The Dragon’s Dreams Came True
The Dragon’s Dreams Came True [1] Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo can revitalize our lives and lead to a prosperous and peaceful society. [2] One of my Good Ole Grandad’s last notes pointed at me and read, “Let her be…
On Practicing the Buddha’s Teachings
Gosho Study (adapted from the SGI-USA World Tribune) “The most important thing in practicing the Buddhist teachings is to follow and uphold the Buddha’s golden words, not the opinions of others.” Nichiren Library p. 391 “I have launched the battle…
A Buddhist Practice to Change Our Destiny
In 2014, I self-published a memoir titled Never Give Up: Buddhism, Family & Schizophrenia. It is now nine years later, and while the challenges haven’t ended for me yet, I have a sequel in the works. My sequel is another…
The Five Cardinal Sins
In a religious context, sin is a transgression against divine law or a law of God.[1] Each culture has its own interpretation of what it means to commit a sin. While sins are generally considered actions, any thought, word, or act considered immoral, selfish, shameful, harmful, or alienating might be…
Every Person Is A Unique Treasure
Cherry, Plum, Peach, Damson Buddhism has long taught that each person is a treasure with something unique to contribute to the world. This is the message of the Buddhist principle, “cherry, plum, peach, damson.” Nichiren Daishonin uses the fruit’s flowers…
The Pink Lotus Flower
The [Pink] Lotus Flower, Nelumbo nucifera, also known as the “sacred lotus” or the “Indian lotus,” is often confused with true water lilies of the genus Nymphaea, in particular N. caerulea, the “blue lotus.” However, the lotus flower has historical, cultural and spiritual…
Where Hope Still Lives
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season…
Happiness
It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbor’s wealth but gains not even half a coin. – On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime [Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol 1 p. 3]…
World Peace
True joy is found in working for world peace, in taking action for our own and others’ happiness. The term kosen rufu, often used interchangeably with world peace has its origins in the Lotus Sutra. The concept comes from a passage…
Earnest Resolve
Rather than giving our lives - the most valuable possession of all - for "shallow, worldly matters," we should dedicate them to "the Buddha's precious teachings."