Human beings are born violent? True or False?

Our future...

VIOLENCE, an innate animalistic quality of all human beings or a learned trait? What do you think? 

The Dalai Lama said " If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.”

Wouldn't that be an awesome day to see.

Personally I believe violent qualities are learnt and bred in to people, just like compassion is fostered in young people, we have to nurture a positive sense of self.

It is vital that compassionate acts and loving qualities are fostered in our children, if we are to survive another millennium on Earth.

I can't concentrate when I am chanting Nam myoho renge kyo? Am i doing something wrong?

Your mind can be like a wild horse. But free your self from the illusion of the mind.  Chant daily and bring forth the power of the mystic law innate within all of us. 

Dear S
Thank you for your letter. Apologies for not getting back to you sooner.

What I would like to say in reply to you is very simple. What you are doing is perfectly normal. Chanting will not quieten your mind straight away. This is a lifelong practice and the process of "observing the mind" is a daily practice.

When you chant, you are tapping in to a wellspring of unlimited courage, wisdom and compassion. When you chant, you may have ideas and thoughts that come to you, in the form of ideas and images which could be solutions to the difficulties and struggles you have in day to day life.

Being along and practicing alone is difficult, but you must have a STAND ALONE spirit, realise that you can transform anything.

In summary, continue as you are and do not feel doubt, banish all doubt.

Just chant with joy and realise that through this wonderful process of self realisation that you are changing as a person, and you are having an affect on the environment around you.

I would like to conclude with a excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda:
""Being human, it's quite natural for our minds to wander, for all sorts of thoughts and memories to surface. [. . .] There is no set form or pattern for how we should pray. Buddhism emphasises being natural. Therefore, simply chant earnestly without pretence or artifice, just as you are. In time, as your faith develops, you'll naturally find it easier to focus your mind when you chant. "It's natural for prayers to centre on your own desires and dreams. [. . .] By chanting very naturally, without affectation or reservation, for what you seek most of all you'll gradually come to develop a higher and more expansive life-condition. Of course, it's perfectly fine as well to chant with the resolve to become a bigger-hearted person or for the welfare of your friends and for kosen-rufu - the happiness and flourishing of all humankind."

Namaste my Buddhist sister
Robbie


Hi Bobby,

I keep following your blog.

I have a few questions and i thought you could be good to help me with these. I live in Dubai and have been following and chanting for sommetime..unfortunately i could not get in touch with any practicing Nichiren Buddhists here, hence it's been limited to practicing alone and reading online.

However, i have realized that my mind wanders off while im doing the Daimoku...generally i have thoughts about people around me, work and my ideas as i keep chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo...i keep having doubts that i am not concentrating...do you think this is normal and it is bound to happen??

or do you think that i am really not concentrating or serious hence this is happening?? Because i believe in Daimoku and try to do my Gongyo twice a day no matter what and also tend to read as much as i can.

Can you please guide me on this...if what is happening with me is wrong..how can i keep myself focussed on the Daimoku while im chanting NMRK.

Please help.

Thanks,
S