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BRINGING ORDER TO LIFE
BY MACHIKO BELLAMY-ALEXANDER, SGI-USA VICE STUDY DEPARTMENT LEADER
To bring order to life, one must understand the order of things necessary to build genuine happiness. Misunderstanding life's priorities leads to chaos and confusion. Nichiren Daishonin writes, "Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other" ("The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra," The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 1001). Here, Nichiren urges Shijo Kingo, one of his staunchest followers, to put faith first — to start with his Buddhist practice to develop confidence in his innate Buddhahood when challenging his difficult circumstances. Nichiren encourages us
to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon before any other tactic or strategy.
I think that the key word is before. I am sure that if a poll were taken, we would find that many of us have had the experience of doing just the opposite. I'll be the first to admit that on at least a few occasions I have applied the "strategy of the Lotus Sutra" after several others. Without first using Nichiren Buddhist practice to tap my innate Buddhahood, I sometimes tend to seek solutions everywhere but within my own life. Sometimes I use the following mnemonic to remind myself of this pitfall: Action taken unwisely, Benefit sought vainly, Chanting put on a back burner, Determination barely committed. (I could continue with: Effects brought poorly, Failure recognized painfully, Gee whiz, somebody Help!) I named this sequence of events the "ABCD formula," a strategy entailing much work with little benefit.
"Action taken unwisely"— I have at times taken action without much consideration of life's true fulfillment. I've experienced putting a lot of thought toward what I want to see happen, thinking that without question it will make me happy. Unfortunately, without putting the strategy of the Lotus Sutra first, my conception of happiness tends to be diminished.
"Benefit sought vainly"— without the wisdom gained from chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, I may seek my benefit in the wrong places or
mistake misfortune for benefit. When nothing happens or when things get worse, I start thinking: "Perhaps I'd better chant about it."
"Chanting put on a back burner"— though I know that I need to chant, I may not immediately recognize that chanting is the real foundation
of my successful efforts. Instead, I start by trying out everything but my Buddhist practice to make things work. Or when I chant, I have sometimes found myself seeking blessings from an external deity, which is contrary to the Nichiren Buddhist teaching of the universality of Buddhahood.
"Determination barely committed"— making halfhearted efforts while doubting that my efforts will really lead to anything positive. Action without confidence and resolve is self-defeating.For me, the meaning of "employing the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other" can be summed up by what we might call the "DCBA formula."
"Determination committed"— a profound resolve to overcome difficulties is an _expression of my faith, and this is the foundation of my Buddhist practice. So making a determination — and continually refreshing it — is the crucial first step toward achieving victory over life's obstacles.
"Chanting with confidence"— through earnest, resolute prayer, I can bring forth the great power of the Mystic Law from within to face my
obstacles without fear.
"Benefit clearly identified"— the ultimate goal of my Buddhist practice is to develop my innate Buddhahood as the foundation of my
life — that is, to develop a life-condition of absolute happiness that cannot be influenced by anything. With this goal clearly set, I
will not get lost in my quest of the most fulfilling life.
"Action taken courageously"— with the life-condition of Buddhahood developed through chanting, I can courageously face and win over
every obstacle. Sometimes, I may not see immediate results, but that is the time to strengthen my determination and chant more.
What is most important in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is conviction in our innate Buddhahood. While it is not about just clocking in the
hours in front of the Gohonzon, the amount we chant is important in developing this conviction.
Nichiren writes in the "Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man": "The Buddha nature that all these beings possess is called by the name Myoho-renge-kyo. Therefore, if you recite these words of the daimoku once, then the Buddha nature of all living beings will be
summoned and gather around you" (WND, 131). Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo even once with profound conviction in the universality of Buddhahood enables all people to manifest their innate Buddhahood. But to develop the conviction that no matter how they may appear, all people possess the potential for attaining Buddhahood, one needs to be dedicated to the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
The prayer of Nichiren Buddhism is powerful; it deserves to be taken seriously. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is different from
repeating a magic phrase. It is an _expression of confidence in our innate Buddhahood; at the same time, it is a means by which to
develop such confidence. Through my many years of Buddhist practice, I have learned that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as if it were magic that brings blessings is not effective. Perhaps, you have experienced this as well. The times I could positively influence my environment were the times that, without the slightest doubt, I believed that the power of the Mystic Law permeated all of my surroundings. My environment
responded amazingly when I chanted with that confidence and took action for the sake of others. I feel I am only beginning to experience the true power of the Mystic Law and my unlimited strength within, which is exciting. Whenever I stick with my DCBA method instead of simply relying on other schemes and tactics, I clearly experience the great benefit of my Buddhist practice."Employ the Lotus Sutra before any other"— this is Nichiren's simple yet profound teaching. Some of the most difficult things in life are the simplest. Simple things are often most difficult to apply to ourselves.
For example, I want to better my health. There are seemingly countless ways to lose weight and improve health. You can try a beach diet, the you-can-only-eat-meat method, and so many other ways. Yet the fundamental formula is eat better and move more. Right? When I was young, my family was poor. Food was almost a luxury. I could immediately tell from what was on our table when our finances
became tighter: My mother would switch from Hamburger Helper with meat to meat-flavored ramen.
Because of my consistent practice, I developed the fortune to where I could afford to eat just about anything, anytime. (Be careful of what you chant for. Now I am trying to rid myself of the effects of such actual proof!) Some may want to stop smoking. Many are told to just stop, calling to mind the Reagan-era slogan encouraging people not to use drugs: "Just Say No." These are all easy formulas. The difficulty
lies in application and maintenance. It is easier to make the commitment than to maintain it. Nichiren talks about the frailty of the human heart and the importance of making our Buddhist practice the foundation of our lives: "The human heart is like water that assumes the shape of whatever vessel it occupies, and the nature of beings is like the reflection of the moon undulating on the waves. Now you insist that you will be firm in this faith, but another day you are bound to waver.... But you must be like the golden mountain that glitters more brightly when scraped by the wild boar, like the sea that encompasses all the various streams, like the fire that burns higher when logs are added, or like the kalakula insect that grows bigger when the wind blows. If you follow such examples, then how can the outcome fail to be good?" ("Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man,"WND, 134).
Can we strengthen our resolve and maintain our practice in the face of obstacles? Can we "employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before
any other" when we are tempted to try out everything else first? One meaning of the word employ is "to make use of what is inactive."
Our innate Buddhahood needs to be awakened and put to work. It would be a great loss to let this unlimited potential remain inactive.
Employing the strategy of the Lotus Sutra and using the power of our innate Buddhahood is the way to eliminate life's greatest waste.
What a concept!
TO Protect/ Serve people
To become great leaders & changing others by advancing faith & Kosen Rufu
To reform society for the welfare of the country for which we require leaders as they play vital role
To establish true law in your own respective country
Have a knowledge to benefit humankind & aim to create value in society
Importance of correct leadership & to overcome devilish nature of authority
Respect for human life.
Treasuring one’s own life & life of the others and believing in their Buddha nature
To change Internally
Open eye of wisdom from self centered to altruism & from destruction to creative
Gathering the forces of BuddhaàFaith , Practice & Study
Stability & peace for all society as a wholeà If you are concerned ..it is the clear expression of Buddha
Study –The Student division, Champions of Intellect ( Kosn Rufu-our Mission Page-226)
Buddha is one who continues to fight & takes action internally by strengthening faith & Advancing Kosen Rufu
Rishho Ankoku Ron ( NHR Volume4 Page-199 )
To apply this concept in our daily life, work place, studies
How an individual applying this concept can advance to realize a Kosen Rufu world
Family is happy Society becomes happy
Land ou living becomes happy /Spirits are high Peaceful world
If you spread law in the country , Peace of land becomes secured
Develop yourself to take respect of your own life.
To believe in your life first
More number of people you introduceà Power & strength of Bodhisattva will unfold & will lead to create peaceful world
To raise the banner of victory n put the seal of succession
Study of peace proposal ( Value Creation April 2008, Page11 to 58)
Mahatma Gandhi saidà “ An eye for an eye will make the entire world blind”
Using forces against forces will not create peace in world
Our present situation is best characterized as one of global disorder
Moving from fundamentalism to humanism
To stop war we need to have DIALOUGE
War begins in mind of people so bridges of peace should also be built in minds of people
Peace of land is achieved if correct teachings is engraved in the hearts of the people. When mind of people change it will bring happiness & people’s protection
Our hearts need to be changed. If we want to meet peaceful ends our means/ source should also start with peace
Buddhism is not theoretical bit but internalizing & putting it in entire lifeàhealth, job etc
We need to defeat devilish nature of life & bring good out of it.
Inspire others through your life
To have clarity of thoughts rather than having confusing & complaining nature
Global issues like Global warming & terrorism were also discussed
Learning from ” COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO”à Why we should read this novel
Sensei once Said à I am the Monte Cristo of world of thought, action & Kosen Rufu “
so SD should become the monte cristo of society for truth & justice
Greater he reform needed , Greater the personality you need to accomplish it
Take the lead
Read different kinds of literature/ books while you are young
SD should understand the heart of mentor & take the people along with them
Basically 5 major points were shared:-
1) Aspect of Training in youth
Using this time to do something constructive
Creating Value in life
Comfortable with struggles
Shifting our focus & use the time of youth to train ourselves everyday
Taking mentor’s teaching as it is & imbibing them as It is
To become world leaders
Respect will come to us only when we are capable of it
To have determination that “ this year I will do 10 years of study”
To be strict with ourselves & lenient with others
To have a seeking mind
To Develop character
To become capable for humanity
2) To Become Leaders in Society
To serve people we need positions in society . When we study deeply we attract wealth , Position & title in society
To Study hard
To Serve/Protect People Reach to the Top Position
3) Youth Must Understand how society works
To Know What is happening in the society ??
Awareness through—Newspaper, Internet, News channel, Television
To have discerning eyes as world is full of kiosks, distraction & not to get betrayed
TO understand what is wrong & Right. To know how to use knowledge is important. For this its important to develop WISDOM. We are able to develop understanding & perceive what is right & wrong.
1) Never take anything for granted
To forge yourself & prepare thoroughly àBy exposing yourself to handle different responsibilities/pressures.
To understand ways of society
Look into smallest & each n every details
To make plans as how to live your time as Student Division & take corresponding action
Targets about Self-Learning ( every year)
Knowledge/Philosophy are theoretical but practically we should understand different people, personality , character( SGI is the platform where we apply knowledge practically )
Thinking I’m chanting …everything will be okay—This is not the right attitude
Chanting helps us To bring Highest potential / enrich our potential
Study hard & have a
a) Life condition to learn
b) Life condition to retain
c) Life condition to deliver
Become people of great faith—Polish your character & develop wisdom
No complaints but to become strong
Reach out to world & your main aim should be to become leaders of world
We create our own fortunes & it depends on what type of causes we do. If u do good causes you accumulate good fortunes & see positive effects and vice versa
2) We are people of good & we have to accomplish good in society. We have to win
Good people have to win to change society
Not to be defeated by our own negativities &people outside
Have one leader as your friend in gakkai with whom you can open up… who connects you to mentor & brings closer to gohonzon.
Buddha cannot rest until sufferings ends. We are bodhisattvas of
We have two kinds of civilization…both of which not provide happiness
Civilization Spiritual Civilization Material Civilization (Cultural + Industrial)
We need to create new civilizationà Spiritual (Mind) + Material (Body)
i.e. Many in body one in mind. Which provides happiness.
Take problem as opportunity to grow. We need to create a new age.
Learning from the Gosho—The Drum at Gate of Thunder
Gosho is :-
Buddhist scripture for efforts of law….its not an abstract theory
Record of N.D ‘s struggles
Crystallization of spirits, actions & instructions
It reflects social & cultural condition of that time
Its states the universal principle that are unchanging & timeless
Its confrontation of N.D’s determination
Essence of N.D’s Buddhism to make people happy
Three Things/Aspects to learn about N.D’s Personality
1) His absolute conviction in Gohonzon / NMRK. There was no iota of doubt
2) Determination to realize Kosen Rufu without fail
3) CompassionàAmidst of those intense struggles his concerned for each individual he /she & make the feel the most important person in the universe no matter whatever background they belong to.
Treasures for young people
To have mentor in life
To have the correct philosophy
Most Important & decisive event in history of Buddhism
When N.D’s inscribed Dai-Gohonzon
When our mentor spread Buddhism to 193 countries
Carry this Pride with You. Approach with Faith not with Questioning way
MYO has 3 meanings
1) Ability to open à Power to open & Power to utilize wisdom n good fortunes
2) Perfectly endowedà Benefits , virtues are connected in single word myo
3) To reviveà To bring back to life…hope, courage, Buddha hood or any adverse issue.
Fully activate Myo in your life so you can open. Endowed & revive
Earnestly work On
Chanting Sincere & diligent Diamoku
Striving For Kosen Rufu
Mentor & Disciple Relationship
Some other points:-
Your faith in Gohonzon will consume all negativities
Destroy the most deep rooted karma or fundamental darkness of life which is source of all your misfortune,
Young people collapse because of their inability to take failures
Don’t allow setback in your brain, Relationships etc..
You have power of wisdom
Correctness of faith is witnessed at moment of death. Your appearance at the time of death will tell you if u will go to hell or heaven. What’s state of your heart at the moment of death? Did you maintained steadfast faith at that time?
Person’s life condition finds the expression of joy they found in chanting/ How they chant ?
How you die is not important but what is your heart at time of death
How you live your life is more important than how long you live
In this lifetime form connection with Gohonzon, Mentor & SGI
No science is more accurate than the law of cause & effect. This law is inscrutable & 100% correct n flawless
Your heart is important. Our heart is where sensei heart is. No matter wherever our mentor is …we are connected to our mentor in a moment. So it depends what efforts you do to connect to sensei
It takes one moment for your Buddha nature to manifest
Live Life without Regret. Live life devoted to Kosen Rufu.
Take problems as opportunity to fulfill your mission, expiate negative karma & strengthen your faith
Important is to carry mentor in your heart. Even till now wherever Sensei goes he says “I go on behalf of my mentor & respond to different situations
Chanting NMRK is important but with what attitude you are chanting is also important. Pledge to realize worldwide Kosen Rufu
Its important to fight with the negative forces within you. When human change..society ill change. Changing the systems wont make any difference
To work for propagation of the law & we all will meet at eagle peak
( Sensei once described Eagle peak asà Place of Wonderful gathering of people whoever you ever wanted to meet & start new journey with them )
This is the longest but the surest path. Only path worth working upon
Ques: Is it necessary to give offerings to Gohonzon ?
It is not necessary to give offerings . Your Diamoku matters the most
Offerings are the expression of Joy & gratitude …..it enhances your diamoku
It is important to differentiate what is Ritual & what is sufficient
When you chant diamoku appear respect worthy
Offerings symbolizes your determination to share Benefits of Gohonzon with everyone ( that’s y in big meeting offerings are made )
Ques: What we as SD members should do to eradicate corruption at present ?
Toda once said à Theirs never been an age where no one has raised voice against injustice. They kept pace with technological progress.
Human nature posses 10 worlds. Lower worlds lead to corruption,
SGI teaches to manifest Buddha nature & eradicate the world of hell, hunger , animality
Society n humanity are guided by wisdom which is the purpose of Lotus sutra.
Words of Encouragement by Gopi Menon
“ A great missionary is one who have vision which cannot be completed in his/her lifetime & someone else carry ‘s it forward. If you not fulfill your mission , person will not complaint you but lack of his/her good fortune
Amit kumar Mishra-AN EXPERIENCE!
Good Morning everybody. My name is Amit Kumar Mishra. I have been practicing this wonderful philosophy since last one year. I am so fortunate to get opportunity to share my experience with all of you today.
I was born in a very orthodox religious family. My father and uncle were priest in a jain temple. My parents had not good relationship with each other. My father left all of us at village, while I was just 4 year old. But my mother was not willing to stay without my father in village. She came Delhi without me so I spent my child hood with my Aunty . I finished my schooling in village. I passed my 10 board exam with first division despite of very poor education system. I was eagerly looking forward to further study . I went to district for study but hardship never let me go alone anywhere. Same time my uncle met an accident ,due to that I could not attend single class for 4-5 moths. I was confused and scared about my study so took migration to study nearby my relative home, Again I faced the same problem my entire session was wiped out because of clash occurred between teachers and students. At the same time my relationship became bitter with my relative , finally I left his house. Somehow I managed to get the space to continue my study at place of my muslim friend I was bound to not even drink water because as I am from very orthodox religious family and it is not allowed. Eventually I could pass my exam as a topper of my school.
Then I came Delhi with the dream to become Computer Engineer. but I had no idea what to do, I was not capable enough to crack the exam within a year due to lack of efficiency in English. I was not able to understand even a single line written in English properly. I was so desperate take admission in 2 year coaching course. I was cheated and lost my money in it without getting concrete result. On the other hand I could not take the admission in college due to delayed result of my board exam in Bihar . So finally I enrolled in Distance Learning course for BCA. I flunked in 1st year in every subject because I was not able to understand those things.
After 2 years I was in final year my father had major sickness and went through an operation. And same time my father and uncle both lost their job. My brothers doing their business was in ruins and suffered severe cash crunch. I started teaching in a computer institute to support my family. I quit the job to give 1st priority to my degree because my study had gone stuck, simultaneously I was searching a better job. But I could not get any job despite of perceived in countless interviews . Due to this failure I lost my courage , passion, confidence and started grumbling and blaming my family for this failure. I did small-small jobs for survive in odd hours where I used to walk kilometers after finishing my work in night. I cut my food and sleep for my family’s struggle.
This was the time when I was introduced to Nicheren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
One day my younger nephew started behaving abnormally and my family had given up hope, so I asked a senior leader why I have been given so many problems and how can I save his life, he reminded me passage from Gosho “NMRK is roar of lion what sickness can be an obstacle”. I started chanting abandon diamuku for his 100% recovery and my district leaders and members really supported me .gradually I was growing in faith .At the same time my prayer also manifested in other area of my life, I also got a job in an IT firm in night shift which helped me to tack care of family in day.
In sept 2006 my father suffered from heart attack. With me my district members chanted for saving his life and he could survive his life . But Once again my father fallen sick in November and this time blood and blood clots were coming in his urine, while I was also appearing in my final year post graduation examination. Doctors had doubt for kidney damage or another surgery for prostet. Once again a challenge for me to prove the power of diamuku. At night in office and At day in hospital continuously 6 days and nights I did not go on bed and I chanted diamuku for every movement of my father 100% recovery, again I saw the power of faith Doctors said there in nothing to worry may be due to cardio medicine blood is coming, I was so relieved could really strengthen my faith and practice which saved my fathers.As I had complaining nature earlier turned in to sense of responsible to tack care of my family and people around me, I am happily reporting that this practice has made me capable to tack care of 23 member family at the age of 23. My father and nephew both are fine now.
In January I got selected for SOKAHAN group. Every time whenever meeting is organized I attended meetings, did activities and did my SOKAHAN duty even to be entire night in office and after go home cooked food for my family. I could win over my emotional dependence on others and became more confident and courageous. Now I feel myself to be a part of Soka family and don’t miss any opportunity to chant Daimoku for others. This is the source of my life force.
I determine to dedicate my life for kosen rufu, I determine make my family harmonius and kosen rufu family and make myself SUN of my family. I determine to become true successor of soka gakkai and capable desciple of Sensai. I vow, and deeply pray to the Gohonzon to be able to introduce people who are really suffering, to make them absolute happy.
Thank You Very Much
Amit Kumar Mishra
EXPERIENCE OF ADITYA KRISHNAN, MANIPAL (KARNATAKA) IN AUG 2008
I would like to wish every one here a very good evening. My name is Aditya Krishnan. I came across this beautiful philosophy 8 years ago. When I joined Soka Gakkai, I did so without any pressing issues in my life. There after for a period of 7 ½ years I practiced just out of habit without being able to connect to the law and my mentor. On the whole, my practice was erratic and didn't have direction. However the meetings that I attended infused me with positivity and gave me a message carry home each time.
I would only chant when I would face problems to which I wouldn't have solutions to, or for my exams. I took it for granted that my family was praying for me and I had nothing to worry about. I was complacent, direction less; irresponsible…the list goes on.
A lot has changed in my life over the last 2 years. I faced a lot of problems pertaining to my personal life, career and academics. I had taken things for granted and let things pile up and now they had started to affect me in every sphere of my life. My 'turn the other cheek' attitude or 'this is just a part of life, deal with it' slogan didn't work for me. Toda sensei says "You make your own troubles and you alone can solve them". I decided it was time to take full responsibility for my own problems.
My leaders and friends helped me connect to members in Manipal/Mangalore in Karnataka. On my return I attended my 1st Zadenkai in Mangalore with 4 practicing members. I was overjoyed to meet them. I became good friends with them and since then for the last 6 months we attended every Zadenkai together. In order to attend meetings in Mangalore we would wake up 7am on Sunday mornings, begin our 2 hr journey from Manipal by bus to Mangalore. We would chant for the success of the meeting attend the meetings and return to Manipal by 3pm in the afternoon. It was a struggle, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Since we were hostellers, at times we would miss our breakfast and lunch. But Soka Gakkai is truly a second family. We were always cared for and looked after. We never went back hungry. I want to really appreciate all the Mangalore members from the depth of my heart for all of their love and concern. I started to connect with the law and we started small meetings amongst ourselves in Manipal for study and chanting purposes Initially we met once a month apart from the Zadenkai, gradually it became once a week.We studied the Gosho, Value Creation and New human revolution. I had never studied before this but with my change in my attitude towards the practice I enjoyed reading about the principles of our philosophy and Sensei s guidance's. I could connect with the goals of our organization and my mentor's heart. With each meeting we felt the need to work for Kosen rufu in Manipal. Nichiren Daishonin says "I trust you with the propagation of the law in your own province." We chanted for more members to emerge and soon 2 new members joined us.
The members started their end semester exams before mine. I did everything to support them sometimes going both early morning and late evening daily to see them victorious. I could maintain a balance between my studies and activity. In Buddhism it is said that Nothing in faith goes to waste. My efforts for my members came back to me in the form of protection in my exams. I performed well contrary to my expectations as i had back to back papers and my
course was very vast. The Gosho says "When you light a lantern for another, it brightens up your path as well."
I would like to share with you another benefit that I received. I am currently persuing a degree in physiotherapy in Manipal. I joined this course based on the inputs I received from my family and close family friends. I was desperate because my peers had already commenced and settled into their own streams. It seemed every one knew exactly what they wanted to do as a career and here I was absolutely clueless. I started physiotherapy, and from time to time I received a lot of negative inputs regarding my course from my own seniors. Some said that it a profession is considered inferior and you will not get any respect by your fellow medical peers, others were changing streams for their masters, others told me the pay scale would be very low and you would struggle to meet ends. I started to feel that even after perusing a professional degree I would be a nobody. I didn't want to tell my family this as I felt it would just make things worse. I was demoralized but I continued my course studying with an absolute lack of interest .It wasn't all that bad, my family and close friends always were optimistic and encouraged me reassuring me that my course has a bright future. The mixed inputs that I was received really confused me. I wanted to make a smart carrier decision regarding my masters. I took guidance and I was told that in a marathon race it is not imp who is ahead in the middle of the race what is relevant is who reaches the finish line first. Buddhism teaches if "you win in present" then you victory in future is guaranteed. Winning here means to win over your own self to be the best in physiotherapy. Sensei gives us the guarantee that no matter what the present looks like our ultimate victory is assured, when we base our lives our lives on faith and have trust in Gohonzon. I understand now that no matter how unclear I am now or how much anguish I have experienced, if I dedicate my self to the practice and worked for the law I definitely will be successful.
At the end of 6 months I feel a change in my attitude. I still am working on my complacency and non appreciative nature. My practice is more mission oriented. . I have realized my practice is self motivated and the determinations that are to be made need to be strong and renewed daily. Sensei says 'the hardships faced in youth help us forge an unshakable character for our adulthood'.
I determine to excel in my studies and to grow for the sake of Kosen Rufu, to earn the trust and understanding of society. I will be the change I want to see and not be defeated by my own short comings.
Thank You
Mayur Sharma July 2008
My name is Mayur Sharma and I have been practicing Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism for 2.5years now. My introduction to this wonderful philosophy was in February 2004 during the Gohonzon enshrinement ceremony of my mother. I had heard my mother chanting and slowly almost subconsciously I started noticing the wonderful changes that the practice was bringing about not just in my mother's life but also in the lives of everyone around her including myself. Still my interest and involvement was a slow gradual process encouraged by conversations with her and certain other members of BSG who always impressed me with their vibrant nature.
My faith progressed and slowly I started attending some meetings and reading a bit more about the practice. I returned to Toronto in January 2006 with a firm resolve to grow in the practice and incorporate it as a vital part of my life. The plan was to get a job in the city and start a life with my partner Michelle who I had met in Sri Lanka. She was now living and teaching in New York while also looking for a job in Toronto.
Things progressed rapidly and amazingly according to plan….I met with members of SGI Canada and threw myself into SGI activities ...Regularly attending the weekly study sessions, making sure I performed morning and evening Gongyo without fail and chanting daimoku for up to 2 hours every day. I faced many challenges in a strange new country, was away from my family and Michelle, did not have a job etc… but each time almost miraculously the Gohonzon answered every prayer both asked and unasked. Someone I had met only twice before offered me a place to stay in great comfort, jobs appeared in rapid succession as I chanted. All this in Canada where often even doctors, engineers and other immigrants a lot more qualified and experienced struggle for years doing menial jobs to make ends meet. With constant support, love and encouragement of my SGI Canada family I was in turn encouraging Michelle and my cousins in Toronto to start chanting and was using my good fortune as an example of the conspicuous benefits of the faith. To top it all off Michelle was offered a job as a kindergarten teacher in Toronto and we were looking at a wonderful life together. But did this bring the happiness and joy it should have?????
Through all this I had continued with my practice and yet since November, 2005 there had been a feeling of unease, discomfort, of things unexplained that had been growing in my mind and almost like a balancing act, the more things went my way, the stronger the unease and sadness grew. Finally the slide started to pick up momentum…I broke my ankle and wrist in an accident just before starting my full time job, I started getting depressed and would stay up nights stressing and worrying about every little thing, I was struggling to survive and manage simple everyday activities with a broken hand and a foot. Yet even here the protection of the Gohonzon was manifest. Michelle, family friends and my cousins in Toronto were wonderfully supportive and were always there to drive us to hospital and home and help with everything.
The slide continued and after only a week at the job I resigned my position and unable to handle the strain of life in Toronto I left for India after 10 days. Through all this I kept my Gongyo going and chanted daimoku whenever I could also continuously receiving support from my parents in India and from Michelle who was now back in the US working on getting her work permit to move to Canada.
I returned to Delhi in May 2006 and proceeded to put my family, Michelle and myself through what I can only describe as 'hell'. I could not sleep at night, had panic attacks every day, was negative about everything and convinced that I was completely worthless as a person. I was consumed by guilt that I had deserted Michelle and my wonderful SGI family in Toronto, I had failed the practice, I was causing so much pain to my family and that life was really not worth living anymore. Getting out of bed was a torture and each day was an endless repetition of misery and pain. Michelle and my cousins had stopped chanting and I felt this was my fault as I was not able to demonstrate the wonderful protection that the Gohonzon provides. Many times out of shame and despair I thought of escaping this misery by ending my life but something always stopped me.
Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is a philosophy of hope and through this period the guidance of "Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, no matter what happens" mystically continued to be the central point of my life. The Gohonzon and my connection to it somehow always prevented these thoughts from becoming action. If I did nothing all day, I managed to drag myself upstairs and perform morning and evening Gongyo and a bit of daimoku every day without fail. Some days I literally crawled crying up the stairs to sit in front of the Gohonzon, collapsing afterwards into fits of trembling, panic and depression. For two months the only time I managed to find the courage and energy to leave the house was when I would attend the Gosho study and discussion meetings sitting quietly at the back and chanting fervently to the Gohonzon. The protection continued…Love, support and encouragement from my family and friends, and the wonderful SGI India members who were always there for me. The Gohonzon made it their mission to keep me going and they fulfilled that mission with love and determination.
Things started to get better. I was diagnosed with severe depression caused by delayed post-traumatic stress from almost drowning in the Tsunami. I was visiting a therapist and was on medication, which helped me get back on a bit of an even keel. I was able to start trying to live and do things for others once again. I started getting involved in Gakkai activities, attending meetings and encouraging people to chant and discover the benefits of our wonderful practice. The Gohonzon protected me at every stage and the mystic nature was revealed thus.
Nichiren Daishonin wrote "Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter but 'winter always turns to spring'." Before we can welcome spring we must go through winter and as in the case of the beautiful cherry blossom trees it is the struggle through winter that allows the flowers to blossom completely in spring. As Ikeda Sensei says 'Attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime entails a fierce struggle to change our karma, as well as to overcome the various challenges posed by our practice.'
At the first Gakkai meeting I attended, a fellow member herself very new in the practice helped me get a job with the perfect opportunity to use my skills in helping adults and children through personal development programs. Mystically there were already 2 practising members in this company and I introduced 2 more colleagues to the practice. I have since moved on from this company but have gained even greater fortune in having 2 fantastic jobs that fulfill me in every way possible and still leave me enough time to work for the Law. My partner Michelle secured a job in India and moved here in October 2006. We are now married and joyfully expecting the birth of our Fortune baby in October. Her parents had strongly opposed our relationship and in fact my mother-in-law had vowed never to let me into her house. Just a few days ago she has not only invited me to come stay in her home in the US where we are having our baby but has also admitted that we need to have an ongoing dialogue for the sake of our families. My father is also opposed to our marriage and has threatened to disown me on 2 occasions but through continuous dialogue I am slowly winning in this area too and am determined to gain his complete acceptance and blessings by November of this year.
I still have challenges in my life but now appreciate that these are not obstacles but actually opportunities to grow and show proof in faith and life by challenging and winning over them. In the words of President Ikeda "This lifetime will never come again: to live without regret, it is crucial for us to have a concrete purpose and continually set goals and challenges for ourselves. It is equally important that we keep moving towards specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time."
He also asserts that "From the Buddha's perspective, everyone has a right to happiness and that is why we not only have a right to happiness but also have an important mission to help others actualize true happiness in their lives as well".
Before encountering Nichiren Buddhism I had always taken the easy route in life and dealt with hardships by walking away be it giving up maths in school out of dislike, walking away from relationships at the first sign of difficulty, leaving India because I did not like life here, and changing jobs as soon as things did not go my way.
I realized through this period of extreme suffering that there is a reason why I survived…survived the Tsunami and the depression, to emerge a stronger person determined to fulfill my mission in life. My mission is to live by example, take responsibility for happiness both mine and others' and truly live a life of value encouraging all around me to advance the cause of kosen-rufu no matter what challenges may arise.
In the true spirit of the Gakkai I have finally taken responsibility of my life and shown proof that if perseverance and a sense of responsibility is based on a mission that one is determined to fulfill then victory is the only option and the guaranteed result no matter what challenges life may offer.
AGM - 6th May 2007
Good morning everyone. I am Sheetal and practicing for the past 6 years.
I was separated from my husband for the past 1 year after a very bitter abusive marriage. I came to stay with my parents and I had my few months old baby to take care of. Although the separation was for more than a year of so, I had no courage to approach a lawyer and pay their expensive fee. Moreover my husband's family was very influential and his coming at late hours into the colony and creating a scene in the colony. This was not the life I had dreamed of and was afraid that my life was over at the age of 23. I was not working after marriage and had no professional qualification to speak of. To handle the daily expense of diaper and vaccination, I started taking tuitions.
It was during this time that I was introduced to the practice.
Being in the company of positive people I started listening to their experiences and how the practice had changed their circumstances. This was one place where I was not being judged as a failure and slowly I was able to come out of the inferiority complex. I was guided to chant abundant diamoku. But I wondered how my chanting one sentence over and over again help me to be happy or can it stop my husband calling me – threatening me and abusing me on phone and in person? Moreover I myself was confused whether to take a divorce or not. I sought answers from my seniors only to be strictly advised that that the decision has to be mine based on abundant diamoku. I was guided 'chant with the faith in the Gohonzon as a child has with the mother' . I chanted for clarity and strength and the wisdom to take the right decision. It took me 3 years to gather courage to approach a lawyer. Because my case was of domestic violence – it went to Delhi Commission of Women who allocated a lawyer for me. They fight pro bono- and the fee which I had to pay was a sum of Rs 51/-.
After much rounds of court which I was doing alone and chanting daimoku , I was granted divorce with what I always wanted – the full custody of my daughter.
In these past years I had other numerous benefits – I have found a job with an MNC and that allowed me travel business class in Sri Lanka and Maldives, I was sent for training in steelmaking in Australia and Singapore, My salary grew 10 fold of what I was getting in the bank 4 years ago, admission of my daughter to Delhi most prestigious school on merit, buying my own car and buying my own house in Gurgaon.
I was encouraged by my seniors to participate in Gakkai activities and strengthen my study, read sensei's guidance, teach Gongyo to new members. With every activity I was accumulating lots of good fortune. During this time, I was able to Shakabuku 14 of my friends and family members to the practice.
In 2005 the company I was working for decided to go in for collaboration with India's most trusted steel company. This was a period of apprehension for me as I was the odd one out not having a professional degree which was the entry criteria for this company. With encouragement from my seniors I challenged this and I was not only absorbed in the company but also asked to head the Market Communication for the new venture worth AUD 600 Million but was asked to be based in Pune, the corporate office of the new Joint Venture. With faith as my mainstay I decided to accept the challenge and go there.
I was guided 'Make your land the Buddha land'. I missed all my seniors and members in Delhi Small things like going for evening meetings which I had taken for granted here was a luxury as all the members stayed quite a distance from each other. Distanced from comrades my practice slackened and immediately this manifested in the problems at my workplace. I approached my seniors there and started accompanying them for meetings and home visits. But somehow I realized I was practicing out of sheer force of habit, so I was asked by the leaders there to set new goals. I was given responsibility of 3 WD members who were going through deep relationship karma. I took the responsibility seriously and visited them regularly.
It was around this time that my family moved back to Delhi and I remained in Pune alone.
In this time I was approached by my parent company whether I would like to head Communications for a global programme funded by 11 steel companies of the world including Arcelor Mittal, Posco etc. Each company was nominating the name of their candidate for this post and my company also had nominated another communication expert based in Australia. This was a specialized profile and required the person to promote the programme globally and to be the key media spokesperson globally to talk on steel in housing sector.
With 3 daimoku I told my company person on the phone 'Yes, I would be interested to apply'. But I knew that I did not have the required experience and qualification and exposure to handle the work on an international platform. 'Never doubt the Gohonzon' was the guidance given to me. My leaders encouraged to wholeheartedly do a lot of Gakkai activities before the final telephonic interview. I realized that I was very lazy and I fought everyday with my own demons of laziness. I determined to read The Human Revolution all over again and the Gosho everyday to truly form a bond with Sensei and I prayed to understand my own unique mission.
As the practice strengthened, so did my problems. My boss's behaviour become so hostile that once I even rushed to the washroom and cried my heart out. But I had read that I must not compromise as Buddhism is serious win or loss struggle and I had to win – I had no other choice. Being a single mother to my 7 years old daughter who had not met her father even once in these years, and the hope for my parents, I couldn't afford to lose.
I determined to win.
I chanted desperately and finally the day of my telephonic interview came and my answers were all in negative. 'No, I don't have experience' Sorry I have not written media releases; No I am not been the media spokesperson. But what I did have was the understanding of the mindset of the consumer which would help me in setting directions. A month passed without getting an answer and I lost hope. And then , I got a call from the Programme Director who is based in Canada enquiring when I am reaching Seoul, South Korea. since as Project Manager, Communications I need to be there to handle my team and chair meeting for my group. My heart burst with gratitude towards the Gohonzon.
My prayers were answered. I was given the job to lead an international programme with the responsibility of handling a budget of 14 Million Euros for the programme.
With this great achievement things became worse in my office. I was told that if I take up this role then I would have to resign from the company and that meant jobless after the end of the tenure. I prayed for security and peace of mind. My prayers were answered when my Australian company decided to negotiate with the new JV for a guarantee job after the end of my tenure with the programme. After many problems I was given in written a letter providing me assured job after the end of my secondment in the company to any department I wish to be in. But I wanted more from the Gohonzon, to be with me daughter in Delhi. With this clear goal in mind, I chanted abundant diamoku and able to convince my company for a request transfer to Delhi.
I shifted to Delhi last year. Today I am very proud to report that although the communication line is very complex, I am doing very well and have been able to position the programme very credibly. I have also got the opportunity to travel extensively around the world to countries I dreamt of.
This is amazing for a girl who 6 years ago had no money no job and had left all hopes for being happy. Today I am proud that I am giving my daughter the very best and have been able to give her and my parents the gift of practice as well. My daughter is a very active Cubs division member .Today I determine to overcome my biggest negativity of laziness and anger and with change in my self bring my family closer to the Gohonzon.
Hi All,
I share with you the experience of my mother and myself, as we bask in the glory of the Lotus Sutra. Kindly share it with people who need to be as happy as we members are.
Bsest regards,
Mahima Sharma
MAHIMA: Hello friends. Let me introduce myself…I am Mahima Sharma. I am working as a senior program producer with an international news agency. But the introduction that suits the current scenario of struggling in faith and being a winner, is that I am the only regular-earning member of a family of three. Switching over to Mumma for her own introduction…
MEERA: Hello friends…I am Meera. I have worked as a scientist of international repute in the past. But having given off my career for the sake of my kids, today I work as a teacher who takes coaching classes to support her worthy daughter make both ends meet. I am lucky to be who I am and proud of being a single parent to my worthy daughters. Coming on to sharing our experience, I let Mahima take the lead….
MAHIMA: In November 2007 I was a dejected soul that was bashed up with sufferings in personal and professional life. But the situation was more critical on the office front as I was on the verge of losing my job to certain misunderstandings with my boss. I would repent joining the place and also being born in this world.
MEERA: By this time, I had already completed my three months pf practice with lots of positive changes in my attitude and environment. And during this time I had made untiring efforts to get my daughters, especially Mahima into the boundless bliss of the Lotus Sutra. One day after chanting three powerful Daimoku I asked Mahima to join me in a meeting with a senior leader at our place. To my surprise she agreed, but reluctantly.
MAHIMA: I non-willingly dragged myself home that day in the evening to meet Mumma's leader, who shared with me her very moving victories in life. She asked me to sit with them while she chanted for my mother's happiness and my mental peace. Quite surprised to see a stranger praying for us, I decided to join the practice! And from the second day itself I could experience positivity in my environment, which as per the leader was due the fact that my negative karma was expediting.
MEERA: That was my first major win. But the steps ahead were tougher. We had to pay my younger daughter's fees for her last semester for her graduation in hotel management from IHM Pusa. It was a big sum and we had sleepless nights. Leaders asked me to deviate from own goal to the goal of the members, but how could we chant for others if we were not happy? Mahima asked the leader, who answered "Simple do it with faith, and feel the difference. Faith cannot be practiced in solitude."
We followed the guidance, but where was the time? I had been teaching close to 8 hours at a stretch across Delhi, besides doing the usual household jobs. Mahima had been working close to 14 hours a day at office…leaving no time to chant. Still, whether it was the daily Gongyo being done in bus, or the last minute entry into the weekly Daimoku session or a short home visit to a member's house, we made it a point to be there in all possibility. There were times when I never had a penny extra to take an auto from my class site to rush to a member to support her wth Daimoku, but I made it sure that I supported her from wherever I was. Same was with Mahima…she used to do Daimoku in heart, at times throughout her office work.
But things grew from bad to worse…. and the leaders suggested that devilian forces had reached their zenith with deepening faith. So we continued to struggle. As Daishonin said, " Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the like the roar of a lion, what sickness can therefore be an obstacle? But struggle demanded study too, for which we could not afford books. So Mahima used to read teachings on the internet, while my WD members gave me study material.
And then things started falling in place one by one….
MAHIMA: Struggle in faith paid off. I list the victories one by one.
v My younger sister's entire fee was paid off from an interest fee loan.
v My Boss is a totally changed man, who completely confides in me and gives me full liberty to take decisions even in his absence.
v I have been promoted to be the program producer for two international news show. Needless to mention that I have been given a tits bits salary hike which I have accepted with much gratitude to Gohonzon and my company owner, since they are– as informed by a very senior leader – are the ones who came in our life as Shoten Zenin when we needed financial support the most.
v Above all Our kitten Nikki who is like my Mum's third daughter miraculously returned five minutes before the stipulated time Mumma had challenge herself for her safe return.
Here I would quote Sensei says, " If you chant Daimoku earnestly and work for Kosen-Rufu together with the Soka Gakkai, your life will naturally develop and you will become a person of real substance… a person who can change the adverse into an opportunity of choice."
MEERA: To add on:
I gladly report that my younger daughter has completed her graduation with flying colours and is employed with a reputed firm as a management trainee at a salary package that is the highest in the history of her Institute. A fortnight ago she not only got her first salary home but also our first car – that has been entirely sponsored by her firm on a zero percent interest rate.
Last but not the least I add that the Lotus Sutra have also protected us from many an adverse circumstance.
To prove it I would like to mention two examples:
v The first example is about my sister who has joined in the practice recently. She resides at Jaipur and was supposed to go the same Hanuman temple where the recent bomb blats took place, to offer a long pending obeisance. The very day she got up early and after her regular 15 min Daimoku, she experienced uncontrolled dysentery. For some it might sound funny, but for us it was nothing less than a miracle as she had cancel her temple visit that day. And her life was saved.
v The second one is of my own. This Tuesday I was bed-ridden with a severe head injury. And today, with the power of vigorous Daimoku by my daughter and my WD members, I am here to share this wonderful experience with you.
Here I Quote a few lines from the Gosho – On The Buddha's Prophecy….Daishonin writes, " The heavenly gods and benevolent deities, as well as the bodhisattvas numerous as the dust particles of a thousand worlds who emerged from beneath the ground will protect him – the person who discards the provisional teaching and correctly upholds the Lotus Sutra – as the votary of the Lotus Sutra.
Mahima: All this has made us learn that nothing is impossible and anybody can win provided one has profound faith in the Lotus Sutra and oneself. Thus we express our sincere gratitude to the Gohonzon, sage Nicherin Daishonin who propagated the mystic law and Sensei Ikeda whose teachings always kept us upbeat to fight out the odds and be a winner in all situations. Our sincere gratitude to the time-to-time guidance of our leaders.
JOINT DETERMINATION TO BE READ OUT BY MAHIMA
And thus now we determine to attend more and more meetings, do constant home visits and work hard to introduce at least three new members by the end of next month so that even they can bask in the power of the Lotus Sutra and be as happy as we are. In short we shall make untiring efforts to support our mentor Sensei Ikeda in his mission of Kosen Rufu to the farthest corner of the world, for the happiness of the entire mankind. Thank you for letting us share this wonder full experience.
--
Mahima Sharma
Associate Producer
Asian News International
EXPERIENCE Pilu Oberoi - FEBRUARY, 2007
I have been practicing this life philosophy for the last three years now. During this period I have received many conspicuous and inconspicuous benefits. Today I would like to share with you how my life has changed in the last year while I fought my negative health karma and the various benefits I received through it in the way of my own inner changes. I have been through breast cancer 16 years ago and was treated for it then.
In medical practice, they say that after 10 years of having been disease free from cancer, it has completely gone out of your body. This I truly believed and I was leading a normal active life. During the end of 2005, when I went for my routine medical check up, I was told by my doctor that he needed to repeat my mammogram after three months as he was noticing some changes which he didn't want to ignore. I got busy with arranging my son's
wedding and only because my daughter-in-law had put a reminder for my check up on her phone, did we remember that I needed to go back for a check up. So I went for it and on conducting tests, I was told that I have got a small malignant growth in my right breast and it will need treatment. My life changed overnight--from one of peace and calm to numerous trips to doctors for deciding the line of treatment. I was somehow not worried about anything I had to go through-and this I could understand was only due to my faith in the gohonzon and my chanting Nam myoho renge kyo. I would pray everyday for the best treatment to be done, for me to find the best doctors and get this disease out of my body. But I could see the worry on each of my family member's faces. This is what used to bring my life state lower.
I prayed for them to have strength too and through all that they had to suffer because of me, they should in turn lead healthy and happy lives. The doctors all told me that the cancer was in the very early stage but because of my strong history for the disease they had to be extra careful. So, after going through surgery in end march, radiation during the summer months I was thinking that now my treatment is over. In fact, I even announced at
one of the meeings that there is no more treatment I need. But the doctors consulted about my case again on their own and decided to give me chemotherapy as well.
My struggle to deal with the side effects of radio therapy was one experience that I went through. I had burns due to it and my blood counts were totally haywire. I was in discomfort and pain. I then decided to chant for being able to attend all the meetings during this period. I chanted as much as I could while suffering the pain. I did not want to miss any meetings because I wanted to encourage myself by meeting with members. This I was able to do and this was my first major experience.
Nichiren Diashonin says-'suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy.' through my physical suffering, I was somehow able to focus on the abundance in my life-abundance of courage in myself, abundance of love and compassion from my family members, both at home and the gakkai family and the abundance of wisdom of the doctors treating me. I would do gratitude gongyo daily for all that I was receiving. I would also pray for this negative family health karma to be completely wiped out of my whole family, not only in this lifetime, but also from our future lifetimes.
My struggle of dealing with the chemotherapy was just beginning. I was really afraid of this as I had seen my sister suffer through her treatment of cancer, and she is still going through it. I was also afraid of losing my hair, which is something that is a definite side effect of chemotherapy. The doctors say that when you lose your hair, it means the medicine is having the right effect on the disease. But that did not make it any easier
for me to deal with this loss.
Sensei has said in 'A Youthful Diary'-suffering is youth's constant companion. But to breakthrough those hardships and suffering and forge on-that is revolution.
This was my message for my next experience. Yes, I lost my hair, but I learnt that there were bigger things I had to deal with. I had to deal with other side effects, which were much bigger and more difficult than losing hair. The loss of hair taught me to be humble in life. No matter what, I knew I had the gohonzon to watch over me and protect me. This made me march on with courage.
After my fifth chemo cycle was over, and I began seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, I suddenly developed very severe pain in my right leg. I had to be hospitalized again for a week as I had developed deep vein thrombosis. This forced me to just stay in bed for six weeks, only being allowed to get up to go to the toilet. I understood that this was a way for me to get forced rest as I was by now feeling guilty about having taken so much time
off from work. But it is very hard to be completely bed ridden.
My next and profound experience was to learn to 'let go'. To let go and try to understand the way life is planned for each one of us. I learnt to let go of the past and not worry about the future. I learnt to live each day as it came and to live it to the best of my ability with strong ICHINEN-this means single minded determination. I understood that this ichinen for everything in my life is what will make the arrow pierce the rock. I was
unable to attend meetings during this period, so I determined to use my time to increase my faith in the Lotus Sutra by studying all the material I could lay my hands on.
I understood truly what is meant by the following quote by sensei-'happiness is not a life without problems but rather the strength to overcome the problems that come our way.' (A Piece of Mirror)
The protection that I received from the gohonzon was also clear to me from the time I told my school authorities about my cancer and that I would need time off. I could not have got better people to work with as from the day I spoke to them, till now which is a year almost, I have been on a sabbatical with full pay. As though this was not enough, but when it was time for my increment, I got one which was better than what I had ever had
before. This was the most conspicuous benefit that I experienced during this year.
After three months of resting due to the thrombosis, I am now allowed to drive and lead as normal a life as I can. I am still weak physically. I tire easily and have different aches and pains, but I am strong in spirit and my suffering from cancer has made me understand the true meaning of life nd I determine to continue to live life by the standards set by my mentors, Nichiren Diashonin and Sensei.
I also realize that my struggles are not going to end here. Each day I will be faced with a new struggle and many weaknesses, but I know that with my faith in the mystic law, I will try my best to overcome these. Buddhist practice begins with winning over our own weakness and launching ahead towards a fresh and fulfilling day.
Sensei has written in the New Human Revolution, volume 7- "life is short. How we use the time we have is extremely important. If we are consumed with gaining prestige, social status and wealth, then we will be left with only a great sense of emptiness in the end. Ultimately, the most important thing is working to help people attain absolute happiness and to realize world peace. When we dedicate ourselves to kosen-rufu, we are able to lead the most valuable and meaningful of lives, lives of deep fulfillment and joy. That is the purpose of our Buddhist practice."
I determine to continue being strong in faith and helping every member in my block to realize their own potential to achieve peace and harmony in their lives and others around them. I will also continue to study and practice and live my life according to the philosophy of the Lotus Sutra.
Hello everybody!!!! I am Gajendra. I joined this wonderful practice about a year and a half ago. Today I feel I am on cloud nine. Because, I am sharing my first experience and more importantly because this is an opportunity to thank all the members who chanted earnestly for me, when I needed it the most. I also express my sincere gratitude to my leaders who without wasting a single moment arranged relay daimokus and did not leave any stone unturned for me.
About 2 yrs ago I was preparing for engineering entrance exams. 2 months before the exams I met with a serious accident. Due to the accident I went into a coma and regained consciousness after eight days. I also had a thigh bone fracture and my left knee was completely crushed, the doctors came out with a single suggestion, a rod had to be implanted and the knee cap had to be removed. We had no option but to surrender ourselves to the doctors.
I wanted to get an admission in a good engineering college and I had been preparing for that. However, I was experiencing post coma complications but I still took all those exams, for which I was preparing, from the start of the year. Thankfully I got admission in probably the best
But the life had some more surprises in stored for me.............
I JOINED THE GAKKAI
I am here today to share my victory that all of us achieved during this campaign.
I would like to start with Sensei’s guidance. I am paraphrasing, he says,
“You are here to challenge your limits .Your courage will surely bring upon hardships with it but I am sure you have the grit that will open your way towards victory. When you achieve what you want, it will still not be the end of your journey. Your victory will strengthen your faith many folds. Then you can start your surge toward the ultimate goal and attain
I had always wished for smooth sailing but my voyage has been like audacious river water rafting. When I was introduced to the practice, I really was looking for a source of inspiration after the accident. Doctors feared that I might limp in my walk and I have got no words to explain the strict physiotherapy regime that followed. But time passed swiftly as I was continuously getting words of encouragement from my district leaders and family. I was feeling better, but I surely lacked something, it was faith.
I wanted to get the rod in my thigh removed, and when I shared this with my parents they were surprised, as my sister who I look at, for support every time, was away on training and was to return only a week later. But this time I was too eager to realize my mentor’s guidance and my parents supported me in every way possible. Every time I have been to the hospital, it has been only because I was in one quandary or another. However, recent events have taken my faith to a new level.
I got admitted to the hospital. Beginning was all right but with the first drip set, I just thought to myself “Oh my God!! Where have I landed myself, have I gone too far this time?”
But as Sensei says
“Rather than the spurs and promptings of fear, we can best negotiate the challenges we face when guided by a vision of hope. When this process achieves a critical momentum – with waves of positive change spreading from one person to another – global society itself will be dramatically transformed”
These encouraging words pushed me forward. The day of the surgery arrived and it was discovered that the rod was stuck between the hips and the knee. The doctors had to really use their physical strength to extract it. None the less, the surgery was successfully completed. However, the force applied during the surgery, had really loosened up the grafted fibers in my knee. I found myself back to my long course of exercises. I was in pain, agony and had high fever. I was feeling disappointed and was complaining to myself. But then again Sensei’s words cheered me up; he says “Regret is the greatest shame”
Also the same day my district leader visited me at the hospital and his visit raised my spirits to an unprecedented level. He shared that members were chanting vigorous daimoku for me. I could really feel that I was being encouraged by my District members, my Chapter members and my Area members, not to mention, my
Even though I could not attend a lot of meetings during the campaign, members visited me to do activities regularly. We chanted daimoku and studied sensei’s guidance. I was always aware of what was happening in the campaign as my district leader always kept me informed. Members shared with me the theme for the campaign which was “the spirit of
I deny that this is MY victory. It is surely OUR victory.
I would like to conclude by saying that the recent experience has really augmented my faith. And I determine to encourage members with all my might and to be there whenever they need me. I determine to wage my human revolution to build a self so strong that I can face all that life throws at me with courage and perseverance. I determine to make sincere efforts to conquer my self. Thank you Sensei, Thank you Gohonzon.
We have done it once and let’s do it again. LETS ALL WIN AGAIN.........
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
By Aoki Masao (Yamanashi Prefecture, Nirasaki City)
This experience is the result of chanting vigorous daimoku and reading Ikeda sensei's guidance over and over again. It is a life drama full of joy that, without the support and mercy of my wife, family, siblings and comrades in faith will not be born. It is definitely not an experience of my own, but the common joy I share with my comrades.
In Sensei's guidance, he says 'please accumulate good fortune and advance bravely by experiencing the greatness of Buddhism yourself and so by telling that to others'. During these six months, I have nearly experienced death and have realized therefore the greatness of the Gohonzon, the importance of gratitude towards Ikeda sensei and the importance of life. No matter what happens, chant Daimoku. Pray earnestly for the sake of Kosen-Rufu. I think its is wonderful being a member of Soka Gakkai.
On the afternoon of 21 Nov 01, I heard the explanation of my illness from my doctor, 'Fifth stage of Malicious Lymph cancer'. I could hear the rest of his explanations… without doubts, I asked, 'Does that mean I going to die?' The doctor seemed to be choosing his words,' Yes, I think you could think it that way….' I could not think of what to say next. I have been hospitalized for three months since 16 Aug, and after many tests, the doctors have not been able to tell me the exact problem. I have had suspicions of my condition, but after receiving 'death sentences' from three doctors, my body and mind froze. I asked the blood specialist again, 'How long can I live?' 'If you are young, a few more weeks, if you are more than 50, then think of it has a few months.' he replied.
My body has not been acting normal since June, by July I felt discomforts in my chest and my stomach was bloated up. Come August, my weight has increased from 67kg to 80kg, and I could no longer lead a normal life. It has been six months since then. I have only six more months to live. At most 100 days before I could not move. I shook my head when I think that I will have to die when the sakura are in their blossom. I left my wife with the doctor, went back to my ward, lied on the bed and tears burst out. No words could describe the sorrow I felt then.
I want to go home! I want to be with my family! I want to go back to a room with the Gohonzon! My daughter is still 16. I want to give her the fatherly love that she needs. I want to create more good memories for her. Also, am I going to end up an ungrateful disciple? What am I going to say to all who have helped me out all this while? I have lots of things that I want to do. I have had just recovered from an intestine cancer operation February the year before. And yet this had to happen to me.
Ms Muramatsu, the nurse came in. She asked in a gentle voice. 'Mr. Aoki, what would you like to do?' I told her all he regrets I have and that I want to go home. Life in the hospital is no longer bearable. I have seen the patient of the bed in front of me, beside me, and even friends I made in the lobby, they have all suffered from the side effects of chemotherapy, got transferred to personal wards and in the end, never returned. My wife came back from the doctor's and nodded when I told her I was going home. With complicated feelings, and unknown death ahead, I left the hospital.
Even after I got home, the death devil got ahead of me, my life condition sank and Gongyo and daimoku was only conducted as a formality. Though I was told of my approaching death, all I could think of was to commit suicide. I thought of dying at the mountains, the river, the valley, etc. I burnt my clothes in the backyard and changed paper of the shoji doors in preparation of my funeral. The death devil really makes one lose his strength to live. It makes uses of the illness of the heart. It makes fun of the human soul. What's more, it strangely makes you feel at ease.
It was during this time, my wife's friend; Ms Hayakawa who has overcome cancer twice came to visit, together with Ms Kobayashi from Kofu. Ms Kobayashi started to speak without much ado, 'You must overcome cancer by chanting daimoku!' She had her own style of speaking, a style that was full of confidence, confidence of the immense power of the Gohonzon and Daimoku, and the merciful heart of Ikeda sensei. Perhaps because I did not brace up with those words, she went on to a harsher tone. 'Mr. Aoki! You were told that you are going to die, aren't you? Your life condition is that being eaten up by the devil right now! Please chant daimoku that will break this devil, chant till your legs are worn out, please chant at least 10 hours a day! Isn't this just the right time for you to chant daimoku from the bottom of your life?' I was dazed by these harsh words from a person whom I have met for the first time, words from a lady who is much younger than myself. But I'm glad she did. My blood seemed to flow backwards and my body became hot. I came to my realization then. This is indeed the voice from Heaven, my Shoten Zenjin! Courage to challenge myself surged up. I immediately sat down in front of the Gohonzon. That day I chanted till late night; the next day, from six in the morning till late night. Same for the following day and the next, I just chanted and chanted. I chanted 50 hours in three days.
In President Akiya's encouragement postcard were the words,' penetrate your whole body with sonorous daimoku.' I can really understand the meaning of the word 'penetrate' now. I have never heard of anyone who died from chanting too much daimoku; only heard of people getting better or cured. With that in mind, I chanted 10, 12 hours day and night in front of the Gohonzon. In the middle of the night when the sick devil attacks, I get out of bed and chanted. No matter day or night, I felt most at east in front of the Gohonzon. I became convinced that, I could destroy the illness of the heart and the death devil, with the power of daimoku. My life condition was stronger, and I regained energy to fight on. I chanted with the ichinen that, chanting is the only big job I had in this world. Without saying, my wife, kids and comrades chanted for me too.
At this time, my hair dropped whenever I tried to comb it. Dandruff fell like snow, my body became itchy and I suffered from diarrhea. Nevertheless I chanted, like I was confronting the Gohonzon, with a loud voice as if I were screaming or yelling. Gradually, I felt more peaceful. I took up the volume six of the 'wisdom of the lotus sutra' and started reading.
In the beginning of the chapter of the Medicine King, Ikeda Sensei says, 'what is the purpose of life? It is to change one's life condition'. 'When you face the Gohonzon and chant, the Medicine King of your own life starts to work. The power of one's own life is what heals sickness… Courage surged and my life was on fire each page and each guidance I read. I devoured the pages with joy. The floods of Sensei's guidance filled my head and chest and I felt like singing from the bottom of my life. The 'Song of Joy' and 'Dance of Joy' were the songs of life. When the channel of life is in tune with the Gohonzon and daimoku, and feelings for sensei and the gear of life fits together, even as an ordinary man, the workings of Buddha will appear and cause impossible things to happen. From the bottom of my heart, I felt fortunate to have met the Gohonzon and Ikeda sensei, and to be a member of Soka Gakkai. When I told my wife about how I felt, she said,' I'm sure it's all part of the Gohonzon's plans for you to fall ill so that you can realize all these! You have realized things that you would not have realized if you have not had contracted cancer twice consecutively in two years' time. Gohonzon has saved you from your filthy life. It has changed you from a self-conceited man to a person who can make efforts for the sake of others.'
During this period of time, I often saw images of people who had passed away due to cancer coming for me. I will always scream out that I would not go with them, chant daimoku and read sensei's books. The person who prays most for Kosen-Rufu; the person who makes most efforts in the world, that person is Ikeda sensei. I sincerely prayed for sensei's good health everyday. Then I realized that, there are many people who are protecting sensei in the daytime, however only Mrs. Ikeda will be by sensei's side at when night falls. Kosen-Rufu will not advance if Mrs. Ikeda is not in good health. Then I resolved to pray for Mrs. Ikeda too.
When I have chanted about 1 million daimoku, I saw the image of myself presenting my experience of overcoming cancer at the Yamanashi kaikan. At this time, chanting daimoku is not unbearable or obligation, but has become enjoyable and I could feel time passing very fast. It was no longer daimoku of just shouting out loud but daimoku of smooth rhythm that echoes my body.
Come January 11, for a change, my daughter suggested that we go for a movie. We went to watch the animation 'Spirited Away'; a movie that I thought is based on Buddhist thinking right from the beginning. The words of the main character Haku shook my heart. 'Please let me work here! … Even if you are refused, you must keep praying. Those who do not work in this world will become animals.' I could not help but say out loud, 'Gohonzon, please leave me in this world. Please let me work in this world. Let me work for Kosen-Rufu!'
January 13, keeping it from me, my wife met up with Mr. Matsumura from the Doctors Group and Mrs. Sugawara. It was to make arrangements for me to go to the hospital again. Mrs. Sugawara made every effort and managed to get the local hospital to refer me to a well-noted doctor in a hospital in Tokyo. Shoten Zenjin is starting to work for us. I was to visit the hospital that I hated so much again.
January 17, all four members of our family got up and did Gongyo and chanted daimoku in the early morning. We took the 7am train. I could see our house from the platform. Tears flowed, as the thought that I might not be able to see this house again if I had to be hospitalized came to mind. At the hospital, I met with the doctor Mr. Nishinarita who kind of resembles Toda sensei. He looked at the referral letter and said, 'it must been hard on you for the past six months', and after various tests, he told me to go back for the results in a week's time.
January 24, together with my wife and eldest son, we went to the hospital. Three of us could not say a word out of anxiety. My name was called. The doctor looked through the test results. Finally the doctor looked up at me and opened his mouth. 'Based on all the tests we have done, we have found no abnormalities. But, as a doctor, I cannot accept it, judging from your previous cancer test results from the local hospital. I'm sure you will not believe it either, let's run a few more tests that we normally do not do.'… My wife knelt down on the floor and said,' doctor, I am sorry to interrupt, but does that mean that the cancer has disappeared?' 'Yes, that is based on the results here. However we will have to conduct a bone-marrow test on the 28th before we can conclude. It will be quite painful but it will be the final test. It's usually a test to confirm the presence of illnesses, but this time it is the other way round. Unbelievable.' I said boldly, 'I chanted more than 400 hours of daimoku before I came to this hospital. I believe this is the result of my prayers!' The doctor and the interns standing behind smiled and nodded. The moment we came out of the room, my wife took my hands and said in a voice like she was trying to calm herself down, 'you have recovered! The cancer has disappeared! Namyo-ho-ren-gekyo!' Even my son who is usually a cool person nodded again and again, 'that's great, that's great!' As for me, it was like a dream…
January 28, I went to the hospital with my wife. The last test; extraction of bone marrow was excruciating. The result was to be out on the February 14. During this period of time, besides chanting daimoku, we also made efforts for shakubuku. We managed to shakubuku the husband of a young Mrs.. February 10, it was my 54th birthday. Together with my family, we went to the Gakkai Headquarters and five of us chanted daimoku side by side.
Finally, it was February 14; I went to the hospital with only my wife. We arrived 5 minutes earlier but the doctor was 20 minutes late due to a meeting. It was a long 20 minutes wait. The doctor finally came. 'I have put all the data in order. From my point of view as a doctor with many years of experience, this is something that cannot be understood by common sense. I can only say that this is an exceptional case. All your results show no abnormalities. You can go back to live a normal life from tomorrow.' 'I was left in this world. I am given work in this world.' 8 months since the illness started; 3 months since I was given the 'death sentence'; days of chanting daimoku; days of reading sensei's guidance… My wife stayed kneeled down on the ground. She bowed deeply and cried, expressing her gratitude to the Gohonzon, Ikeda sensei, fellow comrades, and all others, and also the doctor. I was also so grateful and touched that the moment I stepped out of the room tears just flowed down. It was feelings beyond just happiness or joy. 'I made it because I had my wife with me.' I expressed my gratitude to the Gohonzon for sending the best WD to be my wife. The first job for me who have prayed to have work in this world is to talk about my experience. I resolve to change my karma into my mission with daimoku, and build the drama of Kosen-Rufu to a higher level!
By profession I am in our family business headed by my father. As I have said many times and repeat, I always fought with my father. My transformation thru this practice was never enough for him.
However a change was taking place everyday. It was through this practice that I learned to respect human beings just as they are. I learned to become a person who can always pray for others no matter how grave my problem was. The immense joy that this kind of prayer brought in my life, manifested in my new found confidence that could surpass every obstacle. Many of my office colleagues took up this practice and they too started having victories. There would often be problems that our managers would tackle through chanting NMRK sometimes in desperation even in public places. Things that I took for granted like coming to office in time, I made it daily struggle to always come first to work following Toda Sensei’s guidance. Sometimes I won sometimes I lost but I was always winning respect of my colleagues.
Problems at business came up like machine gun fire. The landscaping orders that I shared as my previous victories all came to complete stagnation. We were not at fault but the dependence on middle men along with problems among the clients. This was trouble enough for our already suffering business. But following Sensei’s guidance I challenged never to give up and exerted myself doubly in both Gakkai and at work basing every step on Daimoku to the gohonzon.
At the Gakkai I was taking care of block members now growing rapidly in numbers. There would be hardly any time between two successive campaigns. My work also requires me to travel to distant places and of course the trouble shooting from production to litigation. Every evening in Calcutta would be spend in visiting members often to very distant locations and evenings outstation would be spent in long business meetings often into late hours. At times not only my mind but also my body would give in to extreme fatigue. In those lonesome tired times I would relax by listening to Gakkai songs as they revived every cell of my tired body. I would find new found zeal to take on the next days challenges. I also made it a point to read a Gosho or Sensei’s writing everyday, often during travels. At times managing so many things would all appear to be all too confusing and I would be temporarily lost in either frustration or guilt, accusing myself of neglecting my work. These are the times I would go back to Sensei’s guidance specially reading Sensei’s historic campaigns of his youth.
In a guidance he points out to a member trying to balance his work and activities: “Plan out your work and establish your life in rhythm. …Do not remain far from me.” I realized that in order to be aligned with our mentor’s vow how much more capability I have to generate.
So I begun to plan everything very carefully keeping in mind the grave constraints of time and the need to give 100% there. I started to actually plan my targets and determinations in my laptop and browse through those xl sheets keeping my laptop in front of me while chanting.
At the work front I really challenged to change myself from an angry boss to a compassionate leader. I never misbehaved with any employee because I always had in mind that my actions reflect my practice and someday this employee may take up this philosophy. The biggest thing I learnt was to always focus on someone’s positivity and I deeply respected my father for whatever he has done to give our business success. This meant overlooking 20 faults in order to appreciate even 1 virtue.
Sensei says “Buddhism is a science that takes life in its entirety as its subjects”. Sure friends it’s a science that when you change the world around you changes too. Transgressing his critical attitude towards me my father started to appreciate my changes. He had become confident of me so much so that he decided to assume an advisory capacity in semi-retirement announcing me as the MD of one of the companies from Nov 2007 and desires me to be the group managing director from 2008. Mystically this coincides with the year of Capable People and Development where Sensei entrusts his disciples similarly to take on the lead in the centre stage of global kosen rufu.
Not only this but my change towards a positive world from within, manifested as plenty of positive occurrences in my environment. Braving all the natural and political turmoils we achieved our highest seasonal sales in 7 years. Our deadlocked supply orders showed renewed promise and we actually realized that the temporary stagnation was indeed a benefit that allowed us to prepare better for our clients. My unseen struggle to fight for KR manifested as visible benefits in my business. Very mystically came a fax from one of the biggest builders of our state inviting us for a tender to landscape an entire township. There were no middle men anywhere, but there was stiff competition from all over the country. As my tech chief attended the tender meeting with the landscapers, I fervently chanted NMRK for victory. Friends not only did we beat all competitors but additional to the entire work of product supply, the implementation and maintenance work were given to us too. This is the largest single direct order that our nursery have received in its history. I also received a major protection. Being a nature dependent business untimely rain means death for us. This year was marked by a series of such disasters. The critical moment came when a violent typhoon SIDR stood at the bay-of Bengal with 50-50 chances of hitting either us or our neighbouring countries. I remember the day reaching office to hear sounds of NMRK from the 1st floor. At home my wife chanted daimoku all evening. Sensei quotes the Lotus Sutra as “ the sutra describes the home of people with strong faith in the passage ‘this, my land remains safe and tranquil”. I lived these lines of the sutra as I saw the cyclone pass to our neighbouring country leaving our crops untouched. As the year of Advancement and Victory opens way to the year of Capable People and Victory, I begin to burn with a sense of mission to spread this wonderful philosophy with all my abilities. Friends from different parts of the world are expressing interest in NDs Buddhism, my office starts with daimoku, and even our domestic help has started chanting daimoku. I can visualize Sensei’s desire of the 2nd Act of KR unfolding with a vast groundswell of propagation. I am proud to report to my mentor that yes I am ready, ready to take on the lead and become a capable disciple. I won, together with all the members who supported me, with all the seniors who held my hand overlooking my many shortcomings and I will continue to win together with sensei. In this wonderful feeling of awakening I close with a few lines from a gakkai song:
“all in all in our journey of peace
we will touch every heart every life we will reach,
this is our vow,
there is no stopping for us now,
what a wonderful feeling this is.”
Thank You.
NEVER SEEK THE LAW OUTSIDE YOUR LIFE
(These notes were made by Ms. Sunitha Ramachandran)
On December 15, 2007, Study Department Chief Morinaka delivered a lecture on the Gosho- "On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime" at IIT Campus, New Delhi.
In this lecture when he was explaining the part on never seeking the Law outside yourself, he listed 5 errors / tendencies on our part that cause us to seek the Law outside ourselves. There are five ways in which we are prevented from understanding, accepting and realising the Law within our own lives. Of course, once we identify these, that is only half the job done; we need to understand how to overcome and correct them. In all his compassion, Sensei points us in the right approach to overcome them [typed that in red]. These are listed below:
Five Erroneous Ways / Tendencies that prevent us from realising that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is within us, and how to overcome them .
1. Shifting Responsibility To Others
Even though you chant, if you blame others, then you are not seeking the Law within you. This means that you are praying to the Gohonzon while not waging a battle against the fundamental darkness within you.
This is like trying to scoop water through a strainer.
Key is in transforming our ichinen . Develop the kind of faith where you can stand alone. Internalise and accept responsibility .
2. Escapism
This is a tendency to look for or depend on help from something external . In this tendency, one depends on something external – like God, or Buddha or any external force.
Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is not the kind of teaching that encourages dependence on anything external. In this tendency, there is an avoidance to confront head-on. We don't want to face or battle against problems. So though we may chant, we are always hoping to be rescued from the problems.
This is like using faith as a cloak to hide from problems. As an imagery, this is exactly like circling the foothills of a mountain without really attempting to climb the mountain. When we forget to challenge our problems, this is escapism.
Self Challenge - Resolutely face up to the problems and accept responsibility. Challenge the problems in life.
3. Disbelief, Grudges, Complaints
These arise due to lack of belief in the Buddha nature in ourselves as well as in others. At the heart of this is our fundamental darkness
When belief in the inherent Buddha nature is nothing more than a theoretical belief; or if the belief is that nothing can really change – then such a half hearted prayer can never really change anything. Such a prayer can never strengthen our ichinen.
This is like trying to shoot an arrow without even pulling the bowstring taut.
In this, grumbling and complaining becomes a way of life. This becomes a habit that halts growth. It is a source of great concern since this applies brakes to our growth.
Beware that you should not let your complaints, grudges, and disbelief halt your growth- these should not prevent your growth in faith.
Conviction - The Buddha is a trainer of people - who skilfully challenges and guides people to get past earthly desires. We should be resolute and concrete in our prayers - not vague. Grumbling and complaining is the door to disbelief. It is vital to set our ichinen and solidify it. While you may never be completely free from complaints or grudges, as long as you are moving forward you are OK.
4. Feelings Of Resentment Towards Fellow Members
This again arises from disbelief in others' Buddha nature. Ill feelings or jealousy towards other members - should be strictly admonished.
Do not slander comrades in faith. Remember that we can never achieve worldwide kosen-rufu without itai doshin. At the root of this is the fundamental darkness and devilish functions.
Kosen-rufu is a constant battle between the Buddha and the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven. Nothing pleases the Devil more than creating discord among fellow members.
Unity - It is crucial in our movement to engage in activities in harmonious unity. The daimoku that we chant together in SGI activities and campaigns is the true daimoku - based on the belief that every fellow member is a Buddha. Although ill feelings may arise, for as long as we never lose sight of faith and practice and base everything on the Gohonzon - there is no need for worry. To worry about this slander is like trying to extinguish a small fire with a big gush of water. But always be alert to NOT slander comrades in faith
5. Cowardice
Lack of life force or courage to face up to problems. This could be because the problems are very big, the obstacles very large, or due to the workings of the devilish functions. Choose to find the courage to challenge, as opposed to giving in to them – this is the way to seek the Law.
By arousing courage through faith we can dispel the clouds of darkness and problems that surround us.
Courage - you have to choose to have the courage to ward off cowardice. You have to choose to engage in the struggle to defeat your fundamental darkness.
EXPERIENCE - NEETU SURI
I am in this wonderful practice since past 5 yrs and have experienced the enormous power of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo many times since then. The greatest one of them being my health karma.
In 1999, I had the terrible experience of losing left eye vision as a young student. Doctors diagnosed this as Optic Neuritis (some swelling in brain and optic nerves). I was admitted in ICU without any delay and put on steroid treatment. Though I recovered miraculously within a week with 6/6 vision in both the eyes, I was told that the problem was self-remitting and recurring.
I joined Jet Airways as cabin crew in the year 2000. In 2002, I had a relapse, by which time I had already taken up faith. I experienced the immense protection of the Gohonzon when I was under treatment, even before my body produced any symptoms.
Nichiren Daishonin says, "women who take this efficacious medicine, will be surrounded and protected by these four bodhisattvas at all times". I was able to take the heavy doses of medicines, even while I was at work, and I came out of it without any harmful side-effects.
But this was not the end - to my horror, after this relapse the disease was diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis. This is a disease which can damage any part of the body and make it ineffective and can even make you bedridden. No cure has been found so far for this kind of disease.
My faith gave me amazing strength and I did not get swayed with the news. Instead I started praying for the right doctor to emerge in my environment. My prayers were soon answered when I found an excellent homeopathic doctor in Pune. Being an airline employee I could easily travel whenever required. I firmly believed that my prayers and strong faith in Gohonzon was taking me towards recovery with each dose of medicine that I was taking. Four years passed without any further deterioration and I was leading a normal life.
In 2004 I got married to a wonderful person who accepted me in spite of knowing about my sickness. Through this I could prove the validity of the law to my entire family. In the same year when my review MRI was conducted, it showed major improvements in the lesions. This strengthened my faith even more in the power of the Gohonzon.
My joy knew no bounds when in 2006, against all odds; I gave birth to a kosen-rufu baby who is unaffected with my problem. (it is almost impossible for a patient of MS to, first of all, conceive, and then, to have a normal child) Throughout my pregnancy I had kept chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
My challenges were far from getting over. During my pregnancy my hands had became absolutely numb, which was considered a normal feature of pregnancy, and doctors assured me that this would be fine immediately after delivery. But five months had passed, and I had rejoined work, yet there was no improvement. In July 2007, I felt that I could not even walk with balance and needed support to walk upstairs at work. I based the situation on my prayers and got an MRI scan done. The report showed an increase in the size of one of the lesions in brain. In addition, a few more were also detected even in the spine. In short, my condition had further deteriorated.
I was chanting throughout. My faith gave me the strength not to get shaken up. I was thankful that my sickness had been diagnosed correctly.
But slowly, my sickness and taking care of my small child took me away from regular practice. Also, I could not attend meetings.
At this time, because of some office politics I was given an option to be on leave for nearly three and a half months. Initially I was completely shattered and disappointed and went into such a low-life condition that I even refused to respond to any one in my environment.
Timely visits by my seniors in faith once again gave me hope to fight the situation. I strengthened my faith more than ever, and kept chanting no matter what to eradicate this karmic disease from my life.
Gosho states, "if you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness". And … "One day of life is more valuable than all treasures of the major world system, so first you muster sincere faith"
I started attended meetings and chanting once again but was finding it very difficult to be regular. I was supported constantly.
I stepped up my daimoku to two to two and half hours and even three hours in a day. I made a fresh start by exerting in faith, practice and study by challenging my limits. I was determined to report clear cut victory by the WD meeting on 23rd Sept.. I made it a point to attend all daimoku meetings, home visited members, read all 44 Goshos written to lady believers and introduced four of my family members and friends to this philosophy. I challenged all odds, sometimes even when my body refused to respond.
Every action in faith gave me courage not to be defeated. As a result I found the right doctor and the right treatment. I was put on very strong dosages of steroids and other medications. Even then I did not stop praying or taking action.
My condition improved and I could walk confidently without any support or help by the WD meeting and shared my experience joyfully.
Toda Sensei says that there are 60 trillion cells in our body. Every day millions of cells die and new cells are born. He also said that it takes three months for all the new cells to be born again. I now realized why I was asked to go on leave by my office for three and half months. This was surely a gift from the Gohonzon for me to struggle in faith and change my karma.
I further determined to move ahead fearlessly and counter attack my sickness, with the powerful sword of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and report total victory over my sickness and join my work by November 18, 2007.
The more I struggled the more the devil of sickness tried to stop me. I developed severe pain in the head, fluctuating vision and stiffness and imbalance of the body. Nov 18 was approaching. I felt deadlocked. Gosho says "since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devils and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid".
Encouraged by these lines I chanted vigorously for great life force. Many a time I felt defeated by my sickness and cried non stop but every time I picked myself up and persevered in faith. On 28th Oct my MRI was repeated. It showed remarkable improvement. To every one's surprise, the lesions in my brain had reduced considerably both in size and in number. And there was no further growth of lesions in spine. This amazed the doctors so much that they have taken my case as their case study in the Research & Referral Hospital as the improvement was within a short span of less than four months.
To my surprise, on 19th November, which was my unplanned rejoining date, I was called to the office. I sat for and cleared all my written exams, and on 21 st I flew after a gap of many years, (I had been doing ground duties) which I had been praying for.
I am determined to win over my sickness 100% to be able to prove the greatness of the law and Sensei to everyone and dedicate my life to kosen-rufu
GONGYO TRANSLATION
HOBEN CHAPTER [Part A]
Niji seson. Ju sanmai. Anjo ni ki. Go shari-hotsu. Sho-but^chi-e. Jinjin muryo. Go chi-e mon. Nange nannyu. Issai shomon. Hyaku-shi-butsu. Sho fu no chi.
At this time the World-Honored One serenely arose from meditation and addressed Shariputra: “The wisdom of all Buddhas is infinitely profound and immeasurable. The portal to this wisdom is difficult to understand and difficult to enter. Neither men of Learning (shomon) nor men of Realization (engaku) are able to comprehend it.”
Sho-i sha ga. Butsu zo shingon. Hyaku sen man noku. Mushu sho butsu. Jin gyo sho-butsu. Muryo doho. Yumyo shojin. Myosho fu mon. Joju jinjin. Mi-zo-u ho. Zui gi sho setsu. Ishu nange.
The reason is this. A Buddha has carried out countless austerities under many hundred thousand myriads of kotis of Buddhas. He devoted himself to these practices so valiantly and untiringly that his name is universally known. He realized the profound, unparalleled Law and preaches it according to the people’s capacity, yet his intention is very difficult to understand.
Shari-hotsu. Go ju jo-butsu irai. Shuju innen. Shuju hiyu. Ko en gonkyo. Mu shu hoben. Indo shujo. Ryo ri sho jaku.
Shariputra, ever since I attained Buddhahood, I have widely expounded my teachings through many stories of past relationships and many parables, and by countless means have led the people to renounce all their attachments.
Sho-i sha ga. Nyorai hoben. Chiken hara-mitsu. Kai i gu-soku.
The reason for this is that the Tathagata is possessed of both means and perfect wisdom.
Shariputra, the wisdom of the Tathagata is all-encompassing and profound. His mercy is infinite, and his teaching knows no bounds. Endowed with power, fearlessness, concentration, emancipation [from sufferings and desires] and the capacity to meditate, he dwells in the boundless and awakens to the never before-realized Law.
Shari-hotsu. Nyorai no. Shuju fun-betsu. Gyo ses^sho ho. Gonji nyunan. Ekka shushin. Shari-hotsu. Shu yo gon shi. Muryo muhen. Mi-zo-u ho. Bus^shitsu joju.
Shariputra, the Tathagata has the power to perceive which among the various teachings [is suited to his audience], to preach the teachings in a skillful way, and to gladden the hearts of the people with warm and tender words. That is to say, Shariputra, the Buddha has realized the infinite, boundless, and unparalleled Law.
Shi shari-hotsu. Fu shu bu setsu.^Sho-i sha ga. Bus^sho joju. Dai ichi ke-u. Nange shi ho.
Shariputra, I will say no more, because that which the Buddha has achieved is the rarest and most difficult Law to comprehend.
Yui butsu yo butsu. Nai no kujin. Shoho jisso. Sho-i shoho. Nyo ze so. Nyo ze sho. Nyo ze tai. Nyo ze riki. Nyo ze sa. Nyo ze in. Nyo ze en. Nyo ze ka. Nyo ze ho. Nyo ze honmak^kukyo to. [x3]
The true entity of all phenomena can only be understood and shared between Buddhas. This reality consists of appearance, nature, entity, power, influence, internal cause, relation, latent effect, manifest effect, and their consistency from beginning to end.
VERSE PART OF JURYO CHAPTER (16)
Since I attained Buddhahood, countless aeons have passed, a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, hundred thousand, asogi aeons. I have taught the Law continuously during these countless aeons and caused infinite millions to enter on the road to Buddhahood.
I do shujo ko. Hoben gen nehan. Ni jitsu fu metsu-do. Jo ju shi seppo.
I let the people witness my nirvana as a means to save them, but in truth I do not die; I am here always, teaching the Law.
Ga jo ju o shi. I sho jin-zu-riki. Ryo tendo shujo. Sui gon ni fu ken.
I am here always, yet because of my mystic powers
the deluded people cannot see me even when I am close by.
Shu ken ga metsu-do. Ko kuyo shari. Gen kai e renbo. Ni sho katsu-go shin.
When the people witness my passing, they pay widespread reverence to my relics. All of them harbor thoughts of yearning, and in their hearts a thirst for me is born.
Shujo ki shin-buku. Shichi-jiki i nyunan. Isshin yok^ken butsu. Fu ji shaku shinmyo. Ji ga gyu shuso. Ku shutsu ryojusen.
When they have become truly faithful, honest and upright, gentle in mind, single-mindedly yearning to see the Buddha, not begrudging their lives to do so, then I and the assembly of monks appear together on Eagle Peak.
Ga ji go shujo. Jo zai shi fu-metsu. I hoben-rik^ko. Gen u metsu fu-metsu. Yo-koku u shujo. Kugyo shingyo sha. Ga bu o hi chu. I setsu mujo ho.
Then I tell the people that I am always here never dying, that l seem at times to live, at times to die, merely as an expedient means. If there are those in other worlds who are reverent and sincere in faith, among them also I teach the highest Law of all.
But you refuse to heed my words and insist upon thinking that I die. I see the mass of people drowned in a sea of woe, and for that reason I do not show myself, causing them to thirst for me When their hearts commence to yearn, I appear to once to teach the Law.
Jin-zu riki nyo ze. O asogi ko. Jo zai ryo jusen. Gyu yo sho jusho. Shujo ken ko jin. Dai ka sho sho ji. Ga shi do annon. Tennin jo juman. Onrin sho do-kaku. Shuju ho Shogon. Hoju ta keka. Shujo sho yu-raku. Shoten gyaku tenku. Jo sas^shu gi-gaku. U mandara ke. San butsu gyu daishu. Ga jodo bu ki. Ni shu ken sho jin. Ufu sho kuno. Nyo ze shitsu juman.
Such are my mystic powers. For innumerable kotis of aeons I have always been on Eagle Peak and have lived in various other lands. When men witness the end of an aeon and all is consumed in a great fire, this, my land, remains safe and unharmed, constantly filled with gods and men. The halls and palaces in its gardens and groves are adorned with all kinds of gems. Precious trees bear plentiful flowers and fruit, and the people there are happy and at ease. The gods strike heavenly drums making a ceaseless symphony of sound. A rain of white mandara blossoms scatters over the Buddha and the people. My pure land is indestructible yet men see it as consumed in fire, filled with sorrow fear and woe, a place of countless troubles.
Ze sho zai shujo. I aku-go innen. Ka asogi ko. Fu mon sanbo myo.
These people with their various crimes, because of the effects of their evil deeds, will never even hear the name of the three treasures, though countless aeons go by.
But those who follow meritorious ways, who are gentle, peaceful and upright, all of them will see me here in person, teaching the Law. At times I will teach these people the immeasurable length of the Buddha’s life, and to those who see me only after a long while I will explain how difficult it is to meet the Buddha.
Ga chi-riki nyo ze. Eko sho muryo. Jumyo mushu ko. Ku shugo sho toku.
Such is the power of my wisdom that it illuminates infinitely far. This life that endures for countless aeons I gained as the result of lengthy practice.
Nyoto u chi sha. Mot^to shi sho gi. To dan ryo yo jin. Butsu-go jip^puko. Nyo i zen hoben. I ji o shi ko. Jitsu zai ni gon shi. Mu no sek^komo. Ga yaku i se bu. Ku sho kugen sha.
You men of wisdom, rid yourselves of all doubts about this! Cut them off once and for all. The Buddha’s words are true not false, He is like the skilled physician using some devices to cure his deluded children. He lives but tells them he has died. No one can call his teaching false. I am the father of this world, saving those who are suffering and afflicted.
Because of the delusions of ordinary people, I say I have departed though in fact I live, for if they see me constantly, arrogance and selfishness arise in their hearts. Abandoning themselves to the five desires, they fall into the paths of evil. I am ever aware of which people practice the Way, and which do not.
Mai ji sa ze nen. I ga ryo shujo. Toku nyu mu-jo do. Soku joju busshin.
This is my constant thought: how I can cause all living beings to gain entry to the highest Way and quickly attain Buddhahood.
one more link
Good morning ladies and gentlemen I have been practicing this life changing philosophy since last 4 years and have come to understand that there is nothing bigger than chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
The journey of my professional career began with me taking calls all night long in a call center in year 2003. I had just completed my MBA from a prominent institute and did not get a job as the market was in slum and the only job available was with BPO’s.
I then struggled and got a job in a very good MNC with morning shift and better role but I always struggled to keep my focus on the job and my performance was inconsistent.
It was around this time I came across this wonderful practice and took it naturally. I used to do my morning and evening prayers was a regular part of the meetings. Things started making sense I started experiencing small and big experience. My performance improved and my aspiration for a bigger role bloomed as I was desperate by this time and wanted something new.
One year ago I got a job opportunity with an mnc bank in noida however the success was short lived as this setup was in a crumbling situation. The jobs involved a 3 hours drive every day. i was give 16-18 hours to my job including the long traveling. It was a mismatch of expectations. I started having constant quarrels with my boss, started having Sevier back pains and started hating my job and regretted my decision everyday. I started slaking in faith and skipped my evening gongya blaming it to my long traveling and work schedule.
This time I took guidance from my leaders asked me to shift my focus to practice instead of job. I started doing both my morning and the evening gongyo with a targeted diamako. The situation in the office started fairing up my boss resigned and moved out as she was not able to take the pressure. I was able to close 350 pending legal case against the company with in the span of 2 months. However I was still not happy. This time I was shocked to know that my probation period was extended and I was indirectly asked to look for a job. I seeked guidance from my leaders and was told that the gohonzon had bigger plans for me.
I left my job in July 2007 and a new struggle started. I was putting my practice first. I was more involved in the practice let it me the youth Division meeting, a sokahan activity or a home visit. I chanted with more vibrance and everyday seemed to be a new and beautiful day.
As it is said in guidance by sensei “When your life is falling apart, try and chant in that moment to appreciate your life. If you are in harmony, it will turn around. Our life has unbelievable power and wisdom, but we don’t trust ourselves and let it come forth.”
I always wanted to do a foreign MBA and this was the time I took it seriously and took up to an MBA couching. I started focusing on faith, practice and study.
I also go to be part of my father’s venture in which I had never interested earlier. However consistent diamako and guidance made me realized that the market was not profitable enough and hence I thought of look for a job.
These four months I gave innumerable interview and to my surprise and anguish I cleared all but in the last rounds did not get any response. I was down but not beaten I was targeting new success story and a benefit to come across. I was given a guidance that I should not stop an any moment I should change suffering into wisdom on and focus on “Inner transformation”.
This philosophy has become the center of my life that “To chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is to put you life in harmony.”
The more and more I focused on my practice the more and more I enjoyed by taking out value in everything I did. I came close to my family emotionally. This practice made my family realize that I was going to make a change. They were worried but they knew that whatever I was doing I will be victorious…
An interview knocked my door this was the same company which had earlier rejected me on the basis unknown to me. In the interview I was grilled from all the fact of MBA, my academic project they showed interested in my profession qualification and not only my experience.
I cleared the entire rounds and reached the point were I always got stuck the last round. I chanted hard to interact with the Buddha nature of the final interviewer.
This time I met the CEO who asked me to write a simple question that what did I do these four months without the job and what s my career goal…. I was like scripting my own success story. I was convinced of my victory this time ….the company liked my straightforwardness and
Friends
I would like to report that I have got this job and were I would like to share that I applied looking for to be a team leader howeverto my surprise I have been hired at role were I will be leading team leader and to add to my victory this job will give me enough time for my kosen rufu activities.
I would like to thank my leaders my members and sokahan without whom I would have never been able to achieve what I have.
I determine to be an indispensable part of this organization to shakabuku at least 5 peoples by the youth division meeting ….never to begrudge myself and determination to be a pillar of support for kosen rufu….thank you…
THE POWER OF BELIEF
EXCERPT FROM THE NATURE OF SUCCESS TITLED: DISCOVER THE POWER OF BELIEF
By Mac Anderson
For more than one hundred years, runners tried to break the four-minute mile. It was considered the "Holy Grail" of track and field. Many said it couldn't be done. In fact, doctors wrote articles in medical journals explaining why the human body could never run a mile in less than four minutes
However, in May 1954, a British medical student named Roger Bannister ran the mile in 3 minutes, 59½ seconds. This was an amazing story and made headlines around the world. Yet what happened afterward is even more amazing. The four-minute mile was broken again the next month...and then again...and again. It has since been broken more than 700 times, sometimes by several people in the same race.
What happened? They weren't training any differently, but for the first time THEY BELIEVED THEY COULD DO IT. The barriers to the mind had come down.
Never underestimate the power of belief when it comes to fulfilling your dreams.
I can say with no hesitation that every person I've ever met who has achieved any degree of success has had one thing in common: THEY BELIEVED WITH ALL THEIR HEART THEY COULD DO IT.Early in my career, I was the vice president of sales for a food company. One time I was in Detroit hiring a sales person for the market. We had lined up eight appointments for the day, and the morning had been a bust. I looked and my 1 o'clock appointment was standing at the door. He was a tall, good-looking guy, and I remember thinking, "This could be the one."
We talked for about fifteen minutes, and I asked the question I always ask, "What will you be doing five years from now?"
I'll never forget his answer. He said, "Mr. Anderson, the way these appointments have been going, I might still be interviewing!"
Well, that wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear. We talked for a few more minutes and I excused him.
Then I looked up and my 2 o'clock was there. He walked over and gave me a confident handshake, and a few minutes later I asked the same question, "What are you going to be doing five years from now?"
He looked me right in the eye and said, "Mr. Anderson, I'm going to be working for you. This job fills my skills and my needs to a tee. I don't just think, I know I can sell your product in this market. And furthermore, if you don't like my performance after thirty days, you don't owe me a cent."
Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather! He had just made me an offer I couldn't refuse. But the offer had nothing to do with the money I might save; it had everything to do with his unwavering passion and belief he could do it. Within a year, Sam was the number one sales person in the company.
YOU SEE, WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN, OR YOU THINK YOU CAN'T...YOU'RE RIGHT!
LEARNING POINT
In the world of faith, this principle works with even greater results. The Daishonin believed with his entire being that his exile to Sado Island was only temporary, [while for all who were exiled to Sado it normally was for one's entire life], which is why when he wrote to his disciple, Shijo Kingo, he said, " When I come back to Kamakura, we will meet." He did not say "if I come back."
We empower our prayers when we believe that they will be answered. The Gosho says, "No prayer of the votary of the Lotus Sutra CAN go unanswered." There are many such passages in the Gosho, and the point is to believe in them, and live our lives in such belief without doubting.
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