Chanting Growers Group
- Thread starter PassTheDoobie
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"Mr. Toda urged us to seek out the best in order to elevate and improve ourselves. He did not wish to raise young people as narrow-minded religious specialists. His aim was to foster us into top-level members of society in every way. I, too, want to enable youth to experience the best in every field of human endeavour. Once you have seen the best, you quickly recognize the second- or third-rate. The reverse is not true, however; you can focus on the second- or third-rate forever without ever understanding the best.
"Meet first-rate people, listen to first-rate music, read first-rate literature, and see first-rate art: that’s the way to polish your character until it becomes first-rate, too."
SGI Newsletter No. 6902, Dialogues with World Citizens, Yehudi Menuhin—World-renowned Violinist, translated July 3rd, 2006
"Meet first-rate people, listen to first-rate music, read first-rate literature, and see first-rate art: that’s the way to polish your character until it becomes first-rate, too."
SGI Newsletter No. 6902, Dialogues with World Citizens, Yehudi Menuhin—World-renowned Violinist, translated July 3rd, 2006
"Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 385) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 5th, 2006
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 385) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 5th, 2006
G
Guest
Yes!
Yes!
Whoa, we're cruising!
SGI is the greatest school of life I have ever encountered. Some think alchemy is impossible.... With Nam Myoho Renge Kyo you can turn poison into medicine.
Here's a brief expirience shared by members who recently departed our district for apparently bigger and better things....
Andy and Ruth are a very special couple in their early 40s with 5 children. Andy was a professor for 15 years and left academia after encountering many uphill battles within his scholastic community. His wife an artist came up with an idea to write children's books with Buddhist messages and encouragement as the main theme behind the books, Andy joined his wife and they began their own publishing company about 5 years ago. Their financial situation briefly improved enough to lead them to quit practicing Buddhism and apparently thats when the serious struggles began. The were having a hard time making ends meet and their children were on the brink of hunger, and then relief came in the form of some temporary work for the two of them and they rejoined their practice by attending meetings again and practicing day and night. Real Estate values flew in the past couple of years and so did their rent, early this year they reached the point where it was almost unmanigable to live in our area so they began to chant for help, for anything that could improve their life and just kept inviting members over to have Tosos at their place and they continued to practice regardless of the struggles.
The situation became a bit worse when their current landlord raised their rent another 500 and they certainly could not continuing living here so they started looking for a new place. To no avail nothing presented itself since its very tough to find a place to rent with over 1 bedroom for less than 1300 out here their outlook was becoming bleek again. So they continued to chant and attend meetings no matter what.... then finally when they assumed it would be only a matter of days before they would have to take up residence in the home of one of our more financially secure members in our district, Ruth purchased a newpaper and was looking for places to rent and in a moment of frustration she threw the paper on the floor and Andy went to pick it up and the first thing he read was an ad for an house which said rent to buy in another state. The price was within their means and Andy jumped on the oppurtunity to drive 22 hours and meet the person who took out this ad.
When Andy arrived he sees a new lovely house in a very nice neighborhood and speaking to the landlord he finds out this gentleman was one of the nicest people he ever met and the landlord says to Andy "If you rent for one year I will give you back 6 months of rent to buy the house, no questions asked" Andy was ecstatic and to make matters better .... NO CREDIT CHECK was required, he was in the clear! So he left his van parked in the driveway of the house and flew back to his family to share the great news....
Upon arriving and sharing his delight with his dear family, something happens.... The phone rings, its a stranger calling regarding their books. He setups an appointment for the next day. Andy and Ruth accept him in their home and the result of their conversation was......
The man purchased a HUGE order of books with options to buy many more and also..... INVESTED 25,000 in their COMPANY! They were blown away and emailed the district leaders to share the expirience on that saturday ( we usually have wednesday & saturday meetings but you can find one everyday if need be). When they came to share the expirience and began speaking I could feel their incredible gratitude as if it was my own and when Ruth finished Andy wanted to say a few words... He started to say something then broke down in tears, we all errupted into a huge feeling of Happiness Appreciation and Joy mixed into one huge perfect storm within the packed living room of one of our members.
Subsequently it was their last meeting in our district and we all had a nice breakfast together to send them off. It was so great to hug each of them and share in their sense of victory.
This was my wife's first meeting as a result their incredible fortune has been part of the CHAIN REACTION which is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in both our lives! GUYS, I AM SO HAPPY FOR THESE PEOPLE and ALSO FOR EACH OF US!
You see, no matter what, regardless of your misconceptions, this Buddha Nature is within you. Even those who struggle yet remain faithful still continuously overcome. These two could not be defeated even though they could not maintain consistency with their practice, which leads me to the conclusion that The Unlimited Resource of Strength Fortitude Respect Compassion and Sheer Happiness has been within you all this time!
How great is it to be alive in the latter day of the law and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo? I been/am/will be doing this for "countless kalpas" Join me
Yes!
Whoa, we're cruising!
SGI is the greatest school of life I have ever encountered. Some think alchemy is impossible.... With Nam Myoho Renge Kyo you can turn poison into medicine.
Here's a brief expirience shared by members who recently departed our district for apparently bigger and better things....
Andy and Ruth are a very special couple in their early 40s with 5 children. Andy was a professor for 15 years and left academia after encountering many uphill battles within his scholastic community. His wife an artist came up with an idea to write children's books with Buddhist messages and encouragement as the main theme behind the books, Andy joined his wife and they began their own publishing company about 5 years ago. Their financial situation briefly improved enough to lead them to quit practicing Buddhism and apparently thats when the serious struggles began. The were having a hard time making ends meet and their children were on the brink of hunger, and then relief came in the form of some temporary work for the two of them and they rejoined their practice by attending meetings again and practicing day and night. Real Estate values flew in the past couple of years and so did their rent, early this year they reached the point where it was almost unmanigable to live in our area so they began to chant for help, for anything that could improve their life and just kept inviting members over to have Tosos at their place and they continued to practice regardless of the struggles.
The situation became a bit worse when their current landlord raised their rent another 500 and they certainly could not continuing living here so they started looking for a new place. To no avail nothing presented itself since its very tough to find a place to rent with over 1 bedroom for less than 1300 out here their outlook was becoming bleek again. So they continued to chant and attend meetings no matter what.... then finally when they assumed it would be only a matter of days before they would have to take up residence in the home of one of our more financially secure members in our district, Ruth purchased a newpaper and was looking for places to rent and in a moment of frustration she threw the paper on the floor and Andy went to pick it up and the first thing he read was an ad for an house which said rent to buy in another state. The price was within their means and Andy jumped on the oppurtunity to drive 22 hours and meet the person who took out this ad.
When Andy arrived he sees a new lovely house in a very nice neighborhood and speaking to the landlord he finds out this gentleman was one of the nicest people he ever met and the landlord says to Andy "If you rent for one year I will give you back 6 months of rent to buy the house, no questions asked" Andy was ecstatic and to make matters better .... NO CREDIT CHECK was required, he was in the clear! So he left his van parked in the driveway of the house and flew back to his family to share the great news....
Upon arriving and sharing his delight with his dear family, something happens.... The phone rings, its a stranger calling regarding their books. He setups an appointment for the next day. Andy and Ruth accept him in their home and the result of their conversation was......
The man purchased a HUGE order of books with options to buy many more and also..... INVESTED 25,000 in their COMPANY! They were blown away and emailed the district leaders to share the expirience on that saturday ( we usually have wednesday & saturday meetings but you can find one everyday if need be). When they came to share the expirience and began speaking I could feel their incredible gratitude as if it was my own and when Ruth finished Andy wanted to say a few words... He started to say something then broke down in tears, we all errupted into a huge feeling of Happiness Appreciation and Joy mixed into one huge perfect storm within the packed living room of one of our members.
Subsequently it was their last meeting in our district and we all had a nice breakfast together to send them off. It was so great to hug each of them and share in their sense of victory.
This was my wife's first meeting as a result their incredible fortune has been part of the CHAIN REACTION which is Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in both our lives! GUYS, I AM SO HAPPY FOR THESE PEOPLE and ALSO FOR EACH OF US!
You see, no matter what, regardless of your misconceptions, this Buddha Nature is within you. Even those who struggle yet remain faithful still continuously overcome. These two could not be defeated even though they could not maintain consistency with their practice, which leads me to the conclusion that The Unlimited Resource of Strength Fortitude Respect Compassion and Sheer Happiness has been within you all this time!
How great is it to be alive in the latter day of the law and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo? I been/am/will be doing this for "countless kalpas" Join me
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G
Guest
Great Stuff!
Great Stuff!
Please read this above reference post again! Its that good.
More Food for thought....
Gosho Excerpt:
"Strengthen your faith now more than ever. Anyone who teaches the principles of Buddhism to others is bound to incur hatred from men and women, priests and nuns. Let them say what they will. Entrust yourself to the golden teachings of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha, T'ien-t'ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo, and Chang-an. This is what is signified by the _expression, "practicing according to the Buddha's teachings."
The embankments of faith,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 626)
Written to Sennichi-ama on 3 September 1275 from Minobu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/626.html
Daily Encouragement:
Even in times of hardship, the important thing is for each of us to determine that we are the star, protagonist and hero of our lives and keep moving forward. Putting ourselves down and shrinking back from the obstacles looming before us spell certain defeat. Through making ourselves strong and developing our state of life, we can definitely find a way through. As long as we uphold the Mystic Law throughout our lives, we can break through any impasse and surmount any obstacle. We will also be able to lead all those who are suffering to happiness.
Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/
Great Stuff!
PassTheDoobie said:
Please read this above reference post again! Its that good.
More Food for thought....
Gosho Excerpt:
"Strengthen your faith now more than ever. Anyone who teaches the principles of Buddhism to others is bound to incur hatred from men and women, priests and nuns. Let them say what they will. Entrust yourself to the golden teachings of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha, T'ien-t'ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo, and Chang-an. This is what is signified by the _expression, "practicing according to the Buddha's teachings."
The embankments of faith,
(The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, pg# 626)
Written to Sennichi-ama on 3 September 1275 from Minobu
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Nichiren/wnd/concord/pages.view/626.html
Daily Encouragement:
Even in times of hardship, the important thing is for each of us to determine that we are the star, protagonist and hero of our lives and keep moving forward. Putting ourselves down and shrinking back from the obstacles looming before us spell certain defeat. Through making ourselves strong and developing our state of life, we can definitely find a way through. As long as we uphold the Mystic Law throughout our lives, we can break through any impasse and surmount any obstacle. We will also be able to lead all those who are suffering to happiness.
Lectures and articles about Nichiren Buddhism: http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/
"When a person stops growing, their spirit begins to degenerate. They fall prey to arrogance and begin to look down on others and act haughty. No matter how elevated such a person’s social position may be, as a human being they have descended into a wretched life-state.
"Upon attaining positions of authority, many people succumb to the poisonous influences of power, becoming spiritually numb, arrogant, greedy, and self-opinionated....
"Those who become arrogant and isolated, losing all appreciation for those who have supported them, have already ceased to grow; they have also lost their humanity. Ingratitude is the starting point of the dark and dismal road to decline. This is a principle that applies to individuals, societies, and human history as a whole....
"On the other hand, those who, regardless of status or wealth, put their full effort into the challenges of learning will be able to transform all of their difficulties into strengths, achieve splendid growth, and become talented people who are able to make excellent contributions to society. This is the right way to live.
"Dewey and Makiguchi each assert that we should not put too much emphasis on what has already happened. We should not dwell on the past. Past achievements are, in a sense, like the ashes remaining after a fire has burned out. The tendency to rest on past achievements is a bad habit shared by many in Japanese society.
''At this moment, am I really learning?' 'At this moment, am I truly developing myself?' By continually asking ourselves these questions, we will grow, and this in turn will be a positive influence on the development of our juniors. This is represented by the Buddhist teaching: 'If you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present' (WND, 279)."
SGI Newsletter No. 6904, The Triumph of Education Is the Everlasting Triumph of Humanity, On June 6, 2006, the 135th anniversary of first Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi’s birth, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC) awarded SGI President Ikeda an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his contributions to education and peace. SIUC Chancellor Walter V. Wendler and Dr. Larry Hickman, director of the university’s Center for Dewey Studies, were among those who participated in the conferral ceremony, which was held at Soka University’s Central Tower in Hachioji, Tokyo. Translated July 4th, 2006
"Upon attaining positions of authority, many people succumb to the poisonous influences of power, becoming spiritually numb, arrogant, greedy, and self-opinionated....
"Those who become arrogant and isolated, losing all appreciation for those who have supported them, have already ceased to grow; they have also lost their humanity. Ingratitude is the starting point of the dark and dismal road to decline. This is a principle that applies to individuals, societies, and human history as a whole....
"On the other hand, those who, regardless of status or wealth, put their full effort into the challenges of learning will be able to transform all of their difficulties into strengths, achieve splendid growth, and become talented people who are able to make excellent contributions to society. This is the right way to live.
"Dewey and Makiguchi each assert that we should not put too much emphasis on what has already happened. We should not dwell on the past. Past achievements are, in a sense, like the ashes remaining after a fire has burned out. The tendency to rest on past achievements is a bad habit shared by many in Japanese society.
''At this moment, am I really learning?' 'At this moment, am I truly developing myself?' By continually asking ourselves these questions, we will grow, and this in turn will be a positive influence on the development of our juniors. This is represented by the Buddhist teaching: 'If you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present' (WND, 279)."
SGI Newsletter No. 6904, The Triumph of Education Is the Everlasting Triumph of Humanity, On June 6, 2006, the 135th anniversary of first Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi’s birth, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC) awarded SGI President Ikeda an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his contributions to education and peace. SIUC Chancellor Walter V. Wendler and Dr. Larry Hickman, director of the university’s Center for Dewey Studies, were among those who participated in the conferral ceremony, which was held at Soka University’s Central Tower in Hachioji, Tokyo. Translated July 4th, 2006
Just as I was thinking that, even if I remained free from illness, I would surely die of starvation, the wheat that you sent arrived. It is more wonderful than gold and more precious than jewels. Rida's millet changed into a golden man. How, then, could Tokimitsu's wheat fail to turn into the characters of the Lotus Sutra? These characters of the Lotus Sutra will become Shakyamuni Buddha and then a pair of wings for your deceased father, flying and soaring to the pure land of Eagle Peak. On returning, they will cover your body and protect you.
[ Reply to Tokimitsu, WND Page 926 ]
[ Reply to Tokimitsu, WND Page 926 ]
an easy answer...
an easy answer...
“we all wanted to know why is the pace at the Kosen-rufu gongyo is so quick?”
Easy! If one hangs around the SGI very long, one will hear the expression, “…Like a galloping horse.” This is an SGI-centric interpretation of the spirit which one should engage the Gohonzon through Daimoku and Gongyo. The priesthood NEVER has chanted Daimoku or done Gongyo in this manner and in the past were critical of the SGI for having adopted this tradition. However, considering myself someone of above average faith and experience, I can only offer my objective opinion.
I have done Ushutori Gongyo with the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu at the head temple on more than one occasion. Ushutori Gongyo (sometimes referred to as ‘Midnight Gongyo’) is a special gongyo done at around two AM, which has been for the purpose of praying for kosen rufu, every single night, for centuries. It is a S*L*O*W gongyo that literally would pretty much put you to sleep (the tradition being that one had to wake-up, rather than stay-up, to do it). Every single syllable was pronounced accurately and clearly. BUT GOD WAS IT TEDIOUS IF YOU ALREADY KNEW HOW TO DO GONGYO!
But we’re not priests! We are lay-believers.
In a large group, the person leading the large group determines the pace of the ‘Gallop’. The bigger the group, generally, the more experienced the person leading it. One will rarely find the pace of gongyo done at the group or district level done at the same pace as that of a larger regional gathering. You generally will not find a group or district chief leading gongyo at a larger regional gathering.
When one rides a horse, the horse is moving forward, making progress, getting to where it is supposed to go, whether it is walking, trotting, or galloping. If one has never been up on the back of a horse, it is quite an exhilarating experience just to get up there—to be elevated so much higher than when standing on one’s own two feet, to feel the potential power of the beautiful living creature beneath you, giving it’s power to you, empowering you to potentially become one with it and experience something that you absolutely could not without that connection. Technically speaking, the very fastest humans are not faster that the slowest healthy horse.
When you finally get the courage to say ’Giddy-up’, even those first few steps of walking bring forth a sense of freedom. It is actually a state of joy, in my experience. After awhile of walking, however, it is naturally compelling to want to go a bit faster. Few new riders will be satisfied to just walk their horses forever. WE ALWAYS WANT TO GO FASTER! This is innate within human nature, I believe.
But frankly, after you feel safe enough in your abilities to do so, although trotting may be much faster than walking it can actually become painful to do so. Generally a horse will trot all day if you let it. It is comfortable and efficient. Galloping comes from an external influence to either the horse or the rider. It isn’t necessary. But if you want to feel true exhilaration—if you want to “ride like the wind”—you gallop. AND THERE IS NO FEELING LIKE BEING ON THE BACK OF A GALLOPING HORSE!
If it’s not comfortable, you just pull back on the reigns. The horse will break into a trot. No problems! It’s safe and efficient. No need to do something one is not comfortable with. But once you have experienced the gallop, the experience of trotting is never the same.
“is slow gongyo meant to be a "more inclusive" way to chant…” Yes, of course. Even new practitioners can at least read and follow with assistance.
“…and the fast pace being the normal pace?” Generally speaking, based on personal preference and the appropriateness of the venue—Yes.
“I was under the impression that however you chant is the right way to chant…” Again your understanding is correct.
“now what is the proper form to recite gongyo or is the proper way to chant gongyo up to your discretion?” Yes it is actually up to your discretion, as is how you formulate the silent prayers.
“I follow the book and after reciting the Hoben and Juryo chapters I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for a few minutes then proceed to silent prayers. My district chants a half hour of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo at the start of the meeting then we do gongyo. I have heard from other members that they chant for a half hour then do gongyo then chant for another half hour, I want to chant more effectively and respect the "format" if there is one.”
The new format formally adopted by the SGI was created by a committee of members, and not dictated by anyone, as it cannot be. We are not drones. We are empowered by our own Buddha Natures to embrace the Gohonzon as each of us individually sees fit, taking responsibility for our lives, if we are getting it wrong. But one can’t really get it wrong, if one embraces a sincere seeking spirit no matter what you do. Impossible.
However in a group gathering, it could get pretty weird if during the recitation of the sutra portion of the meeting everybody is doing their own thing. So a format for the sake of unity has been adopted and is spelled out in black and white in the sutra book. Look and you will find it. How I do it—how you do it—how they do it—is all irrelevant as long as it is being done.
Chanting effectively comes from your heart not from a format.
(the rest of your Q’s responded to later)
T
an easy answer...
easydisco said:
“we all wanted to know why is the pace at the Kosen-rufu gongyo is so quick?”
Easy! If one hangs around the SGI very long, one will hear the expression, “…Like a galloping horse.” This is an SGI-centric interpretation of the spirit which one should engage the Gohonzon through Daimoku and Gongyo. The priesthood NEVER has chanted Daimoku or done Gongyo in this manner and in the past were critical of the SGI for having adopted this tradition. However, considering myself someone of above average faith and experience, I can only offer my objective opinion.
I have done Ushutori Gongyo with the High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu at the head temple on more than one occasion. Ushutori Gongyo (sometimes referred to as ‘Midnight Gongyo’) is a special gongyo done at around two AM, which has been for the purpose of praying for kosen rufu, every single night, for centuries. It is a S*L*O*W gongyo that literally would pretty much put you to sleep (the tradition being that one had to wake-up, rather than stay-up, to do it). Every single syllable was pronounced accurately and clearly. BUT GOD WAS IT TEDIOUS IF YOU ALREADY KNEW HOW TO DO GONGYO!
But we’re not priests! We are lay-believers.
In a large group, the person leading the large group determines the pace of the ‘Gallop’. The bigger the group, generally, the more experienced the person leading it. One will rarely find the pace of gongyo done at the group or district level done at the same pace as that of a larger regional gathering. You generally will not find a group or district chief leading gongyo at a larger regional gathering.
When one rides a horse, the horse is moving forward, making progress, getting to where it is supposed to go, whether it is walking, trotting, or galloping. If one has never been up on the back of a horse, it is quite an exhilarating experience just to get up there—to be elevated so much higher than when standing on one’s own two feet, to feel the potential power of the beautiful living creature beneath you, giving it’s power to you, empowering you to potentially become one with it and experience something that you absolutely could not without that connection. Technically speaking, the very fastest humans are not faster that the slowest healthy horse.
When you finally get the courage to say ’Giddy-up’, even those first few steps of walking bring forth a sense of freedom. It is actually a state of joy, in my experience. After awhile of walking, however, it is naturally compelling to want to go a bit faster. Few new riders will be satisfied to just walk their horses forever. WE ALWAYS WANT TO GO FASTER! This is innate within human nature, I believe.
But frankly, after you feel safe enough in your abilities to do so, although trotting may be much faster than walking it can actually become painful to do so. Generally a horse will trot all day if you let it. It is comfortable and efficient. Galloping comes from an external influence to either the horse or the rider. It isn’t necessary. But if you want to feel true exhilaration—if you want to “ride like the wind”—you gallop. AND THERE IS NO FEELING LIKE BEING ON THE BACK OF A GALLOPING HORSE!
If it’s not comfortable, you just pull back on the reigns. The horse will break into a trot. No problems! It’s safe and efficient. No need to do something one is not comfortable with. But once you have experienced the gallop, the experience of trotting is never the same.
“is slow gongyo meant to be a "more inclusive" way to chant…” Yes, of course. Even new practitioners can at least read and follow with assistance.
“…and the fast pace being the normal pace?” Generally speaking, based on personal preference and the appropriateness of the venue—Yes.
“I was under the impression that however you chant is the right way to chant…” Again your understanding is correct.
“now what is the proper form to recite gongyo or is the proper way to chant gongyo up to your discretion?” Yes it is actually up to your discretion, as is how you formulate the silent prayers.
“I follow the book and after reciting the Hoben and Juryo chapters I chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for a few minutes then proceed to silent prayers. My district chants a half hour of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo at the start of the meeting then we do gongyo. I have heard from other members that they chant for a half hour then do gongyo then chant for another half hour, I want to chant more effectively and respect the "format" if there is one.”
The new format formally adopted by the SGI was created by a committee of members, and not dictated by anyone, as it cannot be. We are not drones. We are empowered by our own Buddha Natures to embrace the Gohonzon as each of us individually sees fit, taking responsibility for our lives, if we are getting it wrong. But one can’t really get it wrong, if one embraces a sincere seeking spirit no matter what you do. Impossible.
However in a group gathering, it could get pretty weird if during the recitation of the sutra portion of the meeting everybody is doing their own thing. So a format for the sake of unity has been adopted and is spelled out in black and white in the sutra book. Look and you will find it. How I do it—how you do it—how they do it—is all irrelevant as long as it is being done.
Chanting effectively comes from your heart not from a format.
(the rest of your Q’s responded to later)
T
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Wow, what actual proof, EasyDisco, thanks for sharing your experience.
Doobie, Thank you again for sharing words of wisdom.
There are a lot of misguided souls and I have to chant from my heart for them so they don't mistakenly take me out with them on their path of death and destruction. I'm dealing with neighbors who are so far gone from their buddha nature that I have to muster up the strength to pray that good things will happen to them so their negativity will not hurt me anymore. I feel a little weak but I know the strength of the Gohonzon will not faulter.
I have a little bit of smoke left thankfully.
Nam-Myoho- Renge-Kyo
Doobie, Thank you again for sharing words of wisdom.
There are a lot of misguided souls and I have to chant from my heart for them so they don't mistakenly take me out with them on their path of death and destruction. I'm dealing with neighbors who are so far gone from their buddha nature that I have to muster up the strength to pray that good things will happen to them so their negativity will not hurt me anymore. I feel a little weak but I know the strength of the Gohonzon will not faulter.
I have a little bit of smoke left thankfully.
Nam-Myoho- Renge-Kyo
To me the people were not galloping on a horse they were in a full on drag race. Actually looking uncomfortable at trying to go so fast and not pronouncing words at all. I looked around and really thought that many looked quite labored. As I could not even begin to dream of keeping up I had some time to observe. It seemed much more like a race then a prayer. Im so glad its our own practice so we can decide how fast we choose to do gongyo. Not sure all us country folk could keep up with the city folk. I think our whole lifestyle is much slower. . Its a prayer 
Just my .02 as they say. The real key for all of us is that it is OUR practice Ill go fast enough to exhilerate but slow enough to announciate. I love this practice
nam myoho renge kyo
nam myoho renge kyo
Just my .02 as they say. The real key for all of us is that it is OUR practice Ill go fast enough to exhilerate but slow enough to announciate. I love this practice nam myoho renge kyo
nam myoho renge kyo
The young men's division, the young warriors, are the ones that can chant at break neck speeds, their youthful strength is vibrant.
The slow midnight gongyo I love because they wanted to as you said Bubba, enunciate every syllable. I
It is all lovely and good!
I llike the extension before you start as: Na Mu Myoho Renge Kyo and then proceeding to the Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. When I was little I'd write it as Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo!
The slow midnight gongyo I love because they wanted to as you said Bubba, enunciate every syllable. I
It is all lovely and good!
I llike the extension before you start as: Na Mu Myoho Renge Kyo and then proceeding to the Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. When I was little I'd write it as Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo!
I love you Bud!
I love you Bud!
I guess I'll have to add a few more comments to the above discussion when I can. I should have added Mr. Matsuoka's instruction to me in the first place. I appreciate you speaking freely so I can share that with you then.
Thank you Brother!
(time to get some rest...)
T
I love you Bud!
PassTheDoobie said:
I guess I'll have to add a few more comments to the above discussion when I can. I should have added Mr. Matsuoka's instruction to me in the first place. I appreciate you speaking freely so I can share that with you then.
Thank you Brother!
(time to get some rest...)
T
"Those whose hearts shine with a commitment to truth and justice never lose hope, even in the midst of the greatest hardship or difficulty. Rather, they serve as a bright beacon illuminating the darkness of people’s suffering, imparting inspiration, assurance, and courage.
"When we change, the world changes. The key to all change is in our inner transformation—a change in our hearts and minds. This is human revolution. We all have the power to change. When we realize this truth, we can bring forth that power anywhere, anytime, and in any situation.
"The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, based on the transformative principles of the Lotus Sutra, has made this great path of inner change available to all people, with the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as its core practice."
SGI Newsletter No. 6905, SGI President Ikeda’s Study Lecture Series, LECTURES ON “ON ATTAINING BUDDHAHOOD IN THIS LIFETIME”, [5] Chanting Daimoku with a “Brave and Vigorous” Spirit—Polishing Our Lives through Daily Challenge, translated July 5th, 2006
"When we change, the world changes. The key to all change is in our inner transformation—a change in our hearts and minds. This is human revolution. We all have the power to change. When we realize this truth, we can bring forth that power anywhere, anytime, and in any situation.
"The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, based on the transformative principles of the Lotus Sutra, has made this great path of inner change available to all people, with the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as its core practice."
SGI Newsletter No. 6905, SGI President Ikeda’s Study Lecture Series, LECTURES ON “ON ATTAINING BUDDHAHOOD IN THIS LIFETIME”, [5] Chanting Daimoku with a “Brave and Vigorous” Spirit—Polishing Our Lives through Daily Challenge, translated July 5th, 2006
"Whatever trouble occurs, regard it as no more than a dream, and think only of the Lotus Sutra."
(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 502) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 6th, 2006
(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 502) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 6th, 2006
"...what makes...transformation possible is daimoku and, on a spiritual level, faith. Simply put, through faith we can overcome the ignorance or darkness that is the root of delusion and manifest the Buddhahood with which we are originally endowed.
"Here, the Daishonin uses a metaphor to describe this fundamental potential for change, saying: “This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished” (WND, 4). In this way, he conveys that the practice of chanting daimoku—the means for defeating our inner darkness through faith—serves to “polish” our life.
"All living beings are inherently entities of the Mystic Law. And inherently, the life-state of Buddhahood enables us to tap the limitless power of the Mystic Law within us freely and without hindrance, whenever and in whatever form it is needed. The Daishonin likens this supreme state of life to a clear mirror that shines like a jewel. Yet even though we are an entity of the Mystic Law, we cannot bring forth the power of that Law if our life is shrouded in ignorance. In such a benighted state, we are like a “tarnished mirror” that will not reflect anything. Chanting daimoku is the practice for polishing the tarnished mirror of our life."
SGI Newsletter No. 6905, SGI President Ikeda’s Study Lecture Series, LECTURES ON “ON ATTAINING BUDDHAHOOD IN THIS LIFETIME”, [5] Chanting Daimoku with a “Brave and Vigorous” Spirit—Polishing Our Lives through Daily Challenge, translated July 5th, 2006
"Here, the Daishonin uses a metaphor to describe this fundamental potential for change, saying: “This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished” (WND, 4). In this way, he conveys that the practice of chanting daimoku—the means for defeating our inner darkness through faith—serves to “polish” our life.
"All living beings are inherently entities of the Mystic Law. And inherently, the life-state of Buddhahood enables us to tap the limitless power of the Mystic Law within us freely and without hindrance, whenever and in whatever form it is needed. The Daishonin likens this supreme state of life to a clear mirror that shines like a jewel. Yet even though we are an entity of the Mystic Law, we cannot bring forth the power of that Law if our life is shrouded in ignorance. In such a benighted state, we are like a “tarnished mirror” that will not reflect anything. Chanting daimoku is the practice for polishing the tarnished mirror of our life."
SGI Newsletter No. 6905, SGI President Ikeda’s Study Lecture Series, LECTURES ON “ON ATTAINING BUDDHAHOOD IN THIS LIFETIME”, [5] Chanting Daimoku with a “Brave and Vigorous” Spirit—Polishing Our Lives through Daily Challenge, translated July 5th, 2006
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"And yet, though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered."
(On Prayers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 345) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 7th, 2006
(On Prayers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 345) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, July 7th, 2006
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faith is daily life
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