Sogyal Rinpoche believes smoking tobacco or weed to be detrimental to spiritual practice as it blocks the central channel and obstructs the inner winds.
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Chanting Growers Group (2013-∞)
- Thread starter PassTheDoobie
- Start date
T
TrichyTrichy
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Passthedoobie is the owner of this thread and would be the person most appropriate to give an official SGI answer
I have my own experience and observations regarding this and will share them, but understand these are personal opinions.
The belief that mood and mind altering substances are detrimental to the process of enlightenment are relative understandings held by most all philosophical schools and dogmas but they are not however universal truths.
Beliefs are as powerful as reality to the mind of the believer.
If a man without a leg uses a crutch to facilitate the same mobility that others enjoy is this a crime against his own humanity to do so?
Is it limiting his natural full potential because he seeks to aid his capacity using something foreign to his own body?
our neurology and biochemistry as individuals varies and not all of our human vehicles are the same.
You can't see broken neurology or biochemistry (you can see the causation in behavior) like you can see a person's physical infirmaries such as a missing limb.
Our human vehicles universally need sun water and air and food to survive, we aren't all build identically
Now the enlightened teachers who have come before us in various forms often suffer and transcend suffering which results in the "universal" understanding of human nature and any did so holistically (their DNA created perfect human vehicles for such)
when they unlock this potential and recognize we all possess it they take their life example and use it as a blueprint for someone else.
If we apply science to the equation, we will learn of infirmaries such as neurological mental illness
I possess such a burden and the since it was inherited karma (drug abuse while i was in the womb combined with genetic hand me downs) I spent much of my life being treated by modern pharmaceuticals
To make a very long story short, marijuana and its capacity to change a persons neurology through neurogeneis was the vehicle that allowed me to transcend neurological mental illness which in turn has allowed me to practice philosophical dogmatic practices for the purpose of enlightenment in which I also now have the capacity practice and share without the need for marijuana as a vehicle
I always wondered why holy men of great stature would condemn the pathways of enlightenment to their own personal experience
if everyone is capable of enlightenment then scientifically the only way this could be done is via human DNA
if you believe in enlightenment universal and believe in the scope of humans scientific understanding then will come to understand that the both are not mutually exclusive
while we possess the same capacity for enlightenment and a individual full potential, the capacity and the potential for each of us is very relative to our own time and space place, karma and the human body we posses.
To limit the potential for one to be enlightened is to limit the potential of a persons DNA with an understanding born from slightly differing DNA
in the end enlightenment is not a personal full potential that was meant just you but a full potential that includes the living things around you human and otherwise.
the unbreakable joy comes from a deep understanding that we all are capable of achieving this full potential
it is the DNA of all living things to obey this nature, it is on our (human) capacity to recognize and work to full it in ourselves and others
we all have our own demons and karma and obstacles and they all can potentially be turned form poison to medicine
the ten realms exist in all things and we can control which world we reside in through philosophical practices such as chanting
the natural flora and fauna of the earth with its own DNA acts as interactive vehicles for us to reach our full potential
I ask the greatest yogi, priest, prophet or holy men which of you can live and reach full potential without the consumption of another creatures DNA and when they admit they cannot I as them why is what you choose to filter through your body acts as a vehicle for enlightenment when that is your objective yet if someone else consumes the dna from another natural organism they are not?
We might posses the same capacity for a full potential and human vessels to achieve them in, but our karma and our underlying biological processes are not identical.
I see this mindset as a fundamental issue facing most religions and philosophies, the duality of our likeness/difference is symmetrical but individually most people have a problem modulating between what the appropriate relative perspective
the mindset that purity is necessary for enlightenment keeps many people from starting the journey in the first place because it becomes an impossible obstacle
the lotus sutra is accessible to all through a simple chant and faith
there is no obstacle that will effects this dynamic
in the end it seems counter intuitive to the compassion unbreakable joy brings when you do find enlightenment to limit another persons because of your own understanding
its that simple as is this
the many to come will come from all walks of life in many shapes colors and sizes
our potential to embrace the lotus sutra is universal we simply need to chant nam myoho renge kyo with full faith
In the end I think the last refuge of the "devil" is the part of our mind that evokes personal ego when it comes to things such as personal enlightenment
we are so close to reaching our full potentials, just some simple understanding, some simple belief, that separates us from living in that reality or this one.
Daily Wisdom
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, April 20, 2014:
From the time that I was born until today, I, Nichiren, have never known a moment's ease; I have thought only of propagating the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra. I do not know how long I or anyone else may live, but without fail, I will be with you at the time of your death and guide you from this life to the next.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 965
Persecution by Sword and Staff
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 20, 1279
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, April 20, 2014:
From the time that I was born until today, I, Nichiren, have never known a moment's ease; I have thought only of propagating the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra. I do not know how long I or anyone else may live, but without fail, I will be with you at the time of your death and guide you from this life to the next.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 965
Persecution by Sword and Staff
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 20, 1279
Daily Wisdom
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, April 21, 2014:
Amber draws dust, and a magnet attracts iron particles; here our evil karma is like the dust or iron, and the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is like the amber or the magnet. If we consider these [analogies, we can see why] we should always chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 142
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, April 21, 2014:
Amber draws dust, and a magnet attracts iron particles; here our evil karma is like the dust or iron, and the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is like the amber or the magnet. If we consider these [analogies, we can see why] we should always chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 142
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Daily Wisdom
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, April 22, 2014:
In the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra. It follows, therefore, that whether eminent or humble, high or low, those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and, likewise, are themselves the Thus Come One Many Treasures.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 299
On the Treasure Tower
Written to Abutsu-bo Nittoku on March 13, 1272
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, April 22, 2014:
In the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra. It follows, therefore, that whether eminent or humble, high or low, those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and, likewise, are themselves the Thus Come One Many Treasures.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 299
On the Treasure Tower
Written to Abutsu-bo Nittoku on March 13, 1272
The Daishonin states,
"one may rejoice in hearing the voice of
someone else rejoice in the hearing"
Let's talk about what we've experienced
through this practice with others!
Words that are full of joy and confidence
are certain to move our friends' hearts!
beautiful words, good vibes to all
"one may rejoice in hearing the voice of
someone else rejoice in the hearing"
Let's talk about what we've experienced
through this practice with others!
Words that are full of joy and confidence
are certain to move our friends' hearts!
beautiful words, good vibes to all
testimony can be a slippery slope when the originator/owner of the thread is not here to keep it focused.
I could write many pages of how each passage effects me and how it relates to my life, but the desire to keep the thread focused was expressed to me, and this is why I choose to simply link the writings of Nichiren chosen by SGI for daily wisdom.
I can testify to this, that since chanting and participating in this thread, since establishing faith in nam myoho renge kyo that I see the ten worlds in everything including myself and the resulting karma that effects it
I am driven by an unbreakable joy
my practice is not perfect as is my capacity to be in possession of all ten worlds at all times, but even when I falter, understanding is there along side compassion for the human condition within myself and others to help gain possession of them again
the words of Nichiren resonate in such a way it was as if my life was architecture in such a way that I was meant understand they mean, and because I do, I can't ignore them.
Hope this helps
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
I could write many pages of how each passage effects me and how it relates to my life, but the desire to keep the thread focused was expressed to me, and this is why I choose to simply link the writings of Nichiren chosen by SGI for daily wisdom.
I can testify to this, that since chanting and participating in this thread, since establishing faith in nam myoho renge kyo that I see the ten worlds in everything including myself and the resulting karma that effects it
I am driven by an unbreakable joy
my practice is not perfect as is my capacity to be in possession of all ten worlds at all times, but even when I falter, understanding is there along side compassion for the human condition within myself and others to help gain possession of them again
the words of Nichiren resonate in such a way it was as if my life was architecture in such a way that I was meant understand they mean, and because I do, I can't ignore them.
Hope this helps
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
T
TrichyTrichy
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!!!
Daily Wisdom
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, April 23, 2014:
As I have often mentioned before, it is said that, where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward. Your fellow samurai all slandered you to your lord, and he also has wondered if it was true, but because you have for some years now honestly maintained a strong desire for your lord's welfare in his next life, you received a blessing like this. This is just the beginning; be confident that the great reward also is sure to come.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 907
Unseen Virtue and Visible Reward
Written to Shijo Kingo on April 23, 1278
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, April 23, 2014:
As I have often mentioned before, it is said that, where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward. Your fellow samurai all slandered you to your lord, and he also has wondered if it was true, but because you have for some years now honestly maintained a strong desire for your lord's welfare in his next life, you received a blessing like this. This is just the beginning; be confident that the great reward also is sure to come.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 907
Unseen Virtue and Visible Reward
Written to Shijo Kingo on April 23, 1278
Daily Wisdom
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, April 24, 2014:
What matters most is that we honor the Buddha's words. As a rule, people in the world value what is distant and despise what is near, but this is the conduct of the ignorant. Even the distant should be repudiated if it is wrong, while what is near should not be discarded if it accords with the truth. Even though people may revere [their predecessors' doctrines], if those doctrines are in error, how can we employ them today?
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 155
Reply to Hoshina Goro Taro
Written to Hoshina Goro Taro on December 5, 1267
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, April 24, 2014:
What matters most is that we honor the Buddha's words. As a rule, people in the world value what is distant and despise what is near, but this is the conduct of the ignorant. Even the distant should be repudiated if it is wrong, while what is near should not be discarded if it accords with the truth. Even though people may revere [their predecessors' doctrines], if those doctrines are in error, how can we employ them today?
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 155
Reply to Hoshina Goro Taro
Written to Hoshina Goro Taro on December 5, 1267
Daily Wisdom
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, April 25, 2014:
Buddhahood is the most difficult to demonstrate. But since you possess the other nine worlds, you should believe that you have Buddhahood as well. Do not permit yourself to have doubts. Expounding on the human world, the Lotus Sutra says, "The Buddhas wish to open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings." . . . That ordinary people born in the latter age can believe in the Lotus Sutra is due to the fact that the world of Buddhahood is present in the human world.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 358
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, April 25, 2014:
Buddhahood is the most difficult to demonstrate. But since you possess the other nine worlds, you should believe that you have Buddhahood as well. Do not permit yourself to have doubts. Expounding on the human world, the Lotus Sutra says, "The Buddhas wish to open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings." . . . That ordinary people born in the latter age can believe in the Lotus Sutra is due to the fact that the world of Buddhahood is present in the human world.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 358
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, April 26, 2014:
There are two types of illness: minor and serious. Early treatment by a skilled physician can cure even serious illnesses, not to mention minor ones. Karma also may be divided into two categories: fixed and unfixed. Sincere repentance will eradicate even fixed karma, to say nothing of karma that is unfixed.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 954
On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279
Saturday, April 26, 2014:
There are two types of illness: minor and serious. Early treatment by a skilled physician can cure even serious illnesses, not to mention minor ones. Karma also may be divided into two categories: fixed and unfixed. Sincere repentance will eradicate even fixed karma, to say nothing of karma that is unfixed.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 954
On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, April 27, 2014:
The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, contain the benefit amassed through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas throughout the three existences. Then, how can these five characters not include the benefits obtained by observing all of the Buddhas' precepts?
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 481
The Teaching, Practice and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275
Sunday, April 27, 2014:
The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, contain the benefit amassed through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas throughout the three existences. Then, how can these five characters not include the benefits obtained by observing all of the Buddhas' precepts?
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 481
The Teaching, Practice and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, April 28, 2014:
The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith. Doesn't a fire burn more briskly when logs are added? All rivers flow into the sea, but does the sea turn back their waters? The currents of hardship pour into the sea of the Lotus Sutra and rush against its votary. The river is not rejected by the ocean; nor does the votary reject suffering. Were it not for the flowing rivers, there would be no sea. Likewise, without tribulation there would be no votary of the Lotus Sutra.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 33
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1261
Monday, April 28, 2014:
The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith. Doesn't a fire burn more briskly when logs are added? All rivers flow into the sea, but does the sea turn back their waters? The currents of hardship pour into the sea of the Lotus Sutra and rush against its votary. The river is not rejected by the ocean; nor does the votary reject suffering. Were it not for the flowing rivers, there would be no sea. Likewise, without tribulation there would be no votary of the Lotus Sutra.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 33
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1261
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, April 29, 2014:
Little streams come together to form the great ocean, and tiny particles of dust accumulate to form Mount Sumeru. When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water or a single particle of dust in all the country of Japan. But later, when two people, three people, ten people, and eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the Lotus Sutra and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment, an ocean of great nirvana.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
Tuesday, April 29, 2014:
Little streams come together to form the great ocean, and tiny particles of dust accumulate to form Mount Sumeru. When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water or a single particle of dust in all the country of Japan. But later, when two people, three people, ten people, and eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the Lotus Sutra and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment, an ocean of great nirvana.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
