Chanting Growers Group

[SoCal Hippy]

A person can know another's' mind by listening to the voice. This is because the
physical aspect reveals the spiritual aspect. The physical and spiritual, which
are one in essence, manifest themselves as two distinct aspects; thus the
Buddha's mind found expression as the written words of the Lotus Sutra. These
written words are the Buddha's mind in a different form. Therefore, those who
read the Lotus Sutra must not regard it as consisting of mere written words, for
those words are in themselves the Buddha's mind.

(WND, 86)
Opening the Eyes of Wooden and Painted Images
Recipient unknown; written in 1264

 

[SoCal Hippy]

As I said before, though no chapter of the Lotus Sutra is negligible, among the
entire twenty-eight chapters, the "Expedient Means" chapter and the "Life Span"
chapter are particularly outstanding. The remaining chapters are all in a sense
the braches and leaves of these two chapters. Therefore, for your regular
recitation, I recommend that you practice reading the prose sections of the
"Expedient Means" and "Life Span" chapters.

(WND, 71)
The Recitation of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" Chapters
Written to Hiki Daigaku Saburo Yoshimoto's wife on April 17, 1264

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Science is based on tested proof or empirical evidence. You conduct a test or
experiment and then observe the results. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism,
similarly, teaches that nothing beats actual proof. In this regard, it stands
alone among the religions of the world. I hope that each year you will strive to
show clear proof of victory in Buddhism and your studies. Please always remember
that showing such proof is the mark of a true successor.

Daisaku Ikeda


Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[Swampdankv2]

Hello my fellow chanting amigos!

Hello my fellow chanting amigos!

Its been quite some time since I have logged on. As you can see I have had to start all over again with a new handle. (I forgot what I changed my password to). I have had so much happen since I last spoke with you. I remember what good advice and support you all gave me here and I just had to swing by and say hello.

I have been in and out of the court system for all that crap that went down last summer and still dealing with the loss of Spaceman but every day gets a little better. My interest in the spiritual realm has multiplied since my brother left us and pain has given away to curiosity about just where he might be and if he can see me etc.

My case is finally closed. Well, almost. I took a plea deal to a lesser charge and they have left me alone prettty much. I lost my drivers license and have to see a PO every month for the next two years but I will survive. I am a recluse now.

Guys, I have a confession to make. I had been battling an addiction to pain killers for quite some time. I had almost beat it on my own when Space left us. Then I dove back into it really heavy to kill that pain. Living here in Florida, I had a prescription for massive amounts of opioids. But now I am recovering. Slowly. My garden has played a huge part in helping me through and without it I dont know if I could have done this. I look back now at how I justified my addiction. Stress, prescription, etc. It makes me want to cry to see the damage I did and to know that I lost my brother to an addiction as well.

I kept alot of things bottled up for a long time. Hell, I was just starting to open up to you guys when my world came crashing down. I felt for a long time that maybe I was just meant to suffer but now I know that is not the case and we make our future.

I have kept alot of the advice you gave me close for quite awhile now and feel very thankful and lucky that I found a group of friends like you. I want to thank you so much for those kind words when I was in the liddle of the chaos. It means alot.

We moved all the way to AZ and back trying to escape the demons we were facing here and it was a huge learning experience. sometimes I wonder if I made the right decisions along the way. But I have settled on the fact that no matter which way I would have picked, there would be mistakes and triumphs.

Anyway, sorry for my rant but I wanted to make my presence known and let you know that I have been thinking of you and our conversations. I cant for the life of me remember what I changed my password to, so get used to seeing me in this skin for now. (until I can find somebody to try and hypnotize me lol)

It feels great to be back here and cant wait to hear from all of you.


SD

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always
turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of
winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever beard of a believer in the Lotus
Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those
who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood."

(WND, 536)
Winter Always Turns to Spring
Written to the lay nun Myoichi in May 1275

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha" may be read as follows:
single-mindedly observing the Buddha, concentrating one's mind on seeing the
Buddha, and when looking at one's own mind, perceiving that it is the Buddha.

(WND, 389-90)

Letter to Gijo-bo
Written to Gijo-bo on May 28, 1273

 

[SoCal Hippy]

But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in
the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by
one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an
iron staff.

(WND, 412)
Reply to Kyo'o
Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Shijo Kingo and Nichigen-nyo on August 15,
1273

 

[SoCal Hippy]

Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us
not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of
our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity
of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations.
This is the great benefit of Buddhism

Daisaku Ikeda


Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[SoCal Hippy]

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess
the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must
take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.

Daisaku Ikeda


Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[easyDaimoku]

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! I'm always here, i never left!

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! I'm always here, i never left!

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!!!!!

 

[Desiderata]

Easy!!!.....thank goodness bro.....not worried about you, but concerned. I thought yesterday to think just positive about where you were at .....this time of your life....Thank you bro!

 

[Weird]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[easyDaimoku]

Chanting as I write this....

Chanting as I write this....

Easy!!!.....thank goodness bro.....not worried about you, but concerned. I thought yesterday to think just positive about where you were at .....this time of your life....Thank you bro!

Hey Desi,

I have struggling so much lately... I have been falling down and getting back up constantly. I'm fighting battles on all fronts and not trying to surrender anything or be defeated in any of these battles. Thanks to my self sustaining faith and connection to Nichiren Daishonin and President Ikeda, I have been able to use all the encouragement I've gained from this thread and in my personal experiences to continue to develop my faith as a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin and Daisaku Ikeda. I have been fighting so hard for all the members and gaining good fortune in the process, but more difficult issues have arisen (the three obstacles and four devils) just as Nichiren tells us they will "invariably appear".

My Gohonzon has been getting so much Daimoku lately because "my soon to be ex..." has been chanting like never before. She does not realize what I have felt for a long time and I am to weak (when it comes to her) to throw her out of my house, but I'm feeling like the end is near for us. With my faith I have accomplished so much and saved so many people more than once, but I need relief and help myself. I have to chant more, like when I do when I have problems, I need to become absolutely happy through my daimoku just as Nichiren and President Ikeda tell me everyday. I read this thread everyday, the daily encouragement from Nichiren Daishonin's Goshos, To My Friends from Prez Ikeda, Weekly Words, daily guidance, everything.

I had to quit because i was so upset with certain comments over a few months and I didn't want to bring disunity with my words, actions or deeds. This is an SGI thread based on Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and any attempt to synthesize or recreate the wheel of just chanting daimoku to the Gohonzon is fruitless and counterproductive. In fact, I was a party to that exactly and felt ashamed in my actions and deeds. I don't want to deviate from this awesome practice that is open for everyone (absolutely everyone), but I don't want to let some personalities (strong, irrelevant, cowardly, confused, manipulative, etc.) get the best of me and prohibit me from practicing this Buddhism correctly.

I'm not sure if many of our friends here attend meetings locally or setup meetings or plan meetings or encourage members or visit members at their home or setup meetings or work behind the scenes for the members happiness or safety. I try my best to do these things and still find time for my life and personal interests. Its not easy, "time management" that is, but when it comes to kosen-rufu we have an unlimited amount of compassion, energy, love for humanity and love for ourselves so anything is possible.

I'm trying to become the best leader I can be. Yes I'm a leader because I choose to never follow any pack. The SGI is a Buddha and not really an organization persay. The SGI is comprised of the 'cubs of the lion king', that's us! I'm fighting internal and external evil through all my deeds and actions. I'm living the life of a Bodhisattva and trying to keep my head up in the process.

Thanks to you my friend Desi, thanks to Babba for his love and encouragement, thanks to Socal for the great posts, thanks to all for your sincere participation and practice. Stop following weakness and gain strength by following your heart to the Gohonzon and chanting for anything and everything. Some people just chant to chant with no other intentions, that's cool! I'm obviously the Type A, can't get enough, won't stop because I can't stop Bodhisattva, but as I said; "This Practice is Universal and Open to Everyone!" Look at Swamp! I'm so impressed with his post and ichinen, that is truly remarkable! Another great person realizes they can also be a victor in life because of this amazing thread, thanks to PasstheDoobie who also shakubukued me!

Man I miss the Doobmiester, I'm sure you do too! Recently my 10th friend got his Gohonzon and that was a huge breakthrough for me. I'm supporting two new young men guests who are also chanting. In order to get your Gohonzon now, you have to chant and have an altar, like everyone else, setup and ready to enshrine the Gohonzon. That way new members jump right in and don't procrastinate until someone comes over to enshrine the Gohonzon and set everything up. Its also great for med growing recluses like us to start up our practice. I'm doing all I can for use chanting growers to win and never be defeated.

Tom always says to us when the going gets rough "Don't be afraid. Don't be defeated. Faith! Victory of Gold!"

Thanks for your posts Desi, you're my homie for life and I hope you Ann and your pup are doing well brother. All my best to my other friends here, you know who you are!

Let's win,

 

[Babbabud]

Great to see you post up Disco.
Nam myoho renge kyo
Know that our chants are always with you !!
Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[Desiderata]

What's truly amazing, whatever is posted on this thread always has an impact on me. I will meditate on SoCals posts, I'll feel refreshed from posts like Swampsdanks very personal, truthful account of where his life has led him, in and out of hell, from a very blissful past in this life I'm sure. This last post of yours bro, leaves me confident, that you are back on track and still Very Much Together, more than most of us bro.....and of course that mean ole Devil has been waiting for ya round the corner. What's funny, a past Devil King entered my day today. It triggered all these insecure thoughts and fears.....those kind of people I swear are pure evil....just somedays they pretend to be good.

I too Easy have my daily struggles, alot with other personalities, and I struggle to find balance so I can still be happy and smile while I'm working around others.

Gotta break for dinner......more later Disco!......Thoughts are swirling now like crazy...LOL

 

[Forest20]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

 

[easyDaimoku]

To My Dear Young French Friends Who Embrace the Mystic Law
(Excerpt)
You have now arisen
As pioneers of the noble and eternal movement of kosen-rufu
Lifting the banners of justice,
Of freedom,
And of life.
………………………
We must know
That people will gather only around
The courageous heroes of justice
Who stand alone and advance resolutely,
Defying the slope of difficulties
And the range of steep mountains.
……………………….
The two hundred youths standing here today!
You will stand here on the summit of the second phase
In the kosen-rufu of France,
Signing the song of victory,
Sending forth resounding applause.
That very day of accomplishment
Is June 14 of the year 2001.
This is the day to aim for.

Daisaku Ikeda
Paris, France
June 14, 1981

Ikeda-ism should be something that people could learn at school as a major because I've learned many things in the past decade of education post college and i'm excited to be a part of the kosen-rufu movement. If other kids learned what I've learned from the books by Ikeda, or being a part of this thread leading you to learn about Global Citizenship, sincere dialogue, and fundamental respect for all human life, there would be so much more going for us humans right now during these tough times.

Nichiren Daishonin went through so much so that we could chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon. That is my fundamental joy and daily refreshment, I mean: tapping into my unlimited potential and all the universe's potential as well through my strong consistent daimoku (chanting: Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! like a strong galloping horse running free with pride, vigor and unlimited stamina). I'm chanting more these days while my mother withers away, and it hurts to see this going on, but its important to me that I continue on the path I set out on.

This path is a long road and taking care of the people I have introduced to this practice is best accomplished through chanting deep and sincere daimoku for them. Help your friends and family with that strong daimoku, I have always received so much goodness since I began my practice.

Let's keep climbing the mountains of our goals and dreams in this life and never settle for anything less than our intended results. Let's chant as much as it takes to become absolutely happy no matter what. That's really what I'm all about Swamp, call the local center and get your Gohonzon then chant as much as possible. That's the ticket!

 

[easyDaimoku]

“To My Beloved Young American Friends-Youthful Bodhisattvas of the Earth” ​

(Excerpts)

The world today is ailing.
This continental land, America,
is also faltering, about to succumb to the same illness.
……………..
Never forget your vow,
made in the infinite past,
to love this homeland,
to stand alone against injustice
as vibrant youth of high ideals,
undertaking the adventure
and battle for human advancement.
……………….
You who shoulder America’s future!
Recalling, learning from the assaults borne by the Daishonin,
never fear the persecutions that will
inevitably arise as kosen-rufu unfolds.
Never become base or cowardly!
Never be taken in by the false
and cunning words
of those who have betrayed their faith.
………………..
Youthful friends and comrades
swirling out onto the grand stage
of the twenty-first centrury!
Not a single one of you should fall behind.
………………..
Confident that from yet narrow path
you will forge a grand passage into the future,
I am happy and filled with joy.

Daisaku Ikeda
New York
June 20, 1981​

 

[Desiderata]

Post meant for Easy

Post meant for Easy

What's truly amazing, whatever is posted on this thread always has an impact on me. I will meditate on SoCals posts, I'll feel refreshed from posts like Swampsdanks very personal, truthful account of where his life has led him, in and out of hell, from a very blissful past in this life I'm sure. This last post of yours bro, leaves me confident, that you are back on track and still Very Much Together, more than most of us bro.....and of course that mean ole Devil has been waiting for ya round the corner. What's funny, a past Devil King entered my day today. It triggered all these insecure thoughts and fears.....those kind of people I swear are pure evil....just somedays they pretend to be good.

I too Easy have my daily struggles, alot with other personalities, and I struggle to find balance so I can still be happy and smile while I'm working around others.

Gotta break for dinner......more later Disco!......Thoughts are swirling now like crazy...LOL

Hey Easy, after re-reading my post I want you to know it was addressed to you brother, referring to your long beautiful post.
Have a wonderful day everybody.....make the most of it with courage and happiness.....desi