So today let’s understand – what is our Buddhist practice – when we religiously do our gongyo and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. This is the practice for ourselves and the practice for others is when we spread this Mystic Law to the world.
This is not for a few days or few months or when you need something from life. If we want to manifest the world of Buddhahood then this is a continuous, on-going process.
You know there are days when we feel today I have a lot of work or today I just want to chill or today I’m going to be out all day…and this is human nature to think that chalo I will take some time out for my Gakkai activities later when I’m a bit free and that never happens.
This is where we need to put our faith in our daily life and not wait for a special day or time. No matter what we are going through or how busy are we, it is important to chant religiously even if it’s for a short while with that determination that I will joyously and wholeheartedly and proactively participate in Gakkai activities and engage with the members.
Once we become committed in faith, we channelize our energies in the right direction. So for example, if we face a challenge in our personal or professional life, our faith gives us the wisdom and courage to overcome every obstacle, think calmly and make the right decision. As a result, we can see a lot of personal growth as well.
Many of us may have been conditioned during our upbringing to see things to do with a religion or a teaching primarily in spiritual terms. Nichiren Daishonin`s Buddhism teaches that the spiritual and physical/material aspects of life are inextricably linked. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and practising Nichiren Daishonin`s Buddhism, in the face of day to day realities with its ups and downs, gives us a powerful means to draw out our Buddhahood. We find the key to our happiness in the middle of our daily lives!
Nichiren Daishonin says that “in the end secular matters are the entirety of Buddhism”. While Buddhism and secular matters have been treated as separate and unrelated, when our members demonstrate the validity of this principle by actually putting it into practice and see the real proof, they want to share its benefit with everyone and help them attain happiness.
When we talk about worldwide Kosen Rufu, it begins with each one of us. It is about actively contributing to the society and extending the network of happiness to as many people as possible through dialogue and study.
Persevering in Buddhist faith and practice, overcoming challenges and taking responsibilities in daily life, cultivating a high life state and winning the trust of others is our true victory.
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