The power of music

Music has the power to lift us up, it has the power to move us to sorrow and sadness. The gift of music is truly one of the most wondrous things every created by a human being. With the advent of technology we are able to transmit our music to the four corners of the world in the blink of an eye. Isnt that incredible?

I have always loved eastern music, since I was a child I had a strong affiliation with it, it always felt familiar to me. A part of a distant memory.

I am certain I have lived many many lives in Asia, among others.

Regarding the musical piece below:

Buddha Pournami, or the day of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment, is an important one in many ways for spiritual seekers. The story of Buddha’s journey is awe-inspiring; his grit and perseverance led him to the ultimate fruits of human existence. Even today, Buddha Pournami is celebrated in many parts of the world and every year at the Isha Yoga Center. This year, Sounds of Isha composed a special song for the occasion and performed it today in the Spanda Hall. The song takes us through Buddha’s life – his luxurious world as a prince, his renunciation, his struggles and finally, his attainment under the Bodhi tree.

Have a listen and enjoy the beautiful sounds of India...

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

Learning to be gracious in the face of anger.

Other peoples behaviour isn't always what it seems at first.

Learning to smile and show composure and compassion to another person that is scornful, hateful or angry is one of the hardest things we have to learn as human beings.

Always remember, just because a person is scornful or angry towards you it doesn't mean it has anything to do with you.

Many people who project their inner suffering outwards, are trapped in a hell state and suffering deeply within their own lives.

Always try to look for the Buddhahood which exists in ALL people.

Without exception.

NMRK Bobby

I want others to change. I am angry at my parents for criticising me and my faith.

Who are you?

Hello Mr.Robbie,

I am very sorry for disturbing you. I found myself being criticized for my faith by my parents and girlfriend, something which makes me feel angry and sometimes I'm facing trouble staying content, thus not following the third precept. Is there any way I can manage to preserve a calm stay of mind and stay unaffected by negative words? I am greatly worried to find myself often wanting to go back to my previous philosophy because of the pressure applied on me for that matter, but on the other hand, as you saw yourself, my philosophy of life and the way things are is more on the Buddhist side. I surely found strength and compassion inside me, but I think I need some help on the anger part...what should I do?

Thank you for your time to read this.

Hello Friend,

Thank you for taking the time to write.

It always touches me deeply when a person writes to me to share their life, so I wanted to thank you and show my gratitude to you.

Together we can win in life. You are never alone. Never forget that.

When it comes to anger, I think the biggest thing to realise is that the reaction in our selves is often a reflection of how we feel about ourselves or our faith. If we feel insecure about our selves and our faith, this means we can easily become defensive, as we feel we are under attack.

However, when a person has a strong sense of identity, or an even stronger faith or high life state, they will not react in an aggressive way to even the most horrific criticism, as their confidence in them selves or their faith is unshakable.

Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can not hurt me. This may be a cliché but it rings true always.

No matter what others say about you, the single most important thing is how you feel about yourself and how you feel towards your faith.

Chanting earnest diamoku (nam myoho renge kyo) every day, will help you cut through this illusion.

You parents and your girlfriend should be able to see the changes in you as a person with your diamoku.

Using your prayers to transform your relationships with your parents and your girlfriend.

Often, what we want is for others to change. We raise our fists at these people and shout CHANGE CHANGE, WHY WON'T YOU CHANGE?

However, what you must realise is that you can NEVER get others to change. You are the one that must change.

In your heart a change must occur for this obstacle to pass. The more you chant for the happiness of your self and your family, things will change.

As you change, your environment will respond and so will the people in it.

Always focus on your prayer and your study. Learn more about Buddhist teachings.

Prayer, Faith and Study. These three things are key to cutting through the bullshit/illusion that is all around us.

This illusion comes in many forms but most of the time, it is all in our head.

As we create these strong beliefs, we project outwards and manifest situations, relationships, illnesses etc.

Never forget you have the gift of the Buddha nature, within you.

Limitless amounts of wisdom, courage and strength.

Chant Nam myoho renge kyo and use this to transform you life, let go of your anger and feel love.

Fond wishes
Robbie

Never stop asking questions...

Do you have a question your afraid to ask?

The Soka Gakkai is an incredibly noble & beautiful gathering of people united together in a spirit of mutual support & encouragement. But this does not mean we should sit in idle passivity, we should challenge other members & even our leaders with questions & discussion. Never simply accept other peoples beliefs unless u understand them fully & deeply. Always speak out if u do not feel comfortable about something.

Take time for your self and the world

Is it time to STOP and evaluate your life?

A time to stop.
A time to take stock.
A time to find a moment for yourself.
A time to figure out life's problems.
A time to be by yourself.

A time to show the world you care.
A time to be at one with what is right.
A time to release the infinite potential of your humanity.

A time to be human.

A time to let go of anger.
A time to let go of hate.
A time to let go of suffering.

A time to show unmeasurable love and compassion to others.

A time to be a Buddha.

Bobby