Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?
“Happiness in This World,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 681
I completely relate to this passage because this has become a part of my life. We all know that there are good times and bad times. Of course there are happy moments and we also do have to go through difficulties.
The question is, What do we do when we come across any problems?
This passage is from a letter Nichiren Daishonin where he is trying to explain that how practising Buddhism helps us experience boundless joy in life.
He says that while enjoyment and suffering are natural aspects of life, the deepest happiness can be found in any situation when we “continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens.”
When we chant, we reveal our inherent, enlightened nature and can fully savour boundless and abiding joy derived from the essence of our lives – the power, wisdom, compassion and courage of this Mystic Law. It is our high life state that helps us deal with every challenge and grow stronger, wise and more compassionate.
So the bottom line is in times of suffering, chant Daimoku; in times of joy, chant daimoku. Chanting daimoku is itself happiness. Without obstacles, we cannot appreciate happiness and joy.
We need to be prepared for hardships and to have the inner strength to rise above our worries and anxieties. Also appreciate the little joys in life, have gratitude and keep chanting.
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