To achieve a goal successfully requires you to chant about it and then take action. When you take a step towards a goal, you chant about the first step and then act on the first step. This sequence of chanting first, then taking action, will repeat with each step. Taking action can be a sticking […]
Earthly desires in many traditional religions are considered the cause of suffering and obstacles to attaining enlightenment. Eliminating them altogether becomes the goal. Enlightenment, on the other hand, is to attain a vast, expansive state of unshakeable happiness. The two would appear to be polar opposites. In Nichiren Buddhism, when you chant about your problems, […]
If you are living in the life state of Buddhahood, you aren’t different from any other ordinary person. You’re like everyone in that you will continue to have your unique personality and interests and abilities. But other things will be different. You will base your life more of the time on the universal side of […]
Problems, Suffering or Opportunity Experienced Nichiren Buddhist practitioners tell you that when you are confronting a problem, you have an opportunity to grow happiness in your life. Some examples would be, a need for housing, a friend who is ill, an issue in a relationship, or a problem at work. That sounds crazy to someone […]
Inside each of you is an Enlightened level of life. At your core exists a beautiful, radiant self, embodying unshakeable happiness, a deep wisdom, compassion, unlimited freedom and enormous vitality. It is called your Buddha Nature. The goal of Buddhism is to bring out the qualities of your Buddha Nature, so you can embody them […]
The popular understanding of enlightenment brings to mind someone with extraordinary powers beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. Popular belief states that such people have gone through austerities for many lifetimes to attain enlightenment and, once achieved, it is set in stone. In Nichiren Buddhism, enlightenment is not a static state. To be enlightened means […]
When, day after day you chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo as taught by Nichiren Daishonin the founder of this practice, you tap the cosmic level of life within you called your Buddha Nature. As you chant you will grow and develop in every aspect of your life. The end result of daily practice is a full unfolding of […]
Getting Unstuck Have you been looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community but you believe existing opportunities don’t quite seem to fit your interests or particular abilities? Maybe you want to help eliminate some problem such as homelessness, but have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of what needs to be done, and […]
Wake-Up! Wake Up! Four years ago I found myself unable to stand up after kneeling to weed the garden. For me it was a major wake-up call. I realized with total clarity that at 70 I had allowed myself to slip into aging without even paying attention. Although still healthy, I was overweight. My bone […]
Chanting for goals develops faith in the practitioner