study buddhism

Each month we gather to chant for world peace and as a large group refresh our faith. Often when the weather is bad (or when the weather is really great) it’s easy to talk myself out of going. But typically I go and never have regrets afterwards.

THere something powerful about being with a room full of Buddhists all chanting at the same time with one goal in mind.

Many in body, one in mind.
NMRK

Sometimes it’s difficult to keep motivated and join in activities. My motivation (and one of my 43things) is something I’m always chanting for.

It’s a cold, wet rainy day in New England today. Perfect for just lounging around the house and sipping a coffee. But I know once I get myself out the door and to that meeting I’ll feel much better about myself, learn quite a bit and be ready to tackle whatever presents itself.

Today’s discussion topic is: “Seeing the Buddha in Ourselves and in Others.”

POISON TURNS TO MEDICINE

I went on a geocaching expedition that didn’t go well at all! I didn’t find the cache, got lost and was covered in ticks. If that wasn’t enough, somewhere along the trail I had lost my cell phone.

Once I got back home my phoen rang.. it was from my cell phone. A homeless man found it. I met him had the homeless shelter and gave him a nice reward.

If I hadn’t gone through that horrilbe hike, I would have never lost my cell and the homeless man would have had a hungry night not having been rewarded for finding it.

Everything happens for a reason, we must look beyond our current situation and see the whole picture. NMRK

The World Tribune, a weekly newspaper put out by the lay Buddhist organization the Sokka Gakkai recently published an exerpt from “A Youthful Diary” – The diary of young Daisaku Ikeda, the SGI’s 3rd president, my mentor.

On Saturyda May 13, 1950 part of his entry reads… “Am I tired from all our struggles? My physical condition is extremely bad. Shall a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin be defeated? Never! Burn with great conviction! Faith, arise!..

Points to remember from today on: 1) Study Buddhism, 2) Cut down on expenses and 3) Live productively.”

Though these are points I do and have been practicing, after a while our convictions need to be renewed. Reading that exerpt has inspired me to add these points to my 43things.com and renew my efforts.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo