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

1122 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 22, 2009

There is a Russian proverb that says: “It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry.” Likewise, one’s happiness or unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad causes accumulated in one’s life. No one can blame others for his misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all the more clearly.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 22, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Wisdom, not might, is the most important thing. Wisdom and compassion are deeply connected. Giving earnest thought to others‚’ welfare, asking ourselves what can we do to help-using our minds in this way is a sign of compassion.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 22, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while being reviled, struck and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely perceives that your surpass the nun [Mahaprajapate] as greatly as clouds do mud. The name of that nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun Myoho.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1106
Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281

1123 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 23, 2009

If I were to make an allegory, thought and philosophy would be like the heart or respiratory system of the human body. When the heart is sound, the whole body can maintain healthy activity. This same principle applies to both the individual and society. The SGI has a mission to serve as the heart that ensures the healthy functioning of society. Consequently, taking good care of the SGI, (the heart) allows the fresh life-giving blood of humanism to flow to and nourish all areas of society, including culture, politics and the economy.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 23, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

The purpose of Buddhism is to bring out the Buddha nature that all people inherently possess, to awaken people to it and enable them to attain Buddhahood. Moreover, the Lotus Sutra does not allow for any discrimination; all people are equally entitled to salvation.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, November 23, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the “Encouraging Devotion” chapter and in the “Never Disparaging” chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214
Aspiration for the Buddha Land
Written to Toki Jonin on November 23, 1271

11/18-11/21 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

For 11/18-11/20: http://www.sgi-usa.org/encouragement/

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 21, 2009

If you practice faith while doubting its effects, you will get results that are at best unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own weak faith on the mirror of the cosmos. On the other hand, when you stand up with strong confidence, you will accrue limitless blessings.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 21, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Everyone born in this world has a unique role that only he or she can fulfill. Were this not the case, we would not be here. The universe never acts without cause; everything invariably has a reason for being. Even the weeds people love to loathe serve a purpose.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 21, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 637
The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on November 20, 1277

1117 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Only if you challenge your human revolution in a manner that is true to yourself will the people around you naturally begin to trust and respect you. That in itself is the greatest way of laying the groundwork for the spread of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

The Lotus Sutra, which explains that all people can attain Buddhahood and that all people are Buddhas, embodies a spirit of supreme respect for human beings. By contrast, those teachings and ideas that seek to turn people into objects to be exploited embody ultimate disrespect for human beings. Such disrespect is an expression of fundamental darkness. On the level of the individual, practicing the Lotus Sutra means confronting the fundamental darkness in one‚’s own life.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

The same is true of your attaining Buddhahood. No matter what grave offenses you might have committed, because you did not turn against the Lotus Sutra, but showed your devotion by accompanying me, you will surely become a Buddha. Yours is like the case of King Possessor of Virtue, who gave his life to save the monk Realization of Virtue and became Shakyamuni Buddha. Faith in the Lotus Sutra acts as a prayer [to attain Buddhahood]. Strengthen your resolve to seek the way all the more and achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 946
The Receipt of New Fiefs
Written to Shijo Kingo in October 1278

1116 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 16, 2009

When we speak of showing actual proof, it doesn’t mean we have to try to put on a show of being in any way more knowledgeable or accomplished than we are. It is my hope that, in the manner that best suits your situation, you will prove the validity of this Buddhism by steadily improving in your daily life and in polishing your character, as well as in your family, place of work and community.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 16, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

The real essence and practice of humanism is found in heartfelt, one-to-one dialogue. Be it summit diplomacy or the various interactions of private citizens in different lands, genuine dialogue has the kind of intensity described by the great twentieth-century humanist and philosopher Martin Buber as an encounter “on the narrow ridge” in which the slightest inattention could result in a precipitous fall. Dialogue is indeed this kind of intense, high-risk encounter.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, November 16, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Thus it seemed that I could not possibly escape with my life. Whatever the design of the heavenly gods in the matter may have been, every single steward and Nembutsu believer worthy of the name kept strict watch on my hut day and night, determined to prevent anyone from communicating with me. Never in any lifetime will I forget how under those circumstances you, with Abutsu-bo carrying a wooden container of food on his back, came in the night again and again to bring me aid.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 932
The Sutra of True Requital
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278

1115 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 15, 2009

Please steadily advance along the fundamental path of “faith manifests itself in daily life,” living in the way that best suits you. Just as the sun rises every day, if you persistently advance based on the Mystic Law, the absolute Law of the universe, you will definitely be able to lead a life in which all desires are fulfilled, a life that you cannot now even conceive of. Please be convinced that you are now leading the most certain and valuable life.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 15, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

We are always changing. If you decide passively, “I‚’m a quiet type now, so I‚’ll just go through life being quiet,” then you won‚’t fully realize your unique potential. On the other hand, you can challenge yourself to become someone, who, though quiet and reserved by nature, will nevertheless say what needs to be said at the right moment, clearly and completely, someone who has the courage to speak out and stand up for the truth.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 15, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

The benefit of all the other sutras is uncertain, because they teach that one must first make good causes and only then can one become a Buddha at some later time. With regard to the Lotus Sutra, when one’s hand takes it up, that hand immediately attains Buddhahood, and when one’s mouth chants it, that mouth is itself a Buddha, as, for example, the moon is reflected in the water the moment it appears from behind the eastern mountains, or as a sound and its echo arise simultaneously.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1099
Wu-lung and I-lung
Written to the lay nun Ueno on November 15, 1281

1114 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 14, 2009

In a family, if one person is unhappy, then so is the entire family. Therefore, I would like you to sincerely pray for and protect one another so that there are no people who are unfortunate and unhappy, or who abandon their faith, and that every person will become happy. These are the kinds of humanistic bonds among fellow members that give birth to true unity. Coercion or force stemming from power and authority is ineffective at critical moments.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 14, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Our voice resonates with life. Because this is so, it can touch the lives of others. The caring and compassion imbued in your voice finds passage to the listener‚’s soul, striking his or her heart and causing it to sing out; the human voice summons something profound from deep within, and can even compel a person into action.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 14, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

When once we chant Myoho-renge-kyo, with just that single sound we summon forth and manifest the Buddha nature of all Buddhas; all existences; all bodhisattvas; all voice-hearers; all the deities such as Brahma, Shakra, and King Yama; the sun and moon, and the myriad stars; the heavenly gods and earthly deities, on down to hell-dwellers, hungry spirits, animals, asuras, human and heavenly beings, and all other living beings. This blessing is immeasurable and boundless.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 887
How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277

11/8-11/13 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Hey Ya’ll–back online…computer issues. For BF4T 11/8-11/12: http://www.sgi-usa.org/encouragement/

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 13, 2009

Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense; its purpose is not to restrict or constrain. Doing gongyo is a right, not an obligation. Because Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake. If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 13, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

Nichiren writes, “None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice.” When the crucial moment comes, it is important to battle through it with the ferocity of a charging lion. This is the key to creating a record of lasting brilliance. As the ancient Greek poet and playwright Euripides inscribed, “Courage is very powerful against misfortune.”

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 13, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Kai-ko said: “. . . I felt it a terrible pity that someone such as he, outstanding in every respect, should die so young. Reconsidering the matter, however, I realized that it was because of this boy’s death that his mother became a seeker of the way and his father began to practice, praying for his repose. How marvelous, I thought. Moreover, the fact that they have put their trust in the Lotus Sutra, which all people detest, must mean that their deceased son has been at their side and encouraged them to do so.” I also believe this to be the case.

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

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