A Fresh View

13 Sep 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Newbury Clock TowerI guess that as someone with a good job, one that I really enjoy, I am one of the luckier people in today’s beleaguered society. Of course there are days when I would rather be spending time with my family, out walking by the sea, or enjoying the sights and sounds of the New Forest. But having work to do is, in itself a joy.

Lately, work has been pretty hectic, new projects and new challenges, and the whole team has been working hard to stay on track. Today was looking like another all out effort, early start, followed by a drive up to Newbury, and a set of objectives that were pretty tough on paper.

The day started with beautiful sunshine, so the holdup en-route wasn’t so bad, sitting enjoying the rural views from the A34. All in all, it was a very pleasant drive. Just being out of the office also made a really nice change. They do say that a change is as good as a rest, but maybe that is overstating the situation at times.

Although the work didn’t go without a hitch, we did eventually get even more done than originally planned, and although the sun didn’t shine all day, it only rained whilst we were in the office. Oh yes, and having got the work finished and out of the way, it was truly glorious by the time I set off for home.

So a really good day when you look at it, and so easy to focus on the best bits. Having a positive outlook, and enjoying the highs while letting the lows slide by is definitely a recipe for success, not to mention happiness, I thoroughly recommend you give it a try.

Positive Result

08 Aug 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

OliverSo our little man is finally home. Fantastic news from every point of view, and cause for understandable jubilation in the Savage and Blake households.

Obviously I am over the moon too, but more than that, I am so proud that Charlotte has dug deep and remained positive throughout the entire process. To imagine that there were people suggesting she should take the ‘easy’ way out, look after herself, and terminate the pregnancy is now unbelievable.

But Charlotte was determined to have her baby, the little chap we now call Oliver. She went through mental anguish, wondering whether she was making the right decision. Well today we all know that she did. The situation with her chemotherapy is ongoing, and there will good days and bad days, but today is one of the very best of good days!

A Birthday Party To Remember

25 Jun 2011 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Happy Birthday CharlotteWhat a lovely day, the weather was kind to us, it didn’t rain, the sun did shine for a while and it was a lovely party for my eldest daughter today.

Now turning 30 is not generally a particularly happy day for people. These landmark birthdays simply serve to remind us that time stops for nobody. But in the current circumstances, with Charlotte recovering from cancer, reaching another birthday is something to celebrate with gusto.

Within weeks Charlotte will also give birth to our fourth grandchild, another reason for celebration. All positive, all going in the right direction and Charlotte has been amazing throughout. Happy birthday Charlotte, we all love you so very much.

Of course, birthdays have always been a reason for celebration, here is a letter from Nichiren Daishonin written in 1271 …

The Birth of Tsukimaro

I UNDERSTAND that your baby has been born. Congratulations! In particular, today is the eighth day of the month. Not only have you had your baby, but on such an auspicious day! The fulfilment of your wish is now complete, just like the tide at the high watermark or the blossoming of flowers in a spring meadow. Thus, I have wasted no time in giving her a name. Please call her Tsukimaro.

What is more, Great Bodhisattva Hachiman, the sovereign deity of this country, was born on the eighth day of the fourth month. Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings in this saha world, was also born on the eighth day of the fourth month. Though the month is different, your baby girl was also born on the eighth day. She could well be the reincarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha or Hachiman. Since I am an ordinary man, I have no way of knowing for certain, but I am convinced that the reason for this auspicious birth is that I gave you the protective agent. How happy you, her parents, must be! In celebration, you have kindly sent me rice cakes, sake, and one thousand coins. I have also reported this to the object of devotion and the ten demon daughters.

When the Buddha was born in this world, there were thirty-two auspicious phenomena, as is recorded in a work called The Record of Wonders in the Book of Chou. Immediately following his birth, Shakyamuni Buddha took seven steps, opened his mouth, and uttered the words, expressed in sixteen characters, “Throughout heaven and earth, I alone am worthy of respect. The three- fold world is a place of suffering from which I will save all living beings.” Tsukimaro must have chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with her very first cry at birth. The Lotus Sutra speaks of “the true aspect of all phenomena.” T’ien-t’ai said, “Voices do the Buddha’s work.” This is also what I think. The deaf cannot hear the thunder, and the blind cannot see the light of the sun and moon. But I am quite certain that the ten demon daughters must be together side by side, giving the baby her first bath and watching over her growth.

Let me heartily congratulate you. I can imagine your joy. I have respectfully reported this to the ten demon daughters and to the Sun Goddess. I am too excited to write any more. I will be writing you again.

Respectfully,
Nichiren

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