experience these cycles every day, as millions of the some 60 trillion cells that comprise our bodies die and are renewed through metabolic replacement. Death is therefore a necessary part of the life process, making possible renewal and new growth. Upon death our lives return to the vast ocean of life, just as an individual wave crests and subsides back into the wholeness of the sea. Through death, the physical elements of our bodies, as well as the fundamental life-force that supports our existence, are returned and "recycled" through the universe. Ideally, death can be experienced as a period of rest, like a rejuvenating sleep that follows the strivings and exertions of the day.

Buddhism asserts that there is a continuity that persists over cycles of life and death, that our lives are, in this sense, eternal. As Nichiren wrote: "When we examine the nature of life with perfect enlightenment, we find that there is no beginning marking birth and, therefore, no end signifying death."

In the fifth century C.E., the great Indian philosopher Vasubandhu developed the "Nine-Consciousness Teaching" that provides a detailed understanding of the eternal functioning of life. In this system, the first five layers of consciousness correspond to the senses of perception and the sixth to waking consciousness. The sixth layer of consciousness includes the capacity for rational judgment and the ability to interpret the information supplied by the senses.

The seventh layer of consciousness is referred to as the mano-consciousness. This layer corresponds to the subconscious described in modern psychology and is where our profound sense of self resides.

Beneath this is the eighth, or alaya-consciousness. It is this layer of consciousness that contains the potential energy, both positive and negative, created by our thoughts, words and deeds. This potential energy, or profound life-tendency, is referred to as karma.

Again, contrary to certain assumptions, Buddhism does not consider karma to be fixed and unchangeable. Our karmic energy, which Buddhist texts describe as the "raging current" of the alaya-consciousness, interacts with the other layers of consciousness. It is at this deepest level that human beings exert influence upon one another, on their surroundings and on all life.

It is also at this level that the continuity of life over cycles of birth and death is maintained. When we die, the potential energy which represents the "karmic balance sheet" of all our actions--creative and destructive, selfish and altruistic--continues to flow forward in the alaya-consciousness. It is this karma that shapes the circumstances in which the potential energy of our lives becomes manifest again, through birth, as a new individual life.

Finally, there is the ninth level of consciousness. This is the very source of cosmic life, which embraces and supports even the functioning of the alaya-consciousness. The purpose of Buddhist practice is to stimulate and awaken this fundamentally pure amala-consciousness, or wisdom, which has the power to transform the most deeply established flow of negative energy in the more shallow layers of consciousness.

The questions of life and death are fundamental, underlying and shaping our views of just about everything. Thus, a new understanding of the nature of death--and of life's eternity--can open new horizons for all humankind, unleashing previously untapped stores of wisdom and compassion.

[Courtesy October 1998 SGI Quarterly]

 

[Mrs.Babba]

I really dont know what to say, you all have touched my heart deeply. Thank you Thomas, you always know just the right thing to say, I am at such a loss right now, but having babba by my side has been the only thing getting me thru this difficult time. I will miss my mom everyday but I share some great memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you all again.

 

[Dutchgrown]

Thanks so much for your compassion. Lucy , Mrs. B's loved the mother passed this morning at 11:05 am. I shared some Daimoku with her on her way out. Lets continue to chant for her and make her journey a quick one.

Nam myoho renge kyo
Nam myoho renge kyo
Nam myoho renge kyo

My heartfelt condolences to you and Mrs.B. I will chant for Lucy too.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!!

 

[Wilson!]

Mrs B,

My deepest condolences. Lucy will live on in your heart and mind and spirit.

I was with my mom for the last couple of days. She's close to 80 and is declining. She took another fall. She's had 5 so far.

Mom knows she is not long for this world. She has Gohonzon and takes a hit of my vape and some tincture when I visit.

So there's been many stories of her childhood and distant family members. What a crazy wild bunch.

Anyhow Mrs. B. Joy to you for having a great mom in your life. Women are the queens of peace.

best.

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The future of kosen-rufu depends on how the disciples follow through. Courageously challenge yourself and open up the way to victory. Now is the time for you to be absolutely determined to achieve what you set out to do and to inherit the fighting spirit of a lion king.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The Lotus Sutra is like the seed, the Buddha like the sower, and the people like the field. If you deviate from these principles, not even I can save you in your next life."

(The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 748) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, June 5th, 2010

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The power one person possesses is unfathomable.

"In the historic Battle of Plataea in 479 B.C.E., the Greek army won a significant victory against the Persian Empire. There was one youth among the Greeks, who was considered the finest and on whom everyone had placed high hopes. But, for some reason, perhaps a lack of vigilance, he was struck down even before the battle began. In contrast, it was a person who had frequently been insulted and dismissed as cowardly, whom the history books record to be the hero of the day for having fought most courageously and performed the greatest deeds in the actual battle. A person's true worth is demonstrated at a crucial moment.

"In the great struggle for kosen-rufu, you are all capable individuals with a oble mission. As all of you encourage and help each other grow and develop, please give full play to the wonderful abilities and potential you each possess."

SGI Newsletter No. 8006, OUR BRILLIANT PATH TO VICTORY, My Mentor, Josei Toda--Part 2 [of 2], translated June 1st, 2010

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase."

(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 386) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's essay, Seikyo Shimbun, June 6th, 2010

 

[Payaso]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Mrs. B - Sorry to hear about your Mom...

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[TrichyTrichy]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

 

[EasyMyohoDisco]

I love this quote bc it tells me to - "JUST CHANT NMRK!"

I love this quote bc it tells me to - "JUST CHANT NMRK!"

"Thus, as we have seen, even those who lack understanding, so long as they chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, can avoid the evil paths. This is like lotus flowers, which turn as the sun does, though the lotus has no mind to direct it, or like the plantain that grows with the rumbling of thunder, though this plant has no ears to hear it. Now we are like the lotus or the plantain, and the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is like the sun or the thunder."

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 142)

 

[10k]

My deepest heart felt sympathies go out to you Mrs Babba for the loss of your mother.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!