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 own self 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

1105-1107 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

BF4T 1105-1106 can be found at: http://www.sgi-usa.org/encouragement/

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 7, 2009

Throughout his life, Shakyamuni encouraged people with his clear, sonorous voice. A Buddhist text describes how Shakyamuni warmheartedly welcomed everyone he met, expressing his joy at seeing them. He showed affection, joy and gentleness in all his interactions. He greeted everyone with courtesy and respect. He never scowled or grimaced. And to put others at ease and encourage them to speak up, Shakyamuni would always break the ice by initiating the conversation. It was the power of Shakyamuni’s eloquence and sincerity that made it possible for Buddhism to gain wide acceptance among the people of his time.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

True ease and comfort are not found in a quiet, uneventful life. This may sound paradoxical, but hardships bring about ease and comfort. For only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true “peace and security in this lifetime,” as the Lotus Sutra says.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

I knew from the outset that, if I set aside my fears and declared things exactly as they are, I would be sentenced to death. And even if I should escape the death penalty, I would surely be condemned to exile. So great is the debt of gratitude I owe the Buddha, however, that I have not let others intimidate me, but have spoken out.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 529
Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa
Written to the wife of the lay priest Ichinosawa on May 8, 1275

1104 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The purpose of faith is to become happy. I hope all of you will take this sure path to happiness, never wandering onto byroads that lead to unhappiness. Please walk the great path of kosen-rufu with confidence and pride.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Trust is difficult to earn and it is easily lost-the trust built over a decade can be shattered in an instant by one offhanded remark or deed. A person who is not swayed from their chosen path, even during the most trying times, will ultimately find that he or she is trusted by all.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, November 4, 2009

If you truly fear the sufferings of birth and death and yearn for nirvana, if you carry out your faith and thirst for the way, then the sufferings of change and impermanence will become no more than yesterday’s dream, and the awakening of enlightenment will become today’s reality.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 130
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265

1102-1103 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

For the 1102 Buddhist Food 4 Thought, check out: http://www.sgi-usa.org/encouragement/

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Buddhism places the highest value on human rights and seeks to ensure that human rights are respected. In caring for just one person, one tries to thoroughly protect and do everything he can for that person. One who respects and embraces the children of the Buddha in this way is a truly capable person and a true leader.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

The Lotus Sutra is a scripture to be practiced. Its teachings are meant to be put into action. Our faith and study of Buddhist doctrine are enhanced and given life through actual practice. Nichiren Buddhism is not a teaching of quiet contemplation and meditation; it is a teaching of action. Failing to translate the teachings of Buddhism into action is to go against Buddhism‚’s fundamental spirit.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Your boils have resulted from only one offense?Slandering the correct teaching. The Mystic Law you now embrace surpasses the moon-loving meditation. How could your boils possibly not be healed and your life span not extended?

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 634
On Curing Karmic Disease
Written to the lay priest Ota Jomyo on November 3, 1275

1101 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Daishonin has taught us that through gongyo and chanting daimoku we can reach an elevated state in which, while engaged in our daily lives, we travel throughout the entire universe. When you worship the Gohonzon, the door to your microcosm is opened to the entire universe, the macrocosm, and you experience a great, boundless joy, as if you were looking out over the entire cosmos. You feel great satisfaction and rejoicing, a great wisdom, as if you held the entire universe in your palm.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 1, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Buddhism is not a religion that closes its eyes to people‚’s suffering; it is a teaching that opens people‚’s eyes. Therefore, Buddhism is the path that enables people to become happy. To turn away our eyes from the contradictions of society and rid ourselves of all worldly thoughts is not the way of Buddhist practice. The true spirit of mediation lies in manifesting our innate wisdom in society and resolutely struggling for the happiness of ourselves and others, and to construct a better society.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 1, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra’s statement, “Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,” cannot be false in any way.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 217
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272

1031 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, October 31, 2009

It is only natural that sometimes we fall sick. But we must see that sickness as a sickness that originally exists in life, based on the principle of the Mystic Law. In other words, there is no reason to allow yourself to be controlled by illness, for it to fill your life with suffering and distress. From the standpoint of eternal life through the three existences, your fundamentally happy self is incontrovertibly established.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, October 31, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Death does not discriminate; it strips of us everything. Fame, wealth and power are all useless in the unadorned reality of the final moments of life. When the time comes, we will have only ourselves to rely on. This is a solemn confrontation that we must face armed only with our raw humanity, the actual record of what we have done, how we have chosen to live our lives, asking, “Have I lived true to myself? What have I contributed to the world? What are my satisfactions or regrets?”

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, October 31, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Question: Is it possible, without understanding the meaning of the Lotus Sutra, but merely by chanting the five or seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo once a day, once a month, or simply once a year, once a decade, or once in a lifetime, to avoid being drawn into trivial or serious acts of evil, to escape falling into the four evil paths, and instead to eventually reach the stage of non-regression? Answer: Yes, it is.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 141
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266

1030 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, October 30, 2009

The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don’t take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, October 30, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

If you allow the passing of time to let you forget the lofty vows of your youth, you stand to block the source of your own boundless good fortune and sever the roots of limitless prosperity for your family and loved ones as well. Please never let this happen. Only by remaining steadfast to the vows we have made in our youth can we shine as true victors in life.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, October 30, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Shakyamuni’s practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 365
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One’s Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

1029 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, October 29, 2009

Gongyo is a practice that calls forth and activates the infinite power that the microcosm inherently possesses. It transforms your fate, breaks through any apparent dead ends and converts sufferings into happiness. It creates a transformation, a revolution of the microcosm. It is a diagram in miniature of kosen-rufu in our lives.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, October 29, 2009 ( Buddhism Day by Day)

As you meet various trials and difficulties, thus polishing all the many facets of the jewel which is life, you will learn to walk that supreme pathway of humanity. Of this, I am confident, and I am confident too that those who embrace life‚’s native creativity now stand and will continue to stand in the vanguard of history. Bringing the creativity of life to its fullest flowering is the work of human revolution. Carrying out this kind of human revolution is your mission now as it will be throughout your lives.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, October 29, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614
The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

10/24-10/28 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

10/24-10/27 Buddhist Food 4 Thought can be found at: http://www.sgi-usa.org/encouragement/

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, October 28, 2009

It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn’t always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn’t allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin’s strict admonition.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. “You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master.” In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376
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

10/19-10/23 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

The Buddhist Food for Thought for 10/19-10/22 can be found at: http://www.sgi-usa.org/encouragement/

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, October 23, 2009

As far as the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho are concerned, I hope that, regarding them as absolutely correct, you will first and foremost strive to put them into practice. I urge you to do so because this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, October 23, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

The misfortune of others is our misfortune. Our happiness is the happiness of others. To see ourselves in others and feel an inner oneness and sense of unity with them represents a fundamental revolution in the way we view and live our lives. Therefore, discriminating against another person is the same as discriminating against oneself. When we hurt another, we are hurting ourselves. And when we respect others, we respect and elevate our own lives as well.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, October 23, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1000
The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279

1018 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, October 18, 2009

A victor is one whose life shines with faith. Emerson, one of the favorite writers of my youth, once said, “That which befits us…is cheerfulness and courage, and the endeavor to realize our aspirations.” To advance toward our dreams cheerfully, to courageously work toward achieving them-this is what gives sublime meaning and value to our lives.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, October 18, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Such things as money, fame, and material possessions offer a fleeting satisfaction, something that can be called relative happiness. However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established absolute happiness. If we develop a state of mind as vast and resplendent as a magnificent palace, then nothing-no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life-can undermine or destroy our happiness.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, October 18, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two worlds and the eight groups who appear in the “Introduction” chapter of the Lotus Sutra dwell in the Gohonzon. Illuminated by light of the five characters of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832
The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277