Powerful Beyond Measure!

One of my favorite personal empowerment quotes by Marianne Williamson (Course of Miracles, etc.) which is often attributed to Nelson Mandela and was in the movie “Akeelah and the Bee”:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God ( child of the Buddha). Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God (our Buddha nature) that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

http://thinkexist.com/quotes/marianne_williamson

Meaning of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

Ya know that thing that Tina (Turner) does…

NAM = DEVOTION

MYOHO = MYSTIC LAW; MYO=TO REVIVE /RETURN TO LIFE/TO OPEN/TO ENDOW; HO=DEATH

RENGE = LOTUS FLOWER*, SIMULTANEITY OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

KYO = SOUND, VIBRATION, TEACHING, SUTRA

Essentially when one chants nam-myoho-renge-kyo, one is basically making the determination of devoting one’s life to the mystic law of cause and effect. Also, “Myoho Renge Kyo” is the Japanese translation of the the Sanskrit and Chinese title for the “Lotus Sutra.”

Chanting nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the key to unlocking our highest potential as noted on the SGI-USA website, SGI USA

The key for me is to know that my life is nam-myoho-renge-kyo and from my fifteen years of practice to realize that chanting has brought me back to life.

For the newbies and all of us, when chanting to the Gohonzon (the mandela we chant to as an object of focus; “go”-’worthy of honor’ and “honzon”-’object of fundamental respect’.

*An important note re: the symbol of the ‘lotus flower’–it is the only plant known to man that seeds and blossoms at the same time while being in a murky muddy pond.  Thus, it’s meaning in our personal lives brings on a whole new dimension that each time we chant nam-myoho-renge-kyo (NMRK), we are breaking through our own personal muck in transforming our lives.

Malcolm X on Anger…

“Usually when people are sad, they don’t do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about change.”

—-Malcolm X from “Malcolm X Speaks, 1965.”

MLK on Service

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb to agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

Ah there’s the rub…a lesson from Hamlet

“This above all: to thine ownself be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell: my blessing season this in thee!” ~Hamlet, Act I, scene iii.

Determination

“When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, “This is never going to work out,” then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure.”
Daisaku Ikeda, Faith into Action, page 108

How to Chant-Ted Morino

Here’s a copy of the memo from SGI-USA’s Ted Morino on “How to Chant”:

*HOW TO CHANT TO CHANGE THE CORE OF YOUR LIFE *

*- Ted Morino, SGI-USA*

First of all, before you begin – *relax, clear your head, clear your
heart!*

But especially your head, your mind, relax emotionally, mentally,
physically. It is important to be very natural.

Second, when you chant, you really need to use your eyes. *Focus on
The Gohonzon. *Then listen to your voice. Focus on the ‘myoho’
character [about one fifth of the way down, in the middle] which means
‘mystical’. You have to use your eyes. This is extremely important. When
you use your eyes, your mind stops. Clear your mind by strongly focusing
your eyes. Let your thoughts rest by using your eyes. When you’re busy
thinking all the time, your brain is sucking energy. This means your
brain is getting stronger (which is not healthy), but your core isn’t
changing because the energy isn’t being directed there.

What you really have to do is look at the Gohonzon with power and let
Your mind relax. The Gohonzon in your life already knows your worries
and desires. Keep everything in your heart – *just chant with your eyes
locked on the Gohonzon. *Then when Nam Myoho Renge Kyo comes into tune
with the core of your life, it will melt away and dissolve karma. It
will change into strength so you can become strong and clear-minded
enough to accomplish your desires.

In this way you should come to enjoy the act of chanting because
you’re feeling the core of your life. You’re fusing with the highest
potential in your life, represented by the Gohonzon. *When you’re
thinking strategies, you’re not changing your karma. *

* *
*Q. When I chant I often imagine what I want. I picture it in my mind.
I see it happening in my mind. Is that OK?*

A: Positive imaginations are a good thing, but not strategies. If you
get to imagining how to make it happen, instead of the images of it,
then you are strategizing.

Prayer should come from the heart! The Gohonzon knows your worries and
desires. Keep them in your heart, focus on the Gohonzon and simply
chant. If you can do simple, good daimoku and gongyo, Nam Myoho Renge
Kyo goes stronger, deeper, to expand you, dissolve difficult karma and
generate positive results. Daimoku should come from your core. If it
comes from the brain, the brain becomes stronger and so does the
confusion.

When you close your eyes or avert them from the Gohonzon, the power to
fuse the core of your life with the Gohonzon weakens and the mind plays
around. Chant clearly, confidently, comfortably.

*Don’t read while you chant! Don’t do anything while you chant.
Just chant.
*When you read, read. When you chant, chant. After good daimoku you may
read or your schedule may require you to get right to work or do things
you need to do. You may have a busy life, but don’t have busy daimoku.
Don’t be busy,focus! Through focused daimoku, you can melt away negative
karma. Chanting is a time to cultivate your life, not think about your
strategies.

Daimoku
is the time to enrich your Buddha nature, not the time to have a
Planning meeting for your life or day.

In my head: positive imaginations

In my heart: deep prayer

In my mouth: clear chanting

0711 Buddhist Food 4 Thought-Congrats YMD!

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 11, 2009

It is important that youth in particular actively seek challenges to forge and strengthen themselves. Those who enjoy material luxury from a young age and do not work hard cannot become people of outstanding character. They cannot become great leaders who protect the people. I hope that you will work hard, sparing no effort, and develop yourselves as indomitable champions, shaken or disheartened by nothing.

Events

1951 Young men’s division established.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 11, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

The heart of the Buddha‚’s lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the “Never Disparaging” chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging‚’s profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being. -Nichiren

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, July 11, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Neither the pure land nor hell exists outside ourselves; both lie only within one’s own heart. Awakened to this truth, one is called a Buddha; deluded about it, one is called an ordinary person. The Lotus Sutra reveals this truth, and one who embraces the Lotus Sutra will realize that hell is itself the Land of Tranquil Light.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 456
Hell is the Land of Tranquil Light
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu’s mother on July 11, 1274

0710 Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 10, 2009

Beethoven is called a genius. But we need to be aware that his genius was based on incredibly strenuous effort. It all comes down to hard work, to tenacious efforts. You cannot become a person of the highest caliber if you have a casual, easygoing attitude, thinking things will somehow just fall into place. Accordingly, Beethoven’s motto was “No day without a line.” Every day without fail, he wrote music. He would not let even a single day pass without working assiduously. To continue every day-this is just like our practice of gongyo. Making persistent efforts each day is a source of tremendous strength.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 10, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

People‚’s hearts are growing more complex, more confused and harder to understand. The same is true for human institutions. The darkness of this complicated and disturbed age may grow even deeper. This is why there is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people‚’s wisdom and character. This is the key to winning in life.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, July 10, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Just as the Buddha’s words in the sutra predict, the ruler grew hostile and the common people began to attack me. And because they treated me with enmity, heaven grew enraged, the sun and moon displayed great changes in their behavior, and huge comets appeared. The earth shook as though it would turn over, internecine strife broke out, and they were attacked by a foreign country. All happened just as the Buddha had predicted, and there is no doubt that I, Nichiren, am the votary of the Lotus Sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 607
Reply to the Lay Priest Takahashi
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on July 12, 1275

0709 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 9, 2009

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.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 9, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

When open and engaged, we are experiencing the greater self. When closed off, we are putting forth our “lesser self.” The lesser self is a deluded condition, while the greater self is synonymous with the Buddha nature. To live for the greater self means to recognize the universal principle behind all things and, thus awakened, rise above the suffering caused by awareness of impermanence. A belief in something eternal is needed to enhance our quality of existence. By believing this lifetime is the be-all and end-all of existence, we will miss out on living a truly profound life. When our viewpoint expands beyond the boundaries of our present existence to include the entire, eternal universe, we can live deeply fulfilling lives.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, July 9, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

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 Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 626
The Embankments of Faith
Writen to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275

0708 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

We must make steady and persistent efforts firmly grounded in daily life. If we travel in the orbit of “faith equals daily life,” all our prayers will definitely be answered. We can then lead lives in which all our desires will be fulfilled. Should all our prayers be answered without our having to make any effort, we would grow lazy. Should all our desires be achieved without our ever having to experience suffering or hardship, we could not understand the pain and struggles of others, and our compassion would gradually wane.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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 indivisible part of Buddhism. It is by being victorious in this struggle that we become Buddhas. We have to win. Moreover, Buddhism ensures that we can definitely do so.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

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.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 926
Reply to Tokimitsu
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on July 8, 1278

0707 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Vital are wisdom, tenacity and self-expression, as well as the strong life force that makes these things possible. Buddhism is an earnest struggle to win. This is what the Daishonin teaches. A Buddhist, therefore, must not be defeated. I hope you will maintain an alert and winning spirit in your work and daily life, taking courageous action and showing triumphant actual proof time and again.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Buddhism, which is founded on the law of cause and effect, stresses the concept of karma. This principle explains that life at each moment is subject to the cumulative effects of causes made in the past. What we do, what we say and what we think are all causes. And according to Buddhism, the moment we do something, say something or think something, an effect is registered in the depths of our being. Then, as our lives meet the right circumstances, the effect becomes apparent. Personality traits are strongly connected to our karma. The good news is that, unlike fate, our karma can be changed by causes we make from this moment forward. In fact, the practice of Buddhism is essentially the practice of continually changing our karma.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Perhaps your deceased son has become a Buddha and, in order to guide his father and mother, has entered your hearts. The king Wonderful Adornment was an evil king. However, because his two sons, Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye, guided him to the way, he and his wife were both able to place their trust in the Lotus Sutra and become Buddhas. Mysteriously enough, your own circumstances are much the same.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1050
The Sons Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye
Recipient unknown; written on July 7, 1280

0706 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 6, 2009

We could liken doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to the earth’s rotation on its axis, while taking part in activities resembles the earth’s revolution around the sun. To enter this path, which enables us to savor a state where life is an unparalleled joy, is itself proof of our attainment of Buddhahood. In the present age, SGI activities represent the means by which we can attain Buddhahood.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 6, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

A strong opponent helps us develop and forge our own strength and ability. When you encounter some challenge, rejoice and say to yourself, “I have met a rare and worthy adversary!” Greet everything positive-ly, weather all storms with a strong, resilient spirit, and emerge triumphant. That is the Buddhist way of life.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, July 6, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Chang-an wrote, “If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy.” The consequences of a grave offense are extremely difficult to erase. The most important thing is to continually strengthen our wish to benefit others.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 625
The Embankment of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275

0705 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 5, 2009

What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened. In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path, or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 5, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Having the energy to argue is a sign of good health! When the two people in a relationship share simi-lar conditions, it is only natural that they will lock horns from time to time. On the other hand, if one party begins to outgrow the other, then the two will probably not have serious confrontations, because their states of life are so different.

It would be great if we could live cheerfully, enjoying life to the extent that we regard our partner‚’s nagging as a sign of his or her good health and proof that he or she is still alive and kicking. When we develop a broad state of life, then even our partner‚’s ranting and raving will sound like the sweet song of a bird.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, July 5, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

It is a rare thing to be born as a human being. And if, having been born as such, you do not do your best to distinguish between the correct doctrine and the incorrect so that in the future you may attain Buddhahood, then you are certainly not fulfilling your true worth as a human being.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 350
On Prayer
Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272

0704 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 4, 2009

I place a high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking action because one is told to amounts to slavery of the spirit. Kosen-rufu will be advanced by brave people armed with the spirit of independence who voluntarily strive to fulfill the vow they made at the time of kuon ganjo. Because they struggle of their own volition, they have no complaints or grievances. The greater the obstacles they face, the greater the courage, wisdom and power they muster from within.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 4, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

A great inner revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of an entire society and, further, will cause a change in the destiny of humankind.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, July 4, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Even if it seems that, because I was born in the ruler’s domain, I follow him in my actions, I will never follow him in my heart.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275

0703 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 3, 2009

Those who have a mentor in life are truly fortunate. The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth. Those without a mentor may appear free and unbeholden to anyone, but without a solid standard or model on which to base themselves their lives will be aimless and wandering.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 3, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character. Viewed on a deeper level, our relationship with our mentor can have an even greater significance for us than our relationship with our parents. In the mentor-disciple relationship, we can find the very essence for achieving victory in life.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, July 3, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Since the Lotus Sutra defines our body as the Dharma body of a Thus Come One, our mind as the reward body of a Thus Come One, and our actions as the manifested body of a Thus Come One, all who uphold and believe in even a single phrase or verse of this sutra will be endowed with the benefits of these three bodies.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 922
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278

0702 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 2, 2009

The writer Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: “It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing.” Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 2, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment, and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, July 2, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

The sutra teaches that women, evil men, and those in the realms of animals and Hell  in fact, all the beings of the Ten Worlds  can attain Buddhahood in their present form. This is an incomparably greater wonder than] fire being produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, or a lantern lighting up a place that has been dark for a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand years. If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the Buddhist Law!”,.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 923
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278