When I first became involved in the SGI I formed the opinion that they were not marketing this Buddhism effectively. Marketing is perhaps not the correct terminology, but in essence, I felt they were not “putting this Buddhism out there” as aggressively as they could. My head was full of Shakabuku – or rather my […]
Month: January 2012
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The correct kind of courage
President Ikeda has said, “Courage is the driving force of our lives”. So, what does he mean by this? To what kind of courage does he refer? The driving force he speaks of is when we stand up, and begin challenging those aspects of our life that are not working for the happiness of ourselves and […]
By realising the mystic law inherent in all living beings, we escape the confines of the physical and realise the unlimited potential of the human spirit. Just as the sun dries the newly hatched butterfly’s wings, the compassion and warmth of the Lotus Sutra allows us all to soar from our pitiful cocoons and look […]
At the end of every day ask yourself – have I done all I can today to make a better future for my children? Would my children respect me for what I have done today? There are days when we all feel tired, and need to rest, but to become habitually lazy and feckless is […]
I recently wrote an experience describing some of the life events that lead to me receiving [the] Gohonzon last year (I’ve never been sure people insist on omitting the definite article when referring to the Gohonzon). I originally sent this to my great friend, Jason Jarrett (pictured – me on the right) who had been […]
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Earning respect
Respect cannot be purchased, or achieved through external factors. One can cloth and surround oneself with the trappings of wealth and still be seen a fool. The respect and admiration of others is earned only through striving to connect with people’s hearts, and demonstrating your commitment to improve the lives of those around you.
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The Nichikan SGI Gohonzon Map
In October 2011 I finally received my Gohonzon from the SGI-UK (Soka Gakkai International) – a lay Buddhist organisation dedicated to peace and the creation of value in people’s lives. [ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/gohonzon_map.pdf” style=”download”]SGI Gohonzon Map Download PDF[/ilink] It took me twenty years for reasons too long to go into here, suffice to say it was […]
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Poem for peace and happiness
This is actually an excerpt from SGI President Ikeda’s Poem – “Peace—The Foundation for Lasting Human Happiness”. I just thought it so beautifully explained the path of peace and happiness. There is a path that birds follow as they fly through the sky. There is a path that fish follow as they swim through the […]