New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Hello all-
I dated someone in 2013 who was exploring SGI, went to a few meetings, enjoyed it... did a few large chanting meetings.
My overall impressions were:
LOVED the practice!
LOVED doing it with other people.
Turned off by some interactions I had with people there
Inspired by some of the stories I heard
Drifted away....
8 years later, my life is a TRAIN WRECK (lol, actually that relationship is the main reason), and I came across some writings on Quora of people having success with the practice.
I find myself wanting to explore it again AND....
I just can't believe anything anymore without proof.
I have read, studied, and believed too many different things.... I don't take belief seriously.....
So I am just chanting with a positive hope now and looking for results.
I cant deal with all the differences in the different organizations... I am educating myself about them, but can't take any of them too seriously.
Feedback welcome.
I dated someone in 2013 who was exploring SGI, went to a few meetings, enjoyed it... did a few large chanting meetings.
My overall impressions were:
LOVED the practice!
LOVED doing it with other people.
Turned off by some interactions I had with people there
Inspired by some of the stories I heard
Drifted away....
8 years later, my life is a TRAIN WRECK (lol, actually that relationship is the main reason), and I came across some writings on Quora of people having success with the practice.
I find myself wanting to explore it again AND....
I just can't believe anything anymore without proof.
I have read, studied, and believed too many different things.... I don't take belief seriously.....
So I am just chanting with a positive hope now and looking for results.
I cant deal with all the differences in the different organizations... I am educating myself about them, but can't take any of them too seriously.
Feedback welcome.
Based on The Lotus Sutra, it is my conviction that each person who is reading this will INEVITABLY become a Fully Realized Buddha.
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Can you believe in the Buddha's Maitri and words? Can you sense such in the Lotus Sutra? I urge you to fully connect to the Love of the Lotus Sutra. Love is the measure by which one truly understands things, and if you develop your Bodhisattvic Compassion for others, as well as yourself and the Three Jewels, you will be able to grow into the Buddhist you want to be!
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
- Shotenzenjin
- Posts: 614
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2020 11:23 pm
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Welcome
Generation's shall pass, our determination shall grow, at the foot of Mount Fuji
Like smoke that reaches far beyond the clouds.--nichimoku shonin. Third high priest of Nichiren Shoshu
Hokekko of true Buddhism https://nstny.org
Introduction to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... VKyEQ_cxK9
Like smoke that reaches far beyond the clouds.--nichimoku shonin. Third high priest of Nichiren Shoshu
Hokekko of true Buddhism https://nstny.org
Introduction to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... VKyEQ_cxK9
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
I've been in SGI since 1990, Shoshu previously. I don't take the organizations very seriously either, but I do take study and practice quite seriously. I prefer a generally light sort of engagement with the organization. I like staying in touch with folks from the old days, and try to make the meetings more or less regularly because that face-to-face contact with the "sangha" is inspiring- but for serious study I go elsewhere. OTOH I do really enjoy helping with the desk at our local SGI center, have been missing that a lot over the last year.
Over the last couple years I've been working with a Zen group, as a parallel practice. That study work has led me to relinquish a number of the claims and beliefs about the Nichiren practice as centered on Nichiren documents; that is not to say I take a disbelieving stance either- I am led to a place where I can instead choose to not take a position on various matters. I've never been comfortable with many of the "mystic" claims about daimoku, or the composition of the gohonzon and so on. I find it easier to practice without taking a position on many beliefs, and instead spend time in the sutras, commentaries and so- both in Zen and elsewhere. It makes attending the meetings easier too since I don't feel the need to have an opinion about others' claims.
I'd say Nichiren, as a Lotus focus, has a lot to offer with respect to courage, pragmatism and determination in practice, and as an example of commitment to the community- I have increasing respect for those things. OTOH I suppose I have a sutra-oriented practice, others may well have a different orientation.
How does it work for me? I sit in front of my gohonzon and chant, I see a depiction of the Ceremony in the Air before me and can contrast whats going on in my head vs the instructions to the practitioner in the Lotus Sutra, what is my conduct in contrast to that described of the bodhisattva, which prompts me to consider what I am grasping or distorting or not attending to. There is a commensurate reduction in mental noise not unlike what I experience sometimes in zazen. The daimoku and the incense and the candles are offered for the benefit of all beings.
Over the last couple years I've been working with a Zen group, as a parallel practice. That study work has led me to relinquish a number of the claims and beliefs about the Nichiren practice as centered on Nichiren documents; that is not to say I take a disbelieving stance either- I am led to a place where I can instead choose to not take a position on various matters. I've never been comfortable with many of the "mystic" claims about daimoku, or the composition of the gohonzon and so on. I find it easier to practice without taking a position on many beliefs, and instead spend time in the sutras, commentaries and so- both in Zen and elsewhere. It makes attending the meetings easier too since I don't feel the need to have an opinion about others' claims.
I'd say Nichiren, as a Lotus focus, has a lot to offer with respect to courage, pragmatism and determination in practice, and as an example of commitment to the community- I have increasing respect for those things. OTOH I suppose I have a sutra-oriented practice, others may well have a different orientation.
How does it work for me? I sit in front of my gohonzon and chant, I see a depiction of the Ceremony in the Air before me and can contrast whats going on in my head vs the instructions to the practitioner in the Lotus Sutra, what is my conduct in contrast to that described of the bodhisattva, which prompts me to consider what I am grasping or distorting or not attending to. There is a commensurate reduction in mental noise not unlike what I experience sometimes in zazen. The daimoku and the incense and the candles are offered for the benefit of all beings.
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Thanks for your reply!
Am I open to them being true- yes!
Don't need to believe in the Buddha's Maitri- I can feel it whenever I think of him.
I don't sense such in the Lotus Sutra but do feel it when I look at pictures of the scroll.
Warmly!
Can I believe the teachings in advance? No.Könchok Chödrak wrote: ↑Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:22 pm Can you believe in the Buddha's Maitri and words? Can you sense such in the Lotus Sutra? I urge you to fully connect to the Love of the Lotus Sutra. Love is the measure by which one truly understands things, and if you develop your Bodhisattvic Compassion for others, as well as yourself and the Three Jewels, you will be able to grow into the Buddhist you want to be!
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Am I open to them being true- yes!
Don't need to believe in the Buddha's Maitri- I can feel it whenever I think of him.
I don't sense such in the Lotus Sutra but do feel it when I look at pictures of the scroll.
Warmly!
Based on The Lotus Sutra, it is my conviction that each person who is reading this will INEVITABLY become a Fully Realized Buddha.
- _johnarundel_
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 8:00 pm
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Welcome!
The ultimate goal of practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is the attainment of enlightenment in our present form (sokushin jobutsu). Nichiren Daishonin revealed his own enlightenment in the form of the Gohonzon. Through our practice of chanting Daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can fuse with the life of the True Buddha and awaken our innate Buddha-nature.
In the Latter Day of the Law, us common mortals do not possess previous good causes (honmi uzen). Therefore, we must receive the seed of Buddhahood for the first time. Thus, when we first hear Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo -- the Daimoku of the Essential Teaching -- we are able to awaken to our innate Buddha-nature through our actual practice.
True happiness does not derive from our external circumstances. Real happiness comes from boundless joy derived from practicing the law (jiju horaku). Nichiren Daishonin describes this state of life as, "The adversity one encounters is a source of joy and tranquility." (Gosho, p. 1762)
Buddhahood is not something we can merely describe. One can say it is when one perceives the true entity of life and is endowed with wisdom and compassion; but what exactly the "true entity of life" is cannot simply be described. Once enlightened, the words of the Gosho and the Sutras are clearly perceived in our minds. As we continue or journey of faith, practice, and study, we gradually gain the wisdom to perceive and understand such things. The Gosho gradually makes sense in our lives and we awaken to the eternal truth.
Nichiren Daishonin taught in “Reply to Utsubusa nyobo” (“Utsubusa nyobo-gohenji”),
Nichiren Daishonin embodied the mystic Law of Myoho-Renge-Kyo in the Gohonzon. This Law simultaneously possesses the cause and effect for attaining Buddhahood. Buddhahood or enlightenment does not exist outside of our bodies and minds, and nor is something that must be attained after countless lifetimes of practice. Buddhahood can be manifested in this very lifetime and in our present form as a common mortal. This is the merit of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon. Thus, earthly desires are enlightenment, the sufferings of birth and death are in themselves nirvana, and this saha world is the land of tranquil light.
If we continuously practice with deep faith, we will see the workings of the mystic Law (Myoho) in every aspect of our lives. As the Daishonin states,
I hope this helps!
nst.org
nstny.org
The ultimate goal of practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is the attainment of enlightenment in our present form (sokushin jobutsu). Nichiren Daishonin revealed his own enlightenment in the form of the Gohonzon. Through our practice of chanting Daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can fuse with the life of the True Buddha and awaken our innate Buddha-nature.
In the Latter Day of the Law, us common mortals do not possess previous good causes (honmi uzen). Therefore, we must receive the seed of Buddhahood for the first time. Thus, when we first hear Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo -- the Daimoku of the Essential Teaching -- we are able to awaken to our innate Buddha-nature through our actual practice.
True happiness does not derive from our external circumstances. Real happiness comes from boundless joy derived from practicing the law (jiju horaku). Nichiren Daishonin describes this state of life as, "The adversity one encounters is a source of joy and tranquility." (Gosho, p. 1762)
Buddhahood is not something we can merely describe. One can say it is when one perceives the true entity of life and is endowed with wisdom and compassion; but what exactly the "true entity of life" is cannot simply be described. Once enlightened, the words of the Gosho and the Sutras are clearly perceived in our minds. As we continue or journey of faith, practice, and study, we gradually gain the wisdom to perceive and understand such things. The Gosho gradually makes sense in our lives and we awaken to the eternal truth.
Nichiren Daishonin taught in “Reply to Utsubusa nyobo” (“Utsubusa nyobo-gohenji”),
Let me briefly describe the virtues of Myoho-Renge-Kyo. The five characters of Myoho-Renge-Kyo can change evil into good, just like poison changing into medicine. Pristine Spring is so named because in this spring, stone can change into treasure. In the same manner, these five characters are able to change common mortals into Buddhas.
(Gosho, p. 1492)
Nichiren Daishonin embodied the mystic Law of Myoho-Renge-Kyo in the Gohonzon. This Law simultaneously possesses the cause and effect for attaining Buddhahood. Buddhahood or enlightenment does not exist outside of our bodies and minds, and nor is something that must be attained after countless lifetimes of practice. Buddhahood can be manifested in this very lifetime and in our present form as a common mortal. This is the merit of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon. Thus, earthly desires are enlightenment, the sufferings of birth and death are in themselves nirvana, and this saha world is the land of tranquil light.
If we continuously practice with deep faith, we will see the workings of the mystic Law (Myoho) in every aspect of our lives. As the Daishonin states,
Never, since ancient times, has anyone heard of or seen winter turn back to autumn. Nor have I heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra turn back into a common mortal. The sutra states, 'If there are people who listen to this true Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood.'
(Gosho, p. 832)
I hope this helps!
nst.org
nstny.org
"The five characters of Myoho-Renge-Kyo are the core of the Lotus Sutra and the origin of all Buddhas throughout the entire world. Upon seeing the signs that these five characters now must be propagated, I, Nichiren, have set the precedent, today, at the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law."
- Nichiren Daishonin, “Shuju onfurumai-gosho” 種種御振舞御書
https://www.nichirenshoshu.or.jp/eng/daishonin.html
- Nichiren Daishonin, “Shuju onfurumai-gosho” 種種御振舞御書
https://www.nichirenshoshu.or.jp/eng/daishonin.html
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
The standout in your correspondence is that you loved the practice. There is a good amount of practice to be had outside of your particular concerns. When I started I had similar concerns as well. I simply engaged with aspects that were sustainable and did not cause internal discord. My thoughts were that over time the difficult aspects might be approached from a renewed perspective. I did not find it productive to look for exclusivity within the body of Nichiren organizations but did gravitate to a specific personality of teacher.truthb wrote: ↑Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:17 pm Hello all-
I dated someone in 2013 who was exploring SGI, went to a few meetings, enjoyed it... did a few large chanting meetings.
My overall impressions were:
LOVED the practice!
LOVED doing it with other people.
Turned off by some interactions I had with people there
Inspired by some of the stories I heard
Drifted away....
8 years later, my life is a TRAIN WRECK (lol, actually that relationship is the main reason), and I came across some writings on Quora of people having success with the practice.
I find myself wanting to explore it again AND....
I just can't believe anything anymore without proof.
I have read, studied, and believed too many different things.... I don't take belief seriously.....
So I am just chanting with a positive hope now and looking for results.
I cant deal with all the differences in the different organizations... I am educating myself about them, but can't take any of them too seriously.
Feedback welcome.
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Really appreciate your response.tkp67 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 18, 2021 1:01 amThe standout in your correspondence is that you loved the practice. There is a good amount of practice to be had outside of your particular concerns. When I started I had similar concerns as well. I simply engaged with aspects that were sustainable and did not cause internal discord. My thoughts were that over time the difficult aspects might be approached from a renewed perspective. I did not find it productive to look for exclusivity within the body of Nichiren organizations but did gravitate to a specific personality of teacher.truthb wrote: ↑Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:17 pm Hello all-
I dated someone in 2013 who was exploring SGI, went to a few meetings, enjoyed it... did a few large chanting meetings.
My overall impressions were:
LOVED the practice!
LOVED doing it with other people.
Turned off by some interactions I had with people there
Inspired by some of the stories I heard
Drifted away....
8 years later, my life is a TRAIN WRECK (lol, actually that relationship is the main reason), and I came across some writings on Quora of people having success with the practice.
I find myself wanting to explore it again AND....
I just can't believe anything anymore without proof.
I have read, studied, and believed too many different things.... I don't take belief seriously.....
So I am just chanting with a positive hope now and looking for results.
I cant deal with all the differences in the different organizations... I am educating myself about them, but can't take any of them too seriously.
Feedback welcome.
I feel that I can engage with an organization, but not take on the THIS is the ONE true organization....
I also REALLY like your idea of looking for an individual with whom you resonate.... yes yes yes to that approach.
Thank you.
Based on The Lotus Sutra, it is my conviction that each person who is reading this will INEVITABLY become a Fully Realized Buddha.
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Hi there i practice with SGI in the UK (so this may slightly differ depending on where you're based).
I definitely resonate with what you're saying! SGI is a big organization with lots of different personalities and often can vary district to district. I am lucky that my current district consists of many older members who place a strong emphasis on study of gosho and the Lotus Sutra.
I would say focus on keeping up a regular chanting practice and see how you feel, any new insights that you come to about issues in your life. It can help sometimes if you keep a journal to document your feelings etc.
I also really enjoyed the book "The Buddha in Daily Life" by Richard Causton when starting my practice, he uses a lot of concrete day to day examples and approaches Nichiren Buddhism from a pretty practical and applicable standpoint.
In terms of SGI, its definitely more difficult to stay engage during covid times. But generally I would say find the meetings that you enjoy and let it fit into the bigger picture of your own practice. The SGI has lots of various groups and members and while it can feel a bit hectic and I do not agree with everything I do like the support it provides me with my practice.
I definitely resonate with what you're saying! SGI is a big organization with lots of different personalities and often can vary district to district. I am lucky that my current district consists of many older members who place a strong emphasis on study of gosho and the Lotus Sutra.
I would say focus on keeping up a regular chanting practice and see how you feel, any new insights that you come to about issues in your life. It can help sometimes if you keep a journal to document your feelings etc.
I also really enjoyed the book "The Buddha in Daily Life" by Richard Causton when starting my practice, he uses a lot of concrete day to day examples and approaches Nichiren Buddhism from a pretty practical and applicable standpoint.
In terms of SGI, its definitely more difficult to stay engage during covid times. But generally I would say find the meetings that you enjoy and let it fit into the bigger picture of your own practice. The SGI has lots of various groups and members and while it can feel a bit hectic and I do not agree with everything I do like the support it provides me with my practice.
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Wow- really apprecate this.....narhwal90 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:44 pm I've been in SGI since 1990, Shoshu previously. I don't take the organizations very seriously either, but I do take study and practice quite seriously. I prefer a generally light sort of engagement with the organization. I like staying in touch with folks from the old days, and try to make the meetings more or less regularly because that face-to-face contact with the "sangha" is inspiring- but for serious study I go elsewhere. OTOH I do really enjoy helping with the desk at our local SGI center, have been missing that a lot over the last year.
Over the last couple years I've been working with a Zen group, as a parallel practice. That study work has led me to relinquish a number of the claims and beliefs about the Nichiren practice as centered on Nichiren documents; that is not to say I take a disbelieving stance either- I am led to a place where I can instead choose to not take a position on various matters. I've never been comfortable with many of the "mystic" claims about daimoku, or the composition of the gohonzon and so on. I find it easier to practice without taking a position on many beliefs, and instead spend time in the sutras, commentaries and so- both in Zen and elsewhere. It makes attending the meetings easier too since I don't feel the need to have an opinion about others' claims.
I'd say Nichiren, as a Lotus focus, has a lot to offer with respect to courage, pragmatism and determination in practice, and as an example of commitment to the community- I have increasing respect for those things. OTOH I suppose I have a sutra-oriented practice, others may well have a different orientation.
How does it work for me? I sit in front of my gohonzon and chant, I see a depiction of the Ceremony in the Air before me and can contrast whats going on in my head vs the instructions to the practitioner in the Lotus Sutra, what is my conduct in contrast to that described of the bodhisattva, which prompts me to consider what I am grasping or distorting or not attending to. There is a commensurate reduction in mental noise not unlike what I experience sometimes in zazen. The daimoku and the incense and the candles are offered for the benefit of all beings.
maybe you can write the book "Nichiren without beliefs?"
That's kind of where I am at- I want to chant, study The Lotus Sutra, read some Nichiren.... and chant.
Want to keep it really simple...... nice to hear there are others who engage organizations and beliefs lightly.
Based on The Lotus Sutra, it is my conviction that each person who is reading this will INEVITABLY become a Fully Realized Buddha.
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
People get to a point where they lose their faith or it becomes like they no longer see the benefits from chanting.truthb wrote: ↑Sat Mar 20, 2021 4:54 amWow- really apprecate this.....narhwal90 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:44 pm I've been in SGI since 1990, Shoshu previously. I don't take the organizations very seriously either, but I do take study and practice quite seriously. I prefer a generally light sort of engagement with the organization. I like staying in touch with folks from the old days, and try to make the meetings more or less regularly because that face-to-face contact with the "sangha" is inspiring- but for serious study I go elsewhere. OTOH I do really enjoy helping with the desk at our local SGI center, have been missing that a lot over the last year.
Over the last couple years I've been working with a Zen group, as a parallel practice. That study work has led me to relinquish a number of the claims and beliefs about the Nichiren practice as centered on Nichiren documents; that is not to say I take a disbelieving stance either- I am led to a place where I can instead choose to not take a position on various matters. I've never been comfortable with many of the "mystic" claims about daimoku, or the composition of the gohonzon and so on. I find it easier to practice without taking a position on many beliefs, and instead spend time in the sutras, commentaries and so- both in Zen and elsewhere. It makes attending the meetings easier too since I don't feel the need to have an opinion about others' claims.
I'd say Nichiren, as a Lotus focus, has a lot to offer with respect to courage, pragmatism and determination in practice, and as an example of commitment to the community- I have increasing respect for those things. OTOH I suppose I have a sutra-oriented practice, others may well have a different orientation.
How does it work for me? I sit in front of my gohonzon and chant, I see a depiction of the Ceremony in the Air before me and can contrast whats going on in my head vs the instructions to the practitioner in the Lotus Sutra, what is my conduct in contrast to that described of the bodhisattva, which prompts me to consider what I am grasping or distorting or not attending to. There is a commensurate reduction in mental noise not unlike what I experience sometimes in zazen. The daimoku and the incense and the candles are offered for the benefit of all beings.
maybe you can write the book "Nichiren without beliefs?"
That's kind of where I am at- I want to chant, study The Lotus Sutra, read some Nichiren.... and chant.
Want to keep it really simple...... nice to hear there are others who engage organizations and beliefs lightly.
the infighting and egos present in any religious setting is also a problem.
when you say keeping it simple..
this is actually an excellent way to practice.
keep your mind clear and calm whilst chanting...focus with mindfulness on Namu MyoHo RenGe Kyo ..
i chant at least twenty minutes a day with the long version in order to fix my mind solely on the ODaimoku...the faster chanting where you drop the U in Namu then allows for a more compressed, if you will, concentration..sounds odd but with time you will understand what i mean here...thats the best i can describe my experience...
Always realize your prayers are known by you ....and you , if you chant properly with mindfulness , will allow for these to unfold in your life .
patience patience patience ...mindfulness mindfulness mindfulness..
Sainted Nichiren Shonin told us to calm our mind and bring forth the ultimate reality.
He was a Buddhist scholar ...what do you think he meant by this?
sorry if i sound preachy ...it's the medium and my lack of grammar and articulation...
Re: New to Nichiren... and my attitude is.....
Removed post containing excessive quotation as per Nichiren forum policy available here; https://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=26060