Why Are We Born?

21 Jul 2011 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , ,

Josei TodaWhy are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge for civilisations and societies all around the world for thousands of years.

The second president of the Soka Gakkai, Josei Toda, had this to say about his own conclusions.

“This world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, ‘Enjoy themselves at ease’.

We were born here to thoroughly savour the joys of life.

Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life-force needed to lead such an existence.”

The arrival of a new-born baby makes us think about such questions and such an answer goes a long way to solving the riddle.

A New Life Begins

20 Jul 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Oliver Richard Savage - dob 20/07/2011It has been a joyous day today. My daughter Charlotte gave birth to a bouncing baby boy this morning. With all the trials and tribulations she, and we, have been through, it is a triumph of medicine, her positive attitude and copious amounts of daimoku from many, many friends. Not necessarily in that order.

So Oliver has started his latest life cycle and it led me to a few interesting questions:

  • Why did he chose this time, this place, this family to be reincarnated?
  • Who or what was he in previous incarnations?
  • What will he do with this lifetime?

Of course it is impossible to answer any of these. Even Oliver will not remember details from his previous lives. Only our Karma follows us from one lifetime to another (unless you believe in regression). But never mind all that now.

He’s a beautiful healthy little boy, I’m a proud grandfather (again) and I promise to fill his life with as much happiness as I can.

Welcome to the world Oliver Richard Savage.

Have Faith – No Matter What

19 Jul 2011 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Nichiren on Sado IslandTonight’s study group concerned itself with Nichiren’s reply to his disciple Sairen-bo regarding The True Aspect of All Phenomena (WND383)

In the letter Nichiren writes

‘Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life. If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth. And if you are a Bodhisattva of the Earth, there is not the slightest doubt that you have been a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha from the remote past.’

It is easy to miss the phrase ‘No Matter What’ in the first sentence, but studying it more closely, and taking into account the circumstances in which Nichiren and Sairen-bo found themselves when it was written, we see a deep and most profound meaning.

Both of them were in exile on Sado Island and being held in less than pleasant conditions. So when Nichiren wrote ‘No Matter What’, he was asking Sairen-bo to keep his faith and maintain his practice whatever situation he found himself in.

There is little doubt that both Nichiren and Sairen-bo were subjected to much worse conditions than we can ever imagine, let alone experience. Due to their fortitude and strength, Nichiren Buddhism exists today. If they had lost their faith, or stopped practicing in order to improve their situation, Nichiren Buddhism would have died at that time.

So when we find ourselves in difficult situations, when we feel that we are too tired or too busy to practice, we must remember their resolute stance and practice all the harder. To do anything less would be to let their efforts be for nought. Let your practice reflect their strength and your efforts be worthy of their sacrifice.

Whale Wars

18 Jul 2011 2 Comments

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Paul WatsonI am a big fan of Captain Paul Watson and the guys at Sea Shepherd. His actions against the Japanese whaling fleet have saved hundreds, if not thousands of whales in Antarctica. Each time I watch the program, I feel I should be there doing my bit. It’s too easy to sit on the sofa cheering Paul and the crew on as they battle with the Japanese whaling fleet.

Being a practicing Nichiren Buddhist and a member of the SGI, I have been concerned about the possible conflict of interests, the SGI being initially a Japanese organisation. So while I had the ear of Ricky Baynes on Saturday, I took the opportunity to ask where the SGI stood on whaling.

Of course, in hindsight, I should have known the answer. The SGI, as an organisation, has no stance on whaling. How could it, Nichiren Buddhism has no rules, no do’s or don’ts, and with all aspects of life, it is the individual who decides their own stance.

That’s how it should be. Each person is free to make their own mind up, to balance the pros and cons and come to a decision. I know where I stand, I hate to see these beautiful creatures being hunted and killed in such a barbaric fashion.

The whalers, and they aren’t all Japanese, mitigate their actions by saying that they are doing it in the name of science. But we all know that is rubbish. Why do they need to kill over a thousand whales a year? What benefit is there to scientific research? What will they hunt when the whales are gone?

Well that’s my viewpoint, and I’m happy to tell the world where I stand. If you feel the same, you might want to help Paul and the Sea Shepherds by donating or by buying something from their shop.

The Four Virtues

17 Jul 2011 2 Comments

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , , ,

Juzu BeadsNichiren Buddhism demands that we test ourselves and that we test the results of our Practice. To do this we must know why we do, what we do, and this covers every aspect of our Practice.

In my previous post about The Significance Of Prayer Beads we saw that the four smaller beads in the body represent the four Great Bodhisattvas of the Earth. These in turn represent The Four Virtues of the Buddha, and here is a much fuller explanation.

Nichiren Daishonin attributes the four virtues of the Buddha to the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Bodhisattva Superior Practices (Jogyo) represents true self. Revealing true self means for us to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon, thus manifesting our innate Buddhahood and shedding the lesser self of egotism. Bodhisattva Boundless Practices (Muhengyo) signifies eternity. Through establishing our true self of Buddhahood, we come to understand, perhaps not intellectually but with our innermost heart, the eternity of life, and remain unswayed by our ever-changing circumstances while confidently challenging ourselves. Bodhisattva Pure Practices (Jyogyo) represents purity. Once we are awakened to the greater self of Buddhahood, we are no longer tainted by delusions. With a secure sense of self, we can even positively influence our environment, thus purifying it. Finally Bodhisattva Firmly Established Practices (Anryugyo) signifies happiness—a kind of happiness that withstands all the ups and downs of our lives, including death. Through developing confidence in the Buddha nature as our true self, we free ourselves from trivial concerns for any unnecessary artifice of life and remain at peace with ourselves, knowing that we will ultimately triumph over any obstacle.

It is significant that the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth represent the four virtues of the Buddha. As the names of those bodhisattvas indicate, only through our dedicated practice as bodhisattvas—practice dedicated to the happiness of others—can we break through our lesser self and reveal the greater self of Buddhahood. In other words, our bodhisattva practice is the cause for the Buddha’s four virtues to manifest in our lives. Yet from another perspective, it may be also said that Buddhas are in essence those who are awakened to their greater self and act for the well-being of others. In this sense, the altruism of Bodhisattva practice is not only the means to overcome the lesser self and develop the four virtues; it is also a direct expression of these four virtues inherent in life, in our Buddha nature. This is why chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which calls forth our inherent Buddhahood and its corresponding virtues, provides the greatest basis for an altruistic life—a life dedicated to the happiness of others.

The four virtues of the Buddha, from the standpoint of the Daishonin’s Buddhism, describe the ideal characteristics of human beings whose view of self is not hindered in any way by selfish ego. Their understanding of self is so encompassing that their own existence and the world around them become indistinguishable. A limited understanding of self, however, leads to egotism, bringing suffering and misery to both oneself and others. True self-knowledge—an awakening to our true, greater self—in this sense is a key to overcoming selfishness.

"It starts with me! It starts from now!"

16 Jul 2011 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , ,

Taplow Court“It starts with me! It starts from now!” was the subject of today’s Men’s Division Inspiration Day held at Taplow Court.

About 50 men from South Central England gathered at the SGI-UK headquarters today to study, discuss and get inspired about Kosen-Rufu in Europe. 2011 is the 50th anniversary of Daisaku Ikeda’s first visit to Europe, so there was plenty to celebrate and talk about.

It was a good feeling being amongst friends, both old and new. After a brief welcome we were straight into morning Gongyo. It always make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, chanting with so many other people.

After a quick look through the schedule, Thierry told us about a very positive experience, brought about by his Practice.  Following a rousing, uniting song, to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode To Joy, we had a quick break to allow time for the chairs to be arranged in a circle, for the study session.

The morning study was great and was based on Sensei’s lecture on extracts from “The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra” and the vital part we all play in promoting Kosen-Rufu. Giuseppe, Ken, Lawrence and Paul read sections and these were interspersed with further inspiring experiences. An hour and a half sounded like plenty of time to cover the notes, but time flies when you are enthralled.

Taplow CourtAfter lunch and chance to talk amongst ourselves about the morning, we made our way to the Mentor-Disciple room in the Manor House. It was my first look at the inside of the house, and it is beautiful. It has been carefully restored and contains a number of period artefacts as well as a multitude of photos and memorabilia of Sensei and the history of the SGI in the UK. After a short period of group chanting, Ricky Baynes the SGI-UK Chief Advisor, who has been practicing for the best part of the fifty years of the SGI in Europe, gave us a history and explanation of the Mentor-Disciple relationship.

We had been told that there was a surprise waiting for us when we got back to the main hall, and indeed there was. The SGI-UK’s Glorious Life Chorus sang two inspirational songs. They were excellent and were richly rewarded with a standing ovation as they left the hall.

So we were all buzzing as we split up into seven small groups to discuss the morning’s study and to relate our own experiences. It was very interesting to hear that, although the experiences were very varied, there was a common theme of progress though them all. It just goes to show that no matter what the problem, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo has a positive effect in some form or another.

Men’s Division Inspiration Day - Group PhotoThe weather had been sunshine and showers all day, but we were lucky enough to catch a convenient dry spell, just long enough for the obligatory group photo. I’m sure it will appear in the next bulletin.

Back in the main hall, Ricky gave a talk on Life and Death, his life and his wife’s death, she passed on last year. It was a very personal and moving account, reducing Ricky (and many of us, if we’re honest) to tears on several occasions. Ricky is a very down to earth sort of chap. In his seventies, he is a great example to us all of how Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings can support, nurture and help us grow in the face of any adversity.

Following evening Gongyo and having sung the song from the morning once again, we all packed up and said farewell to each other. Boots commented, as he did his impression of a doorman, that people were reluctant to leave. He was right, we had all gained so much from the day, we were all wishing it had been the more usual weekend event.

It just remains for me to thank everyone involved in the organisation of the day for their fantastic efforts. I came away inspired to the max, having learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Same time next week chaps? Smile

Cowards Cannot Become Buddhas

15 Jul 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

BuddhaThis challenging and inspiring piece came from last night’s Gosho Study.

The direct route to uncovering your enlightenment is by challenging negativity. You don’t call out your Buddhahood by running away from your problems. Change your way of thinking. Obstacles, negativity, adversity, whatever words you want to attach to it – think instead – opportunity, opportunity, opportunity! This is the means by which you can call out your Buddhahood and become in charge of your life.

Every time that you think that you are powerless to change a problem in your life; you have reverted to being non Buddhist. You must chant out of the conviction that you will win. It is not mindless Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, it is not half hearted. It is a deep conviction that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is more powerful than anything else and you must attack your negativity with this conviction. You can’t do it if you won’t become a fighter. Buddhism is win or lose. And, for those of us practising Buddhism, victory is the only option. We must become masters at life by mastering negativity.

You learn that after challenging negativity, negativity, negativity, day after day, over many years, that what you were always looking for all of your life you always had; it’s always been there within you. What you learn is that your life is the greatest dream that you could ever dream. It is within your grasp and control at this moment and every moment.

So create a life for yourself that is beyond your wildest dreams. Buddhism is about winning. Buddhism is about not stopping until all people become happy. It’s about becoming mad at fundamental darkness that takes away peoples’ souls so that they become hopeless, when in fact; inside them they have the greatest seed to change anything.

The reason we have faith is to do what you cannot do already with your own human effort. You don’t need faith to do what you can already do. But how can you ever know your limitless potential of the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo unless you have the courage to fight for that which is illogical in your mind. Challenge the impossible. The more you have the courage to challenge the impossible, the more you will come to understand YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT!

(Source unknown)

Awakening Our Intrinsic Value

14 Jul 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Intrinsic ValueOne way to overcome our tendency to compare ourselves with others is through learning how to praise ourselves for our unique, intrinsic value.

A common concern about self-praise is that it may cause arrogance, probably due to our Judeo-Christian tradition in which self-humiliation is often regarded as a necessary virtue to praise God, while self-praise is deemed as a sign of pride, which is one of the seven deadly sins. It should be noted, however, that arrogance is a defensive posture caused by a tendency to assume a sense of superiority or inferiority by comparing oneself with others. Therefore, so long as we praise ourselves solely for who we are and for our innate Buddhahood, we will never become arrogant, though we may at times seem arrogant to arrogant people.

Indeed, the greatest way to praise ourselves is prayer that sincerely affirms our supreme potential as the Daishonin states, When you chant Myoho and recite Renge, you must summon up deep faith that Myoho-renge-kyo is your life itself (WND, 3).

As we praise ourselves in this way, we will grow confident yet humble because we start to recognize the same quality of Buddhahood in others as well. Appreciation for oneself leads to appreciation for others, which further strengthens self-esteem. The way we see ourselves is not only the way we live our lives, but also the way we relate to others.

(from the November 9, 2001 World Tribune)

Goal Setting

13 Jul 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Goal SettingMake goals. Whether big or small, work towards realising them. You must be serious and dedicated to your goals – you will never get anywhere if you just treat them like a joke. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves the hearts of people. That is because a brilliant flame burns within.

If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless and destructive to be overly conscious about outward appearances.

As the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote,

“How may one get to know oneself?

Never by contemplation, only indeed by action

Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you”

Goals are at the heart of our success, in fact they are the Kyo, and indeed the very basis of Kyo Chi Gyo I. Set your goals with care, and once they are set, aim for them with vigour passion and determination in equal measure.

Trust Your Own Heart

12 Jul 2011 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Trust Your HeartI heard a rather profound saying tonight, ‘Don’t lie to those who trust you, and don’t trust those who lie to you’. A pretty good piece of advice in my opinion.

So do you trust your own heart? Can you be sure that, at any time of the day or night, you won’t have some damaging thought, say some hurtful thing, or do something you later regret?

As we tread our own path towards Human Revolution we often find that the things we have hiding away in our subconscious suddenly leap out and try to trip us, or make us deviate from our chosen route.

Do not be alarmed, we are all human, we are all flawed and make mistakes. When these things happen, we must be strong, we must absorb the lessons in order that we are stronger next time, and the time after, and the time after that.

Our path is difficult and long, it will not be without setbacks and mistakes, but while we continue to learn we will only get stronger and grow ever nearer our goal.

Be strong, become wiser and chant with all your heart, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

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