Sticks And Stones

25 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Sticks and StonesNone of us like to be the subject of gossip, rumour or criticism, but there are times in life when it may be unavoidable. If you deviate from the well trodden path, the route that the many take, or have taken, you will open yourself up to closer, and often hostile, attention.

But when you totally devote yourself to achieving a goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. Nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking.

The key to achievement is to move forward along your chosen path with firm determination. Let others scoff if they will, but your goal must be your prime focus if you are to emerge from the journey as a victor. So set off with determination in your heart, be strong, and remember that sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you.

What Is It About Gherkins?

15 Jun 2013 1 Comment

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

What Is It About Those Gherkins?When life is beginning to feel a bit like swimming in treacle, the only key to success is to draw on your own determination. Sometimes things don’t go the way you wish and that can be for a number of reasons. But if you can remain calm, suppress your frustrations and stay focused, things will change.

Like taking the lid off a particularly tenacious jar of gherkins, it’s all about getting a proper grip on the problem, and once battle is joined, keeping the pressure on in a dogged manner. Of course the struggle may go on for some time, but there can only be one outcome if you refuse to quit, and that is victory.

And don’t forget that wonderful feeling of success when the lid finally turns. That comes with all manner of problems, and is the reward for all your effort and determination.

But what is it with those gherkins? They always seem to present a challenge, don’t they?

Winning Isn’t Everything

06 Apr 2013 2 Comments

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

Grand NationalLast weekend it was Oxford in the University Boat Race, this weekend it’s the 66-1 long shot Auroras Encore ridden by Ryan Mania in his very first Grand National.

Winners in their own fields, but what about the losers? For every winner in an event, there must be at least one loser, right? Wrong !!!

Daisaku Ikeda had this to say:

“Strength is Happiness. Strength is itself victory. In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness. When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being.”

So going home with the shiny prize isn’t the only way you can win, again President Ikeda has pearls of Wisdom …

“It is not how you compare to others that is important, but rather how you compare to who you were yesterday. If you’ve advanced even one step, then you’ve achieved something great.”

So whether you’ve had good day or not, you can look at things in several ways, and still come out of it as a winner.

And Relax

18 Mar 2013 2 Comments

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

And RelaxYou all know the saga about the round of redundancies at my place of work. It’s been a very trying time for all concerned. It’s not the easiest economic climate to find work at the moment, particularly when you are a gentleman of a certain age, as I am.

So you can imagine my relief when the phone rang at lunchtime and it was the boss calling to tell me that I had been successful in my application for the role of the Internal IT Helpdesk Technician.

Alright, it’s not the most influential role in the world, it ‘s not even the most influential role in the department, but it’s a role, a paid role, and it gives me back a little control over my destiny.

Interestingly, it is all down to cause and effect. During the redundancy discussions, I asked for the job spec and whether I might apply. Once my application had been accepted, I had to go through the interview stage, a little nerve wracking, but I made it.

So the fact that I am not now leaving on March 26th, that my continuous service will be maintained, as will my pension and share options, is down to me. Down to me making the causes in order to see the effects I am now seeing.

Having taken all the credit, the chanting clearly helped, as did all the very welcome support from my family and friends, who never stopped believing in me, or at least never let on if they did.

Thank you all, we did it !!!

Right Here, Right Now

05 Mar 2013 2 Comments

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

Green GrassDo not become depressed or downhearted. Do not dwell on every tiny setback in the course of pursuing your chosen path. To do so would be foolish. Victory or defeat is determined by what we make of our own lives.

What is enviable about the pretentious rich? What is so great about conceited celebrities? What is admirable about political leaders who gained their positions of power by treating others with distain and contempt?

There is no need to go seeking greener fields. Dig right where you are, for there lies a seam of untold riches. Our Karma fits us like a glove, and no matter what the situation we are trying to change, we are always in exactly the right place to make the causes that will, given time, effect that change.

Just As You Are

14 Dec 2012 1 Comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Flowers Of HappinessYour happiness and victory in life hinge on whether you can grasp, while you are still young, the fact that happiness lies within.

That’s why there is no need for you to compare yourselves to others but instead strive powerfully and cheerfully to develop your state of life, aiming to improve yourselves each day.

From that struggle will bloom noble flowers of mission, flowers of happiness that are yours and yours alone. Shine as you are, live true to yourselves, and advance in your own unique way.

~ Daisaku Ikeda

Determination, The Key

19 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , ,

DeterminationWhen life is feeling like swimming in treacle, the only key to success is to draw on your own determination. Sometimes things don’t go the way you wish and that can be for a number of reasons. But if you can remain calm, suppress your frustrations and stay focused, things will change.

Like taking the lid off a particularly tenacious jar of jam, it’s all about getting a proper grip on the problem, and once the battle is joined, keeping the pressure on in a dogged manner. Of course the struggle may go on for some time, but there can only be one outcome if you refuse to quit, and that is victory.

And don’t forget the wonderful feeling of success when the lid finally turns. That comes with all manner of problems, and is the reward for all your effort and determination.

Perseverance Wins

11 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

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

Andy Murray - US Open WinnerCongratulations to Andy Murray, for winning the first Grand Slam title of his career. His thrilling US Open victory over Novak Djokovic, which had me glued to the TV until nearly 3:00am this morning, is the first British Grand Slam winner since Fred Perry in 1936.

I am ashamed to say, that as with Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski and other previous British hopefuls, I was fearful that a title win would never come. It seemed that when the chips were really down, he just didn’t have the character to push home any advantage.

So sitting there this morning, I was delighted when after taking the first two sets, then losing the next two, he found that inner strength to play some of his best tennis and defeat Djokovic in the final set. The match took just short of 5 hours to complete, a testament to the stamina and fitness of both players.

Murray thanked his new coach and mentor, Ivan Lendl, and said that his experience and presence had helped him to this first title win. Of course Murray has practiced and practiced to reach this level of achievement. He has had the determination to continue in the face of defeats and is now reaping the rewards of that dedication.

His goal was a Grand Slam title, my goal is enlightenment, very different on the face of it, but the path to both entails practice, focus, determination and courage to continue in the face of adversity. Andy has reached his goal, for me the quest continues.

What A Role Model

01 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

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

Wiggo - Olympic GoldHuge, huge congratulations to Great Britain’s Bradley Wiggins for winning the gold medal in the Men’s Time Trial today at the London Olympics. His winning margin of over 40 seconds over Tony Martin, the German World Champion was nothing short of amazing.

Whilst all the excitement and focus will be on the medal winning performance, following on only ten days after his historic win in the Tour De France, it should not be forgotten that Bradley has put in a huge amount of training and personal sacrifice to make this all possible. Not that you would know it when you listen to interviews. A more down to earth fellow, it would be difficult to find.

Making the causes to bring the effects we wish to see is at the centre of Nichiren Buddhism and our routine of daily practice, although nothing like the physical effort of Mr Wiggins, is just as important if we are to progress along the path to enlightenment.

So enjoy the accolades Bradley, your efforts and sacrifices have paid off handsomely and you deserve all the plaudits you will receive. If there is a role model for us and others to try to emulate, Wiggo will be a very hard act to better. Congratulations are also due to Chris Froome, always the bridesmaid, never the bride, but a huge talent for the future, your time will come.

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