Chanting Growers Group

[PassTheDoobie]

"If we let opportunities slip by because of indecision, we are likely to lose even struggles that we could have won. A delayed response can even lead to serious setbacks or defeats. This is a golden rule that applies in all things."

SGI Newsletter No. 7714, JOINT CONFERENCE--PART 3 [OF 4], Build a Strong Self through Faith. (At a joint conference for representatives of the Doctors Division and the nurses groups of the women’s and young women’s divisions, the Shirakaba-kai and Shirakaba Group, held at the Nagano Training Centre, Nagano Prefecture, on Aug. 9th, 2008), from the Aug. 17th, 2008, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Feb. 17th, 2009

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo

Nam myoho renge kyo

From "Courageously Pursuing the Truth", excerpts by President Ikeda, in Living Buddhism, March-April 2009, page 5. This excerpt is in The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. IV, p. 134.)

Toward evil, we have to fight with the intensity of asura or a charging demon. Buddhism concerns itself with winning. We have no choice but to win. When we throughly exert ourselves for kosen-rufu, the life of asura manifests the function of Buddhahood. This is the principle of the mutual possession of the Ten Worlds. The Buddhas and bodhisattvas existing through time and space heartily applaud when they see such valiant, dedicated efforts.

On the other hand, to fight solely for oneself is lowly and base. To look down on and harm others based on one's ego is the nature of Devadatta. Those dominated by the spirit to appear to be better than others are themselves miserable.
Nam myoho renge kyo !!

 

[PassTheDoobie]

I still can't believe the block to this connection is gone. I had no idea what to do to get rid of it and couldn't really put myself in a position of risk to identify it to my service provider. I am touched and very much appreciate the posts that kept me in mind in my absence and want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to make this a place for us all to grow. --in faith --in wisdom --in fortune --in happiness --in everything!!!

Thank you for helping me grow so much in these many years since we began in '04, and thank you for sending me the Daimoku that helped me get back here!!!

I bow in humble obeisance!

Thomas

 

[Payaso]

A Beautiful Thing

A Beautiful Thing

Now that Thomas is back we can move forward...although it seems this group never stopped that, which is great.

I was gone for about 4 years on another path, which was good but ultimately shallow. I was pursuing mega-bucks dreams for another soul, and giving all my energy and spirit away for little or nothing, and certainly no recognition for what I did...

It was BOG and the delightful Mrs. BOG who gently reminded me of the path I should be on, thus leading to a painful separation from the greedy soul who was taking so much from me...recovery has been slow, but now with such good friends about I feel energized and ready to move forward creating my own projects, publications, and reality.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!

This thread is great, and has so much to offer for any soul with an open mind...it's my new home away from home as I read back through thousands of posts with some amazingly clear explanations of all things Buddha.

You are all beautiful Buddhas and I thank you for everything you do...~!

___ ___

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life."

(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 283) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, February 16th, 2009

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The inner strength of our Buddha nature is infinite.
With such conviction and confidence,
let's be courageous in our faith!
That is how we will most definitely be victorious!

Daisaku Ikeda

* In chanting daimoku, the first important thing is having the challenging spirit to act with courage. This could be described as arousing deep faith from the innermost reaches of our life in accord with the Daishonin's words, firmly believing that we can summon forth the mystic truth within us, manifest our inherent Buddhahood, and attain enlightenment in this lifetime without fail. It also means directly taking on the three obstacles and four devils that seek to obstruct us from chanting daimoku. We need to have fearless, tireless, and unremitting challenging spirit to confront and overcome the diverse array of obstacles that rise up to assail us. (Lectures on "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Life Time" by Daisaku Ikeda, page 57)

 

[EasyMyohoDisco]

Chant more at home, Go dust off your Butsudan and Open your Gohonzon!

Chant more at home, Go dust off your Butsudan and Open your Gohonzon!

Chris, sounds like you are preparing yourself to make a determination to get a Gohonzon and start chanting in your personal sanctuary everyday. I was talking to a friend of ours that we introduced to the practice three years ago last night and she said "You kinda do need Gohonzon to make this work". Daimoku is the key and Nichiren left us the door with Gohonzon. In fact, there is a Gohonzon within each and every human since we all have the potential to be a Buddha anyday anytime. My frequency with chanting at home has increased and so has my comfort level and happiness.

Yesterday at our women's division meeting, I passed around an attendance list and we had just over 30 people in the same house for that meeting. Last month it was only 5 people but after losing my job, I redetermined my focus towards the happiness of my chapter and the chanting growers and due to the amount of time I was able to spend in front of the Gohonzon, yesterday as I emceed the meeting I was able to see smiles in many many faces! We had 5 guests yesterday as well so I know soon there will be new members sharing new experiences and reinvigorating my already vigorous practice.

Yesterday one of the guests was a man in his late 60s who has been practicing Zen Buddhism for a while and I approached him after the meeting and told him "Hey, in the past I tried to practice Zen and it did not work for me." He said " Your not supposed to TRY! HAHAHAHAHAHA, I really liked this meeting I'll see you again soon!" That was brilliant, very pleasing and very very nice we shook hands and look forward to seeing each other again really soon!

Yesterday we purchased wedding bands! Soon I'll be a married man my friends and family! It's been a long time coming and with my daimoku now I'm creating the best possible environment for all!

Keep it up!

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo

Nam myoho renge kyo

Easy so awesome to hear of your forthcoming marriage !! Wooop !!!!!!!!
Super excited for you buddy!!
Your post have been absolutely wonderful ... thanks so much
Nam myoho renge kyo

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Easy my Brother! I guess I was able to get back just in time! This is wonderful! Tell your other half I said hello and congratulations as well!

And Desi, thank you for your note! It means a lot to me. From the bottom of my heart guys, thank you all so much for everything. In many ways I owe my life to the Chanting Growers. May I never fail to repay that debt of gratitude!

Much love and Deepest respect!

T

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Buddhist Concepts

Buddhist Concepts

Win or Lose

The phrase "Buddhism is win or lose" may not sit easily with popular images of a "peaceful" Buddhist approach to life. It may even sound like an invitation to stir up conflict.

However, what this phrase describes is not confrontation between antagonistic individuals, but rather the internal spiritual struggle which is the reality of our lives. As SGI President Daisaku Ikeda says: "The universe, this world and our own lives are the stage for a ceaseless struggle between hatred and compassion, the destructive and constructive aspects of life." Our challenge, moment by moment, is to continue striving to create maximum value and to never be defeated or give up, regardless of the obstacles we may encounter.

The struggles we face might range from the apparently mundane (summoning the energy to take out the trash or write a letter to an aging relative) to the vast (campaigning to ban nuclear weapons), but the essential challenge is the same. It is to overcome our own weakness, fear or inertia in a given moment and take action for the sake of the happiness of ourselves and others.

So where does Buddhism play a role in such daily battles?

Ideally there is no separation between daily life and Buddhism. Buddhism does not exist in the realm of theory, and as Nichiren wrote: "The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being."

Nichiren also stressed that it is victory as a human being--including both tangible achievements and moral or spiritual victories which may be invisible to others--that matters, rather than recognition in the form of promotion or reward in society. In 13th-century Japan, people's lives were utterly dependent on the decisions of their rulers or local lords, so to set one's own internal standards for success required great courage.

He wrote: "Buddhism primarily concerns itself with victory or defeat, while secular authority is based on the principle of reward and punishment. For this reason, a Buddha is looked up to as the Hero of the World..."

The value of our victory also depends on the scale of the challenge we tackle. For a champion bodybuilder to lift a heavy suitcase scarcely counts as a victory. It is only when we push ourselves beyond our limits that our success becomes meaningful to ourselves and respected by others. Living a "safe" existence in which we merely abide by society's rules is to shirk the bigger challenges involved in living in a way which both maximizes our positive, creative influence and actively tackles those forces which cause suffering and abuse.

Whether we are striving for promotion at work or encouraging a friend battling depression, in order to succeed we need courage, perseverance and the spiritual strength to withstand hardship and moments of hopelessness. Nichiren stresses that if we are fainthearted we will surely fail, and we each know how miserable it feels to be defeated by our own weakness or cowardice.

Nichiren's own life provides an example of supreme courage in the face of opposition and persecution, and the Buddhist practice he established can help us clarify our goals and also provide tools with which to reach them.

For Nichiren Buddhists, the greatest good toward which one can strive is spreading a deeper understanding of the limitless potential for courage, wisdom and compassion which exists in every individual's life--the hidden treasures collectively described as Buddhahood.

Through chanting "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" which activates this potential, we can deepen our resolve to achieve our goals and develop the strength necessary to win over any obstacles, internal and external, which might hinder our progress. And as we see evidence of the efficacy of the combination of this strong prayer, determination and action in concrete positive results in our lives, we dare to take on bigger, broader challenges and also inspire others to tackle their problems with renewed hope of success.

In the words of SGI President Ikeda: "Buddhism concerns itself with winning. When we battle a powerful enemy, either we will triumph or we will be defeated--there is no middle ground. Battling against life's negative functions is an integral part of Buddhism. It is through victory in this struggle that we become Buddhas."

[ Courtesy July 2006 SGI Quarterly]

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Don't wait for the right time to happen.
Create it!
One person earnest and single-minded in their efforts,
unconcerned about what others might think of them,
can transform the whole atmosphere of a situation, for the better.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"In this defiled age, you should always talk together and never cease to pray for your next life."

(The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Persecution - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 449) Selection source: SGI President Ikeda's essay, Seikyo Shimbun, February 22nd, 2009

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Though at times we may find ourselves in a temporary setback, what counts is winning in the end. The strategy of the Lotus Sutra is what enables us to do that. When things look darkest, that is the best time for us to 'change poison into medicine' -- transforming the negative into something positive--and expand our life-condition."

SGI Newsletter No. 7713, Be Invincible in Spirit, from the March 2009 issue of Daibyakurenge, translated Feb.17th 2009

 

[PassTheDoobie]

The point that decides whether we win or lose is right
this moment, right now!
Determine that you will take the initiative, that you'll be the trailblazer,
so that everyone else is inspired by your lead,
and then win in today's decisive challenges.

Daisaku Ikeda

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"The oak is known as the king of the forest because of its sturdiness. It is widely regarded as a symbol of courage, strength, and longevity. The great German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) wrote:

"'If it [the oak] grows up snugly sheltered from the wind and weather, it becomes nothing; but a century's struggle with the elements makes it strong and powerful, so that, at its full growth, its presence inspires us with astonishment and admiration.'

"Offering a similar message, Mr. Toda once said to a youth division member:

"'As the Daishonin says, in the face of hardship 'the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat' (WND-1, 637). You mustn't take the course of the foolish. Use hardship as an opportunity to reflect upon yourself. Practice with strong faith and see what happens. You'll gain ten times the benefit you have so far!'"

SGI Newsletter No. 7690, 25TH SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING--PART 1 [OF 2]. Embarking into a New Year with Hope and Joy, Jan. 8th, 2009. From the Jan. 12th, 2009, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated, Jan 20th, 2009

 

[PassTheDoobie]

"Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land."

(Aspiration for the Buddha Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 214) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, January 23rd, 2009

 

[scegy]

DESI;
"I have'nt received my Gohonzon because of Ann."

i remember the time i looked for excuses to wait for the "right time". my gf was your Ann, she didn't took much interest in chanting and all, she did and still does things that try to set me back from chanting but fuck no! i did that all my previous lives and i got nowhere.

I trained shotokan karate when i was younger and the thing that pushed me away were my own fears: "I'm fat, i'm not as fast as others and not as good as others, and surely not as brave as others"
14 years after that i realized that moving and doing sports was something that filled my batteries up, made me feel good. So why stop if i like it, if it makes me feel good inside?
and the first thing i tried was my biggest fear of all, rollerblades! after 4 years man... i fly through the city, feeling free! i started climbing mountains again, looking at the nature, feeling it, running through it and living with it!
then i found the chanting growers and i got into a new sport, chanting!
as usual i took the cheapest method, printed out my Gohonzon and let's get started....like taking a children's bike to ride the downhill!
yeah i took quite a few rides with my printed one, but later on i realized that it reminds me on the lost battle of an old man that published gohonzon online with an argument: that when he approched Ikeda, he didn't want to help him, despite all the efforts he made for the SGI. Well so far, no one from SGI asked anything from me, instead i always recieve little presents,that come from japan(note books, magazines etc.)along with a lot of encouragement and experiences from other members.
So letting the Dai Gohonzon in my home was actually letting others help me along my path, and making effort to help others and recieve a LOT back. No one ever intruded my home, in fact the ones that intruded my home in the past had believes that are far far in the other direction that Nichiren or SGI is pointing. Actually i've been gathering power to host a meeting with my Gohonzon in my appartment. I actually get it now how important it was/is to me all these years that i've been able to go chant to other ppl's homes and feel their warmth, and i wanna give that back!

thomas a warm welcome to you back, you made my day today when i saw your posts again! feeling happy for you and your misses, keep striving friend!

myoho: i'm always impressed how vigorously you'r fighting in your life, deepest respect and lots of daimoku for both of you!

i'm gonna get back to share my experiences lately, but atm i have no time to write more

a happy vibrant day to everbody!

 

[Babbabud]

Nam myoho renge kyo
An awesome awesome post Scegy thank you so much for sharing this with us !!

 

[EasyMyohoDisco]

I like what I'm seeing in my mirror lately!

I like what I'm seeing in my mirror lately!

Even though one may encounter a wise teacher and the true sutra and thereby embrace the correct teaching, when one resolves to break free from the sufferings of birth and death and attain Buddhahood, one will inevitably encounter seven grave matters known as the three obstacles and four devils, just as surely as a shadow follows the body and clouds accompany rain. Even if you should manage to overcome the first six, if you are defeated by the seventh, you will not be able to become a Buddha.

Letter to Misawa (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 894)

 

[PassTheDoobie]

Nam myoho renge kyo
An awesome awesome post Scegy thank you so much for sharing this with us !!

Super huge ditto on that one! Easy, I am so happy for what you're reflecting!

T (Chant for SoCal and Bonz!)