One of the principles of Nichiren Buddhism concerns the Oneness of Self and the Environment and how that connection affects all of us in ways we sometimes fail to grasp.
If you drop a pebble, no matter how small, into a pond, the ripples generated 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.
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 had to smile to myself when my post from yesterday caused a great deal of ripples, with pretty much everyone I hold dear ringing, texting or mailing to ask me what the decision was about.
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.
Never forget that making a decision is the beginning, and not the end of a process. In many ways starting something is the easiest part, seeing things through to their conclusion takes far more effort and patience as well as wisdom, courage and compassion.
When you find yourself in a situation where you have to decide what happens next, you must be completely honest with everyone concerned, including yourself. When that decision is possibly not what others expect or want, you must show a lot of compassion when you announce it.
As one of my recent posts said, having the wisdom and courage to make a difficult decision is to be admired and saluted. Even though that decision might be painful, if it is made for the right reasons, it should never be regretted.
Going back over your mistakes, asking yourself painful questions and giving honest answers is a difficult, but cathartic experience.
When you make a difficult decision for all the right reasons, stick to that decision. 
Never forget that making a decision is the beginning, and not the end of the process. In many ways starting something is the easiest part, seeing things through to their conclusion takes far more effort and patience as well as wisdom, courage and compassion.
Sometimes we have an opportunity to do something different, something that takes us out of our comfort zone and challenges our courage. At that point we have a choice to make. Do we grasp the opportunity with both hands, jump in with both feet, or do we tell ourselves that it’s more prudent to back away and take the safe route?
I don’t know about you, but when I say I’m going to do something, I mean it. When I decide on a course of action, I try my best to carry it out. So having had a little slide, I’m determined to focus on the goal and get back on course.
The Search For Enlightenment 
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