In an address given by President Daisaku Ikeda, the Lotus Sutra was referenced to define attributes pertaining to Bodhisattvas of the Earth. As a personal exercise and assessment I am going to compare these attributes to my own life, perhaps discovering new opportunities for development.
“[They are] firm in their intent and thought, with the power of great perseverance, the kind living beings delight to see” (LS, 216)
Since I’ve been chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo I have certainly developed greater perseverance. Though I’m not satisfied with my current abilities to stick with the difficult problems and see them through to the end I am happy that I have been able to Chant and do Gongyo daily. Even during those times when I don’t exactly feel like doing it.
“They constantly delight in the Law of the Buddhas, diligently and with a single mind pursuing unsurpassed wisdom” (LS, 219)
Now this certainly applies! I’m constantly looking for connections between events that happen in my life and the principles of Buddhism. It never ends. Sure, one can see cause and effect is an obvious interaction but to fully understand it can unlock unlimited potential. Far to few have come to this realization outside the practice.
“Skillfully learning the bodhisattva way, [they are] unsoiled by worldly things like the lotus flower in the water” (LS, 222)
Okay, I’m going to have to study this point a little deeper. Being very new to this practice I have very much to learn but I will attempt to present my interpretation… Just as the lotus flower is able to bloom beatify from the dirty waters of the swamp, so can Bodhisattva grow through great diversity.
I’ve been divorced twice, widowed, laid-off, sued and bankrupt. Does that qualify for adversity? Though these have all happened in my life prior to discovering this Buddhism each time I overcame one of these obstacles I’ve always felt great with an “Oh yea, Bring it on!” attitude just waiting for my next battle.
“They expound various wonderful doctrines and their minds are without fear” (LS, 220)
I’m kinda doing that now, ain’t I? Also, I’ve been compiling a fully indexed and cross-referenced notebook of all my studies. It’s very thin now but I know it will be a wonderful reference to use throughout my practice.
“They are clever at difficult questions and answers… upright in dignity and virtue. They are praised by the Buddhas of the ten directions” (LS, 223)
And yet another development opportunity. One of my life-long challenges has been with using proper grammar. My parents learned English only after immigrating to the United States. They felt it import that I be brought up on English and spoke it in the house as the primary language. Learning English on their own they obviously were lacking in the finer points of the language, so you might say I picked up a few bad habits.
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January 29th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Hey, I practice Nichiren Buddhism too. I love chanting. I found your blog while trying to google something. It is nice to read about your practice and your experience with it. I took up the practice to over come depression. It’s my favorite approach to that problem, chanting and studying.
Bye
January 31st, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Hi Arlo! It’s great to hear from fellow practitioners. I’m addicted to chanting as well, I can just let my self get lost in it. It’s amazing what victories we can achieve with this practice.