The story of my path to Buddhahood through the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin
26 May 2014 Leave a comment
in Buddhism Tags: Nichiren Daishonin, Wisdom Courage and Compassion
Nichiren wrote:
“None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice”
When the crucial moment comes, it is crucial 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.”
The more courageous you can become, the less the possibility you will be overcome by misfortune.
25 May 2014 Leave a comment
in Buddhism Tags: Cycling, Determination, Health, Nature, New Forest, Success, Sunshine
The weather finally relented today, and the grand tour was on once again. I set off towards Christchurch about 7:00 this morning and although there was a chill in the air, the fluffy white clouds were few and far between in a beautiful blue sky.
The trip up to Ringwood is very familiar, from all the times I’ve ridden the route to work. There was quite a lot of standing water on the roads, but the traffic was light so it was easy to ride around the puddles left by the rain of the last couple of days.
Just before reaching Ringwood town centre, I took the right turn for Crow and headed off towards Burley. The back roads in The Forest are wonderful. Narrow, winding, lined with ancient woodland, and round every corner, the possibility of seeing some of the ponies that roam the woods.
As Spring comes to an end, the mares are busy looking after their foals. They are wonderful little works of nature, perfectly formed with legs that seem to be being steered by committee. Their mothers all seemed to be set on getting their fill of the fresh grass, but the foals had better things to do prancing around like nutcases.
The ride went rather well, though the increasing breeze did make it a bit tough towards the end. Still a little determination coupled with a bag of Nákd Cocoa Delights got me over the finish line. My legs are reminding me that I’ve ridden further today than ever before, but I’m sure they’ll be fine in the morning.
24 May 2014 Leave a comment
in Buddhism Tags: Life-Energy, Mindfulness, Nichiren Buddhism, Nichiren Daishonin, Positive, Shikishin-Funi
We must never underestimate the power the mind has over our bodies. If we can remain positive, with high life-energy and in one of the higher worlds, our bodies will respond positively. If we allow negativity to creep in, the battle will be all the harder.
The Nichiren phrase for this connection between our body and mind is Shikishin-Funi. Two, but not two, not two, but two, meaning that they are separate, but cannot function alone.
Not exactly easy to understand, but essential for us to prosper in difficult times. By being positive, we give out positive energy to those around us. Whether we are in a difficult situation in our life, looking for a job, trying to make ends meet financially, battling against illness or just trying to grin and bear it in the face of seemingly unending bad news, staying positive is the only way to win through.
[色心不二] (Jpn shikishin-funi )
Also, non-duality of body and mind. The principle that the two seemingly distinct phenomena of body, or the physical aspect of life, and mind, or its spiritual aspect, are essentially non-dual, being two integral phases of a single reality. One of the ten onenesses formulated by Miao-lo (711-782) in his Annotations on “The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra.” In the Japanese term shikishin-funi, shiki means that which has form and colour, or physical existence, while shin means that which has neither form nor colour, or spiritual existence, such as the mind, heart, and soul. Funi is an abbreviation of nini-funi, which indicates “two (in phenomena) but not two (in essence).” This means that the material and the spiritual are two separate classes of phenomena, but non-dual and indivisible in essence, because they are both aspects of the same reality. In the above annotations, Miao-lo states that, from the viewpoints of the whole and its components, life at a single moment is the whole, while body and mind are its components. Neither body nor mind is a separate entity; there is not one without the other. They are inseparable components of life. In the Lotus Sutra, the principle of the ten factors of life represents the oneness of body and mind. The ten factors are listed in the “Expedient Means” (second) chapter of the sutra, where it states that the true aspect of all phenomena consists of “appearance, nature, entity, power, influence, internal cause, relation, latent effect, manifest effect, and their consistency from beginning to end.” On “The Profound Meaning” states: “Appearance exists only in what is material; nature exists only in what is spiritual. Entity, power, influence, and relation in principle combine both the material and the spiritual. Internal cause and latent effect are purely spiritual; manifest effect exists only in what is material.” The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings reads, “[Concerning the term dedication of one’s life ] ‘dedication’ refers to the element of physical form as it pertains to us, while ‘life’ refers to the element of mind as it pertains to us. But the ultimate teaching tells us that form and mind are not two.” – Taken from the SGI Dictionary of Buddhism
23 May 2014 Leave a comment
in Buddhism Tags: Compassion, Cycling, Point Of View, Strava, Weather
I have been planning to complete the Strava Gran Fondo 5 challenge so I had booked today off from work, planned my route, a trip of just over 200km, taking in all the best bits of The New Forest. I had all the nutrition organised, my bike had been serviced and was ready to go … then the weather changed.
It’s been a really miserable day, wet, very wet and really windy, not the kind of conditions you want for a serious ride. So I have had to postpone to trip until a more clement day. But let’s think about this in a wider context.
In the UK, this weekend is the Spring Bank holiday. Children are on holiday, all manner of events have been planned and organised for months, just for this weekend. So many events, the Bournemouth Wheels festival, the Bournemouth Rugby Sevens, even the Sky Nightglow Ride on Monday evening, rely to a degree on the weather.
I really hope that the weather improves over the next few days. Partly because I would really like to complete the challenge Strava have set, but mainly because of all the hard work and effort that have gone into the events of this weekend.
No matter how events, such as the weather, affect your plans in life, always take a moment to look at the bigger picture. Doing so can really put things into perspective and help you see how things really are.
22 May 2014 Leave a comment
in Buddhism Tags: Daimoku, Happiness, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Relationships, Self Awareness
I think I’m a pretty happy sort of chap, always joking around and generally enjoying life.
But there are times when that just isn’t appropriate and the last couple of weeks have been such a time.
Being happy is actually a frame of mind. It is also a choice that we can all make, by seeing the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
But the happiness of others can, and often does, have a very uplifting effect. I got a snippet of good news this afternoon, and it seems that my work situation may be a little more stable than I had imagined. I’m pleased about that, and so is my boss, who has been working hard to make a case for my continued presence in Ringwood.
So my happiness tonight is more than partly down to his happiness. The happiness of others is important and is something we should try our best to promote. Using our wisdom, courage and compassion will go a long way to achieving that goal.
So next time, during diamoku, concentrate on praying for the happiness of someone you know who needs a bit of cheering up. Fill your lungs, chant your heart out and you too will feel your spirits lifted.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
21 May 2014 2 Comments
in Buddhism Tags: Buddhist Practice, Challenges, Chanting, Life-Energy, Life-State, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Practice
Living on the coast, it can get very foggy at times, to the point where you can’t see your hand in front of your face.
The fog horn blares out all night, you can’t sleep, and your surroundings take on a surreal air.
That’s what life can be like at times. All the landmarks, the points of reference seem have gone and we can feel lost. The very things we took for granted have disappeared, maybe because we took them for granted.
So we try to get life back into perspective but have nothing to guide us, unless we are fortunate enough to have our Honzon, our anchor, our Practice. Using chanting to clear the mind, to allow us to see things the way they really are, instead of how we remembered or wished they were. Chanting, long and hard, will shine a new clarity on the situation.
Like a driver who has invested in a powerful set of fog lamps, we start to see things more clearly, we become better able to manage our life-state, and more able to navigate through the challenges that life continuously throws at us.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
20 May 2014 Leave a comment
in Buddhism Tags: Buddhahood, Daisaku Ikeda, Faith, Happiness, Life-State, Nichiren Buddhism
There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness, that transcends any material or social advantage.
It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood.
As Nichiren reminds us:
“It is the heart that is important.”
It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth. Happiness is not something located far away.
We must realise that it exists within our own lives. Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness.
~ Daisaku Ikeda
19 May 2014 2 Comments
in Buddhism Tags: Karma, Nature, Relaxation, Sunshine
With glorious English weather arriving over the last few days, yesterday seemed like a good time to get out in the sunshine and make the most of the wonderful sights of the Dorset coast. Those of us who live in the UK know all too well, that it pays to make hay while the sun shines.
Starting at the top of Branksome Chine we made our way through the amazing woodland that surrounds the stream as it makes its way slowly down to the ever popular Branksome beach. Not only does the walk through the Chine do you good, but it also saves trying to find a parking space down by the sea.
Being surrounded by fresh leaves and shoots, along with the sounds and smells that bombard the senses, leave you stunned by how wonderful nature is. The Chine winds gently down to the sea, so you hardly notice the slope, but the stream reminds you as it tumbles over a series of waterfalls, all very magical.
A beautiful day, beautiful weather, beautiful sights and wonderful experiences and all within thirty minutes of home. Some people might say I am lucky to live where I do, but actually it is a combination of the causes I have made in life. Isn’t karma grand?
Click on the images to see them full size.
18 May 2014 1 Comment
in Buddhism Tags: Buddha, Buddha Nature, Buddhahood, Enlightenment, Shakyamuni, Wisdom Courage and Compassion
The Sanskrit word Buddha means “One who is awakened [to the truth].”
While the term was widely employed by various schools of the time, it eventually came to be used exclusively in reference to Shakyamuni.
At the same time, the word Buddha implies “to bloom.”
A person who causes flowers of lofty character to brilliantly bloom and who bears the fruits of good fortune and benefit in abundance is a Buddha.
Such a person manifests the benefit of the Law and shines with character overflowing with blessings.
~ Daisaku Ikeda
17 May 2014 Leave a comment
in Buddhism Tags: Adversity, Challenges, Dark Passenger, Determination, Fundamental Darkness, Happiness, Problems, Winners, Winning
Determination grows out of adversity. To accomplish an easy or pleasant task does not require determination, it is the difficult or unpleasant task that most definitely does.
Dreams don’t come true on their own. Determination is required to achieve the things we set out to accomplish and to keep things going in the face of discouragement.
The essential purpose of Buddhism is to make people happy. True happiness is the result of consistent effort and constant growth as a human being.
Remind yourself every day, why you are pursuing your goal. Self doubt and negative thoughts are the making of your fundamental darkness. Confront your inner demons and tell them that you are going to overcome them. Take heart and strength from your Practice, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo will raise your life-energy and help you focus on the task in hand. Remember, nobody ever felt satisfaction from giving up on their dreams.
And keep this in mind when times get tough …
When your determination increases, everything else begins to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fibre in your being immediately orient themselves toward your success.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
The Search For Enlightenment 
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