Why did Nichiren start chanting Nam myoho renge kyo?

In all the years I have practiced, I have yet to find an honest and direct reason for why Nichiren Daishonin chose 'nam myoho renge kyo' as the mantra for his spiritual practice.

Nichiren believed that by chanting nam(u) myoho renge kyo - to Devote my life to the wonderful lotus flower sutra, that we would invoke all the wisdom from within it, it's intent.

In the letter On the Four Stages of Faith, he states "The profound meaning indicates the heart of the text, and the heart of the text encompasses the whole of the theoretical and essential teachings.” And Miao-lo writes, “On the basis of the heart of the text of the Lotus Sutra, one can evaluate all the other various teachings of the Buddha."

He goes on to say: 

"Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon’s reflection and so naturally becomes clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra’s intent."

So specifically it is ALL about intent, as he very clearly states above the words do not represent the sutra text, nor its meaning. What we are doing when we chant is making a declaration of intent based on the entire sutra and what it stands for.

Specifically it was his belief that through chanting and having faith in nam(u) myoho renge kyo, we can activate the wisdom of the entire Lotus Sutra simply by chanting its title.

It has always confused me, because if I chanted Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Wikipedia am I really invoking all the wisdom within Wikipedia. But I do not think this is what he means.

So as you can see in the final paragraph he specifically states "The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning." and then "They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. "

All this aside I do believe Nichiren was potentially listening to a deep intuition, from his many years of meditation. Others have chanted nam(u) myoho renge kyo before Nichiren did, but he was the first to base an entire spiritual practice around this specific mantra.

In the letter; "The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra" there is a clue as to what he felt when he first began to chant. The words chosen are quite interesting as many who have begun practicing this form of Buddhism likely feel the same, they chant as if in a dream not knowing what they were doing, if it was right or wrong or if it mattered.

Read of the passage below and then follow the link to study the letter in depth.

--
"I, Nichiren, am not the founder of any school, nor am I a latter-day follower of any older school. I am a priest without precepts, neither keeping the precepts nor breaking them. I am an ordinary creature like an ox or a sheep, who is neither particularly wise nor ignorant.

Why did I first begin to chant as I do? Bodhisattva Superior Practices is the one destined to make his advent in this world to propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. But before he had even appeared, I began, as though speaking in a dream, hardly aware of what I was doing, to utter the words Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and so I chant them now.

In the end, is this a good thing I do, or a bad thing? I do not know, nor can anyone else tell for certain."
You can read the rest of the letter here.
--


How did you feel when you first started chanting this mantra? Tell me in the comments below.

What does nam(u) myoho renge kyo mean? 妙法蓮華経 / 妙法蓮華經

What does nam(u) myoho renge kyo actually mean?



The commonly used translation (mostly SGI) :

Nam(u) (南無) from the Sanskrit namas meaning 'devotion to'
Myō (妙) meaning 'strange', 'mystery', 'miracle', cleverness'
Hō (法) meaning 'law', 'principle', 'doctrine'
Myōhō (妙法) meaning 'supreme (marvelous) law of Buddha'
Ren (蓮) meaning 'lotus'
Ge (華) meaning 'flower'
Kyō (経) meaning 'sutra' or 'teaching'

Directly translated; devotion to the good/wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra

Eastern Languages translations: 

Sanskrit: सद्धर्मपुण्डरीकसूत्र Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra
Chinese: 妙法蓮華經 miàofǎ liánhuá jīng, shortened to 法華經 fǎhuá jīng
Japanese: 妙法蓮華経 myōhō-renge-kyō, shortened to 法華経 hokke-kyō, hoke-kyō
Korean: 묘법연화경 myobeop yeonhwa gyeong, shortened to 법화경 beophwa gyeong
Standard Tibetan: དམ་ཆོས་པད་མ་དཀར་པོའི་མདོ dam chos pad-ma dkar po'i mdo
Vietnamese: Diệu pháp liên hoa kinh, shortened to Pháp hoa kinh
Sinhala language: Arya Saddharma Pundareeka Suthraya

My translation;

To actively become aware that with every single word, thought and action, you are creating karma, for yourself and for the entire planet and that these choices have far reaching consequences on the world we live in.

Through the daily practice of chanting nam(u) myoho renge kyo we begin to sift through the layers of our minds, emotions, egos, and personalities to try to reveal a part of ourselves that ultimately gives us the courage to become truly happy and in that help transform the world into a place for abundance and joy.

Chanting is a mindful process, it takes effort, time and consistency. Do not expect to transform all your challenges and personal issues in 5 minutes. It can take a lifetime of inner transformation to reveal your true nature, but the wonderful thing about Nichiren's Buddhism, is that there is always hope.

Nichiren's Buddhism is always concerned with winning and surmounting all obstacles in life no matter what.

You may ask then "why does it take so long?" Well the answer is quite simply that the power is in the journey, through that process of transformation occurs, that is where your consciousness grows expands and becomes something more, with every passing day of being in human form.

Onward and upward on the path towards a lifestate that supports and encourages unshakable happiness.

How to begin chanting?

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

Nam myoho renge kyo - 1 Hour daimoku.

1 Hour of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo -

I often get requests for an MP3 of the daimoku or chanting of Nam myoho renge kyo.

Many people like to chant at least 1 hour a day. Sometimes when you are alone or you don't have anyone to practice with, its nice to have this to chant with. You don't feel so alone.

Chant abundant daimoku and awaken to the vast potential that resides deep within your life.

Awaken to your true potential.

Namaste.
Bobby
x

Why do we chant Nam myoho renge kyo in Japanese and not English or our native tounge?

A member of Youtube asked me a very interesting question and I asked around a few people their thoughts.

His question was; If the Buddha, didn't speak in Japanese, they why do we chant Nam myoho renge kyo in Japanese. Wouldn't this be a deviation from the Buddha's teaching?

As much as I appreciate chanting can manifest wisdom, I didn't really feel "chant about it" was adequate, so I decided to answer the question myself.

Please let me know what you think of my response. Your feedback both positive and critical is always respected and appreciated.

Hi L, 

Thanks for getting these back to me. 

Unfortunately I do not feel they answer the question to the degree I think Jack would like, I think simply telling someone who has an enquiring mind to chant about it, is not enough in my opinion.

This is only from my experience as a young SGI member.

We live in an age where people ask questions, they want to know how? why? when? 

Centuries ago, life was simpler and people accepted things at face value.

There was no internet, no satellites, no mobile phones, no deep space exploration, no genetic engineering.

So the question asked by Jack; 

Why do we chant in Japanese, when the Buddha never spoke Japanese.

And would it work if we chanted in another language.

I already know the answer, but I wanted to see if someone who has been studying for longer may have a better way of answering the question.

This is what I feel is the answer; 

Since Shakyamuni expounded the teaching of the lotus sutra, he spoke of a Daishonin, who would appear in the latter day of the law, to teach and share The Lotus Sutra. He would appear in a time of great calamity and he would be persecuted with in an inch of his life.

He would teach from the Lotus Sutra, that all human beings have the potential for greatness, especially in the areas of love, compassion, wisdom and strength. And that these qualities come from a well-spring of infinite potential.

He taught that through the mindful chanting of the phrase nam myoho renge kyo, we would be able to summon up these wonderful aspects of our nature.

Human beings are all capable of these wonderful qualities, but most of us live lives that have been hard and difficult. These struggles or obstacles as we like to call them, often have an effect on us as people, we feel small, we feel stupid and we feel inadequate. Through these daily struggles, our sense of self and our sense of self worth, are often reduced to nothing.

This is where the daily practice of sitting and chanting comes in. Spending that time with your thoughts and working through your problems. Facing your problems. Is the key to your happiness.

As you know, most of human suffering is in the mind, or as the Buddha would call it, illusion. Our minds are clouded daily with anger, rage, jealousy, hatred, revenge, disgust and judgment to name a few.

These are all illusions. Illusions that we create. Through the sitting, and chanting, we learn to master our minds and take control of our fundamental darkness, our limiting self doubt, our destructive behaviour and our self sabotaging tendencies.

When we do this, we polish the mirror of our lives, that is often so clouded by these illusions that as time passes we begin to truly see... ? what do we see? As we polish harder and harder, day by day... what do we see? We, of course, see our selves. Our true nature as human beings. Loving, compassionate and filled with the deepest of respect for our lives and the lives of others.

Back to the time of Nichiren;

From a young age, Nichiren felt that Buddhism had lost its direction, that the temples and the priests had missed the point. Rituals, money, dogma, was the name of the game.

The purpose of religion is quite simple, whether you are Christian, Buddhism, Muslim, Scientologist or Jewish. It matters not what path you take. All religions have the same purpose.

To bring strength to the weak, and hope to the hopeless. Each religion may tell the story differently, but they were created to lift people from suffering and give men and women the tools they need to find happiness, a strong community spirit and of course limitless love.

Many of the teachings of Jesus, are very compatible with what Shakyamuni said, as well as many of the teachings of other saints and religious men.

So, as time passed Nichiren manifested this practice, or the idea of the practice. He took the wisdom the ideas of the Buddha and he taught that each one of us is capable of finding this strength from within.

He studied and he studied and he learnt from life, that the idea that all of us are equal, was indeed the jewel of the Buddhas teachings. 

He realised that this, was the fundamental truth and the law of life as a human being in this universe.

There is a reason we chant together, as singing together, brings people together.

When we are all singing one song, in unity, we are connected.

Many in body, one in mind. That doesn't mean mindless drones, that means a common goal, a common good. Together we are stronger. 

Humans in this world, have become so disconnected from each. This is our primary illness.

We sing the song of Nam myoho renge kyo daily, because we are a family, not by blood, colour or sexuality, but a family with a common goal.

We sing this song, together, daily, because we want the world to change. We want the suffering and the anger to end. We want to spread the truth that has been hidden from most of us for such a long time.

We are a family that wants the world to be a better place. We want our children to be safe and we want our sons and daughters not to have to go to war and kill each other.

Every single one of us on this green earth wants the same thing, love, security, food on our table, the safety of our children and a future.

Yet we all spend so much time trying to convince our friends, our families and our neighbours that our way is the better way.

In doing this we miss the point of why we practice a religion.

We practice to bring happiness and abundance to our lives and the lives of those around us, no matter if they are Christian, Mulsim, Jewish or Quaker.

So the simple answer as to why we chant in Sanskirt (Nam) and Japanese (myo ho renge kyo) is that, that is how Nichiren the teacher, taught it, and that is how we all connect together, through this mantra today. 

Let me paint a picture through, just to be a little more clearer or simpler depending on how you look at it.

Imagine a gospel choir, how wonderful they sound! They sing, filled with joy and happiness. The roof of the churches of gospel choices seem to lift up with the jubilation and the excitement. What a wonderful thing it is to be part of that family of people, together connected. Loving and supporting each other.

Now, for a minute, imagine that each one of the choir, was singing the same joyful song, but in a different language.

How would it sound?

I think quite simply we all sing in the same chosen language, because it allows us all, from many countries, and states, to come together and share a common goal.

The words may seem different, but they mean the same thing.

There are many of us who ask why, but until you, sit and chant and have faith, how can you tell if it works or it doesn't.

There comes a point, when you can ask questions and keep trying to rationalise it, but until you pick up your voice and chant for your life, you wont know if it works or if it doesn't.

I think that it is key, that we trust. And what is so wonderful about Nichiren Buddhism, is that this deep trust, is not in a priest, or in an idol, or a deity or an angel.

This trust, is in your self. Nichiren asked that you polish your life like a mirror, and how should you polish it? By chanting nam myoho renge kyo.

Namaste dear friend.

Robbie 

Where is my good karma? When will it arrive?

This is you. Waiting for your good karma to arrive!

Dear Robbie,

I hope you remember me from few weeks, I wrote to you a letter about how I have some difficulties over the job situation I have. Since receiving your letter I have looked in to the positive side of things and have started to chant.

Since then I did come across few challenges and few things that have disturbed me in somewhat ways. If you remember I mentioned in the previous video but didn't elaborate on so much about the people who have betrayed me but it has become a challenge for myself to overcome. I have helped many people over the last few years, somehow I have always ended up getting hurt by them.

I have helped people to find jobs as well as helping them to apply for Uni's by helping them write applications for these, over the past years the only people who have back stabbed me and said things to me, spread bad rumours about me and used me are mainly the people I have helped.

Long story short, today I finally decided to confront a person who I have helped I asked them why they did what they did by back stabbing and not even have the mildest consciousness in them to understand that treating bad is not the way to do things and when someone has helped them they should understand and recognise it, and yes I was not in the right mood and I did lash at the person when I confronted her. The person who I have helped said so many bad things back to me and called me names and said that basically I'm not worthy. Although the words didn't really hurt me the fact that I have helped this girl and she was saying things to me hurt me more than anything.

I spoke to my fiancé and told him that from here after I would not help any person, please understand that this doesn't mean that I'm going to be rude to every single person, I’m just going to stay away from trouble. My fiancé explained that this is not the way to go and we all should help people and once they have betrayed you, that’s when we should leave it at that and move on and never ever help these people again, because one day this person will need your help and that's how karma works in this life.

I never doubted that helping people will bring you bad and grief but I just don't understand why I keep attracting the wrong people to my life. Robbie please help me to understand how I can stay away from bad energy, bad people in this world. It’s just hurts as a Buddhist that waiting for good Karma never seem to arrive... and wondering why bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people....

I hope you could give some sense to my life...

K

My response:

Hey K

Thanks for your letter. Of course I remember you. It wasn't that long ago! :D

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing obstacles in your life and you feel that your good karma hasn't arrived yet.

I would challenge you on this, as having a fiance and being in love, is wonderfully good karma if you ask me.

Sometimes, we can become so transfixed by our problems that we forget about our blessings.

I would recommend that you write a list of all the things you are really and truly grateful for. Keep them next to you when you chant each morning and night.

You MUST focus on the positive things in your life. Because your life is like a mirror and your mind a magnet. The more you fixate on these people, pushing out the universe, "oh why me, oh poor me, why does all this happen to me, why do bad people always seem to find me?"

The more you put this energy out there each and every day, the more it will be reflected back to you. With out exception.

Each time you do this, you miss out the wonderful things you already have in your life and you dont show them the attention and gratitude they deserve.

Have a read of this post I did a while ago about why bad things happen to good people.

http://nichirenbuddhismlondon.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-do-bad-things-happen-to-good-people.html

Then let me know what you think about what I have said above.

At the end of the day, I encourage you to chant for the wisdom to deal with this situation.

I would chant for the happiness of that person that let you down. Chant for their total and absolute happiness. That is what the Buddha would have told you to do.

Holding on to resentment in your heart is like poison. It will ruin your day, your life and your future.

With every passing moment, you lay down karmic ripples. With your thoughts, your words and your actions. Always be aware of what you think, say and do because these all have latent and manifest effects at some point.

Focus on your diamoku and focus on improving your life and your goals. Give your self clear and strong determinations and even put dates next to them. Have 6 month goals. 1 year goals. 5 year goals.

Forget about people who dont appreciate you. Let them go. You can not change other people. No matter how hard you try, and how loud you shout. They will not change. The only way to change them is to change the way you see them. This happens in your heart.

To give love, help and attention with true compassion is to give with-out any requirement for something back.

Think about it this way.

You have this belief deep inside you, that people will betray you, people will let you down, no-one is to be trusted.

When you go around doing good things for other people, you are setting your-self up. You are setting your own trap.

People dissapoint and let you down. And your inner mind and deep self goes.. AHHH HAAA YOU SEE I WAS RIGHT!!! NO ONE IS TO BE TRUSTED!

Human beings are selfish. That is how many people survive in this tough world. However... it is your job as a buddhist to see through the illusions of arrogance, anger and greed. To see beyond that and see and know that every human being is capable of compassion love and great wisdom. To honestly and truely see their Buddha nature.

Try to change your prayer and focus on the positive.

But ultimately, you must trust in your life and trust in your prayer.

namaste friend.

Robbie
nam myoho renge kyo


K's response a few days ago.

Robbie,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. First of all I just want to say that I really highly appreciate all your help. After reading your e-mail it made sense to me that it's in my hands to see things that we can't change, I need to change the way I think about things.

Before I received your e-mail I was still in a very disturbed and hurtful mood, so I started to chant and chant and tried not to think about or force myself not to think about things, and then when I opened my e-mail there it was a message from you, I was so happy so I start to read with a smile on my face. 

 I read word by word slowly and again and again and again. I understood everything that's going in my life and realised what was happening is a reason of not seeing things clearly.  

I then went to your blog and started to read another article that you had posted on "How to Chant Nam Myo ho Range kyo " so I read both articles and realised so many things that I knew already but was hard to understand and put it in practice. 

I have started to chant again with a smile on my face, it's hard to forgive and forget people who has done bad to you but I'm trying little by little everyday and I'm a working in progress, I know this doesn't happen overnight since we are working with our hearts and mind, but I'm using the Gohonzon and working through this. 

I spoke to my sister about the whole issue and I also showed her your site and told her that Robbie is also a Nichiren Buddhist and I write to him seeking advice on a spiritual level.

She started to read your blog and said, "wow I felt really good reading these reply's and articles I should save this blog " 

So Robbie thank you so much again, you opened my eyes, I probably didn't say thank you much for the people who have always been there for me and appreciate them for being there for me, after your e-mail I have started to look for the good in people that I love and care and concentrate on good things that I have already in my life.

Thank you again for writing to me and thank you again for understanding me, there are few people who do this type of good deeds in the world but if we have more of you then I think the world would be a better place, but that's what we are trying to achieve by practicing Buddhism.

Thank you again,

Namaste &Take Care,

K

What is the correct way to chant nam myoho renge kyo? How to chant nam myoho renge kyo

Focus on your chanting. The rest will come to you in good time.

Hey Robbie

I enjoy your site but I have a question that has confused me.

It's not just in things I've read from you but from books and other chanters. Often in the same paragraph it will be suggested that one thinks of little if anything at all while chanting and then the encouragement to chant for one's happiness or some specific goal or goals. This has created a deadlock in my practice because I never feel like I'm doing it correctly. I've been chanting about four years now and I don't want it to be a useless austerity. Also, your view that chanting isn't a good cause in itself raises the question about how one's life state is when we chant. If one is a negative person, wouldn't the idea be to change that through chanting?

f one already has confidence, positivity and self-belief, then why chant at all. Any help on these questions would be appreciated.
Thanks
WR


My response:

How to chant nam myoho renge kyo?

Hi WR

Some very good questions there indeed. So you want to know how to make chanting nam myoho renge kyo effective? Well chanting is something that anyone can do.

These are all questions I have asked my self.

The idea with chanting is that there is no right or wrong way. As long as you are sitting still, with your eyes focused on either The Gohonzon or a blank space, then that is all you must do.

Anyone who has told you to formulate your chanting is incorrect.

When you "chant for specific" things, what is best is to write them down, and then sit and chant.

The process of chanting is deeply profound and all you need do is simply chant. It matters not what is going through your mind, but it simply allows you to focus with time. It takes practice, years of practice.

Chanting can become very boring if you have no motivation and what you mentioned at the end that if you are already a very positive person, why chant?

We are told that chanting alone, is not enough, that we must have faith, practice and study (learning, reading, developing our selves) this is Buddhism and the three pillars.

I can understand your point of view about deadlock, you feel like you have got to a point and then cant go further.

I think what is very important is your attitude to the chanting. You are doing it for your self and not for anyone else. No one is forcing your or expecting you to do it and there should certainly never be any guilt for NOT doing it.

It is a daily practice to help you become closer to your self, to know your self better.

It is advised to do it daily, on waking, to greet a new day, with a positive start, and then before bed as a way to thank the universe for everything you have received that day, as a sort of gratitude practice.

When you think about it, your day is really where you live your life. If you chant morning and evening, you surround your day with the positive and life affirming process of chanting.

The chanting is a good cause, as it puts you on the right track.

I know in my self that when I do not chant, I can get very angry, very easily. I have quite a temper on me and I can loose it easily.

When I have been doing a lot of diamoku (chanting) I am calmer and I tend not to over react and to revert to my old way of being, or the behaviour I have learnt from my father or mother.

It would be interesting to learn how much study you are doing, you should defiantly consider reading a book called The Buddha in Daily Life by Richard Causton. You can get a copy on Amazon.

(Amazon UK - Check out 'The Buddha In Daily Life: An Introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren...' by Causton, Richard G Causton ... http://amzn.to/dXOogr)

Now the next time you sit down and chant and feel like you are doing it wrong, just remind your self that this is for you and this is your time, alone with your thoughts.

If you dont feel like doing it, dont. If you feel like doing 2 minutes, do 2 minutes. If you feel like doing 30 minutes do 30 minutes.

There is no guilt or regret in what we do.

But, the more you do it, and the deeper the connection you have with your mind and body, the happier you will be as a person.

As the un-happiness that most people feel is an illusion, or its caused by a minded clouded by emotion.

We break through these clouds, when we spend time with our selves and connect with our true selves, our Buddha nature.

This is why there are other people (non-buddhists) who are able to manifest deep happiness as they are able to connect with this part of them selves, regularly.

Nichiren Buddhism is just one path of many.

Don't every let anyone tell you that, this is the only way to happiness. I believe there are many paths to wholeness.

It just so happens that this path is relatively free from dogma and rules and laws and temples etc

Its all about your daily life, your mind, your body, your community, and how the whole world fits together.

I do hope all this makes sense.

I am by no means a master at this stuff, but I feel I do have a deep and profound understanding of the practice.

So please just take my advice if you connect with it or feel right about it.

Never do something unless it feels right to you.

Just trust that when you are chanting, you are the Buddha and that you are able to manifest the Buddha nature in your daily life.

Namaste friend.

Robbie

Your path, is your path. We are in this together, but we walk alone.

<< for some reason, someone on youtube thought I had directed the previous comment, at them. When it was not. It was directed at someone else. This is my response to her/him>>

<<<<< THIS IS MY RESPONSE TO THE PERSON WHO GOT CONFUSED... >>>>

It would seem there are some wires crossed somewhere.

My comment was not aimed at you, it was aimed at an arrogant person, who basically demanded that I left the SGI, and only then he would be friends with me and talk to me.

That is what I found arrogant.

I don't care that he called the SGI a cult, I know in my heart it is not.

People are entitled to the opinions.

This is what he said to me, after I requested to be friends with him on Youtube.

<<< THIS IS WHAT THE OTHER PERSON SAID TO ME, I AM REFERENCING IT HERE TO EXPLAIN WHY MY COMMENTS WERE NOT DIRECTED AT HER/HIM>>

Thank you, but...
My cause is to tell you to try the correct way, search a Nichiren Shoshu Temple and think about how is posible to keep the ortodoxy without the priesthood. Nichiren Daishonin explained how did he adquire the Budha Status, so if we do exactly the same, we should be Budha too. This is the importance to keep the ortodoxy. When you abandon the heretic cult of SGI, call me again. Good Luck.

He is totally missing the point as to why we practice.

We practice so that we can find happiness, and help others find happiness, what does it matter which group we are a part of, we all want the same things. We all have the same goals.

Peace and happiness for all of humanity.

I am confused as to why you thought my comment on my blog was directed at you when I clearly showed his response to me.

I was not intending to be defensive, I was defending my self. And sometimes I think it is necessary.

As his comments were an attack on me.

I never retaliate or speak out against these kinds of people, if you look at any of my comments, I am always gracious. I do not always believe that fighting FIRE with FIRE is the answer.

However, this is the first time in two years I have said anything like this.

I do not care that he thinks I am wrong, what I care about is that he thinks he is being superior and trying to tell me where I should be practising. Like it matters where or who I practice with.

It doesn't. What matters is what is in my heart. What matters is my intentions in life. What matters are my thoughts, my actions and my words.

Just like my grandmother told me as a child, to connect with god, or connect with our creator, we do not need to be in a church, or with a priest.

"God" or the "universal law" exists in every thing and is every where. It lives in every single molecule. It is the creative force that paints life. Every slice of matter around you is creative energy. It is alive. You and I are both apart of it. When we chant, with the right intentions, we connect with this.

We do not need churches, temples, or statues to practice our faith.

Everything that we need is innate within our lives, our bodies and our hearts.

Faith, practice and study. That is what we must do, to find our way back to our TRUE selves.

It doesnt matter what you do, as long as it is for the betterment of yourself and humanity.

If you pray to Allah, God, a golden cow, if your intentions come from a place of love, compassion and kindness. Your path, is your path. Only you can walk it alone.

The creative force behind every thing around us, has been given many names.

I stand by what I always say, that there are many paths to wholeness, and we are all in this together.

The moment everyone stops shouting at each other, and carring on about how "their way" is the better way, and focus on their own lives and achieve that deep and unshakable happiness, then maybe, others will see them and see how their way, is perhaps indeed a path of love, compassion and happiness. And perhaps follow in their foot steps.

Light up the darkness.

Best wishes
R

<<< HOPE THIS MAKES SENSE, CONVERSATIONS ONLINE CAN GET AWFULLY CONFUSING AND OFTEN PEOPLE MISUNDERSTAND INTENTIONS>>

Buy CD - Beyond: Buddhist & Christian Prayers (Tina Turner, Dechen Shak-Dagsay)

I found this a while ago, but never thought to buy it.
It is a wonderful album with many beautiful Christian and Buddhist prayers.

Sometimes in our lives, we need to reach down inside ourselves and call forth deep faith.

Faith that we are on the right path and that the universal law/god will give us the wisdom and compassion to choose the right direction and the correct path.



If your in the UK you can buy BEYOND with Tina Turner by clicking here

Tina Turner - Speaks about Nam myoho renge kyo

Uproot the Core Problems

In the Buddhist path we are bringing together our actions, our view, and our practice. It is a balance of awareness, insight, and action, working harmoniously together. In that way our energy is no longer divided or scattered, but we are fully present in whatever we do. That is what it means to be a genuine human being.

In Buddhism, the point is not simply to be accomplished meditators but to change our whole approach to life. Meditation is not merely a useful technique or mental gymnastic, but part of a balanced system designed to change they way we go about things at the most fundamental level. In this context, it is a way of exposing and uprooting the core problems of grasping and ego-clinging that separate us from one another and cause endless pain.

-Judy Lief, "Is Meditation Enough?" (Spring 1997)

Chanting Nam myoho renge kyo? Download mp3 of Gongyo and Diamoku

Hi Everyone,

I have decided to post today about the MP3 downloads, of Diamoku and Gongyo. Many people ask me all the time for the files of people chanting, so that they can chant together with the recording at home in their spare time.

If you want to make a daily practice with these sounds, it is much more fun, rewarding and comforting to do with others, but if you do not have someone to chant with you, then these mp3 downloads are the next best thing.

Learn how to chant nam myoho renge kyo.


Below is a list of the files you need:

Click here to Download Chanting Diamoku in mp3

Click here to download the 1 hour nam myoho renge kyo - daimoku 

Click here to download Morning Gongyo

Click here to download Evening Gongyo

Click here to download Hoben-pon SLOW

Click here to download Jigage SLOW

1 Hour Daimoku

Should I pay 100 pounds for a course with my Buddhist temple?

i just want to say keep up the good work with your practise of meditation. if it wasnt for you and your videos i would have not got the info that i needed to taking my first steps to finding enlightenment :) well Robbie i hope your ok i aint seen any new video updates but would really like for you to talk more about on how it went on you camping the start of you journey. and have a question that i no you would be able to tell me so ere it goes lol in your temple do you have to pay for courses or are they free and did you have to pay for the camping you went to ??? if you could email me please i really need to no as my buddhist temple does courses 3 days long hours from level 1 on words but you have to pay sat least £100 for a level 1 course they say they aint out for profit but that money helps the temple stay open , whats your take on this and im practicing Tibetan Buddhism


Michael


Dear Michael

Thank you for your kind words. and your questions on Youtube about your courses.

All I can do is offer you my experience from my point of view. I practice the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, this is radically different from Tibetan Buddhism.

I do not believe there is any right or wrong path, every one is on their own path.

In our practice there are no temples, no statues of Buddha and no worship and certainly no dogma. We do not do long courses that cost 1000s of dollars and we do not expect or demand people attend meetings.

The Practice of Nichiren Buddhism is about daily life, and the happiness of your self and humanity. Nothing more.

We chant Nam myoho renge kyo daily, we study and read about Nichiren Daishonin and his life, and the life of Shakyamuni, and we have faith in our enlightened life state.

We focus on our lives and the happiness of our selves and the people around us.

I think what I would advise is for you to connect with how you feel about the people who teach this form of Buddhism. If you feel comfortable, and happy and you trust them, then do the course.

If it brings you joy and peace to spend time with these people and you feel you are growing as a person do the course.

But if you doubt them then spend some more time thinking about it.

Focus on your daily practice and ask for the wisdom to come to you to make the right decision.

You are a Buddha, don't ever forget that.

Fond wishes,
Robbie