The Search For Enlightenment

One of the principles of Nichiren Buddhism is that of the Oneness of Self and the Environment.

If you drop a pebble, no matter how small, into a pond, the ripples spread out in all directions and interact with everything in their path.

This principle states that there is a connection between the person and others around him or her. It is therefore clear that changes in our life-state, the way we relate or react to others and changes due to our Practice will affect those whose lives we interact with.

Some of these affects are very obvious. If we walk around with a happy demeanour, we find that people are more likely to be pleasant towards us. If, on the other hand, we walk around in a bad mood, with a scowl on our face, we find that people are less friendly and may try to avoid us completely.

Ok, so no rocket science there then, but there are more subtle ways in which changes can be felt. In my own case, my Practice has allowed me to stabilise my life-state, generally I am now more often in higher Worlds (see The Ten Worlds) than lower ones. The result of that is that I am better placed to create value, for myself and those around me.

Let me take the example of my daughter Charlotte’s current condition. My Practice has allowed me to remain calm and positive, when twelve months ago, I may have let my emotions get the better of me. I am completely certain that this has been of much more use to Charlotte and probably for the rest of the family too.

I think it is also important to be aware that the ripples, whilst being generally well accepted, can also rock the boat in some circumstances. I read Joey’s comment with great interest and compassion, when he said that although his partner had seen positive changes in his attitude and demeanour, other members of his family are less happy with his practice.

My Practice is changing me and those changes are affecting others. That’s why it is so important for me to ensure that as these changes take place, my Wisdom, Courage and Compassion increases too, so I can make sure the changes are all good ones.