We are people of faith and faith is the ultimate conviction. Nothing could be sadder nor more shortsighted, therefore, than complaining or giving up when we encounter some small obstacle in our path. A genuine Buddhist is a person of wisdom and conviction.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/10
Monday, October 31, 2011
Never be shaken, no matter what happens or what others may say.
Never be shaken, no matter what happens or what others may say. Never be flustered; never lose confidence. This is the way we should strive to live our lives. Being able to do so is a sign of genuine character.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/10
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/10
Deciding On The Destinies Of Others
Spiritual Story by Malba Tahan
“I am the angel of death and I came to get you,” said the angel. “But as you were kind, I will lend you the Book of Destiny for five minutes; you may change what you want.”
The angel gave the man the book. As he was leafing through its pages, the man began reading about the lives of his neighbors. And he got discontented:
“These people don’t deserve such nice things,” he said. With the pen in hand, he began worsening the lives of each one.
Finally, he reached the page of his destiny. He saw his tragic end, but as he prepared to change it, the book disappeared. Five minutes had already passed.
And right there, the angel took the man’s soul.
“I am the angel of death and I came to get you,” said the angel. “But as you were kind, I will lend you the Book of Destiny for five minutes; you may change what you want.”
The angel gave the man the book. As he was leafing through its pages, the man began reading about the lives of his neighbors. And he got discontented:
“These people don’t deserve such nice things,” he said. With the pen in hand, he began worsening the lives of each one.
Finally, he reached the page of his destiny. He saw his tragic end, but as he prepared to change it, the book disappeared. Five minutes had already passed.
And right there, the angel took the man’s soul.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Crows and Pigeons of Mumbai
Spiritual Story by Ashutosh Ghildiyal
"Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation." ~Oscar Wilde
In the city of Mumbai, there was once a rare bird, called Bugun Liocichla. This bird was one of an endangered species, with the only known population estimated to consist of 14 individuals in Mumbai. This bird had two sons who were growing up and had started asking him questions on life, on conduct, on work, and on wisdom. The bird was reputed for his wisdom among all the birds of Mumbai. He had the reputation of being an ascetic who was not concerned with material riches and was content with whatever little came his way.
One day his two sons, who were about to finish their education, asked him what profession they should choose. They told him about the popular professions that were being pursued by other birds at the time. Of all the professions being pursued by the birds of Mumbai, the professions of crow or pigeon were the most popular. Everybody wanted to become either a crow or a pigeon. It is always safer and more comfortable to do what many people are doing or seemed to want to be doing. The rare bird listened to them and said the following words:
"Two winged creatures are plentiful in the skies and grounds of Mumbai � the crow and the pigeon. The crows scavenge through the garbage and the pigeons make every building and pathway their abode. Crows are noisy and pigeons make sounds like an echoing ghost. Crows and pigeons don't hate each other. Though they have their own interests, their motives converge into one.
Crows are the kings of garbage and pollute the air; pigeons scavenge food others provide for them � intentionally or unintentionally. Both usually make their living by feeding on and spreading disease amongst birds.
The crows are the glamorous ones � they easily come to prominence with all the noise they make. Birds like this noise and make a culture out of it. Pigeons are the ones who work stealthily, keep in the background but poison all the same. One crow is enough to generate a lot of attention but birds don't notice pigeons unless they are in large numbers.
Crows exalt in the garbage, proclaiming it to be the ultimate, considering it to be the pinnacle of their existence. This they call fame and success. The pigeons follow them, are their fans but feed on them nonetheless. It's a symbiotic relationship. Both need each other, both feed on each other and on others. Nevertheless, popularity and fame rest with the crows for garbage is what all the birds are attracted to these days.
The faces of these crows haunt one all the time, are ever present in front of one's eyes, their voices always being heard in some form or other from various sources. Their language becomes the language of the birds, their voice becomes the voice of most other birds. Their acts become the acts of other birds and their thoughts become the thoughts of other birds. They act as if acting is real and indeed they proclaim this to be the real. Their followers too become actors and their lives become a series of acts. Their influence is exerted over large domains, across many seas. They attract, seduce, and captivate the minds and hearts of other birds. Their poison spreads effortlessly. They easily, swiftly and most naturally create an army of their clones.
The pigeons are ever ready to have their fill and nothing is enough for them. Saturation does not exist for them. They want more and more. They didn't want trees, so now they have buildings made all for themselves; carefully and with determination, they have covered all space. They are the marketers � they sell and trade everything. Trade is their natural occupation. They never do anything but trade. They never possess anything that they can't sell. Trade is their religion and selling is their life.
The skies of Mumbai are full of crows and pigeons. Indeed, they want their kingdom to expand to the farthest shores. Pigeons make tall buildings and crows have their faces painted on them. They are the rulers of the skies and the grounds. They poison, trade and sell and are bestowed with honors and fame. Their names are well known, their voices recognized, they are loaded with honors and fortune and exalt in their happy lot. Is it so surprising then, that all the other birds want to be like a crow or a pigeon?
Are you an ambitious bird? Do you know what ambition is? It is the desire to become somebody, is it not? And do you know what it does? It causes us to be against one another. Everybody is struggling to be rich, to have fame, to be more clever. You want to be greater than the other person and he wants you to be greater than you. So ambition really means trying to be something you are not. And which is important? To be what you are or try to be something you are not? You must first look at yourselves and begin to understand what you are. And then perhaps you'll never ask what you should do.
Do not compare with what other birds are doing. Don't try to become like them, even if everybody else becomes like them. It is hard for you because comparison is the basis of our so-called education, and of our whole culture.
Comparison is the most destructive thing in the world. If you compare yourselves with others then how can you find out what you are interested in, what your capacities are? Don't imitate, don't try to become like anybody else, no matter how great. It is you who are important, not somebody else. Find out who you are."
The two boys understood what their father said. No more did they want to be a crow or a pigeon. No more did they want to become like others. No more did they want to become common.
They said to themselves, "it is better to be a rare bird than to be a well known crow or a pigeon; it is better to be an unknown than a known poisonous creature; it is better to remain obscure than to shine with artificial light."
"Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation." ~Oscar Wilde
In the city of Mumbai, there was once a rare bird, called Bugun Liocichla. This bird was one of an endangered species, with the only known population estimated to consist of 14 individuals in Mumbai. This bird had two sons who were growing up and had started asking him questions on life, on conduct, on work, and on wisdom. The bird was reputed for his wisdom among all the birds of Mumbai. He had the reputation of being an ascetic who was not concerned with material riches and was content with whatever little came his way.
One day his two sons, who were about to finish their education, asked him what profession they should choose. They told him about the popular professions that were being pursued by other birds at the time. Of all the professions being pursued by the birds of Mumbai, the professions of crow or pigeon were the most popular. Everybody wanted to become either a crow or a pigeon. It is always safer and more comfortable to do what many people are doing or seemed to want to be doing. The rare bird listened to them and said the following words:
"Two winged creatures are plentiful in the skies and grounds of Mumbai � the crow and the pigeon. The crows scavenge through the garbage and the pigeons make every building and pathway their abode. Crows are noisy and pigeons make sounds like an echoing ghost. Crows and pigeons don't hate each other. Though they have their own interests, their motives converge into one.
Crows are the kings of garbage and pollute the air; pigeons scavenge food others provide for them � intentionally or unintentionally. Both usually make their living by feeding on and spreading disease amongst birds.
The crows are the glamorous ones � they easily come to prominence with all the noise they make. Birds like this noise and make a culture out of it. Pigeons are the ones who work stealthily, keep in the background but poison all the same. One crow is enough to generate a lot of attention but birds don't notice pigeons unless they are in large numbers.
Crows exalt in the garbage, proclaiming it to be the ultimate, considering it to be the pinnacle of their existence. This they call fame and success. The pigeons follow them, are their fans but feed on them nonetheless. It's a symbiotic relationship. Both need each other, both feed on each other and on others. Nevertheless, popularity and fame rest with the crows for garbage is what all the birds are attracted to these days.
The faces of these crows haunt one all the time, are ever present in front of one's eyes, their voices always being heard in some form or other from various sources. Their language becomes the language of the birds, their voice becomes the voice of most other birds. Their acts become the acts of other birds and their thoughts become the thoughts of other birds. They act as if acting is real and indeed they proclaim this to be the real. Their followers too become actors and their lives become a series of acts. Their influence is exerted over large domains, across many seas. They attract, seduce, and captivate the minds and hearts of other birds. Their poison spreads effortlessly. They easily, swiftly and most naturally create an army of their clones.
The pigeons are ever ready to have their fill and nothing is enough for them. Saturation does not exist for them. They want more and more. They didn't want trees, so now they have buildings made all for themselves; carefully and with determination, they have covered all space. They are the marketers � they sell and trade everything. Trade is their natural occupation. They never do anything but trade. They never possess anything that they can't sell. Trade is their religion and selling is their life.
The skies of Mumbai are full of crows and pigeons. Indeed, they want their kingdom to expand to the farthest shores. Pigeons make tall buildings and crows have their faces painted on them. They are the rulers of the skies and the grounds. They poison, trade and sell and are bestowed with honors and fame. Their names are well known, their voices recognized, they are loaded with honors and fortune and exalt in their happy lot. Is it so surprising then, that all the other birds want to be like a crow or a pigeon?
Are you an ambitious bird? Do you know what ambition is? It is the desire to become somebody, is it not? And do you know what it does? It causes us to be against one another. Everybody is struggling to be rich, to have fame, to be more clever. You want to be greater than the other person and he wants you to be greater than you. So ambition really means trying to be something you are not. And which is important? To be what you are or try to be something you are not? You must first look at yourselves and begin to understand what you are. And then perhaps you'll never ask what you should do.
Do not compare with what other birds are doing. Don't try to become like them, even if everybody else becomes like them. It is hard for you because comparison is the basis of our so-called education, and of our whole culture.
Comparison is the most destructive thing in the world. If you compare yourselves with others then how can you find out what you are interested in, what your capacities are? Don't imitate, don't try to become like anybody else, no matter how great. It is you who are important, not somebody else. Find out who you are."
The two boys understood what their father said. No more did they want to be a crow or a pigeon. No more did they want to become like others. No more did they want to become common.
They said to themselves, "it is better to be a rare bird than to be a well known crow or a pigeon; it is better to be an unknown than a known poisonous creature; it is better to remain obscure than to shine with artificial light."
What SGI members should find and raise capable people?
Please make every effort to find and raise capable people. My wish is that you construct a wonderful organization, joyfully building growing spheres of friendship and a solidarity of people who cherish hope for life and the future. Please lead the most wonderful of lives.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/10
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/10
What are the expectations from SGI leaders?
I hope that leaders will earnestly pray for the prosperity, safety and happiness of the members who are all so infinitely noble and praiseworthy. May you also never forget to develop yourselves and pray to become people who are liked and trusted by the members, who can work unstintingly for the members' happiness and well-being.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/10
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/10
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Courage for Revolutionary Change
Spiritual Story by BK Surat Singh Ayer
Once upon a time there was ill-natured king named Amangal Das. This dictator once declared that every citizen of his nation would have to work from 10pm to 6am... nightime until morning, only. If anybody was discovered out during the day, then that person would be arrested by government security personnel and presented before Home Minister for betraying the government. For punishment, this person would be first be fed batten paddies mixed with curd, and then be hung. This new law was clearly circulated throughout everybody in the nation.
This new ruling instilled fear in the entire nation, and nobody had the courage to come out during the daytime regardless of what problems or emergencies they had. Nobody had the guts to break the kind's new rule except for two sages who did not have enough time to collect their alms from houses during the day.
These sages felt the new law was a great inconvenience for them, so one day they decided they would break the king's rule at any cost, no matter what the punishment. The next morning, both sages went out onto the main road and the were immediately arrested by the security personnel. They were kept in custody and fed the curd mixed with batten paddies, but as they ate the sages pretended to look more happy and excited to eat the food they were given.
The security personnel became concerned, and so they asked the sages why they were so happy even though they would be hung soon. Both sages replied that it would be their good luck. Upon hearing that the law breakers were sages, and that they blessed their good fortune, the Home Minister immediately questioned them separately: "Why do you feel this punishment is good luck?"
The sages replied calmly, "It is our good luck. Please hang me at the earliest, and do not delay. The person who will be hung first will become the King of Heaven. The second person hung will be the Prime Minister. Each person hung will gain status in Heaven based on this divine order. We wish for the good fortune of being King and Prime Minister of Heaven."
Now educated of the sages' secrets, the Home Minister reported this information to the King. The King was curious, and so he also asked each of them separately: "Why do you feel this punishment is good luck?" Again, the sages replied with the same answer as before.
Without telling anybody, the King hung himself. Shortly thereafter, the Home Minister also secretly hung himself. After hearing the secret, all the senior VIPs and officials in the nation hung themselves in hope of attaining great power in Heaven. Soon, the entire nation was free from the dictatorship and harsh ruling government.
Both of the sages were then allowed to rule the country, and they changed all of the laws. A new consitution was made that was in the best interests of all people in the country, not just the King.
Once upon a time there was ill-natured king named Amangal Das. This dictator once declared that every citizen of his nation would have to work from 10pm to 6am... nightime until morning, only. If anybody was discovered out during the day, then that person would be arrested by government security personnel and presented before Home Minister for betraying the government. For punishment, this person would be first be fed batten paddies mixed with curd, and then be hung. This new law was clearly circulated throughout everybody in the nation.
This new ruling instilled fear in the entire nation, and nobody had the courage to come out during the daytime regardless of what problems or emergencies they had. Nobody had the guts to break the kind's new rule except for two sages who did not have enough time to collect their alms from houses during the day.
These sages felt the new law was a great inconvenience for them, so one day they decided they would break the king's rule at any cost, no matter what the punishment. The next morning, both sages went out onto the main road and the were immediately arrested by the security personnel. They were kept in custody and fed the curd mixed with batten paddies, but as they ate the sages pretended to look more happy and excited to eat the food they were given.
The security personnel became concerned, and so they asked the sages why they were so happy even though they would be hung soon. Both sages replied that it would be their good luck. Upon hearing that the law breakers were sages, and that they blessed their good fortune, the Home Minister immediately questioned them separately: "Why do you feel this punishment is good luck?"
The sages replied calmly, "It is our good luck. Please hang me at the earliest, and do not delay. The person who will be hung first will become the King of Heaven. The second person hung will be the Prime Minister. Each person hung will gain status in Heaven based on this divine order. We wish for the good fortune of being King and Prime Minister of Heaven."
Now educated of the sages' secrets, the Home Minister reported this information to the King. The King was curious, and so he also asked each of them separately: "Why do you feel this punishment is good luck?" Again, the sages replied with the same answer as before.
Without telling anybody, the King hung himself. Shortly thereafter, the Home Minister also secretly hung himself. After hearing the secret, all the senior VIPs and officials in the nation hung themselves in hope of attaining great power in Heaven. Soon, the entire nation was free from the dictatorship and harsh ruling government.
Both of the sages were then allowed to rule the country, and they changed all of the laws. A new consitution was made that was in the best interests of all people in the country, not just the King.
Appearence and faith.
Faith, which at first glance may appear weak, is actually the most powerful force in the world. Many people put on a show of being strong, but true strength has nothing to do with appearances. On the contrary, we usually find that the weaker the individual, the greater their bravado or outward display of strength.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/9
Why should we put in 100% effort in faith?
Faith means making a hundred percent effort ourselves—in our daimoku and in our actions. When we practice in this way, the Buddhist gods will lend us their protection. We mustn't have a complacent, dependent attitude in faith, chanting haphazardly without definite goals and making only halfhearted efforts in the belief that we'll automatically be protected. Depth of determination and unshakable character are vital. Those possessing these qualities are second to none in faith.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/9
Friday, October 28, 2011
Conversation With Spirit
Spiritual Story by Leslie Moon Blackburn
Hello spirit, it's been awhile since I have taken the time to sit down and chat with you. I have been so bombarded with life these days that I have been too busy to stop in and say hello. I know my life would have been so much easier if I would have taken the opportunity to quiet my mind, take in some deep breaths and settled down for a nice conversation with you.
Well I am finally here and it feels so good to be in your presence. I know that there were many times when I felt like my world had collapsed upon me and I should of come to you sooner and I know you were waiting for that invitation for you to come in and help, but me being the typical human that I am, thought I could handle things on my own and I never asked for your help and I just sunk deeper and deeper into my despair.
Today is a new day filled with life and new opportunities and I am taking this opportunity right now to have a conversation with you. I am so grateful just to be able to be in your very presence.
A few days ago I felt like my life had been drained from me and yet you were there waiting for the call for help and I still chose not to invite you into my darkness to help throw me a life line to pull myself out. We humans can be so stubborn and set in our ways. I'm not here today to ask for anything in particular, I'm just here to enjoy this moment, to soak up the essence of spirit, to embrace the energy that surrounds my very being just from being in the moment.
I will quiet down my thoughts and silence my mind chatter so that I may receive a message from my inner healer, my inner child, my inner teacher and from a loving energy more powerful than I can even image. Spirit I am ready to receive your words of wisdom.
"My Child, My Child here you are with all of your beautiful colors that radiate from your very being. If you could see how magnificent your colors are, you would marvel at your magical rainbow that fills the void around you and if you could see the hues of the spectrum, if only for a brief moment your blinders were removed from your vision, you would witness for yourself the beauty that radiates from every cell, every pour and every fiber of your essence, then you would realize what a gem you are and what a gift you have to offer this place that you call earth.
You are such a beautiful being, filled with so much light, even on those dark days that you judge as darkness, you still radiate more light than you can even imagine. As you see yourself wrapped up in your personal darkness, just remember it's all an illusion and know that spirit is right beside you just waiting for you to call upon us. We are waiting to assist you in anyway that we can. We love you and are with you at all times. We honor your free agency and will never impose ourselves upon you unless you ask for our assistance.
When you pray, know this my child that we are right by your side, kneeling with you and holding your hand even though you are not aware of this, we are near you. Please open your heart, mind and soul and ask us to step in and help. That is our calling that is what we came here to do. We love you. You are such a radiant being.
We honor you for your commitment of coming into this duality and then having your memory erased of who you truly are. What an awesome assignment you have taken upon yourself to learn about spirit and how to go through this life holding fast to your beliefs and trusting that the universal source of all that is, is testing you along your journey of this wonderful experience called life.
We kneel and kiss the feet of such an honorable spirit that you are. My being is filled with complete love for you dear one, I wish you could feel all the joy that is radiating from the very center of my energy and know that being in your presence is a blessing. You are more than you can spiritually comprehend. One day you will be able to see what I see. One day your true essence of who you really are will be revealed unto you, but until that times comes, just know how blessed and loved you are and what a beautiful spirit you radiate into and around the lives of others and yourself.
We want you to know that deep within your very core of your soul, is a beautiful energy. This energy is from the God source. You are part of that God source energy and have always been and will always be. The potential of who you are is endless. You have a thousand possibilities of who you are becoming.
Your confidence and faith in yourself is lacking. Trust in yourself, love yourself, become yourself and know that what ever it is in life that you desire, you can manifest it. You have the magical power of the universe right at your finger tips, just waiting for you to intend your life according to your plan.
You have a great gift. All of humanity has this gift, you just have to believe in yourself and trust in your ability. Be confident in knowing that you are a part of God and that God is a part of you. Be happy, feel God and be thankful for all you have and for all that is. Trust in your higher source of wisdom, love and be loved. Give unto others and accept others when they are giving unto you.
Be humble, acknowledge spirit daily in your life, be open to ideas, be aware of your surroundings, listen to that inner voice and follow its guidance. When you are prompted by spirit, act upon that inner knowing, you must participate in the dance of your own creation, know that you truly are the master of your own life, be a part of your life, embrace your life, love your life, become your life.
It's your life and you only have one life to live, and that life is right now, in this present moment. Live in the present moment, be totally conscious of this moment, pay attention to what is happening right now. All miracles of life happen in the now.
Find happiness in the now. Happiness is not found traveling back to the past, for the past is just a memory, a trail that was left behind from a lesson you learned. Happiness is not found in the future, for the future doesn't exist, the future is just thoughts that are going through your mind of things that might be. Happiness is found right now in this present moment as you enjoy these words from spirit.
Be thankful for what you have, find happiness in what you do and happiness will find you in everything that you are becoming. See the beauty in all things even an ant is beautiful if you look at things in a new light. Notice the wonders of a dragonfly as it reflects the blue and green hues as the sun bounces off its wings as it dips and zips in the morning breeze. Notice the beauty of a cloud as it drifts silently through the azure sky calling no attention to itself but still knowing that just the appearance of its feathery softness is bringing happiness to someone at this very moment.
Beauty and happiness is all around us. Be totally in the present moment,be in the now. For right now is the only time there is. These words right now are here for you, right now, enjoy them, breathe them in, experience them. See yourself as beautiful no matter how many wrinkles you think you might have. Find happiness with every intake of your breath, knowing that you are alive. Enjoy your life, see the world around you as a beautiful and happy place to just be.
See the beauty in yourself for you truly are an elegant master piece. God is beautiful and you are a part of God, so that makes you just as beautiful. Spirit loves you, your inner child loves you. Trust in that inner wisdom that beckons you to call upon spirit on a daily basis. Ask as we shall comfort you, but sweet child you have to remember to ask. We honor you and will never press ourselves upon you. We will always respond to your needs in the time frame that God has given us.
Sometimes it might seem like your prayers go unanswered, but know this dear one, they are always answered according to God's time frame, not yours. In actuality God has no time frame, linear time does not exist in God's realm, time only exists in your realm. For things to function in this 4th dimensional world, time and space was set up so that your human minds could comprehend things easier.
Be patient and know that all of your prayers will always be answered and that they are always heard. Be loving to yourself, be gentle on yourself. Be grateful for who you are becoming, for you truly are a gift sent by the creator to this earth to learn wisdom and discover your own inner light so that you may send light out to others and to help the lives of your fellow friends, family and acquaintances.
You are such a beautiful being sent from that God source energy. The sooner you realize how blessed and loved you are the faster you will be able to share your knowledge and gift with others. When we share our inner wisdom with those around us, it helps raise the loving vibrations of this wonderful planet of mother earth.
When mother earth is being loved, in return she loves us back and offers us such a blessing and a gift of her natural resources. Be aware of your present moment, pay attention to what is around you, find beauty and happiness in everything you do, share that wisdom with others, raise your own personal vibration of love and light and when you do that can you imagine what a beautiful place this world will be to live in.
Spirit leaves you this message to ponder, to absorb into your present moment, to partake of the gift of knowledge that you have been given this day. Remember that spirit is with you at all times and that you need to communicate daily with spirit in order for this God source energy to benefit your humble existence on this beautiful planet, that you call earth.
Until our paths shall meet again, know this Dear One, that you are truly loved."
Hello spirit, it's been awhile since I have taken the time to sit down and chat with you. I have been so bombarded with life these days that I have been too busy to stop in and say hello. I know my life would have been so much easier if I would have taken the opportunity to quiet my mind, take in some deep breaths and settled down for a nice conversation with you.
Well I am finally here and it feels so good to be in your presence. I know that there were many times when I felt like my world had collapsed upon me and I should of come to you sooner and I know you were waiting for that invitation for you to come in and help, but me being the typical human that I am, thought I could handle things on my own and I never asked for your help and I just sunk deeper and deeper into my despair.
Today is a new day filled with life and new opportunities and I am taking this opportunity right now to have a conversation with you. I am so grateful just to be able to be in your very presence.
A few days ago I felt like my life had been drained from me and yet you were there waiting for the call for help and I still chose not to invite you into my darkness to help throw me a life line to pull myself out. We humans can be so stubborn and set in our ways. I'm not here today to ask for anything in particular, I'm just here to enjoy this moment, to soak up the essence of spirit, to embrace the energy that surrounds my very being just from being in the moment.
I will quiet down my thoughts and silence my mind chatter so that I may receive a message from my inner healer, my inner child, my inner teacher and from a loving energy more powerful than I can even image. Spirit I am ready to receive your words of wisdom.
"My Child, My Child here you are with all of your beautiful colors that radiate from your very being. If you could see how magnificent your colors are, you would marvel at your magical rainbow that fills the void around you and if you could see the hues of the spectrum, if only for a brief moment your blinders were removed from your vision, you would witness for yourself the beauty that radiates from every cell, every pour and every fiber of your essence, then you would realize what a gem you are and what a gift you have to offer this place that you call earth.
You are such a beautiful being, filled with so much light, even on those dark days that you judge as darkness, you still radiate more light than you can even imagine. As you see yourself wrapped up in your personal darkness, just remember it's all an illusion and know that spirit is right beside you just waiting for you to call upon us. We are waiting to assist you in anyway that we can. We love you and are with you at all times. We honor your free agency and will never impose ourselves upon you unless you ask for our assistance.
When you pray, know this my child that we are right by your side, kneeling with you and holding your hand even though you are not aware of this, we are near you. Please open your heart, mind and soul and ask us to step in and help. That is our calling that is what we came here to do. We love you. You are such a radiant being.
We honor you for your commitment of coming into this duality and then having your memory erased of who you truly are. What an awesome assignment you have taken upon yourself to learn about spirit and how to go through this life holding fast to your beliefs and trusting that the universal source of all that is, is testing you along your journey of this wonderful experience called life.
We kneel and kiss the feet of such an honorable spirit that you are. My being is filled with complete love for you dear one, I wish you could feel all the joy that is radiating from the very center of my energy and know that being in your presence is a blessing. You are more than you can spiritually comprehend. One day you will be able to see what I see. One day your true essence of who you really are will be revealed unto you, but until that times comes, just know how blessed and loved you are and what a beautiful spirit you radiate into and around the lives of others and yourself.
We want you to know that deep within your very core of your soul, is a beautiful energy. This energy is from the God source. You are part of that God source energy and have always been and will always be. The potential of who you are is endless. You have a thousand possibilities of who you are becoming.
Your confidence and faith in yourself is lacking. Trust in yourself, love yourself, become yourself and know that what ever it is in life that you desire, you can manifest it. You have the magical power of the universe right at your finger tips, just waiting for you to intend your life according to your plan.
You have a great gift. All of humanity has this gift, you just have to believe in yourself and trust in your ability. Be confident in knowing that you are a part of God and that God is a part of you. Be happy, feel God and be thankful for all you have and for all that is. Trust in your higher source of wisdom, love and be loved. Give unto others and accept others when they are giving unto you.
Be humble, acknowledge spirit daily in your life, be open to ideas, be aware of your surroundings, listen to that inner voice and follow its guidance. When you are prompted by spirit, act upon that inner knowing, you must participate in the dance of your own creation, know that you truly are the master of your own life, be a part of your life, embrace your life, love your life, become your life.
It's your life and you only have one life to live, and that life is right now, in this present moment. Live in the present moment, be totally conscious of this moment, pay attention to what is happening right now. All miracles of life happen in the now.
Find happiness in the now. Happiness is not found traveling back to the past, for the past is just a memory, a trail that was left behind from a lesson you learned. Happiness is not found in the future, for the future doesn't exist, the future is just thoughts that are going through your mind of things that might be. Happiness is found right now in this present moment as you enjoy these words from spirit.
Be thankful for what you have, find happiness in what you do and happiness will find you in everything that you are becoming. See the beauty in all things even an ant is beautiful if you look at things in a new light. Notice the wonders of a dragonfly as it reflects the blue and green hues as the sun bounces off its wings as it dips and zips in the morning breeze. Notice the beauty of a cloud as it drifts silently through the azure sky calling no attention to itself but still knowing that just the appearance of its feathery softness is bringing happiness to someone at this very moment.
Beauty and happiness is all around us. Be totally in the present moment,be in the now. For right now is the only time there is. These words right now are here for you, right now, enjoy them, breathe them in, experience them. See yourself as beautiful no matter how many wrinkles you think you might have. Find happiness with every intake of your breath, knowing that you are alive. Enjoy your life, see the world around you as a beautiful and happy place to just be.
See the beauty in yourself for you truly are an elegant master piece. God is beautiful and you are a part of God, so that makes you just as beautiful. Spirit loves you, your inner child loves you. Trust in that inner wisdom that beckons you to call upon spirit on a daily basis. Ask as we shall comfort you, but sweet child you have to remember to ask. We honor you and will never press ourselves upon you. We will always respond to your needs in the time frame that God has given us.
Sometimes it might seem like your prayers go unanswered, but know this dear one, they are always answered according to God's time frame, not yours. In actuality God has no time frame, linear time does not exist in God's realm, time only exists in your realm. For things to function in this 4th dimensional world, time and space was set up so that your human minds could comprehend things easier.
Be patient and know that all of your prayers will always be answered and that they are always heard. Be loving to yourself, be gentle on yourself. Be grateful for who you are becoming, for you truly are a gift sent by the creator to this earth to learn wisdom and discover your own inner light so that you may send light out to others and to help the lives of your fellow friends, family and acquaintances.
You are such a beautiful being sent from that God source energy. The sooner you realize how blessed and loved you are the faster you will be able to share your knowledge and gift with others. When we share our inner wisdom with those around us, it helps raise the loving vibrations of this wonderful planet of mother earth.
When mother earth is being loved, in return she loves us back and offers us such a blessing and a gift of her natural resources. Be aware of your present moment, pay attention to what is around you, find beauty and happiness in everything you do, share that wisdom with others, raise your own personal vibration of love and light and when you do that can you imagine what a beautiful place this world will be to live in.
Spirit leaves you this message to ponder, to absorb into your present moment, to partake of the gift of knowledge that you have been given this day. Remember that spirit is with you at all times and that you need to communicate daily with spirit in order for this God source energy to benefit your humble existence on this beautiful planet, that you call earth.
Until our paths shall meet again, know this Dear One, that you are truly loved."
What is the importance of true pioneering?
Pioneering takes steady dedicated effort; it is advancing surely one step at a time. True Buddhist practice lies in such activities as visiting members, giving personal encouragement, talking to our friends about Buddhism and introducing others to faith. How many members do you take the time to visit and encourage in a month? In a year? True pioneering lies in making precisely such efforts. Our challenge is to deepen the understanding of friends and fellow members toward the philosophy and activities of the SGI through our encounters with them.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/9
Our voice costs nothing and it is our strongest weapon.
Our voice costs nothing and it is our strongest weapon. Nichiren Daishonin wrote, "Do not spare your voice" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 726).There are different voices for different situations: the clear, resounding voice that declares truth and justice; the strong voice that refutes evil; the bright, confident voice that tells others about the greatness of this Buddhism; the warm voice that gives encouragement; the sincere, friendly voice that offers praise and words of appreciation to others. The important thing is that we meet and speak with people widely, inside and outside the organization.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/9
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Confidence Level
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A man had been on a long flight. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: "Fasten your seat belts." Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."
As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."
And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash. The man confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him.
As he looked around the plane, he could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. And then, he suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book. Everything within her small world was calm and orderly.
Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid.
The man could hardly believe his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, he lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The sweet child replied:
"Sir, my Dad is the pilot and he is taking me home."
A man had been on a long flight. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: "Fasten your seat belts." Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."
As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."
And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash. The man confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him.
As he looked around the plane, he could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. And then, he suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book. Everything within her small world was calm and orderly.
Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid.
The man could hardly believe his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, he lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The sweet child replied:
"Sir, my Dad is the pilot and he is taking me home."
Qualities of a true leader and a genuine Buddhist
Everything ultimately depends on whether there is someone who is willing to wage a desperate all-out struggle, someone who will take 100 percent responsibility without relying on or leaving things to others, someone who will work with selfless dedication for the sake of the people without any concern for what others think. Such a person is a true leader and a genuine Buddhist.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/9
What will determine our future?
"What kinds of causes am I making right now?" "What actions am I taking?" The answers to these questions are what will determine our future—in this life and throughout the three existences. Herein lies the foundation of faith. True glory and victory in life lie in basing oneself on this fundamental principle.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/9
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Burden
Spiritual Story by Amir Saleem
He could hardly walk. He was carrying an unseen burden.
His feet were heavy, as if there were a million passages clung to his tired shoes. His heart was heavy, as if a million sinful thoughts were stuffed into his intentions. His eyes were heavy, as if a million repentant tears flooded the gates of his life. His hands were heavy, as if holding a million-page book of decaying deeds. His head was heavy, as if a million evil plans were stuck in his tomorrow. His lips were heavy, as if a million complaints buzzed in silence.
With so much burden — that slowed down his speed to redemption — he entered the sacred place.
God was waiting for him since long — they talked.
When he came out, he went away flying.
He could hardly walk. He was carrying an unseen burden.
His feet were heavy, as if there were a million passages clung to his tired shoes. His heart was heavy, as if a million sinful thoughts were stuffed into his intentions. His eyes were heavy, as if a million repentant tears flooded the gates of his life. His hands were heavy, as if holding a million-page book of decaying deeds. His head was heavy, as if a million evil plans were stuck in his tomorrow. His lips were heavy, as if a million complaints buzzed in silence.
With so much burden — that slowed down his speed to redemption — he entered the sacred place.
God was waiting for him since long — they talked.
When he came out, he went away flying.
What is winning in life?
Winning in life is not a matter of form or appearances. It has nothing to do with vanity. Victory in life ultimately hinges on whether one has truly fought, whether one has truly advanced.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/9
Meaning of Buddhism equals life.
The principle that "Buddhism equals life" means that everything in one's life is itself Buddhism. The principle that "Buddhism becomes manifest in society" means that society, too, is at one with Buddhism. The struggle for kosen-rufu can be waged only within the realities of life and society. Those who earnestly grapple with these realities develop strength and inner substance. They develop and grow.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/9
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
How can we grow old gracefully?
In the twinkling of an eye we grow old. Our physical strength wanes and we begin to suffer various aches and pains. We practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism so that instead of sinking into feelings of sadness, loneliness and regret, we can greet old age with an inner richness and maturity as round and complete as a ripe, golden fruit of autumn. Faith exists so that we can welcome smiling and without regrets an old age that is like a breathtaking sunset whose dazzling rays color heaven and earth in majestic hues.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/9
What happens when you determinate to change?
When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and then everything really will move in the direction of failure.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/9
Boy and the Soccer Game
Spiritual Story by Shiv Khera
Once there lived a boy who was very interested in football. Along with his father he would go everyday go to the playing field. Both of them would sit in different places.
Days passed by and the day of tournament was coming near, but the boy suddenly stopped coming to the grounds. Then after 15 days he unexpectedly reappeared and asked his coach to let him play.
Although the coach was in a dilema whether the boy could play, he decided to let him play. In fact, the team won as a result of the boy's significant contributions.
Later, the coach asked the boy how he could perform so well in spite of not practicing a single day. The boy said,
"Coach, my father was watching me."
The coach was very clearly annoyed.
The boy then continued, "Sir I used to daily come with my father but he was blind. I stopped playing because I knew he couldn't see me play.
Recently my father died, and now I know that he can see me from the abode of God."
Once there lived a boy who was very interested in football. Along with his father he would go everyday go to the playing field. Both of them would sit in different places.
Days passed by and the day of tournament was coming near, but the boy suddenly stopped coming to the grounds. Then after 15 days he unexpectedly reappeared and asked his coach to let him play.
Although the coach was in a dilema whether the boy could play, he decided to let him play. In fact, the team won as a result of the boy's significant contributions.
Later, the coach asked the boy how he could perform so well in spite of not practicing a single day. The boy said,
"Coach, my father was watching me."
The coach was very clearly annoyed.
The boy then continued, "Sir I used to daily come with my father but he was blind. I stopped playing because I knew he couldn't see me play.
Recently my father died, and now I know that he can see me from the abode of God."
Monday, October 24, 2011
Bloom Where You're Planted
Spiritual Story by Alan Dolit
The flowers that bloom in the spring tra la. Indeed. Who would think that flowers have a life of their own. I mean really. Flowers are supposed to just stay put and look pretty and give off wonderful fragrances. They are not supposed to have feelings and thoughts. They are supposed to just stay where I plant them and be grateful for what I bestow on them.
They�re not supposed to get uppity.
That�s not their job. What a nightmare I had. Wow. I felt I was lost in an Alice in Wonderland dream and every thing had a mind of its own. That occasionally the flowers would come along and water me and plant me in the ground and that I was just to look pretty and not say any thing.
Sometimes when I have a really unusual dream I try to get in touch with activities I had recently been experiencing that may have precipitated the dream. I often get some insight into something in my psyche that needs healing or at least needs to be expressed. Later on that day after the flower dream, I was sitting on the couch trying to recall what it is or was about flowers I needed to recall, when before long I found myself back into the dream. This is really weird. I know I�m definitely awake, sitting on the couch, and yet I am experiencing this dream full blown. Wow. Double wow. I�m aware of having multiple thoughts, simultaneously. I�m aware that I have a choice to go back into the dream completely, or just continue to lightly observe and not be in it. And I�m also aware that I can observe myself observing myself observing the dream.
I also have the imagery of looking into a mirror which is facing another mirror in which I can see myself reflected over and over and over and over, ad infinitum, like The Hallelujah Chorus of Handel�s Messiah: FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER... I can even hear that glorious Heaven sent music as I�m visualizing this scene, or dream. I�m also thinking this would make a wonderful esoteric movie. If only there were some way to translate what I am experiencing to a huge movie screen with surround around sound. And then the scene shifts, and suddenly I am in a field surrounded by flowers. And I feel I�ve been thrust into one of my favorite movies called �Brother Sun, Sister Moon� about St. Francis. I remember how healing it feels to be surrounded by a sea of flowers. I am really experiencing it. It is like being in a Hot tub with the perfect water temperature and being cradled in the arms of God at the same time.
Then suddenly I�m shifted into a new dream. I am about four years old and had a bad dream and my mother is holding me in her lap and rocking in a rocking chair and some how this is happening simultaneously with being in the field of healing flowers. One of my favorite expressions is flower related. �Bloom where you are planted�. And a few lines from A Course in Miracles: also include flowers as part of analogy: �There is a light in you which cannot die; whose presence is so holy that the world is sanctified because of you. All things that live bring gifts to you, and offer them in gratitude and gladness at your feet. The scent of flowers is their gift to you. The waves bow down before you, and the trees extend their arms to shield you from the heat, and lay their leaves before you on the ground that you may walk in softness, while the wind sinks to a whisper round your holy head. Who could feel fear in such a world as this? It welcomes you, rejoices that you came, and sings your praises as it keeps you safe from every form of danger and of pain. It offers you a warm and gentle home in which to stay a while. It blesses you throughout the day, and watches through the night as silent guardian of your holy sleep. It sees salvation in you, and protects the light in you, in which it sees its own. It offers you its flowers and its snow, in thankfulness for your benevolence. In you is all of Heaven. Every leaf that falls is given life in you. Each bird that ever sang will sing again in you. And every flower that ever bloomed has saved its perfume and its loveliness for you.�
And then I hear a whiney ego voice say: �These flowers are not healing for hay fever sufferers.� And now my peace feels shattered and it feels I�m playing tennis against myself and I have to decide which player to root for. Then I remember an expression �these flowers are rooting for you�, and �this bud�s for you.� Then I wake up from the dream and I realize that I was again dreaming. I dream and then I dream I am dreaming and now I wonder am I awake now? I recall a statement made by the Chinese sage Chung Tsu. He had a dream he was a butterfly. When he awoke he stated: �Am I Chung Tsu dreaming I�m a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming that I�m Chung Tsu.�
Or is this whole thing a dream. One of the most spiritual songs there is and you won�t find in too many hymnals goes like this: Row, row , row your boat gently DOWN the stream Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily Life is but a dream." Notice the emphasis is going gently down stream with the current. And notice also there are four �merrilys� for three �rows�. And finally �Life is but a dream�. So there you have it. Call it Alan�s Sermon mounted on a row boat.
The flowers that bloom in the spring tra la. Indeed. Who would think that flowers have a life of their own. I mean really. Flowers are supposed to just stay put and look pretty and give off wonderful fragrances. They are not supposed to have feelings and thoughts. They are supposed to just stay where I plant them and be grateful for what I bestow on them.
They�re not supposed to get uppity.
That�s not their job. What a nightmare I had. Wow. I felt I was lost in an Alice in Wonderland dream and every thing had a mind of its own. That occasionally the flowers would come along and water me and plant me in the ground and that I was just to look pretty and not say any thing.
Sometimes when I have a really unusual dream I try to get in touch with activities I had recently been experiencing that may have precipitated the dream. I often get some insight into something in my psyche that needs healing or at least needs to be expressed. Later on that day after the flower dream, I was sitting on the couch trying to recall what it is or was about flowers I needed to recall, when before long I found myself back into the dream. This is really weird. I know I�m definitely awake, sitting on the couch, and yet I am experiencing this dream full blown. Wow. Double wow. I�m aware of having multiple thoughts, simultaneously. I�m aware that I have a choice to go back into the dream completely, or just continue to lightly observe and not be in it. And I�m also aware that I can observe myself observing myself observing the dream.
I also have the imagery of looking into a mirror which is facing another mirror in which I can see myself reflected over and over and over and over, ad infinitum, like The Hallelujah Chorus of Handel�s Messiah: FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER... I can even hear that glorious Heaven sent music as I�m visualizing this scene, or dream. I�m also thinking this would make a wonderful esoteric movie. If only there were some way to translate what I am experiencing to a huge movie screen with surround around sound. And then the scene shifts, and suddenly I am in a field surrounded by flowers. And I feel I�ve been thrust into one of my favorite movies called �Brother Sun, Sister Moon� about St. Francis. I remember how healing it feels to be surrounded by a sea of flowers. I am really experiencing it. It is like being in a Hot tub with the perfect water temperature and being cradled in the arms of God at the same time.
Then suddenly I�m shifted into a new dream. I am about four years old and had a bad dream and my mother is holding me in her lap and rocking in a rocking chair and some how this is happening simultaneously with being in the field of healing flowers. One of my favorite expressions is flower related. �Bloom where you are planted�. And a few lines from A Course in Miracles: also include flowers as part of analogy: �There is a light in you which cannot die; whose presence is so holy that the world is sanctified because of you. All things that live bring gifts to you, and offer them in gratitude and gladness at your feet. The scent of flowers is their gift to you. The waves bow down before you, and the trees extend their arms to shield you from the heat, and lay their leaves before you on the ground that you may walk in softness, while the wind sinks to a whisper round your holy head. Who could feel fear in such a world as this? It welcomes you, rejoices that you came, and sings your praises as it keeps you safe from every form of danger and of pain. It offers you a warm and gentle home in which to stay a while. It blesses you throughout the day, and watches through the night as silent guardian of your holy sleep. It sees salvation in you, and protects the light in you, in which it sees its own. It offers you its flowers and its snow, in thankfulness for your benevolence. In you is all of Heaven. Every leaf that falls is given life in you. Each bird that ever sang will sing again in you. And every flower that ever bloomed has saved its perfume and its loveliness for you.�
And then I hear a whiney ego voice say: �These flowers are not healing for hay fever sufferers.� And now my peace feels shattered and it feels I�m playing tennis against myself and I have to decide which player to root for. Then I remember an expression �these flowers are rooting for you�, and �this bud�s for you.� Then I wake up from the dream and I realize that I was again dreaming. I dream and then I dream I am dreaming and now I wonder am I awake now? I recall a statement made by the Chinese sage Chung Tsu. He had a dream he was a butterfly. When he awoke he stated: �Am I Chung Tsu dreaming I�m a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming that I�m Chung Tsu.�
Or is this whole thing a dream. One of the most spiritual songs there is and you won�t find in too many hymnals goes like this: Row, row , row your boat gently DOWN the stream Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily Life is but a dream." Notice the emphasis is going gently down stream with the current. And notice also there are four �merrilys� for three �rows�. And finally �Life is but a dream�. So there you have it. Call it Alan�s Sermon mounted on a row boat.
Words of the Week
October 18, 2011
Let's ensure that our chapters and districts are
the sun which radiates with the light of happiness.
Let's invite many friends to our gatherings
and spread our solidarity of happiness.
Let's ensure that our chapters and districts are
the sun which radiates with the light of happiness.
Let's invite many friends to our gatherings
and spread our solidarity of happiness.
How we face death?
Our existence in this world can be likened to a dream. The issue of by far the greatest importance and eternal relevance is how we face death, the inescapable destiny of all living beings. For in the face of death, external factors such as social status or position in the organization count for naught. Everything depends on one's faith, one's state of life.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/9
How can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime?
How can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime? Those of us who embrace the Mystic Law know the answer. Our faith in and practice of the Daishonin's Buddhism enables us in this lifetime to solidify the world of Buddhahood in our lives and establish a state of eternal happiness. That is the purpose of faith in the Mystic Law, the purpose of our Buddhist practice.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/9
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Beyond the Door
Spiritual Story by Mary Seaberg
Sitting in my wheelchair I scan the horizon and beyond I see this home nestled in the woods. I wonder to myself, who lives there, what has their lives been like? Have they witnessed joy, have they experienced sorrow, what is behind those closed doors? I start to paint a picture in my head. I hear the sound of laughter as a family is sitting around a fire talking about the simple pleasures in life.
It is Thanksgiving and the mother says to the family let's do something different this year, lets go around the table and tell each other what you appreciate and are thankful for. Everybody looks at her perplexed trying to think what they will say, they never really thought about it and there is so many possibilities twilling in their heads. So she says lets pray to give us and guide us to the answers that ring true within our hearts. Let's give thanks for the clarity that God will give us the answers from our soul. So they bowed their heads and the woman said, Dear Lord, please give us clarity and grace to say what we feel. We want insight and love to come from our hearts into our words and we thank you for this assistance.
So it began, we all started to think and get a message from beyond. After a few minutes of deep silence, Anna the little girl in the polka dress with ribbons in her hair got so excited she couldn't contain herself. She started bouncing up and down from her chair and you could just feel the excitement spring from her soul. At that moment she said to her mother can I start, can I begin to tell you what God said to me? Her mother said sure darling tell us what he said. So she settled down in her chair and she had this gleam in her eye and you can just see her relax her body as she settled in to tell us her story.
As she spoke she said it was so beautiful, I saw this wonderful figure of an angel, he shone like the moon on a summer night this beautiful bright light. I felt this feeling of total peace as he said to me say what is in your heart, what brings you great joy, what you are thankful for. He said to come sit down upon his lap and let's just think for a moment. So I did, I sat on his lap and looked into his eyes and I thought I was looking into a deep sea of blue. It felt so right; he folded his arms around me as we swayed to the sound of each others hearts beating together as one.
After a few moments things were coming into my head and came so fast I couldn't keep up with the amount of information that came in. Anna said the 1st thing that popped in my head was the love we share as a family, for my mother and my father and my brother. The gifts you give me aren't in the form of a present but in your presence. Just being their when I need you. Like the time Mom when you gave me comfort when I feel down and scrapped my knee. Or Dad when you took us out to my favorite restaurant on my birthday. Or you Pete when I was on the playground and Michael Johnson was making fun of me when I ripped my dress coming off the monkey bars. Or Mom saying I love you even when I probably didn't deserve it.
Next I saw an image of Sassy my pet cat how she weaves in and out of my legs wanting to be petted. I also love the 1st snow, sticking out my tongue and feeling the snow flakes melt in my mouth. And chocolate chip cookies everything about chocolate cookies, making the cookies and licking the bowl. I share them with Pete as he likes to eat the batter from the mixers. Then putting them into the oven and smelling them in the house. And then we pull them out of the oven as mother puts them on a plate and tells us you have to wait a few moments. Otherwise they wouldn't be totally filled with love. If you eat them too early you get a tummy ache because they haven't completed cooking the ingredients together. I ask mother what ingredients are made in the cookies?
She tells me, it has a pinch of love, a dab of hugs and a teaspoon of kisses; it has a cup of cheer and an oz. of joy. But she said the most important ingredient of all is when we roll them in our hands because it then gets a little piece of us inside each of the cookies. The next thing that pops into my head is I see my best friend Katie, I see us giggling in the corner at the playground as we are talking about Charlie and how all the girls just love him because he is just so cute and nice. But she said best of all it is what I feel to be loved and appreciated by all of you.
As tears were running down my cheeks the words of that child that I imagined in my mind hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized I lost that magic when I became wheel chair bound and know how lucky I really am to be alive. How lucky I am that I was the only one hurt in the accident and nobody else was injured or killed. How lucky I am to have people in my life like the people that the little girl said who love me for who I am no matter that I can't walk. So sitting alone I appreciate the simple things in life and know that you are deeply loved and appreciated by all and you are never alone. Because the memories that lie in your heart are called holy moments.
Sitting in my wheelchair I scan the horizon and beyond I see this home nestled in the woods. I wonder to myself, who lives there, what has their lives been like? Have they witnessed joy, have they experienced sorrow, what is behind those closed doors? I start to paint a picture in my head. I hear the sound of laughter as a family is sitting around a fire talking about the simple pleasures in life.
It is Thanksgiving and the mother says to the family let's do something different this year, lets go around the table and tell each other what you appreciate and are thankful for. Everybody looks at her perplexed trying to think what they will say, they never really thought about it and there is so many possibilities twilling in their heads. So she says lets pray to give us and guide us to the answers that ring true within our hearts. Let's give thanks for the clarity that God will give us the answers from our soul. So they bowed their heads and the woman said, Dear Lord, please give us clarity and grace to say what we feel. We want insight and love to come from our hearts into our words and we thank you for this assistance.
So it began, we all started to think and get a message from beyond. After a few minutes of deep silence, Anna the little girl in the polka dress with ribbons in her hair got so excited she couldn't contain herself. She started bouncing up and down from her chair and you could just feel the excitement spring from her soul. At that moment she said to her mother can I start, can I begin to tell you what God said to me? Her mother said sure darling tell us what he said. So she settled down in her chair and she had this gleam in her eye and you can just see her relax her body as she settled in to tell us her story.
As she spoke she said it was so beautiful, I saw this wonderful figure of an angel, he shone like the moon on a summer night this beautiful bright light. I felt this feeling of total peace as he said to me say what is in your heart, what brings you great joy, what you are thankful for. He said to come sit down upon his lap and let's just think for a moment. So I did, I sat on his lap and looked into his eyes and I thought I was looking into a deep sea of blue. It felt so right; he folded his arms around me as we swayed to the sound of each others hearts beating together as one.
After a few moments things were coming into my head and came so fast I couldn't keep up with the amount of information that came in. Anna said the 1st thing that popped in my head was the love we share as a family, for my mother and my father and my brother. The gifts you give me aren't in the form of a present but in your presence. Just being their when I need you. Like the time Mom when you gave me comfort when I feel down and scrapped my knee. Or Dad when you took us out to my favorite restaurant on my birthday. Or you Pete when I was on the playground and Michael Johnson was making fun of me when I ripped my dress coming off the monkey bars. Or Mom saying I love you even when I probably didn't deserve it.
Next I saw an image of Sassy my pet cat how she weaves in and out of my legs wanting to be petted. I also love the 1st snow, sticking out my tongue and feeling the snow flakes melt in my mouth. And chocolate chip cookies everything about chocolate cookies, making the cookies and licking the bowl. I share them with Pete as he likes to eat the batter from the mixers. Then putting them into the oven and smelling them in the house. And then we pull them out of the oven as mother puts them on a plate and tells us you have to wait a few moments. Otherwise they wouldn't be totally filled with love. If you eat them too early you get a tummy ache because they haven't completed cooking the ingredients together. I ask mother what ingredients are made in the cookies?
She tells me, it has a pinch of love, a dab of hugs and a teaspoon of kisses; it has a cup of cheer and an oz. of joy. But she said the most important ingredient of all is when we roll them in our hands because it then gets a little piece of us inside each of the cookies. The next thing that pops into my head is I see my best friend Katie, I see us giggling in the corner at the playground as we are talking about Charlie and how all the girls just love him because he is just so cute and nice. But she said best of all it is what I feel to be loved and appreciated by all of you.
As tears were running down my cheeks the words of that child that I imagined in my mind hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized I lost that magic when I became wheel chair bound and know how lucky I really am to be alive. How lucky I am that I was the only one hurt in the accident and nobody else was injured or killed. How lucky I am to have people in my life like the people that the little girl said who love me for who I am no matter that I can't walk. So sitting alone I appreciate the simple things in life and know that you are deeply loved and appreciated by all and you are never alone. Because the memories that lie in your heart are called holy moments.
Never look down on anyone.
Buddhism teaches, through the example of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, to never look down on anyone. This is the essence of Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin states that the "ultimate transmission" of Buddhism is to accord friends and fellow believers who are striving for kosen-rufu the same respect and reverence one would a Buddha.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/9
We practice faith to live happily and also to die happily.
A nurse who cared for many terminal patients has observed, "Ultimately, people only die as they have lived." To die happily is therefore extremely difficult. And since death is the final settlement of accounts for one's life, it is when our true self comes to the fore. We practice faith to live happily and also to die happily. One who has faith in the Mystic Law will not die an unhappy death.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/9
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Being the Change
Spiritual Story by Jason Randhawa
Throughout his entire life, Ozwald was considered to be a sage by most of the people who knew him. Although he was a very introverted kid, even from an early age he was regarded as being wise beyond his physical years. He was introverted because of the many inner connections he felt with nature and the entire universe. The young boy was fortunate enough to grow up in a small town that was immersed in nature. Calum lived with both his parents and an older sister.
The true interconnectedness he felt in nature made him frequent the local mountains, forests, and rivers. As a teen he would spend days hiking through the nearby forests and kayaking the local rivers. The strong connections he felt with nature did not allow him to leave any trash behind. The human race continued to pollute, litter, and basically rape the Earth. Although the overwhelming majority of people continued to treat the Earth as an inanimate object, Ozwald refused to fall into this thinking.
In fact, his love of animals was so intense that he couldn't even fathom the idea of eating meat. He found the idea of inhumanely killing and eating animals repulsive and barbaric. Although nobody in his family had ever been a vegetarian, the day his sister told him that meat came from dead animals, Ozwald refused to eat meat for the rest of his life.
Though the world continued to pollute the earth and destroy nature, Ozwald continued to be the change he wished to see in the world. Regardless of what the media portrayed, deep down he knew that humans were taking a lot more out of nature then they were putting in. He understood that this was not a sustainable future, and an environmental crisis was likely.
Most importantly, he could feel that humanity's assumptions that the earth worked like a machine and that humans were separate from nature would have to be disposed of in his lifetime. He strongly believed that if we don't realize our deep connection to Mother Earth as a great living entity the world as we know it would eventually be destroyed. In Ozwald's mind the Earth was an entire living system where each human was comparable to an individual cell in a living body.
Yet for some reason, with his incredible intelligence Ozwald continued to nurture nature and show his love for nature in silence. It wouldn't be till much later in his life when he would revolutionize the world.
Throughout high school, Ozwald was a rather quiet kid. Although he got excellent grades, he was never loud or outspoken. He had a silent confidence about him, but he was nowhere near being conceited. He never spoke his mind or opinion out loud unless it was asked of him, which made him seem very shy to the other more loud and social kids.
He was extremely calm and collected for a teenager. He was never one to resort to violence. Even in school when he was confronted by a bully, he would not cower nor would he put up his fists. Instead he non-violently fought back with a philosophy similar to Gandhi's. He was willing to get beaten to a pulp, before he would even consider resorting to violence. Pretty much everyone in school understood him as a kind, loving, bright, young man.
During high school, Ozwald held a part-time job working on the local organic farm. This farm was a very large organization. It was one of a kind, supplying all the produce for the entire town. Most importantly, the entire operation was completely sustainable. It was one of the few revolutionary businesses at the time. It was owned and run by an awakened businessperson named Mark.
Like Ozwald, Mark also felt his connection to nature, yet he was able to succeed in a world where the majority of people saw nature as some resource that they owned. Environmentalists like Mark, thought of nature as a living sentient being. Unlike most of humanity at the time, environmentalists felt that humans should go back to living in harmony with nature.
Mark was raised by his father, who was a brilliant businessperson and keen entrepreneur. Mark picked up on this financial intelligence and combined this with his fondness for nature to create a prosperous life within his generous morals. He believed that a lot of money was necessary in order to change the world.
Ozwald, on the other hand, understood that greed and money were a big part of the environmental problem. This led him to believe that one should not accumulate excess wealth. That was until one particular incident left a big impact on him, which for some time changed the purpose he gave his life.
One Friday evening, after a day of school and then a few hours of work, Ozwald happily skipped to the bank. He should have been exhausted, but Ozwald was too excited to be tired since he had just gotten his paycheck.
As he left the bank, with his cash in hand, he began walking home. He decided to take a shortcut through an alleyway to make it home in time for dinner. Ozwald was very hungry, so he was too rushed to notice that a man had been following him from the bank for quite some time.
Within seconds of entering the alley, Ozwald had been thrown to the ground and was getting kicked by a drugged-out homeless person named Elian. Not one to fight back, he simply lay there with his face fully exposed. As he was getting stomped, his heart could only feel bad for the poor man who was willing to physically hurt a fellow human being in order to get some money.
Seeing the sadness in Elian's eyes, he immediately reached into his pocket and handed the poor man all of his cash. Although he was all bloody, Ozwald immediately took off his jacket and handed it to Elian, recalling that winter was on its way. The homeless person quickly left the scene, running back in the opposite direction.
After Ozwald caught his breath and recovered from the multiple blows he received to his face, he got back up and continued walking home.
He had given the man that mugged him, everything he had. For the next two weeks, he managed to live without any of his own income. He had become accustomed to having this money to spend every two weeks. Now he had to eat all his meals at home, and he was not able to get anything that he felt he needed for two weeks. Although he was not poor, he had temporarily lost the material standard of living he was used to.
Ozwald was quick to move on and learn from this experience. Throughout and after this incident he remained calm and loving. He was able to grow from what many would call a "bad" experience, as he felt that everyone who comes into your life has an important lesson for you.
As a result of the incident and his beliefs surrounding such negative encounters, he came to the conclusion that his main goal in life for now was to experience financial freedom, so that he would not be forced to spend the majority of his life trapped in the rat race. He never wanted to feel like he didn't have enough money again. Ozwald never forgot the look of desperation in the eyes of the man who had jumped him. He resolved to never be controlled by a need for money. He also resolved to have all the money he would ever need to give to those who truly needed it.
After graduating from high school, he began to work full time with Mark in the organic farming business. He was planning on saving enough money to get a university degree, but that never happened. Almost ten years after working with Mark, Ozwald had learned all he could learn about money and the revolutionary organic farming business that Mark had started up, initially as an environmental experiment, in this small town.
Ozwald had saved up a lot of money, but rather than going back to school, he used this money to directly buy out Mark's business. Mark was getting older and had already begun planning for his retirement. Mark had secretly been training Ozwald to take his position as the owner of the company and he was ecstatic when Ozwald made him the offer.
As soon as Ozwald came into control, he began to acquire various plots of land, gradually spreading across the continent at first, and then eventually the world. As a result of his resolutions about money, Ozwald made a lot of sacrifices. He never really got into a serious relationship nor did he settle down to raise children. He considered himself his own family. He was an excellent leader, who always led by example. As his company got bigger, Ozwald became a better leader. He was an extremely hard worker; normally he put in 80 to 90 hour work weeks. He was very motivated and highly determined. He was determined to manifest his dream of revolutionizing the farming industry.
He frequently sought the advice of Mark, who although was now retired, from time to time served as his advisor. One important piece of advice Ozwald acted upon was funding a scientific research project into an even more environmentally efficient method of farming. This led to many breakthroughs, which led to farms that actually put more into the earth than they took out. In a very real way this method for organic farming actually did something to help heal the earth.
Soon, the laws turned in favor of sustainable operations. No longer were these environmental-friendly businesses punished by having higher expenses and getting beaten out of the market by cheaper competition that had no problem killing the environment for a little more money. New green laws were passed by the government because the situation became so harsh that the people at the top finally realized that their generation would have to deal with a major environmental crisis.
Over the years of growth, Ozwald had finally manifested Mark's master plan of creating a worldwide network of sustainable organic farms. Ozwald's environmentalist corporation provided the entire world with a large amount of their food supply.
Although he had help along the way, in his lifetime Ozwald pretty much single-handedly revolutionized the way we grew and even distributed our food. After putting in some of the longest years of his life into making his revolutionary new organic-farming model into a multinational corporation, he abruptly resigned and surprisingly sold off his multibillion dollar empire to another rich philanthropist. This man named Jack Wells had been serving on the board of directors since Ozwald grew the business, and surrounded himself with a mastermind group of brilliant, like-minded people. Jack was a multibillionaire in his own right, he was the richest man in the organization's mastermind group and he was happy to use his fortune to acquire this empire. Ozwald trusted Jack to continue to use awakened business practices in organizing the growth and distribution of a large amount of the world's food supply.
The remainder of Ozwald's life was spent in near solitude, resting in a completely sustainable home that worked similar to nature. At the time, this house was the first of its kind. It was completely environmental since it worked in complete harmony with nature. This secluded mansion was completely powered by renewable resources, and equipped with its own organic farm. It had some of the most advanced heating and cooling technologies. Many of the remarkable, green features of the home were based on research into this ground-breaking technology, which he had himself funded with a small percent of the extensive fortune he had made.
Although the house was costly, Ozwald understood it was simply another small experiment that could someday save humanity and its existence on Earth. It was not until a few months later when it seemed that he was not returning back to society, many people began to question his reason for such a sudden departure from city life, his business and even his friends and family.
Over the past few years, Ozwald had created quite a stir in the media because of his radical, yet spiritual acts of kindness and power. By the time he sold his business he was pretty much a celebrity, being the first truly awakened businessperson to make huge difference in the world. With all the money he raised from selling his business, now more than ever, wise people prophesized he would change the world and save humanity from itself. He had something special, people noticed it whenever they talked to him, and they felt it just by being around him.
Ozwald declined dozens of interviews from the media, and even refused to answer the barrage of questions from his closest friends about his reasons for going into solitude. As it turned out, a year and a half later one morning his sister came to his compound for a visit. His sister was one of the few people Ozwald let into his sacred space. This time was different, immediately upon seeing Ozwald his sister gasped in horror. He was incredibly weak and frail, not at all the strong brother that she once knew.
Ozwald knew he was going to have to explain himself, because he felt this could be his last chance. That morning he revealed the secret he had been keeping away from everyone. This secret had forced him to sell his business, move away, and focus on himself.
He told his sister everything�When acting as CEO for his green corporation he was constantly working under a lot of stress. After having some strange sensations in his body for many years, he decided to meet with his doctor. He had some of the best doctors in the country run various tests, and he was notified that he had developed a lethal form of cancer. Worst of all, it had already spread throughout his body and there was not much that science could do for him. The doctors told him he only had a few weeks to live. Basically, they gave him a death sentence. He refused to fall for this trap, and began to build the green compound that they were sitting in. His passion for the environment was all that had kept him alive.
He continued to explain the entire situation to his loving sister, who was already in tears. He explained that he had to leave everything and go into silence to work on self-healing. Triumphantly he had prolonged his time by over a year, but sadly he knew he was getting weaker.
As his sister became enraged he explained himself saying, "I kept this from everyone because I did not want people feeling bad for me. I consider myself extremely lucky to know what I know and to be who I am." This is why he had moved away to die, he simply refused to slowly die in front of everyone. He did not want their pity, nor did he feel that he deserved it.
He spent the day with his sister explaining to her all that had happened on his inner journey of healing and self-discovery. He planted in her some very wise words and important spiritual concepts. The next day, he passed away.
His sister immediately notified his closest friends and family. Many of whom, were initially very upset since they did not even get a chance to say there final words to him while he was alive. But they all knew what kind of a person he was, and felt that they had made peace with him a long time ago. There was only one person who felt he had not yet made peace with Ozwald. This person heard of Ozwald's shocking death from the media, and he desperately felt the urge to attend the memorial service.
A grand memorial service was organized by his closest friends and family members; this included many of the people running his organic farming empire. This service was open to the public and the details were broadcasted by the media. It was hosted at the local arena in the town where he grew up. It was a gigantic ceremony, with over two thousand people squeezed into the small stadium.
Jack Wells was the first person to give a speech. This confident man captivated the audience with stories that illustrated the brilliance and loving nature of Ozwald. Jack even promised humanity that he would continue to use awakened business principles to run the organic farming empire Ozwald worked so hard to build. He assured the public that he would never resort to killing the environment just to make a few extra bucks. According to him, the operation would continue to be fully sustainable.
Ozwald's sister gave the last speech. She gradually explained all that Ozwald had told her a few days before. She had no notes; she simply spoke from her heart. Her voice was very clear, while being loud and confident. This was not the usual voice she spoke with; it had an amazing effect on the listeners. Everyone was deeply focused on hearing and understanding all she said. She spoke the details of Ozwald's self-healing process of inner discovery, mixed in with the profound words of wisdom Ozwald had shared with her.
She continued her speech with the succession plan, which Ozwald had laid out in his last few days. He had decided to donate the billions of dollars he left behind into funding research and development projects for creating a sustainable future. In accordance with Ozwald's final wishes, his multibillion dollar fortune was to be used for basically stopping humanity's continual rape of Mother Earth.
Just as the eulogy appeared to be over, an elderly man whom nobody immediately recognized emerged from the crowd and approached the stage. This aged man looked very vulnerable. Upon arriving at the stage he asked if he could share a few words. Without even knowing who he was, Ozwald's sister showed kindness and handed him the microphone.
"Today I would like to share with you a story about how an encounter with Ozwald completely changed my life," the elderly man started. He continued, "Many years ago, I had no money, no home, and I was addicted to some very hard drugs. The one thing I did have was desperation and anger. One night I brutally attacked a young stranger, who turned out to be Ozwald. This mugging was not like anything I had ever experienced before. Rather than showing anger or violence back to me, this wise, young man showed me compassion and love." As it turned out, the mysterious speaker was Elian and he was the one person who felt he had not yet made peace with Ozwald.
He went on saying, "I was so dumbfounded when he just laid there with his face exposed. If he had hit me back, I would have hit him harder. I understood that, but I didn't know what to do if someone refused to fight back. Even when he handed me his money, I wasn't sure if I should have kept it or not. Regardless, the jacket he gave me ensured my survival through the winter, and the money he lovingly shared with me was used to pay for rehab and to buy some food. I had originally planned to use this money for more drugs, but it was on that night when Ozwald came into my life when I realized that I did not like who I had become. As I was ruthlessly beating him to a pulp, I became sickened with myself. He taught me the true meaning of compassion and unconditional love. As a result, my life completely changed, I became drug-free and I started my own charitable clinic that provides free health care and rehab for homeless drug addicts. With the help of some local philanthropists I have already helped to transform the lives of hundreds of people, just like Ozwald did for me."
"I would like to end with a few words of wisdom, that if every single person were to live by, the world itself would become heaven," he announced. "Be kind even when you hurt. Be generous even when you have nothing. Be compassionate even when somebody is rude. Be loving even if someone is resorting to violence. Be gracious even when everything you have, including life, is taken from you. Be the change you wish to see in the world."
As Elian ended his speech, he looked up into the crowd and saw tears of joy in the eyes of almost everyone listening. People were getting up and hugging each other. Cheers rang throughout the stadium.
Even after his charitable work, it wasn't until that point that Elian finally felt he had made it up to Ozwald. Although unknown to Elian, his encounter with Ozwald had indirectly changed the world for the better. Since Elian was the man who indirectly caused Ozwald to pursue money, rather than run away from it.
Everyone in attendance of the event left feeling deeply connected to all of nature, including each other. The videos of the speeches made at the memorial were spread across the internet by the people in attendance. This created a chain reaction that distributed the videos globally like nothing before. These speeches left a big impact on everyone who heard them. Through the internet, the recordings had the dramatic effect of uniting the world together.
A network of leaders and free thinkers emerged as a result of these profound speeches given at Ozwald's funeral. These people along with Jack Wells, Elian, and Ozwald's sister rallied even more to have the laws changed in the Earth's favor. The billions of dollars Ozwald left behind for this cause was greatly needed, and wisely used. Eventually when the world was truly united, they were able to set up a completely sustainable world. Every house was based on Ozwald's sacred green compound he built in the mountains. The majority of humanity had a major paradigm shift, and basically went back to living in harmony with nature.
The future generations who get the opportunity to physically exist on Earth have one person to thank for ensuring they got that chance. That man was Ozwald and all he did was be the change he wished to see in the world. He was a phenomenal man, and he will always be revered for the man that he was.
Throughout his entire life, Ozwald was considered to be a sage by most of the people who knew him. Although he was a very introverted kid, even from an early age he was regarded as being wise beyond his physical years. He was introverted because of the many inner connections he felt with nature and the entire universe. The young boy was fortunate enough to grow up in a small town that was immersed in nature. Calum lived with both his parents and an older sister.
The true interconnectedness he felt in nature made him frequent the local mountains, forests, and rivers. As a teen he would spend days hiking through the nearby forests and kayaking the local rivers. The strong connections he felt with nature did not allow him to leave any trash behind. The human race continued to pollute, litter, and basically rape the Earth. Although the overwhelming majority of people continued to treat the Earth as an inanimate object, Ozwald refused to fall into this thinking.
In fact, his love of animals was so intense that he couldn't even fathom the idea of eating meat. He found the idea of inhumanely killing and eating animals repulsive and barbaric. Although nobody in his family had ever been a vegetarian, the day his sister told him that meat came from dead animals, Ozwald refused to eat meat for the rest of his life.
Though the world continued to pollute the earth and destroy nature, Ozwald continued to be the change he wished to see in the world. Regardless of what the media portrayed, deep down he knew that humans were taking a lot more out of nature then they were putting in. He understood that this was not a sustainable future, and an environmental crisis was likely.
Most importantly, he could feel that humanity's assumptions that the earth worked like a machine and that humans were separate from nature would have to be disposed of in his lifetime. He strongly believed that if we don't realize our deep connection to Mother Earth as a great living entity the world as we know it would eventually be destroyed. In Ozwald's mind the Earth was an entire living system where each human was comparable to an individual cell in a living body.
Yet for some reason, with his incredible intelligence Ozwald continued to nurture nature and show his love for nature in silence. It wouldn't be till much later in his life when he would revolutionize the world.
Throughout high school, Ozwald was a rather quiet kid. Although he got excellent grades, he was never loud or outspoken. He had a silent confidence about him, but he was nowhere near being conceited. He never spoke his mind or opinion out loud unless it was asked of him, which made him seem very shy to the other more loud and social kids.
He was extremely calm and collected for a teenager. He was never one to resort to violence. Even in school when he was confronted by a bully, he would not cower nor would he put up his fists. Instead he non-violently fought back with a philosophy similar to Gandhi's. He was willing to get beaten to a pulp, before he would even consider resorting to violence. Pretty much everyone in school understood him as a kind, loving, bright, young man.
During high school, Ozwald held a part-time job working on the local organic farm. This farm was a very large organization. It was one of a kind, supplying all the produce for the entire town. Most importantly, the entire operation was completely sustainable. It was one of the few revolutionary businesses at the time. It was owned and run by an awakened businessperson named Mark.
Like Ozwald, Mark also felt his connection to nature, yet he was able to succeed in a world where the majority of people saw nature as some resource that they owned. Environmentalists like Mark, thought of nature as a living sentient being. Unlike most of humanity at the time, environmentalists felt that humans should go back to living in harmony with nature.
Mark was raised by his father, who was a brilliant businessperson and keen entrepreneur. Mark picked up on this financial intelligence and combined this with his fondness for nature to create a prosperous life within his generous morals. He believed that a lot of money was necessary in order to change the world.
Ozwald, on the other hand, understood that greed and money were a big part of the environmental problem. This led him to believe that one should not accumulate excess wealth. That was until one particular incident left a big impact on him, which for some time changed the purpose he gave his life.
One Friday evening, after a day of school and then a few hours of work, Ozwald happily skipped to the bank. He should have been exhausted, but Ozwald was too excited to be tired since he had just gotten his paycheck.
As he left the bank, with his cash in hand, he began walking home. He decided to take a shortcut through an alleyway to make it home in time for dinner. Ozwald was very hungry, so he was too rushed to notice that a man had been following him from the bank for quite some time.
Within seconds of entering the alley, Ozwald had been thrown to the ground and was getting kicked by a drugged-out homeless person named Elian. Not one to fight back, he simply lay there with his face fully exposed. As he was getting stomped, his heart could only feel bad for the poor man who was willing to physically hurt a fellow human being in order to get some money.
Seeing the sadness in Elian's eyes, he immediately reached into his pocket and handed the poor man all of his cash. Although he was all bloody, Ozwald immediately took off his jacket and handed it to Elian, recalling that winter was on its way. The homeless person quickly left the scene, running back in the opposite direction.
After Ozwald caught his breath and recovered from the multiple blows he received to his face, he got back up and continued walking home.
He had given the man that mugged him, everything he had. For the next two weeks, he managed to live without any of his own income. He had become accustomed to having this money to spend every two weeks. Now he had to eat all his meals at home, and he was not able to get anything that he felt he needed for two weeks. Although he was not poor, he had temporarily lost the material standard of living he was used to.
Ozwald was quick to move on and learn from this experience. Throughout and after this incident he remained calm and loving. He was able to grow from what many would call a "bad" experience, as he felt that everyone who comes into your life has an important lesson for you.
As a result of the incident and his beliefs surrounding such negative encounters, he came to the conclusion that his main goal in life for now was to experience financial freedom, so that he would not be forced to spend the majority of his life trapped in the rat race. He never wanted to feel like he didn't have enough money again. Ozwald never forgot the look of desperation in the eyes of the man who had jumped him. He resolved to never be controlled by a need for money. He also resolved to have all the money he would ever need to give to those who truly needed it.
After graduating from high school, he began to work full time with Mark in the organic farming business. He was planning on saving enough money to get a university degree, but that never happened. Almost ten years after working with Mark, Ozwald had learned all he could learn about money and the revolutionary organic farming business that Mark had started up, initially as an environmental experiment, in this small town.
Ozwald had saved up a lot of money, but rather than going back to school, he used this money to directly buy out Mark's business. Mark was getting older and had already begun planning for his retirement. Mark had secretly been training Ozwald to take his position as the owner of the company and he was ecstatic when Ozwald made him the offer.
As soon as Ozwald came into control, he began to acquire various plots of land, gradually spreading across the continent at first, and then eventually the world. As a result of his resolutions about money, Ozwald made a lot of sacrifices. He never really got into a serious relationship nor did he settle down to raise children. He considered himself his own family. He was an excellent leader, who always led by example. As his company got bigger, Ozwald became a better leader. He was an extremely hard worker; normally he put in 80 to 90 hour work weeks. He was very motivated and highly determined. He was determined to manifest his dream of revolutionizing the farming industry.
He frequently sought the advice of Mark, who although was now retired, from time to time served as his advisor. One important piece of advice Ozwald acted upon was funding a scientific research project into an even more environmentally efficient method of farming. This led to many breakthroughs, which led to farms that actually put more into the earth than they took out. In a very real way this method for organic farming actually did something to help heal the earth.
Soon, the laws turned in favor of sustainable operations. No longer were these environmental-friendly businesses punished by having higher expenses and getting beaten out of the market by cheaper competition that had no problem killing the environment for a little more money. New green laws were passed by the government because the situation became so harsh that the people at the top finally realized that their generation would have to deal with a major environmental crisis.
Over the years of growth, Ozwald had finally manifested Mark's master plan of creating a worldwide network of sustainable organic farms. Ozwald's environmentalist corporation provided the entire world with a large amount of their food supply.
Although he had help along the way, in his lifetime Ozwald pretty much single-handedly revolutionized the way we grew and even distributed our food. After putting in some of the longest years of his life into making his revolutionary new organic-farming model into a multinational corporation, he abruptly resigned and surprisingly sold off his multibillion dollar empire to another rich philanthropist. This man named Jack Wells had been serving on the board of directors since Ozwald grew the business, and surrounded himself with a mastermind group of brilliant, like-minded people. Jack was a multibillionaire in his own right, he was the richest man in the organization's mastermind group and he was happy to use his fortune to acquire this empire. Ozwald trusted Jack to continue to use awakened business practices in organizing the growth and distribution of a large amount of the world's food supply.
The remainder of Ozwald's life was spent in near solitude, resting in a completely sustainable home that worked similar to nature. At the time, this house was the first of its kind. It was completely environmental since it worked in complete harmony with nature. This secluded mansion was completely powered by renewable resources, and equipped with its own organic farm. It had some of the most advanced heating and cooling technologies. Many of the remarkable, green features of the home were based on research into this ground-breaking technology, which he had himself funded with a small percent of the extensive fortune he had made.
Although the house was costly, Ozwald understood it was simply another small experiment that could someday save humanity and its existence on Earth. It was not until a few months later when it seemed that he was not returning back to society, many people began to question his reason for such a sudden departure from city life, his business and even his friends and family.
Over the past few years, Ozwald had created quite a stir in the media because of his radical, yet spiritual acts of kindness and power. By the time he sold his business he was pretty much a celebrity, being the first truly awakened businessperson to make huge difference in the world. With all the money he raised from selling his business, now more than ever, wise people prophesized he would change the world and save humanity from itself. He had something special, people noticed it whenever they talked to him, and they felt it just by being around him.
Ozwald declined dozens of interviews from the media, and even refused to answer the barrage of questions from his closest friends about his reasons for going into solitude. As it turned out, a year and a half later one morning his sister came to his compound for a visit. His sister was one of the few people Ozwald let into his sacred space. This time was different, immediately upon seeing Ozwald his sister gasped in horror. He was incredibly weak and frail, not at all the strong brother that she once knew.
Ozwald knew he was going to have to explain himself, because he felt this could be his last chance. That morning he revealed the secret he had been keeping away from everyone. This secret had forced him to sell his business, move away, and focus on himself.
He told his sister everything�When acting as CEO for his green corporation he was constantly working under a lot of stress. After having some strange sensations in his body for many years, he decided to meet with his doctor. He had some of the best doctors in the country run various tests, and he was notified that he had developed a lethal form of cancer. Worst of all, it had already spread throughout his body and there was not much that science could do for him. The doctors told him he only had a few weeks to live. Basically, they gave him a death sentence. He refused to fall for this trap, and began to build the green compound that they were sitting in. His passion for the environment was all that had kept him alive.
He continued to explain the entire situation to his loving sister, who was already in tears. He explained that he had to leave everything and go into silence to work on self-healing. Triumphantly he had prolonged his time by over a year, but sadly he knew he was getting weaker.
As his sister became enraged he explained himself saying, "I kept this from everyone because I did not want people feeling bad for me. I consider myself extremely lucky to know what I know and to be who I am." This is why he had moved away to die, he simply refused to slowly die in front of everyone. He did not want their pity, nor did he feel that he deserved it.
He spent the day with his sister explaining to her all that had happened on his inner journey of healing and self-discovery. He planted in her some very wise words and important spiritual concepts. The next day, he passed away.
His sister immediately notified his closest friends and family. Many of whom, were initially very upset since they did not even get a chance to say there final words to him while he was alive. But they all knew what kind of a person he was, and felt that they had made peace with him a long time ago. There was only one person who felt he had not yet made peace with Ozwald. This person heard of Ozwald's shocking death from the media, and he desperately felt the urge to attend the memorial service.
A grand memorial service was organized by his closest friends and family members; this included many of the people running his organic farming empire. This service was open to the public and the details were broadcasted by the media. It was hosted at the local arena in the town where he grew up. It was a gigantic ceremony, with over two thousand people squeezed into the small stadium.
Jack Wells was the first person to give a speech. This confident man captivated the audience with stories that illustrated the brilliance and loving nature of Ozwald. Jack even promised humanity that he would continue to use awakened business principles to run the organic farming empire Ozwald worked so hard to build. He assured the public that he would never resort to killing the environment just to make a few extra bucks. According to him, the operation would continue to be fully sustainable.
Ozwald's sister gave the last speech. She gradually explained all that Ozwald had told her a few days before. She had no notes; she simply spoke from her heart. Her voice was very clear, while being loud and confident. This was not the usual voice she spoke with; it had an amazing effect on the listeners. Everyone was deeply focused on hearing and understanding all she said. She spoke the details of Ozwald's self-healing process of inner discovery, mixed in with the profound words of wisdom Ozwald had shared with her.
She continued her speech with the succession plan, which Ozwald had laid out in his last few days. He had decided to donate the billions of dollars he left behind into funding research and development projects for creating a sustainable future. In accordance with Ozwald's final wishes, his multibillion dollar fortune was to be used for basically stopping humanity's continual rape of Mother Earth.
Just as the eulogy appeared to be over, an elderly man whom nobody immediately recognized emerged from the crowd and approached the stage. This aged man looked very vulnerable. Upon arriving at the stage he asked if he could share a few words. Without even knowing who he was, Ozwald's sister showed kindness and handed him the microphone.
"Today I would like to share with you a story about how an encounter with Ozwald completely changed my life," the elderly man started. He continued, "Many years ago, I had no money, no home, and I was addicted to some very hard drugs. The one thing I did have was desperation and anger. One night I brutally attacked a young stranger, who turned out to be Ozwald. This mugging was not like anything I had ever experienced before. Rather than showing anger or violence back to me, this wise, young man showed me compassion and love." As it turned out, the mysterious speaker was Elian and he was the one person who felt he had not yet made peace with Ozwald.
He went on saying, "I was so dumbfounded when he just laid there with his face exposed. If he had hit me back, I would have hit him harder. I understood that, but I didn't know what to do if someone refused to fight back. Even when he handed me his money, I wasn't sure if I should have kept it or not. Regardless, the jacket he gave me ensured my survival through the winter, and the money he lovingly shared with me was used to pay for rehab and to buy some food. I had originally planned to use this money for more drugs, but it was on that night when Ozwald came into my life when I realized that I did not like who I had become. As I was ruthlessly beating him to a pulp, I became sickened with myself. He taught me the true meaning of compassion and unconditional love. As a result, my life completely changed, I became drug-free and I started my own charitable clinic that provides free health care and rehab for homeless drug addicts. With the help of some local philanthropists I have already helped to transform the lives of hundreds of people, just like Ozwald did for me."
"I would like to end with a few words of wisdom, that if every single person were to live by, the world itself would become heaven," he announced. "Be kind even when you hurt. Be generous even when you have nothing. Be compassionate even when somebody is rude. Be loving even if someone is resorting to violence. Be gracious even when everything you have, including life, is taken from you. Be the change you wish to see in the world."
As Elian ended his speech, he looked up into the crowd and saw tears of joy in the eyes of almost everyone listening. People were getting up and hugging each other. Cheers rang throughout the stadium.
Even after his charitable work, it wasn't until that point that Elian finally felt he had made it up to Ozwald. Although unknown to Elian, his encounter with Ozwald had indirectly changed the world for the better. Since Elian was the man who indirectly caused Ozwald to pursue money, rather than run away from it.
Everyone in attendance of the event left feeling deeply connected to all of nature, including each other. The videos of the speeches made at the memorial were spread across the internet by the people in attendance. This created a chain reaction that distributed the videos globally like nothing before. These speeches left a big impact on everyone who heard them. Through the internet, the recordings had the dramatic effect of uniting the world together.
A network of leaders and free thinkers emerged as a result of these profound speeches given at Ozwald's funeral. These people along with Jack Wells, Elian, and Ozwald's sister rallied even more to have the laws changed in the Earth's favor. The billions of dollars Ozwald left behind for this cause was greatly needed, and wisely used. Eventually when the world was truly united, they were able to set up a completely sustainable world. Every house was based on Ozwald's sacred green compound he built in the mountains. The majority of humanity had a major paradigm shift, and basically went back to living in harmony with nature.
The future generations who get the opportunity to physically exist on Earth have one person to thank for ensuring they got that chance. That man was Ozwald and all he did was be the change he wished to see in the world. He was a phenomenal man, and he will always be revered for the man that he was.
How to make the place where you work pleasant and nice?
I hope that each of you will realize success in your respective fields, fully recognizing that success means not giving up halfway but resolutely pursuing the path you have chosen. To this end, it is also important that you realize that the place where you work is a place for forging your character and growing as a human being. By extension, therefore, it is a place for your Buddhist practice, a place for practicing and deepening your faith. When you view things from this angle, all your complaints will disappear. No one is more pathetic than someone who is constantly complaining.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/9
One's true worth is what is in one's heart and the substance of one's actions that count.
One's true worth as a human being is not a matter of outward appearance or title but derives rather from the breadth of one's spirit. Everything comes down to faith and conviction. It is what is in one's heart and the substance of one's actions that count.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/9
Friday, October 21, 2011
Beauty of A Child's Kiss
Spiritual Story by Geetika Chopra
I met Kumkum at a children's home in Delhi. It is a home where children who are sick are provided treatment and care before being sent to some other orphanage. Kumkum was 7 years old, and a very brave soul. Despite suffering from tuberculosis, I never saw her crying. She had lost her parents to this terrible disease and was herself struggling through it.
Upon meeting, we had taken instant liking for each other. Every Saturday I would visit Kumkum and play with her. She would love to sit in my lap. It was one such moment that the child felt like kissing me... and I suddenly remembered that she was suffering from tuberculosis which is a communicable disease. I tried to stop her but she really wanted to show her affection for me, so in that one instance I overcame my fear and let her place the most gentle, sweetest kiss on my cheek that I ever had.
Although I overcame my fear at that moment, I have not forgiven myself for refusing her initially. Although the child kissed me, I think she sensed my reluctance because she has never kissed me again. I will never forget that the most beautiful thing in this world is a child's kiss... so full of love and innocence.
I met Kumkum at a children's home in Delhi. It is a home where children who are sick are provided treatment and care before being sent to some other orphanage. Kumkum was 7 years old, and a very brave soul. Despite suffering from tuberculosis, I never saw her crying. She had lost her parents to this terrible disease and was herself struggling through it.
Upon meeting, we had taken instant liking for each other. Every Saturday I would visit Kumkum and play with her. She would love to sit in my lap. It was one such moment that the child felt like kissing me... and I suddenly remembered that she was suffering from tuberculosis which is a communicable disease. I tried to stop her but she really wanted to show her affection for me, so in that one instance I overcame my fear and let her place the most gentle, sweetest kiss on my cheek that I ever had.
Although I overcame my fear at that moment, I have not forgiven myself for refusing her initially. Although the child kissed me, I think she sensed my reluctance because she has never kissed me again. I will never forget that the most beautiful thing in this world is a child's kiss... so full of love and innocence.
What is the functions of both the "devil" and the "Buddha"?
The functions of both the "devil" and the "Buddha" exist within our lives. Ultimately, our battle is with ourselves. Whether in our Buddhist practice or in activities in society, or whether in historical, political or economic developments, everything essentially boils down to a struggle between positive and negative forces.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/9
The spirit of joint struggle shared by mentor and disciple is the very heart of the SGI
I hope you members of the youth division will, in the spirit of Shijo Kingo, advance with the Daishonin and also with Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda and myself. This spirit of joint struggle shared by mentor and disciple is the very heart of the SGI. It represents a solidarity in which people are linked by a true unity of purpose and commitment. May each one of you lead the most valuable, meaningful youth. The age belongs to you.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/9
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Baby Reg Blues
Spiritual Story by Iona Wilson
I now realize why I'd been putting off really working on my baby registry - the thought of having to do it alone was enough to make me "procrastinate."
When I finished reading my email about my mother-in-law wanting to set up a bridal shower for me in Columbia I figured it was time I get my butt into gear. She, after all, had gone to Babies R Us 2-3 times to my not having gone yet. I'd at least set up the registry online, but there's only so much you can select online before you just have to go into the store and see some of the stuff for yourself. I decided that today I would go ahead and put a pretty good dent into the things that our little one would need.
I stood in the store thinking to myself - how can I do all of this? What exactly am I looking for? Will my motherly instincts kick in and just guide me to the things I need? Who can I call for help? I stood in front of breast pumps just confused and sad. I wished that my Mother was here - she could give me *some* sort of guidance, yanno? *sigh*
Then a woman stood next to me, her tummy slightly bigger than mine, and we just stood there staring at the breast pumps. She was working on her registry too. "Get the electric one", she said. "That way you can even pump in your sleep!". We died laughing.
Her name was Jennifer. Come to find out she's from Scherillville, IN (right next to Merrillville- my home town). She graduated from Ball State in Muncie, IN. She had a 3rd old and they were working on their second child. I thought to myself - this is my Mother trying to be there for me. "Don't be afraid to ask me questions", she said. "I'd be glad to help".
We spent 2 hours in there, walking around, she explaining things to me, laughing along the way. At times my motherly light would come on and I'd get it. Other times I'd be so lost, and she was a lifesaver. I know that her suggestions were all her opinions, but they made sense logically and so I'd go for it. We even got excited at all of the little clothes and whatnot. :)
Sometimes God puts someone in your life for a very short time. They come, do what they need to do, and just like that, they're gone. I thanked God and my Mother for Jennifer today. She didn't have to do anything. When it was over, I just stood there, somewhat sad about it all. I thanked her many times for helping me. I wished her the best, and then I left.
I get this feeling that I'll see her again.
I now realize why I'd been putting off really working on my baby registry - the thought of having to do it alone was enough to make me "procrastinate."
When I finished reading my email about my mother-in-law wanting to set up a bridal shower for me in Columbia I figured it was time I get my butt into gear. She, after all, had gone to Babies R Us 2-3 times to my not having gone yet. I'd at least set up the registry online, but there's only so much you can select online before you just have to go into the store and see some of the stuff for yourself. I decided that today I would go ahead and put a pretty good dent into the things that our little one would need.
I stood in the store thinking to myself - how can I do all of this? What exactly am I looking for? Will my motherly instincts kick in and just guide me to the things I need? Who can I call for help? I stood in front of breast pumps just confused and sad. I wished that my Mother was here - she could give me *some* sort of guidance, yanno? *sigh*
Then a woman stood next to me, her tummy slightly bigger than mine, and we just stood there staring at the breast pumps. She was working on her registry too. "Get the electric one", she said. "That way you can even pump in your sleep!". We died laughing.
Her name was Jennifer. Come to find out she's from Scherillville, IN (right next to Merrillville- my home town). She graduated from Ball State in Muncie, IN. She had a 3rd old and they were working on their second child. I thought to myself - this is my Mother trying to be there for me. "Don't be afraid to ask me questions", she said. "I'd be glad to help".
We spent 2 hours in there, walking around, she explaining things to me, laughing along the way. At times my motherly light would come on and I'd get it. Other times I'd be so lost, and she was a lifesaver. I know that her suggestions were all her opinions, but they made sense logically and so I'd go for it. We even got excited at all of the little clothes and whatnot. :)
Sometimes God puts someone in your life for a very short time. They come, do what they need to do, and just like that, they're gone. I thanked God and my Mother for Jennifer today. She didn't have to do anything. When it was over, I just stood there, somewhat sad about it all. I thanked her many times for helping me. I wished her the best, and then I left.
I get this feeling that I'll see her again.
Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships.
Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships. Such people fear nothing. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to develop such strength and fortitude. To cultivate such an invincible core is in itself a victory. It is also the greatest benefit. Those who can succeed in this endeavor will savor unsurpassed happiness; they can manifest the supreme state of Buddhahood.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/9
What does Youth means?
Youth means to cherish hope; it is a time of development. Youth means to challenge oneself; it is a time of construction. Youth means to fight for justice; it is a time of action.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/9
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wasting our lives away by idling and rusting?
Rather than sitting around idly and rusting, we must act, give of ourselves and contribute something to the world. The French scholar Robert Arnauld (1588-1674) declared, "Have we not all eternity to rest in?" Why do you seek to rest while you are still alive? he asks. These are venerable words indeed. When young people make truly dedicated efforts, almost punishing themselves, their true brilliance will shine forth.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/9
A state in which we are free from problems or constraints is not happiness.
Without opposition there is no growth. It is hard to argue with that logic. A state in which we are free from problems or constraints is not happiness. Happiness is transcending all opposition and obstacles and continuing to grow.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8-9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8-9
Angel of Grass
Spiritual Story by Rose Bennington
An old legend says that in the beginning, when God created the world, He gave every living thing an angel to bless and guard it - an angel for man, one for the birds, one for the beasts of the forest, one for the trees, and one for the flowers.
Even the common grass had an angel. But the angel of the grass was not pleased. Humiliated, he said, "I will have nothing to do with it. That old, homely grass can grow by itself!"
The season passed. The grass shriveled, the flowers died because the grass held no dew, the deer in the forests and the cattle in the fields died because there was no grass.
Then God turned His eyes upon the angel of the grass and asked, "Was it a small thing, or a great thing that I asked thee to do?"
In shame the angel of the grass fell at the Lord's feet and begged His forgiveness, for he saw now the unsuspected greatness of his seemingly lowly task.
An old legend says that in the beginning, when God created the world, He gave every living thing an angel to bless and guard it - an angel for man, one for the birds, one for the beasts of the forest, one for the trees, and one for the flowers.
Even the common grass had an angel. But the angel of the grass was not pleased. Humiliated, he said, "I will have nothing to do with it. That old, homely grass can grow by itself!"
The season passed. The grass shriveled, the flowers died because the grass held no dew, the deer in the forests and the cattle in the fields died because there was no grass.
Then God turned His eyes upon the angel of the grass and asked, "Was it a small thing, or a great thing that I asked thee to do?"
In shame the angel of the grass fell at the Lord's feet and begged His forgiveness, for he saw now the unsuspected greatness of his seemingly lowly task.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
What is true freedom?
Freedom doesn't mean an absence of all restrictions. It means possessing unshakable conviction in the face of any obstacle. This is true freedom.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/9
And The Lion Shall Lie Down With The Lamb
Spiritual Story by Keith Beasley
"Baeaa". Clem's bleating was pretty much like that of any new born lamb. He too wanted his mothers milk. And, like generations of sheep before him, once fed Clem would go gambolling around the field... full of the joys of spring. He was the 'new life', the miracle of birth, the sign of a new time of joy and hope.
Unlike the play of his parents and grandparents before him however, Clem's skipping and jumping was a bit more purposeful. Yeah, he was enjoying himself, finding out what his legs could do, bouncing around like any bundle of energy just released into the world. The difference was that Clem knew all this.
As he grew and developed Clem was always the first to the gate or pen when Shep the dog or Farmer Trelawny, on his strange roaring, rolling, shiny, 'quad' came to round up the flock. He soon knew what other animals lived in the surrounding fields... and knew to be wary of the 'big quads' that sped along the hard black tracks alongside the fields.
One day Clem, leading the flock to the food trough as usual, saw that Farmer Trelawny wasn't alone. With him was a shorter, slighter, human - who smiled and laughed. They seemed very close these two humans. He called her 'Janice' and she called him "Dad"... as she helped her father with their straw and feed. After a few days of this, Janice noticed Clem too:
"How come this one's always out in front?" she asked her father.
"Beats me. He seems well, just more intelligent than the others"
Janice stroked Clem on the back. Mmm that was nice! Maybe there was more to these humans than feed when the grass stopped growing!
Cleo was listening. Listening hard but contentedly to her Aunt's stories. As always fascinating... full of intrigue and action. Often they seemed, at first, to make no sense... but then, these were true tales... about humans... and if Cleo had learned anything in her first few months it was that human beings were strange creatures. Sure, like her own feline species, they'd fight to control territory and to get the best mate... but they did so with strange sticks that spat fire... or they'd snarl and roar, in their own way, at those they were in dispute with.
Not that different she supposed... except that once her father had won or lost a fight, that was it. Honour satisfied... he'd get back to hunting and enjoying the feast afterwards! This humans, by contrast, never seemed to stop snarling at each other. Cleo made up her mind to learn from these upright animals... life was too short to spend it arguing!
Her aunt had satisfied her thirst from the nearby pool and restarted her latest tale of African mystery: she told of their fellow rulers in the land of scrub - the towering, the wise, elephants. Long ago they'd begun to suffer at the hands of the humans: nobody quite understood why, but the uprights seemed to want the tusks of the massive grey beasts... and they did all sorts of barbarous things to get them. As with many stories about man, it seemed to make no sense to little Cleo... but she was beginning to understand her aunt’s message... that there was no point getting annoyed by it all. It's just the way things were. All would be well... in time.
And so the centuries went by and young elephants too heard the story of how their parents had been killed at the hands of the uprights. Deep within they knew that so long as they had ivory in their heads they'd be prey. It was time to change. Tusks became shorter: no longer a sign of 'the fittest' but of the one most likely to be shot. It took many generations, but the elephants that Cleo saw around her were tuskless... and allowed to roam the plains, without attack from men. Cleo smiled at her aunt and snuggled up against her to sleep. This world did make sense after all!
As she grew and developed, Cleo noticed that it wasn't just men who came with their shooting sticks: a softer sort of human also visited their lairs and savannahs... and they came in hard, shiny things that seemed to roll along the ground... yet could move as fast as their cousins the cheetahs. She noticed that they'd point strange objects at them that would glint in the sun... and that if they happened to see her, Cleo, as they did this they'd smile and sometimes cheer.
This, thought Cleo, was a different side to mankind. She watched and listened, taking it all in. Soon she learnt that she could really make these new 'light' hunters happy by getting closer to them. She found that they'd stop and watch her for hours if she'd lie and preen herself... and it all felt so safe!
Over the next few days Clem and Janice got to know each other. They may have been different species, with very different day-to-day lives, but both felt an affinity for the other... a deep connection and understanding than transcended labels. Farmer Trelawny would turn around to see his daughter knelt next to his 'wiser than usual' sheep... as if talking to it. He shook his head and smiled bemusedly... it wasn't the first time his special daughter had done strange things!
And then one day Janice gave Clem an extra long and intense hug. He'd heard her and her dad talk about a 'safari' - whatever one of those was - but knew she wouldn't be around for a while. Oh well, the attention was nice whilst it lasted.
The Landrover lurched forward through the tufts and mounds of the savannah. Janice held on tight to the roof opening. It was all rather different from the Yorkshire dales she was used to! Or was it? Some of the animals seemed... well, to know her! She'd expected that 'wild animals' would somehow be different from those on her dads farm, but saw the same sort of grazing behaviour amongst these various breeds of deer as in the Frisians back home... and a mother lion has the same concerns as a mother sheep! The thoughts took her mind back to Clem. She smiled as their vehicle came to a halt and her guide pointed 30 yards ahead of them.
Talk of parental concern! A lioness lay with her two quite large cubs. The lions looked at the humans... and the humans looked at the lions. The larger of the two cubs seemed to not just look at Janice but into her. A tingle ran up her spine and she had to swallow hard to keep her heart from her throat.
"Almost human, that one" volunteered the guide, seeing her fascination. But Janice didn’t hear him. She'd got out of the 4 wheel drive and was walking calmly towards the small family group of lions. They didn't stir; the mother licking behind the ears of her 2nd cub. Cleo edged away from the couple, slowly standing... all the time facing Janice. She was aware of a hand waving in front of her face. The guide cleared his throat and smiled broadly: "Time for some elephants?" They moved on.
It was a few years later. Janice was well into her veterinary training and deciding which research project to join. She was spending a few days on the family farm whilst she collected her thoughts: would she join the genetic research team, helping the development of Dolly into the perfect sheep? As she approached the gate to the top field she spied a familiar woolly mass... and cringed. How could she even consider such a job! Here was Clem... how much more perfect could any animal be?!
As she stepped over the gate and started walking towards the now impressive ram, so Clem started towards her. Her mind flashed back to the safari and her walk towards Cleo... yes! here she was again. They reached each other and Cleo let the young vet stroke her.
"Baeaa". Clem brought her back to the Yorkshire Dales, and she found her hand deep in his shaggy coat. They looked at each other and she nodded, sharing her decision with her sheep friend.
"Yes! That's it! I'll take that post at Bramfield! When it comes to assessing the intelligence of animals I reckon I know a thing or two!"
Over the next few weeks, as she settled into her research role, Janice realised that there were two schools of thought in this line of work: the 'animals are like us, aren’t they clever' variety and the 'we've got a lot to learn about ourselves by observing animal' sort. She was relieved to find that most in her team were of the latter persuasion!
It wasn't long before she felt sufficiently at home to share her experiences with Clem and her 'dreams' of the young lion. Pat, her supervisor beamed. "You too!" He’d also been sensing a particular connection with certain animals. "I wasn't going to mention it, but I have had some ideas on what we could do with our latest grant. We'll probably be labelled wacky but..." he looked at Janice who was nodding eagerly at him. "OK! We'll do it!".
Mr Trelawny had been more than happy for Clem to join the research project, though had raised his eyebrows slightly higher than usual as Janice had asked him "You don't mind if we take him abroad, do you?... Africa?" What could he say! He knew better, by now, than to argue with his astute, if eccentric offspring.
Using the contacts she'd made during her earlier safari, Jan had had no problems finding a Kenya guide and team to join their project. These people living amongst the lions and knew that things were changing. Just as the American Indians had their while buffalo as omens, so too did the locals here see the wildlife around them as a sign. The world was changing and the animals in their part of Africa were leading the shift.
Pat and Jan, with Clem curled around her ankles, sat with their Kenyan guides at the end of their first full day together. The plans were going well: they'd been keeping an eye on Cleo since her actions the previous years and, last week, she'd been spotted only a few miles away.
"She knows we've come for her" said Janice. The others nodded in agreement and they all fell silent, minds reaching into the darkening sky with the smoke from their camp fire. One of the scouts began an ancient tribal chant. Quickly that picked up the strange words and joined in, even Clem deeply connected to the sound.
A gentle rustle behind them alerted Jan to an approaching guest. As they all carried on singing Cleo joined them, completing the circle around the fire. Pat, like Jan, opened his eyes long enough to see it and smile, but said nothing. There was nothing to said. Words would only spoil the experience.
Eventually the chanting stopped and Cleo quietly disappeared into the night. Pat shivered and threw a large log onto the fire. "Tell me" he enquired of the guide "what does that chant translate as?"
The answer didn’t really surprise him: "the lion shall lie down with the lamb."
"Baeaa". Clem's bleating was pretty much like that of any new born lamb. He too wanted his mothers milk. And, like generations of sheep before him, once fed Clem would go gambolling around the field... full of the joys of spring. He was the 'new life', the miracle of birth, the sign of a new time of joy and hope.
Unlike the play of his parents and grandparents before him however, Clem's skipping and jumping was a bit more purposeful. Yeah, he was enjoying himself, finding out what his legs could do, bouncing around like any bundle of energy just released into the world. The difference was that Clem knew all this.
As he grew and developed Clem was always the first to the gate or pen when Shep the dog or Farmer Trelawny, on his strange roaring, rolling, shiny, 'quad' came to round up the flock. He soon knew what other animals lived in the surrounding fields... and knew to be wary of the 'big quads' that sped along the hard black tracks alongside the fields.
One day Clem, leading the flock to the food trough as usual, saw that Farmer Trelawny wasn't alone. With him was a shorter, slighter, human - who smiled and laughed. They seemed very close these two humans. He called her 'Janice' and she called him "Dad"... as she helped her father with their straw and feed. After a few days of this, Janice noticed Clem too:
"How come this one's always out in front?" she asked her father.
"Beats me. He seems well, just more intelligent than the others"
Janice stroked Clem on the back. Mmm that was nice! Maybe there was more to these humans than feed when the grass stopped growing!
Cleo was listening. Listening hard but contentedly to her Aunt's stories. As always fascinating... full of intrigue and action. Often they seemed, at first, to make no sense... but then, these were true tales... about humans... and if Cleo had learned anything in her first few months it was that human beings were strange creatures. Sure, like her own feline species, they'd fight to control territory and to get the best mate... but they did so with strange sticks that spat fire... or they'd snarl and roar, in their own way, at those they were in dispute with.
Not that different she supposed... except that once her father had won or lost a fight, that was it. Honour satisfied... he'd get back to hunting and enjoying the feast afterwards! This humans, by contrast, never seemed to stop snarling at each other. Cleo made up her mind to learn from these upright animals... life was too short to spend it arguing!
Her aunt had satisfied her thirst from the nearby pool and restarted her latest tale of African mystery: she told of their fellow rulers in the land of scrub - the towering, the wise, elephants. Long ago they'd begun to suffer at the hands of the humans: nobody quite understood why, but the uprights seemed to want the tusks of the massive grey beasts... and they did all sorts of barbarous things to get them. As with many stories about man, it seemed to make no sense to little Cleo... but she was beginning to understand her aunt’s message... that there was no point getting annoyed by it all. It's just the way things were. All would be well... in time.
And so the centuries went by and young elephants too heard the story of how their parents had been killed at the hands of the uprights. Deep within they knew that so long as they had ivory in their heads they'd be prey. It was time to change. Tusks became shorter: no longer a sign of 'the fittest' but of the one most likely to be shot. It took many generations, but the elephants that Cleo saw around her were tuskless... and allowed to roam the plains, without attack from men. Cleo smiled at her aunt and snuggled up against her to sleep. This world did make sense after all!
As she grew and developed, Cleo noticed that it wasn't just men who came with their shooting sticks: a softer sort of human also visited their lairs and savannahs... and they came in hard, shiny things that seemed to roll along the ground... yet could move as fast as their cousins the cheetahs. She noticed that they'd point strange objects at them that would glint in the sun... and that if they happened to see her, Cleo, as they did this they'd smile and sometimes cheer.
This, thought Cleo, was a different side to mankind. She watched and listened, taking it all in. Soon she learnt that she could really make these new 'light' hunters happy by getting closer to them. She found that they'd stop and watch her for hours if she'd lie and preen herself... and it all felt so safe!
Over the next few days Clem and Janice got to know each other. They may have been different species, with very different day-to-day lives, but both felt an affinity for the other... a deep connection and understanding than transcended labels. Farmer Trelawny would turn around to see his daughter knelt next to his 'wiser than usual' sheep... as if talking to it. He shook his head and smiled bemusedly... it wasn't the first time his special daughter had done strange things!
And then one day Janice gave Clem an extra long and intense hug. He'd heard her and her dad talk about a 'safari' - whatever one of those was - but knew she wouldn't be around for a while. Oh well, the attention was nice whilst it lasted.
The Landrover lurched forward through the tufts and mounds of the savannah. Janice held on tight to the roof opening. It was all rather different from the Yorkshire dales she was used to! Or was it? Some of the animals seemed... well, to know her! She'd expected that 'wild animals' would somehow be different from those on her dads farm, but saw the same sort of grazing behaviour amongst these various breeds of deer as in the Frisians back home... and a mother lion has the same concerns as a mother sheep! The thoughts took her mind back to Clem. She smiled as their vehicle came to a halt and her guide pointed 30 yards ahead of them.
Talk of parental concern! A lioness lay with her two quite large cubs. The lions looked at the humans... and the humans looked at the lions. The larger of the two cubs seemed to not just look at Janice but into her. A tingle ran up her spine and she had to swallow hard to keep her heart from her throat.
"Almost human, that one" volunteered the guide, seeing her fascination. But Janice didn’t hear him. She'd got out of the 4 wheel drive and was walking calmly towards the small family group of lions. They didn't stir; the mother licking behind the ears of her 2nd cub. Cleo edged away from the couple, slowly standing... all the time facing Janice. She was aware of a hand waving in front of her face. The guide cleared his throat and smiled broadly: "Time for some elephants?" They moved on.
It was a few years later. Janice was well into her veterinary training and deciding which research project to join. She was spending a few days on the family farm whilst she collected her thoughts: would she join the genetic research team, helping the development of Dolly into the perfect sheep? As she approached the gate to the top field she spied a familiar woolly mass... and cringed. How could she even consider such a job! Here was Clem... how much more perfect could any animal be?!
As she stepped over the gate and started walking towards the now impressive ram, so Clem started towards her. Her mind flashed back to the safari and her walk towards Cleo... yes! here she was again. They reached each other and Cleo let the young vet stroke her.
"Baeaa". Clem brought her back to the Yorkshire Dales, and she found her hand deep in his shaggy coat. They looked at each other and she nodded, sharing her decision with her sheep friend.
"Yes! That's it! I'll take that post at Bramfield! When it comes to assessing the intelligence of animals I reckon I know a thing or two!"
Over the next few weeks, as she settled into her research role, Janice realised that there were two schools of thought in this line of work: the 'animals are like us, aren’t they clever' variety and the 'we've got a lot to learn about ourselves by observing animal' sort. She was relieved to find that most in her team were of the latter persuasion!
It wasn't long before she felt sufficiently at home to share her experiences with Clem and her 'dreams' of the young lion. Pat, her supervisor beamed. "You too!" He’d also been sensing a particular connection with certain animals. "I wasn't going to mention it, but I have had some ideas on what we could do with our latest grant. We'll probably be labelled wacky but..." he looked at Janice who was nodding eagerly at him. "OK! We'll do it!".
Mr Trelawny had been more than happy for Clem to join the research project, though had raised his eyebrows slightly higher than usual as Janice had asked him "You don't mind if we take him abroad, do you?... Africa?" What could he say! He knew better, by now, than to argue with his astute, if eccentric offspring.
Using the contacts she'd made during her earlier safari, Jan had had no problems finding a Kenya guide and team to join their project. These people living amongst the lions and knew that things were changing. Just as the American Indians had their while buffalo as omens, so too did the locals here see the wildlife around them as a sign. The world was changing and the animals in their part of Africa were leading the shift.
Pat and Jan, with Clem curled around her ankles, sat with their Kenyan guides at the end of their first full day together. The plans were going well: they'd been keeping an eye on Cleo since her actions the previous years and, last week, she'd been spotted only a few miles away.
"She knows we've come for her" said Janice. The others nodded in agreement and they all fell silent, minds reaching into the darkening sky with the smoke from their camp fire. One of the scouts began an ancient tribal chant. Quickly that picked up the strange words and joined in, even Clem deeply connected to the sound.
A gentle rustle behind them alerted Jan to an approaching guest. As they all carried on singing Cleo joined them, completing the circle around the fire. Pat, like Jan, opened his eyes long enough to see it and smile, but said nothing. There was nothing to said. Words would only spoil the experience.
Eventually the chanting stopped and Cleo quietly disappeared into the night. Pat shivered and threw a large log onto the fire. "Tell me" he enquired of the guide "what does that chant translate as?"
The answer didn’t really surprise him: "the lion shall lie down with the lamb."
What should people who think they are uncapable do?
We often hear people say they aren't capable. But this is a defeatist attitude. If you feel you aren't capable, then tap into the great reservoir of potential that lies inside you. Since we embrace the Daishonin's Buddhism, we have recourse to daimoku. If we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can bring forth all the ability and strength we will ever need.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/9
Monday, October 17, 2011
And Now A Word From Our Sponsor
Spiritual Story by Alan Dolit
My body is only a communication device. A CD as it were. On my CD there are only two channels: KEGO And KGOD. KEGO is the voice of the world. There is much static and loud commercials telling me to buy their things. Stuff I don't need, with green strips of paper that I have to work to earn to buy the things I didn't need in the first place. KEGO has many sister stations: KFEAR, KLACK, KGREED, K-ILL (which stands for I LACK LOVE), And KKILL. KGOD is the Voice for God. The sister stations include KHS, KLOVE, KLIGHT, KPEACE, and KJOY. These stations play nothing but soothing messages. There is no static and no commercials. They are INNER LISTENER supported. Brother Jesus, when he found KGOD, chose no longer to listen to KEGO, and deprogrammed his CD so he could only receive KGOD. My other brothers and I, while we occasionally find KGOD, don't stay tuned to this frequency as there is no melodrama being broadcast; nothing but eternal unconditional love being sent over these airwaves.
I realize that my brothers and I, when we listen to the KEGO frequencies, do not experience peace or joy. However we seem to be addicted to KEGO. It is like a drug. In truth, I realize that when we do listen to KEGO channels, we are really looking for KGOD in all the wrong places. The good news is that I now have a new program guide called A Course In Miracles. I now know how to find KGOD, and I listen to KEGO with less and less frequency. When all my blocks to the awareness of KLOVE'S presence are removed, and I accept the attunement for myself by making adjustment in the fine tuning of my CD, I will remove the knob and stay tuned to KGOD all the time to listen for my next assignment. When my CD stops functioning properly, I will not join a 12 step program for dysfunctional communication devices.
I will have received my final traveling orders to come Home to where I have always been and will once again remember to laugh for I will have gotten the punch line to this cosmic joke we call LIFE. When the coroner finds my lifeless body, he will have to come up with a new classification e.g. "Cause of death...Body became dis-spirited", and he will turn my non functional Communication Device in to Radio Shack.
My body is only a communication device. A CD as it were. On my CD there are only two channels: KEGO And KGOD. KEGO is the voice of the world. There is much static and loud commercials telling me to buy their things. Stuff I don't need, with green strips of paper that I have to work to earn to buy the things I didn't need in the first place. KEGO has many sister stations: KFEAR, KLACK, KGREED, K-ILL (which stands for I LACK LOVE), And KKILL. KGOD is the Voice for God. The sister stations include KHS, KLOVE, KLIGHT, KPEACE, and KJOY. These stations play nothing but soothing messages. There is no static and no commercials. They are INNER LISTENER supported. Brother Jesus, when he found KGOD, chose no longer to listen to KEGO, and deprogrammed his CD so he could only receive KGOD. My other brothers and I, while we occasionally find KGOD, don't stay tuned to this frequency as there is no melodrama being broadcast; nothing but eternal unconditional love being sent over these airwaves.
I realize that my brothers and I, when we listen to the KEGO frequencies, do not experience peace or joy. However we seem to be addicted to KEGO. It is like a drug. In truth, I realize that when we do listen to KEGO channels, we are really looking for KGOD in all the wrong places. The good news is that I now have a new program guide called A Course In Miracles. I now know how to find KGOD, and I listen to KEGO with less and less frequency. When all my blocks to the awareness of KLOVE'S presence are removed, and I accept the attunement for myself by making adjustment in the fine tuning of my CD, I will remove the knob and stay tuned to KGOD all the time to listen for my next assignment. When my CD stops functioning properly, I will not join a 12 step program for dysfunctional communication devices.
I will have received my final traveling orders to come Home to where I have always been and will once again remember to laugh for I will have gotten the punch line to this cosmic joke we call LIFE. When the coroner finds my lifeless body, he will have to come up with a new classification e.g. "Cause of death...Body became dis-spirited", and he will turn my non functional Communication Device in to Radio Shack.
What is the priority of school children?
Young people in school should make study their first priority. It goes without saying that faith is important, but faith is something we practice throughout our entire lives. There is a certain period and age when we should study. If we don't work hard during that period, we may fail to acquire important knowledge and skills, and we may come to regret it deeply later. Faith manifests itself in daily life. For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies. During this period, to devote themselves to study represents an important part of their practice of faith.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/9
What are the duty of leaders in discussion meetings?
Leaders who are responsible for organizing and holding discussion meetings in the SGI must study. If they do not, they cannot hope to satisfy the participants and inspire them with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/9
How is true character forged?
True character is only forged through hardship and suffering. Moreover, it is the mentor-disciple relationship, not organizational structures, that builds character. Many great scholars, pioneers and leaders of the world have come to note how crucial the mentor-disciple relationship is.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/9
Sunday, October 16, 2011
And Maybe Not
Spiritual Story by Louis Szabo
Sometimes, insights come in unexpected ways and that is what happened to me recently. I was quietly sitting in a bus when two young women stepped in and sat, one beside me and the other one in front of me and to my left (this part of the bus had 4 seats, two seats were face to face). The lady sitting beside me wore a rucksack, and the lady across moved seats so that the woman would have a place to put her rucksack.
The lady with the rucksack then spoke up and said, "Oh, I'm used to it and I keep it with me in case someone wants to sit here". The other one responded " And maybe not."
I wouldn't have been more surprised if I had a Buddhist master facing me. That was the most surprising insight I had for a long time. I discovered suddenly that my inner talk with a dreadful tendency to picture the worst – you know the little story you keep telling yourself – could be wrong (or at least a negative outcome).
And what if all that could be a big mistake? And what if I didn't always have to believe in it? I discovered that all I had to do was introduce a simple "and maybe not."
What a relief...
Sometimes, insights come in unexpected ways and that is what happened to me recently. I was quietly sitting in a bus when two young women stepped in and sat, one beside me and the other one in front of me and to my left (this part of the bus had 4 seats, two seats were face to face). The lady sitting beside me wore a rucksack, and the lady across moved seats so that the woman would have a place to put her rucksack.
The lady with the rucksack then spoke up and said, "Oh, I'm used to it and I keep it with me in case someone wants to sit here". The other one responded " And maybe not."
I wouldn't have been more surprised if I had a Buddhist master facing me. That was the most surprising insight I had for a long time. I discovered suddenly that my inner talk with a dreadful tendency to picture the worst – you know the little story you keep telling yourself – could be wrong (or at least a negative outcome).
And what if all that could be a big mistake? And what if I didn't always have to believe in it? I discovered that all I had to do was introduce a simple "and maybe not."
What a relief...
The spirit of youth
The stronger the oppression from without, the stronger one's determination to summon forth one's inner resources to fight against it—this is the spirit of youth.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/9
The powerful influence of a mother
A mother's beliefs have a powerful influence on her children. In the realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, too, the children of families where the mother's faith is strong invariably develop into admirable adults.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/9
Saturday, October 15, 2011
An Angel's Friend
Spiritual Story by Richard and Esther Provencher
A dot of movement grows larger as it rushes downwards. Like a runaway candle it enters the earth’s atmosphere. Is it a chunk broken away from the moon? Or, could it be a flying saucer?
No, it’s a very beautiful young angel. Here? An angel? Her name is Esther. And she smacks into the highest spruce tree. One wing now trapped between two branches.
"Help me," is a cry that travels across the valley.
"HEELLP MEEE!!" is an answering echo.
Looking between the limbs, Esther can see a pond below. At first it seems no one is around. But, croaking sounds come to her ears.
“Who is this stranger?” frogs ask, eyes bulging in surprise.
"Please, help me get LOOOOSE," the angel calls.
"But frogs can't climb trees," croaky voices answer.
A hawk listens from his perch. He thought about chasing this falling visitor before she landed in the tree. Too late, now his dinner is overdue.
The angel twisted around. One branch gave way. And Esther dropped to a lower resting place. Nothing broken. Yet. She had been so careful to follow her plan. Around the moon, left at Newfoundland, then land beside Cobequid Bay near Truro, Nova Scotia.
She was supposed to go to a nearby pasture, not on top of the highest tree in the forest. "Is anyone else around?" she whispered.
Three mallard ducks were busy feeding on vegetation and insects. "Quack! Quack!" they shouted. "Are you in trouble?"
"Yes, please help me," the angel pleaded from above.
“Not me,” said the largest duck. “Those branches might ruin my colorful feathers.” The others agreed. “I might get stuck myself,” another said.
"Let me try," said one small duck. He paddled furiously across the water then leaped into space. He was able to get a closer look at the problem. As his wings brushed against several limbs, Esther fell two branches lower. Unable to help, he quickly returned to the pond below.
The noise alarmed a red squirrel that began scampering around his tree home. "It's a human child!" bushy red chattered. "With red cheeks and wings like a bird!"
An eagle flew lower to help. However, his six-foot wings were too wide.
A young Cygnet swam slowly into view. He wasn't very large and everyone knew he was an orphan. In fact, no one in the pond really understood what kind of bird or duck he was. Besides, he was so very plain looking.
Peering through trembling leaves, he said, "I think I can help you."
"How?" the angel answered fearfully.“
"Just let go of the branches," the Cygnet said.
"Let go?" Esther’s voice trembled. "But I'll fall, maybe hurt myself." She wrapped her wings tighter around a branch.
"I'll catch you," the Cygnet said.
"But you're so little," answered the angel.
"Let go of the branch, and land on my back," the Cygnet said. “I may be little, but I’m strong.”
"Are you sure it will work?" the angel asked timidly.
"Have faith," the young Cygnet replied.
And Esther did have faith. After all, she was an angel. Letting go of the branch, she dropped once more. Now she traveled down and down. She went in a straight line between leaves and branches. It was as if a perfect trail had been prepared.
She went flying past the watchful eye of the hawk. Past a nosey Crow, and disappeared from the sight of a sharp-eyed eagle. Esther made a perfect landing on top of a feathery back. The shock scared a raccoon leaning on a nearby limb. He quickly dropped to the ground.
"OOMPH!” and “THANKS!" were words barely heard above the angel's thumping heart. She flapped both wings slowly. Then back and forth until she rose into the air. She flew around carefully, testing every movement. Nothing broken, only a few feathers out of place.
The Cygnet’s eyes grew large at the beautiful sight before him. A glow surrounded the angel, her smile radiant as the morning sun. Wings expanded to full size, sending gusts of perfumed air in his direction.
"I wish I could be beautiful as you," the young Cygnet said.
"You will," the angel answered. "One day every creature in the forest will stare at your beauty."
"Oh sure," the Cygnet said. "Compared to all these ducks, I look awful."
The angel smiled knowingly as she flapped her wings. Her reddish cheeks were full of understanding. The little Cygnet heard the angel’s voice come like a mighty wind, before she disappeared into the sky.
"Have faith. One day, you will grow into the most beautiful bird in the forest,” said Esther the angel. “They will call you, Swan.”
* * *
Copyright © 2009 by Richard & Esther Provencher
All Rights Reserved
A dot of movement grows larger as it rushes downwards. Like a runaway candle it enters the earth’s atmosphere. Is it a chunk broken away from the moon? Or, could it be a flying saucer?
No, it’s a very beautiful young angel. Here? An angel? Her name is Esther. And she smacks into the highest spruce tree. One wing now trapped between two branches.
"Help me," is a cry that travels across the valley.
"HEELLP MEEE!!" is an answering echo.
Looking between the limbs, Esther can see a pond below. At first it seems no one is around. But, croaking sounds come to her ears.
“Who is this stranger?” frogs ask, eyes bulging in surprise.
"Please, help me get LOOOOSE," the angel calls.
"But frogs can't climb trees," croaky voices answer.
A hawk listens from his perch. He thought about chasing this falling visitor before she landed in the tree. Too late, now his dinner is overdue.
The angel twisted around. One branch gave way. And Esther dropped to a lower resting place. Nothing broken. Yet. She had been so careful to follow her plan. Around the moon, left at Newfoundland, then land beside Cobequid Bay near Truro, Nova Scotia.
She was supposed to go to a nearby pasture, not on top of the highest tree in the forest. "Is anyone else around?" she whispered.
Three mallard ducks were busy feeding on vegetation and insects. "Quack! Quack!" they shouted. "Are you in trouble?"
"Yes, please help me," the angel pleaded from above.
“Not me,” said the largest duck. “Those branches might ruin my colorful feathers.” The others agreed. “I might get stuck myself,” another said.
"Let me try," said one small duck. He paddled furiously across the water then leaped into space. He was able to get a closer look at the problem. As his wings brushed against several limbs, Esther fell two branches lower. Unable to help, he quickly returned to the pond below.
The noise alarmed a red squirrel that began scampering around his tree home. "It's a human child!" bushy red chattered. "With red cheeks and wings like a bird!"
An eagle flew lower to help. However, his six-foot wings were too wide.
A young Cygnet swam slowly into view. He wasn't very large and everyone knew he was an orphan. In fact, no one in the pond really understood what kind of bird or duck he was. Besides, he was so very plain looking.
Peering through trembling leaves, he said, "I think I can help you."
"How?" the angel answered fearfully.“
"Just let go of the branches," the Cygnet said.
"Let go?" Esther’s voice trembled. "But I'll fall, maybe hurt myself." She wrapped her wings tighter around a branch.
"I'll catch you," the Cygnet said.
"But you're so little," answered the angel.
"Let go of the branch, and land on my back," the Cygnet said. “I may be little, but I’m strong.”
"Are you sure it will work?" the angel asked timidly.
"Have faith," the young Cygnet replied.
And Esther did have faith. After all, she was an angel. Letting go of the branch, she dropped once more. Now she traveled down and down. She went in a straight line between leaves and branches. It was as if a perfect trail had been prepared.
She went flying past the watchful eye of the hawk. Past a nosey Crow, and disappeared from the sight of a sharp-eyed eagle. Esther made a perfect landing on top of a feathery back. The shock scared a raccoon leaning on a nearby limb. He quickly dropped to the ground.
"OOMPH!” and “THANKS!" were words barely heard above the angel's thumping heart. She flapped both wings slowly. Then back and forth until she rose into the air. She flew around carefully, testing every movement. Nothing broken, only a few feathers out of place.
The Cygnet’s eyes grew large at the beautiful sight before him. A glow surrounded the angel, her smile radiant as the morning sun. Wings expanded to full size, sending gusts of perfumed air in his direction.
"I wish I could be beautiful as you," the young Cygnet said.
"You will," the angel answered. "One day every creature in the forest will stare at your beauty."
"Oh sure," the Cygnet said. "Compared to all these ducks, I look awful."
The angel smiled knowingly as she flapped her wings. Her reddish cheeks were full of understanding. The little Cygnet heard the angel’s voice come like a mighty wind, before she disappeared into the sky.
"Have faith. One day, you will grow into the most beautiful bird in the forest,” said Esther the angel. “They will call you, Swan.”
* * *
Copyright © 2009 by Richard & Esther Provencher
All Rights Reserved
Why must we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being?
As long as we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being, if we have strong and genuine faith, even though results may not be immediately visible, they will definitely manifest without fail in generations of our children and our children's children. I would like all of you to have absolute confidence in this.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/8
Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us.
The Daishonin states, "The voice does the Buddha's work" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon. Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us. A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/8
Friday, October 14, 2011
Believe in this mandala with all your heart
Author: Penny Smail
I have had a very rare disease called diabetes insipides. It was the result of an injury to my neck & spine when diving. There is only one medication for this which became available in 1990. Without this medication the body flushes out nutrients before they can be absorbed. This causes the body to be continually weak & subject to infection, ect. Because there was a mistake in getting my Prescription filled, I went 2 weeks without it. At the same time I had 3 acupuncture treatments.The specialist who diagnosed the diabetes insipides check me and the specific gravity of my sample was perfect, this is wonderful benefit. I don′t need this prescription which costs $140 every 11 days. I am determined to eliminate my numerous medications and illnesses. This is the 4th significant illness that I have overcome with this practice. When we are faced with problems, the Gosho teaches us that ″This is what the sutra means by ″the power [of the Buddhist] that has the lion′s ferocity.″ Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?
From The Writings
I hope all those who are serious in their resolve will gather in one place and listen to this letter.
- The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day, WND p. 622
I have had a very rare disease called diabetes insipides. It was the result of an injury to my neck & spine when diving. There is only one medication for this which became available in 1990. Without this medication the body flushes out nutrients before they can be absorbed. This causes the body to be continually weak & subject to infection, ect. Because there was a mistake in getting my Prescription filled, I went 2 weeks without it. At the same time I had 3 acupuncture treatments.The specialist who diagnosed the diabetes insipides check me and the specific gravity of my sample was perfect, this is wonderful benefit. I don′t need this prescription which costs $140 every 11 days. I am determined to eliminate my numerous medications and illnesses. This is the 4th significant illness that I have overcome with this practice. When we are faced with problems, the Gosho teaches us that ″This is what the sutra means by ″the power [of the Buddhist] that has the lion′s ferocity.″ Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?
From The Writings
I hope all those who are serious in their resolve will gather in one place and listen to this letter.
- The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day, WND p. 622
An American In Italy
Spiritual Story by Marcella Brich
A few years ago, when traveling alone, in Italy, I befriended a very old man at a cafe. I later discovered that he was the owner of the cafe which is why he would offer me very delicious food for free! One day, I summoned up the courage to speak to him, in very broken Italian. I asked: "Can you tell me where the famous olive oil farm is?" I probably said: "Can you show me all of your horse heads are?"�
My Italian wasn't very good." He then motioned for me to follow him. So, being the curious American tourist, I followed him. I followed him around several cobblestone corners a very steep hill and then to the tiniest car I have ever seen, parked askew, on the sidewalk. He motioned in Italian for me to get in. Which I thought was: "I'm going to kill you so you can get in with ease, now, or I can put you in the trunk."
So, I panicked, froze, and got in. We drove for what seemed like several agonizing hours along winding bumpy roads and hilly hills. Real time; probably about an hour. This was the hour where I plotted my demise. I thought about what I wanted on my epitaph and what kind of music best suited me for my funeral. My panic and imagination ran wild about how I was going to tell my Mother I had died alone, in Italy. I had visions of being murdered and stuffed into the very small trunk of the very small car and then SCREECH. He stops, suddenly.
Then, he quickly lumbered his frail old body out of the car and like a whip he retrieves a very large skeleton key out of the trunk. I thought for sure he was going to use it to lock me up before he placed me in the trunk. He ran around the car, opened up my door and then mumbled something else very fast and confusing, in Italian. I wonder why they always speak so fast? He said: "Venuto con me li mostrer che tutte le olive differenti la mia famiglia ha coltivato per oltre 100 anni!" Which I took to mean that I'd be mixed into an olive oil and I would live for 100 years in the mouths of the local Italians!
My Italian, although not that great was improving, moment-by-moment. I followed far behind him, watching him, as the skeleton keys dangled on his side flapping and clanking against his weathered painter pants while he continued chattering, all the while, in Italian. He then opened up very two large wooden doors to reveal several hundred shelves of large bottles of olive oil which at this moment were illuminated and sparkling in the natural sunlight brought about, in full color, by the stained glass ceiling. It was a cathedral of olive oil.
He then quickly grabbed a ladder, stretched to the top of one of the nearby shelves and plucked a bottle and opened it with a loud "pop" as he giggled and then offered me some bread, delicious wine and olive oil. It was then that he began to speak in very broken English and said: "This is my best olive oil."� At this same time I realized that not only was he was the owner of the cafe but he was also the owner of the olive refinery made evident by his monogram on the Skelton key.
He pointed at the name and said "My name is Philippe." Philippe's family owned and operated the olive oil refinery for a century and they have supplied most of the imported olive oil to the United States and other countries! It was then that I realized he wasn't going to kill me. It was becoming increasingly easy to swallow the bread.
The wine tasted like nectar from the gods. I was so grateful, primarily because he wasn't going to kill me. I was equally elated and ashamed that I was an ugly and overly fearful American, in Italy. He was the sweetest and most generous old man. He gave me a case of his best olive oil that I was certain was going to break open and spill in the tiny trunk on the bumpy ride home. "Better the olive oil than me, I suppose," I thought.
Philippe drove and lived his life with honest abandon. So, things don't always spring forth from a negative frame of reference. Love God but lock your (trunk) car.
A few years ago, when traveling alone, in Italy, I befriended a very old man at a cafe. I later discovered that he was the owner of the cafe which is why he would offer me very delicious food for free! One day, I summoned up the courage to speak to him, in very broken Italian. I asked: "Can you tell me where the famous olive oil farm is?" I probably said: "Can you show me all of your horse heads are?"�
My Italian wasn't very good." He then motioned for me to follow him. So, being the curious American tourist, I followed him. I followed him around several cobblestone corners a very steep hill and then to the tiniest car I have ever seen, parked askew, on the sidewalk. He motioned in Italian for me to get in. Which I thought was: "I'm going to kill you so you can get in with ease, now, or I can put you in the trunk."
So, I panicked, froze, and got in. We drove for what seemed like several agonizing hours along winding bumpy roads and hilly hills. Real time; probably about an hour. This was the hour where I plotted my demise. I thought about what I wanted on my epitaph and what kind of music best suited me for my funeral. My panic and imagination ran wild about how I was going to tell my Mother I had died alone, in Italy. I had visions of being murdered and stuffed into the very small trunk of the very small car and then SCREECH. He stops, suddenly.
Then, he quickly lumbered his frail old body out of the car and like a whip he retrieves a very large skeleton key out of the trunk. I thought for sure he was going to use it to lock me up before he placed me in the trunk. He ran around the car, opened up my door and then mumbled something else very fast and confusing, in Italian. I wonder why they always speak so fast? He said: "Venuto con me li mostrer che tutte le olive differenti la mia famiglia ha coltivato per oltre 100 anni!" Which I took to mean that I'd be mixed into an olive oil and I would live for 100 years in the mouths of the local Italians!
My Italian, although not that great was improving, moment-by-moment. I followed far behind him, watching him, as the skeleton keys dangled on his side flapping and clanking against his weathered painter pants while he continued chattering, all the while, in Italian. He then opened up very two large wooden doors to reveal several hundred shelves of large bottles of olive oil which at this moment were illuminated and sparkling in the natural sunlight brought about, in full color, by the stained glass ceiling. It was a cathedral of olive oil.
He then quickly grabbed a ladder, stretched to the top of one of the nearby shelves and plucked a bottle and opened it with a loud "pop" as he giggled and then offered me some bread, delicious wine and olive oil. It was then that he began to speak in very broken English and said: "This is my best olive oil."� At this same time I realized that not only was he was the owner of the cafe but he was also the owner of the olive refinery made evident by his monogram on the Skelton key.
He pointed at the name and said "My name is Philippe." Philippe's family owned and operated the olive oil refinery for a century and they have supplied most of the imported olive oil to the United States and other countries! It was then that I realized he wasn't going to kill me. It was becoming increasingly easy to swallow the bread.
The wine tasted like nectar from the gods. I was so grateful, primarily because he wasn't going to kill me. I was equally elated and ashamed that I was an ugly and overly fearful American, in Italy. He was the sweetest and most generous old man. He gave me a case of his best olive oil that I was certain was going to break open and spill in the tiny trunk on the bumpy ride home. "Better the olive oil than me, I suppose," I thought.
Philippe drove and lived his life with honest abandon. So, things don't always spring forth from a negative frame of reference. Love God but lock your (trunk) car.
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