Attitude, Determination and Courage

ON ATTITUDE:

"When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure. "

"Those who are always complaining about their circumstances find that success continually eludes them. As do those who speak ill of others or who make excuses for their failures. "

ON COURAGE:
"If you summon your courage to challenge something, you'll never be left with regret. How sad it is to spend your life wishing, "If only I'd had a little more courage." Whatever the outcome may be, the important thing is to step forward on the path that you believe is right. "

English Discussion Meet

Yesterday I went for a English discussion meeting in Sri Damansara. Dr Boey made a rare appearance. For someone as busy as he is, saving lives, it is an honour to have him attend a discussion meeting, I was told. My first impression of him was that he looked a lot like President Ikeda when the President was younger. The looks are so alike, it is uncanny. Looking at Dr Boey reminds me of all the pictures of President Ikeda as depicted in The New Human Revolution book.

Dr Boey said something to the group that made a deep impression to Annie and I. He said that in order to strengthen one's faith there are 2 things we have to do:
1. "wanting to do something";
2. "praying for the courage/strength/energy/wisdom to do it"

He said that wanting to do something means really putting one's mind and soul to doing it. We should always cover 4 aspect when talked about doing something:
a. Gakkai activities
b. our job
c. our family
d. our social life

There are opportunity to do kosen-rufu in each of the 4 areas - focusing on your job is working on kosen-rufu. Spending time with family is kosen-rufu. Focusing on all these 4 aspects does not mean that you need to allocate equal time for all four. This is where prayers come in - to give you the wisdom on what is the right time to focus and on which area.

For example, if this weekend is an anniversary, then you really need to spend time with the wife and pay more attention on the family part, even if it means not doing your office duty. On another weekend, it may mean that you are putting 12 hours into job and not on family. When and how much time to put in is where wisdom comes in. And wisdom is obtained from? Prayers!

And we should not forget the non-member friends, Dr Boey said. Human interactions is important because through these interactions, whether with members or non members, you build the relationship and thus paving ways for more kosen-rufu in the future.

Good Cheer

It's especially important during times of difficulty and hardship not to lose your good cheer, and to continue encouraging others and moving dynamically forward. Living in such a way is proof itself of the power of Buddhism and becomes the positive driving force for kosen-rufu.

- Cosmic October 2006

Glossary

Bodhisattva: A being aspiring to enlightenment or a future Buddha. The Bodhisattva seeks salvation for others and therefore concentrates on altruistic aims.

Dai-Gohonzon: The fundamental and supreme object of worship enshrined in the Sho-Hondo, Grand Main Temple, of the Nichiren Soshu head temple. It was inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin on October 12, 1279, to save all mankind from distress and unhappiness. The Dai-Gohonzon is the embodiment both of the profound theory of the Three Great Secret Laws and of the life of the Daishonin himself.

Daimoku: The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which Nichiren Shoshu believers chant in their worship of the Gohonzon. Only by means of this invocation is it possible for a person to draw on the life force inherent in him and thus enjoy life fully.

Gohonzon: The object of worship in Nichiren Shoshu, first inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin in 1279. At present it is inscribed only by the high priest of Nichiren Soshu and bestowed upon followers. "Go" is an honorific prefix; "honzon" means object of worship.

Gongyo: The prayer service performed by believers before the Gohonzon every morning and evening. During Gongyo, they recite the Hoben and Juryo chapters of the Lotus Sutra and chat the Daimoku.

Gosho: The complete works of Nichiren Daishonin, consisting of religious theses and letters to his disciples. For the followers of Nichiren Soshu, it serves a function similar to that of the Bible in Christianity.


Kosen Rufu: The attainment of world peace and happiness through the propagation of the spirit and teachings of true Buddhism.

Lotus Sutra: The next to last sutra expounded by Sakyamuni, it is his highest teaching, though the term also refers to the highest teaching of any Buddha, and its implications may vary with time. For instance, the Lotus Sutra of the Zoho, or Middle Day of the Law, is the Mo-ho-chih-kuan of T'ien-t'ai; and that of the Mappo, or Latter Day of the Law, is Nichiren Daishonin's Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, or the Gohonzon.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: Literally, "Devotion to the Wonderful Law Lotus Sutra." Initiated by Nichiren Daishonin, the True Buddha in the Latter Day of the Law, this invocation is the basis of universal life - the most fundamental law of all phenomena in the universe.

Nichiren Daishonin (1222-82): The founder of Nichiren Soshu, whose teachings are the basis of Soka Gakkai. A fisherman's son, he inherited the doctrine of Sakyamuni and in 1253, at the age of 31, distilled the essence of the Lotus Sutra into Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. In 1279 he exalted it to the position of the supreme guide for people living in the Latter Dat of Sakyamuni's law and embodied it in the form of the Dai-Gohonzon, the ultimate object of worship of Nichiren Soshu. Daishonin is an honorific suffix that is interpreted to mean "the True Buddha in the Latter Day of the Law."

The Ten States of Life: The states of life that are manifest in both pysical and spiritual aspects of all human activities. These ten states are hell, hunger, animality, anger, tranquillity, rapture, learning, absorption (realization), Bodhisattva nature and Buddha nature.

Transforming Our Way of Living

This is an excerpt of an article by Mr Ikeda in the Japan Times, titled "Transforming Our Way of Living"

....encouragement is not something offered at arm's length, keeping oneself at a safe distance. Real encouragement is conveyed only in the process of sharing the reality of life's sufferings and challenges. Making the effort to live this way amid the corruptions and humiliations of society, striving to offer the gifts of courage and hope, brings out the inner radiance of our lives. Encouraging others enables us to fully grasp the meaning of our lives and experience enduring happiness. The transformation from a self-centered, self-involved way of life to one dedicated to the well-being of others is the process of "human revolution."

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20070412a1.html

Anti-Social is not good!

In Japan, the mountain potatoes known as taros are rough and dirty when harvested, but when they are placed in a basin of running water together and rolled against each other, the skin peels away, leaving the potatoes shining clean and ready for cooking. Similarly, the only way for us to hone and polish our character is through our interactions with others.

Illness

Illness is not something to feel ashamed of. It is not a sign of misfortune or defeat. Suffering is the fuel of wisdom, and it opens the way to happiness. Through illness, human beings can gain insight into the meaning of life, understand its value and dignity, and strive to lead more fulfilling lives.

- ikedaquotes.org

Envy

An envious person does not look at those more capable than him and aspire to better himself; he plots to drag them down to his own level. Jealousy is simply an unwitting admittance of one's own flaws and failings.

- from ikedaquotes.org

Overcoming Difficulties

"Whatever your work may be, make a greater effort than anyone else and strive to produce remarkable results, demonstrating your victory for all to see.

Q: What have you enjoyed most in life?
A: Overcoming difficulties. (by Helen Keller)

True happiness in life is found in struggling to accomplish something of value.”

One mind

"When we are all of one mind, we can succeed in anything. And even when we fail, failure opens up new paths and new vistas for other attempts. When we work together, there will always be a way. This is the strength given to believers in true Buddhism."

- Josei Toda -

High Standards

"... every worthwhile project demands work and effort. In times like these, you'll never accomplish anything with a defeatist attitude." Toda continued: "Set yourself difficult tasks; then overcome them. Weaklings are afraid of difficulties, but I know I don't have any weaklings in my office."

- Josei Toda -

Friendship

Friendship, precious in any form, is more ennobling when it is based on a common belief in some great cause. Purely worldly friendship, though often beautiful and valuable, does not always go deep; it may even disintegrate in the face of difficulties and adversities. Friendship between people of common faith, however, endures anything and inspires the friends to risk their very lives in the struggle toward their common goal.

- Josei Toda -

Fostering Capable People

This morning, Fong Yee and I were talking about how to foster our staff to be capable people. This is what we have shared with each other....

Rather than judging people as competent or incompetent, it is best to look for each person's positive qualities. We should discover and praise their inherent strengths and abilities. Whether or not capable people are fostered comes down to the resolve and effort of the people who take responsibility for their growth.

There are always able people; the challenge lies in discovering and fostering them. The irresponsible fail to see them and the self-centered cannot raise them.

People who cease to grow can't inspire others. Leadership begins with challenging oneself.

- Daisaku Ikeda -

Daily Encouragement - Mar 26

When seen from the perspective of life's true value, whether a person is rich or poor is a marginal issue at best. The truly impoverished are those who are wealthier than others who take themselves too seriously and look down upon the less affluent. Happiness will never be a handout; it's something we create with our own hands.

- Daisaku Ikeda -

BlogThings

Saw this at Cathy's blog and wanted to try it.
This is amazingly accurate..

Here's what it says about Annie:

Your Birthdate: Month Day

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you. Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first. You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world. An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be. Your strength: Your intuition Your weakness: You put yourself last Your power color: Rose Your power symbol: Cloud Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

and me:

Your Birthdate: Month Day

You tend to be understated and under appreciated. You have a hidden force to do amazing things, doing them your own way. People may see you as strange and shy, but they know little. Your unconventional ways have more power than they (and even you) know. Your strength: Standing up for what you know is true Your weakness: You tend to be picky and rigid Your power color: Silver Your power symbol: Square Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Vol 67 - Hope

Gratitude is an expression of spiritual depth.
People who live with a sense of appreciation are joyful and happy.

Strength, wisdom and courage

Yesterday was one of those long day at work. My meetings were back to back. I met a few of my staff for one to one review. These reviews are normally exhausting because I am dealing with people and people are not machines - they are unpredictable, they need encouragement, they need praises or discipline.

I think today is going to be another one of those days. Every morning, when faced with challenges like this, I try to say a prayer or two while driving. Today I pray for:

1. the strength to go through the day with high spirit - meaning I know it's going to be tough but I wanted to go through it with smiles and positive mindset.

2. the wisdom to say the right thing, to make the right decision

3. the courage to stand on my ground, say the correct thing, even though the right thing may not be the nicest thing.

Hope my prayers are answered.

Complaints erase good fortune

"Complaints erase good fortune, grateful prayers build happiness throughout eternity"

Every time I complained about something, this quote came into my mind. It reminds me not to complain so much because it removed all the accumulated good fortune. This is why people who complained sound very negative and they find themselves spiraling downwards into the whirlpool of negativity! If you feel like complaining today, STOP! Instead, be grateful and say a prayer :)

Daily Encouragement - Feb 26

Gong Xi Fa Chai!!

I am back to work today, quite reluctantly after a long break during CNY. But Fong Yee reminded me this morning to live each day to the fullest and create values at my workplace. This also reminds me of a guidance from D. Ikeda which I would like to share with all of you. Have a splendid and fulfilling day ahead! :)


"Those who wake up each morning with work to accomplish and a mission to fulfill are the happiest person of all. Each day is one of supreme purpose and satisfaction. Each day is New Year's Day. Please exert yourselves vigorously with the determination to live each day to the fullest, so that you may compose a golden diary of life."

- Daisaku Ikeda -

No absence of beauty..

Annie always remind me that "there is no absence of beauty, only lack of discovery". I thought about this phrase on my way to work and I find that in this digital and Internet age, a lot of people tend to forget to discover the beauty in something they have.

Let me give you an example. When I was young and poor, I tend to truly treasure a lot of my possessions: books, music cassettes, computer games and even small little things like a "lead" pencil. I love to read and love music. I would save money to buy something I like. Most of the times, the things I bought did not turn out as I expected - the book is written with difficult English; the songs is not to my taste or the computer games, which cost RM50 that time, turned out to be something that I was not used to playing. At that time, that's the only book, song and games that I have. Like it or not, I still have to read it, listen to the music or plough through the computer games. And as I forced myself to read/listen/play, I discover the beauty behind the writing; I get used to the rhythm of the song; and I discovered unexplored worlds in the games. The more I read, the more I love the style of writing. The phrase above struck a deep chord with me. There is no absence of beauty.. it's just me, myself, not discovering the beauty behind a creation, a novel, a piece of music, a gaming world.

Today, most teenagers or adults alike has easy and free access to music, movies, TV series, softcopy of books and games. They don't need to save money to get them. All they need is a bit torrent software and time to download these from the Internet. It's all free, right? Just fire up the software, go to sleep and the next day, you will get access to the music, movies and games. For fellow Malaysians, we could buy the whole TV series for maybe a few ringgits. Not a lot of money.

Because of these easy access, people tend to throw away something that they don't like. They forget to discover. How many times did you delete the song that you downloaded which you previewed for only 5 second and found that you didn't like it? Or how many times do you find yourself uninstalling a games or software that you only played/used for 5 minutes? Or fast forward a movie to the end just to see the ending and then throw the CD away? How many of us truly go through the ordeal of listening to a unfamiliar tunes or movies or books to discover the beauty inside it, as the artist, directors, authors meant it to be?

The next time you listen to a song and decide to press the "Next Track" button, remember the phrase above. We must always strive to discover the beauty behind a creation.. be it a song, book, movie or even LIFE itself!