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Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin
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Bloodclot
Bloodclot
Started Topics :
93
Posts :
2190
Posted : Jan 13, 2009 11:05:51
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I've just begun to dwell into his teachings and I must say they certainly bring out a different feeling of being positive. I find myself to fall into phases of moods throughout the day. Bad news obviously puts me into more negative state (specially for
things I can't find solutions for) but after
chanting even for 5 minutes brings about a charge I cannot explain. The basic philosophy of this also dwindles around karma. You basically chant for the prosperity of somebody you'd like to see doing better or to overcome anything they maybe facing. The universe then conspires and puts in place things you desire from the heart. The 'right time' just seems to keep happening. If anyone does practice this, I'd love to hear some experiences.
Nam
The word nam derives from Sanskrit. A close translation of its meaning is "to devote oneself." Nichiren established the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, nam indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.
Myoho
Myoho literally means the Mystic Law, and expresses the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and the many different ways this life expresses itself. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such phenomena is a constant reality known as myo.
Renge
Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our individual lives are determined by the causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma." The law of cause and effect explains that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we can change it. The most powerful cause we can make is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of our life and will definitely manifest in time.
The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person.
Kyo
Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. Also, the Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp in a piece of woven cloth, symbolizing the continuity of life throughout past, present and future. In a broad sense, kyo conveys the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation of the Mystic Law.
More information over here http://www.sgi-usa.org/buddhism/
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exotic
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
200
Posts :
5057
Posted : Jan 24, 2009 17:01
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I have been chanting for the last seven years but only recently , last three months or so , have i started taking the practice more seriously and doing the morning and evening prayer almost every day brings a sense of calm and connection with something that i call the inner buddha. There is a buddha in each and everyone of us by chanting we tend to focus on bringing out that innate state of buddhahood. Every thing takes a while to materialize and if one does it with a true heart and honest intent the benefits will be enormous.
Everybody accumulates negative karma because of our misdeeds either in the past life or this and we are paying the consequences of those actions through what we what we call suffering. Suferring and joy are both part of life and one should take both in the stride in this journey called life.
So the focus is on expiating these negative deeds and reducing suffering by praying to the "Gohonzon" (the temple). The teachings also say that every one is entitled to lead a happy life without exception and the mystic law will work , fulfilling one's material desires , whatever they might be, if one spreads this message and goes about turning people's poison into medicine "happiness" ( kosen rufu)
Not that anything dramatic has happened since i started chanting , but i can see some self-discipline and organisation coming about as a result. That in itself is good enough. the power of now is greater than anything else 
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