From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, February 7, 2011:
I am much distressed to hear that your illness has become so serious. Swords exist to cut down enemies, however, and medicine exists to cure sickness. King Ajatashatru murdered his father and made himself an enemy of the Buddha. But after foul sores broke out on his body, he converted to the Buddha's teachings and embraced the Lotus Sutra, whereupon his sores healed and he prolonged his life by forty years.
Reply to the Lay Priest Takahashi
Written to the Lay Priest Takashashi
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Reserving Judgment
Spiritual Story by Veronica Haunani Fitzhugh-Hill
I learned a lot today.
Early this morning I threw up while driving my husband to work. And, we were both excited about the possibility that I might be pregnant.
Then, my husband told me that our child would be raised Pentacostal Holiness like him. I said that we would share in the spiritual upbringing of our child and then allow him or her to decide what was best for him or her. He did not agree with this, because according to his beliefs, all other religions are wrong, the leaders of those religions are false prophets, and the followers are going to Hell. He is so convicted in this belief that he cannot allow his child to develop a tolerance for other beliefs.
I am a Universal Unitarian that believes that all beliefs hold truths and should be respected. Raising my child to condemn those that are different than s/he is makes me very, very uncomfortable. I also felt disrespected like my husband needed to protect our child from my spiritual influences. I was not interested in getting stuck in a game of my religion is better than yours.
In later reflection, I realized that I still harbor some resentment to Fundamentalists who have called me the anti-Christ and the devil for my beliefs and practices. I realized that although my belief system requires openness to other religions, I was not as open as I thought I was.
I have a prejudice against Fundamentalists. I think they are fanatical extremists. I think they are bigoted. I think they are self-righteous. I think they are misguided in their attempts to take the Bible literally. I think they act out of fear and not love. And, I think any group that thinks they are the only ones who know how to reach enlightenment or Heaven or what have you is arrogant and in error. I think they are wrong.
Truthfully, I am the one who is wrong. Judging a whole group of people by what the media says about them or from my impersonal interactions with a few of them makes me as narrow-minded and bigoted as I accuse them of being.
Truthfully, the fight was about my ego. I want to extend my ego or way of thinking to my children without any interference. This is wrong of me. I say that I want children who thinks for themselves, listens to their own intuitions, discerns for themselves their paths. Now, I see that I really want them to uphold the beliefs I have. Not really because I have infallable proof that my beliefs are right. I want them to uphold them, simply because they are mine. And, I really need to work on this fascism of mine.
And truthfully, there must be something to my husband's beliefs, because he is the most loving man I have ever met.
I am so sorry that in my prejudice against those who believe what he believes, I was blinded to him. I was unappreciative of any wisdom he could give me. I was disrespectful and critical whenever he presented his views to me. I treated him like he was ignorant.
And, that is not the case.
He is beautiful. He is kind. He is accepting. He listens to me. He allows me to teach him. He is the best person I have ever met. And, I routinely humiliate him. And, he routinely forgives me.
Right now, I am not sure where my husband is, because we had a fight. And, he stormed off and wouldn't speak to me. I hope he comes back.
And, I hope he allows me to make this up to him.
I learned a lot today.
Early this morning I threw up while driving my husband to work. And, we were both excited about the possibility that I might be pregnant.
Then, my husband told me that our child would be raised Pentacostal Holiness like him. I said that we would share in the spiritual upbringing of our child and then allow him or her to decide what was best for him or her. He did not agree with this, because according to his beliefs, all other religions are wrong, the leaders of those religions are false prophets, and the followers are going to Hell. He is so convicted in this belief that he cannot allow his child to develop a tolerance for other beliefs.
I am a Universal Unitarian that believes that all beliefs hold truths and should be respected. Raising my child to condemn those that are different than s/he is makes me very, very uncomfortable. I also felt disrespected like my husband needed to protect our child from my spiritual influences. I was not interested in getting stuck in a game of my religion is better than yours.
In later reflection, I realized that I still harbor some resentment to Fundamentalists who have called me the anti-Christ and the devil for my beliefs and practices. I realized that although my belief system requires openness to other religions, I was not as open as I thought I was.
I have a prejudice against Fundamentalists. I think they are fanatical extremists. I think they are bigoted. I think they are self-righteous. I think they are misguided in their attempts to take the Bible literally. I think they act out of fear and not love. And, I think any group that thinks they are the only ones who know how to reach enlightenment or Heaven or what have you is arrogant and in error. I think they are wrong.
Truthfully, I am the one who is wrong. Judging a whole group of people by what the media says about them or from my impersonal interactions with a few of them makes me as narrow-minded and bigoted as I accuse them of being.
Truthfully, the fight was about my ego. I want to extend my ego or way of thinking to my children without any interference. This is wrong of me. I say that I want children who thinks for themselves, listens to their own intuitions, discerns for themselves their paths. Now, I see that I really want them to uphold the beliefs I have. Not really because I have infallable proof that my beliefs are right. I want them to uphold them, simply because they are mine. And, I really need to work on this fascism of mine.
And truthfully, there must be something to my husband's beliefs, because he is the most loving man I have ever met.
I am so sorry that in my prejudice against those who believe what he believes, I was blinded to him. I was unappreciative of any wisdom he could give me. I was disrespectful and critical whenever he presented his views to me. I treated him like he was ignorant.
And, that is not the case.
He is beautiful. He is kind. He is accepting. He listens to me. He allows me to teach him. He is the best person I have ever met. And, I routinely humiliate him. And, he routinely forgives me.
Right now, I am not sure where my husband is, because we had a fight. And, he stormed off and wouldn't speak to me. I hope he comes back.
And, I hope he allows me to make this up to him.
Daily Wisdom - The Selection of the Time
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, February 6, 2011:
Therefore, I say to you, my disciples, try practicing as the Lotus Sutra teaches, exerting yourselves without begrudging your lives! Test the truth of Buddhism now!
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
Sunday, February 6, 2011:
Therefore, I say to you, my disciples, try practicing as the Lotus Sutra teaches, exerting yourselves without begrudging your lives! Test the truth of Buddhism now!
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
Friday, December 30, 2011
Remove Your Cap
Spiritual Story by Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy
A man walked into First Suburban Church wearing an expensive suit and a baseball cap. After he sat down, an usher walked up discretely, introduced himself, and said, "Pardon me, but we don't wear hats in the sanctuary." The well-dressed man nodded - and left the cap in place. A few minutes later, a deacon repeated the process - with the same outcome. Then, just before the service began, the pastor came, smiled, and shook his hand. "Sir, we are pleased to have you with us," he said. "But we respectfully ask that you remove your cap during worship.""Of course!" he replied and took it off. "It's just that I have attended this church for three and a half years and haven't met a soul. Today I wore a dirty baseball cap and met the head usher, a deacon, and now the pastor!
A man walked into First Suburban Church wearing an expensive suit and a baseball cap. After he sat down, an usher walked up discretely, introduced himself, and said, "Pardon me, but we don't wear hats in the sanctuary." The well-dressed man nodded - and left the cap in place. A few minutes later, a deacon repeated the process - with the same outcome. Then, just before the service began, the pastor came, smiled, and shook his hand. "Sir, we are pleased to have you with us," he said. "But we respectfully ask that you remove your cap during worship.""Of course!" he replied and took it off. "It's just that I have attended this church for three and a half years and haven't met a soul. Today I wore a dirty baseball cap and met the head usher, a deacon, and now the pastor!
Daily Wisdom - On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, February 5, 2011:
You must never think that any of the eighty thousand sacred teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha's lifetime or any of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions and three existences are outside yourself. Your practice of the Buddhist teachings will not relieve you of the sufferings of birth and death in the least unless you perceive the true nature of your life.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Saturday, February 5, 2011:
You must never think that any of the eighty thousand sacred teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha's lifetime or any of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions and three existences are outside yourself. Your practice of the Buddhist teachings will not relieve you of the sufferings of birth and death in the least unless you perceive the true nature of your life.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Daily Wisdom - Letter to Niike
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, February 4, 2011:
The Buddha taught that the blessings of a single offering to the votary of this sutra are a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, million times greater than those of offering countless treasures to Shakyamuni for eighty million kalpas. When one encounters this sutra, one will overflow with happiness and shed tears of joy. It seems impossible to repay one's debt to Shakyamuni. But by your frequent offerings to me deep in these mountains you will repay the merciful kindness of both the Lotus Sutra and Shakyamuni Buddha.
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280
Friday, February 4, 2011:
The Buddha taught that the blessings of a single offering to the votary of this sutra are a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, million times greater than those of offering countless treasures to Shakyamuni for eighty million kalpas. When one encounters this sutra, one will overflow with happiness and shed tears of joy. It seems impossible to repay one's debt to Shakyamuni. But by your frequent offerings to me deep in these mountains you will repay the merciful kindness of both the Lotus Sutra and Shakyamuni Buddha.
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Daily Wisdom - Great Evil and Great Good
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, February 3, 2011:
Great events never have minor omens. When great evil occurs, great good follows. Since great slander already exists in our land, the great correct Law will spread without fail. What could any of you have to lament? Even if you are not the Venerable Mahakashyapa, you should all perform a dance. Even if you are not Shariputra, you should leap up and dance. When Bodhisattva Superior Practices emerged from the earth, did he not emerge dancing?
Great Evil and Great Good
Date and recipient unknown
Thursday, February 3, 2011:
Great events never have minor omens. When great evil occurs, great good follows. Since great slander already exists in our land, the great correct Law will spread without fail. What could any of you have to lament? Even if you are not the Venerable Mahakashyapa, you should all perform a dance. Even if you are not Shariputra, you should leap up and dance. When Bodhisattva Superior Practices emerged from the earth, did he not emerge dancing?
Great Evil and Great Good
Date and recipient unknown
Daily Wisdom - The Great Vow
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, February 2, 2011:
Here I will make a great vow. Though I might be offered the rulership of Japan if I would only abandon the Lotus Sutra, accept the teachings of the Meditation Sutra, and look forward to rebirth in the Pure Land, though I might be told that my father and mother will have their heads cut off if I do not recite the Nembutsu—whatever obstacles I might encounter, so long as persons of wisdom do not prove my teachings to be false, I will never yield! All other troubles are no more to me than dust before the wind.
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
Wednesday, February 2, 2011:
Here I will make a great vow. Though I might be offered the rulership of Japan if I would only abandon the Lotus Sutra, accept the teachings of the Meditation Sutra, and look forward to rebirth in the Pure Land, though I might be told that my father and mother will have their heads cut off if I do not recite the Nembutsu—whatever obstacles I might encounter, so long as persons of wisdom do not prove my teachings to be false, I will never yield! All other troubles are no more to me than dust before the wind.
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Daily Wisdom - The Opening of the Eyes
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, February 1, 2011:
If I remain silent, I may escape persecutions in this lifetime, but in my next life I will most certainly fall into the hell of incessant suffering. If I speak out, I am fully aware that I will have to contend with the three obstacles and four devils. But of these two courses, surely the latter is the one to choose.
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
Tuesday, February 1, 2011:
If I remain silent, I may escape persecutions in this lifetime, but in my next life I will most certainly fall into the hell of incessant suffering. If I speak out, I am fully aware that I will have to contend with the three obstacles and four devils. But of these two courses, surely the latter is the one to choose.
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
Daily Wisdom - Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, January 31, 2011:
Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272
Monday, January 31, 2011:
Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Daily Wisdom - A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 30, 2011:
My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respectworthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.
A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
Written to Toki Jonin in 1275
Sunday, January 30, 2011:
My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respectworthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.
A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
Written to Toki Jonin in 1275
Daily Wisdom - Practitioners of Buddhism
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 29, 2011:
Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.
On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings
Written to all followers in May 1273
Saturday, January 29, 2011:
Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.
On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings
Written to all followers in May 1273
Monday, December 26, 2011
Daily Wisdom - As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, January 28, 2011:
Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275
Friday, January 28, 2011:
Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275
Daily Wisdom - If the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 27, 2011:
If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel. If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up.
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280
Thursday, January 27, 2011:
If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel. If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up.
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Daily Wisdom - The Tripitaka Master Shan-wu-wei
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, January 26, 2011:
One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs. Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time. The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason.,.
The Tripitaka Master Shan-wu-wei
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270
Wednesday, January 26, 2011:
One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs. Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time. The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason.,.
The Tripitaka Master Shan-wu-wei
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270
Daily Wisdom - The Three Kinds of Treasure
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, January 25, 2011:
Buddhism teaches that, when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without. This is one of its fundamental principles.
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277
Tuesday, January 25, 2011:
Buddhism teaches that, when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without. This is one of its fundamental principles.
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Daily Wisdom - Matters of minor importance arise from good ...
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, January 24, 2011:
I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before. Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune.
Warning against Begrudging One's Fief
Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277
Monday, January 24, 2011:
I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before. Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune.
Warning against Begrudging One's Fief
Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277
Daily Wisdom - On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 23, 2011:
A wisteria vine, by twining around a pine, may climb a thousand fathoms into the air; and a crane, because it has wings to rely upon, can travel ten thousand ri. It is not their own strength that allows them to do these things. This applies likewise in the case of the priest Jibu-bo. Though he himself is like the wisteria vine, because he clings to the pine that is the Lotus Sutra, he is able to ascend the mountain of perfect enlightenment.
On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors
Written to Jibu-bo Nichii's grandmother on July 13, 1279
Sunday, January 23, 2011:
A wisteria vine, by twining around a pine, may climb a thousand fathoms into the air; and a crane, because it has wings to rely upon, can travel ten thousand ri. It is not their own strength that allows them to do these things. This applies likewise in the case of the priest Jibu-bo. Though he himself is like the wisteria vine, because he clings to the pine that is the Lotus Sutra, he is able to ascend the mountain of perfect enlightenment.
On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors
Written to Jibu-bo Nichii's grandmother on July 13, 1279
Friday, December 23, 2011
Daily Wisdom - On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 22, 2011:
A hundred years of practice in the land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day's practice in the impure world. Two thousand years of propagating Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days of the Law are inferior to an hour of propagation in the Latter Day of the Law. This is in no way because of Nichiren's wisdom, but simply because the time makes it so. In spring the blossoms open, in autumn the fruit appears. Summer is hot, winter is cold. The season makes it so, does it not?
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
Saturday, January 22, 2011:
A hundred years of practice in the land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day's practice in the impure world. Two thousand years of propagating Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days of the Law are inferior to an hour of propagation in the Latter Day of the Law. This is in no way because of Nichiren's wisdom, but simply because the time makes it so. In spring the blossoms open, in autumn the fruit appears. Summer is hot, winter is cold. The season makes it so, does it not?
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
Daily Wisdom -The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, January 21, 2011:
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
Written to Toki Jonin on August 12, 1275
Friday, January 21, 2011:
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
Written to Toki Jonin on August 12, 1275
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Daily Wisdom - Strengthen your resolve more than ever.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 20, 2011:
Strengthen your resolve more than ever. Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water. Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the color is better than that of the indigo plant. The Lotus Sutra remains the same, but if you repeatedly strengthen your resolve, your color will be better than that of others, and you will receive more blessings than they do.
The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275
Thursday, January 20, 2011:
Strengthen your resolve more than ever. Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water. Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the color is better than that of the indigo plant. The Lotus Sutra remains the same, but if you repeatedly strengthen your resolve, your color will be better than that of others, and you will receive more blessings than they do.
The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275
Daily Wisdom - Good Fortune in This Life
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, January 19, 2011:
It is certain that, even if there were an age when the sun rises in the west, or a time were to come when the moon emerges from the ground, the Buddha's words would never prove false. Judging from this, there cannot be the least doubt that your late father is now in the presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, and that you will receive great blessings in your present existence. How wonderful, how splendid!
Good Fortune in This Life
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 19, 1276
Wednesday, January 19, 2011:
It is certain that, even if there were an age when the sun rises in the west, or a time were to come when the moon emerges from the ground, the Buddha's words would never prove false. Judging from this, there cannot be the least doubt that your late father is now in the presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, and that you will receive great blessings in your present existence. How wonderful, how splendid!
Good Fortune in This Life
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 19, 1276
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Daily Wisdom - Many in Body, One in Mind
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, January 18, 2011:
If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals, whereas if one in body but different in mind, they can achieve nothing remarkable.
Many in Body, One in Mind
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown
Tuesday, January 18, 2011:
If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals, whereas if one in body but different in mind, they can achieve nothing remarkable.
Many in Body, One in Mind
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown
Daily Wisdom - On Prayer
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, January 17, 2011:
Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered.
On Prayer
Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272
Monday, January 17, 2011:
Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered.
On Prayer
Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Daily Wisdom - Drive and initiative of Nichiren Daishonin
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 16, 2011:
It is the way of ordinary people that, even though they spur themselves on to arouse the aspiration for enlightenment and wish for happiness in the next life, they exert themselves no more than one or two out of all the hours of the day, and this only after reminding themselves to do so. As for myself, I read the Lotus Sutra without having to remember to, and practice it even when I do not read its words aloud.
The Four Debts of Gratitude
Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262
Sunday, January 16, 2011:
It is the way of ordinary people that, even though they spur themselves on to arouse the aspiration for enlightenment and wish for happiness in the next life, they exert themselves no more than one or two out of all the hours of the day, and this only after reminding themselves to do so. As for myself, I read the Lotus Sutra without having to remember to, and practice it even when I do not read its words aloud.
The Four Debts of Gratitude
Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262
Daily Wisdom - Importance of a solid foundation
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 15, 2011:
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path.
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
Saturday, January 15, 2011:
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path.
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
Monday, December 19, 2011
Daily Wisdom - The joyfulness of chant the daimoku
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, January 14, 2011:
Therefore, when you chant the daimoku of this sutra, you should be aware that it is a more joyful thing than for one who was born blind to gain sight and see one's father and mother, and a rarer thing than for a man who has been seized by a powerful enemy to be released and reunited with his wife and children.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Friday, January 14, 2011:
Therefore, when you chant the daimoku of this sutra, you should be aware that it is a more joyful thing than for one who was born blind to gain sight and see one's father and mother, and a rarer thing than for a man who has been seized by a powerful enemy to be released and reunited with his wife and children.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 13, 2011:
The sutra states, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood." This means that, even if one were to point at the earth and miss it, even if the sun and moon should fall to the ground, even if an age should come when the tides cease to ebb and flow, or even if flowers should not turn to fruit in summer, it could never happen that a woman who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo would fail to be reunited with her beloved child. Continue in your devotion to faith, and bring this about quickly!",.
The Gift of Clear Sake
Written to the lay nun Ueno on January 13, 1281
Thursday, January 13, 2011:
The sutra states, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood." This means that, even if one were to point at the earth and miss it, even if the sun and moon should fall to the ground, even if an age should come when the tides cease to ebb and flow, or even if flowers should not turn to fruit in summer, it could never happen that a woman who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo would fail to be reunited with her beloved child. Continue in your devotion to faith, and bring this about quickly!",.
The Gift of Clear Sake
Written to the lay nun Ueno on January 13, 1281
Remember the Small Things
Spiritual Story by Mother Teresa
Some of my sisters work in Australia. On a reservation, among the Aborigines, there was an elderly man. I can assure you that you have never seen a situation as difficult as that poor old man's. He was completely ignored by everyone. His home was disordered and dirty.
I told him, "Please, let me clean your house, wash your clothes, and make your bed." He answered, "I'm okay like this. Let it be."
I said again, "You will be still better if you allow me to do it."
He finally agreed. So I was able to clean his house and wash his clothes. I discovered a beautiful lamp, covered with dust. Only God knows how many years had passed since he last lit it.
I said to him, "Don't you light your lamp? Don't you ever use it?"
He answered, "No. No one comes to see me. I have no need to light it. Who would I light it for?"
I asked, "Would you light it every night if the sisters came?"
He replied, "Of course."
From that day on the sisters committed themselves to visiting him every evening. We cleaned the lamp, and the sisters would light it every evening.
Two years passed. I had completely forgotten that man. He sent this message: "Tell my friend that the light she lit in my life continues to shine still."
I thought it was a very small thing. We often neglect small things.
Some of my sisters work in Australia. On a reservation, among the Aborigines, there was an elderly man. I can assure you that you have never seen a situation as difficult as that poor old man's. He was completely ignored by everyone. His home was disordered and dirty.
I told him, "Please, let me clean your house, wash your clothes, and make your bed." He answered, "I'm okay like this. Let it be."
I said again, "You will be still better if you allow me to do it."
He finally agreed. So I was able to clean his house and wash his clothes. I discovered a beautiful lamp, covered with dust. Only God knows how many years had passed since he last lit it.
I said to him, "Don't you light your lamp? Don't you ever use it?"
He answered, "No. No one comes to see me. I have no need to light it. Who would I light it for?"
I asked, "Would you light it every night if the sisters came?"
He replied, "Of course."
From that day on the sisters committed themselves to visiting him every evening. We cleaned the lamp, and the sisters would light it every evening.
Two years passed. I had completely forgotten that man. He sent this message: "Tell my friend that the light she lit in my life continues to shine still."
I thought it was a very small thing. We often neglect small things.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Daily Wisdom - How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra?
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, January 12, 2011:
How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra? For if you try to practice the teachings of the sutra without faith, it would be like trying to enter a jeweled mountain without hands [to pick up its treasures], or like trying to make a thousand-mile journey without feet. The answer is simply to examine the proof that is close at hand, and thus take hold of faith that is far off.
Letter to Horen
Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275
Wednesday, January 12, 2011:
How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra? For if you try to practice the teachings of the sutra without faith, it would be like trying to enter a jeweled mountain without hands [to pick up its treasures], or like trying to make a thousand-mile journey without feet. The answer is simply to examine the proof that is close at hand, and thus take hold of faith that is far off.
Letter to Horen
Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275
Daily Wisdom - Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, January 11, 2011:
The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for [your daughter's] protection, Nichiren was like the lion king. This is what the sutra means by "the power [of the Buddhas] 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?"
Reply to Kyo'o
Written Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273
Tuesday, January 11, 2011:
The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for [your daughter's] protection, Nichiren was like the lion king. This is what the sutra means by "the power [of the Buddhas] 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?"
Reply to Kyo'o
Written Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273
Reincarnation of a Raindrop
Spiritual Story by Bruce Bevens
The essence of the raindrop was in a transitory vibration of flux as it hovered in another dimension. Again it had been called home by the enticing warmth of the Sun. It was remembering past existences as a raindrop and enjoying the feelings that he felt through each one. Those experiences represented a millions of raindrop existences to remember over eons of time. However, those experiences came to him easily and seemed to last no time at all.
The ebb and flow of each existence was both smooth and turbulent but filled with a power that was exhilarating and wonderful. Its co-existence with all of Nature, including plants, trees, animals, fish, soil and rocks, was so natural. Its very vibration increased and lightened as it continued to recall until he got to the point in the recollection of a new part of Nature called a human. Its vibration slowed and became heavier.
"I see that you have reached that point of remembering again,"� said a large, hovering vibration that was just above him.
"Excuse me," the raindrop said. "Who are you?"�
"I am your Guardian Essence that watches over you and helps you through this transitory state," replied the vibration.
"You have reached the human episodes of your existences. I can tell by your vibration.
How are you dealing with it?"� the Guardian added.
"It confuses me, started the raindrop. " For many lifetimes in the beginning of humans in Nature, they seemed to be a part of that very Nature. They showed respect to the animals, plants and all living things and even rejoiced in my coming back to Earth to be among them. Even today, there are those humans that exist that same way"�at one with Nature. But for the most part, there is a lack of respect for any of us in Nature by the human."�
"What do you mean?" asked the Guardian.
Well when I am flowing so freely with the other raindrops and we are feeling so exhilarated and so full of the power of existence, they curse us and call us floods and disasters. They throw alien things into us so that our vibrations of energy are so slowed and anemic that we can barely sustain the fish, animals, plants and even many of the humans that need us for nourishment.
And there are cases where the human has made us and the soil poison to all living things. This would sometimes happen in Nature even before the human, but not anywhere near as flagrantly as by the humans. There are times now that when I fall from the clouds that I am already tainted by the effects of the humans before I even reach the ground."�
"Yes,"� said the Guardian, "this has been noted."�
"I am not the only one who experiences their thoughtlessness and sometimes downright maliciousness,"� added the raindrop.
As soon as he said that, the raindrop and the Guardian were surrounded by a myriad of vibrating essences.
"Yes, we, too, have been affected as the raindrop has said," spoke up a member of the mammal essences. "Us too," added a member of the plant essences. "We have all lost family, home, space and dignity to the human way of life. Some of it is how it should be in the Nature of things but so much of it is not, as the raindrop has said." The insect essences and then all areas of the fish, reptile and bird essences chimed in as well.
"We have been forced to live in the cities among them," a Coyote essence snapped. "And so have many of us," chanted a throng of raccoon, squirrel, rabbits, and other specie essences. "We have no other place to hunt," growled a Puma essence. We have to eat their so-called pets and sometimes we even have to hunt humans to survive. We find that we are no longer appreciated as a part of Nature but as something that should be eliminated. This is not true of all humans, as raindrop said, but of so, so many. They seem to outweigh the ones who do care."�
Representatives of specie after specie related similar accounts of how they felt about the negative role of the human in Nature. Then one very old essence who said that it represented an assortment of species, spoke up. "I have lived countless lifetimes as various species as have many of those who have spoken before me. Another very disturbing fact is that there are those species that we can never experience in life again. They have become extinct, thanks to the humans' encroachment and willful destruction either through their own selfish need, greed or downright apathy. We are beginning to feel out of sync with the ebb and flow."�
"And what do you suggest?" asked the Guardian.
"We have a proposal�", answered the raindrop essence.
"I'm listening," remarked the Guardian.
"No matter how many of us it takes, we would like to combine our energies and return to Earth as a human. Maybe, we, as a human, can be instrumental in helping the other humans see what we experience and be instrumental in somehow restoring a balance in Nature."�
Do you think that one human alone can accomplish this monumental task single handedly?"� questioned the Guardian.
"Perhaps not, but it would be a start. We can join with other humans who feel the same way. Besides we want to learn what it means to be human and what they see their place in Nature to be. Then, when we return to the transitory state again, after being human, we can share that with the rest of the species in transition."�
"A most enterprising proposal, my little raindrop."� "As you know, anything is possible in the Universe. So I will grant you that request and will gather, from all of you, the energy it will require for that particular incarnation, stated the Guardian. "By the way, is their anything in particular, other than what you have told me, you want to learn from this human experiment?"�
The raindrop brightened his vibration and hummed at a higher frequency.
"Oh yes," replied the raindrop excitedly. "We have all picked up vibrations of the humans while we are in our transitions and they are in their transitions as well. It seeps into our essences and it's a strange sense that we get from them. There appears to be a common theme that runs through all their past existences and it seems to be the mantra of the humans. Whatever it is, we don't have any experience with it. It's not compatible with the ebb and flow that we know to be the way of Nature. And it seems so profound that we must know what it truly means. We must experience it too."�
"And what is that one thing that you hope to learn from this experience as a human?" asked the guardian
"It sounds so simple, but seems to be so important to them when they go over their past lives. It seems to rule their lives in some way,"� answered the raindrop.
"And what is that, my raindrop?" queried the Guardian.
"To Err."
The essence of the raindrop was in a transitory vibration of flux as it hovered in another dimension. Again it had been called home by the enticing warmth of the Sun. It was remembering past existences as a raindrop and enjoying the feelings that he felt through each one. Those experiences represented a millions of raindrop existences to remember over eons of time. However, those experiences came to him easily and seemed to last no time at all.
The ebb and flow of each existence was both smooth and turbulent but filled with a power that was exhilarating and wonderful. Its co-existence with all of Nature, including plants, trees, animals, fish, soil and rocks, was so natural. Its very vibration increased and lightened as it continued to recall until he got to the point in the recollection of a new part of Nature called a human. Its vibration slowed and became heavier.
"I see that you have reached that point of remembering again,"� said a large, hovering vibration that was just above him.
"Excuse me," the raindrop said. "Who are you?"�
"I am your Guardian Essence that watches over you and helps you through this transitory state," replied the vibration.
"You have reached the human episodes of your existences. I can tell by your vibration.
How are you dealing with it?"� the Guardian added.
"It confuses me, started the raindrop. " For many lifetimes in the beginning of humans in Nature, they seemed to be a part of that very Nature. They showed respect to the animals, plants and all living things and even rejoiced in my coming back to Earth to be among them. Even today, there are those humans that exist that same way"�at one with Nature. But for the most part, there is a lack of respect for any of us in Nature by the human."�
"What do you mean?" asked the Guardian.
Well when I am flowing so freely with the other raindrops and we are feeling so exhilarated and so full of the power of existence, they curse us and call us floods and disasters. They throw alien things into us so that our vibrations of energy are so slowed and anemic that we can barely sustain the fish, animals, plants and even many of the humans that need us for nourishment.
And there are cases where the human has made us and the soil poison to all living things. This would sometimes happen in Nature even before the human, but not anywhere near as flagrantly as by the humans. There are times now that when I fall from the clouds that I am already tainted by the effects of the humans before I even reach the ground."�
"Yes,"� said the Guardian, "this has been noted."�
"I am not the only one who experiences their thoughtlessness and sometimes downright maliciousness,"� added the raindrop.
As soon as he said that, the raindrop and the Guardian were surrounded by a myriad of vibrating essences.
"Yes, we, too, have been affected as the raindrop has said," spoke up a member of the mammal essences. "Us too," added a member of the plant essences. "We have all lost family, home, space and dignity to the human way of life. Some of it is how it should be in the Nature of things but so much of it is not, as the raindrop has said." The insect essences and then all areas of the fish, reptile and bird essences chimed in as well.
"We have been forced to live in the cities among them," a Coyote essence snapped. "And so have many of us," chanted a throng of raccoon, squirrel, rabbits, and other specie essences. "We have no other place to hunt," growled a Puma essence. We have to eat their so-called pets and sometimes we even have to hunt humans to survive. We find that we are no longer appreciated as a part of Nature but as something that should be eliminated. This is not true of all humans, as raindrop said, but of so, so many. They seem to outweigh the ones who do care."�
Representatives of specie after specie related similar accounts of how they felt about the negative role of the human in Nature. Then one very old essence who said that it represented an assortment of species, spoke up. "I have lived countless lifetimes as various species as have many of those who have spoken before me. Another very disturbing fact is that there are those species that we can never experience in life again. They have become extinct, thanks to the humans' encroachment and willful destruction either through their own selfish need, greed or downright apathy. We are beginning to feel out of sync with the ebb and flow."�
"And what do you suggest?" asked the Guardian.
"We have a proposal�", answered the raindrop essence.
"I'm listening," remarked the Guardian.
"No matter how many of us it takes, we would like to combine our energies and return to Earth as a human. Maybe, we, as a human, can be instrumental in helping the other humans see what we experience and be instrumental in somehow restoring a balance in Nature."�
Do you think that one human alone can accomplish this monumental task single handedly?"� questioned the Guardian.
"Perhaps not, but it would be a start. We can join with other humans who feel the same way. Besides we want to learn what it means to be human and what they see their place in Nature to be. Then, when we return to the transitory state again, after being human, we can share that with the rest of the species in transition."�
"A most enterprising proposal, my little raindrop."� "As you know, anything is possible in the Universe. So I will grant you that request and will gather, from all of you, the energy it will require for that particular incarnation, stated the Guardian. "By the way, is their anything in particular, other than what you have told me, you want to learn from this human experiment?"�
The raindrop brightened his vibration and hummed at a higher frequency.
"Oh yes," replied the raindrop excitedly. "We have all picked up vibrations of the humans while we are in our transitions and they are in their transitions as well. It seeps into our essences and it's a strange sense that we get from them. There appears to be a common theme that runs through all their past existences and it seems to be the mantra of the humans. Whatever it is, we don't have any experience with it. It's not compatible with the ebb and flow that we know to be the way of Nature. And it seems so profound that we must know what it truly means. We must experience it too."�
"And what is that one thing that you hope to learn from this experience as a human?" asked the guardian
"It sounds so simple, but seems to be so important to them when they go over their past lives. It seems to rule their lives in some way,"� answered the raindrop.
"And what is that, my raindrop?" queried the Guardian.
"To Err."
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Recovering from Autism
Spiritual Story by M Giyton
I have never known an agony like this. I remember walking my child downstairs early one morning, and placing her in front of her favorite toys, trying hard not to pay to much attention to what would eventually become inescapable. The truth that my once typical child was now living in someone else's world. A world which she did not recognize.
No amount of desperation that played itself in the form of our once everyday activities was enough to bring her back to the world we once knew together. A time when I was her and she were me. A love shared by no other. To have my child taken from me that day played over and over in my mind.
I made excuses for her inability to react as she once did to friends and family members. Too afraid to believe the inevitable truth that lay behind what I would have to accept eventually. I felt paranoid and fearful of the questions they asked, and asked each other when I was gone. I tried hard not to expose her and myself to their questions, and my questions about what had happened to my precious child. I made excuses to family or friends who wanted to visit, prepared with reasons why we couldn't get together in the joys of what had eventually been robbed from me. My child was gone, and I was desperate. I made excuses hoping, praying that one day she would return to me as she was before.
I became angry and detached from the world I once knew. I resented what had happened to me, and somehow blamed her for what was lacking in a world I had perfectly crafted and imagined. Our bond was broken and I knew it would never return. The agony stayed with me in breath and being. The loss became me, and bore me.
It was my husband's constant mental battering that something was very wrong with our child that woke me up from the fog that day. The evidence was a brutal awakening from a long anesthetized existence. I had to face what my life was realistically and practically, and the realization was transforming. That was when my real journey began.
I remember crying night and day for almost a week, releasing a pressure that almost left me deflated and lifeless. The pretense and aftershock was gone, and in its place the emptiness was replaced with hopeful inquisition. A need, and desire to do whatever I had to do to help my child recover from this world that had taken her. Our life's one true mission was to bring her back to us. I stopped mourning the child I had been expecting to have and embraced the child we did have. Both my husband and I were ready to do what we had to do to save her.
My story with God started that day as a stranger. I was never really exposed to him as I should have been as a child. No relationship established, no relationship missed. He was extinct in a world I had created for myself and my family. He only existed when there were weddings, and funerals, to pay respect in momentary madness, but never involved in the journey that had taken me this far in my life.
With the pain that unfolded I realized how selfish I had been, how ungrateful and expectant I had become. There was real desire emerging to fulfill my relationship with God, and be grateful for what I had been given. Not how robbed I had been that my child had been taken from me, but what I had taken for granted in the past and had lost.
We educated ourselves absorbing books by the dozen, conventional and holistic appointments, as many as our schedule would allow, until we came up with some hopeful resolve. We changed her diet, and dramatically maximized her therapy schedule to keep her engaged at every opportunity. She was pushed to the limit as much as our financial and mental capability would allow.
My husband left us for one year to work overseas for a contractor to make enough money to keep her in full time therapy. The sacrifice was immense, and all encompassing. The fear I lived with hoping my husband wouldn't be taken by explosives, to the fear my child would be 18 and never know her name took its toll on me at times.
This pain was restored early by glimpses of hope I saw in my child when she made great steps forward. and continued to soar into recovery. My child is four now and well on her way to starting regular kindergarten next year. The pain and suffering was worth everyday to be able to rejoice in what we have, and what we have found and realized.
I remember lying next to my child at night when she fell asleep, feeling my warm breath on her skin, being grateful for the smiles and love she had given me since we had met. Praying for forgiveness to God for taking her love and life for granted in the past, and praying, for a miracle every night for my child's body to be restored. I can say now that I believe in the power of prayer. I believe God has walked with us throughout our journey. Protected my husband and restored my child and our life. My relationship with him is one I live with through my family in thanks and gratitude.
I have never known an agony like this. I remember walking my child downstairs early one morning, and placing her in front of her favorite toys, trying hard not to pay to much attention to what would eventually become inescapable. The truth that my once typical child was now living in someone else's world. A world which she did not recognize.
No amount of desperation that played itself in the form of our once everyday activities was enough to bring her back to the world we once knew together. A time when I was her and she were me. A love shared by no other. To have my child taken from me that day played over and over in my mind.
I made excuses for her inability to react as she once did to friends and family members. Too afraid to believe the inevitable truth that lay behind what I would have to accept eventually. I felt paranoid and fearful of the questions they asked, and asked each other when I was gone. I tried hard not to expose her and myself to their questions, and my questions about what had happened to my precious child. I made excuses to family or friends who wanted to visit, prepared with reasons why we couldn't get together in the joys of what had eventually been robbed from me. My child was gone, and I was desperate. I made excuses hoping, praying that one day she would return to me as she was before.
I became angry and detached from the world I once knew. I resented what had happened to me, and somehow blamed her for what was lacking in a world I had perfectly crafted and imagined. Our bond was broken and I knew it would never return. The agony stayed with me in breath and being. The loss became me, and bore me.
It was my husband's constant mental battering that something was very wrong with our child that woke me up from the fog that day. The evidence was a brutal awakening from a long anesthetized existence. I had to face what my life was realistically and practically, and the realization was transforming. That was when my real journey began.
I remember crying night and day for almost a week, releasing a pressure that almost left me deflated and lifeless. The pretense and aftershock was gone, and in its place the emptiness was replaced with hopeful inquisition. A need, and desire to do whatever I had to do to help my child recover from this world that had taken her. Our life's one true mission was to bring her back to us. I stopped mourning the child I had been expecting to have and embraced the child we did have. Both my husband and I were ready to do what we had to do to save her.
My story with God started that day as a stranger. I was never really exposed to him as I should have been as a child. No relationship established, no relationship missed. He was extinct in a world I had created for myself and my family. He only existed when there were weddings, and funerals, to pay respect in momentary madness, but never involved in the journey that had taken me this far in my life.
With the pain that unfolded I realized how selfish I had been, how ungrateful and expectant I had become. There was real desire emerging to fulfill my relationship with God, and be grateful for what I had been given. Not how robbed I had been that my child had been taken from me, but what I had taken for granted in the past and had lost.
We educated ourselves absorbing books by the dozen, conventional and holistic appointments, as many as our schedule would allow, until we came up with some hopeful resolve. We changed her diet, and dramatically maximized her therapy schedule to keep her engaged at every opportunity. She was pushed to the limit as much as our financial and mental capability would allow.
My husband left us for one year to work overseas for a contractor to make enough money to keep her in full time therapy. The sacrifice was immense, and all encompassing. The fear I lived with hoping my husband wouldn't be taken by explosives, to the fear my child would be 18 and never know her name took its toll on me at times.
This pain was restored early by glimpses of hope I saw in my child when she made great steps forward. and continued to soar into recovery. My child is four now and well on her way to starting regular kindergarten next year. The pain and suffering was worth everyday to be able to rejoice in what we have, and what we have found and realized.
I remember lying next to my child at night when she fell asleep, feeling my warm breath on her skin, being grateful for the smiles and love she had given me since we had met. Praying for forgiveness to God for taking her love and life for granted in the past, and praying, for a miracle every night for my child's body to be restored. I can say now that I believe in the power of prayer. I believe God has walked with us throughout our journey. Protected my husband and restored my child and our life. My relationship with him is one I live with through my family in thanks and gratitude.
Daily Wisdom - The True Aspect of All Phenomena
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, January 10, 2011:
There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku.
The True Aspect of All Phenomena
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273
Monday, January 10, 2011:
There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku.
The True Aspect of All Phenomena
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273
Daily Wisdom - How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 9, 2011:
When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by "Buddha." To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge.
How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277
Sunday, January 9, 2011:
When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by "Buddha." To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge.
How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277
Friday, December 16, 2011
Daily Wisdom - The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 8, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Saturday, January 8, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Daily Wisdom - The truth of Myoho-renge-kyo
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, January 7, 2011:
If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Friday, January 7, 2011:
If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Poor Celain
Spiritual Story by Keith Beasley
Tibeta was, as usual, doing her best to keep a low profile. With her head down she sat behind the counter of her aunt's china shop. Surreptitiously she was reading her favourite ancient parables, but carefully enclosed in one of her aunt's books on business etiquette. She knew that if Celain caught her reading this forbidden material she'd be for the high jump.
As Tibeta had grown up, she'd learnt that the only way to get any sort of kindness from Celain was to obey her to the letter. There was just no argument with this strong, hard, woman who had taken her in when her parents had died suddenly. Her mum's sister she may have been, but there the resemblance ended: no gentleness, no openness, just a stern, over-bearing presence.
Things had improved slightly when Celain realised that Tibeta was actually a real benefit to her business: having a patient, smiling, face in her shop had encouraged the customers to not just come in but to stop and buy from her extensive range of pots and ornaments, ancient and modern. But, despite the increased sales, Tibeta herself benefited little from the store's profits... despite her aunt's assertions that she should be grateful for everything she had.
In speaking with her customers, especially when Celain was out buying stock, Tibeta had began to realise that she was not so alone with her feelings as she'd thought... nor did she need to fear having nowhere else to go or work. On a number of occasions her clear voice and wise words had been complimented and recently she'd even had the boss of their main competitor, Pots-R-Us - a much larger chain of stores, ask her to work for him!
As Celain sensed her niece's growing frustration and freedom of thought, she clamped down even more on Tibeta's physical freedom: she tightened the nightly curfew and took away her house key... which made Tibeta even more determined to break free. But Tibeta knew there was still no point trying to reason with her aunt, or to stand up to her physically, so she watched and waited. She'd also managed to obtain, through Caroline, one of her regular customers, some books on happiness... and on the root causes of misery.
Whilst reading this ancient wisdom and modern psychology, Tibeta began to see that her aunt really couldn't help the way she was: Tibeta herself could just remember her dictatorial grandfather and the way he rigidly controlled everybody and everything. She shuddered to think of him. Poor Celain she thought, sadly. Then burst out laughing at her own pun: porcelain! How appropriate for the owner of a china shop! Tibeta's mind took the parallels deeper: how fragile they both are! she realised. Just as all the plates and vases would chip at the slightest knock and break apart so easily, so her aunt would snap at the slightly thing out of place. Anything disturbing Celain's precise boundaries and she'd go to pieces too! All her toughness was just a front, like the glaze on her finest china pieces.
As the young Tibeta came to realise this, so she developed an understanding, and even compassion, for her aunt... and remembered to show Celain gratitude for taking her in and looking after her. Celain didn't really know what to make of this, being so unused to kindness, but in the privacy or her own room, she smiled to herself... and even began to imagine that Tibeta was her own daughter!
At this time their town was playing host to a big basketball tournament. Teams from miles around had gathered, followed by busloads of their enthusiastic fans. And so the streets were full of visitors, many trying to emulate their sporting stars by bouncing or keeping aloft their own basketballs. Needless to say, Celain was not at all impressed by such behaviour and had immediately put up a big sign banning balls from her shop.
One day, as Tibeta was minding the store, a group of five young men, each juggling a basketball, stopped outside the window and looked in. Fit and healthy looking, Tibeta could not help but stare at them. They smiled back and waved to her. As they came to the door to come in, the young lady blushed. Then quickly seeing her aunt's sign she panicked and pointed at it to the boys on the doorstep.
Shaking her head fearfully she pleaded with them not to come in. But the boys, being boys, just smiled all the more broadly and bounced their five balls over the threshold. Tibeta couldn't help but notice that they were all different colours: one red, one blue, one yellow, one green and one black. But that didn't help her. What could she do, her aunt would have a fit... but these young men were really fit too!... and handsome. They were in the shop now, still bouncing their basketballs in-between the displays of vases and plates... and asking her all sorts of personal questions. They were nice guys... and they seemed skilful enough.
At that moment poor Celain appeared at the door: the others had been too interested in each other to notice her approach. OUT she ordered with a vengeful stare and pointing finger. It was all too much for the boys who immediately lost their smiles... and their ball control skills. One after the other the basketballs went crashing into piles of cups and onto priceless ornaments. Within just a few minutes the whole shop was a mass of broken crockery.
As sporting the boys may have been, the shop looked like a massacre site and they could see from the fuming features of the owner that they could be the next victims. They fled. Faster than Tibeta had ever seen anybody run before. Her aunt strode out of the shop after them, shaking her fist.
It was some minutes before she returned and surveyed the devastation. Her jaw dropped and Tibeta could see tears forming in the corner of her aunt's eyes... although she frantically tried to brush them aside. Feeling her compassion well up inside her and genuine affection for the older women, Tibeta rushed to her aunt's side and put her arms around her waist, holding to her. Initially Celain resisted, but not for long. Soon her decades of held back tears had broken through the floodgates. She sobbed. She reciprocated the hug and held her wonderful niece to her, tightly.
The shop was closed, with shutters down, for a week after that. When it reopened, at first glance, little had chanced, Tibeta still sat behind the counter and a similar range of china-wear was on display. But now she read her ancient wisdom openly. Now she had her own key and no curfew. Now she had her share of the profits... to spend on dates with basketball players.
Tibeta was, as usual, doing her best to keep a low profile. With her head down she sat behind the counter of her aunt's china shop. Surreptitiously she was reading her favourite ancient parables, but carefully enclosed in one of her aunt's books on business etiquette. She knew that if Celain caught her reading this forbidden material she'd be for the high jump.
As Tibeta had grown up, she'd learnt that the only way to get any sort of kindness from Celain was to obey her to the letter. There was just no argument with this strong, hard, woman who had taken her in when her parents had died suddenly. Her mum's sister she may have been, but there the resemblance ended: no gentleness, no openness, just a stern, over-bearing presence.
Things had improved slightly when Celain realised that Tibeta was actually a real benefit to her business: having a patient, smiling, face in her shop had encouraged the customers to not just come in but to stop and buy from her extensive range of pots and ornaments, ancient and modern. But, despite the increased sales, Tibeta herself benefited little from the store's profits... despite her aunt's assertions that she should be grateful for everything she had.
In speaking with her customers, especially when Celain was out buying stock, Tibeta had began to realise that she was not so alone with her feelings as she'd thought... nor did she need to fear having nowhere else to go or work. On a number of occasions her clear voice and wise words had been complimented and recently she'd even had the boss of their main competitor, Pots-R-Us - a much larger chain of stores, ask her to work for him!
As Celain sensed her niece's growing frustration and freedom of thought, she clamped down even more on Tibeta's physical freedom: she tightened the nightly curfew and took away her house key... which made Tibeta even more determined to break free. But Tibeta knew there was still no point trying to reason with her aunt, or to stand up to her physically, so she watched and waited. She'd also managed to obtain, through Caroline, one of her regular customers, some books on happiness... and on the root causes of misery.
Whilst reading this ancient wisdom and modern psychology, Tibeta began to see that her aunt really couldn't help the way she was: Tibeta herself could just remember her dictatorial grandfather and the way he rigidly controlled everybody and everything. She shuddered to think of him. Poor Celain she thought, sadly. Then burst out laughing at her own pun: porcelain! How appropriate for the owner of a china shop! Tibeta's mind took the parallels deeper: how fragile they both are! she realised. Just as all the plates and vases would chip at the slightest knock and break apart so easily, so her aunt would snap at the slightly thing out of place. Anything disturbing Celain's precise boundaries and she'd go to pieces too! All her toughness was just a front, like the glaze on her finest china pieces.
As the young Tibeta came to realise this, so she developed an understanding, and even compassion, for her aunt... and remembered to show Celain gratitude for taking her in and looking after her. Celain didn't really know what to make of this, being so unused to kindness, but in the privacy or her own room, she smiled to herself... and even began to imagine that Tibeta was her own daughter!
At this time their town was playing host to a big basketball tournament. Teams from miles around had gathered, followed by busloads of their enthusiastic fans. And so the streets were full of visitors, many trying to emulate their sporting stars by bouncing or keeping aloft their own basketballs. Needless to say, Celain was not at all impressed by such behaviour and had immediately put up a big sign banning balls from her shop.
One day, as Tibeta was minding the store, a group of five young men, each juggling a basketball, stopped outside the window and looked in. Fit and healthy looking, Tibeta could not help but stare at them. They smiled back and waved to her. As they came to the door to come in, the young lady blushed. Then quickly seeing her aunt's sign she panicked and pointed at it to the boys on the doorstep.
Shaking her head fearfully she pleaded with them not to come in. But the boys, being boys, just smiled all the more broadly and bounced their five balls over the threshold. Tibeta couldn't help but notice that they were all different colours: one red, one blue, one yellow, one green and one black. But that didn't help her. What could she do, her aunt would have a fit... but these young men were really fit too!... and handsome. They were in the shop now, still bouncing their basketballs in-between the displays of vases and plates... and asking her all sorts of personal questions. They were nice guys... and they seemed skilful enough.
At that moment poor Celain appeared at the door: the others had been too interested in each other to notice her approach. OUT she ordered with a vengeful stare and pointing finger. It was all too much for the boys who immediately lost their smiles... and their ball control skills. One after the other the basketballs went crashing into piles of cups and onto priceless ornaments. Within just a few minutes the whole shop was a mass of broken crockery.
As sporting the boys may have been, the shop looked like a massacre site and they could see from the fuming features of the owner that they could be the next victims. They fled. Faster than Tibeta had ever seen anybody run before. Her aunt strode out of the shop after them, shaking her fist.
It was some minutes before she returned and surveyed the devastation. Her jaw dropped and Tibeta could see tears forming in the corner of her aunt's eyes... although she frantically tried to brush them aside. Feeling her compassion well up inside her and genuine affection for the older women, Tibeta rushed to her aunt's side and put her arms around her waist, holding to her. Initially Celain resisted, but not for long. Soon her decades of held back tears had broken through the floodgates. She sobbed. She reciprocated the hug and held her wonderful niece to her, tightly.
The shop was closed, with shutters down, for a week after that. When it reopened, at first glance, little had chanced, Tibeta still sat behind the counter and a similar range of china-wear was on display. But now she read her ancient wisdom openly. Now she had her own key and no curfew. Now she had her share of the profits... to spend on dates with basketball players.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Pools
Spiritual Story by Pete Hughes
Through the cold winter wasteland he trudged, leaning into the harsh wind which spitefully tried to force him back. He was covered from head to toe in layers of thick clothing, layers of protection against the harsh environment. On he fought, searching, searching. He was working so hard. This must be the way.
In the distance he saw what looked like steam rising out of the ground. It rose a few feet and then was quickly whipped away by the biting wind. He altered his course and turned towards the steam, gaining some blessed relief as he turned his chapped face out of the gale. As he got closer, he thought he could make out voices. Their tone was unfamiliar to him - musical, relaxed and warm - their melody enticed him closer. Finally he got close enough to peer through the mist.
There before him was a remarkable sight. In the midst of the frozen wasteland, cut into the ground was a large pool. Several people were in the pool, they seemed to be floating easily without any effort. As they saw him approach, a woman called out to him.
"Come in here. It is lovely and warm. You can just lie back and relax," said the woman.
"I can't. There are no steps." The man replied.
"Just jump in. It really is lovely in here. Come on. There's plenty of room for another." Another of the floaters joined in the persuasion.
"But what if I don't like it, how will I get out? The sides are too high to reach up to."
"Believe me, you won't want to get out. Come on. It is so good in here."
He stood for a moment, paralysed with indecision. It looked so much like the answer, but how could it be this easy? Just jump in? Lie back and relax? It couldn't be that simple. It must be a trick. He could not trust them. There was no way out if he changed his mind. He blocked out their warm invitations and once more filled his mind with grim determination.
On he trudged. Hours passed and his shadow grew long. Then once again in the distance he saw another cloud of rising steam. Entering the mist, a similar sight greeted him once more.
"Come in here. You don't have to be cold any more," said one of the bathers in a gentle voice. All the faces in the pool turned to look at him. Warm smiles reached out to him but his eyes could not perceive them.
"How do I get in? I can't see any steps. You are a long way down." He asked once again.
"Just jump in. It is very deep. You will be quite safe."
"But what if I want to get out? What if I get tired and cannot stay afloat any longer?"
"This is not like normal water, we are kept afloat without any effort. I promise you, you really will not want to get out."
"But my clothes will get wet and their weight will drag me down."
"You can remove all those layers. You will not need their protection in here. It is always beautifully warm."
But he could not bring himself to do that. Those layers were his protection, accumulated over the years to keep out the bitter cold. How could he now discard them, just like that? How could he allow himself to be so exposed?
On he trudged. Darkness came and the temperature dropped still further. Snow began to fall and the wind drove it into his face. Walking blind he carried on.
Then suddenly he felt some warmth in the air and the ground disappeared beneath him. With a scream he fell and his fall was broken with a splash. Panic overcame him and he thrashed around desperately until his hands touched a wall and he clawed at the smooth surface, loudly cursing the futility of it.
Then suddenly he heard a soft voice beside him. '"Shhhh. It's OK. It's OK," said the voice in beautiful feminine tones. "Just relax. You will be OK." Then he felt her hands moving over his body, searching then loosening his winter clothing. Layer after layer was gently removed, her voice continuing to sooth his panic until eventually he could feel the wonderful warmth of the water directly against his skin. "It's OK," She said once more as she held him close in the dark. For the first time since he could remember, he fully relaxed and quickly drifted off into a much needed sleep in her arms.
He awoke to a wonderful new dawn. He gazed into the beautiful eyes of his rescuer and felt the wonderful warmth of the water around him. Then he heard footsteps above. A weary man dressed head to foot in winter furs peered over the edge of the pool.
"Come in here!" He quickly shouted to the man. "It is so wonderful in here!"
"But what if I don't like it? How will I get back out?" The man asked.
"Believe me. You really won't want to get out," he assured the man.
Through the cold winter wasteland he trudged, leaning into the harsh wind which spitefully tried to force him back. He was covered from head to toe in layers of thick clothing, layers of protection against the harsh environment. On he fought, searching, searching. He was working so hard. This must be the way.
In the distance he saw what looked like steam rising out of the ground. It rose a few feet and then was quickly whipped away by the biting wind. He altered his course and turned towards the steam, gaining some blessed relief as he turned his chapped face out of the gale. As he got closer, he thought he could make out voices. Their tone was unfamiliar to him - musical, relaxed and warm - their melody enticed him closer. Finally he got close enough to peer through the mist.
There before him was a remarkable sight. In the midst of the frozen wasteland, cut into the ground was a large pool. Several people were in the pool, they seemed to be floating easily without any effort. As they saw him approach, a woman called out to him.
"Come in here. It is lovely and warm. You can just lie back and relax," said the woman.
"I can't. There are no steps." The man replied.
"Just jump in. It really is lovely in here. Come on. There's plenty of room for another." Another of the floaters joined in the persuasion.
"But what if I don't like it, how will I get out? The sides are too high to reach up to."
"Believe me, you won't want to get out. Come on. It is so good in here."
He stood for a moment, paralysed with indecision. It looked so much like the answer, but how could it be this easy? Just jump in? Lie back and relax? It couldn't be that simple. It must be a trick. He could not trust them. There was no way out if he changed his mind. He blocked out their warm invitations and once more filled his mind with grim determination.
On he trudged. Hours passed and his shadow grew long. Then once again in the distance he saw another cloud of rising steam. Entering the mist, a similar sight greeted him once more.
"Come in here. You don't have to be cold any more," said one of the bathers in a gentle voice. All the faces in the pool turned to look at him. Warm smiles reached out to him but his eyes could not perceive them.
"How do I get in? I can't see any steps. You are a long way down." He asked once again.
"Just jump in. It is very deep. You will be quite safe."
"But what if I want to get out? What if I get tired and cannot stay afloat any longer?"
"This is not like normal water, we are kept afloat without any effort. I promise you, you really will not want to get out."
"But my clothes will get wet and their weight will drag me down."
"You can remove all those layers. You will not need their protection in here. It is always beautifully warm."
But he could not bring himself to do that. Those layers were his protection, accumulated over the years to keep out the bitter cold. How could he now discard them, just like that? How could he allow himself to be so exposed?
On he trudged. Darkness came and the temperature dropped still further. Snow began to fall and the wind drove it into his face. Walking blind he carried on.
Then suddenly he felt some warmth in the air and the ground disappeared beneath him. With a scream he fell and his fall was broken with a splash. Panic overcame him and he thrashed around desperately until his hands touched a wall and he clawed at the smooth surface, loudly cursing the futility of it.
Then suddenly he heard a soft voice beside him. '"Shhhh. It's OK. It's OK," said the voice in beautiful feminine tones. "Just relax. You will be OK." Then he felt her hands moving over his body, searching then loosening his winter clothing. Layer after layer was gently removed, her voice continuing to sooth his panic until eventually he could feel the wonderful warmth of the water directly against his skin. "It's OK," She said once more as she held him close in the dark. For the first time since he could remember, he fully relaxed and quickly drifted off into a much needed sleep in her arms.
He awoke to a wonderful new dawn. He gazed into the beautiful eyes of his rescuer and felt the wonderful warmth of the water around him. Then he heard footsteps above. A weary man dressed head to foot in winter furs peered over the edge of the pool.
"Come in here!" He quickly shouted to the man. "It is so wonderful in here!"
"But what if I don't like it? How will I get back out?" The man asked.
"Believe me. You really won't want to get out," he assured the man.
Daily Wisdom - The good fortune one receives from simply chanting the daimoku
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 6, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra of the Correct Law says that, if one hears this sutra and proclaims and embraces its title, one will enjoy merit beyond measure. And the Supplemented Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law says that one who accepts and upholds the name of the Lotus Sutra will enjoy immeasurable good fortune. These statements indicate that the good fortune one receives from simply chanting the daimoku is beyond measure.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Thursday, January 6, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra of the Correct Law says that, if one hears this sutra and proclaims and embraces its title, one will enjoy merit beyond measure. And the Supplemented Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law says that one who accepts and upholds the name of the Lotus Sutra will enjoy immeasurable good fortune. These statements indicate that the good fortune one receives from simply chanting the daimoku is beyond measure.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Daily Wisdom - Where does exactly hell and the Buddha exist?
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, January 5, 2011:
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts.
New Year's Gosho
Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Wednesday, January 5, 2011:
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts.
New Year's Gosho
Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Playing a Violin With Three Strings
Spiritual Story by Jack Riemer
On Nov. 18, 1995, Itzhak Perlman, the violinist, came on stage to give a concert at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City.
If you have ever been to a Perlman concert, you know that getting on stage is no small achievement for him. He was stricken with polio as a child, and so he has braces on both legs and walks with the aid of two crutches. To see him walk across the stage one step at a time, painfully and slowly, is an awesome sight.
He walks painfully, yet majestically, until he reaches his chair. Then he sits down, slowly, puts his crutches on the floor, undoes the clasps on his legs, tucks one foot back and extends the other foot forward. Then he bends down and picks up the violin, puts it under his chin, nods to the conductor and proceeds to play.
By now, the audience is used to this ritual. They sit quietly while he makes his way across the stage to his chair. They remain reverently silent while he undoes the clasps on his legs. They wait until he is ready to play.
But this time, something went wrong. Just as he finished the first few bars, one of the strings on his violin broke. You could hear it snap - it went off like gunfire across the room. There was no mistaking what that sound meant. There was no mistaking what he had to do.
We figured that he would have to get up, put on the clasps again, pick up the crutches and limp his way off stage - to either find another violin or else find another string for this one. But he didn't. Instead, he waited a moment, closed his eyes and then signaled the conductor to begin again.
The orchestra began, and he played from where he had left off. And he played with such passion and such power and such purity as they had never heard before.
Of course, anyone knows that it is impossible to play a symphonic work with just three strings. I know that, and you know that, but that night Itzhak Perlman refused to know that.
You could see him modulating, changing, re-composing the piece in his head. At one point, it sounded like he was de-tuning the strings to get new sounds from them that they had never made before.
When he finished, there was an awesome silence in the room. And then people rose and cheered. There was an extraordinary outburst of applause from every corner of the auditorium. We were all on our feet, screaming and cheering, doing everything we could to show how much we appreciated what he had done.
He smiled, wiped the sweat from this brow, raised his bow to quiet us, and then he said - not boastfully, but in a quiet, pensive, reverent tone...
"You know, sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left."
On Nov. 18, 1995, Itzhak Perlman, the violinist, came on stage to give a concert at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City.
If you have ever been to a Perlman concert, you know that getting on stage is no small achievement for him. He was stricken with polio as a child, and so he has braces on both legs and walks with the aid of two crutches. To see him walk across the stage one step at a time, painfully and slowly, is an awesome sight.
He walks painfully, yet majestically, until he reaches his chair. Then he sits down, slowly, puts his crutches on the floor, undoes the clasps on his legs, tucks one foot back and extends the other foot forward. Then he bends down and picks up the violin, puts it under his chin, nods to the conductor and proceeds to play.
By now, the audience is used to this ritual. They sit quietly while he makes his way across the stage to his chair. They remain reverently silent while he undoes the clasps on his legs. They wait until he is ready to play.
But this time, something went wrong. Just as he finished the first few bars, one of the strings on his violin broke. You could hear it snap - it went off like gunfire across the room. There was no mistaking what that sound meant. There was no mistaking what he had to do.
We figured that he would have to get up, put on the clasps again, pick up the crutches and limp his way off stage - to either find another violin or else find another string for this one. But he didn't. Instead, he waited a moment, closed his eyes and then signaled the conductor to begin again.
The orchestra began, and he played from where he had left off. And he played with such passion and such power and such purity as they had never heard before.
Of course, anyone knows that it is impossible to play a symphonic work with just three strings. I know that, and you know that, but that night Itzhak Perlman refused to know that.
You could see him modulating, changing, re-composing the piece in his head. At one point, it sounded like he was de-tuning the strings to get new sounds from them that they had never made before.
When he finished, there was an awesome silence in the room. And then people rose and cheered. There was an extraordinary outburst of applause from every corner of the auditorium. We were all on our feet, screaming and cheering, doing everything we could to show how much we appreciated what he had done.
He smiled, wiped the sweat from this brow, raised his bow to quiet us, and then he said - not boastfully, but in a quiet, pensive, reverent tone...
"You know, sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left."
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, January 4, 2011:
You are already a lay practitioner and therefore one of the "good men" described in the sutra. One who listens to even a sentence or phrase of the sutra and cherishes it deep in one's heart may be likened to a ship that crosses the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. The Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help one reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation".
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1961
Tuesday, January 4, 2011:
You are already a lay practitioner and therefore one of the "good men" described in the sutra. One who listens to even a sentence or phrase of the sutra and cherishes it deep in one's heart may be likened to a ship that crosses the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. The Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help one reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation".
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1961
Daily Wisdom - What happens when people make good causes.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, January 3, 2011:
Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.
The Third Day of the New Year
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 11, 1280
Monday, January 3, 2011:
Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.
The Third Day of the New Year
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 11, 1280
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Palpate the Present
Spiritual Story by Stash Serafin
My separation happened when I went off to a school for the blind. I was five when I started kindergarten. Within two years, all of my energy began to change. I could no longer catch fireflies by myself. I started bumping into trees and other objects, and tripping over things in the yard like fallen tree branches. And uneven ground would make my feet tremble for fear I would fall down and get hurt. Several years later, I was using a white cane and thought I had adjusted without too much trouble. However, something was missing. Something big was gone from my life -- But what was it?
In 1968, I put on my first pair of ice skates and I felt a sensation that thrilled me inside out. By 1975, I was invited to skate in the Jimmy Fund Show, which is a very prestigious show that raises money for children suffering with cancer. Many more shows followed. I skated with the likes of Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamell, the late John Curry, and all the figure skaters that are currently on tour. My parents were always supportive about my skating though they felt uncomfortable that I was the only blind skater in the world with little support from any organizations. They were always proud of me. I passed figure tests, dance, and free style tests -- All with flying colors and high marks.
Everyone who would come to see my performances, and witnessed my skating moves; jumping, spinning, stretching and spiraling, performing spread eagles, would marvel at the smoothness and fluidity that I demonstrated. I interpreted music well and I skated from my heart.
My skating teachers were terrific. Many of them are past world champions and Olympic medal winners. But the teacher-student relationship was challenged in every way. No one had ever taught a blind skater before. I was the first of a kind.
In 1983, I started taking massage courses, studied Therapeutic Touch, got my second degree in Reiki, was certified in Hypnosis, Reflexology, and began studying A Course in Miracles.
The Course states quite clearly that none of us are victims and there are no accidents. This began making sense. For so many years, I tried to learn skating the way sighted people learned. Also, I began to apply �Course� lessons to my skating now. And I became acutely aware that somehow everything is connected.
So now, how can I improve my skating, my jumps, and my massages? Could I ever be as sensitive as some of my teachers who taught me such treasured lessons as touching with sensitivity, intuition, trusting what I felt. Back to Braille, I thought. Braille, to me, is the most sensitive of all touches. It is just like palpating an organ or muscle. I began to apply this sense of light touch to my blades as I skated. The depth of touch one needs to differentiate the dots within a cell of Braille is overwhelming. The same applied for me when I first began my courses in bodywork.
Somehow I began to sense an energy inside of myself and all around. Yes, it was the familiar energy I felt as a child. Only now I have the understanding, in my body, my mind and soul. Now, I know what to do with it. And yet, with such a gentle touch as though palpating my muscles and reading Braille. Presently, I use this energy for my skating. My blades are extremely sensitive and I feel as if I can �see� with my blades as well as with other parts of my body. This is more of a sensing kind of seeing, but still I am seeing.
Recently, I palpated my Honi's last breath as she lay dying underneath our lilac bush in the side yard. And I knew she was lifting into the light. Our eight and a half year old Golden Retriever was leaving. I internally saw the flash of light, felt her start on her journey upward � And she began to be everywhere. The mockingbird sang, the sun shone brighter, there was an ever so gentle breeze and a hint of spring in the air. And she was gone�
I went through all the emotions of grieving quite quickly. Oh, I had moments of almost hysteria yet something interesting happened a day after Honi died. I was so upset that without realizing, I began to be still. Still, only for an instant. I Will Be Still an Instant and Go Home. Only for an instant, but that instant made all the difference in my world. My perception of what had just happened to Honi had changed -- Or as they say, it shifted!
How could something so gentle change my sadness into something that I could live with? Into something I could actually move through and not stay stuck in. It is because of the gentleness. The palpating, the Braille now coming from within me, rather than my finger tips. My entire body had become aware of this gentleness, this palpating!
So now it is time for me to palpate the moment, the present, every feeling I experienced can be felt so gently that I get to the depth of it without stress or strain on anything. There is a way to feel all of our �stuff� at the same time as if we are sensing our stuff --- The sadness, the happiness, the joy, the pain, all simultaneously. For me, this takes the charge off of my emotions without denying them. Feeling everything so gently without drowning in my drama is very healing for me during this cycle.
With the war, the economy, and loss of pets, two-footed friends as well, I now have a remarkable tool I can use � If I pay attention and palpate the present...
My separation happened when I went off to a school for the blind. I was five when I started kindergarten. Within two years, all of my energy began to change. I could no longer catch fireflies by myself. I started bumping into trees and other objects, and tripping over things in the yard like fallen tree branches. And uneven ground would make my feet tremble for fear I would fall down and get hurt. Several years later, I was using a white cane and thought I had adjusted without too much trouble. However, something was missing. Something big was gone from my life -- But what was it?
In 1968, I put on my first pair of ice skates and I felt a sensation that thrilled me inside out. By 1975, I was invited to skate in the Jimmy Fund Show, which is a very prestigious show that raises money for children suffering with cancer. Many more shows followed. I skated with the likes of Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamell, the late John Curry, and all the figure skaters that are currently on tour. My parents were always supportive about my skating though they felt uncomfortable that I was the only blind skater in the world with little support from any organizations. They were always proud of me. I passed figure tests, dance, and free style tests -- All with flying colors and high marks.
Everyone who would come to see my performances, and witnessed my skating moves; jumping, spinning, stretching and spiraling, performing spread eagles, would marvel at the smoothness and fluidity that I demonstrated. I interpreted music well and I skated from my heart.
My skating teachers were terrific. Many of them are past world champions and Olympic medal winners. But the teacher-student relationship was challenged in every way. No one had ever taught a blind skater before. I was the first of a kind.
In 1983, I started taking massage courses, studied Therapeutic Touch, got my second degree in Reiki, was certified in Hypnosis, Reflexology, and began studying A Course in Miracles.
The Course states quite clearly that none of us are victims and there are no accidents. This began making sense. For so many years, I tried to learn skating the way sighted people learned. Also, I began to apply �Course� lessons to my skating now. And I became acutely aware that somehow everything is connected.
So now, how can I improve my skating, my jumps, and my massages? Could I ever be as sensitive as some of my teachers who taught me such treasured lessons as touching with sensitivity, intuition, trusting what I felt. Back to Braille, I thought. Braille, to me, is the most sensitive of all touches. It is just like palpating an organ or muscle. I began to apply this sense of light touch to my blades as I skated. The depth of touch one needs to differentiate the dots within a cell of Braille is overwhelming. The same applied for me when I first began my courses in bodywork.
Somehow I began to sense an energy inside of myself and all around. Yes, it was the familiar energy I felt as a child. Only now I have the understanding, in my body, my mind and soul. Now, I know what to do with it. And yet, with such a gentle touch as though palpating my muscles and reading Braille. Presently, I use this energy for my skating. My blades are extremely sensitive and I feel as if I can �see� with my blades as well as with other parts of my body. This is more of a sensing kind of seeing, but still I am seeing.
Recently, I palpated my Honi's last breath as she lay dying underneath our lilac bush in the side yard. And I knew she was lifting into the light. Our eight and a half year old Golden Retriever was leaving. I internally saw the flash of light, felt her start on her journey upward � And she began to be everywhere. The mockingbird sang, the sun shone brighter, there was an ever so gentle breeze and a hint of spring in the air. And she was gone�
I went through all the emotions of grieving quite quickly. Oh, I had moments of almost hysteria yet something interesting happened a day after Honi died. I was so upset that without realizing, I began to be still. Still, only for an instant. I Will Be Still an Instant and Go Home. Only for an instant, but that instant made all the difference in my world. My perception of what had just happened to Honi had changed -- Or as they say, it shifted!
How could something so gentle change my sadness into something that I could live with? Into something I could actually move through and not stay stuck in. It is because of the gentleness. The palpating, the Braille now coming from within me, rather than my finger tips. My entire body had become aware of this gentleness, this palpating!
So now it is time for me to palpate the moment, the present, every feeling I experienced can be felt so gently that I get to the depth of it without stress or strain on anything. There is a way to feel all of our �stuff� at the same time as if we are sensing our stuff --- The sadness, the happiness, the joy, the pain, all simultaneously. For me, this takes the charge off of my emotions without denying them. Feeling everything so gently without drowning in my drama is very healing for me during this cycle.
With the war, the economy, and loss of pets, two-footed friends as well, I now have a remarkable tool I can use � If I pay attention and palpate the present...
Daily Wisdom - Buddha, the skilled physician
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 2, 2011:
The Buddha has already been called a skilled physician, and the Law has been likened to good medicine and all living beings to people suffering from illness. The Buddha took the teachings that he had preached in the course of his lifetime, ground and sifted them, blended them together, and compounded an excellent medicine, the pill of the Mystic Law. Regardless of whether one understands it or not, so long as one takes the pill, can one fail to be cured of the illness of delusion?
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Sunday, January 2, 2011:
The Buddha has already been called a skilled physician, and the Law has been likened to good medicine and all living beings to people suffering from illness. The Buddha took the teachings that he had preached in the course of his lifetime, ground and sifted them, blended them together, and compounded an excellent medicine, the pill of the Mystic Law. Regardless of whether one understands it or not, so long as one takes the pill, can one fail to be cured of the illness of delusion?
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 1, 2011:
I have received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit. New Year's Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.
New Year's Gosho
Written to wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Saturday, January 1, 2011:
I have received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit. New Year's Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.
New Year's Gosho
Written to wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Monday, December 12, 2011
Pickup In The Rain
Spiritual Story by Unknown
One night, at 11:3 0 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.
She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached..
It read: 'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away.. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.'
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
One night, at 11:3 0 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.
She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached..
It read: 'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away.. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.'
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
Live true to ourselves
To lead a life in which we are inspired and can inspire others, our hearts have to be alive; they have to be filled with passion and enthusiasm. To achieve that, as President Toda also said, we need the courage to "live true to ourselves." And to live true to ourselves, we need the strength of mind not to be swayed by our environment or be obsessed with vanity and superficial appearances. Rather than borrowing from or imitating others, we need the conviction to be able to think for ourselves and to take action from our own sense of responsibility.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/12
The importance of good health
Taking good care of our health is most important. In particular, it is vital for those who are advanced in years to get sufficient rest to avoid becoming fatigued. Sleep is the best medicine. I also hope you will put your wisdom to work and find various ways to improve and maintain your health.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/12
Sunday, December 11, 2011
One Word of Knowledge
Spiritual Story by BK Surat Singh Ayer
There once there was a thief whose job was to steal others' belongings and valuable properties from their home and houses. His faith was strong and he believed that, in his entire life, he would never hear words of wisdom from any religious or spiritual preacher. He believed that by hearing even one word of knowledge, his business of robbery would become very weak and damaged.
One day, while he was going through a temple area there was a Pandit (Religious preacher) giving a powerful speech on the lifestyle of deity and god, goddess in heaven. The thief completely blocked his ears with his fingers so that even a single word of knowledge would not enter him.
While walking, he stepped on a thorn and reached down to pick it out with his left hand. In that moment, he heard the Pandit say that "No living God or Goddess has a shadow." Upon hearing this word of knowledge, the thief felt very unlucky and said "Oh! What a wasteful moment this is!"
Anyway, after much time passed he was eventually arrested for being involved with a big robbery at the royal palace of the kingdom. Security personnel tried to get him to admit that he had stolen valuable things from the palace, but he denied everything. The security unit reported this to the King, so her majesty the Queen suggested that she would use her trick to make him surrender the truth.
The next night, at midnight, the Queen went alone to visit the thief privately where he was being held in the Royal Palace. The Queen disguised herself by dressing like the fearful and frightening Goddess Mahakali. With a roaring voice, she demanded "Oh Sinful thief - I am the Goddess Mahakali! Tell me the truth! Did you steal the property of the Royal Palace?"
The frightened thief shivered with fear and decided that he would confess the truth. As he was about to speak, he remembered that he had seen the shadow of the Goddess Mahakali in the moonlight when she came into the room. He remembered the words of knowledge, "No living God or Goddess has a shadow." Since he had seen the shadow of Mahakali in front of him on that night, he knew that she could not be the real goddess Mahakali.
In that moment, he felt tremendous inner support from the words of knowledge. He responded with full confidence and without hesitation, "I did not steal anything!"
Again, the Queen disguised as Mahakali tried to make him fearful but the thief felt no fear and replied the same again:
"I DID NOT STEAL ANYTHING!"
After some time, the Queen knew the thief would say nothing else so she left. The next day, with the permission of Her Majesty the Queen, the thief was freed from the royal custody.
Because of this incident, the thief realized the true power of knowledge to transform his very troublesome situation into a very favorable one for him. He wondered, "How useful would it be if I heard more words of wisdom?" The answer to this question was profound.
In that moment, his faith and belief were strengthened, and his heart and mind were transformed. He decided that to listen to more knowledge so that he could feel completely fearless in all situations. However, in becoming a devoted listener to more words of wisdom, he completely awakened and went on to live a very happy and fully satisfied life, free from thievery and full of truth.
There once there was a thief whose job was to steal others' belongings and valuable properties from their home and houses. His faith was strong and he believed that, in his entire life, he would never hear words of wisdom from any religious or spiritual preacher. He believed that by hearing even one word of knowledge, his business of robbery would become very weak and damaged.
One day, while he was going through a temple area there was a Pandit (Religious preacher) giving a powerful speech on the lifestyle of deity and god, goddess in heaven. The thief completely blocked his ears with his fingers so that even a single word of knowledge would not enter him.
While walking, he stepped on a thorn and reached down to pick it out with his left hand. In that moment, he heard the Pandit say that "No living God or Goddess has a shadow." Upon hearing this word of knowledge, the thief felt very unlucky and said "Oh! What a wasteful moment this is!"
Anyway, after much time passed he was eventually arrested for being involved with a big robbery at the royal palace of the kingdom. Security personnel tried to get him to admit that he had stolen valuable things from the palace, but he denied everything. The security unit reported this to the King, so her majesty the Queen suggested that she would use her trick to make him surrender the truth.
The next night, at midnight, the Queen went alone to visit the thief privately where he was being held in the Royal Palace. The Queen disguised herself by dressing like the fearful and frightening Goddess Mahakali. With a roaring voice, she demanded "Oh Sinful thief - I am the Goddess Mahakali! Tell me the truth! Did you steal the property of the Royal Palace?"
The frightened thief shivered with fear and decided that he would confess the truth. As he was about to speak, he remembered that he had seen the shadow of the Goddess Mahakali in the moonlight when she came into the room. He remembered the words of knowledge, "No living God or Goddess has a shadow." Since he had seen the shadow of Mahakali in front of him on that night, he knew that she could not be the real goddess Mahakali.
In that moment, he felt tremendous inner support from the words of knowledge. He responded with full confidence and without hesitation, "I did not steal anything!"
Again, the Queen disguised as Mahakali tried to make him fearful but the thief felt no fear and replied the same again:
"I DID NOT STEAL ANYTHING!"
After some time, the Queen knew the thief would say nothing else so she left. The next day, with the permission of Her Majesty the Queen, the thief was freed from the royal custody.
Because of this incident, the thief realized the true power of knowledge to transform his very troublesome situation into a very favorable one for him. He wondered, "How useful would it be if I heard more words of wisdom?" The answer to this question was profound.
In that moment, his faith and belief were strengthened, and his heart and mind were transformed. He decided that to listen to more knowledge so that he could feel completely fearless in all situations. However, in becoming a devoted listener to more words of wisdom, he completely awakened and went on to live a very happy and fully satisfied life, free from thievery and full of truth.
How to be a great person?
Who is truly great? I hope you can develop the ability to discern true human greatness. A great person is someone who forges unity among human beings through sincere dialogue, armed with a solid philosophy, feet firmly planted on the ground. A great person is one who lives among the people and earns their unshakable trust. Fickle popularity and temporary fads are nothing but illusions.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/12
How to conduct activities for Kosen-rufu?
Kosen-rufu is a very long struggle. It is a march that will continue over the 10,000 years of the Latter Day of the Law. Therefore, let us advance joyfully and unhurriedly. Activities must not be conducted in such a way that people suffer and become exhausted. Meetings should be short and not too numerous and conducted so that they are valuable and productive for all concerned.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/12
Saturday, December 10, 2011
One Cottage Burning
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Years ago, a fishing fleet went out from a small harbor on the east coast of Newfoundland. In the afternoon there came a great storm. When night settled down, not a single vessel of all the fleet had found its way into the port.
All night long, wives, mothers, children and sweethearts paced up and down the beach, wringing their hands and calling on God to save their loved ones. To add to the horror of the situation, one of the cottages caught fire. Since the men were all away, it was impossible to save the home.
When the morning broke, to the joy of all, the entire fleet found safe harbor in the bay. But there was none face with a picture of despair - the wife of the man whose home had been destroyed. Meeting her husband as he landed, she cried, Oh, husband, we are ruined! Our home and all it contained was destroyed by fire!"
But the man exclaimed, "Thank God for the fire! It was the light of our burning cottage that guided the whole fleet into port."
Years ago, a fishing fleet went out from a small harbor on the east coast of Newfoundland. In the afternoon there came a great storm. When night settled down, not a single vessel of all the fleet had found its way into the port.
All night long, wives, mothers, children and sweethearts paced up and down the beach, wringing their hands and calling on God to save their loved ones. To add to the horror of the situation, one of the cottages caught fire. Since the men were all away, it was impossible to save the home.
When the morning broke, to the joy of all, the entire fleet found safe harbor in the bay. But there was none face with a picture of despair - the wife of the man whose home had been destroyed. Meeting her husband as he landed, she cried, Oh, husband, we are ruined! Our home and all it contained was destroyed by fire!"
But the man exclaimed, "Thank God for the fire! It was the light of our burning cottage that guided the whole fleet into port."
No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat
No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat. Never conclude that you've reached a dead end, that everything is finished. You possess a glorious future. And precisely because of that, you must persevere and study. Life is eternal. We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past. We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment," to initiate a new struggle each day.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/12
Good health equals Buddhism. Daily life equals faith
Good health equals Buddhism. Daily life equals faith. Taking care to avoid traffic accidents and making efforts to stay in good health, therefore, are all part of our Buddhist practice. It is important that we live wisely, striving with the awareness each day that all the actions and activities we undertake for the sake of faith contribute to our good health and well-being.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/12
Friday, December 9, 2011
Number Magic
Spiritual Story by Inderjit Dhariwal
Yogi Navnirman was a young, enthusiastic follower who evolved spiritually at Mahira's feet and now spent time moving around different parts of the world with a single burning desire to aid the spiritual awakening of all those who were asking.
Mahira often recalled his experiences of some of the interesting and unique pathways in the progress of other beings he had come in contact with. In fact, he shared more information on the path to enlightenment of others than about himself. When questioned by an observant visitor at the ashram, he would state that the path to complete realization becomes easier when we know there have been many who got there, and more importantly, they used diverse paths to their unfoldment. Mahira always encouraged folks who came for the evening discourses to go within themselves, and seek their unique inner guidance. He loved to repeat that the Universe was more diverse than the human mind could every grasp, and if we just allowed our inner voice to guide us, we all were capable of creating unique and beautiful experiences of our own individual realities.
One day, to a gathering of eager disciples, Mahira recounted Navnirman's unique way of communicating with the Universe through numbers and other symbols.
"The Universe we live in, is a dynamic energy system, and all that inhabits our Universe, is interconnected to all other forms of matter (energy) whether animate or inanimate. In other words, each member of the Universe, however big or small, however near or distant, shares a common Consciousness. We are in a constant state of contact with all else, whether we are aware of this or not. For the music composers, the Universe communicates by providing new compositions, for the author, new ideas or entire stories. Each one of us receives clear communication when we allow it to come into our awareness."
"Navnirman was often fascinated by this, and wanted to deepen his awareness and even to establish conscious communication. He found a very unique way indeed. He told me how it all started almost immediately after he first became aware of this concept. He had an office job then that required traveling. One day, while waiting at a red light, his attention was drawn to the number plates of the vehicles. He started pondering upon the numbers that his eyes caught 'at random'.
9277 was the one such number. He delved deeper into his being, so he could relate to the meaning in this number for he knew his current life experiences had the meaning all wrapped up to be discovered. And then it came in a flash to him: 'Now, tu bar bar lucky' � this was a mix of his native tongue, Hindi and English, as these were the predominant languages he grew up with. And it all made perfect sense to him. For, the number 9 is pronounced 'Nau' in Hindi, which closely matches the 'Now' of English. 2 sounds like 'Tu' which in Hindi means 'You'. Repeat of no. 7 (the generally accepted denotation for luck in our times by the masses, although all numbers are equally 'lucky' in the eyes of the Universe) meant again and again (bar-bar in Hindi).
Navnirman was excited for many reasons. For one, the Universe was validating that whatever he was, however he was, wherever he was, he was always lucky! Many amongst us seek approval and acknowledgment through our work, our good behaviour, our charitable deeds etc. and Navnirman had found that he could receive such acknowledgment from the Universe itself, simply by tuning in and being aware.
He started looking obsessively looking out at other number plates, and found some interesting messages, all of which did not make complete sense at that time. And he conjured a meaning for each number he saw. And he came to realize that these meanings were equally accessible and applicable to any being that chose to interpret them.
1 meant the Universe was addressing him (or anyone who chose to tune in so) directly as in 'Continuously or Repeatedly, One is Lucky' when he saw the Seven 11 signboards while traveling in America. Another instance he felt he was being referred directly (because at this point in time and space, he was choosing to believe so) was when he saw his birth year (19)68 appear in numbers. '6877' or '7168' meant the Universe's constant reminder for him to believe he was lucky or perfect wherever he was, although his mind had some difficulty in accepting this at times. Later, he realized that he was creating (attracting) this constant reminder precisely because he did not yet completely believe he was 'OK' regardless of where he was.
2 meant the Universe was addressing him in a friendly or informal manner for it brought the Hindi 'Tu' immediately to his consciousness.
3 meant the Universe was addressing him or pointing out towards his wholeness by referring to the trio of Spirit, Mind and Body.
4 was straightforward. It meant 'for'.
5 meant the 5 senses.
6 meant seeks because of the closeness in the pronunciation of the number '6' and the word 'seeks'.
7 denoted lucky.
8 meant 'more than lucky'
9 meant 'Now'
0 meant 'nothing' or 'nothing but' as in '2007' to Navnirman was 'You are constantly nothing but lucky'
He created many phrases from the numbers he encountered, such as -
2296 � Bar-Bar Tu seeks (Again and again or Repeatedly You Seek)
5566 � Bar-Bar Panjo Seeks (Again and again the 5 Seek, 'the 5' referring to the 5 senses)
2008 � Tu Bar-Bar Nothing but More than Lucky [zero appearing twice indicated again and again (or repeatedly) nothing but and 8 denoted more than lucky, since it is greater than 7]
1356 � The United ('One') Three All the 5 Seeks: Here, 3 refers to the Spirit-Mind-Body combine that make our beings, 5 denotes the 5 senses. The phrase implied that all the senses and his entire being longed for unity with the One that pervades all.
0008 � Nothing, Nothing, Nothing (but) More than Lucky. This made his day, and helped him to trust in the Higher Power more and more.
7778 � Lucky, Lucky, Lucky, More than Lucky. The repeat of 7 exactly three times denoted that his Spirit was lucky, Mind was lucky, Body was lucky, and since he was gaining this insight, he was now more than lucky.
This tuning into communication soon spread from the numbers to include the alphabets preceding them, with each alphabet conveying a meaning according to a symbol stored in Navnirman's psyche. For instance, 'AB' in a number plate brought the word 'Abhi' to his mind, which is 'Now' in Hindi. 'GL' stood for 'God's Luck', 'HF' translated to 'High Frequency' signifying that his vibration was tuning into the Higher Cosmic frequencies, and that his awareness was expanding!
He even started linking the interpretations of 2 separate number plates to create an expanded meaning for himself!
Navnirman excitedly started looking for an opportunity to receive a communication from the Universe. Gradually, he started seeing messages in the alphabets that precede the numbers on vehicles. In fact, he even started seeing messages in other places, such as the room numbers of the hotels he stayed in while traveling, the word count of the messages he typed, the time in watches (14.00 meant to him 'Double Lucky and Nothing but Nothing Else, a very solid supportive statement from the Universe to rid the doubts that gathered in his mind over the purpose of his existence) 02.13 meant 'Tu One Tinno' i.e. You (Tu) 3 (Tinno from Hindi when referring to 3 as a combined entity) are One, meaning the Spirit, Mind and Body that was Navnirman were now united and working in harmony.
In addition to bolstering his self-esteem, the numbers, letters and symbols were also guiding him in his evolution. For instance, while checking into a hotel room with number '321', he knew it was a call to practice and live from the perspective of a Spirit-Mind-Body combine rather than from the limited perspective of his mortal personality.
"Navnirman's spiritual progress hastened considerably since he started communicating with the Universe in this manner. Emboldened with the evidence he was creating, he even started posing questions to the Universe. One of the most amazing ones was after he read a spiritual book in which the author wrote that by asking his inner wisdom, he learnt that he had lived 647 previous lives in various incarnations. A desire crossed Navnirman's mind as he waited at a red light one day. Hopefully, he posed the question to himself: 'How many lives has it been for me?' And the first number plate his eyes met read: WB-02 0647!
This was indeed a very dramatic moment for Navnirman that brought him to a state of ecstasy at the power of the Infinite Spirit that dwells all. He was pleasantly surprised to find that he had also lived the same number of previous lives as the book's author. He reminded himself that there are no coincidences in this Universe, and did his best to accept this answer from the Universe with faith. The last vestiges of doubt from him were removed when he analysed the preceding part of the number - WB-02. A flash came to him with clear meaning. Wo (He) Bhi (Also); Tu [(As) You] (have lived) 0647. The Universe knew the genesis of Navnirman's question, and had answered fittingly to help him increase his faith that the author and Navnirman had both lived 647 previous lives."
"Guruji, isn't this remarkable? Sounds too fantastic to be true!" Jagga commented. He was a young lad in his teens, and had already become curious about the ways of the Universe. He loved attending Mahira's discourses for the wonderful evidence he gathered to strengthen his faith in the Higher Power.
Mahira knew the young kid believed somewhere in his being, yet was dumbstruck at such a 'coincidence'. "We all keep saying the powers of the Infinite are much more than we can ever imagine, yet when we see such evidence we all feel the amazement and wonder at how such a fantastically improbable thing could occur at a red light!"
"Soon, this spread to other matters, and Navnirman now sought and received guidance on any matter he desired. The sound of a flying plane coming to his awareness signified to him that he was also flying high, i.e. connected with his Higher Source. His experiences during his meditations became more powerful and more varied as he simply allowed the Universe to show him the way more and more."
"These, my friends, were the wonderful series of experiences that Navnirman had himself created for himself, to aid his own development. We all have our unique way of communicating with the Divine, none higher or lower than the other. Go forth, and seek within. God's Grace to All."
Yogi Navnirman was a young, enthusiastic follower who evolved spiritually at Mahira's feet and now spent time moving around different parts of the world with a single burning desire to aid the spiritual awakening of all those who were asking.
Mahira often recalled his experiences of some of the interesting and unique pathways in the progress of other beings he had come in contact with. In fact, he shared more information on the path to enlightenment of others than about himself. When questioned by an observant visitor at the ashram, he would state that the path to complete realization becomes easier when we know there have been many who got there, and more importantly, they used diverse paths to their unfoldment. Mahira always encouraged folks who came for the evening discourses to go within themselves, and seek their unique inner guidance. He loved to repeat that the Universe was more diverse than the human mind could every grasp, and if we just allowed our inner voice to guide us, we all were capable of creating unique and beautiful experiences of our own individual realities.
One day, to a gathering of eager disciples, Mahira recounted Navnirman's unique way of communicating with the Universe through numbers and other symbols.
"The Universe we live in, is a dynamic energy system, and all that inhabits our Universe, is interconnected to all other forms of matter (energy) whether animate or inanimate. In other words, each member of the Universe, however big or small, however near or distant, shares a common Consciousness. We are in a constant state of contact with all else, whether we are aware of this or not. For the music composers, the Universe communicates by providing new compositions, for the author, new ideas or entire stories. Each one of us receives clear communication when we allow it to come into our awareness."
"Navnirman was often fascinated by this, and wanted to deepen his awareness and even to establish conscious communication. He found a very unique way indeed. He told me how it all started almost immediately after he first became aware of this concept. He had an office job then that required traveling. One day, while waiting at a red light, his attention was drawn to the number plates of the vehicles. He started pondering upon the numbers that his eyes caught 'at random'.
9277 was the one such number. He delved deeper into his being, so he could relate to the meaning in this number for he knew his current life experiences had the meaning all wrapped up to be discovered. And then it came in a flash to him: 'Now, tu bar bar lucky' � this was a mix of his native tongue, Hindi and English, as these were the predominant languages he grew up with. And it all made perfect sense to him. For, the number 9 is pronounced 'Nau' in Hindi, which closely matches the 'Now' of English. 2 sounds like 'Tu' which in Hindi means 'You'. Repeat of no. 7 (the generally accepted denotation for luck in our times by the masses, although all numbers are equally 'lucky' in the eyes of the Universe) meant again and again (bar-bar in Hindi).
Navnirman was excited for many reasons. For one, the Universe was validating that whatever he was, however he was, wherever he was, he was always lucky! Many amongst us seek approval and acknowledgment through our work, our good behaviour, our charitable deeds etc. and Navnirman had found that he could receive such acknowledgment from the Universe itself, simply by tuning in and being aware.
He started looking obsessively looking out at other number plates, and found some interesting messages, all of which did not make complete sense at that time. And he conjured a meaning for each number he saw. And he came to realize that these meanings were equally accessible and applicable to any being that chose to interpret them.
1 meant the Universe was addressing him (or anyone who chose to tune in so) directly as in 'Continuously or Repeatedly, One is Lucky' when he saw the Seven 11 signboards while traveling in America. Another instance he felt he was being referred directly (because at this point in time and space, he was choosing to believe so) was when he saw his birth year (19)68 appear in numbers. '6877' or '7168' meant the Universe's constant reminder for him to believe he was lucky or perfect wherever he was, although his mind had some difficulty in accepting this at times. Later, he realized that he was creating (attracting) this constant reminder precisely because he did not yet completely believe he was 'OK' regardless of where he was.
2 meant the Universe was addressing him in a friendly or informal manner for it brought the Hindi 'Tu' immediately to his consciousness.
3 meant the Universe was addressing him or pointing out towards his wholeness by referring to the trio of Spirit, Mind and Body.
4 was straightforward. It meant 'for'.
5 meant the 5 senses.
6 meant seeks because of the closeness in the pronunciation of the number '6' and the word 'seeks'.
7 denoted lucky.
8 meant 'more than lucky'
9 meant 'Now'
0 meant 'nothing' or 'nothing but' as in '2007' to Navnirman was 'You are constantly nothing but lucky'
He created many phrases from the numbers he encountered, such as -
2296 � Bar-Bar Tu seeks (Again and again or Repeatedly You Seek)
5566 � Bar-Bar Panjo Seeks (Again and again the 5 Seek, 'the 5' referring to the 5 senses)
2008 � Tu Bar-Bar Nothing but More than Lucky [zero appearing twice indicated again and again (or repeatedly) nothing but and 8 denoted more than lucky, since it is greater than 7]
1356 � The United ('One') Three All the 5 Seeks: Here, 3 refers to the Spirit-Mind-Body combine that make our beings, 5 denotes the 5 senses. The phrase implied that all the senses and his entire being longed for unity with the One that pervades all.
0008 � Nothing, Nothing, Nothing (but) More than Lucky. This made his day, and helped him to trust in the Higher Power more and more.
7778 � Lucky, Lucky, Lucky, More than Lucky. The repeat of 7 exactly three times denoted that his Spirit was lucky, Mind was lucky, Body was lucky, and since he was gaining this insight, he was now more than lucky.
This tuning into communication soon spread from the numbers to include the alphabets preceding them, with each alphabet conveying a meaning according to a symbol stored in Navnirman's psyche. For instance, 'AB' in a number plate brought the word 'Abhi' to his mind, which is 'Now' in Hindi. 'GL' stood for 'God's Luck', 'HF' translated to 'High Frequency' signifying that his vibration was tuning into the Higher Cosmic frequencies, and that his awareness was expanding!
He even started linking the interpretations of 2 separate number plates to create an expanded meaning for himself!
Navnirman excitedly started looking for an opportunity to receive a communication from the Universe. Gradually, he started seeing messages in the alphabets that precede the numbers on vehicles. In fact, he even started seeing messages in other places, such as the room numbers of the hotels he stayed in while traveling, the word count of the messages he typed, the time in watches (14.00 meant to him 'Double Lucky and Nothing but Nothing Else, a very solid supportive statement from the Universe to rid the doubts that gathered in his mind over the purpose of his existence) 02.13 meant 'Tu One Tinno' i.e. You (Tu) 3 (Tinno from Hindi when referring to 3 as a combined entity) are One, meaning the Spirit, Mind and Body that was Navnirman were now united and working in harmony.
In addition to bolstering his self-esteem, the numbers, letters and symbols were also guiding him in his evolution. For instance, while checking into a hotel room with number '321', he knew it was a call to practice and live from the perspective of a Spirit-Mind-Body combine rather than from the limited perspective of his mortal personality.
"Navnirman's spiritual progress hastened considerably since he started communicating with the Universe in this manner. Emboldened with the evidence he was creating, he even started posing questions to the Universe. One of the most amazing ones was after he read a spiritual book in which the author wrote that by asking his inner wisdom, he learnt that he had lived 647 previous lives in various incarnations. A desire crossed Navnirman's mind as he waited at a red light one day. Hopefully, he posed the question to himself: 'How many lives has it been for me?' And the first number plate his eyes met read: WB-02 0647!
This was indeed a very dramatic moment for Navnirman that brought him to a state of ecstasy at the power of the Infinite Spirit that dwells all. He was pleasantly surprised to find that he had also lived the same number of previous lives as the book's author. He reminded himself that there are no coincidences in this Universe, and did his best to accept this answer from the Universe with faith. The last vestiges of doubt from him were removed when he analysed the preceding part of the number - WB-02. A flash came to him with clear meaning. Wo (He) Bhi (Also); Tu [(As) You] (have lived) 0647. The Universe knew the genesis of Navnirman's question, and had answered fittingly to help him increase his faith that the author and Navnirman had both lived 647 previous lives."
"Guruji, isn't this remarkable? Sounds too fantastic to be true!" Jagga commented. He was a young lad in his teens, and had already become curious about the ways of the Universe. He loved attending Mahira's discourses for the wonderful evidence he gathered to strengthen his faith in the Higher Power.
Mahira knew the young kid believed somewhere in his being, yet was dumbstruck at such a 'coincidence'. "We all keep saying the powers of the Infinite are much more than we can ever imagine, yet when we see such evidence we all feel the amazement and wonder at how such a fantastically improbable thing could occur at a red light!"
"Soon, this spread to other matters, and Navnirman now sought and received guidance on any matter he desired. The sound of a flying plane coming to his awareness signified to him that he was also flying high, i.e. connected with his Higher Source. His experiences during his meditations became more powerful and more varied as he simply allowed the Universe to show him the way more and more."
"These, my friends, were the wonderful series of experiences that Navnirman had himself created for himself, to aid his own development. We all have our unique way of communicating with the Divine, none higher or lower than the other. Go forth, and seek within. God's Grace to All."
Let us always give something
If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/12
Solidarity of awakened common people
Many religions have demanded blind faith, taking away people's independence. President Makiguchi opposed such enslavement. What he called for instead was solidarity of awakened common people. To achieve this, he proposed a self-reliant way of life in which we advance on the path of our choice with a firm, independent character. He also stressed a contributive way of life in which we set our fundamental goal in life toward the realization of happiness for ourselves and others, casting aside arrogance and self-satisfaction to respect and benefit others.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/12
Thursday, December 8, 2011
We must not to be swayed by others' opinions or past ways of thinking or doing.
Leo Tolstoy concluded that the only way to bring about a fundamental change in society is to realize a change in public opinion, a change in people's minds. Then how can we change public opinion? Tolstoy asserted: "It is only necessary for people to say what they really think or at least to refrain from saying what they do not think." It is vital, in other words, not to be swayed by others' opinions or past ways of thinking or doing. Instead each of us must become wise, possessing our own firm convictions.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/12
Our Buddhist practice exists so that we can attain indestructible happiness.
Our lives are infinitely precious. To not attain a state of absolute happiness in this life time is a great loss. Our Buddhist practice exists so that we can attain indestructible happiness. We must fight to the fullest right now, not some time in the future.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/12
Nomadic Soul
Spiritual Story by Inderjit Dhariwal
Milwaukee, Wisconsin :
Abe is a large man and looks much younger than his 48 years.
"I am fascinated by the concept of evolution. Life is energy, pure energy and we all start out experiencing the Physical World at basic levels as microbes or other similar primitive creatures, gradually evolving into higher levels of expression."
"Abe, you've always been so obsessed with these larger than life curiosities. Isn't it true that the Soul-Mind-Body combine seek a balanced existence, as you often preach? So, why don't you concentrate on your job and help in the family's finances?"
"Kathy, I know what you mean. But, I keep getting these visions at day and at night. It's as if my inner voice is calling me forth onto my real purpose in this life. I often wonder how the life forms before our time lived, what they felt and thought. You are right. I am obsessed with these matters. Yet, I know what you say is relevant and I'm trying my best to live a useful life. You know what, I feel I truly come alive when I sleep!"
"Abe, you've got to quit being in love with what you experience in your dreams and wake up to the realities of your life. You've had a steady job for 2 months out of the past 6 and it frustrates me to see you wasting away. Anyway, I've got to be up at 5.00 for an early meeting tomorrow. Think over what I've said and try to create a better life for us in your current reality. Good night."
"Goodnight darling. I hope to make it worthwhile for you, all these years you've patiently put up with me."
When Kathy rose at 5 the next morning, she was surprised to see Abe was not in bed. She had an important meeting that morning and she assumed Abe must've gone for an early morning walk, as he sometimes did. Abe did not follow any specific activity regularly for a consistent period of time and it was difficult to say how long each new fad would last for him. She was surprised he did not mention his plans to go for a walk the previous evening, especially since he knew she would be leaving early. Abe carried a terrible guilt at not contributing enough to the family's finances and maybe, his preoccupations did not allow him to enjoy his sleep. Maybe, she was too harsh on him last night. Kathy decided to make up with Abe later in the day and rushed off to work.
"Abe, what were you doing so early today? You didn't tell me you would be up early for your walk?"
"What? Are you kidding? Last night was one of the best nights for me and I enjoyed my sleep. I got up at 7.30 and I've been waiting all day to tell you about my dreams. They are still so vivid; it was as if I was there. Actually, that's what I read somewhere � that during sleep, the soul can travel to any time and to any place it chooses."
"What do you mean? I'm saying I did not find you in bed at 5 and you say you slept until 7.30. How's that possible? I've not known you sleepwalking before."
"Well, maybe you missed me under the blankets. Sleepwalking!! That's an interesting hypothesis. Maybe, I was. Anyway, you got to listen to this. Last night, I dreamt I was a tiny microbe. Actually, I am not sure what I was but from what I could see around me, mostly others like me, I think I was a microbe. Wow! The feeling and the thrill were amazing. I can feel the excitement even now as I imagine myself moving with multiple limbs, just happy to be and not �thinking' of much. Actually, I don't think I was experiencing what we call thinking at all. Life was almost entirely an emotional experience and I clearly remember the overpowering feelings of bliss and peace that I felt just being in the company of others of my kind and the strong bond of love we had for each other. I experienced some pain too. In fact, I woke up with a start just when I thought I was about to die."
"Oh, Mr. Abraham Fox, I've had dreams where I've found myself in totally different, sometimes bizarre environments. But, I've always been me, Kathy, in my dreams. I've never even been another person, much less another creature. Your dreams cover a wider canvass, that's all I can say. Perhaps, you make a deeper connection. Let us both get some good sleep tonight, darling and please don't mention these creepy dreams."
Bob and Dick enjoyed an informal camaraderie that came from the 11 years they had spent together on and off doing the beat. Tonight, they were both happy to be together after a 3-month interval and were patrolling the Fox's neighbourhood. Around 4.00 am, they had just passed the gas station down the road from the Foxes' house that Bob let out a startled yelp. "Hey, Dick! Did you see that thing up there? Man, what do you say about that??!! For a moment, I thought it was a plane, but it's making no sound even though it's flying so low. I think it's like the giant bird I saw on a television programme last week about prehistoric animals. What's the name, umm� yes, Pterosaurs." Bob's hyperactive behaviour had made Dick immune to his excited bursts. Besides, he thought Bob was hallucinating and considered himself to be more alert because he was driving the patrol car. "Bob, creatures like these have been extinct for 70 million years, and I am not buying someone's experimenting with frozen DNA."
"Dick, I am 100% sure I wasn't hallucinating. I saw a huge bird with a wingspan so wide I am sure it was from the Pterosaur family, like the movie I saw with the kids."
As they were arguing, a large, dark shadow started moving across the road and onto the grass leading towards the cluster of houses. Both men looked up to see a huge bird exactly as Bob had described flying slowly towards one of the houses. The view of the entrance of the houses was blocked from where their car was, and Dick stepped on the gas and turned sharply at the bend. As they turned, they were both open-mouthed to find no sign of the giant flying creature.
"Man, are we both dreaming? Where did that thing vanish? I think it must've entered one of the houses by the time we came around the bend." Dick offered, although he wasn't quite sure he could trust his senses.
"Look, Dick!! A feather near the garage of that house!" Bob was out of the car before completing the sentence and was running towards the garage door of one of the houses. "Should we call for back-up or should we alert the people inside?" Bob broke Dick's dilemma by pressing hard on the doorbell.
Kathy woke with a start at the persistent sounds of the doorbell. She was surprised not to find Abe in bed again, and the urgency indicated by the bell was too great for her to ponder further on this. "Yes, officers. Is everything all right? What on earth's happened that you rang the bell at this hour?"
Kathy was pale by the time Bob and Dick had related the sequence of the past few minutes to her, and had shown the feather as evidence. She informed the officers of the previous day's events and her mention of not finding Abe in bed led to a frantic search of the apartment. Bob found Abe sprawled on the garage floor. Abe was startled out of sleep by the sounds of strangers. He looked up wearily, "What the hell am I doing here? And who are you folks?" Kathy had joined Bob and Dick in the garage and helped Abe to his feet. She recounted the sequence of events and showed the feather to a speechless Abe. "Well, that's exactly what I just dreamed of tonight. I was a huge bird flying regally through a night sky, feeling exhilaration, power and bliss�"
Bob had started piecing together the story and offered help. "I am not sure we understand what's going on here. I think we need to get some experts in here who may guide us all. Mr. Fox, considering we have evidence in the form of a feather, sighting of a prehistoric looking creature by two officers, and that you were missing in bed when we called, it would be prudent to keep you under close observation until we all understand what's going on."
"Officers, I would certainly like to co-operate with you as I am also keen to understand what happened during the past 2 nights."
"I am wondering where we could keep you, though. We cannot really take you to our office / prison because we can't justify it legally." Bob was not sure how to handle this situation. "I've been following a Yogi's teachings since sometime now, and I learn that he's in town. Maybe, he can offer some help on this. I am not sure a conventional hospital staff would take too kindly to our explanations of the events, and we all are convinced things are not what they seem to be."
"What is a Yogi? And what good would he be, if trained medical and police departments would not know how to handle this." Kathy did not appear convinced at Bob's proposal. Dick was equally skeptical. "Yeah, Bob, imagine going to a Yogi with a case like this."
"Well, I've been reading a bit on this subject, and this Yogi � Mahira talks about all of us being one all the time. It's like he's obsessed with this idea. Any article, any television interview, the slightest opportunity he gets, he launches with a passion into the basic oneness of all creation. What we are seeing here is hard to figure based on conventional approaches. I think it's worth meeting this yogi. Actually, it's good luck that I know he's traveling through our town because he travels around the world and hardly stays in the same place long enough. Any case, there's nothing to lose and we can figure another approach if this does not help us."
At the appointed date, Kathy, Bob and Abe waited anxiously for their meeting with the Yogi. A feeling of positive anticipation came over them. Mahira sat crosslegged with an infinitely pleasant personage with peace emanating from his entire being.
Kathy and Bob recounted their understanding of the events of the past 2 nights, as Abe squirmed uneasily. He had been feeling a terrible pain for creating this new set of problems for Kathy.
Mahira listened patiently to the events. When Bob and Kathy had finished, he smiled reassuringly. Looking into Bob's eyes, he spoke "You are experiencing oneness with Creation in your uniquely created experiences. Your soul yearns to be all things and to live and feel life from each creature's perspective all at once. In the waking hours, the limitations of the body and the laws of our physical world do not allow you to leave this plane of existence. However, when you sleep, your soul is free to wander as a nomad, and usually, does so."
"For most people, the soul visits other planes of existence, what physicists refer to as parallel universes. In certain instances, the soul visits past or future moments in the same planes of existence and this is how people report of events that are going to happen at different places around the world. In your case, your soul travels to prehistoric times in this plane of existence to fulfill your deepest desires to live every aspect of creation, including that from which current life forms have evolved. Actually, there is but one moment, and our feeling of past and future is based on the perceptions of our physical world. In order to fulfill your desires, you took on a microbial form the first night and turned into a pterosaur the second night."
"I am not sure if I understand all of what you are saying. How do we stop this? Can Abe be dangerous while he's living the life of a different creature?"
"I offer you to come and stay at our meditation center. My colleagues and I here will ensure you can relive these past experiences until your soul decides it no longer needs such experiences. We will create an energy field that would ensure nobody is harmed in case you decided to change form to a dangerous creature and yet you have the opportunity to express your deepest desires. Once your inner yearnings are fully expressed, you can leave our center and return home."
"Thank you very much, Mahira. You have been a blessing for us. I am glad we met you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known how to handle this." Kathy expressed her sincere gratitude to Mahira.
Abe stayed at the meditation center for 3 weeks and resumed a normal life pattern after his return home. He has now published an autobiographical story based on these experiences and has also found a new job as librarian at the Archaeological Institute.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin :
Abe is a large man and looks much younger than his 48 years.
"I am fascinated by the concept of evolution. Life is energy, pure energy and we all start out experiencing the Physical World at basic levels as microbes or other similar primitive creatures, gradually evolving into higher levels of expression."
"Abe, you've always been so obsessed with these larger than life curiosities. Isn't it true that the Soul-Mind-Body combine seek a balanced existence, as you often preach? So, why don't you concentrate on your job and help in the family's finances?"
"Kathy, I know what you mean. But, I keep getting these visions at day and at night. It's as if my inner voice is calling me forth onto my real purpose in this life. I often wonder how the life forms before our time lived, what they felt and thought. You are right. I am obsessed with these matters. Yet, I know what you say is relevant and I'm trying my best to live a useful life. You know what, I feel I truly come alive when I sleep!"
"Abe, you've got to quit being in love with what you experience in your dreams and wake up to the realities of your life. You've had a steady job for 2 months out of the past 6 and it frustrates me to see you wasting away. Anyway, I've got to be up at 5.00 for an early meeting tomorrow. Think over what I've said and try to create a better life for us in your current reality. Good night."
"Goodnight darling. I hope to make it worthwhile for you, all these years you've patiently put up with me."
When Kathy rose at 5 the next morning, she was surprised to see Abe was not in bed. She had an important meeting that morning and she assumed Abe must've gone for an early morning walk, as he sometimes did. Abe did not follow any specific activity regularly for a consistent period of time and it was difficult to say how long each new fad would last for him. She was surprised he did not mention his plans to go for a walk the previous evening, especially since he knew she would be leaving early. Abe carried a terrible guilt at not contributing enough to the family's finances and maybe, his preoccupations did not allow him to enjoy his sleep. Maybe, she was too harsh on him last night. Kathy decided to make up with Abe later in the day and rushed off to work.
"Abe, what were you doing so early today? You didn't tell me you would be up early for your walk?"
"What? Are you kidding? Last night was one of the best nights for me and I enjoyed my sleep. I got up at 7.30 and I've been waiting all day to tell you about my dreams. They are still so vivid; it was as if I was there. Actually, that's what I read somewhere � that during sleep, the soul can travel to any time and to any place it chooses."
"What do you mean? I'm saying I did not find you in bed at 5 and you say you slept until 7.30. How's that possible? I've not known you sleepwalking before."
"Well, maybe you missed me under the blankets. Sleepwalking!! That's an interesting hypothesis. Maybe, I was. Anyway, you got to listen to this. Last night, I dreamt I was a tiny microbe. Actually, I am not sure what I was but from what I could see around me, mostly others like me, I think I was a microbe. Wow! The feeling and the thrill were amazing. I can feel the excitement even now as I imagine myself moving with multiple limbs, just happy to be and not �thinking' of much. Actually, I don't think I was experiencing what we call thinking at all. Life was almost entirely an emotional experience and I clearly remember the overpowering feelings of bliss and peace that I felt just being in the company of others of my kind and the strong bond of love we had for each other. I experienced some pain too. In fact, I woke up with a start just when I thought I was about to die."
"Oh, Mr. Abraham Fox, I've had dreams where I've found myself in totally different, sometimes bizarre environments. But, I've always been me, Kathy, in my dreams. I've never even been another person, much less another creature. Your dreams cover a wider canvass, that's all I can say. Perhaps, you make a deeper connection. Let us both get some good sleep tonight, darling and please don't mention these creepy dreams."
Bob and Dick enjoyed an informal camaraderie that came from the 11 years they had spent together on and off doing the beat. Tonight, they were both happy to be together after a 3-month interval and were patrolling the Fox's neighbourhood. Around 4.00 am, they had just passed the gas station down the road from the Foxes' house that Bob let out a startled yelp. "Hey, Dick! Did you see that thing up there? Man, what do you say about that??!! For a moment, I thought it was a plane, but it's making no sound even though it's flying so low. I think it's like the giant bird I saw on a television programme last week about prehistoric animals. What's the name, umm� yes, Pterosaurs." Bob's hyperactive behaviour had made Dick immune to his excited bursts. Besides, he thought Bob was hallucinating and considered himself to be more alert because he was driving the patrol car. "Bob, creatures like these have been extinct for 70 million years, and I am not buying someone's experimenting with frozen DNA."
"Dick, I am 100% sure I wasn't hallucinating. I saw a huge bird with a wingspan so wide I am sure it was from the Pterosaur family, like the movie I saw with the kids."
As they were arguing, a large, dark shadow started moving across the road and onto the grass leading towards the cluster of houses. Both men looked up to see a huge bird exactly as Bob had described flying slowly towards one of the houses. The view of the entrance of the houses was blocked from where their car was, and Dick stepped on the gas and turned sharply at the bend. As they turned, they were both open-mouthed to find no sign of the giant flying creature.
"Man, are we both dreaming? Where did that thing vanish? I think it must've entered one of the houses by the time we came around the bend." Dick offered, although he wasn't quite sure he could trust his senses.
"Look, Dick!! A feather near the garage of that house!" Bob was out of the car before completing the sentence and was running towards the garage door of one of the houses. "Should we call for back-up or should we alert the people inside?" Bob broke Dick's dilemma by pressing hard on the doorbell.
Kathy woke with a start at the persistent sounds of the doorbell. She was surprised not to find Abe in bed again, and the urgency indicated by the bell was too great for her to ponder further on this. "Yes, officers. Is everything all right? What on earth's happened that you rang the bell at this hour?"
Kathy was pale by the time Bob and Dick had related the sequence of the past few minutes to her, and had shown the feather as evidence. She informed the officers of the previous day's events and her mention of not finding Abe in bed led to a frantic search of the apartment. Bob found Abe sprawled on the garage floor. Abe was startled out of sleep by the sounds of strangers. He looked up wearily, "What the hell am I doing here? And who are you folks?" Kathy had joined Bob and Dick in the garage and helped Abe to his feet. She recounted the sequence of events and showed the feather to a speechless Abe. "Well, that's exactly what I just dreamed of tonight. I was a huge bird flying regally through a night sky, feeling exhilaration, power and bliss�"
Bob had started piecing together the story and offered help. "I am not sure we understand what's going on here. I think we need to get some experts in here who may guide us all. Mr. Fox, considering we have evidence in the form of a feather, sighting of a prehistoric looking creature by two officers, and that you were missing in bed when we called, it would be prudent to keep you under close observation until we all understand what's going on."
"Officers, I would certainly like to co-operate with you as I am also keen to understand what happened during the past 2 nights."
"I am wondering where we could keep you, though. We cannot really take you to our office / prison because we can't justify it legally." Bob was not sure how to handle this situation. "I've been following a Yogi's teachings since sometime now, and I learn that he's in town. Maybe, he can offer some help on this. I am not sure a conventional hospital staff would take too kindly to our explanations of the events, and we all are convinced things are not what they seem to be."
"What is a Yogi? And what good would he be, if trained medical and police departments would not know how to handle this." Kathy did not appear convinced at Bob's proposal. Dick was equally skeptical. "Yeah, Bob, imagine going to a Yogi with a case like this."
"Well, I've been reading a bit on this subject, and this Yogi � Mahira talks about all of us being one all the time. It's like he's obsessed with this idea. Any article, any television interview, the slightest opportunity he gets, he launches with a passion into the basic oneness of all creation. What we are seeing here is hard to figure based on conventional approaches. I think it's worth meeting this yogi. Actually, it's good luck that I know he's traveling through our town because he travels around the world and hardly stays in the same place long enough. Any case, there's nothing to lose and we can figure another approach if this does not help us."
At the appointed date, Kathy, Bob and Abe waited anxiously for their meeting with the Yogi. A feeling of positive anticipation came over them. Mahira sat crosslegged with an infinitely pleasant personage with peace emanating from his entire being.
Kathy and Bob recounted their understanding of the events of the past 2 nights, as Abe squirmed uneasily. He had been feeling a terrible pain for creating this new set of problems for Kathy.
Mahira listened patiently to the events. When Bob and Kathy had finished, he smiled reassuringly. Looking into Bob's eyes, he spoke "You are experiencing oneness with Creation in your uniquely created experiences. Your soul yearns to be all things and to live and feel life from each creature's perspective all at once. In the waking hours, the limitations of the body and the laws of our physical world do not allow you to leave this plane of existence. However, when you sleep, your soul is free to wander as a nomad, and usually, does so."
"For most people, the soul visits other planes of existence, what physicists refer to as parallel universes. In certain instances, the soul visits past or future moments in the same planes of existence and this is how people report of events that are going to happen at different places around the world. In your case, your soul travels to prehistoric times in this plane of existence to fulfill your deepest desires to live every aspect of creation, including that from which current life forms have evolved. Actually, there is but one moment, and our feeling of past and future is based on the perceptions of our physical world. In order to fulfill your desires, you took on a microbial form the first night and turned into a pterosaur the second night."
"I am not sure if I understand all of what you are saying. How do we stop this? Can Abe be dangerous while he's living the life of a different creature?"
"I offer you to come and stay at our meditation center. My colleagues and I here will ensure you can relive these past experiences until your soul decides it no longer needs such experiences. We will create an energy field that would ensure nobody is harmed in case you decided to change form to a dangerous creature and yet you have the opportunity to express your deepest desires. Once your inner yearnings are fully expressed, you can leave our center and return home."
"Thank you very much, Mahira. You have been a blessing for us. I am glad we met you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known how to handle this." Kathy expressed her sincere gratitude to Mahira.
Abe stayed at the meditation center for 3 weeks and resumed a normal life pattern after his return home. He has now published an autobiographical story based on these experiences and has also found a new job as librarian at the Archaeological Institute.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
New Year's Resolutions: The Two Lists
Spiritual Story by Scott Blum
I was fortunate to spend time with an enigmatic man named Robert during a very special period of my life. Robert taught me many things during our days together, and this time of year reminds me of one particular interaction we had.
"Now that you are becoming more aware," Robert said, "you need to begin to set goals for yourself so you don't lose the momentum you have built."
"Like New Year's resolutions?" I asked.
"That's an interesting idea," he smirked. "Let's do that."
By then I was used to his cryptic responses, so I knew something was up because of the way his eyes sparkled as he let out an impish laugh.
"Tonight's assignment is to make two lists," Robert continued. "The first is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WANT to keep, and the second is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WILL keep. Write the WANT List first, and when you have exhausted all of your ideas, then write the second list on another sheet of paper."
That night I went home and spent several hours working on the two lists. The WANT List felt overwhelming at first, but after a while I got into writing all the things I had always wanted to do if the burdens of life hadn't gotten in the way. After nearly an hour, the list swelled to fill the entire page and contained nearly all of my ideas of an ideal life. The second list was much easier, and I was able to quickly commit ten practical resolutions that I felt would be both realistic and helpful.
The next day, I met Robert in front of the local food Co-op, where we seemed to have most of our enlightening conversations. "Tell me about your two lists," Robert said as the familiar smirk crept onto his face.
"The first list contains all the things I SHOULD do if I completely changed my life to be the person I always wanted to be. And the second list contains all the things I COULD do by accepting my current life, and taking realistic steps towards the life I want to lead."
"Let me see the second list," he said.
I handed him the second list, and without even looking at it, he ripped the paper into tiny pieces and threw it in the nearby garbage can. His disregard for the effort I had put into the list annoyed me at first, but after I calmed down I began to think about the first list in a different light. In my heart, I knew the second list was a cop out, and the first list was the only one that really mattered.
"And now, the first list." Robert bowed his head and held out both of his hands.
I purposefully handed him the first list and held his gaze for several seconds, waiting for him to begin reading the page. After an unusually long silence, he began to crumple the paper into a ball and once again tossed it into the can without looking at it.
"What did you do that for?!" I couldn't hide my anger any longer.
Robert began to speak in a quiet and assured voice. "What you SHOULD or COULD do with your life no longer matters. The only thing that matters, from this day forward, is what you MUST do."
He then drew a folded piece of paper from his back pocket and handed it to me.
I opened it carefully, and found a single word floating in the middle of the white page:
"Love."
I was fortunate to spend time with an enigmatic man named Robert during a very special period of my life. Robert taught me many things during our days together, and this time of year reminds me of one particular interaction we had.
"Now that you are becoming more aware," Robert said, "you need to begin to set goals for yourself so you don't lose the momentum you have built."
"Like New Year's resolutions?" I asked.
"That's an interesting idea," he smirked. "Let's do that."
By then I was used to his cryptic responses, so I knew something was up because of the way his eyes sparkled as he let out an impish laugh.
"Tonight's assignment is to make two lists," Robert continued. "The first is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WANT to keep, and the second is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WILL keep. Write the WANT List first, and when you have exhausted all of your ideas, then write the second list on another sheet of paper."
That night I went home and spent several hours working on the two lists. The WANT List felt overwhelming at first, but after a while I got into writing all the things I had always wanted to do if the burdens of life hadn't gotten in the way. After nearly an hour, the list swelled to fill the entire page and contained nearly all of my ideas of an ideal life. The second list was much easier, and I was able to quickly commit ten practical resolutions that I felt would be both realistic and helpful.
The next day, I met Robert in front of the local food Co-op, where we seemed to have most of our enlightening conversations. "Tell me about your two lists," Robert said as the familiar smirk crept onto his face.
"The first list contains all the things I SHOULD do if I completely changed my life to be the person I always wanted to be. And the second list contains all the things I COULD do by accepting my current life, and taking realistic steps towards the life I want to lead."
"Let me see the second list," he said.
I handed him the second list, and without even looking at it, he ripped the paper into tiny pieces and threw it in the nearby garbage can. His disregard for the effort I had put into the list annoyed me at first, but after I calmed down I began to think about the first list in a different light. In my heart, I knew the second list was a cop out, and the first list was the only one that really mattered.
"And now, the first list." Robert bowed his head and held out both of his hands.
I purposefully handed him the first list and held his gaze for several seconds, waiting for him to begin reading the page. After an unusually long silence, he began to crumple the paper into a ball and once again tossed it into the can without looking at it.
"What did you do that for?!" I couldn't hide my anger any longer.
Robert began to speak in a quiet and assured voice. "What you SHOULD or COULD do with your life no longer matters. The only thing that matters, from this day forward, is what you MUST do."
He then drew a folded piece of paper from his back pocket and handed it to me.
I opened it carefully, and found a single word floating in the middle of the white page:
"Love."
For Today and Tomorrow
Buddhism holds that everything is in a constant state of flux. Thus the question is whether we are to accept change passively and be swept away by it or whether we are to take the lead and create positive changes on our own initiative. While conservatism and self-protection might be likened to winter, night and death, the spirit of pioneering and attempting to realize ideals evokes images of spring, morning and birth.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/12
Don't be impatient. Since you have embraced the Gohonzon, your situation will definitely improve.
President Toda used to say: "Don't be impatient. Since you have embraced the Gohonzon, your situation will definitely improve. There's no need to worry. Sure there will be hard times, times when you feel like crying. But as long as you have the Gohonzon, your life will become bright and joyful." As long as we persevere in faith, we will become happy. We must never doubt this no matter what happens but always advance resolutely, staunchly enduring all hardships and obstacles along the way. This is what true faith is.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/12
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
My Spiritual Awakening
Spiritual Story by Pat Campbell
For most of my life I was an agnostic but that all changed for me in 2004! I didn't become spiritual all of a sudden but the impetus to follow a
spiritual pathway was sudden.
Up until that point in time I often had a tendency to feel sorry for myself and in fact engineered situations (either deliberately or subconsciously) that gave me a reason to have a "pity party". From the age of about 30 or so, I would set aside time when I could be alone to watch sad movies or listen to sad music which would trigger off a crying spell and once I was in that sad mood, I would allow myself to dwell on all my grievances, regrets and memories which added fuel to my mood. But when I was around other people I was pretty good at pretending I was happy unless someone teased or criticised me, in which case I could cry about it for days. I took everything very seriously.
It all came to the crunch in early 2004 when I decided to start my own business after doing a course in small business management. But I couldn't get motivated. So I spent a great deal of time reading motivational stuff on the net. I kept reading that I was responsible for the garbage in my life and part of me believed it but part of me wouldn't accept it. I also realised that running a business was the first really adult thing I had ever tried to do in my life. And I rebelled against it. At the same time I was convinced that most people didn’t really like me and so I was avoiding contact with friends and family much of the time, often remaining shut in my flat for days on end. I thought I was doing people a favour if I stayed out of their lives as much as possible.
One day, the 5th of May 2004 to be precise, I was sitting at the computer reading all this stuff and I had a sort of tantrum that got out of control. I was thinking, "I don't want to be responsible for myself; I want someone to rescue me. I don't even want to work. Why should I have to? I just want to have fun. It isn't fair ... blah blah blah blah blah."
Then suddenly, I was overtaken by a feeling that is indescribable. Although I was still in my room, that wasn't what I was seeing; I lost all concept of place and time. I was in a totally desolate place with no sign of life, not even a blade of grass existed, just dry cracked earth. It was as though the whole world had been annihilated and I was the sole survivor. And I was left with a very definite message, "You think you want to be alone? I’ll show you what "alone" really is!"
I can't even begin to describe the feeling of shock, horror, fear and total aloneness. And I felt this unbearable pain, worse than anything humanly imaginable, but it wasn't physical; it felt like something was trying to rip my soul out of my body. And for the first time in my life I prayed, "Please God, please help me. Is anyone out there? Please help me." I didn’t make a conscious decision to pray; I did it instinctively.
Well after some time, probably only minutes but it felt much longer, it stopped. I felt very rattled and somewhat confused for the next couple of days. Then three days later I suddenly realised that something had changed. The negative voice in my head had disappeared; it had been there since I was a very young child (less than 5 years old).
I said to myself, "I think my negative voice has gone." And a voice answered, "Yes it has and it won’t come back unless you allow it." At the time I had no curiosity as to who answered me but on later reflection, I believe it is quite possible that it was God Himself. I have never again heard His voice audibly though. Also, I realised that the burden of guilt which I had carried most of my life had been dissolved.
And then I felt a wonderful love feeling (which I now call the "God feeling"); I
never knew I could feel like that. I just sat there for hours saying, "wow". The "God feeling" has happened many times since but never for such a long period of time, although I often experience a milder version where I can still function normally and get amazing insights, wisdom or creative bursts. I think that God sent me that wonderful feeling, at least in the early days, so that I would know that the wisdom I was receiving came from Him. As time went on and I developed more intuitive awareness, I found it easier to recognise the truth myself.
So it was my desire to experience that feeling again that kept me glued to a spiritual pathway. I spent the greater part of my days for around 18 months studying, meditating, discussing, analysing etc and at the same time digging up and disposing of all the trash in my past. I didn't have a bad childhood; I wasn't abused or anything (just consistently criticised) and I was properly fed and protected but my parents were undemonstrative and I had failed to learn what love was or even how to relate to other people. I had a very highly developed left brain and a sadly lacking right brain.
But in a series of leaps interspersed with plateaus I finally figured a lot of things out. I had help here and there and one of the most helpful things of all was a channelling done by a very talented psychic (my reiki master). Some very interesting stuff came out of that including the fact that I had shut down my senses as a child to avoid pain and fear (I fell into the kerosene heater when I was 2) and so I was only receiving a fraction of the input from around me. I guess I had a high IQ to compensate or it developed because I had little to distract me. It does explain why I had felt very little connection to others during my life up to that point and found it difficult to understand a lot of things which are instinctive for many people.
According to my Higher Self, during the episode described above (which I call my "freak out"), part of my brain "exploded" because of all the conflicting and negative data in there and it left a big vacuum so it was easy for God to come in. So that was why I was able to accomplish a decade or two of spiritual growth in a relatively short period of time.
I am immensely grateful for everything that has happened to me (including the freak out). There have been many challenges since but there has also been very rapid growth. After a couple of years it did level off and the lessons became more subtle. There were often several different parts that had to be amalgamated before I could work out what the lesson was.
Sometimes I have periods where nothing seems to be happening. I tend to get bored and restless at such times but I guess it is part of the spiritual journey to find contentment during the voids. I really seem to only feel alive when I am learning a new spiritual lesson (good or bad) and have yet to learn to be more patient before the next lesson arrives.
I find it very hard to believe at times that God has only been in my life for 5 years. It is hard now to imagine what my life was like beforehand. In fact God has become the most important factor in my life, the one constant amid the changes.
For most of my life I was an agnostic but that all changed for me in 2004! I didn't become spiritual all of a sudden but the impetus to follow a
spiritual pathway was sudden.
Up until that point in time I often had a tendency to feel sorry for myself and in fact engineered situations (either deliberately or subconsciously) that gave me a reason to have a "pity party". From the age of about 30 or so, I would set aside time when I could be alone to watch sad movies or listen to sad music which would trigger off a crying spell and once I was in that sad mood, I would allow myself to dwell on all my grievances, regrets and memories which added fuel to my mood. But when I was around other people I was pretty good at pretending I was happy unless someone teased or criticised me, in which case I could cry about it for days. I took everything very seriously.
It all came to the crunch in early 2004 when I decided to start my own business after doing a course in small business management. But I couldn't get motivated. So I spent a great deal of time reading motivational stuff on the net. I kept reading that I was responsible for the garbage in my life and part of me believed it but part of me wouldn't accept it. I also realised that running a business was the first really adult thing I had ever tried to do in my life. And I rebelled against it. At the same time I was convinced that most people didn’t really like me and so I was avoiding contact with friends and family much of the time, often remaining shut in my flat for days on end. I thought I was doing people a favour if I stayed out of their lives as much as possible.
One day, the 5th of May 2004 to be precise, I was sitting at the computer reading all this stuff and I had a sort of tantrum that got out of control. I was thinking, "I don't want to be responsible for myself; I want someone to rescue me. I don't even want to work. Why should I have to? I just want to have fun. It isn't fair ... blah blah blah blah blah."
Then suddenly, I was overtaken by a feeling that is indescribable. Although I was still in my room, that wasn't what I was seeing; I lost all concept of place and time. I was in a totally desolate place with no sign of life, not even a blade of grass existed, just dry cracked earth. It was as though the whole world had been annihilated and I was the sole survivor. And I was left with a very definite message, "You think you want to be alone? I’ll show you what "alone" really is!"
I can't even begin to describe the feeling of shock, horror, fear and total aloneness. And I felt this unbearable pain, worse than anything humanly imaginable, but it wasn't physical; it felt like something was trying to rip my soul out of my body. And for the first time in my life I prayed, "Please God, please help me. Is anyone out there? Please help me." I didn’t make a conscious decision to pray; I did it instinctively.
Well after some time, probably only minutes but it felt much longer, it stopped. I felt very rattled and somewhat confused for the next couple of days. Then three days later I suddenly realised that something had changed. The negative voice in my head had disappeared; it had been there since I was a very young child (less than 5 years old).
I said to myself, "I think my negative voice has gone." And a voice answered, "Yes it has and it won’t come back unless you allow it." At the time I had no curiosity as to who answered me but on later reflection, I believe it is quite possible that it was God Himself. I have never again heard His voice audibly though. Also, I realised that the burden of guilt which I had carried most of my life had been dissolved.
And then I felt a wonderful love feeling (which I now call the "God feeling"); I
never knew I could feel like that. I just sat there for hours saying, "wow". The "God feeling" has happened many times since but never for such a long period of time, although I often experience a milder version where I can still function normally and get amazing insights, wisdom or creative bursts. I think that God sent me that wonderful feeling, at least in the early days, so that I would know that the wisdom I was receiving came from Him. As time went on and I developed more intuitive awareness, I found it easier to recognise the truth myself.
So it was my desire to experience that feeling again that kept me glued to a spiritual pathway. I spent the greater part of my days for around 18 months studying, meditating, discussing, analysing etc and at the same time digging up and disposing of all the trash in my past. I didn't have a bad childhood; I wasn't abused or anything (just consistently criticised) and I was properly fed and protected but my parents were undemonstrative and I had failed to learn what love was or even how to relate to other people. I had a very highly developed left brain and a sadly lacking right brain.
But in a series of leaps interspersed with plateaus I finally figured a lot of things out. I had help here and there and one of the most helpful things of all was a channelling done by a very talented psychic (my reiki master). Some very interesting stuff came out of that including the fact that I had shut down my senses as a child to avoid pain and fear (I fell into the kerosene heater when I was 2) and so I was only receiving a fraction of the input from around me. I guess I had a high IQ to compensate or it developed because I had little to distract me. It does explain why I had felt very little connection to others during my life up to that point and found it difficult to understand a lot of things which are instinctive for many people.
According to my Higher Self, during the episode described above (which I call my "freak out"), part of my brain "exploded" because of all the conflicting and negative data in there and it left a big vacuum so it was easy for God to come in. So that was why I was able to accomplish a decade or two of spiritual growth in a relatively short period of time.
I am immensely grateful for everything that has happened to me (including the freak out). There have been many challenges since but there has also been very rapid growth. After a couple of years it did level off and the lessons became more subtle. There were often several different parts that had to be amalgamated before I could work out what the lesson was.
Sometimes I have periods where nothing seems to be happening. I tend to get bored and restless at such times but I guess it is part of the spiritual journey to find contentment during the voids. I really seem to only feel alive when I am learning a new spiritual lesson (good or bad) and have yet to learn to be more patient before the next lesson arrives.
I find it very hard to believe at times that God has only been in my life for 5 years. It is hard now to imagine what my life was like beforehand. In fact God has become the most important factor in my life, the one constant amid the changes.
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