One Essential Phrase

Never give out your password or credit card number in an instant message conversation.

Fong Yee says:
hi there
*sakura* says:
one moment pls.. on phone
*sakura* says:
i'm back
*sakura* says:
what's up??
Fong Yee says:
so did you chant nam-myoho-renge-kyo yesterday night?
*sakura* says:
yup
*sakura* says:
u?
Fong Yee says:
on phone now
*sakura* says:
lol
Fong Yee says:
hi
Fong Yee says:
i did 3 times.. twice yesterday and one this morning
Fong Yee says:
around 10 min each
Fong Yee says:
and yesterday i attended a Gosho study. Gosho is the religious book study. Twice a month in Sri Damansara. VERY Good talk yesterday.
*sakura* says:
woww... looks like u r committed-wor
*sakura* says:
what's the talk abt?
Fong Yee says:
of course. we must do it with conviction or don't do it at all
Fong Yee says:
The talk was abt the "One Essential Phrase"
*sakura* says:
pls. elaborate - this phrase tingy
Fong Yee says:
I will .. give me a minute. Go pee
*sakura* says:
k
Fong Yee says:
Ok.. back.
Fong Yee says:
Gosho study is on all the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha who expound the Lotus Sutra of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Yesterday night was a study on a letter written by him to a lady.
Fong Yee says:
The lady asked a question, presumably on behalf of his sick husband. The lady said, hubby is very sick and is not able to read the entire Lotus Sutra. So what can hubby do?
*sakura* says:
pls continue
Fong Yee says:
So ND said that by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, we are actually chanting the entire Lotus Sutra, implying that is a very powerful word.
Fong Yee says:
The speaker gave a good example. He said the atomic bomb that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki is powerful. But the formula for the bomb is really Einstein's e=mc2 and not some 10 page long formula.
Fong Yee says:
Similarly, NMRK is a simple phase, but it encompasses the whole essence of the entire Lotus Sutra, which is 8 volume, 69,000 characters!
*sakura* says:
interesting
*sakura* says:
wow!
Fong Yee says:
There's more.. trying to recall ..
*sakura* says:
k
Fong Yee says:
There's one other example that I like. The speaker said Sensai mentioned that our body is like a a mini universe. The hair on top of our heads are like the thousands sparkling stars, the hair on our body like trees in the forest, our blood veins like streams and rivers, our eyes a representation of the sun and moon, our breathe like the air gusting in the field, the warmth in our chest like summer and spring, the cold of our back like winter and autumn. So if our entire body is a microcosm of the Universe, then we need to
Fong Yee says:
be in rhythm with the Universe, to beat as one, to flow together and be with nature. Then, when our live is in rhythm, then things would move smoothly for us.
Fong Yee says:
This reminds me of another friend who told me about feng shui. Feng shui is all about aligning your location, your seating, your house, your being to be at the same flow as the qi in the world.. ie follow the path of the flow. So if you believe that feng shui can made someone's life smooth/rich/etc, then
Fong Yee says:
by implication, we need to also ensure our body, a mini universe, must be in the same flow as the forces in the universe and the way to ensure we are in rythm is to chant the power word. This explains why people who chant NMRK sees improvements in their lives.
Fong Yee says:
The speaker cautioned that not everyone who chants will see benefits instantly and the reason is because all of us have different karma (due to past life's doing).
Fong Yee says:
So someone who killed another human in the past life may need to chant for years because he can break the karmaic chain while someone who did good in past life may just need to chant a few hours.
Fong Yee says:
However, we shld always chant to break karma in times of difficulties and chant for gratitude in times of joy. Means, even someone who is having good life shld also chant for gratitude
Fong Yee says:
Did you get all the above?
*sakura* says:
yup
*sakura* says:
is that all?
Fong Yee says:
got
Fong Yee says:
coz MSN disconnect and said I can't send you msg so I am not sure if you got all of them
*sakura* says:
.
Fong Yee says:
then the speaker gave another example. We were talking abt Mystic Law and someone wonders if this Law really exists.
*sakura* says:
gd question-wor
Fong Yee says:
So the speaker said that take gravity for example. It exist but it was only discovered when an apple fell on top of Netwon's head. Another example, radiowave exists all these years but it was only discovered in 1900 year when someone discover radio - but these 2 things and more other Laws exist even 5000 years ago .. just not discovered aje
Fong Yee says:
So by definition, the Mystic Law exists.. and it was discovered by Nichiren Daishonin in 1200..
*sakura* says:
pls continue
Fong Yee says:
Mystic Law is Myoho
*sakura* says:
let me get this straight... r u saying by chanting these powerful words... it is mystic law?
Fong Yee says:
Nope. Buddhist believes that the Mystic Law governs us. Mystic Law is the fundamental force that dictates our existence.
Fong Yee says:
But chanting NMRK, we are in ryhtm with the Mystic Law
Fong Yee says:
Which is why things will become smooth for us
Fong Yee says:
Nam = devotion
Fong Yee says:
Myoho = Mystic Law
Fong Yee says:
Renge = Cause and Effect
Fong Yee says:
Kyo = Lotus Sutra
*sakura* says:
looks like its a "full pacakge"
Fong Yee says:
So you can't see gravity.. yet you believe it exists
Fong Yee says:
The Law exist
Fong Yee says:
Similarly we can't see Mystic Law, but we can see life.. life is an extention of ML
*sakura* says:
looks like u had a good 'class' yesterday
*sakura* says:
well... i hope to continue this new 'discovered practice'
*sakura* says:
and hopefully it will work for both us

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 -