It is our hearts that change others' hearts. Friendship changes people. Travelers who pull their capes over their shoulders and brace themselves determinedly against the cold wind naturally relax and change their outlook and actions when warmed by the sun.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/12
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Why should we undergo an inner reformation?
Where can we find the royal road to reformation and change? Emerson declared: "Not he is great who can alter matter, but he who can alter my state of mind." He strongly urged us to undergo an inner reformation. I want you to be assured that the challenge to which we set ourselves day after day—that of our human revolution—is the royal road to bringing about a reformation in our families, local regions and societies. An inner revolution is the most fundamental and at the same time the ultimate revolution for engendering change in all things.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/12
Long Division
Spiritual Story by Leon A. Walker
I frequently found myself alone but I never recall being bored. The simplest things formed the basis for imaginative games or fantastic adventures that took place in my mind. The physical pain would very quickly be blotted out by distractions of my making. So would any thoughts of further sadness or hurt. I could not or would not focus on it. It was quite literally like a light switch. Imprisoned in my room I felt safest.
Therein were no expectations or curious eyes. Interestingly, the condition of my room was sometimes a question mark but this was true of my total existence. My most recent transgression and its magnitude would generate various responses. When would I eat again? Would the bed, furniture and my toys be removed this time? I was cold. Where were my clothes?
My fourth grade teacher saw the scars on my arms and face. I saw her tears come. I don�t remember much about her from the first time around but she rescued me for a time. I became her helper. My desk was next to hers facing the class. She was kind and attentive and I responded, as this was a very new experience. I loved her and I thrived and received perfect grades for the first time. A visit to a Psychiatrist, placement in enrichment classes and suddenly the next year, I was back on track with my peers. I don�t recall that being of any importance to me at the time. I never attended fifth grade.
They loved each other but they were very young. I still wonder how the rapid arrival of my siblings and I impacted their condition. There was incredible rage, destruction, and violent exchanges. We observed and we understood; infidelity, money, job demands and family expectations� as best children could understand such things. It was an emotionally desperate existence. The only certainty was continued uncertainty. I never knew what tomorrow held and the most basic essentials could not be relied upon. I remember being afraid. I would often retreat to my room and select the light switch.
They loved us all as best they new how but they were frequently cruel. There was no time for nurturing and limited time for parenting. There was meaningful family time but very little. They talked to us and demanded of us. Educated people, they lectured us and required us to have discussions, but more importantly, to intellectually challenge traditional thinking. They assured us we could accomplish anything and gave us compelling historic examples. They were horrible examples. We all loved them.
Despite their example, much of their advice and guidance proved accurate and reliable. Yes, there was a price to pay for my experiences as a child. Concepts such as love, relationships, happiness, family and God evaded me for years. Decades passed before such concepts ascended my list of priorities. Thought, perspective and proportion became intensely meaningful. My life had been a collection of extreme highs and devastating lows yet, at the end of the day� I was ok. I realized and accepted that I did not need to carry anything around anymore or to compartmentalize. Not from my childhood or any other difficult period of my life. Eventually I knew: �It�s ok to be ok.�
Having skipped fifth grade, I was never taught long division. No, I did not end up professionally crippled as a fifth grade teacher might have threatened (had I known one). I figured it out for the most part. Divide the dividend by the divisor and determine the quotient and the remainder (if any). I never became highly skilled at the long process.
My youth was but a single factor in a very complex life of numerous total parts. Although initially unprepared and unschooled, I now work more carefully through my long division problem of life. There is no chalkboard or three ringed practice binder. There are no erasers.
I do not always come up with the correct solutions as I continue to learn the process. I have however, learned to frequently check my work and to consider the results. I am also very mindful of what remains.
I have again taken my seat� next to the Teacher.
I frequently found myself alone but I never recall being bored. The simplest things formed the basis for imaginative games or fantastic adventures that took place in my mind. The physical pain would very quickly be blotted out by distractions of my making. So would any thoughts of further sadness or hurt. I could not or would not focus on it. It was quite literally like a light switch. Imprisoned in my room I felt safest.
Therein were no expectations or curious eyes. Interestingly, the condition of my room was sometimes a question mark but this was true of my total existence. My most recent transgression and its magnitude would generate various responses. When would I eat again? Would the bed, furniture and my toys be removed this time? I was cold. Where were my clothes?
My fourth grade teacher saw the scars on my arms and face. I saw her tears come. I don�t remember much about her from the first time around but she rescued me for a time. I became her helper. My desk was next to hers facing the class. She was kind and attentive and I responded, as this was a very new experience. I loved her and I thrived and received perfect grades for the first time. A visit to a Psychiatrist, placement in enrichment classes and suddenly the next year, I was back on track with my peers. I don�t recall that being of any importance to me at the time. I never attended fifth grade.
They loved each other but they were very young. I still wonder how the rapid arrival of my siblings and I impacted their condition. There was incredible rage, destruction, and violent exchanges. We observed and we understood; infidelity, money, job demands and family expectations� as best children could understand such things. It was an emotionally desperate existence. The only certainty was continued uncertainty. I never knew what tomorrow held and the most basic essentials could not be relied upon. I remember being afraid. I would often retreat to my room and select the light switch.
They loved us all as best they new how but they were frequently cruel. There was no time for nurturing and limited time for parenting. There was meaningful family time but very little. They talked to us and demanded of us. Educated people, they lectured us and required us to have discussions, but more importantly, to intellectually challenge traditional thinking. They assured us we could accomplish anything and gave us compelling historic examples. They were horrible examples. We all loved them.
Despite their example, much of their advice and guidance proved accurate and reliable. Yes, there was a price to pay for my experiences as a child. Concepts such as love, relationships, happiness, family and God evaded me for years. Decades passed before such concepts ascended my list of priorities. Thought, perspective and proportion became intensely meaningful. My life had been a collection of extreme highs and devastating lows yet, at the end of the day� I was ok. I realized and accepted that I did not need to carry anything around anymore or to compartmentalize. Not from my childhood or any other difficult period of my life. Eventually I knew: �It�s ok to be ok.�
Having skipped fifth grade, I was never taught long division. No, I did not end up professionally crippled as a fifth grade teacher might have threatened (had I known one). I figured it out for the most part. Divide the dividend by the divisor and determine the quotient and the remainder (if any). I never became highly skilled at the long process.
My youth was but a single factor in a very complex life of numerous total parts. Although initially unprepared and unschooled, I now work more carefully through my long division problem of life. There is no chalkboard or three ringed practice binder. There are no erasers.
I do not always come up with the correct solutions as I continue to learn the process. I have however, learned to frequently check my work and to consider the results. I am also very mindful of what remains.
I have again taken my seat� next to the Teacher.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Little Messages in Little Frames
Spiritual Story by Harry Valentine
The story begins in the 25-cent room that is only open on Friday afternoons at a second hand store. A plastic bag of tiny picture frames sold for 25-cents and those little frames that were to influence the lives of a small group of people who were involved in various forms of self-discovery, healing and spiritual growth. There were numerous positive influences in their lives including the teachings of several of the world's great religions. One of the common threads in all religious and theological texts is to "ask for the spiritual gifts and it shall be given".
Developmental psychologists tell us to focus our minds on what we want, not on what we don't want. Many a pastor, priest and cleric has admonished members of their congregations who prayed very negative prayers such as "I'm not at this", or I'll never be able to do that", said with great conviction and faith. Even atheists say such prayers with the same intensity of belief and the devoutly religious - - - and they get answers for their prayers, a form of self-fulfilling prophecy.
To counter the unintentional negativity, one of the group members wrote messages on pieces of paper and inserted them into the little picture frames. One of the messages read, "I AM MORE THAN MY PROBLEM" which of us was asked to place in a prominent location where we were sure to see it, like when we got out of bed first thing in the morning. Some members wrote duplicate copies of the little message that they placed in their workspaces, above the toilet rolls in the bathrooms, at their computers, in their kitchens near their stoves, at their dinner tables and at numerous other locations.
Over time, the little messages seem to have had a calming effect on group members even though the messages only appeared in their peripheral vision. Two messages in a subsequent little frame read, "I WANT PEACE OF MIND" and "I WANT STRENGTH OF CHARACTER". Several group members complained of discomfort at seeing these messages. Even seeing these little messages in their peripheral vision caused them to experience tingling sensations in their brains. The messages were then changed to, "I WANT TO ACQUIRE PEACE OF MIND" and "I WANT TO ACHIEVE STRENGTH OF CHARACTER" in 2-separate little frames to alleviate their discomfort.
One member of the group became overwhelmed upon being told that she had to give a short speech to an assembly of co-workers. After a short brain-storming session the group provided her with a little frame that carried the message, "I WANT COURAGE AND INNER STRENGTH TO SPEAK TO A LARGE GROUP" and several duplicate copies to place around her home and workspace. She later reported that the continual sight of the little message in her peripheral vision somehow seemed to minimize the fear that had taken hold of her.
Several group members had been laid off from their jobs due to the ongoing economic downturn and had to initiate new job searches in a tough economy. One job finding counselor warned that they would repeatedly experience rejection on their job search. Fellow group members provided some little picture frames that carried the message, "I WANT COURAGE AND INNER STRENGTH TO PERSIST THROUGH SETBACKS IN THE JOB SEARCH" as well as several duplicate copies to place around their homes. A second set of little frames carried the message, "I WANT RESOURCEFULNESS TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES IN MY LIFE".
The ongoing sight of the little picture frames and the messages they carry, even in a few people's peripheral vision have so far seemed to have a positive effect on them. Group members who had atheist leanings and who were willing to display the little picture frames rationalized that the positive effect having something to do with some aspect of developmental psychology. The rational behind the little messages in the little frames is based on several clerics' interpretations of passages taken from the ancient texts of several of the world's great religions.
The story begins in the 25-cent room that is only open on Friday afternoons at a second hand store. A plastic bag of tiny picture frames sold for 25-cents and those little frames that were to influence the lives of a small group of people who were involved in various forms of self-discovery, healing and spiritual growth. There were numerous positive influences in their lives including the teachings of several of the world's great religions. One of the common threads in all religious and theological texts is to "ask for the spiritual gifts and it shall be given".
Developmental psychologists tell us to focus our minds on what we want, not on what we don't want. Many a pastor, priest and cleric has admonished members of their congregations who prayed very negative prayers such as "I'm not at this", or I'll never be able to do that", said with great conviction and faith. Even atheists say such prayers with the same intensity of belief and the devoutly religious - - - and they get answers for their prayers, a form of self-fulfilling prophecy.
To counter the unintentional negativity, one of the group members wrote messages on pieces of paper and inserted them into the little picture frames. One of the messages read, "I AM MORE THAN MY PROBLEM" which of us was asked to place in a prominent location where we were sure to see it, like when we got out of bed first thing in the morning. Some members wrote duplicate copies of the little message that they placed in their workspaces, above the toilet rolls in the bathrooms, at their computers, in their kitchens near their stoves, at their dinner tables and at numerous other locations.
Over time, the little messages seem to have had a calming effect on group members even though the messages only appeared in their peripheral vision. Two messages in a subsequent little frame read, "I WANT PEACE OF MIND" and "I WANT STRENGTH OF CHARACTER". Several group members complained of discomfort at seeing these messages. Even seeing these little messages in their peripheral vision caused them to experience tingling sensations in their brains. The messages were then changed to, "I WANT TO ACQUIRE PEACE OF MIND" and "I WANT TO ACHIEVE STRENGTH OF CHARACTER" in 2-separate little frames to alleviate their discomfort.
One member of the group became overwhelmed upon being told that she had to give a short speech to an assembly of co-workers. After a short brain-storming session the group provided her with a little frame that carried the message, "I WANT COURAGE AND INNER STRENGTH TO SPEAK TO A LARGE GROUP" and several duplicate copies to place around her home and workspace. She later reported that the continual sight of the little message in her peripheral vision somehow seemed to minimize the fear that had taken hold of her.
Several group members had been laid off from their jobs due to the ongoing economic downturn and had to initiate new job searches in a tough economy. One job finding counselor warned that they would repeatedly experience rejection on their job search. Fellow group members provided some little picture frames that carried the message, "I WANT COURAGE AND INNER STRENGTH TO PERSIST THROUGH SETBACKS IN THE JOB SEARCH" as well as several duplicate copies to place around their homes. A second set of little frames carried the message, "I WANT RESOURCEFULNESS TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES IN MY LIFE".
The ongoing sight of the little picture frames and the messages they carry, even in a few people's peripheral vision have so far seemed to have a positive effect on them. Group members who had atheist leanings and who were willing to display the little picture frames rationalized that the positive effect having something to do with some aspect of developmental psychology. The rational behind the little messages in the little frames is based on several clerics' interpretations of passages taken from the ancient texts of several of the world's great religions.
If you practice faith yet have an attitude of complaint, you will destroy your good fortune in direct proportion.
If you practice faith yet have an attitude of complaint, you will destroy your good fortune in direct proportion. Those who are full of complaint are not respected by others. From both Buddhist and secular perspectives, their behavior does not befit a wise or worthy person.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/12
Overcoming crucial challenges
In any earnest struggle, there come crucial challenges—mountains that must be scaled and conquered if we are to win. In Buddhist practice, too, we face such crucial challenges. If we hope to advance kosen-rufu and attain Buddhahood, then we must prevail over these mountains.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/12
Monday, November 28, 2011
Lessons from a Mongoose
Spiritual Story by Radhanath Swami
In Kandahar, the people greeted me warmly. One man in particular, Hariz, took a special interest in me. Tall and well groomed, he was an educated man who had acquired wealth and respect in the trading business. After guiding me on a tour of Kandahar, he invited me into his spacious house.
One night while we sat on his roof-top terrace engaged in a philosophical discussion, he calmly said, “Mr.Richard, please excuse me for a brief moment, I have an obligation to attend to.“ Suddenly, he jumped up from his chair, cocked his head to the moon and began to howl like a wolf.
What was going on?
Had this distinguished gentleman gone mad?
He grabbed a long rope with a loop at the end, raced to the edge of his rooftop and hurled it down to the road. What in the world was he doing?
With rapt attention, he slowly reeled the rope in. To my amazement, he had fished up a wriggling rodent the size and shape of a ferret. I watched in wonder. This was a mongoose, which, it turned out, wandered the town by day, and each evening, responded to Hariz’s howl, by crawling into the loop of the rope.
As my friend and I resumed speaking, I felt the mongoose scaling up my back with his sharp pointed claws. He crawled under my long hair until he reached my head. There, he burrowed himself in my thick locks, making his nest, and went to sleep. Feeling his warm body deeply breathing on my head, I experienced a culture shock.
I looked at my host for help. “What do I do now?”
My friend laughed. “Mr.Richard, he found a good nest in your hair.”
My neck felt as if it were breaking from its weight. “Please take him off.”
Hariz become serious. Under the starlit night, he sipped his tea and narrowed his eyes, warning me,“There Is an ancient truth: Never wake a sleeping mongoose. The mongoose is a ferocious killer when angered. In battle, a mongoose will slay the cobra, the deadliest of serpents and symbol of death.” Hariz sipped his tea and leaned back, “If you suddenly wake him up, he may tear your head to shreds. Mr.Richard, do not even move slightly until he leaves on his own.”
Hours passed as I sat motionless, fearing for my life. That dark sleepless night in Kandahar never seemed to end. My neck throbbed with pain, but I was too terrified to move. The mongoose on my head was like a time bomb that could explode any second. I tried to console myself. Ravenous insects started biting into my scalp, obliterating these noble thoughts.
Why was this happening to me?
Feeling my vulnerability, I strained to control my emotions. Then contemplating, I tried to make sense of it all. I realized that our free will could convert a curse into a blessing or a blessing into a curse. Yes, ludicrous as it was, this mongoose may have been sent to teach me the sacred virtue of patience and forbearance. To bear difficulty and turn to God was a priceless blessing. To transform a crisis into an opportunity was true wisdom.
The rest of the night was spent in an unusual state of gratitude. Little did I know what the mongoose taught me about crisis would give me strength in the hard times that awaited me. By the time the sun finally rose, my uninvited guest had enjoyed a good six hours of sound sleep. He awoke, crawled down my back, and jumped to the floor. He then did something that moved my heart...
The mongoose stared at me with an innocent affection as if thanking me for my hospitality. Turning from me, he crawled into the loop of the rope where Hariz, who had just awakened, lowered him down to the street for another day.
In Kandahar, the people greeted me warmly. One man in particular, Hariz, took a special interest in me. Tall and well groomed, he was an educated man who had acquired wealth and respect in the trading business. After guiding me on a tour of Kandahar, he invited me into his spacious house.
One night while we sat on his roof-top terrace engaged in a philosophical discussion, he calmly said, “Mr.Richard, please excuse me for a brief moment, I have an obligation to attend to.“ Suddenly, he jumped up from his chair, cocked his head to the moon and began to howl like a wolf.
What was going on?
Had this distinguished gentleman gone mad?
He grabbed a long rope with a loop at the end, raced to the edge of his rooftop and hurled it down to the road. What in the world was he doing?
With rapt attention, he slowly reeled the rope in. To my amazement, he had fished up a wriggling rodent the size and shape of a ferret. I watched in wonder. This was a mongoose, which, it turned out, wandered the town by day, and each evening, responded to Hariz’s howl, by crawling into the loop of the rope.
As my friend and I resumed speaking, I felt the mongoose scaling up my back with his sharp pointed claws. He crawled under my long hair until he reached my head. There, he burrowed himself in my thick locks, making his nest, and went to sleep. Feeling his warm body deeply breathing on my head, I experienced a culture shock.
I looked at my host for help. “What do I do now?”
My friend laughed. “Mr.Richard, he found a good nest in your hair.”
My neck felt as if it were breaking from its weight. “Please take him off.”
Hariz become serious. Under the starlit night, he sipped his tea and narrowed his eyes, warning me,“There Is an ancient truth: Never wake a sleeping mongoose. The mongoose is a ferocious killer when angered. In battle, a mongoose will slay the cobra, the deadliest of serpents and symbol of death.” Hariz sipped his tea and leaned back, “If you suddenly wake him up, he may tear your head to shreds. Mr.Richard, do not even move slightly until he leaves on his own.”
Hours passed as I sat motionless, fearing for my life. That dark sleepless night in Kandahar never seemed to end. My neck throbbed with pain, but I was too terrified to move. The mongoose on my head was like a time bomb that could explode any second. I tried to console myself. Ravenous insects started biting into my scalp, obliterating these noble thoughts.
Why was this happening to me?
Feeling my vulnerability, I strained to control my emotions. Then contemplating, I tried to make sense of it all. I realized that our free will could convert a curse into a blessing or a blessing into a curse. Yes, ludicrous as it was, this mongoose may have been sent to teach me the sacred virtue of patience and forbearance. To bear difficulty and turn to God was a priceless blessing. To transform a crisis into an opportunity was true wisdom.
The rest of the night was spent in an unusual state of gratitude. Little did I know what the mongoose taught me about crisis would give me strength in the hard times that awaited me. By the time the sun finally rose, my uninvited guest had enjoyed a good six hours of sound sleep. He awoke, crawled down my back, and jumped to the floor. He then did something that moved my heart...
The mongoose stared at me with an innocent affection as if thanking me for my hospitality. Turning from me, he crawled into the loop of the rope where Hariz, who had just awakened, lowered him down to the street for another day.
Learning to Accept Miracles
Spiritual Story by Cynthia Sue Larson
Yesterday, I realized I have accustomed myself to living a life of austerity. I noticed this as I found a gorgeous steel-string guitar at a local thrift shop for only $35 that I almost walked away from, thinking surely someone else needed it more than I did. I nearly walked away in spite of the fact that I'd been wishing for a steel-string guitar of excellent quality since I first began playing guitar in high school!
As I slowly took three steps away from the guitar, heading for the cash register, I found there was a palpable force of attraction between me and the guitar that brought me racing quickly back to embrace it again. I then carried this beautiful instrument with me around the store, confidant that "This is the guitar for me!" because it just FELT right.
Synchronistically, just a few days earlier I'd completed writing a piece for the September 2000 issue of Planet Lightworker online magazine called, "Recognizing Gifts". I could see that I must have really written that article for myself, since I needed to learn and master the art of recognizing when a wish or prayer was coming true. Also synchronistically, just a couple of days after writing the article about recognizing gifts, and two days prior to seeing this guitar, I had consulted an Excellent Online Oracle for advice, and received the reply from the Odyssey of Life Oracle:
"A miracle is soon to occur in your presence.
Your challenge is to recognize it."
In so many ways in my life, I suddenly saw how I have danced around the razor's edge of self-doubt. I have cut myself down to size before anyone else could do it, consistently making sure that others needs are tended to first, with little thought for myself.
Just a week earlier, I had visited Disneyland with my daughters, and we were walking through the New Orleans Square section when two men began tossing Mardi Gras necklaces out to the crowd. I made sure that both my daughters received these pretty beads by catching the eye of the man throwing the necklaces and pointing down at my daughters standing in front of me. Both times I did this, the man quickly threw a necklace directly to my daughter, and I helped her catch it. I walked away from the crowd with my daughters, telling them how glad I was to have gotten them such pretty necklaces, even though I didn't get one for myself.
"Why not, Mom?"
My older daughter, looking genuinely concerned for me.
"Because I don't want to take the beads that someone else might really want."
Suddenly I heard what I had just said, and was flabbergasted. Did this mean that I have been passing by on countless opportunities because I didn't want to take something that another person might really enjoy? Does that mean I'm afraid that there is only a finite amount of what we all need in this world -- and if so, what does that say about my faith? These questions helped me crystallize an awareness of some hidden beliefs I'd been living with without ever recognizing.
Yesterday in the thrift shop, I almost did it again... I almost walked away from what my heart desired. This time, however, the sweet spirit of the guitar connected with me so tangibly that I could not bear to walk more than three feet away from it. I couldn't bear the idea of setting it down, and when I picked it up I felt such a warm rush of joy and love!
I realized with a jolt that this guitar had not been in the store when I first walked in. I knew this for a fact, because I'd been carefully examining a curious wooden cabinet adjacent to the guitar, and I know I would have seen a guitar sitting so close nearby!
This guitar brings me a great gift. It shows me how I can accept gifts I truly need without fear of preventing someone else from having something good. This fear is ridiculous, for it would mean that this universe is not truly abundant, and that we are not all cooperating together at a very deep unconscious spiritual level.
As I waited in line to buy my gorgeous new instrument, a woman behind me in line asked with genuine interest, "Did you get a good deal on the guitar?" I beamed back with my brightest smile, my eyes shining with radiant ecstacy as I replied, "Oh, yes!"
Yesterday, I realized I have accustomed myself to living a life of austerity. I noticed this as I found a gorgeous steel-string guitar at a local thrift shop for only $35 that I almost walked away from, thinking surely someone else needed it more than I did. I nearly walked away in spite of the fact that I'd been wishing for a steel-string guitar of excellent quality since I first began playing guitar in high school!
As I slowly took three steps away from the guitar, heading for the cash register, I found there was a palpable force of attraction between me and the guitar that brought me racing quickly back to embrace it again. I then carried this beautiful instrument with me around the store, confidant that "This is the guitar for me!" because it just FELT right.
Synchronistically, just a few days earlier I'd completed writing a piece for the September 2000 issue of Planet Lightworker online magazine called, "Recognizing Gifts". I could see that I must have really written that article for myself, since I needed to learn and master the art of recognizing when a wish or prayer was coming true. Also synchronistically, just a couple of days after writing the article about recognizing gifts, and two days prior to seeing this guitar, I had consulted an Excellent Online Oracle for advice, and received the reply from the Odyssey of Life Oracle:
"A miracle is soon to occur in your presence.
Your challenge is to recognize it."
In so many ways in my life, I suddenly saw how I have danced around the razor's edge of self-doubt. I have cut myself down to size before anyone else could do it, consistently making sure that others needs are tended to first, with little thought for myself.
Just a week earlier, I had visited Disneyland with my daughters, and we were walking through the New Orleans Square section when two men began tossing Mardi Gras necklaces out to the crowd. I made sure that both my daughters received these pretty beads by catching the eye of the man throwing the necklaces and pointing down at my daughters standing in front of me. Both times I did this, the man quickly threw a necklace directly to my daughter, and I helped her catch it. I walked away from the crowd with my daughters, telling them how glad I was to have gotten them such pretty necklaces, even though I didn't get one for myself.
"Why not, Mom?"
My older daughter, looking genuinely concerned for me.
"Because I don't want to take the beads that someone else might really want."
Suddenly I heard what I had just said, and was flabbergasted. Did this mean that I have been passing by on countless opportunities because I didn't want to take something that another person might really enjoy? Does that mean I'm afraid that there is only a finite amount of what we all need in this world -- and if so, what does that say about my faith? These questions helped me crystallize an awareness of some hidden beliefs I'd been living with without ever recognizing.
Yesterday in the thrift shop, I almost did it again... I almost walked away from what my heart desired. This time, however, the sweet spirit of the guitar connected with me so tangibly that I could not bear to walk more than three feet away from it. I couldn't bear the idea of setting it down, and when I picked it up I felt such a warm rush of joy and love!
I realized with a jolt that this guitar had not been in the store when I first walked in. I knew this for a fact, because I'd been carefully examining a curious wooden cabinet adjacent to the guitar, and I know I would have seen a guitar sitting so close nearby!
This guitar brings me a great gift. It shows me how I can accept gifts I truly need without fear of preventing someone else from having something good. This fear is ridiculous, for it would mean that this universe is not truly abundant, and that we are not all cooperating together at a very deep unconscious spiritual level.
As I waited in line to buy my gorgeous new instrument, a woman behind me in line asked with genuine interest, "Did you get a good deal on the guitar?" I beamed back with my brightest smile, my eyes shining with radiant ecstacy as I replied, "Oh, yes!"
Faith is the secret to happiness for all people.
Faith is the secret to happiness for all people. When you truly forge your mind of faith, you will become an eternal victor throughout the three existences of past, present and future. Strong faith enables you to display your wisdom appropriately, so that you can take advantage of change and move forward in the direction of victory and hope.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/12
"If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way"
Nichiren Daishonin writes, "If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 1598). Please be confident that the higher your flame of altruistic action burns, the more its light will suffuse your life with happiness. Those who possess an altruistic spirit are the happiest people of all.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/12
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Buddhism means putting the teachings into practice
Buddhism means putting the teachings into practice. Practice equals faith. With sincere prayer and action, our desires cannot possibly fail to be fulfilled. When you continue to apply yourselves to your Buddhist practice toward kosen-rufu, solidifying and gaining mastery in your faith, you will find that all your prayers will definitely be answered.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/12
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/12
The invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life inspired the members.
President Toda often said: "Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly! Buddhism is a deadly serious win-or-lose struggle. If you should [pray with such an earnest attitude] and still have no solution forthcoming, then I will give you my life!" This invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life inspired the members.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/11
The humanistic actions that the Daishonin's Buddhism lives and breathes.
Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy—it is in such humanistic actions that the Daishonin's Buddhism lives and breathes.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/11
Thinking that happiness means a life free of hard work and effort is fantasy.
Nichiren Daishonin discusses the meaning of the Chinese characters for the word benefit (Jpn kudoku), as follows: "The ku of kudoku means to extinguish evil and doku means to bring forth good" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 762). We fight against those who try to destroy the True Law. That struggle purifies us and brings forth benefits in our lives. Justice or happiness without a battle is just an illusion. Thinking that happiness means a life free of hard work and effort is fantasy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/11
Learning to Accept Miracles
Spiritual Story by Cynthia Sue Larson
Yesterday, I realized I have accustomed myself to living a life of austerity. I noticed this as I found a gorgeous steel-string guitar at a local thrift shop for only $35 that I almost walked away from, thinking surely someone else needed it more than I did. I nearly walked away in spite of the fact that I'd been wishing for a steel-string guitar of excellent quality since I first began playing guitar in high school!
As I slowly took three steps away from the guitar, heading for the cash register, I found there was a palpable force of attraction between me and the guitar that brought me racing quickly back to embrace it again. I then carried this beautiful instrument with me around the store, confidant that "This is the guitar for me!" because it just FELT right.
Synchronistically, just a few days earlier I'd completed writing a piece for the September 2000 issue of Planet Lightworker online magazine called, "Recognizing Gifts". I could see that I must have really written that article for myself, since I needed to learn and master the art of recognizing when a wish or prayer was coming true. Also synchronistically, just a couple of days after writing the article about recognizing gifts, and two days prior to seeing this guitar, I had consulted an Excellent Online Oracle for advice, and received the reply from the Odyssey of Life Oracle:
"A miracle is soon to occur in your presence.
Your challenge is to recognize it."
In so many ways in my life, I suddenly saw how I have danced around the razor's edge of self-doubt. I have cut myself down to size before anyone else could do it, consistently making sure that others needs are tended to first, with little thought for myself.
Just a week earlier, I had visited Disneyland with my daughters, and we were walking through the New Orleans Square section when two men began tossing Mardi Gras necklaces out to the crowd. I made sure that both my daughters received these pretty beads by catching the eye of the man throwing the necklaces and pointing down at my daughters standing in front of me. Both times I did this, the man quickly threw a necklace directly to my daughter, and I helped her catch it. I walked away from the crowd with my daughters, telling them how glad I was to have gotten them such pretty necklaces, even though I didn't get one for myself.
"Why not, Mom?"
My older daughter, looking genuinely concerned for me.
"Because I don't want to take the beads that someone else might really want."
Suddenly I heard what I had just said, and was flabbergasted. Did this mean that I have been passing by on countless opportunities because I didn't want to take something that another person might really enjoy? Does that mean I'm afraid that there is only a finite amount of what we all need in this world -- and if so, what does that say about my faith? These questions helped me crystallize an awareness of some hidden beliefs I'd been living with without ever recognizing.
Yesterday in the thrift shop, I almost did it again... I almost walked away from what my heart desired. This time, however, the sweet spirit of the guitar connected with me so tangibly that I could not bear to walk more than three feet away from it. I couldn't bear the idea of setting it down, and when I picked it up I felt such a warm rush of joy and love!
I realized with a jolt that this guitar had not been in the store when I first walked in. I knew this for a fact, because I'd been carefully examining a curious wooden cabinet adjacent to the guitar, and I know I would have seen a guitar sitting so close nearby!
This guitar brings me a great gift. It shows me how I can accept gifts I truly need without fear of preventing someone else from having something good. This fear is ridiculous, for it would mean that this universe is not truly abundant, and that we are not all cooperating together at a very deep unconscious spiritual level.
As I waited in line to buy my gorgeous new instrument, a woman behind me in line asked with genuine interest, "Did you get a good deal on the guitar?" I beamed back with my brightest smile, my eyes shining with radiant ecstacy as I replied, "Oh, yes!"
Yesterday, I realized I have accustomed myself to living a life of austerity. I noticed this as I found a gorgeous steel-string guitar at a local thrift shop for only $35 that I almost walked away from, thinking surely someone else needed it more than I did. I nearly walked away in spite of the fact that I'd been wishing for a steel-string guitar of excellent quality since I first began playing guitar in high school!
As I slowly took three steps away from the guitar, heading for the cash register, I found there was a palpable force of attraction between me and the guitar that brought me racing quickly back to embrace it again. I then carried this beautiful instrument with me around the store, confidant that "This is the guitar for me!" because it just FELT right.
Synchronistically, just a few days earlier I'd completed writing a piece for the September 2000 issue of Planet Lightworker online magazine called, "Recognizing Gifts". I could see that I must have really written that article for myself, since I needed to learn and master the art of recognizing when a wish or prayer was coming true. Also synchronistically, just a couple of days after writing the article about recognizing gifts, and two days prior to seeing this guitar, I had consulted an Excellent Online Oracle for advice, and received the reply from the Odyssey of Life Oracle:
"A miracle is soon to occur in your presence.
Your challenge is to recognize it."
In so many ways in my life, I suddenly saw how I have danced around the razor's edge of self-doubt. I have cut myself down to size before anyone else could do it, consistently making sure that others needs are tended to first, with little thought for myself.
Just a week earlier, I had visited Disneyland with my daughters, and we were walking through the New Orleans Square section when two men began tossing Mardi Gras necklaces out to the crowd. I made sure that both my daughters received these pretty beads by catching the eye of the man throwing the necklaces and pointing down at my daughters standing in front of me. Both times I did this, the man quickly threw a necklace directly to my daughter, and I helped her catch it. I walked away from the crowd with my daughters, telling them how glad I was to have gotten them such pretty necklaces, even though I didn't get one for myself.
"Why not, Mom?"
My older daughter, looking genuinely concerned for me.
"Because I don't want to take the beads that someone else might really want."
Suddenly I heard what I had just said, and was flabbergasted. Did this mean that I have been passing by on countless opportunities because I didn't want to take something that another person might really enjoy? Does that mean I'm afraid that there is only a finite amount of what we all need in this world -- and if so, what does that say about my faith? These questions helped me crystallize an awareness of some hidden beliefs I'd been living with without ever recognizing.
Yesterday in the thrift shop, I almost did it again... I almost walked away from what my heart desired. This time, however, the sweet spirit of the guitar connected with me so tangibly that I could not bear to walk more than three feet away from it. I couldn't bear the idea of setting it down, and when I picked it up I felt such a warm rush of joy and love!
I realized with a jolt that this guitar had not been in the store when I first walked in. I knew this for a fact, because I'd been carefully examining a curious wooden cabinet adjacent to the guitar, and I know I would have seen a guitar sitting so close nearby!
This guitar brings me a great gift. It shows me how I can accept gifts I truly need without fear of preventing someone else from having something good. This fear is ridiculous, for it would mean that this universe is not truly abundant, and that we are not all cooperating together at a very deep unconscious spiritual level.
As I waited in line to buy my gorgeous new instrument, a woman behind me in line asked with genuine interest, "Did you get a good deal on the guitar?" I beamed back with my brightest smile, my eyes shining with radiant ecstacy as I replied, "Oh, yes!"
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Keep Driving
Spiritual Story by Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy
One day a young lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm, and the young lady asked her father, What should I
do?"
He said "keep driving". Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was
Getting worse.
"What should I do." The young lady asked?
"Keep driving," her father replied.
On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheelers were also pulling over. She told her dad, "I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is Terrible, and everyone is pulling over!"
Her father told her, "Don't give up, just keep driving!"
Now the storm was terrible, but she never stopped driving, and soon she
Could see a little more clearly. After a couple of miles she was again on
dry land, and the sun came out.
Her father said, "Now you can pull over and get out."
She said "But why now?"
He said "When you get out, look back at all the people that gave up and are
Still in the storm, because you never gave up your storm is now over."
One day a young lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm, and the young lady asked her father, What should I
do?"
He said "keep driving". Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was
Getting worse.
"What should I do." The young lady asked?
"Keep driving," her father replied.
On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheelers were also pulling over. She told her dad, "I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is Terrible, and everyone is pulling over!"
Her father told her, "Don't give up, just keep driving!"
Now the storm was terrible, but she never stopped driving, and soon she
Could see a little more clearly. After a couple of miles she was again on
dry land, and the sun came out.
Her father said, "Now you can pull over and get out."
She said "But why now?"
He said "When you get out, look back at all the people that gave up and are
Still in the storm, because you never gave up your storm is now over."
Friday, November 25, 2011
What is "higher psychosis." ?
Faith is the ultimate essence of intellect. Through the practice of correct faith, the intellect comes to shine. Intellect without correct faith lacks a firm anchor in the soil of life and eventually becomes disordered. This prompted the first Soka Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, to remark that many modern thinkers were suffering from what he termed "higher psychosis." Faith without intellect, meanwhile, leads to blind faith and fanaticism. Faith or intellect alone—one without the other—is unhealthy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/11
Buddhism teaches that being led astray by evil friends, (negative influences) is to be feared more than being killed by a mad elephant.
Buddhism teaches that being led astray by evil friends, (negative influences) is to be feared more than being killed by a mad elephant. A mad elephant can only destroy our physical body, but evil friends, if we allow ourselves to be influenced by them, will drag us down into a state of hell.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/5
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/5
Journey Home Book Prologue
Spiritual Story by Radhanath Swami
As I crawled out from the icy Himalayan water of the Bagmati River, I gazed at two heaps of ashes, one from a cremation pit and the other from a sacrificial fire. I was dressed in only a loincloth, and a cold wind chilled me to the bone. An intense longing gripped me.
What was I doing here—shivering, alone, nearly starving, and so far from home? Was all my searching to be in vain? I stared up at stars that were shimmering through the branches of an ancient banyan tree. Birds of the night warbled a melancholy song. Sacred fires burned brightly along the riverbank, where holy men, their hair matted like ropes hanging down below their knees, threw offerings of pungent herbs into the flames. From the smoldering remains, they scooped out handfuls of ashes and smeared them over their flesh. Completing the ritual, they marched toward the sacred shrine that I yearned to enter.
It was the spring of 1971 in Pashupatinath, Nepal, where a flood of pilgrims had converged that night. Just out of my teens, I felt half a planet away from my home in suburban Chicago, and I ached for the solace of a holy place, a place where I might pray for direction. An hour earlier, I had approached an ancient temple, its towering gateway carved with mythical lions, serpents, gods, and goddesses. As I climbed the stone steps, thrilled with anticipation, a gatekeeper whipped his club into my chest. I sunk to my knees, gasping for breath. Flanked on both sides by police, the gatekeeper blocked my path and shouted, “You are foreigner! Get out!” Their chief, dressed in a turban and military attire, burst forward with burning eyes and smacked his rod across a sign that read: No Foreigners Allowed.
"Out from here!” he roared. “If you try again, you’ll be severely beaten and thrown in prison. And I cannot say what the angry mobs will do.” He ordered his charges to be vigilant. I had wandered to the bank of the river, crestfallen. My arduous quest for spiritual meaning had led me this far. I couldn’t turn back. Now, watching the holy men, an idea sprang into my mind.
I kneeled down at one smoldering pit where a sacrificial fire had burned and sunk both my hands deep into the warm, powdery ashes, sifting out the lumps of glowing coals. Shuddering, I plastered the ashes across my skinny body from my matted hair to my calloused bare feet. The musty powder burned into my nostrils, choking my throat and parching my mouth. I wrapped two river-stained cotton sheets over my upper and lower body for robes and crept again toward the gate, my heart beating heavily in my chest.
The same sentinels stood guard with clubs in hand, but they did not recognize me and let me pass. As I entered a vast open courtyard surrounding the ancient altar I thought, if I’m caught in here, I could be killed. Several thousand people gathered in an unruly line and were waiting to see the altar. Only one person was allowed at a time. Patiently taking my place in the rear of the line, I inched forward. Suddenly, the same police chief who had stopped me earlier passed by. I gasped and turned my face away, my adrenaline surging. He stepped right in front of me, stared into my ash-covered face then barked a question in the local Hindi language.
I didn’t understand a word. If I spoke a single word of English here, I knew I would be finished. Receiving no reply, he stared at me and launched into a barrage of questions, this time much louder. My mind reeled with thoughts of years wasted in a filthy Nepali prison or worse. With a blank expression, I stood motionless, knowing he was trained to detect anything suspicious. Did he recognize me? I could only guess.
Another idea rose in my mind. Placing one palm over my mouth, I waved my other hand side to side. Those who vow never to speak, mauni babas, often expressed their vow in this way.
The chief gripped my arm and dragged me away. Where was he taking me? Was I under arrest? He yelled. Instantly, two police guards came running. Surrounded, I was yanked through the line of pilgrims until we reached the place of maximum congestion. Raising their clubs, my captors roared like thunder. Was this to be a public lashing? Would the mob tear me apart for defiling their sacred shrine? They shouted louder and louder as people scattered. I waited, terrified. The men dragged me through the bustling crowd until I found myself standing directly in front of the altar, a colorful pagoda with swirls of sandalwood incense pouring out. In front stood a massive stone bull. On the altar stood a stone figure of the deity Shiva, adorned with embroidered silks and glittering with gold and precious jewels. The chief lifted his stick and squeezed my arm. Would he pummel me right before the holy image?
Surrounded by his lieutenants, rod raised above his head, he shouted orders at a priest, who rushed back into the altar. I waited, trembling. From the inner sanctuary the high priest appeared dressed in robes of red silk. A striking red circle of powder marked his forehead and he wore a gold necklace and strand of dried rudraksa seeds around his neck. In a deep, hypnotic tone, he recited the mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya.”
My captor, his stout body sweating profusely despite the chilly wind, yelled something to the priest that I again could not understand. The high priest listened intently. He nodded his head, closed his eyes and paused. Moments passed as the mass of pilgrims clamored impatiently. Then, straightening his posture, the high priest took a deep breath and began to recite incantations from ancient Sanskrit texts. He stunned me by wrapping a silk turban around my head. Then he draped a shawl over my shoulders, placed several jasmine and night queen garlands around my neck, anointed my forehead with sandalwood paste and offered me saffron-flavored water to drink. Standing in a daze, I realized that the police were holding the massive crowd back in order to grant me an exclusive opportunity to worship the Lord and be honored by the temple. Bowing low with humility, the police chief then begged with joined palms for my blessings and departed.
Did he not recognize me in my disguise or was he aware who I was and simply honoring my determination? This I will never know. Whatever the reason, I was deeply humbled. I had defied human law and deserved to be beaten, but God is merciful. Standing before the altar, my limbs covered with ashes, my drab ascetic robes, and tangled, matted hair awkwardly covered with silks and flowers, I squeezed my tearing eyes shut, joined my palms and prayed that I would be shown my true path as I continued my journey. I returned to the riverbank and sat on the cold earth. It was a moonless night. Stars glittered in the dark sky, a breeze filled the forest with the scent of blooming jasmine, and the cooing of an owl emerged out of the silence. Gazing downstream, I wondered where the river of destiny would lead me next.
How did I land into a life so foreign to my upbringing, but so familiar to my soul?
As I crawled out from the icy Himalayan water of the Bagmati River, I gazed at two heaps of ashes, one from a cremation pit and the other from a sacrificial fire. I was dressed in only a loincloth, and a cold wind chilled me to the bone. An intense longing gripped me.
What was I doing here—shivering, alone, nearly starving, and so far from home? Was all my searching to be in vain? I stared up at stars that were shimmering through the branches of an ancient banyan tree. Birds of the night warbled a melancholy song. Sacred fires burned brightly along the riverbank, where holy men, their hair matted like ropes hanging down below their knees, threw offerings of pungent herbs into the flames. From the smoldering remains, they scooped out handfuls of ashes and smeared them over their flesh. Completing the ritual, they marched toward the sacred shrine that I yearned to enter.
It was the spring of 1971 in Pashupatinath, Nepal, where a flood of pilgrims had converged that night. Just out of my teens, I felt half a planet away from my home in suburban Chicago, and I ached for the solace of a holy place, a place where I might pray for direction. An hour earlier, I had approached an ancient temple, its towering gateway carved with mythical lions, serpents, gods, and goddesses. As I climbed the stone steps, thrilled with anticipation, a gatekeeper whipped his club into my chest. I sunk to my knees, gasping for breath. Flanked on both sides by police, the gatekeeper blocked my path and shouted, “You are foreigner! Get out!” Their chief, dressed in a turban and military attire, burst forward with burning eyes and smacked his rod across a sign that read: No Foreigners Allowed.
"Out from here!” he roared. “If you try again, you’ll be severely beaten and thrown in prison. And I cannot say what the angry mobs will do.” He ordered his charges to be vigilant. I had wandered to the bank of the river, crestfallen. My arduous quest for spiritual meaning had led me this far. I couldn’t turn back. Now, watching the holy men, an idea sprang into my mind.
I kneeled down at one smoldering pit where a sacrificial fire had burned and sunk both my hands deep into the warm, powdery ashes, sifting out the lumps of glowing coals. Shuddering, I plastered the ashes across my skinny body from my matted hair to my calloused bare feet. The musty powder burned into my nostrils, choking my throat and parching my mouth. I wrapped two river-stained cotton sheets over my upper and lower body for robes and crept again toward the gate, my heart beating heavily in my chest.
The same sentinels stood guard with clubs in hand, but they did not recognize me and let me pass. As I entered a vast open courtyard surrounding the ancient altar I thought, if I’m caught in here, I could be killed. Several thousand people gathered in an unruly line and were waiting to see the altar. Only one person was allowed at a time. Patiently taking my place in the rear of the line, I inched forward. Suddenly, the same police chief who had stopped me earlier passed by. I gasped and turned my face away, my adrenaline surging. He stepped right in front of me, stared into my ash-covered face then barked a question in the local Hindi language.
I didn’t understand a word. If I spoke a single word of English here, I knew I would be finished. Receiving no reply, he stared at me and launched into a barrage of questions, this time much louder. My mind reeled with thoughts of years wasted in a filthy Nepali prison or worse. With a blank expression, I stood motionless, knowing he was trained to detect anything suspicious. Did he recognize me? I could only guess.
Another idea rose in my mind. Placing one palm over my mouth, I waved my other hand side to side. Those who vow never to speak, mauni babas, often expressed their vow in this way.
The chief gripped my arm and dragged me away. Where was he taking me? Was I under arrest? He yelled. Instantly, two police guards came running. Surrounded, I was yanked through the line of pilgrims until we reached the place of maximum congestion. Raising their clubs, my captors roared like thunder. Was this to be a public lashing? Would the mob tear me apart for defiling their sacred shrine? They shouted louder and louder as people scattered. I waited, terrified. The men dragged me through the bustling crowd until I found myself standing directly in front of the altar, a colorful pagoda with swirls of sandalwood incense pouring out. In front stood a massive stone bull. On the altar stood a stone figure of the deity Shiva, adorned with embroidered silks and glittering with gold and precious jewels. The chief lifted his stick and squeezed my arm. Would he pummel me right before the holy image?
Surrounded by his lieutenants, rod raised above his head, he shouted orders at a priest, who rushed back into the altar. I waited, trembling. From the inner sanctuary the high priest appeared dressed in robes of red silk. A striking red circle of powder marked his forehead and he wore a gold necklace and strand of dried rudraksa seeds around his neck. In a deep, hypnotic tone, he recited the mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya.”
My captor, his stout body sweating profusely despite the chilly wind, yelled something to the priest that I again could not understand. The high priest listened intently. He nodded his head, closed his eyes and paused. Moments passed as the mass of pilgrims clamored impatiently. Then, straightening his posture, the high priest took a deep breath and began to recite incantations from ancient Sanskrit texts. He stunned me by wrapping a silk turban around my head. Then he draped a shawl over my shoulders, placed several jasmine and night queen garlands around my neck, anointed my forehead with sandalwood paste and offered me saffron-flavored water to drink. Standing in a daze, I realized that the police were holding the massive crowd back in order to grant me an exclusive opportunity to worship the Lord and be honored by the temple. Bowing low with humility, the police chief then begged with joined palms for my blessings and departed.
Did he not recognize me in my disguise or was he aware who I was and simply honoring my determination? This I will never know. Whatever the reason, I was deeply humbled. I had defied human law and deserved to be beaten, but God is merciful. Standing before the altar, my limbs covered with ashes, my drab ascetic robes, and tangled, matted hair awkwardly covered with silks and flowers, I squeezed my tearing eyes shut, joined my palms and prayed that I would be shown my true path as I continued my journey. I returned to the riverbank and sat on the cold earth. It was a moonless night. Stars glittered in the dark sky, a breeze filled the forest with the scent of blooming jasmine, and the cooing of an owl emerged out of the silence. Gazing downstream, I wondered where the river of destiny would lead me next.
How did I land into a life so foreign to my upbringing, but so familiar to my soul?
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Impression of Honesty
Spiritual Story by BK Surat Singh Ayer
There once was a very honest shopkeeper whose day to day business was to provide goods to the local people . He would open open his shop at 8:00 a.m. after having his breakfast and at 1:00 p.m. he would go for lunch. In the evening at 8:30 p.m. he closed his shop to complete his daily routine.
However, to get time for lunch was really difficult because he didn't have anybody to help him at that time. Therefore, it was his daily practice that whichever customer was shopping at 1:00 p.m. would be asked to oversee the shop until the shopkeeper returned from lunch.
This system of having the new customer oversee the shop at lunchtime quickly became known to thieves of the area. One day, a group of four thieves planned to steal from his shop while he was gone for lunch. One of the thieves went at 1:00 p.m. to be the customer that would be asked to oversee the shop.
The thief, pretending to be a customer, went in at 1:00 p.m. and started purchasing several items. As planned, the shopkeeper asked the thief to sit on the shopkeeper chair for thirty minutes until the shopkeeper returned from lunch. The thief agreed and sat on the chair, and the shopkeeper left.
Then, the other three thieves quickly came in to steal as much as they could. They told the pretend customer to also help them steal everything, but something had changed within him and he no longer wanted to participate in the stealing with his fellow theives.
When he sat on the chair of the shopkeeper, he was transformed by the magic impression of the shopkeeper's honesty. The thief was now converted to an honest person and his attitude of stealing was completely transformed. He knew deeply in his heart that if he was given responsibility for the shop, he should not perform any dishonest acts during that time.
His friends did not agree, and so they forcefully began stealing things. As the now honest man tried to stop them, they resisted and a fight started. Other customers noticed the disturbance and came to ask what was going on, and at the same time the shopkeeper returned and also asked to know why there was fighting in his shop. The now honest man explained the entire plan, including his experience of transformation and how that led to the fight.
The shopkeeper, now 60 years old, had been searching for an honest man who could take ownership of the shop and run it. The shopkeeper felt that he had found the right man, so after the other three thieves were arrested he gave the keys to the now honest man and departed for his journey into retired life.
There once was a very honest shopkeeper whose day to day business was to provide goods to the local people . He would open open his shop at 8:00 a.m. after having his breakfast and at 1:00 p.m. he would go for lunch. In the evening at 8:30 p.m. he closed his shop to complete his daily routine.
However, to get time for lunch was really difficult because he didn't have anybody to help him at that time. Therefore, it was his daily practice that whichever customer was shopping at 1:00 p.m. would be asked to oversee the shop until the shopkeeper returned from lunch.
This system of having the new customer oversee the shop at lunchtime quickly became known to thieves of the area. One day, a group of four thieves planned to steal from his shop while he was gone for lunch. One of the thieves went at 1:00 p.m. to be the customer that would be asked to oversee the shop.
The thief, pretending to be a customer, went in at 1:00 p.m. and started purchasing several items. As planned, the shopkeeper asked the thief to sit on the shopkeeper chair for thirty minutes until the shopkeeper returned from lunch. The thief agreed and sat on the chair, and the shopkeeper left.
Then, the other three thieves quickly came in to steal as much as they could. They told the pretend customer to also help them steal everything, but something had changed within him and he no longer wanted to participate in the stealing with his fellow theives.
When he sat on the chair of the shopkeeper, he was transformed by the magic impression of the shopkeeper's honesty. The thief was now converted to an honest person and his attitude of stealing was completely transformed. He knew deeply in his heart that if he was given responsibility for the shop, he should not perform any dishonest acts during that time.
His friends did not agree, and so they forcefully began stealing things. As the now honest man tried to stop them, they resisted and a fight started. Other customers noticed the disturbance and came to ask what was going on, and at the same time the shopkeeper returned and also asked to know why there was fighting in his shop. The now honest man explained the entire plan, including his experience of transformation and how that led to the fight.
The shopkeeper, now 60 years old, had been searching for an honest man who could take ownership of the shop and run it. The shopkeeper felt that he had found the right man, so after the other three thieves were arrested he gave the keys to the now honest man and departed for his journey into retired life.
Please do not forget your mother's love or the hardships she has endured for you.
Please do not forget your mother's love or the hardships she has endured for you. I am convinced that while people keep the memory of their mothers' loving faces alive in their mind, they will never go far astray. Similarly, as long as we bear in mind the Daishonin's profound compassion and live in deep appreciation of it, our lives will be illuminated brightly by the light of Buddhahood. And enveloped in the Gohonzon's great compassion, we will walk along a path that is filled with tranquillity and immeasurable joy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/11
Thinking of a problem? How?
Rosa Parks wrote in her book Quiet Strength: "I find that if I am thinking too much of my own problems and the fact that at times things are not just like I want them to be, I do not make any progress at all. But if I look around and see what I can do, and then I do it, I move on." Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you young people to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the contradictions that plague society and to boldly take on these great challenges.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/11
The importance of the heart of an organisation.
If I were to make an allegory, thought and philosophy would be like the heart or respiratory system of the human body. When the heart is sound, the whole body can maintain healthy activity. This same principle applies to both the individual and society. The SGI has a mission to serve as the heart that ensures the healthy functioning of society. Consequently, taking good care of the SGI, (the heart) allows the fresh life-giving blood of humanism to flow to and nourish all areas of society, including culture, politics and the economy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/11
No one can blame others for his misfortunes.
There is a Russian proverb that says: "It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry." Likewise, one's happiness or unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad causes accumulated in one's life. No one can blame others for his misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all the more clearly.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/11
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I Thought I'd Call
Spiritual Story by Gary Nicolosi
There is a story about a New York City policeman investigating a case. Even before he finished dialing, he somehow knew he’d made a mistake. The phone rang once, twice – then someone picked it up. “You’ve got the wrong number!” a husky male voice snapped before the line went dead. Mystified, the policeman dialed again. “I said you got the wrong number!” came the voice. Once more the phone clicked down.
“How could he possibly know I had the wrong number?” the policeman asked himself. A cop is trained to be curious – and concerned. So he dialed a third time. “Hey, c’mon,” the voice said. “Is this you again?” “Yea, it’s me. I was wondering how you knew I had the wrong number before I even said anything.” “You figure it out!” The phone slammed down. He sat there for a while, the receiver hanging loosely in his fingers.
He called the man back. “Did you figure it out yet?” the man asked. “The only thing I can think of is nobody ever calls you.” “You got it!” The phone went dead for the fourth time. Chuckling, the officer dialed the man back. “What do you want now?” asked the man.
“I thought I’d call – just to say hello.” “Hello? Why?” “Well, if nobody ever calls you, I thought maybe I should. Should I?”
``Would you? Really?`` perplexed yet happy he was on the other end.
They talked for half an hour.
There is a story about a New York City policeman investigating a case. Even before he finished dialing, he somehow knew he’d made a mistake. The phone rang once, twice – then someone picked it up. “You’ve got the wrong number!” a husky male voice snapped before the line went dead. Mystified, the policeman dialed again. “I said you got the wrong number!” came the voice. Once more the phone clicked down.
“How could he possibly know I had the wrong number?” the policeman asked himself. A cop is trained to be curious – and concerned. So he dialed a third time. “Hey, c’mon,” the voice said. “Is this you again?” “Yea, it’s me. I was wondering how you knew I had the wrong number before I even said anything.” “You figure it out!” The phone slammed down. He sat there for a while, the receiver hanging loosely in his fingers.
He called the man back. “Did you figure it out yet?” the man asked. “The only thing I can think of is nobody ever calls you.” “You got it!” The phone went dead for the fourth time. Chuckling, the officer dialed the man back. “What do you want now?” asked the man.
“I thought I’d call – just to say hello.” “Hello? Why?” “Well, if nobody ever calls you, I thought maybe I should. Should I?”
``Would you? Really?`` perplexed yet happy he was on the other end.
They talked for half an hour.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I Felt The Christmas
Spiritual Story by Sahaya Raj
Yesterday while I was attending a morning mass at St Xavier's church, a 60 year old woman came in suddenly and caused quite a disturbance. Standing at the door with two photographs in her hand, she tried to speak over the sounds of the choir. Though everybody near her tried to tell her to leave the church, she stayed in the church near the doors. I symbolically motioned for her to wait until the end of mass.
I thought she understood me, but when I went up to the altar to receive holy communion, the woman came up behind me and disturbed the priest with her photographs. All the people near her, including me, judged this woman to be mentally retarded so I took her by the arm and escorted her outside where I questioned her to find out why she was disturbing our church service.
She again showed me the two photographs, and she explained that she was part of a group who had traveled over 250 kilometers to search for the boy in the photographs. Apparently, the woman was Hindu and did not know the procedures of our religion which is why she had entered the church to ask the priest to make an announcement asking if any of the congregation had seen the boy... this boy who happened to be the woman's mentally retarded son.
Upon seeing the photographs, I immediately recognized the boy because I had seen him two days earlier on my way to the college where I am Vice Principal. At that time, he was dirty and his clothes were in very bad shape. Anyway, I gave the woman my cell phone number and told her where I last saw the boy as well as some clues that I hoped would help her find her son. Later that afternoon, I received a call from that woman telling me that they found her son, bathed him, dressed him in new clothes, and were finally taking him back home.
Though her son had no practical purpose in her life... he could not do much, he could not earn money, etc., she still needed him. The boy did not have the mental capacity to understand the salvation his mother brought him, nor could he understand the salvation that he brought her. Still, she loved him, so much so that she searched for an entire month to find him.. She showed the deep love that only a parent usually knows. Just as I had initially believed that the woman was mentally retarded, I realized through this experience that I had not yet fully understood God's true nature either.
My perceptions are forever changed, and I now understand the unconditional love that God has for me. Just like that affectionate mother who came in search of her son, I realize it does not matter who I am, it does not matter what I am, it does not matter if I believe in God or not or whether I understand God, and it does not matter if I am grateful to God or not...
God loves me just because I exist.
Yesterday while I was attending a morning mass at St Xavier's church, a 60 year old woman came in suddenly and caused quite a disturbance. Standing at the door with two photographs in her hand, she tried to speak over the sounds of the choir. Though everybody near her tried to tell her to leave the church, she stayed in the church near the doors. I symbolically motioned for her to wait until the end of mass.
I thought she understood me, but when I went up to the altar to receive holy communion, the woman came up behind me and disturbed the priest with her photographs. All the people near her, including me, judged this woman to be mentally retarded so I took her by the arm and escorted her outside where I questioned her to find out why she was disturbing our church service.
She again showed me the two photographs, and she explained that she was part of a group who had traveled over 250 kilometers to search for the boy in the photographs. Apparently, the woman was Hindu and did not know the procedures of our religion which is why she had entered the church to ask the priest to make an announcement asking if any of the congregation had seen the boy... this boy who happened to be the woman's mentally retarded son.
Upon seeing the photographs, I immediately recognized the boy because I had seen him two days earlier on my way to the college where I am Vice Principal. At that time, he was dirty and his clothes were in very bad shape. Anyway, I gave the woman my cell phone number and told her where I last saw the boy as well as some clues that I hoped would help her find her son. Later that afternoon, I received a call from that woman telling me that they found her son, bathed him, dressed him in new clothes, and were finally taking him back home.
Though her son had no practical purpose in her life... he could not do much, he could not earn money, etc., she still needed him. The boy did not have the mental capacity to understand the salvation his mother brought him, nor could he understand the salvation that he brought her. Still, she loved him, so much so that she searched for an entire month to find him.. She showed the deep love that only a parent usually knows. Just as I had initially believed that the woman was mentally retarded, I realized through this experience that I had not yet fully understood God's true nature either.
My perceptions are forever changed, and I now understand the unconditional love that God has for me. Just like that affectionate mother who came in search of her son, I realize it does not matter who I am, it does not matter what I am, it does not matter if I believe in God or not or whether I understand God, and it does not matter if I am grateful to God or not...
God loves me just because I exist.
What happen when practice faith while doubting its effects?
If you practice faith while doubting its effects, you will get results that are at best unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own weak faith on the mirror of the cosmos. On the other hand, when you stand up with strong confidence, you will accrue limitless blessings.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/11
What is relative and absolute happiness?
What is the purpose of life? It is happiness. But there are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness—a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/11
Monday, November 21, 2011
How I Learned the 2nd Noble Truth
Spiritual Story by David Lourie
The Buddha�s Second Noble Truth pins the responsibility for our suffering squarely on our own shoulders: �Our suffering is caused by our cravings.� � The Buddha.
We all have desires, and that�s perfectly natural and healthy. But there are certain desires we cling to with a white-knuckle grip. These are the ones we just won�t let go of. And it�s our relentless attachment to these cravings that causes the suffering we all experience.
I remember well the first time life taught me this truth, when I was twelve years old.
My parents had taken me shopping, and we were outside a sporting goods store when I spotted a bicycle in the window that looked so fantastic it took my breath away. My stepfather saw my reaction, and remarked, "Your old rust-heap used to looked that good!"
But that wasn't true -- nothing I had ever seen had ever looked that good! The bike was sleek and racy, unlike my old rusted heap, and a beautiful rainbow-coloured sticker bore the name of an Olympic champion who was my hero. I wanted that bicycle more than I had ever wanted anything! I was consumed by it, and could think of nothing else. I refused to even contemplate the possibility of living without it.
So I got a part time job after school, instead of going surfing every day. However, I kept this a secret from my parents, as I bicycled off to work every afternoon with my surfboard tucked under my arm.
I worked hard, and saved everything I earned. Each day on the way home I would stop by the sporting goods store and gaze at the object of my desire. That bicycle provided me with many glorious fantasies. Soon I had designed my whole future around it.
Finally, one day when I had saved almost enough money, I went for my usual visit . . . but the bicycle was gone! The shopkeeper said a man had come in that morning and bought it for his son. The shop keeper couldn�t order another one, because that model had been discontinued. I couldn�t believe it! My world was shattered. My future was ruined.
Grief overwhelmed me. I suffered every waking hour, day after agonising day, week after endless week. I suffered, and kept suffering -- right up until I awoke on Christmas morning, and saw the bicycle under the Christmas tree! Suddenly all my suffering was gone!
Ecstatic beyond words, I took the bike for a spin. However, all too quickly I realized this bike didn�t ride nearly as well as my old rusty one. Maybe that�s why this model was discontinued. Something was wrong with the design. Despair overcame me. I felt betrayed, crushed and defeated. And I wondered, bitterly, if there really was a loving God watching over us, as I had always been taught.
But it didn�t end there.
As soon as I got home, my despair escalated into horror, as my stepfather announced a new regime: "Now that you don't need that secret job any more, you can put all that spare time into some chores around here. And I want that bike kept polished � I don�t want to see a spec of rust!" From that moment on, a new kind of suffering came down on me every Sunday morning: while my friends were heading off to the beach, I would have to spend an excruciating eternity waxing and polishing that new bike, even though the old bike was the one I rode to school every day. Plus I now had a whole list of new chores to get through before getting to the beach.
These tedious sessions gave me time to reflect. I eventually realized that if I had not wanted that new bike quite so much, life would now be much more to my liking � especially on Sundays! In all, I endured two years of this Sunday drudge before I felt I could unload the bike without causing any offence to my step-father. I ended up getting rid of the thing without even trying to sell it � I just gave it to my cousin, who didn�t have a bike.
My stepfather understood, and was not offended. In fact, had been quite amused by watching me put myself through all that misery...
The Buddha�s Second Noble Truth pins the responsibility for our suffering squarely on our own shoulders: �Our suffering is caused by our cravings.� � The Buddha.
We all have desires, and that�s perfectly natural and healthy. But there are certain desires we cling to with a white-knuckle grip. These are the ones we just won�t let go of. And it�s our relentless attachment to these cravings that causes the suffering we all experience.
I remember well the first time life taught me this truth, when I was twelve years old.
My parents had taken me shopping, and we were outside a sporting goods store when I spotted a bicycle in the window that looked so fantastic it took my breath away. My stepfather saw my reaction, and remarked, "Your old rust-heap used to looked that good!"
But that wasn't true -- nothing I had ever seen had ever looked that good! The bike was sleek and racy, unlike my old rusted heap, and a beautiful rainbow-coloured sticker bore the name of an Olympic champion who was my hero. I wanted that bicycle more than I had ever wanted anything! I was consumed by it, and could think of nothing else. I refused to even contemplate the possibility of living without it.
So I got a part time job after school, instead of going surfing every day. However, I kept this a secret from my parents, as I bicycled off to work every afternoon with my surfboard tucked under my arm.
I worked hard, and saved everything I earned. Each day on the way home I would stop by the sporting goods store and gaze at the object of my desire. That bicycle provided me with many glorious fantasies. Soon I had designed my whole future around it.
Finally, one day when I had saved almost enough money, I went for my usual visit . . . but the bicycle was gone! The shopkeeper said a man had come in that morning and bought it for his son. The shop keeper couldn�t order another one, because that model had been discontinued. I couldn�t believe it! My world was shattered. My future was ruined.
Grief overwhelmed me. I suffered every waking hour, day after agonising day, week after endless week. I suffered, and kept suffering -- right up until I awoke on Christmas morning, and saw the bicycle under the Christmas tree! Suddenly all my suffering was gone!
Ecstatic beyond words, I took the bike for a spin. However, all too quickly I realized this bike didn�t ride nearly as well as my old rusty one. Maybe that�s why this model was discontinued. Something was wrong with the design. Despair overcame me. I felt betrayed, crushed and defeated. And I wondered, bitterly, if there really was a loving God watching over us, as I had always been taught.
But it didn�t end there.
As soon as I got home, my despair escalated into horror, as my stepfather announced a new regime: "Now that you don't need that secret job any more, you can put all that spare time into some chores around here. And I want that bike kept polished � I don�t want to see a spec of rust!" From that moment on, a new kind of suffering came down on me every Sunday morning: while my friends were heading off to the beach, I would have to spend an excruciating eternity waxing and polishing that new bike, even though the old bike was the one I rode to school every day. Plus I now had a whole list of new chores to get through before getting to the beach.
These tedious sessions gave me time to reflect. I eventually realized that if I had not wanted that new bike quite so much, life would now be much more to my liking � especially on Sundays! In all, I endured two years of this Sunday drudge before I felt I could unload the bike without causing any offence to my step-father. I ended up getting rid of the thing without even trying to sell it � I just gave it to my cousin, who didn�t have a bike.
My stepfather understood, and was not offended. In fact, had been quite amused by watching me put myself through all that misery...
Humanity and Buddhahood
The innate power of humanity is the driving force that breaks down all barriers of discrimination. The ultimate expression of this humanity is Buddhahood; it is the power of the Mystic Law. Daimoku is therefore the fundamental energy for realizing victory in the struggle for human rights.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/11
What is the goal of Soka Gakkai's goal?
The Soka Gakkai's goal is kosen-rufu—realizing human happiness and world peace by widely spreading the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. We will continue to strive earnestly for this goal, undaunted by criticism, slander or malicious attempts to hinder our progress. That is because what we are doing is the will and decree of the original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin. I proclaim that all who energetically exert themselves for the cause of kosen-rufu are genuine disciples of the Daishonin and genuine members of the SGI.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/11
Sunday, November 20, 2011
How Can You Be a Peacemaker
Spiritual Story by Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy
Carl and Sam were at odds with each other. They could not even remember the initial cause of friction - but their hostility had festered through the years. A deeply concerned deacon prayed that God would use him as a peacemaker.
He called on Carl. "What do you think of Sam?" he asked.
"He's the sorriest guy in town!"
"But," countered the deacon, "you have to admit that he's a hard-working man."
"No one can deny that," said Carl.
"I've never known a person who worked harder."
Next the deacon visited Sam. "Do you know what Carl said about you?" "No, but I can imagine his lies," he responded angrily.
"This may surprise you," said the deacon, "but he said he's never known a harder worker."
"He said that?" Sam was stunned.
"What do you think of Carl?" asked the deacon.
"It is no secret that I have absolutely no use for him."
"But you must admit he's honest in business," said the deacon. "There's no getting around that," said Sam. "In business he's a man you can trust."
Later the deacon met Carl again. "Do you know what Sam said about you? He claims you're absolutely trustworthy in business, that you are scrupulously honest." "Well, how 'bout that," reacted Carl with a smile.
Soon the peacemaking deacon noticed Sam and Carl would cautiously nod in a friendly sort of way. Before long they were shaking hands, talking, even visiting in each others' homes.
Today they are best of friends.
Carl and Sam were at odds with each other. They could not even remember the initial cause of friction - but their hostility had festered through the years. A deeply concerned deacon prayed that God would use him as a peacemaker.
He called on Carl. "What do you think of Sam?" he asked.
"He's the sorriest guy in town!"
"But," countered the deacon, "you have to admit that he's a hard-working man."
"No one can deny that," said Carl.
"I've never known a person who worked harder."
Next the deacon visited Sam. "Do you know what Carl said about you?" "No, but I can imagine his lies," he responded angrily.
"This may surprise you," said the deacon, "but he said he's never known a harder worker."
"He said that?" Sam was stunned.
"What do you think of Carl?" asked the deacon.
"It is no secret that I have absolutely no use for him."
"But you must admit he's honest in business," said the deacon. "There's no getting around that," said Sam. "In business he's a man you can trust."
Later the deacon met Carl again. "Do you know what Sam said about you? He claims you're absolutely trustworthy in business, that you are scrupulously honest." "Well, how 'bout that," reacted Carl with a smile.
Soon the peacemaking deacon noticed Sam and Carl would cautiously nod in a friendly sort of way. Before long they were shaking hands, talking, even visiting in each others' homes.
Today they are best of friends.
How to spread of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism?
Only if you challenge your human revolution in a manner that is true to yourself will the people around you naturally begin to trust and respect you. That in itself is the greatest way of laying the groundwork for the spread of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/11
What is meant by "showing actual proof"?
When we speak of showing actual proof, it doesn't mean we have to try to put on a show of being in any way more knowledgeable or accomplished than we are. It is my hope that, in the manner that best suits your situation, you will prove the validity of this Buddhism by steadily improving in your daily life and in polishing your character, as well as in your family, place of work and community.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/11
How to lead a life in which all desires are fulfilled?
Please steadily advance along the fundamental path of "faith manifests itself in daily life," living in the way that best suits you. Just as the sun rises every day, if you persistently advance based on the Mystic Law, the absolute Law of the universe, you will definitely be able to lead a life in which all desires are fulfilled, a life that you cannot now even conceive of. Please be convinced that you are now leading the most certain and valuable life.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/11
The influence of one person.
In a family, if one person is unhappy, then so is the entire family. Therefore, I would like you to sincerely pray for and protect one another so that there are no people who are unfortunate and unhappy, or who abandon their faith, and that every person will become happy. These are the kinds of humanistic bonds among fellow members that give birth to true unity. Coercion or force stemming from power and authority is ineffective at critical moments.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/11
Saturday, November 19, 2011
How A Random Act of Kindness Turned 93 Dollars Into One Hundred Thousand For the Hungry
Spiritual Story by Carolee Hazard
On August 11th, 2009, Jenni Ware found herself stranded at the Menlo Park Trader Joe’s checkout line - her wallet was gone. Her already hectic day had just taken a turn for the worse. Carolee Hazard, a complete stranger, approached the distressed Ware and offered to pay the $207 bill. Jenni gratefully accepted and promised to repay her. Once home, Carolee posted on Facebook what had transpired, adding that she was “vacillating between feeling really good and very, very stupid”. Friends reassured her that she had done the right thing and good karma was sure to follow.
The next day a check arrived from Jenni for $300, with a note thanking Carolee for her generosity and trust, and recommending she get a massage with the extra money. After writing a check back to Jenni for the $93 “tip”, Carolee turned to her Facebook friends and asked what they would do with the money. Several people suggested giving it to charity, which Carolee decided to do. Touched by Jenni’s honesty, Carolee matched the $93 and turned to Facebook for suggestions on where the $186 should go. One person tossed out Second Harvest Food Bank, since the events had occurred at a grocery store. Another friend, inspired by the story, matched with $93 of his own money. So did another. And another. And another.
Carolee and Jenni reconnected after a week and Jenni learned that the massage money had become $2000 through the spontaneous generosity of Facebook friends. Jenni then posted the story to her Facebook page, her friends began making donations as well. The total donations soon swelled to $10,000. Children donated 93 cents of their allowance. One single mom, working 20 hours a week while in grad school, offered $9.30, because she couldn’t afford $93. The media picked up the story and donations poured in. Many chose to give $93 to their local food banks in Oregon, Massachusetts and other states.
In the year since Carolee and Jenni’s chance meeting, the 93 Dollar Club has raised over $96,000 to benefit Second Harvest Food Banks of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Every dollar becomes 2 meals, so the money raised so far will provide 200,000 meals. With help from posting and reposting on Facebook, the "pay it forward" story has traveled around the globe and continues to move people to spread goodness and help fight hunger, not only in Silicon Valley, but around the country and world.
On August 11th, 2009, Jenni Ware found herself stranded at the Menlo Park Trader Joe’s checkout line - her wallet was gone. Her already hectic day had just taken a turn for the worse. Carolee Hazard, a complete stranger, approached the distressed Ware and offered to pay the $207 bill. Jenni gratefully accepted and promised to repay her. Once home, Carolee posted on Facebook what had transpired, adding that she was “vacillating between feeling really good and very, very stupid”. Friends reassured her that she had done the right thing and good karma was sure to follow.
The next day a check arrived from Jenni for $300, with a note thanking Carolee for her generosity and trust, and recommending she get a massage with the extra money. After writing a check back to Jenni for the $93 “tip”, Carolee turned to her Facebook friends and asked what they would do with the money. Several people suggested giving it to charity, which Carolee decided to do. Touched by Jenni’s honesty, Carolee matched the $93 and turned to Facebook for suggestions on where the $186 should go. One person tossed out Second Harvest Food Bank, since the events had occurred at a grocery store. Another friend, inspired by the story, matched with $93 of his own money. So did another. And another. And another.
Carolee and Jenni reconnected after a week and Jenni learned that the massage money had become $2000 through the spontaneous generosity of Facebook friends. Jenni then posted the story to her Facebook page, her friends began making donations as well. The total donations soon swelled to $10,000. Children donated 93 cents of their allowance. One single mom, working 20 hours a week while in grad school, offered $9.30, because she couldn’t afford $93. The media picked up the story and donations poured in. Many chose to give $93 to their local food banks in Oregon, Massachusetts and other states.
In the year since Carolee and Jenni’s chance meeting, the 93 Dollar Club has raised over $96,000 to benefit Second Harvest Food Banks of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Every dollar becomes 2 meals, so the money raised so far will provide 200,000 meals. With help from posting and reposting on Facebook, the "pay it forward" story has traveled around the globe and continues to move people to spread goodness and help fight hunger, not only in Silicon Valley, but around the country and world.
Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required.
Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense; its purpose is not to restrict or constrain. Doing gongyo is a right, not an obligation. Because Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake. If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/11
Always advance with hope
I hope that no matter what happens, you will always advance with hope. Especially I hope that the more desperate your circumstances, the more you will press on with unflagging hope. Please keep challenging things with a bright and positive spirit, always taking care at the same time to safeguard your health.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/11
Friday, November 18, 2011
Holding the Space
Spiritual Story by Kelly Ballard
For the past few years, I have gone on an annual women�s spiritual retreat. I had never been on a retreat before several years ago. The only other time I voluntarily lived with women was in college and only then because boys were too messy and smelled funny.
To be perfectly frank, in the past I never liked women all that much. I usually had only a few close girlfriends growing up and the rest were guys. Women were always too emotional, too catty for me. They would cry easily and I could laugh with the guys.
Tears have always made me uncomfortable. I don�t like to cry. Both my parents were coaches, so needless to say tears were frowned upon. If anyone started crying in my house, you were sure to ridiculed until the tears were replaced by hot anger. Quickly, I learned to stuff all my emotions and found refuge in humor.
In my early twenties, I began uncovering all of those stuffed emotions�rejection, humiliation, anger, hurt, desperation, fear, longing, on and on. A list of emotions we all run from, but never quite stay ahead of. I also found tears. Yuck. Aching, lost tears that would come pouring out at the movies, while watching silly soap operas, the Olympics, even commercials�It was pitiful.
I sought help and worked successfully with an excellent counselor. There were lots of tears and healing, thus leading to the next phase in my life, marriage and kids. It was only after �birthin� babies� that I discovered the true value of girlfriends. Girlfriends know your shoes, especially when they are covered in spit-up and the kids� breakfast. Not only could you laugh with your girlfriends, but you could cry too.
I joined a Mommies group after my daughter was born and found a wonderful circle of women. I soon discovered that if one Mommy started crying, invariably someone else began sniffling and so on and so on. Same went with the babies, one baby cries and soon there was a roomful wailing - you did not cry alone. Many times I would find myself welling up with tears and sometimes, tears fell. This was all very new to me.
Then I decided to go on the women�s spiritual retreat after my son recovered from a serious health crisis. Little did I know that spiritual retreats are geared to connect you to your vulnerabilities, inevitably leading to tears � here again, usually en masse. I cried the entire weekend and I really, really needed it.
I had been so strong in my belief that my son would recover and in searching/finding the cure, that there had been no allowance for tears. I was an old pro at stuffing my feeling from childhood. That survivor had stepped back into my life for a while, but fortunately I was able through this circle of women and cleansing tears to regain myself, my adult. As much as I have fought it, tears bring release and most hopefully, peace.
So I was surprised this year, when I shed no tears while at the retreat. It wasn�t for lack of compassion for the suffering of those around me but I finally discovered the concept of �holding the space.� I no longer had these wounded places that could be triggered by a friend�s pain or experience. I was free.
I was free to support my weeping friend by just listening. I did not need to take on her issues. I could be her witness. She could tell her story without having to worry about me. It was such an empowering feeling to be on the other side. I knew I had finally passed through and released so many of my painful �hooks.�
Her tears did not make me uncomfortable... they told me of her heart.
Oh, I know maybe another year I�ll go to the retreat, share a painful story and quite possibly discover myself in tears again, but now, I know tears from every side. I see their many facets -- cleansing, sadness, joy, pain, triumph... all of it. I am grateful to be here, in these new shoes, no longer covered in spit-up. I am grateful to have a circle of women in my life that allow me to be wherever I am on my journey. Sometimes holding the space, and sometimes being held. May you find your own circle.
For the past few years, I have gone on an annual women�s spiritual retreat. I had never been on a retreat before several years ago. The only other time I voluntarily lived with women was in college and only then because boys were too messy and smelled funny.
To be perfectly frank, in the past I never liked women all that much. I usually had only a few close girlfriends growing up and the rest were guys. Women were always too emotional, too catty for me. They would cry easily and I could laugh with the guys.
Tears have always made me uncomfortable. I don�t like to cry. Both my parents were coaches, so needless to say tears were frowned upon. If anyone started crying in my house, you were sure to ridiculed until the tears were replaced by hot anger. Quickly, I learned to stuff all my emotions and found refuge in humor.
In my early twenties, I began uncovering all of those stuffed emotions�rejection, humiliation, anger, hurt, desperation, fear, longing, on and on. A list of emotions we all run from, but never quite stay ahead of. I also found tears. Yuck. Aching, lost tears that would come pouring out at the movies, while watching silly soap operas, the Olympics, even commercials�It was pitiful.
I sought help and worked successfully with an excellent counselor. There were lots of tears and healing, thus leading to the next phase in my life, marriage and kids. It was only after �birthin� babies� that I discovered the true value of girlfriends. Girlfriends know your shoes, especially when they are covered in spit-up and the kids� breakfast. Not only could you laugh with your girlfriends, but you could cry too.
I joined a Mommies group after my daughter was born and found a wonderful circle of women. I soon discovered that if one Mommy started crying, invariably someone else began sniffling and so on and so on. Same went with the babies, one baby cries and soon there was a roomful wailing - you did not cry alone. Many times I would find myself welling up with tears and sometimes, tears fell. This was all very new to me.
Then I decided to go on the women�s spiritual retreat after my son recovered from a serious health crisis. Little did I know that spiritual retreats are geared to connect you to your vulnerabilities, inevitably leading to tears � here again, usually en masse. I cried the entire weekend and I really, really needed it.
I had been so strong in my belief that my son would recover and in searching/finding the cure, that there had been no allowance for tears. I was an old pro at stuffing my feeling from childhood. That survivor had stepped back into my life for a while, but fortunately I was able through this circle of women and cleansing tears to regain myself, my adult. As much as I have fought it, tears bring release and most hopefully, peace.
So I was surprised this year, when I shed no tears while at the retreat. It wasn�t for lack of compassion for the suffering of those around me but I finally discovered the concept of �holding the space.� I no longer had these wounded places that could be triggered by a friend�s pain or experience. I was free.
I was free to support my weeping friend by just listening. I did not need to take on her issues. I could be her witness. She could tell her story without having to worry about me. It was such an empowering feeling to be on the other side. I knew I had finally passed through and released so many of my painful �hooks.�
Her tears did not make me uncomfortable... they told me of her heart.
Oh, I know maybe another year I�ll go to the retreat, share a painful story and quite possibly discover myself in tears again, but now, I know tears from every side. I see their many facets -- cleansing, sadness, joy, pain, triumph... all of it. I am grateful to be here, in these new shoes, no longer covered in spit-up. I am grateful to have a circle of women in my life that allow me to be wherever I am on my journey. Sometimes holding the space, and sometimes being held. May you find your own circle.
21st century, a century of humanity and culture
The 20th century was a century of war and peace, a century of politics and economics. The dawning 21st century holds the promise, however, to be a century of humanity and culture, a century of science and religion. I hope all of you will advance on this wonderful new path of humanism with pride and confidence, as gallant philosophers of action.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/11
We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace
There are various kinds of careers and roles that people fill in society. While each role of course has significance, the fundamental role that we each play as a Buddhist is that of philosopher of life and of humanity who can impart eternal value to humankind. We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace. In this sense, our role is unique.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/11
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Hearing The Voices Of The Divine Spirit
Spiritual Story by Hope Bradford CHt
Indeed, the story of The Living Word of Kuan Yin may have begun when Lena Lees prayed to a beautiful stone visage of Kuan Yin. During the third trimester of her pregnancy, Lena and her family traveled from California to visit with family and friends in Philadelphia. Her delivery date swiftly approaching, Lena knew this would be the last time for a while that she'd be able to visit the East Coast.
Placing a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on her family's vacation itinerary, Lena had no idea of the importance of her decision, how it would later profoundly transform her life. At the museum with her husband and children by her side, she suddenly gravitated to a room boasting an impressive display of Asian shrines and statuary. Drawn to a particularly striking sculpture of Kuan Yin, Lena believed the statue was comforting her, speaking to her.
Praying to Kuan Yin, she and her family asked for assistance with the many challenges they faced ahead. Weeks later, with the safe birth of her daughter, Lena believed her prayers had been answered. Nowadays, upon entering Lena's house, one is greeted by a small menagerie, a beautiful assemblage of female deity figurines and images: Guadalupe, Mother Mary, as well as an extensive array of Kuan Yin images and statuettes grace her walls and mantle.
A librarian, student and mother of three, Lena had originally scheduled an appointment with me early in March 2004, to discuss and troubleshoot her college graduation project. Not knowing much about hypnosis, she was anxious to discover if she could go into trance.
To satisfy my Client-Centered Hypnosis internship practitioner hour requirements, I agreed to hypnotize Lena. I explained that I had several years of prior therapy experience and that I was still immersed in my client-centered studies. I told Lena her session with me would fulfill my weekly homework requirement. Describing the process, I also delineated another countdown technique our class was presently focused upon called transpersonal hypnosis. Informing Lena that she had the option of either a traditional or transpersonal countdown, we set the appointment date.
Transpersonal hypnosis employs a ten to zero countdown similar to a traditional countdown protocol. Once, however, one has established her safe place, a resource fallback position if, for any reason, one feels unsafe during trance, she is directed to her sacred place. One's sacred place is whatever the client experiences, once the directive is made. Sacred places vary greatly from one individual to the next but very often represent one's deepest sense of the divine.
Agreeing to meet with me for her first trance induction, Lena mentioned during our phone intake together, that her goal for her first trance experience was to receive guidance on how to refine her college graduation thesis, to get a better idea of how her final project would take shape:
Utilizing the client-centered approach, I conducted the standard interview, completing a custom intake sheet for Lena. Understanding that Lena had initially come to trouble-shoot the particulars for her college field study project, I explained that my homework project had to do specifically with transpersonal hypnosis. Detailing further, I relayed that even a very pragmatic question, such as hers, could still be addressed in one's potentially more spiritual, transpersonal trance. Choosing the transpersonal countdown instead of the traditional countdown, Lena then laid back and got comfortable.
Conducting the countdown (utilizing Lena's own intentions and vocabulary), I spoke the words that would direct Lena to her safe place. Acknowledging her arrival, Lena described the beautiful Pennsylvania woods of her childhood. Her safe place was a cornfield near the backyard of her home. Lingering in the field, she experienced the blazing colors of a fall sunset: the east coast crisp, autumn air.
Asked if she would like to now experience her sacred place, Lena agreed, finding herself in a beautiful bamboo forest. Traveling a bit further, she found herself in a beautiful garden with a waterfall. I asked Lena if she was ready to invite in her spirit-guide. What transpired next was a phenomenon I never would have imagined.
To my amazement, I heard Lena speak, while in trance, powerful phrases and metaphor that were utterly foreign to her. Incredibly, upon waking from her trance, she remembered nothing. Believing Lena's first encounter with the Goddess Kuan Yin was a chance one-time event, I listened attentively (but with a healthy skepticism) during our second session together. By the third episode, I knew that something incredible had occurred.
From her first hypnosis induction, forward, Lena realized she had a personal "channel," some mysterious and lingering association with the Eastern Deity, Kuan Yin. From the onset, it appeared Lena had a natural affinity with the Goddess. I, on the other hand, had difficulty (at least in the beginning) accepting Kuan Yin as my muse. Maybe it was because my lineage dated back to the Mayflower and the Puritans that I found it curious, even ironic that, over time, I became enchanted with this legendary Asian Goddess.
Further into this channeling phenomenon, it was revealed that Lena had worshipped Kuan Yin throughout many lifetimes, that because of their former relationship Lena's personage is compatible for bearing Kuan Yin's compassionate message. When transcribing the Kuan Yin material, I often wondered if she somehow knew Lena would always ask selfless questions, that because of her love for humanity, Lena had true compassion.
A hypnotist for over twenty years, I could detect (during Lena's and Kuan Yin's exchanges together) no interference from her persona. I recognized her absolute transparency, realizing I was witness to true mediumship, one who transmits communications from the spirit world.
Though Lena was in full trance during the sessions, the format of The Living Word of Kuan Yin manifested as timely and sometimes intense questions and answers between her and Kuan Yin. Impressed by Lena's polyphonism, I could only marvel at her ability to precisely detail her and Kuan Yin's deeply spiritual and thought-provoking dialogue. Indeed, Kuan Yin concedes: "it is difficult for some to hear the voices of the Divine Spirit."
To conduct a comprehendible alpha conversation is challenging, at best. However, Lena's verbal adroitness made Kuan Yin's often-challenging precepts approachable for the common reader. Possessing an uncanny ability for relaying complex phrases and concepts of not only Kuan Yin, but those who no longer dwell in the physical world, Lena accurately relayed discussions with other spirits who could, quite unexpectedly, voice their opinions during the Kuan Yin sessions.
In parting, I now share with you the powerful words Lena spoke to me during her first trance:
"Yes, I see my spirit guide. Today, she looks older than I've always believed her to be. She has aged beautifully. She is kneeling down beside me. She is so wise. I hear her now speak to me:"
"You've known me. I am no stranger."
"I am straining, confused. I'm trying to remember other times, places where I might have known Kuan Yin. In this trance, however, I'm only focused on the now," explained Lena.
"Look beyond what this world offers." Kuan Yin instructed.
"Laid out before Kuan Yin is a beautiful oriental carpet with intricate design," described Lena: "Watching her suddenly lift the carpet, I hear Kuan Yin say, 'Seek out another place beyond this earth. Be in the now. Where you are right now is what is important. Slow down. Everything is too chaotic. Lay down everything you need to do.'
"She is holding a beautiful vial. I know it holds a liquid that reminds people of their Oneness, and makes them feel lighter and aligned with spirit. It is a stress-relieving ointment."
Kuan Yin then concluded for the day: "You love confections as they remind you of the sweetness of life. Take caution, however, not to overindulge. Too much of any substance can create an imbalance. You're not just your bodies, you know. Keep your spirit connection. Gravity and chemicals are more influential upon the body when one is not connected with spirit. Connection with spirit can help overcome even genetic and hormonal limits."
In the weeks and months to come, I believed this was no accident; that somehow Lena was able to bring from her hypnotic trance to waking reality, highly relevant information; wisdom to live by. Witness and scribe to this sage discussion between Lena and her muse, Kuan Yin, I knew that something spiritually monumental was unfolding before my very eyes.
Indeed, the story of The Living Word of Kuan Yin may have begun when Lena Lees prayed to a beautiful stone visage of Kuan Yin. During the third trimester of her pregnancy, Lena and her family traveled from California to visit with family and friends in Philadelphia. Her delivery date swiftly approaching, Lena knew this would be the last time for a while that she'd be able to visit the East Coast.
Placing a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on her family's vacation itinerary, Lena had no idea of the importance of her decision, how it would later profoundly transform her life. At the museum with her husband and children by her side, she suddenly gravitated to a room boasting an impressive display of Asian shrines and statuary. Drawn to a particularly striking sculpture of Kuan Yin, Lena believed the statue was comforting her, speaking to her.
Praying to Kuan Yin, she and her family asked for assistance with the many challenges they faced ahead. Weeks later, with the safe birth of her daughter, Lena believed her prayers had been answered. Nowadays, upon entering Lena's house, one is greeted by a small menagerie, a beautiful assemblage of female deity figurines and images: Guadalupe, Mother Mary, as well as an extensive array of Kuan Yin images and statuettes grace her walls and mantle.
A librarian, student and mother of three, Lena had originally scheduled an appointment with me early in March 2004, to discuss and troubleshoot her college graduation project. Not knowing much about hypnosis, she was anxious to discover if she could go into trance.
To satisfy my Client-Centered Hypnosis internship practitioner hour requirements, I agreed to hypnotize Lena. I explained that I had several years of prior therapy experience and that I was still immersed in my client-centered studies. I told Lena her session with me would fulfill my weekly homework requirement. Describing the process, I also delineated another countdown technique our class was presently focused upon called transpersonal hypnosis. Informing Lena that she had the option of either a traditional or transpersonal countdown, we set the appointment date.
Transpersonal hypnosis employs a ten to zero countdown similar to a traditional countdown protocol. Once, however, one has established her safe place, a resource fallback position if, for any reason, one feels unsafe during trance, she is directed to her sacred place. One's sacred place is whatever the client experiences, once the directive is made. Sacred places vary greatly from one individual to the next but very often represent one's deepest sense of the divine.
Agreeing to meet with me for her first trance induction, Lena mentioned during our phone intake together, that her goal for her first trance experience was to receive guidance on how to refine her college graduation thesis, to get a better idea of how her final project would take shape:
Utilizing the client-centered approach, I conducted the standard interview, completing a custom intake sheet for Lena. Understanding that Lena had initially come to trouble-shoot the particulars for her college field study project, I explained that my homework project had to do specifically with transpersonal hypnosis. Detailing further, I relayed that even a very pragmatic question, such as hers, could still be addressed in one's potentially more spiritual, transpersonal trance. Choosing the transpersonal countdown instead of the traditional countdown, Lena then laid back and got comfortable.
Conducting the countdown (utilizing Lena's own intentions and vocabulary), I spoke the words that would direct Lena to her safe place. Acknowledging her arrival, Lena described the beautiful Pennsylvania woods of her childhood. Her safe place was a cornfield near the backyard of her home. Lingering in the field, she experienced the blazing colors of a fall sunset: the east coast crisp, autumn air.
Asked if she would like to now experience her sacred place, Lena agreed, finding herself in a beautiful bamboo forest. Traveling a bit further, she found herself in a beautiful garden with a waterfall. I asked Lena if she was ready to invite in her spirit-guide. What transpired next was a phenomenon I never would have imagined.
To my amazement, I heard Lena speak, while in trance, powerful phrases and metaphor that were utterly foreign to her. Incredibly, upon waking from her trance, she remembered nothing. Believing Lena's first encounter with the Goddess Kuan Yin was a chance one-time event, I listened attentively (but with a healthy skepticism) during our second session together. By the third episode, I knew that something incredible had occurred.
From her first hypnosis induction, forward, Lena realized she had a personal "channel," some mysterious and lingering association with the Eastern Deity, Kuan Yin. From the onset, it appeared Lena had a natural affinity with the Goddess. I, on the other hand, had difficulty (at least in the beginning) accepting Kuan Yin as my muse. Maybe it was because my lineage dated back to the Mayflower and the Puritans that I found it curious, even ironic that, over time, I became enchanted with this legendary Asian Goddess.
Further into this channeling phenomenon, it was revealed that Lena had worshipped Kuan Yin throughout many lifetimes, that because of their former relationship Lena's personage is compatible for bearing Kuan Yin's compassionate message. When transcribing the Kuan Yin material, I often wondered if she somehow knew Lena would always ask selfless questions, that because of her love for humanity, Lena had true compassion.
A hypnotist for over twenty years, I could detect (during Lena's and Kuan Yin's exchanges together) no interference from her persona. I recognized her absolute transparency, realizing I was witness to true mediumship, one who transmits communications from the spirit world.
Though Lena was in full trance during the sessions, the format of The Living Word of Kuan Yin manifested as timely and sometimes intense questions and answers between her and Kuan Yin. Impressed by Lena's polyphonism, I could only marvel at her ability to precisely detail her and Kuan Yin's deeply spiritual and thought-provoking dialogue. Indeed, Kuan Yin concedes: "it is difficult for some to hear the voices of the Divine Spirit."
To conduct a comprehendible alpha conversation is challenging, at best. However, Lena's verbal adroitness made Kuan Yin's often-challenging precepts approachable for the common reader. Possessing an uncanny ability for relaying complex phrases and concepts of not only Kuan Yin, but those who no longer dwell in the physical world, Lena accurately relayed discussions with other spirits who could, quite unexpectedly, voice their opinions during the Kuan Yin sessions.
In parting, I now share with you the powerful words Lena spoke to me during her first trance:
"Yes, I see my spirit guide. Today, she looks older than I've always believed her to be. She has aged beautifully. She is kneeling down beside me. She is so wise. I hear her now speak to me:"
"You've known me. I am no stranger."
"I am straining, confused. I'm trying to remember other times, places where I might have known Kuan Yin. In this trance, however, I'm only focused on the now," explained Lena.
"Look beyond what this world offers." Kuan Yin instructed.
"Laid out before Kuan Yin is a beautiful oriental carpet with intricate design," described Lena: "Watching her suddenly lift the carpet, I hear Kuan Yin say, 'Seek out another place beyond this earth. Be in the now. Where you are right now is what is important. Slow down. Everything is too chaotic. Lay down everything you need to do.'
"She is holding a beautiful vial. I know it holds a liquid that reminds people of their Oneness, and makes them feel lighter and aligned with spirit. It is a stress-relieving ointment."
Kuan Yin then concluded for the day: "You love confections as they remind you of the sweetness of life. Take caution, however, not to overindulge. Too much of any substance can create an imbalance. You're not just your bodies, you know. Keep your spirit connection. Gravity and chemicals are more influential upon the body when one is not connected with spirit. Connection with spirit can help overcome even genetic and hormonal limits."
In the weeks and months to come, I believed this was no accident; that somehow Lena was able to bring from her hypnotic trance to waking reality, highly relevant information; wisdom to live by. Witness and scribe to this sage discussion between Lena and her muse, Kuan Yin, I knew that something spiritually monumental was unfolding before my very eyes.
Whai is cause and effect?
The Daishonin explains the significance of cause and effect: All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra expound that Buddhahood (effect), can be attained only after having made good causes, that is, practicing their teachings (causes), over a length of time. With the Lotus Sutra, however, the very act of embracing it (cause) enables one simultaneously to become a Buddha (effect).
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/11
What is the meaning of to attain in Buddhism?
In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," Nichiren Daishonin says with reference to attaining Buddhahood, "'To attain' means 'to open'" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 753). Attaining Buddhahood means opening our lives to their fullest potential and revealing our innate Buddhahood. This is the purpose of Buddhism.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/11
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
He Put Me In Jail to Save Me
Spiritual Story by John M Lukamto
When my wife lost her job in 2002. She lost her confidence to find new job and stayed with me in Batam. Since then, our family relied on my salary alone. At this time, with whatever money can buy in a vice place like Batam, I and my wife went deeper into drug addictions; I resorted to drugs in order to find peace. We started with ecstasy-pills where I found I could talk in peace and empathy with my wife, but it was only temporary, as we continued and upgraded to a more dangerous drug like ICE, where we were heavily addicted. Drugs made the situation worse. I lived in an unreal world, and when the drug's effects subdued, the violence intensified.
Consumed by drugs for about 3 years, I ignored the parental responsibility to our 5 children. They lived in poverty and obtain help from social welfare organization, CDC, relatives and in laws. Our maid had to work to take care of our children without being paid for about 3 years. Under the influence of drugs and in the circle of wicked friends, I was also involved in manslaughters in Batam. I felt no remorse then, because the blood belonged to the dark society anyway. But, remained deep in my heart was the guilt for the victims and the innocent family left behind.
To feed by drug addiction I sold everything I had and became officially bankrupt in 2005. I lost my job and planned to smuggle drugs into Singapore. I purchased 3 packs at 7grams or total of 21 grams of ICE Cristal in Batam, and carried with me by ferry to Singapore together with my wife. However, through a betrayal of some friends in the drug circle, I was caught by the Singapore authorities at the Tanah Merah ferry terminal in Singapore on my way back from Batam. While under detention, my father died in Surabaya, and I had no chance to pay my last respect.
My life seemed to have collapsed when I was detained at Queenstown Remand prison (QRP) in Nov 2006. My 2nd son got me an affordable lawyer whom was his own lecturer (my son studied law diploma at an external university with the help a catholic church's fund). The lawyer told me my minimum sentence by law will be 5 years and 5 strokes of rotan, because the drug in my possession had been weighed by HSA (Singapore Health Science Authority) to be 18grams of class A drugs, and worse still I was considered trafficking the drugs from Batam (Indonesia) to Singapore. The Law states death penalty for trafficking in 20grams or more of class A drugs, and I was only short of 2 grams to the death penalty. The best sentence he can bargain with the prosecutor would be 7 years with 5 strokes. That was the best he can do. I was really devastated, depressed and tried to commit suicide in QRP. Then, came the court order to put me in IMH mental hospital for evaluation. I was warded for 3 weeks in IMH (mental hospital) and released back under medication to QRP with a report.
It came the right time God made Himself known to me through a person by the name of Lim in QRP, He built faith and hope in me. He assured me that God loves me, and waiting for me to come back to Him through this hard way. He told me that it was not coincidence that I met him in Singapore prison, and it was not coincidence that drug was the only subject of my arrest lest other crimes I had committed, like murder, and it was not coincidence that I was caught by Singapore justice system and not Batam's which might be more unbearable. It was all God's Love, plan and work of mercy towards me.
Lim gave me my first Christian book called "healing your heart from the painful memory". I confessed all my sins through Lim without hesitation, because he assured me for what Jesus Christ has done, that no sin is so great that it cannot be forgiven, and he read to me the sinners prayer. Lim always prayed for me, my wife, and my children, and assured me to seek first the Kingdom of God and Its righteousness first and the rest just leave it to Him, as God will take care of my family at home, that I should not be worried now as God will provide all my family's needs through His blessing, and what I should do was only to surrender myself to Him, concentrate with God and be as close as possible with Him while I was in prison. Lim's most hopeful statement was: "with God, nothing is impossible, HE will show His miracle when we trust Him".
This was the first time I experienced some peace and Hope of miracle in my life. I started reading Bibles and Christian books. The most memorable verses that God touched me in QRPrison, was the story of Joseph. In which God assured me that "although they meant harmed to you, but I will make it work for the good of you". Since, then I always looked forward to prison's yard time just to be able to listen to Lim's preaching of Parables in Bible together with a group of 4-6 inmates, the same people always together, and always ended the gathering when the yard time was over, with some prayers together, and Lim always prayed specifically for me and my family every time. Coincidentally, every time the prison changed cell-rooms for me, somehow I always had a good Christian inmate to accompany me, and shared God's word with me.
I remembered vividly the following event, which has been the anchor of my faith to God, was that one very day, which was about a week before my final hearing for sentence to be passed. I had one inmate in my cell-room, a very young man about 17years old but behaving like a 5years old child, and he had a disfigured face (like human-pig face). And I remember meeting him during my treatment in IMH, where I was told by the warden to bathe this boy and changed the diaper for him. Here, he was said to have committed a mild crime, charged with burning his neighbor's laundry and molested a girl by touching her. And he was pending a transfer to IMH (Mental Hospital) again for his mental treatment. He never talked to anyone but only mumbling to himself in hokkien dialect. I shared my ex-visit food rations from my wife with him because I pitied him for he had no one to visit him. I did not talk much with him for I knew it was useless to talk to him, as well as my fear from looking at his face that he may get violent.
That night he suddenly woke me up in the middle of night and said in English, (it may not be precisely words by words, but I am very certain this was exactly he said in a clear tone): "I want you to know and not to worry because your sentence would only be a while (and he mentioned the number of months), you are here because God wants you to discover your purpose in life" and then he hugged me, I cried like a child in his hug because I was happy touched by a hopeful news, the hope of a miracle from God, although I did not actually know what it meant with "the purpose". But I surely know that God has spoken to help me like a father through this young man, who would never have spoken any sensible words to anyone, not only because he was so young and seemed to speak only in hokkien dialect, but also at his mentally retarded condition!, yet, he could speak with me like this!, I kept saying thank you to him. And he was transferred out the next morning.
This experience gave me a stronger peace and faith in my prayer till the actual sentence day. I told my wife through glass-partition during her visit at QRP before the sentencing day that "God spoke to me through a young retarded man that my sentence would only be a while for 6 months". I saw her red-eyes, I didn't know if that meant she believed me or not, or thought I turned crazy, but I was certainly very cooled and confident when I sat at court room bench, when the sentence was read.
The young man told me 6 months, but the judge passed the sentence as 9 months and 3 weeks with no Rotan canning; I had some confusion for a while because I was so convinced of God's message to me was 6 months, but still I felt very happy and relieved because 9 months and 6 months both were quite close anyway, until my Lawyer approached me and said: "congratulation, you would only serve 6 months and 2 weeks after remission". That was the striking convincing moment for me of God's miracle and grace. God did not just make a miracle by passing an impossibly light sentence for my heavy crime, but he actually let me know in advance that it was He who did it!
After that I was transferred from QRP to non remand prisons (Admiralty prison about 2 months, and then KhalsaC Prison about 1 months), and since then I had been telling this testimony of God's miracle and grace to any Christian brothers I met, through out serving my prison's remaining sentence of 3 months plus, and I shared with many, the hope of a miracle and I believed it had given them more faith to be close to God. And truly, I found all drug offenders with similar cases like me in both prisons whomever I met, were all way high above 5 years sentence with permanent bruises on their buttock caused by rotan canning. They were all surprised by my short-sentence. Those who were non-believers reasoned out that it was my IMH report that worked out the miracle or some said: the new Chief Justice who was more lenient to offenders; but the truth which I know was God who worked things out. (It might be through my wife's hands of persistent fight on my case, it might be through the IMH report, it might be through the sudden compassion of the Judicial system when passing the sentence, etc). Whatever that happened; I know God had spoken to me that it was Him who did it!
At this moment in Admiralty prison serving almost halfway the total term, I was still having a lot of queries in my mind about what that young retarded boy said, about ‘finding my purpose in life'. In my thinking I had a great value and purpose as declared by God. And probably God wanted to use me greatly on planet earth like being a great preacher or pastor to transform a vast majority of people. Until I met an inmate by the name of Jabez, he was an Indian Christian who liked to have fellowship with other inmates during the yard time. He suddenly passed me a book by Rick Warren titled: ‘the purpose driven life', he asked me to read just one section a day for 40 days, and no rushing. Then only that I realized my purpose in life was to come back to the Father like the prodigal son in the bible. It may not be like that great imagination I had beforehand, but it is still the greatest thing I ever did in my life.
My wife was somehow made it on her own while I was in prison; she could live clean from drugs and had a good job that could support all the children needs. Even, she was able to move to a bigger 5-room HDB flat while I was in prison. And she was getting more job-offers with better pay then. She got a job interview in Shanghai – China. However, her preference to work in China disturbed my mind, as I thought she wanted to avoid me after my release, and lead a life on her own far from me. I felt depressed and hopeless.
Then, God again strengthen my faith as this Christian brother, Jabez passed me a letter quoting Jeremiah 29:11 "for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future". I believed it was the message from God, because I never told this brother about my marriage life, and my most recent intention to give up my marriage when released from prison, and yet he could write after that verse: "God wants you not to leave your wife, as your wife needs you, and your children needs you, God wants you to love them like Jesus Christ loves you". The letter also contained a HP number of Brother Francis Sim, and asked me to contact this brother upon my release. (Brother Francis has since become like my spiritual father after my release).
On 19 May 2007, I was released from KCprison after serving exactly 6 months and 2 weeks. It was the day I breathed freedom, the first time I appreciated life in my life. A life of knowing there is God who loves me so dearly.
To keep faith in the prison is much easier than outside prison, where the real world is. After the release from prison in May 2007, I had deep depression. The reality sucked: I could not have my passport as I was under Police Urine Supervision for the next 2 years, and I could not find jobs even lower level job than my last job because of my background record as an ex-convict as well as a bankrupt, and my relationship with my wife was still getting nowhere, although I had much stronger patience in me after prison, but still I felt a low self esteemed, suppressed emotion, as I could not communicate with my wife at all, I feel rejected by everyone, even my own mother and siblings still thought I was a drug addicts and my siblings put a cold shoulder on me with avoiding attitude, and my 1st son accused me of stealing my wife's money and expressed words like I am a useless person, banging table and chair at me. I resisted myself from anger instead I could only cry. I felt it was my own sin of dishonoring my parents and my violent acts against my wife in the past that I had to suffer the curse of a permanent prisoner now. A self pity's feeling, and I felt like committing suicide.
You see, I could only imagine the Love of God and Jesus. But I could not see nor feel it. And I felt God had distanced away from me and left me with a shattered life. So it is hard for me to sustain my faith in the real world, although I believe strongly and undoubtedly true that God has touched me in prison, but still my faith was shattered by the bitterness of life. I drowned my self in alcohol and cigarettes to forget the reality.
But my brother Francis Sim, in him I could feel Jesus' love again, because Brother Francis never gave up to show his persistence and perseverance to guide and advise me through his sharing of God's words, and showed me care and taught me to persevere with Jesus in my heart. He never gave up and spent his own time and money for me. And finally, he brought me to the Encounter weekend of FCBC (Community Baptist Church). To come to the Encounter itself had actually brought a heavy struggle inside me. I even had nightmares and uneasy feelings like my soul being pulled in 2 opposite directions in my dreams. I almost gave up the Encounter, and ask for the next session. But, Brother Francis still never gave me up.
I made it to the Encounter out of God's will. Because in there, I received a more complete healing. In the Encounter, Pastor Vincent Teo and Brother Francis have delivered me, they lifted out my emotional baggage caused by damaged soul and erased my guilt-ridden burden, I had full confessions and repentance, and I received the forgiveness from the Lord during the encounter. They also prayed for the deliverance of my alcohol and cigarettes addiction, and prayed for breaking all curses in my family line. I felt mentally light, felt the joy of forgiveness, and for the first time I felt no self pity anymore, I feel confident of my future life walking with Jesus in my heart.
Also, for the first time, I could feel confident to shower my wife with love and feel the joy of just expressing my love to her, without worry whether or not she would return me the same love. In the encounter, the words that touched me in regards to this was that "how are we going to fulfill God's greatest commandment, i.e. to love Him and Love one another, if we cannot even express our love to our wife who is just next to us. It has been wonderful to feel like I am a newly born person of confidence; my old self had completely died, put to death on the cross.
But, to tell the truth, Satan has and would try harder to pull me back after the encounter, as within the next week after the encounter, Satan disturbed me with the flashes of the past again to make me feel depressed. Satan whispered in my mind to touch cigarettes and alcohol again, to alleviate the sorrow. "The Bible never mentioned that you cannot smoke!, and even you smoke God will understand and forgive you" And "never mind you still have whisky; drink it, even Jesus requested to drink sour wine at the moment of His suffering on the cross".
I may stumble and I may fall, but I believe and know for sure that Jesus Christ will never let me go, because He is not done yet with me; and He will always hold my hands and bring me back to stand up every time I fall and ask for sincere forgiveness. My faith may be as small as a mustard seed, but I intend to plant that seed deep in my heart. I discovered myself that those things of the past which might have been enjoyable to be indulged with, are now so distasteful and remorseful, and this makes me more confident to avoid them. They will never bring me peace and happiness, only meditating on God's words and Jesus' unfailing love will bring peace and joy to me.
Currently, God has shown blessing to restore my life slowly but surely. Because, miraculously my Urine Supervision has been revoked within only 9 months after my prison release instead of 2 years, with the help of a letter of recommendation from a Church in Jakarta (Indonesia), this is certainly a very rare case, and then my passport has also been returned to me and I can now travel in and out of Singapore, and although I was still unable to find a permanent job, my wife has a substantial earning power that all my family's needs can be fully provided, and we can even put aside substantial savings every month now. And best of all, I can now communicate with my wife especially by sharing bible knowledge and reading to each other on Christian books. My relationship with her is somehow in the restoration process as we walk together in Christ, I thank and praise the Lord.
When my wife lost her job in 2002. She lost her confidence to find new job and stayed with me in Batam. Since then, our family relied on my salary alone. At this time, with whatever money can buy in a vice place like Batam, I and my wife went deeper into drug addictions; I resorted to drugs in order to find peace. We started with ecstasy-pills where I found I could talk in peace and empathy with my wife, but it was only temporary, as we continued and upgraded to a more dangerous drug like ICE, where we were heavily addicted. Drugs made the situation worse. I lived in an unreal world, and when the drug's effects subdued, the violence intensified.
Consumed by drugs for about 3 years, I ignored the parental responsibility to our 5 children. They lived in poverty and obtain help from social welfare organization, CDC, relatives and in laws. Our maid had to work to take care of our children without being paid for about 3 years. Under the influence of drugs and in the circle of wicked friends, I was also involved in manslaughters in Batam. I felt no remorse then, because the blood belonged to the dark society anyway. But, remained deep in my heart was the guilt for the victims and the innocent family left behind.
To feed by drug addiction I sold everything I had and became officially bankrupt in 2005. I lost my job and planned to smuggle drugs into Singapore. I purchased 3 packs at 7grams or total of 21 grams of ICE Cristal in Batam, and carried with me by ferry to Singapore together with my wife. However, through a betrayal of some friends in the drug circle, I was caught by the Singapore authorities at the Tanah Merah ferry terminal in Singapore on my way back from Batam. While under detention, my father died in Surabaya, and I had no chance to pay my last respect.
My life seemed to have collapsed when I was detained at Queenstown Remand prison (QRP) in Nov 2006. My 2nd son got me an affordable lawyer whom was his own lecturer (my son studied law diploma at an external university with the help a catholic church's fund). The lawyer told me my minimum sentence by law will be 5 years and 5 strokes of rotan, because the drug in my possession had been weighed by HSA (Singapore Health Science Authority) to be 18grams of class A drugs, and worse still I was considered trafficking the drugs from Batam (Indonesia) to Singapore. The Law states death penalty for trafficking in 20grams or more of class A drugs, and I was only short of 2 grams to the death penalty. The best sentence he can bargain with the prosecutor would be 7 years with 5 strokes. That was the best he can do. I was really devastated, depressed and tried to commit suicide in QRP. Then, came the court order to put me in IMH mental hospital for evaluation. I was warded for 3 weeks in IMH (mental hospital) and released back under medication to QRP with a report.
It came the right time God made Himself known to me through a person by the name of Lim in QRP, He built faith and hope in me. He assured me that God loves me, and waiting for me to come back to Him through this hard way. He told me that it was not coincidence that I met him in Singapore prison, and it was not coincidence that drug was the only subject of my arrest lest other crimes I had committed, like murder, and it was not coincidence that I was caught by Singapore justice system and not Batam's which might be more unbearable. It was all God's Love, plan and work of mercy towards me.
Lim gave me my first Christian book called "healing your heart from the painful memory". I confessed all my sins through Lim without hesitation, because he assured me for what Jesus Christ has done, that no sin is so great that it cannot be forgiven, and he read to me the sinners prayer. Lim always prayed for me, my wife, and my children, and assured me to seek first the Kingdom of God and Its righteousness first and the rest just leave it to Him, as God will take care of my family at home, that I should not be worried now as God will provide all my family's needs through His blessing, and what I should do was only to surrender myself to Him, concentrate with God and be as close as possible with Him while I was in prison. Lim's most hopeful statement was: "with God, nothing is impossible, HE will show His miracle when we trust Him".
This was the first time I experienced some peace and Hope of miracle in my life. I started reading Bibles and Christian books. The most memorable verses that God touched me in QRPrison, was the story of Joseph. In which God assured me that "although they meant harmed to you, but I will make it work for the good of you". Since, then I always looked forward to prison's yard time just to be able to listen to Lim's preaching of Parables in Bible together with a group of 4-6 inmates, the same people always together, and always ended the gathering when the yard time was over, with some prayers together, and Lim always prayed specifically for me and my family every time. Coincidentally, every time the prison changed cell-rooms for me, somehow I always had a good Christian inmate to accompany me, and shared God's word with me.
I remembered vividly the following event, which has been the anchor of my faith to God, was that one very day, which was about a week before my final hearing for sentence to be passed. I had one inmate in my cell-room, a very young man about 17years old but behaving like a 5years old child, and he had a disfigured face (like human-pig face). And I remember meeting him during my treatment in IMH, where I was told by the warden to bathe this boy and changed the diaper for him. Here, he was said to have committed a mild crime, charged with burning his neighbor's laundry and molested a girl by touching her. And he was pending a transfer to IMH (Mental Hospital) again for his mental treatment. He never talked to anyone but only mumbling to himself in hokkien dialect. I shared my ex-visit food rations from my wife with him because I pitied him for he had no one to visit him. I did not talk much with him for I knew it was useless to talk to him, as well as my fear from looking at his face that he may get violent.
That night he suddenly woke me up in the middle of night and said in English, (it may not be precisely words by words, but I am very certain this was exactly he said in a clear tone): "I want you to know and not to worry because your sentence would only be a while (and he mentioned the number of months), you are here because God wants you to discover your purpose in life" and then he hugged me, I cried like a child in his hug because I was happy touched by a hopeful news, the hope of a miracle from God, although I did not actually know what it meant with "the purpose". But I surely know that God has spoken to help me like a father through this young man, who would never have spoken any sensible words to anyone, not only because he was so young and seemed to speak only in hokkien dialect, but also at his mentally retarded condition!, yet, he could speak with me like this!, I kept saying thank you to him. And he was transferred out the next morning.
This experience gave me a stronger peace and faith in my prayer till the actual sentence day. I told my wife through glass-partition during her visit at QRP before the sentencing day that "God spoke to me through a young retarded man that my sentence would only be a while for 6 months". I saw her red-eyes, I didn't know if that meant she believed me or not, or thought I turned crazy, but I was certainly very cooled and confident when I sat at court room bench, when the sentence was read.
The young man told me 6 months, but the judge passed the sentence as 9 months and 3 weeks with no Rotan canning; I had some confusion for a while because I was so convinced of God's message to me was 6 months, but still I felt very happy and relieved because 9 months and 6 months both were quite close anyway, until my Lawyer approached me and said: "congratulation, you would only serve 6 months and 2 weeks after remission". That was the striking convincing moment for me of God's miracle and grace. God did not just make a miracle by passing an impossibly light sentence for my heavy crime, but he actually let me know in advance that it was He who did it!
After that I was transferred from QRP to non remand prisons (Admiralty prison about 2 months, and then KhalsaC Prison about 1 months), and since then I had been telling this testimony of God's miracle and grace to any Christian brothers I met, through out serving my prison's remaining sentence of 3 months plus, and I shared with many, the hope of a miracle and I believed it had given them more faith to be close to God. And truly, I found all drug offenders with similar cases like me in both prisons whomever I met, were all way high above 5 years sentence with permanent bruises on their buttock caused by rotan canning. They were all surprised by my short-sentence. Those who were non-believers reasoned out that it was my IMH report that worked out the miracle or some said: the new Chief Justice who was more lenient to offenders; but the truth which I know was God who worked things out. (It might be through my wife's hands of persistent fight on my case, it might be through the IMH report, it might be through the sudden compassion of the Judicial system when passing the sentence, etc). Whatever that happened; I know God had spoken to me that it was Him who did it!
At this moment in Admiralty prison serving almost halfway the total term, I was still having a lot of queries in my mind about what that young retarded boy said, about ‘finding my purpose in life'. In my thinking I had a great value and purpose as declared by God. And probably God wanted to use me greatly on planet earth like being a great preacher or pastor to transform a vast majority of people. Until I met an inmate by the name of Jabez, he was an Indian Christian who liked to have fellowship with other inmates during the yard time. He suddenly passed me a book by Rick Warren titled: ‘the purpose driven life', he asked me to read just one section a day for 40 days, and no rushing. Then only that I realized my purpose in life was to come back to the Father like the prodigal son in the bible. It may not be like that great imagination I had beforehand, but it is still the greatest thing I ever did in my life.
My wife was somehow made it on her own while I was in prison; she could live clean from drugs and had a good job that could support all the children needs. Even, she was able to move to a bigger 5-room HDB flat while I was in prison. And she was getting more job-offers with better pay then. She got a job interview in Shanghai – China. However, her preference to work in China disturbed my mind, as I thought she wanted to avoid me after my release, and lead a life on her own far from me. I felt depressed and hopeless.
Then, God again strengthen my faith as this Christian brother, Jabez passed me a letter quoting Jeremiah 29:11 "for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future". I believed it was the message from God, because I never told this brother about my marriage life, and my most recent intention to give up my marriage when released from prison, and yet he could write after that verse: "God wants you not to leave your wife, as your wife needs you, and your children needs you, God wants you to love them like Jesus Christ loves you". The letter also contained a HP number of Brother Francis Sim, and asked me to contact this brother upon my release. (Brother Francis has since become like my spiritual father after my release).
On 19 May 2007, I was released from KCprison after serving exactly 6 months and 2 weeks. It was the day I breathed freedom, the first time I appreciated life in my life. A life of knowing there is God who loves me so dearly.
To keep faith in the prison is much easier than outside prison, where the real world is. After the release from prison in May 2007, I had deep depression. The reality sucked: I could not have my passport as I was under Police Urine Supervision for the next 2 years, and I could not find jobs even lower level job than my last job because of my background record as an ex-convict as well as a bankrupt, and my relationship with my wife was still getting nowhere, although I had much stronger patience in me after prison, but still I felt a low self esteemed, suppressed emotion, as I could not communicate with my wife at all, I feel rejected by everyone, even my own mother and siblings still thought I was a drug addicts and my siblings put a cold shoulder on me with avoiding attitude, and my 1st son accused me of stealing my wife's money and expressed words like I am a useless person, banging table and chair at me. I resisted myself from anger instead I could only cry. I felt it was my own sin of dishonoring my parents and my violent acts against my wife in the past that I had to suffer the curse of a permanent prisoner now. A self pity's feeling, and I felt like committing suicide.
You see, I could only imagine the Love of God and Jesus. But I could not see nor feel it. And I felt God had distanced away from me and left me with a shattered life. So it is hard for me to sustain my faith in the real world, although I believe strongly and undoubtedly true that God has touched me in prison, but still my faith was shattered by the bitterness of life. I drowned my self in alcohol and cigarettes to forget the reality.
But my brother Francis Sim, in him I could feel Jesus' love again, because Brother Francis never gave up to show his persistence and perseverance to guide and advise me through his sharing of God's words, and showed me care and taught me to persevere with Jesus in my heart. He never gave up and spent his own time and money for me. And finally, he brought me to the Encounter weekend of FCBC (Community Baptist Church). To come to the Encounter itself had actually brought a heavy struggle inside me. I even had nightmares and uneasy feelings like my soul being pulled in 2 opposite directions in my dreams. I almost gave up the Encounter, and ask for the next session. But, Brother Francis still never gave me up.
I made it to the Encounter out of God's will. Because in there, I received a more complete healing. In the Encounter, Pastor Vincent Teo and Brother Francis have delivered me, they lifted out my emotional baggage caused by damaged soul and erased my guilt-ridden burden, I had full confessions and repentance, and I received the forgiveness from the Lord during the encounter. They also prayed for the deliverance of my alcohol and cigarettes addiction, and prayed for breaking all curses in my family line. I felt mentally light, felt the joy of forgiveness, and for the first time I felt no self pity anymore, I feel confident of my future life walking with Jesus in my heart.
Also, for the first time, I could feel confident to shower my wife with love and feel the joy of just expressing my love to her, without worry whether or not she would return me the same love. In the encounter, the words that touched me in regards to this was that "how are we going to fulfill God's greatest commandment, i.e. to love Him and Love one another, if we cannot even express our love to our wife who is just next to us. It has been wonderful to feel like I am a newly born person of confidence; my old self had completely died, put to death on the cross.
But, to tell the truth, Satan has and would try harder to pull me back after the encounter, as within the next week after the encounter, Satan disturbed me with the flashes of the past again to make me feel depressed. Satan whispered in my mind to touch cigarettes and alcohol again, to alleviate the sorrow. "The Bible never mentioned that you cannot smoke!, and even you smoke God will understand and forgive you" And "never mind you still have whisky; drink it, even Jesus requested to drink sour wine at the moment of His suffering on the cross".
I may stumble and I may fall, but I believe and know for sure that Jesus Christ will never let me go, because He is not done yet with me; and He will always hold my hands and bring me back to stand up every time I fall and ask for sincere forgiveness. My faith may be as small as a mustard seed, but I intend to plant that seed deep in my heart. I discovered myself that those things of the past which might have been enjoyable to be indulged with, are now so distasteful and remorseful, and this makes me more confident to avoid them. They will never bring me peace and happiness, only meditating on God's words and Jesus' unfailing love will bring peace and joy to me.
Currently, God has shown blessing to restore my life slowly but surely. Because, miraculously my Urine Supervision has been revoked within only 9 months after my prison release instead of 2 years, with the help of a letter of recommendation from a Church in Jakarta (Indonesia), this is certainly a very rare case, and then my passport has also been returned to me and I can now travel in and out of Singapore, and although I was still unable to find a permanent job, my wife has a substantial earning power that all my family's needs can be fully provided, and we can even put aside substantial savings every month now. And best of all, I can now communicate with my wife especially by sharing bible knowledge and reading to each other on Christian books. My relationship with her is somehow in the restoration process as we walk together in Christ, I thank and praise the Lord.
Throughout his life, Shakyamuni encouraged people with his clear, sonorous voice.
Throughout his life, Shakyamuni encouraged people with his clear, sonorous voice. A Buddhist text describes how Shakyamuni warmheartedly welcomed everyone he met, expressing his joy at seeing them. He showed affection, joy and gentleness in all his interactions. He greeted everyone with courtesy and respect. He never scowled or grimaced. And to put others at ease and encourage them to speak up, Shakyamuni would always break the ice by initiating the conversation. It was the power of Shakyamuni's eloquence and sincerity that made it possible for Buddhism to gain wide acceptance among the people of his time.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/11
How to establish meaningful lives during your youth?
To establish meaningful lives, I hope that during your youth you will work hard to polish you intellect. Life, in a sense, is a battle of wisdom. It is the power of Buddhism that enables one to win this battle. True faith is characterized by a brilliance of intellect and depth of wisdom that result from devotion to practice.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/11
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Have Faith Will Travel
Spiritual Story by Elizabeth S. Lawrence
Three years ago, I was asked to give a talk about ATTITUDE at a business seminar in a hotel setting. When I went up to the front which was two minutes after I started my preliminary introduction, I felt a sharp pain in the middle of my back.
I stopped suddenly and excused myself. As I turned my back, I saw confusion from the faces of the audience through the back wall made up of mirrors.
As my topic was so appropriate to the way I reacted to the situation, I kept myself calmed, composed and collected.
At first I thought it was just an ordinary pain but as minutes went by, it got worst. The audience started panicking. I could not stand up anymore nor sit down so some of them came to hold me whatever or whichever way they thought would be comfortable for me.
They started praying together. I heard one lady praying in tongue and the rest were stunned and just sat there and didn't know what to do.
The pain was so intense that I could not even utter a word so somebody called the ambulance and when it came the pain on my back shot up to my chest.
At the emergency room, as much as the pain was so unbearable, I could still hear the doctor saying, "Oh, that is just anxiety. You women always suffer from anxiety."
I knew it wasn't anxiety. It felt like a whole elephant landed on my chest. I never ever had that kind of pain before. Multiple tests were carried out and while these procedures were being done I prayed to God and said, "God, please forgive me for my sins but if you are ready for me, I am ready." Then I added, "But God, I still have so much things to do for you."
Think about it. How many of those who died suddenly had the opportunity to repent and asked for forgiveness for their sins from the Lord? It would be more tragic if they didn't.
Then the nurses took me to have a CAT Scan and that was when they found out that I have Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm which is commonly called Triple A.
I was taken straight to ICU and very carefully monitored me. I didn't know at the time that my blood pressure was 290/210.
The doctors could not fly me over to another more equipped hospital as my condition would not take the flight and chances were I would die on the way with a 20% survival rate. They just continued with the necessary medical procedures keeping me alive and comfortable.
Two days after, the doctor asked me to sign a form which stated, NO RESUSCITATION just in case anything happened to me. He said to call my family or whoever I needed or wanted to call to discuss the matter.
When the doctor left, I prayed to God saying, "God, I know you gave these doctors a gift of healing and I don't care what they say because I know You are the greatest Healer of them all."
My family came, closest friends and had asked for the Bishop and the parish priest who came also. After praying and blessing me, the Bishop said to me that whatever my decision would be, they would respect it.
Little did I know that nobody believed that I would survive after two days but they did not know about the power of thoughts, words, belief and faith. I DID.
Then my father who is living on the other side of the world called me and said, "My child, you are healed." Right there and then I knew I was healed because I believed that. After almost a month at the ICU, I was transferred to the general ward and two more weeks I was discharged.
After five weeks, I was back to the hospital via ambulance and found out that the AAA was getting worst so I was flown away to Lahey Clinic in Boston via air ambulance. There, I stayed for few more weeks. I had all the unbelievable healings that anybody we encountered considered them miracles. I do too. I was able to go home escaping the bypass operation as well.
December 6th, 2006, I had a sharp pain on my chest. Again, I was taken to the hospital via ambulance. Examinations revealed that I was developing fluid in my right lung so again they took me straight to ICU. Two big tubes were inserted on my back to drain the fluid but in vain. I was not tolerating any food nor any liquid so I began to shed some weight off which was against all odds with my small frame already.
I was feeling worst and developing fever and still no drainage. Another x-ray was taken and showed that the fluids were filling up my lung very quickly so the doctor decided to fly me over again at Lahey Clinic in Boston for operation. Off I went via air ambulance.
More and more procedures were instituted. My arms were tattoed with IV's and injections everyday. More X-rays, ECG's, CAT Scan, MRI's, blood tests. The doctor scheduled me to have the operation the next day which was on Decmber 11, 2006 instead of the scheduled day.
It was a very long battle but I never gave up hope nor faith in God.
Christmas time, I was alone in a foreign land, in the hospital, sick in bed with no family, nor relative and not a single friend with me. But I knew that the Good Lord was always there for me and never left me and guiding me and protecting me all the way.
After a month, I went home.
Everybody went through something maybe even worst than what I have been through. We do hear a lot about that it's not what happened to us that matters. It's what we do with what happens to us that is more important.
Three chances I was given in life and very grateful that I am still being showered with many of God's blessings. My life has received miracles after miracles after miracles.
It has been more than three years since the first incident and I am still recovering. I am still under the doctor's supervision and still having frequent check-ups and maintenace. Although I am homebound, I owe it to God, big time, to me and to everybody to continue to get better so I can be an instrument for Him which is one of my passions.
I am very grateful for what had happened to me because even though I considered myself a devout Catholic, not until I stayed home and spent one on one with God that I realized I have so much catching up to do.
Three years ago, I was asked to give a talk about ATTITUDE at a business seminar in a hotel setting. When I went up to the front which was two minutes after I started my preliminary introduction, I felt a sharp pain in the middle of my back.
I stopped suddenly and excused myself. As I turned my back, I saw confusion from the faces of the audience through the back wall made up of mirrors.
As my topic was so appropriate to the way I reacted to the situation, I kept myself calmed, composed and collected.
At first I thought it was just an ordinary pain but as minutes went by, it got worst. The audience started panicking. I could not stand up anymore nor sit down so some of them came to hold me whatever or whichever way they thought would be comfortable for me.
They started praying together. I heard one lady praying in tongue and the rest were stunned and just sat there and didn't know what to do.
The pain was so intense that I could not even utter a word so somebody called the ambulance and when it came the pain on my back shot up to my chest.
At the emergency room, as much as the pain was so unbearable, I could still hear the doctor saying, "Oh, that is just anxiety. You women always suffer from anxiety."
I knew it wasn't anxiety. It felt like a whole elephant landed on my chest. I never ever had that kind of pain before. Multiple tests were carried out and while these procedures were being done I prayed to God and said, "God, please forgive me for my sins but if you are ready for me, I am ready." Then I added, "But God, I still have so much things to do for you."
Think about it. How many of those who died suddenly had the opportunity to repent and asked for forgiveness for their sins from the Lord? It would be more tragic if they didn't.
Then the nurses took me to have a CAT Scan and that was when they found out that I have Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm which is commonly called Triple A.
I was taken straight to ICU and very carefully monitored me. I didn't know at the time that my blood pressure was 290/210.
The doctors could not fly me over to another more equipped hospital as my condition would not take the flight and chances were I would die on the way with a 20% survival rate. They just continued with the necessary medical procedures keeping me alive and comfortable.
Two days after, the doctor asked me to sign a form which stated, NO RESUSCITATION just in case anything happened to me. He said to call my family or whoever I needed or wanted to call to discuss the matter.
When the doctor left, I prayed to God saying, "God, I know you gave these doctors a gift of healing and I don't care what they say because I know You are the greatest Healer of them all."
My family came, closest friends and had asked for the Bishop and the parish priest who came also. After praying and blessing me, the Bishop said to me that whatever my decision would be, they would respect it.
Little did I know that nobody believed that I would survive after two days but they did not know about the power of thoughts, words, belief and faith. I DID.
Then my father who is living on the other side of the world called me and said, "My child, you are healed." Right there and then I knew I was healed because I believed that. After almost a month at the ICU, I was transferred to the general ward and two more weeks I was discharged.
After five weeks, I was back to the hospital via ambulance and found out that the AAA was getting worst so I was flown away to Lahey Clinic in Boston via air ambulance. There, I stayed for few more weeks. I had all the unbelievable healings that anybody we encountered considered them miracles. I do too. I was able to go home escaping the bypass operation as well.
December 6th, 2006, I had a sharp pain on my chest. Again, I was taken to the hospital via ambulance. Examinations revealed that I was developing fluid in my right lung so again they took me straight to ICU. Two big tubes were inserted on my back to drain the fluid but in vain. I was not tolerating any food nor any liquid so I began to shed some weight off which was against all odds with my small frame already.
I was feeling worst and developing fever and still no drainage. Another x-ray was taken and showed that the fluids were filling up my lung very quickly so the doctor decided to fly me over again at Lahey Clinic in Boston for operation. Off I went via air ambulance.
More and more procedures were instituted. My arms were tattoed with IV's and injections everyday. More X-rays, ECG's, CAT Scan, MRI's, blood tests. The doctor scheduled me to have the operation the next day which was on Decmber 11, 2006 instead of the scheduled day.
It was a very long battle but I never gave up hope nor faith in God.
Christmas time, I was alone in a foreign land, in the hospital, sick in bed with no family, nor relative and not a single friend with me. But I knew that the Good Lord was always there for me and never left me and guiding me and protecting me all the way.
After a month, I went home.
Everybody went through something maybe even worst than what I have been through. We do hear a lot about that it's not what happened to us that matters. It's what we do with what happens to us that is more important.
Three chances I was given in life and very grateful that I am still being showered with many of God's blessings. My life has received miracles after miracles after miracles.
It has been more than three years since the first incident and I am still recovering. I am still under the doctor's supervision and still having frequent check-ups and maintenace. Although I am homebound, I owe it to God, big time, to me and to everybody to continue to get better so I can be an instrument for Him which is one of my passions.
I am very grateful for what had happened to me because even though I considered myself a devout Catholic, not until I stayed home and spent one on one with God that I realized I have so much catching up to do.
Why is it important that we live cheerfully?
It is important that we live cheerfully. With a strong spirit of optimism, we need to be able to continually direct our minds in a bright, positive and beneficial direction and help those around us do so, too. We should strive to develop a state of life where we feel a sense of joy no matter what happens.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/11
What is the purpose of faith?
The purpose of faith is to become happy. I hope all of you will take this sure path to happiness, never wandering onto byroads that lead to unhappiness. Please walk the great path of kosen-rufu with confidence and pride.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/11
What is the way of a truly capable person and a true leader?
Buddhism places the highest value on human rights and seeks to ensure that human rights are respected. In caring for just one person, one tries to thoroughly protect and do everything he can for that person. One who respects and embraces the children of the Buddha in this way is a truly capable person and a true leader.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/11
Monday, November 14, 2011
Why merit doesn't reveal itself in spite of our earnest and high degree of faith?
There are cases when we wonder why merit doesn't reveal itself in spite of our earnest and high degree of faith. At such times, rather than suspecting that you may entertain doubt about the Gohonzon, it is better to ask yourself whether you are guilty of a type of slander. Because a person who is contemptuous, hating, jealous or holds grudges will realize no benefits.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/11
The benefit of doing gongyo and chanting daimoku.
The Daishonin has taught us that through gongyo and chanting daimoku we can reach an elevated state in which, while engaged in our daily lives, we travel throughout the entire universe. When you worship the Gohonzon, the door to your microcosm is opened to the entire universe, the macrocosm, and you experience a great, boundless joy, as if you were looking out over the entire cosmos. You feel great satisfaction and rejoicing, a great wisdom, as if you held the entire universe in your palm.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/11
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/11
Guardian's Support Needed
Spiritual Story by BK Surat Singh Ayer
In the kite flying season of the year, there was a kite that flew very very high, all the way to the end of its thread. The kite noticed off in th distance that an eagle was flying even higher, and more freely without the thread tying it down.
This gave the kite the idea that if he were free from the thread, then h too could go beyond the height of the sky... that he could even go higher than the eagle. The kite believed that if he could do this then he would b truly and deeply happy. He wanted more than anything to be free from his thread.
As it turns out, coincidentally another kite ran into him and cut his thread. Immediately, he was overcome with joy at his newfound freedom. "Oh," he thought, "now it is my luck to fly up even higher than the eagle!"
With great enthusiasm, he tried to fly up. However, instead of going upwards, the kite gradually flew lower and lower. No matter how hard he tried, the kit continued to stumble downwards until it not only fell to the earth, it also became trapped in a thick bush. To make matters worse, a bunch of kids came and severely damaged the bush and kite. The kite was nearly destroyed as a result of not having any support from his tying thread... his true nature was forever lost as a result of his overly ambitious thoughts.
In the kite flying season of the year, there was a kite that flew very very high, all the way to the end of its thread. The kite noticed off in th distance that an eagle was flying even higher, and more freely without the thread tying it down.
This gave the kite the idea that if he were free from the thread, then h too could go beyond the height of the sky... that he could even go higher than the eagle. The kite believed that if he could do this then he would b truly and deeply happy. He wanted more than anything to be free from his thread.
As it turns out, coincidentally another kite ran into him and cut his thread. Immediately, he was overcome with joy at his newfound freedom. "Oh," he thought, "now it is my luck to fly up even higher than the eagle!"
With great enthusiasm, he tried to fly up. However, instead of going upwards, the kite gradually flew lower and lower. No matter how hard he tried, the kit continued to stumble downwards until it not only fell to the earth, it also became trapped in a thick bush. To make matters worse, a bunch of kids came and severely damaged the bush and kite. The kite was nearly destroyed as a result of not having any support from his tying thread... his true nature was forever lost as a result of his overly ambitious thoughts.
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