The Search For Enlightenment

Tonight was my first study group meeting, and it was fantastic.

There were only five of us, I say only, but when we chanted together there was a melodic resonance that completely filled the room. Chanting alone is great, it boosts my life-energy and raises my life-state, but group chanting is like lone chanting on steroids.

A small altar was set up at the front of the room, with flowers, candles and a picture of Daisaku Ikeda surrounding the Omamori Gohonzon, a miniature copy of the Gohonzon.

Gongyo, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and part of The Lotus Sutra, took about thirty minutes although it just flew by.

We then discussed the nature of Karma. Mutable Karma, that which is created and experienced within this lifetime. Immutable Karma, that which was created in previous lifetimes and which can be experienced within this, or future lifetimes.

We discussed The Nine Consciousnesses. Sight, Hearing, Touch, Smell and Taste being our five senses as well as The Mind, The Subconscious, The Karmic Storehouse (alaya) and Buddha Nature (amala). We talked about how chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo allows us, with constant practice, to perceive all nine levels on consciousness.

There were study notes on all aspects covered during the discussion. We covered a lot, and the notes will help jog the memory on some of the finer points.

The group was very welcoming and happy to help me find a group nearer to home, so I may attend another meeting on Thursday near Poole. I was also given a gift of a book of lectures ‘On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime’ by Daisaku Ikeda.

All in all a brilliant experience. Thank you all, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.