Monument Dedicated to Three Presidents

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai, SGI Canada has erected a stone monument honouring the three founding presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda. The monument is located on the site of the oak trees dedicated to the three presidents at the SGI Canada Caledon Centre for Culture and Education.

The monument was dedicated on November 27 with the SGI Canada Central Executive Committee, which includes representative leaders from across the country.

The monument reads:

THE THREE SUCCESSIVE PRESIDENTS OF THE SOKA GAKKAI
This monument and three oak trees are dedicated to Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda, the three successive presidents and eternal mentors of the Soka Gakkai
November 18, 2010, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai

Les titres ou statut ne sont pas importants, seules nos actions indiquent clairement la profondeur
de notre foi. Ceux qui œuvrent réellement pour kosen-rufu sont les plus nobles. Les responsables
doivent toujours se souvenir d’exprimer leur plus grand respect et leur reconnaissance envers de
telles personnes. — Daisaku IKEDA

The 9 Consciousnesses

We are chanting to rise above the first 7 and change the 8 th . so that we can reach the 9 th.

1	Touch
2	Taste
3	Sight
4	Hearing
5	Smell
6	Conscious Mind
7	Sub Conscious / Limited Egoistic Self
8	Karma

The eighth and ninth consciousnesses are operating at the level of the fundamental interconnectedness of all of life. If our eyes could see our karma and the 9th consciousness we would see all of life as deeply interconnected. The perception created in the 7th consciousness of a fixed and isolated self is thus false. This is one of the deep seated delusions regarding the nature of the self. The narrow ego of the 7th consciousness resists life expansion. A human life which is `touching` the eighth consciousness is cracking the shell of the limited ego and becoming open to its greater self. The seventh consciousness is also the seat of the fear of death. Locked in the 7th consciousness the narrow ego assumes it will perish and cease to exist at death. Such a life is unable to see that the eighth consciousness is an enduring flow of life energy that will migrate between life times.

The delusion that the 7th consciousness is ones true self is fundamental ignorance, a turning away from the interconnectedness of all being. It is this sense of oneself as separate that gives rise to discrimination, destructive arrogance, and the acquisition of material possessions and wealth that far surpass what any one human being could possibly need.

The eighth consciousness is a vast storehouse of all the causes and effects which affect the way that the world comes to us. It is where we accumulate our karma, both positive and negative. It accounts for our looks, our circumstances, our reactions, our good or bad fortune, our work, our relationships, our health, in fact, every aspect of living. As causes are made in thought or word or deed, so internal effects are stored in this level of consciousness.

Birth, aging, sickness and death are the inescapable realities of life, and the eternal questions humankind has attempted to resolve. How can we create the greatest value amidst a reality that is impermanent and in constant flux? It was the search for answers to these questions that led to the birth of Buddhism.

What Is Our Buddhist Practice?

The workings of the universe are an expression of a single principle or Law, expressed as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo enables all people to perceive this Law in their own lives and to come into rhythm with it. By putting their lives in harmony with this Law, people can unlock their hidden potential and achieve harmony with the environment.
This is the ultimate expression of individual empowerment — that each person can transform the inevitable sufferings of life into sources of growth and fulfillment and become a positive influence in their family and community.
There are three basics in applying Buddhism to our daily lives: faith, practice and study. They are the primary ingredients in the recipe for revealing our innate enlightened condition, or Buddhahood. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, studying Buddhist philosophy and taking action daily for the well-being of others, we can establish a state of profound happiness and wisdom, as well as contribute to society.

Daisaku Ikeda reçoit un 300e titre universitaire honorifique, de l’Université du Massachusetts de Boston

Daisaku Ikeda, président de l'association bouddhiste internationale Soka Gakkai International et fondateur de l'Université Soka, a reçu le titre de Docteur Honoris Causa en Lettres Humaines, décerné par l'Université de Boston, Massachusetts lors d'une cérémonie qui s'est déroulée le 21 novembre à Shinjuku, l'un des principaux arrondissements de Tokyo.

Cela porte à 300 le nombre total de doctorats et professorats honorifiques ainsi que de titres équivalents décernés à M. Ikeda par des institutions d'enseignement supérieur dans quelques 50 pays afin de récompenser ses efforts pour la paix et la promotion des échanges culturels et des sciences humaines.

Le Dr J. Keith Motley, chancelier de l'Université de Boston, Massachusetts, se trouvait à la tête d'une délégation regroupant le Dr Winston E. Langley, vice-recteur principal et vice-chancelier aux Affaires universitaires ainsi que le professeur Eunsook Hyun, vice-recteur et directeur des affaires internationales et transnationales, en visite au Japon pour signer un accord d'échange universitaire avec l'Université Soka et remettre le doctorat honorifique à M. Ikeda.

L'Université de Boston, Massachusetts fait partie du système de l'Université de Massachusetts. En tant qu'université publique axée sur la recherche, elle compte 11 000 étudiants de premier cycle et 4 000 étudiants diplômés.

Dans son discours, le Dr Motley a présenté Ikeda dans les termes suivants : << Grand leader bouddhiste, homme de paix, écrivain, pédagogue et fondateur d'instituts mondiaux pour l'amélioration de l'humanité >> ; il a également loué son soutien envers la responsabilisation individuelle et l'engagement social.

M. Ikeda a fait le commentaire suivant : << Je suis profondément honoré. Les distinctions académiques que j'ai acceptées sont toutes au nom de la SGI et de ses membres dans le monde entier. Cela constitue une reconnaissance de leurs multiples contributions. En tant que citoyen individuel, je redoublerai mes efforts en faveur de la paix, des échanges culturels et de l'éducation. >>

Ikeda et Dr Motley ont convenu que, notamment en ces temps de turbulences et de confusion, le rôle de l'éducation devait être de soutenir les personnes se consacrant au bien-être de l'humanité.

Daisaku Ikeda s'est vu décerner son premier doctorat honorifique en mai 1975 par l'Université d'Etat de Moscou, en reconnaissance de son engagement envers l'éducation, de ses efforts pour

l'abolition du nucléaire et pour ses écrits philosophiques. Depuis, il a reçu un grand nombre de distinctions universitaires décernées par une grande variété d'institutions parmi lesquelles l'Université Tsinghua, l'Université de Hong Kong, l'Université de Denver, l'Université de Glasgow, l'Université de Delhi, l'Université de Sydney, l'Université fédérale de Rio de Janeiro et l'Université du Ghana.

Daisaku Ikeda (1928- ) a été président de l'association bouddhiste Soka Gakkai de 1960 à 1979. En 1975, il est devenu le président fondateur de la Soka Gakkai International (SGI) qui compte aujourd'hui 12 millions de membres dans le monde. Il est également fondateur de l'Institut de philosophie orientale, de l'association Min-On Concert, du musée d'art Tokyo Fuji, du système pédagogique Soka qui va de la maternelle à l'université, de l'institut Toda pour la paix dans le monde et la recherche politique et du centre Ikeda pour la paix, l'éducation et le dialogue. Il est l'auteur de nombreux travaux sur la philosophie bouddhiste ainsi que de plus de 50 dialogues publiés avec de grands penseurs de différentes cultures dans le monde.

Source : PR NEWSWIRE  

Words of Wisdom

There is no true joy in a life lived closed up in the little shell of the self. When you take one step to reach out to people, when you meet with others and share their thoughts and sufferings, infinite compassion and wisdom well up within your heart. Your life is transformed.

Words of Wisdom

Gratitude makes a person modest. A sense of gratitude expands the heart.

According to Amnesty International, 93 percent of the world’s executions take place in five countries: China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, and the United States. In 2010 why do we need to kill people ?
As followers of the Daishonin we must continue to work for Kosen Rufu  .

Create a cause ___do something nice for someone__ and the effect will be perceived very quickly.

Ose croire

Ose croire qu’il y a un chant dans ton cœur,
Ose croire en tes désirs.
Tant que tu as le courage de croire,
Rien ne pourra t’empêcher
De jouer le rôle que tu voudras.
Trop de personnes reculent,
Juste au moment de réaliser leurs rêves.
Trop de personnes finissent sur une mauvaise voie,
Détournées par un grain de doute.
Le destin peut être changé,
Le soleil est déjà haut sur le jour qui est né.
Trop de personnes disent que tout va bien
Et ne comprennent pas pourquoi elles devraient changer.
Trop de personnes cachent leur splendeur sous des rochers de souffrance.
Nous ne devons pas baisser la tête.
Levons-nous, au contraire, en chantant de joie.
Il n’existe pas de meilleur moment que l’instant présent.
J’avancerai, sans arrêt,
Maintenant que j’ai pris conscience
D’avoir découvert quelque chose qui m’appartient.

Poème apocryphe, parfois attribué à "Josei Toda", mais sans source bibliographique actuellement vérifiable.

Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda, Monday, October 25, 2010

It is the sharp sword of the Mystic Law and the great power of faith that enable us to completely sever the chains of suffering. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that to secure eternal freedom and happiness, you must absolutely not be cowardly, especially in faith.

 

It is important to have a sufficiently elevated life-condition so that you will be able to calmly accept whatever happens in life, striving to put problems into proper perspective and solving them with a positive attitude. Happiness blossoms forth from such a strong and all-encompassing life-condition.

 

It is like the case of a baby being given milk to drink.* Even though the baby may not understand the flavour of milk, the milk naturally nurtures the baby's growth. Similarly, if a physician gives medicine to a sick person, even though the sick person may not know the origin and nature of the medicine, if he takes it, then in the natural course of events his illness will be cured. But if he objects that he does not know the origin of the medicine that the physician gives him and for that reason declines to take it, do you think his illness will ever be cured? Whether he understands the medicine or not, so long as he takes it, he will in either case be cured.

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man - WND-1, 132

Encouragement from Daisaku Ikeda,

What will the future be like? No one knows the answer to that question. All we know is that the effects that will appear in the future are all contained in the causes that are made in the present. The important thing, therefore, is that we stand up and take action to achieve great objectives without allowing ourselves to be distracted or discouraged by immediate difficulties.

No beings or phenomena exist independently of other beings and phenomena. All beings and phenomena are caused to exist by other beings and phenomena. Further, the beings and phenomena thus caused to exist cause other beings and phenomena to exist. Things and beings perpetually arise and perpetually cease because other things and beings perpetually arise and perpetually cease. All this arising and being and ceasing go on in one vast field or nexus of beingness. And there we are.
In Buddhism, there is no teaching of a First Cause. How all this arising and ceasing began, or even if it had a beginning, is not explained. The Buddha emphasized understanding the nature of things as-they-are over speculation of what might have happened in the past or what might happen in the future. It might be said that the Buddhist version of Genesis is: Stuff happens, because other stuff happens.
Also, things are the way they are because they are conditioned by other things. You are conditioned by other people and phenomena. Other people and phenomena are conditioned by you.
The Buddha explained,
When this is, that is.
This arising, that arises.
When this is not, that is not.
This ceasing, that ceases.

Nichiren Daishonin

After Shakyamuni’s passing, his teachings became splintered and increasingly misunderstood as they spread throughout Asia and beyond. In the 13th century, a Japanese Buddhist reformer, Nichiren Daishonin, declared the Lotus Sutra, taught during the final eight years of Shakyamuni’s life, to be the highest and ultimate teaching of Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra most clearly shows Buddhism as a powerful, life-affirming, egalitarian and humanistic teaching.
Born the son of a fisherman in a time of social unrest and natural catastrophe, Nichiren became a religious acolyte and after a period of intensive study came to realize that the Lotus Sutra constitutes the heart of Buddhist teachings. His great gift to humanity was in giving concrete expression to this life-affirming philosophy by creating a simple yet profound daily practice accessible to all people. Nichiren first chanted the title of the Lotus Sutra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on April 28, 1253, and later inscribed the mandala of the Gohonzon (the physical object of devotion for all humanity). It is the philosophy taught by Nichiren that forms the foundation of the SGI.

Les réunions de discussions sont le courant vital du mouvement de kosen-rufu, un mouvement
animé par des personnes ordinaires. Par conséquent, ne négligeons jamais nos réunions et
déployons-nous de toutes nos forces à faire de chacune d’elle un succès éclatant grâce aux efforts
des membres. — Daisaku IKEDA

Those who strengthen their faith day by day and month after month are genuine practitioners. Our daily practice of gongyo, therefore, is important, as well as attending meetings every month. We must not let our faith grow weak. We must make it stronger today than yesterday, stronger this month than last. Buddhist practice is a succession of such untiring efforts, the ultimate goal of which is attaining the summit of Buddhahood.

 

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.Shakyamuni

The Goal

The goal of our practice as Buddhists is to purify our inherent cause ( 8^th consciousness- alaya) so that there is no potential negative effect (manifest effect) to be experienced ( shadow or latent effect). This is the nature of a Buddha’s life (free of impurities or negative cause). So, regardless of what conditions manifesting in the environment (external cause) of a Buddha, we ( he or she ) has no reason to experience negativity (latent effect) from the expressions of the phenomenal world (shoho jisso). When a person’s 8^th consciousness is clear, the pure influence of the 9^th consciousness, the Buddha nature can shine through unobstructed to all expressions of one’s life (7^th consciousness, 6^th consciousness (conscious mind) and down through all the 5senses with complete pure perception and clarity). This is why the Buddha is known as the awakened one, and has the all encompassing wisdom of reality. It is because his view of life is unobstructed from within.

President Ikeda Directive

Pioneering takes steady dedicated effort; it is advancing surely one step at a time. True Buddhist practice lies in such activities as visiting members, giving personal encouragement, talking to our friends about Buddhism and introducing others to faith. How many members do you take the time to visit and encourage in a month? In a year? True pioneering lies in making precisely such efforts. Our challenge is to deepen the understanding of friends and fellow members toward the philosophy and activities of the SGI through our encounters with them.

 

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

Lao Tzu

Robin Nagle

[Anthropologist]

Every single thing you see is future trash. Everything. So we are surrounded by ephemera, but we can’t acknowledge that, because it’s kind of scary, because I think ultimately it points to our own temporariness, to thoughts that we’re all going to die.

Why practice Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism?

Practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism will make you happy, secure and prosperous.  It will make you more enlightened.  It will let you become one with the Universal Law.

In practical terms, what does it mean to be “one with the Universal Law”?  The answer is nothing remarkable.  Here is a list of hints and clues:

Enjoying life’s challenges, not only the smooth times.  Turning every obstacle into an impetus for personal growth.  Turning one’s sufferings into one’s mission – the mission to overcome the suffering in order to be encouraging to others faced with similar circumstances.

Achieving a balance in daily life.  More appreciation.  More determination.  More optimism.  More energy.  Better relationships.  Caring more about others.  Respecting other people more.  Respecting other life-affirming religions and their practitioners.

Being law abiding.   Not needing to be a substance abuser.  Being ethical - but, from enthusiasm to do the right thing, not from guilt.  Standing up with integrity even in the face of workplace politics and discrepancies.  At the same time, experiencing uncanny protection in one’s work environment - as well as one’s social and natural environment. 

Respecting the natural environment.  Respecting animals - being kind to them, and without condescension.  Realizing that just because it’s a bug, it doesn’t thereby automatically deserve to die (people should nevertheless protect their homes from infestations).

Some people may express more enlightenment by becoming vegetarians.  Others by eating less meat than before, and by avoiding meats where the animals are raised inhumanely. 

Some people may express more enlightenment by refraining from hunting.  Others may express more enlightenment by hunting more carefully - taking pains to become a good woodsman and marksman, so as to make the kill swiftly and surely.  Feeling genuine gratitude for the sacrifice made by the quarry.  Hunting primarily for meat to be eaten, not explicitly for trophies.  Feeling sincerely good about the conservation role of hunting - thinning herds to prevent mass starvation.

(In this sect we have no explicit Precepts or specific rules of conduct.  Behavioral improvements do happen, but they arise from one’s growing inner enlightenment, and are undertaken voluntarily.  That’s because we believe external codes of conduct cannot lead to lasting changes; in the long run, people must become internally persuaded to do better, of their own volition.)

Cherishing life is a sign of increasing oneness with the Universal Law.  And being less afraid of death is an indication of increasing enlightenment.  Cherishing life more and fearing death less, are two improvements that tend to develop together.

Oneness with the Universal Law also means living a natural lifestyle - living as nature intended us to.  Such as rising in the morning, working all day, and sleeping at night (of course, some people have to work the night shift). 

When a young couple is suddenly faced with an unexpected pregnancy and they are barely able financially to support a child, being one with the universal law means accepting the challenge to struggle to upgrade their finances, and having the child despite all difficulties.  This shows respect for the sanctity of human life, which is part of being one with the universal law.  On the other hand, if the couple takes the easy way out and has an abortion, that is slandering the universal law, because it is showing contempt for human life.

Other signs of being one with the Universal Law:  Being self restrained when necessary.  Having exuberance, being joyful, being playful - in measure, and when appropriate.  Being tolerant when appropriate; being relentlessly discerning when necessary.  Controlling one’s anger, refraining from unnecessary violence, yet courageously defending the innocent and the helpless when required.  Exercising.  Quitting smoking.  Taking better care of one’s health.

Being strict yet compassionate with oneself.  Always looking for self improvement, while always forgiving oneself (and others) for being less than perfect.  

Gerald T.Aitken

In the phrase "consistency from beginning to end," "beginning" indicates the root of evil and the root of good, and "end" indicates the outcome of evil and the outcome of good. One who is thoroughly awakened to the nature of good and evil from their roots to their branches and leaves is called a Buddha.

The Kalpa Of Decrease - WND-1, 1121

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls”  Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell Foundation

Whatever trouble occurs, regard it as no more than a dream and think only of the Lotus Sutra

Whatever trouble occurs, regard it as no more than a dream and think only of the Lotus Sutra.

Letter to the Brothers - WND-1, 502

ON ATTAINING BUDDHAHOOD IN THIS LIFETIME Written to Toki Jonin in 1255 from Kamakura-Nichiren

If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings. This truth is Myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting Myoho-renge-kyo will therefore enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life.

Dr. Carter talks about President Ikeda

The Buddha Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda,

Advancement - Nichiren Daishonin teaches the spirit that "not to advance is to retreat." The point is to continue forging ahead despite any storms or hardships that may arise, to be fearless and advance like a lion.

Un chemin de transformation ouvert à tous

"Ceux dont le cœur brille de l'engagement pour la vérité et la justice ne perdent jamais espoir, même au milieu des plus grandes épreuves ou difficultés. Au contraire, ils jouent le rôle d'un phare brillant illuminant l'obscurité de la souffrance des gens, transmettant inspiration, confiance et courage.

Lorsque nous nous changeons nous même, le monde change. La clé de toute évolution est notre transformation intérieure, un changement dans notre cœur, notre esprit. C'est la révolution humaine. Nous avons tous le pouvoir de progresser. Lorsque nous prenons conscience de cette vérité, nous pouvons faire apparaître ce pouvoir n'importe où, n'importe quand, dans n'importe quelle situation.

Le bouddhisme de Nichiren Daishonin, en s'appuyant sur les principes de transformation énoncés dans le Sutra du Lotus, a rendu cette grande voie du changement intérieur accessible à  tous par la récitation de Nam Myôhô Renge Kyô. C'est le cœur de cette pratique." Daisaku IKEDA

"Buddhism is action. One meaning of kyo of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is action. Without action, we cannot say that we are practicing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; it would merely remain a concept. Only through action are we able to truly gain the great benefit of the Mystic Law." Daisaku Ikeda

John Lennon

A quote from John Lennon " Reality leaves a lot to the imagination "

I know John wasn't a Buddhist but he shared many of our beliefs. I grew up in the shadow of John in Coventry , England . I first saw him and his group play in Birmingham . I think it was 1961 0r 62 . I was very young and it was in a club that was under a railway bridge , or a road bridge. I believe that John was the representiative and spokesman for a whole generation of young people that grew up in England after the war .It's such a shame that he isn't around to comment on todays world.

The 8 Winds

Eight conditions that prevent people from advancing along the right path to enlightenment. According to The Treatise on the Stage of Buddhahood Sutra— Bandhuprabha's work that was translated into Chinese by Hsüan-tsang—the eight winds are prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure. People are often swayed either by their attachment to prosperity, honor, praise, and pleasure (collectively known as "four favorites" or "four favorable winds"), or by their aversion to decline, disgrace, censure, and suffering ("four dislikes" or "four adverse winds").

Quote from Albert Einstein

Out of clutter find simplicity . From discord find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies oppoortunity.

Buddhist Saying

Do not speak- unless it improves on silence.
You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself,
and you will not find that person anywhere.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda, Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Let's read the Gosho regularly. Even just a little is fine. Even a single sentence. Just opening the Gosho is a start. At any rate, let's strive to read the Daishonin's writings. It's important to have the spirit to study the Gosho, to open up the Gosho. Even if you forget what you've read, something profound will have been engraved in the depths of your life.

Buddha ,by Karen Armstrong

From Publishers Weekly

Armstrong's esteemed works, including such standards as A History of God and The Battle for God, have primarily focused on the monotheism of the Middle East. Now she turns farther eastward to craft this short biography for the Penguin Lives series. Armstrong carefully ties the Buddha's time to our own and champions his spiritual discoveries with an understated dignity that even the Buddha might bless. While exercising a scholar's restraint, she reveals a detectable compassion for Sidhatta Gotama, the radical who walked away from a pleasure palace because he refused to "remain locked in an undeveloped version" [of himself]. Armstrong overcame peculiar challenges to write about this historical figure who became "a type rather than an individual," as his personality and life particulars evaporated into the power of his selflessness. She turned this lack of details for a conventional biography to our advantage, opting to enhance Gotama's story with the broad canvas of his time and culture, thus making him accessibly human. This handsome and solid portrait is sure to become a classic; it is a refined and readable biography of a pivotal character in human history. It is likely true that when the 80-year-old Buddha died he had, as the sutra says, "gone beyond the power of words," but in this thoughtful and revealing study, Armstrong has come near to proving the scriptures wrong. (Feb.) Forecast: Despite the plethora of Buddhist books on the market, few recent Buddha biographies have been written for a general audience. Armstrong's superb reputation should help sales, and Viking plans a six-city author tour and national publicity.

The Gosho

The individual and collected writings of Nichiren (1222-1282). Gosho literally means honorable writings; go is an honorific prefix, and sho means writings. In general the word is used in Japanese as an honorific for certain books and writings, particularly for those of the founders and patriarchs of some Buddhist schools. Nikko, Nichiren's successor, used the word gosho to refer to Nichiren's works and made efforts to collect, copy, and preserve them as sacred texts. As a result, a remarkable number of Nichiren's works have been passed down to the present, and many are extant in his own hand. In terms of content, the Gosho may be divided into four groups: (1) treatises setting forth doctrine, (2) writings remonstrating with government authorities, (3) letters offering advice, encouragement, or consolation to believers, or written in answer to questions (many in this category also include expressions of gratitude for offerings and support received), and (4) written records of Nichiren's oral teachings, including his lectures on the Lotus Sutra.

"D'un coeur guéri et en paix naît l'humilité.
De l'humilité naît la volonté d'écouter l'autre.
De l'écoute naît la compréhension mutuelle
et de cette compréhension mutuelle naît un monde de paix.
Faire son possible est normal.
Aller au-delà de ses capacités est un défi.
Là où s'arrêtent mes capacités, commence ma foi.
Une foi forte voit l'invisible, croit l'incroyable,
et reçoit l'impossible".

Kosen Rufu ( world peace, world harmony whatever you want to call it ) begins with the little things ; not getting angry with the driver that cuts in front of you, respecting the people you deal with daily , like waitresses ,shop clerks etc.Understanding that your children will go their own way not yours . Accepting people as they are not as you want them to be.SGI a worldwide ,lay Buddhist organisation

President Ikeda quote

Only by overcoming life's problems and obstacles can we become truly strong. If everything always goes smoothly, we will grow complacent and be unable to build a solid foundation for our lives. Only by experiencing suffering ourselves can we understand the suffering of others and deepen our compassion.

10 Good Reasons to Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

reason 1---Use the Ultimate Law of the Universe for Your Real Happiness (a.k.a., Enlightenment or Buddhahood).
reason-2---
Get Rid of Bad Karma and Build Good Karma. Change Defeat into Victory; Loss into Gain; Poison into Medicine.
reason-3 --- Overcome Your Fears, Painful Memories and Phobias.
reason-4---
Understand Your Life Condition With an Enlightened Mind.
reason-5----
Relate to People in Your Environment on the Highest Level.
reason-6----
Control the Lower Four Worlds of Hell, Hunger, Dominant/Submissive Attitudes and Anger.
reason-7----
Find and Keep Actual Love.
reason-8----
Understand and Get What You Really Need for Your Happiness. (What Do I want out of life?)
reason-9----
Increase the Span of Your Life; Overcome the Sufferings of Birth, Old Age, Sickness, Death and Re-birth.
reason-10----
Get Stuff You May Want, Including Freedom, Wealth, Love, Friends, Work Satisfaction and Joy By Buddhafying Yourself

 "the Buddhist solution is always the same—awaken yourself and live in harmony with others. In our time, especially, that means learning how to live in harmony with the biosphere. Our economic system has to be ecologically sustainable, and it has to work to the mutual benefit of everyone, rather than to just a small percentage of the Earth’s population."

David Loy is Besl Professor of Ethics/Religion and Society at Xavier University in Cincinnati. His work is primarily in comparative philosophy and religion, particularly comparing Buddhist with modern Western thought. His many books include The Great Awakening: A Buddhist Social Theory, and Money, Sex, War, Karma: Notes for a Buddhist Revolution. A Zen practitioner for many years, he is qualified as a teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition of Japanese Buddhism.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda,
I place a high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking action because one is told to amounts to slavery of the spirit. Kosen-rufu will be advanced by brave people armed with the spirit of independence who voluntarily strive to fulfill the vow they made in the remotest past. Because they struggle of their own volition, they have no complaints or grievances. The greater the obstacles they face, the greater the courage, wisdom and power they muster from within.

 

Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect.

New Year's Gosho - WND-1, 1137

Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect.

New Year's Gosho - WND-1, 1137

Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect.

New Year's Gosho - WND-1, 1137

Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect.

New Year's Gosho - WND-1, 1137

Citation de President Ikeda

"La clé de la victoire dans toutes les sphères de notre mouvement , repose sur notre capacité de bâtiir et d'entrtenir une organisation dont les membres partagent un meme esprit "

President Makiguchi quote.

If you are unable to trust others and cannot gain their trust, your life is like that of a large tree alone in a field. Isolated and unaided, you are vulnerable to being knocked down by the next great storm. This is the most insecure way of life imaginable.

To Daimoku or not .

I try to do Gongyo and Daimoku twice a day. I feel that an early Gongyo ,say around 6-7 am , really gets me going . I chant for 20 minutes and then do Gongyo. In the late afternoon I repeat the process. Even if I don't feel like doing it I force myself and never regret it. My problem is negative thoughts (fundamental darkness ) and chanting really helps.

President Toda quote

"The confusion of knowledge for wisdom is one of the great misfortunes of our times. ... Knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing. While knowledge may be a door that opens the path to wisdom, it is not, in itself, wisdom."

 

" We don't see things as they are ; we see things as we are "  Anais Nin

President Ikeda quote.

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through genuine, all-out engagement with others that people can polish their character, and help each other to reach greater heights.

There is No Riddle to Existence

"But the solution to the riddle of life and space and time lies outside space and time. For, as it should be abundantly clear by now, nothing inside a frame can state, or even ask, anything about that frame. The solution, then, is not the finding of an answer to the riddle of existence, but the realization that there is no riddle "
Closing line of the Tracitus

The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the "Never Disparaging" chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.

" La vie la plus profonde est celle dédiée a poursuivre l'idéal que l'on partage evec son mentor "

"No victor believes in chance. " Friedrich Nietzsche

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda, Thursday, May 20, 2010
We mustn't be afraid of anything. It is important to remain firm to our convictions. There is a great deal of scheming and duplicity in the world. It is foolish to allow ourselves to be swayed by such things; it only leads to unhappiness. The Mystic Law and Nichiren Daishonin are absolutely free of any falsehood. Therefore, to dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu is to lead the wisest possible existence.

 

“When the mind is somber, broad daylight gives birth to demons and evil spirits. When the mind is clear, a dark room has its blue sky. That which is self-concious and ulterior is far from the Truth. That which is Mindless, is near.” – Taoist poem.

Sensei Toda quote

"The confusion of knowledge for wisdom is one of the great misfortunes of our times. ... Knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing. While knowledge may be a door that opens the path to wisdom, it is not, in itself, wisdom."

Chant for specific things.

Sensei Quote .

When we find ourselves facing adversity, we may think we've reached our limit, but actually the more trying the circumstances the closer we are to making a breakthrough. The darker the night, the nearer the dawn. Victory in life is decided by that last concentrated burst of energy filled with the resolve to win.

President Ikeda receives Honorary Doctorate

President Ikeda receives Honorary Doctorate from University Laval in Quebec City. This is the first time President Ikeda has received such an honor from a Canadian University. Much effort went into this wonderful victory for the SGI , not only of Quebec , but the entire world.The Doctorate recognises his outstanding work for peace and education. We are all so happy for sensei and for the SGI  members all over  the world.

Les trois présidents fondateurs de la Soka Gakkai, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi , Josei Toda et Daisaku Ikeda ( actuel président de la Soka Gakkai ) ont realise un exploit unique dans i'histoire du Bouddhisme ; en moins de 80 ans , ils ont créé un mouvement mondial réunissant des personnes d'antécédents et de milieux différents. Transcendants les différences nationales , ethniques et culturelles , ils ont donné au monde moderne l'accès au message profond de Nichiren Daishonin et de Sutra du Lotus.

Excerpt from 'Navigating through Life .A Buddhist Perspective on Happiness

Buddhism recognizes the impermanence of
life and seeks to discover that which is eternal and
indestructible. This does not mean turning away
from our earthly existence, despite its changing
nature. On the contrary—it means seeking the
ultimate and eternal reality by living every moment
to the fullest in the midst of the difficulties
of this world. The Buddhist approach to happiness
is to expand our inner state of life and to embrace
the realities of the world, regardless of the
circumstances.

Excerpt from "Navigating through Life; a Buddhist perspective on Happiness " By Tony Meers

Buddhism views happiness in terms of what
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda defines as “lifespace.”
A person in a state of suffering has a severely
reduced life-space, while a person who has
opened up their inner spiritual energy has an expansive
life-space. One’s state of life can be transformed
through Buddhist faith and practice, even
amid struggles and difficulties.

Until a radical change takes place and we wipe out all nationalities, all ideologies, all religious divisions, and establish a global relationship - psychologically first, inwardly before organizing the outer - we shall go on with wars. - J. Krishnamurti

The SGI in India--the circle completes itself as Buddhism returns in force

The rhythmic sounds of Buddhist chanting - Nam-myoho-renge-kyo,
> Nam-myoho-renge-kyo - ebb and flow at dawn, like the mellifluous pealing
> of
> bells. However, the couple sitting cross-legged with their prayer beads
> before a small wooden altar, are a far cry from the average saffron-draped
> Buddhist monk. Vishal and Soma Vij are a hip, urbane couple who could be
> from any metropolitan city in the world. They live in a tiny neighbourhood
> in Mumbai, where their day begins with chanting.
>
> Vishal, 42, is an advertising consultant who started his career as a
> copywriter in Lintas. Soma, 36, gave up her career as an IT professional
> and
> now is a full-time parent to their 18-month-old daughter, Namah.
> This couple, like tens of thousands of others in Indian metros, has turned
> to a sect of Buddhism called Nichiren Buddhism, in a bid to find a sense
> of
> inner calm and balance in an increasingly bewildering world.
>
> Negotiating the maze that is urban existence - with the breakdown of the
> joint family, the skyrocketing cost of living, walking the tightrope
> between
> the modern marriage and the modern workplace - is complicated for many.
> Increasingly, young people look to spirituality as a coping mechanism or
> to
> fill a vacuum in their lives.
>
> Practically every other building in Mumbai has at least one Buddhist.
> Delhi
> and Mumbai have Buddhist community centres in several localities. The
> amazing thing about this rapidly growing faith is that most people
> seriously
> drawn to it are between the ages of 25 and 45.
>
> Prayer meetings are no longer about a troop of elderly people sitting
> together in religious discourse. Nowadays one sees bankers, lawyers, yoga
> instructors, media professionals and entrepreneurs in Kol kata, Bangalore
> and Chennai, Sindhis, Tamilians, Parsis, Sardars, Bengalis - everyone
> chants. They chant everyday, pray to Gohonzons (a mandala depicting the
> universe, given to members who want to practise the religion for the
> remainder of their lives), watch video conference talks beamed by their
> leader in Japan every month, and spend several evenings a week helping
> other
> members work through their personal problems. They swear by it, say it has
> changed their lives and given them an oasis of peace, as well as the
> courage
> to battle adversity.
>
> Nichiren Buddhism promotes the philosophy of the 13th century Japanese
> Buddhist, Nichiren Daishonin, who spent his life unveiling the meaning of
> the final teachings of Buddha, encapsulated in the Lotus Sutra. He
> concluded
> that every human being is capable of attaining enlightenment and that
> chanting is the path towards it. In India, the organisation promoting the
> ideals of Nichiren is called the Bharat Soka Gakkai. (Soka means value
> creation, Gakkai means society.) It is a registered society that promotes
> peace through dialogue, culture and education and highlights how one
> person
> has the power to make a difference.
>
> It seems what draws people to this faith is that it isn't a religion.
> Instead, it is a philosophy, and a way of life that you adopt, which in
> turn
> equips you to deal with stress and pain, helping you to be a happier and
> better human being.
>
> The one thing that seems to be common amongst all followers is the genuine
> need to improve their lives. Says Vishal, "I moved from Ranchi to Mumbai
> for
> college and didn't know anyone here. Very quickly, I found myself in a bad
> relationship, with an alcohol and substance abuse problem. I had lost
> touch
> with my family and as a result, I didn't have a strong sense of self." He
> then encountered Nichiren Buddhism through his friend and describes the
> profound changes it made in his life.
>
> "Earlier I would struggle to come up with creative ideas at work. After
> chanting for six months, things started improving dramatically. I started
> doing well at work and ended the bad relationship." Today, after 17 years
> of
> practice, Vishal is happily married to a fellow Buddhist, is financially
> comfortable and exudes a zen-like tranquility that pervades the energy of
> his home.
>
> Indeed, this dramatic turnaround is what Nichiren Buddhism calls a Human
> Revolution, which takes place when you start to chant, practice and bring
> faith back into your life.  Says Delhi-based Naveena Reddi, the Director
> General of Nichiren Buddhism in India: "When we commit ourselves to this
> practice, we come to understand at the core level that we have the ability
> to transform our lives from within. We can bring forth wisdom, hope,
> compassion, and the courage needed to deal with every aspect of our lives.
> This process of self-mastery makes us truly happy especially when we are
> also able to help others to do so. This is called human revolution which
> involves overcoming our smaller self and awakening to our larger self that
> works for the interest of all humanity."
>
> Naveena is in her 40s and has been practicing the faith for 30 years now.
> "Buddhism has impacted my life in an all-pervasive way," she says. "I
> started practising as a student because my health problems affected me not
> only physically but also psychologically, making me a very pessimistic
> person. Through Nichiren Buddhism I not only overcame my problems but it
> also gave me a sense of purpose and meaning. What appealed to me immensely
> was the combination of a great philosophy and a simple practice."
>
> The other reason most practitioners find the philosophy easy to imbibe
> into
> their daily lives, is that unlike many belief systems that shun the real
> world, Nichiren Buddhists believe that Buddha asks humans to be like the
> lotus flower - radiant and beautiful despite the muddy pond it is
> surrounded
> by. So it is important to live in the materialistic world and deal with
> sufferings, desires and problems, as the human revolution cannot take
> place
> in a vacuum.
>
> What many have found is that chanting gives them the ability to break
> through the barriers of their own mind. Sonal Ahuja, 27, a yoga instructor
> in Mumbai, suffered from serious self-esteem issues and lacked confidence.
> She had also been cheated of a large sum of money by a gym where she was
> employed. "Not only did chanting with utmost faith get me my money back,
> but
> it also gave me a sense of empowerment, enabling me to make sweeping
> changes
> both in my personality and career," she says. Today, she is so committed
> to
> the faith that she spends an hour chanting in the morning and evening. Her
> mother, who is also a follower, chants too and takes time out every day to
> counsel other members battling family and health problems.
>
> Which leads us to the other attraction of this faith - catharsis - through
> the surrogate family it provides. Says Sonal, "You tend to visit members
> in
> your area to support them and share their problems. You chant together and
> often become friends." Many youngsters who make the move from small towns
> to
> large cities find themselves isolated and friendless. The faith provides a
> support group of people who genuinely care about each other's well-being.
>
> However, some chanters encounter opposition from their family who worry
> that
> it could be a cult or require conversion. But Naveena makes it clear that
> they don't encourage members to join if their families aren't supportive.
> "The purpose of this practice is to spread harmony and peace amongst
> families and not be the cause of conflict," she says.
>
> Mumbai-based Riddhi Dave, 25, a theatre actor had to tackle a skeptical
> family and says, "At first my parents were very worried. They were
> concerned
> that I would convert and give up Hinduism. I had to explain that Nichiren
> Buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion and doesn't require
> conversion.
> They finally understood when they saw how much peace it gave me, that it
> was
> having a tremendous positive impact in my life."
>
> According to Riddhi, once you've brought Buddhism into your life, it's
> very
> hard to give it up because you witness the healing and transformative
> power
> it brings. "Today, if someone hurts or upsets me, the practice gives me
> the
> strength to rise above pettiness and vindictiveness. It has helped me
> behave
> in a more compassionate way towards people, made me a stronger person.
> There
> is a great sense of hope when you chant, that cuts through the despair."
> Most importantly, she says, "It's almost like it connects you to some
> deeper
> life force that brings an immense amount of joy into your life." Now who
> doesn't want that kind of happiness!
>
> The Lotus basics
>
> * Nichiren Buddhism is based on the Lotus Sutra, a 28-chapter guide Gautam
> Buddha put together at the end of his life where he says everyone can
> attain
> peace by awakening the latent Buddha within them. The secret to
> enlightenment, they say, lies in the three pillars - faith, practice and
> study.
>
> * This sect of Buddhism is a philosophy, not a religion and the Soka
> Gakkai
> advocates continuing with your own religion. It has over 12 million
> followers in 190 countries engaged in what they call the human revolution
> or
> to change for the better. India is tenth on the list in the number of
> followers and is the  fastest-growing.
>
> - The writer Rukhmini Punoose is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.

« [la boddhéité] est la joie des joies. La naissance, la vieillesse, la maladie et la mort ne sont plus des souffrances, mais font partie de la joie de vivre. La lumière de la sagesse illumine l’univers tout entier, rejetant l’obscurité innée de la vie. L’espace-vie du bouddha devient uni et fusionne avec l’univers. Le moi devient le cosmos et, en un instant, le flot de la vie s’élargit pour englober tout ce qui est passé et tout ce qui est futur. À chaque instant, la force vitale éternelle du cosmos se répand telle une gigantesque fontaine d’énergie » Daisaku Ikeda

What is Buddhism ?

Buddhism is a philosophy of life which you can use in your daily life . Some basic tenets : the connectedness of all things (people, animals, vegetation , etc).  Personal responsibilty ,Compassion for others . Buddhists DO NOT believe in a supreme being or god .

En tant que practiquants la seule facon de gagner sur l'obscurite et l'illusion inherentes a nos vies est de reciter Daimoku .

Le Sûtra du Lotus est comparable au soleil, à la lune et à la fleur du lotus. C’est pourquoi on l’appelle Myôhô Rengue Kyô (Le Sûtra de la Loi Merveilleuse du Lotus) . Nichiren également peut être comparé au soleil, à la lune et à la fleur de lotus. Si l’eau de la foi d’une personne est claire, immanquablement la lune des bienfaits s’y reflète et les divinités la protègent.”

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.Lao Tzu

On a lighter note.

Please visit the Dude's website
The Buddha Indian Sage
In keeping with the idea that the ideal Dude abandons the trappings of society and goes it his own way, there is no better candidate for Dudeism than the Buddha. Born a rich prince, he bailed on his birthright and taught that you should go with the flow. Chicks also dug him like crazy but none ever tied him down, cause Nirvana was what he was all about, man. Righteous.

Le bienfait de la purification des six sens

Extait de l'etudes de Mars.

Le bodhisattva Jamais-méprisant a toujours affiché le plus grand respect envers ceux qu’il rencontrait. Il s’inclinait devant eux, sans jamais oublier de transmettre le principe fondamental du Sûtra du Lotus qui stipule l’existence inhérente de la nature de bouddha de tous les êtres vivants. Ces efforts lui ont valu d’être méprisé, calomnié, lapidé et frappé par des moines et des nonnes arrogants, des laïcs hommes et femmes. Mais il est resté imperturbable. Il n’a jamais cessé de considérer tous les êtres avec respect et, finalement, a obtenu le bienfait de purifier ses sens et d’atteindre la boddhéité. En dépit des difficultés qu’il a rencontrées en pratiquant correctement l’enseignement, le bodhisattva Jamais-méprisant a triomphé de l’adversité et persévéré dans sa pratique. Ainsi a-t-il pu effacer les offenses à la Loi commises dans ses vies passées.
Quels genres de bienfaits a donc reçu le bodhisattva Jamais-méprisant ? L’un de ces bienfaits est une force vitale éclatante, caractéristique de la purification des six sens. Cela lui a permis d’avoir une compréhension parfaite de l’essence du Sûtra du Lotus et de renaître sous la forme du Bouddha Shakyamuni. En d’autres termes, il a non seulement transformé sa destinée au cours de cette vie-ci, mais il a également acquis l’indestructible état de vie de la boddhéité pour l’éternité.
Le dix-neuvième chapitre du Sûtra du Lotus, « Les bienfaits du maître de la Loi », explique en détail les bienfaits de la purification de chacun de nos six sens : la vue, l’ouïe, l’odorat, le goût, le toucher et la conscience.
À titre d’exemple, le bienfait de garder et de pratiquer le Sûtra du Lotus permet à nos yeux, tels qu’ils sont, de voir tout ce qui existe dans le monde au milliard de plans
: sans posséder des yeux célestes ou divins, nous sommes capables de voir tous les êtres vivants de l’état d’enfer jusqu’au sommet du monde des êtres célestes. Nous sommes aussi capables d’appréhender les causes et les conditions de leur karma ainsi que leurs effets, ou résultats . Autrement dit, nous sommes capables de comprendre le monde au milliard de plans et de discerner l’essence de nos vies et de celles des autres, aussi clairement que si elles étaient reflétées dans un miroir. Nous voyons avec les yeux purs de la nature éveillée du bouddha, dont les impuretés de l’ignorance ont été nettoyées. Une telle vision nous permet de discerner les causes menant au bonheur et celles conduisant à la souffrance. C’est pourquoi chacun des Dix états peut devenir une source de création de valeurs.Le bienfait de la purification des six sens obtenu par le bodhisattva Jamais-méprisant se manifeste par une force vitale puissante, inhérente à sa vie, capable de résister aux pires épreuves. En raison de ses efforts pour protéger la Loi, il a vaincu l’ignorance - ou l’obscurité -, source fondamentale du karma négatif. Tel est le bienfait de transformer son karma au travers des efforts dédiés à garder le Sûtra du Lotus.