Top of the Week to you all, may your whole week be a happy one. I'd like to mention one piece of wisdom right here, for starters, and KEEP THIS IN MIND because it is true and inevitable !!!
The 'Effects' you will experience in the future, will exist from the 'Causes' you make today.
When I completed my last blog friday, it ended with the example, "That a Poor Man cannot earn a penny just by counting his neighbor's wealth, even if he does so, day and night".
The implication of the denial is that, human beings are totally responsible for their own destinies. The ramifications of this throw into sharp relief the differences between the teachings of Christianity, centered on God, and those of Buddhism centered on the human being.
For example, while both doctrines stress the importance of prayer as a means of relating to either God or the universal Law, the attitude behind the prayer differs markedly. In Christ-ianity, prayer is essentially an act of humility: one tries to discover and carry out God's will here on earth and asks for His help, inspiration or foregiveness in the face of the problems and sufferings one might encounter.
In Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, prayer takes the form of chanting NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO , which reveals one's inherent Buddhahood, the highest state of one's life. In other word's, rather than ask for help from without, whilst chanting, you summon up the courage and wisdom from within your own life in order to confront and overcome any problem you may be facing.
In addition to this, by chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo you reveal the Law in your own life, thereby putting putting yourself in harmony, or rhythmm with the universal Law.
To explain further, Buddhism teaches that everything in the universe is an expression of this Law and acts in accordance with it.
'Law' here is used in the scientific rather than the legal sense, in that we 'obey' the Law of Nam myoho Renge Kyo' in the same way as we 'obey' the law of Gravity. If we act contrary to the law of gravity - by walking off a tall building, say - we usually suffer grave consequences. Similarly, if we go against the Law of Life - for example, by denying cause and effect, a central aspect of this Law - eventually, and inevitably, we will end up suffering. **********
Right here is a great way to end this first blog of the week. I shall continue this study and wisdom, for a bit more. Be assured I will, when I consider something important to political America, be back with my commentary, and you'd be dumb not to follow this blog. Think not??
Well, just you wait and see, if you continue to ignore it.
A short story------- A man visited his Doctor and said to him, "I have visited 3 other Doctors and eveyone disagrees with you".
His Doctor just nodded his head and said " Well, when you see the autopsy, you will find out that I was right".
Cheers. CJ
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS - How's YOUR FAITH today?
Hi Ho, y'all, ... I know people are looking and reading my Blog, but so far no one has left a comment, despite two subjects that should be are important to EVERYBODY right now. What is wrong with you people?? I mean, sure, most everyone has there own opinions about both religion and politics, but don't you all realize how important it is today to take action in what you believe??? Are you a real American?? Yes, then " WAKE UP" to what is happening to your country right now.
Are you a Christian?? NO? Some other, what is called, faith?? Do you believe in "God"? How strong is your FAITH????? If not a Christian, then what else do you have faith in? Why?? I'm obviously not a Christian, and I am far better off not being one, but I'm not against any religion that you have real strong faith in. But that word "FAITH" is up for issue today, so stay with me here. Fun Ahead !!!!
I am going to ask some questions on religion today, and I'd sure like it if some of you would take a moment or two, and express your opinion, whatever it might be. Let's get some dialogue going, huh???
What got me thinking was a "letter to the Editor" in my local newspaper. Basically, she was responding to an article by a columnist, Leonard Pitts, who, in another column of his, was agreeing with another writer, Anne Rice, both of whom were seemingly anti-religion. They also apparently sided in with those who were for gay marriages, abortions, and some such.
This letter writer suggested, that these two should read the Bible, and find out why Christians are against same. Then she quotes from the GOP platform addressing these issues, like; When a party backs abortion and uses tax money to pay for them, that it was obvious is against the side of God's law. Hmmm, I am not sure about God's law, but I do know it is not good government to advocate or pass a law that would use taxes for such a purpose.
Then the letter went on, stating how churches do such good work feeding and finding clothing for less fortunate, and then questioned, what were atheists doing for these same unfortunates.
But what set me off was when the writer wrote about the many "GOD FEARING" churches which are "hospitals for sinners".
There was a bit more on the same vein, but even when I wasn't a Buddhist I could not understand this term of reference, God Fearing. How could anyone use that terminology for an entity who is supposed to all loving, all caring, What's to FEAR???? And why does FEAR make you a better Christian.
I just plain don't agree and don't think it should be used. Of course, Buddhists don't have to deal with a 'being" entity, who deals out favoring one over another depending on who is good or who is bad, or answer one person's prayer and not another. Or a youngster dying or getting killed, and some crook who is drowning in luxury and apparently not at all fairly paying for his crime, thievery etc.
Or some good living person who falls into hard times, and moans, "OH God, why me?
AS A BUDDHIST, SINCE RELIGION IS A SPIRITUAL PROCESS, I KEEP IT LIKE THAT. WE BELIEVE IN A HIGHER POWER, BUT THAT POWER IS STILL SPIRITUAL AND WITHIN EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US ON EARTH. SO, WHEN WE CHANT OUR PRAYERS, WE ARE, IN EFFECT, PRAYING TO OUSELVES BECAUSE THAT POWER IS WITH US CONSTANTLY AND AVAILABLE 24/7, IF YOU WILL, AND THAT IS MY "FAITH".
OH, YES, BUT DESPITE MY GREAT FAITH, I STILL HAVE TO TAKE ACTION IN EVERYTHING I DO OR, AND WANT. NOW, IF I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING I CAN FOR MYSELF AND I NEED HELP, ALL I HAVE TO DO IS PRAY WITH UNLIMITED FAITH, AND THE POWER TAKES OVER, WITHOUT FAIL. (of course, this applies to any legitimate effort in life). NICHIREN SAYS, "FAITH ALONE IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS". AND IT IS JUST THAT SIMPLE. FAITH MUST BE UNLIMITED.
Oh, and how about doing bad things? Well, since we, everyday, have choices to make, many times, for one reason or another, we make bad choices. We identify these choices as "causes", and causes, good and bad, come under the Universal Law of Cause and Effect. Hellooooooo, now you have to wake up because, oho, good causes - good effects. Then, Aha, bad causes also have bad effects. And in every one the effects are inevitable, with no time limits.
OF COURSE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT TO A BUDDHIST TO APPLY 'FEAR' TO ANYTHING WOULD BE TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. LOVE AND PEACE WE STRESS.
Once more........ When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power then there will be PEACE in the world.
So come on people, get involved here. I need you. Cheers. CJ
Are you a Christian?? NO? Some other, what is called, faith?? Do you believe in "God"? How strong is your FAITH????? If not a Christian, then what else do you have faith in? Why?? I'm obviously not a Christian, and I am far better off not being one, but I'm not against any religion that you have real strong faith in. But that word "FAITH" is up for issue today, so stay with me here. Fun Ahead !!!!
I am going to ask some questions on religion today, and I'd sure like it if some of you would take a moment or two, and express your opinion, whatever it might be. Let's get some dialogue going, huh???
What got me thinking was a "letter to the Editor" in my local newspaper. Basically, she was responding to an article by a columnist, Leonard Pitts, who, in another column of his, was agreeing with another writer, Anne Rice, both of whom were seemingly anti-religion. They also apparently sided in with those who were for gay marriages, abortions, and some such.
This letter writer suggested, that these two should read the Bible, and find out why Christians are against same. Then she quotes from the GOP platform addressing these issues, like; When a party backs abortion and uses tax money to pay for them, that it was obvious is against the side of God's law. Hmmm, I am not sure about God's law, but I do know it is not good government to advocate or pass a law that would use taxes for such a purpose.
Then the letter went on, stating how churches do such good work feeding and finding clothing for less fortunate, and then questioned, what were atheists doing for these same unfortunates.
But what set me off was when the writer wrote about the many "GOD FEARING" churches which are "hospitals for sinners".
There was a bit more on the same vein, but even when I wasn't a Buddhist I could not understand this term of reference, God Fearing. How could anyone use that terminology for an entity who is supposed to all loving, all caring, What's to FEAR???? And why does FEAR make you a better Christian.
I just plain don't agree and don't think it should be used. Of course, Buddhists don't have to deal with a 'being" entity, who deals out favoring one over another depending on who is good or who is bad, or answer one person's prayer and not another. Or a youngster dying or getting killed, and some crook who is drowning in luxury and apparently not at all fairly paying for his crime, thievery etc.
Or some good living person who falls into hard times, and moans, "OH God, why me?
AS A BUDDHIST, SINCE RELIGION IS A SPIRITUAL PROCESS, I KEEP IT LIKE THAT. WE BELIEVE IN A HIGHER POWER, BUT THAT POWER IS STILL SPIRITUAL AND WITHIN EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US ON EARTH. SO, WHEN WE CHANT OUR PRAYERS, WE ARE, IN EFFECT, PRAYING TO OUSELVES BECAUSE THAT POWER IS WITH US CONSTANTLY AND AVAILABLE 24/7, IF YOU WILL, AND THAT IS MY "FAITH".
OH, YES, BUT DESPITE MY GREAT FAITH, I STILL HAVE TO TAKE ACTION IN EVERYTHING I DO OR, AND WANT. NOW, IF I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING I CAN FOR MYSELF AND I NEED HELP, ALL I HAVE TO DO IS PRAY WITH UNLIMITED FAITH, AND THE POWER TAKES OVER, WITHOUT FAIL. (of course, this applies to any legitimate effort in life). NICHIREN SAYS, "FAITH ALONE IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS". AND IT IS JUST THAT SIMPLE. FAITH MUST BE UNLIMITED.
Oh, and how about doing bad things? Well, since we, everyday, have choices to make, many times, for one reason or another, we make bad choices. We identify these choices as "causes", and causes, good and bad, come under the Universal Law of Cause and Effect. Hellooooooo, now you have to wake up because, oho, good causes - good effects. Then, Aha, bad causes also have bad effects. And in every one the effects are inevitable, with no time limits.
OF COURSE, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT TO A BUDDHIST TO APPLY 'FEAR' TO ANYTHING WOULD BE TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. LOVE AND PEACE WE STRESS.
Once more........ When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power then there will be PEACE in the world.
So come on people, get involved here. I need you. Cheers. CJ
Saturday, August 14, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS - Why Buddhism????? (Cont'd)
Well, people, Happy weekend. As usual I am trying to clean up for the week and tieing loose ends.
As I've said, this blog is not for fanatics, religious, political or otherwise. If you are happy with your religion, and/or your political choices, so be it. I'm not trying to convert you from what you are.
This blog is for those who have an open mind, and enjoy learning and discussions, then, this is for you. Also you must be totally happy. IF you are not totally happy with "things" in your life, then, this is for you. I guaranteed that if you like what I am revealing here about Nichiren Buddhism, and give it a try, an honest try, you will be happier that you have ever been in your life, and with proof.
Now, Buddhism has not been clearly understood in the West for three main reasons: the history of the spread of Buddhist teachings to the West; the inherent difficulty posed by many of those teachings; and the difficulties posed by their sheer numbers.
To start with history, the Buddhism first encountered by travellers from Europe was the type called HINAYANA. This form of Buddhism, once dominant in India and still the main religion of Sri Lanka and south-east Asia, follows the earlier teachings of Shakyamuni, Buddhism's historical founder, and places great emphasis on a strict and highly detailed code of personal conduct.
So strict is Hinayana in its pure form that it is impossible to follow while living in the everyday world. For example, some Hinayana priests rigorously observe 250 commandments for each of the four acts of walking, standing, sitting, and lying. totally 1,000 commandments in all. As one might expect, therefore, Hinayana Buddhism has a marked tendency towards monasticism, as monks are the only people who can afford the time and effort to wholly devote themselves to it.
The other main stream of Buddhism thought, called Mahayana., flowed northwards from India through Tibet and China to Korea and Japan. This stresses the need for Buddhism to be a religion of the common people, capable of helping them tackle the day-to-day realities of living; it is much less well known and understood in the West.
In addition, the atention that yoga, transendental meditation, the Hare Krishna, and Japanese Zen sects have all attracted in Europe and America in recent times has further confused the picture, to the extent that many people now have vague notions that these disciplines are virtually interchangeable and, since they are all originally from the Orient, are all "something to do with Buddism".
SO. IN SIMPLE TERMS, BUDDHISM IS A PHILOSOPHY WHICH EXPLAINS HOW LIFE WORKS AND HOW ONE CAN LIVE HAPPILY AND CREATIVELY.
Since life itself is anything but simple, and as the teachings of Buddhism have evolved gradually over the past 3,000 years or so, they naturally mirrror this complexity, at tiems even saying things which seem to be completely contradictory. Especially challenging is the teaching of the Lotus Sutra in which Shakyamuni describes what it means to be enlightened.
Guess this will do for now. In my next blog I will explain enlightenment in this context and also will explore what REAL HAPPINESS is. I am the example. Cheers CJ
As I've said, this blog is not for fanatics, religious, political or otherwise. If you are happy with your religion, and/or your political choices, so be it. I'm not trying to convert you from what you are.
This blog is for those who have an open mind, and enjoy learning and discussions, then, this is for you. Also you must be totally happy. IF you are not totally happy with "things" in your life, then, this is for you. I guaranteed that if you like what I am revealing here about Nichiren Buddhism, and give it a try, an honest try, you will be happier that you have ever been in your life, and with proof.
Now, Buddhism has not been clearly understood in the West for three main reasons: the history of the spread of Buddhist teachings to the West; the inherent difficulty posed by many of those teachings; and the difficulties posed by their sheer numbers.
To start with history, the Buddhism first encountered by travellers from Europe was the type called HINAYANA. This form of Buddhism, once dominant in India and still the main religion of Sri Lanka and south-east Asia, follows the earlier teachings of Shakyamuni, Buddhism's historical founder, and places great emphasis on a strict and highly detailed code of personal conduct.
So strict is Hinayana in its pure form that it is impossible to follow while living in the everyday world. For example, some Hinayana priests rigorously observe 250 commandments for each of the four acts of walking, standing, sitting, and lying. totally 1,000 commandments in all. As one might expect, therefore, Hinayana Buddhism has a marked tendency towards monasticism, as monks are the only people who can afford the time and effort to wholly devote themselves to it.
The other main stream of Buddhism thought, called Mahayana., flowed northwards from India through Tibet and China to Korea and Japan. This stresses the need for Buddhism to be a religion of the common people, capable of helping them tackle the day-to-day realities of living; it is much less well known and understood in the West.
In addition, the atention that yoga, transendental meditation, the Hare Krishna, and Japanese Zen sects have all attracted in Europe and America in recent times has further confused the picture, to the extent that many people now have vague notions that these disciplines are virtually interchangeable and, since they are all originally from the Orient, are all "something to do with Buddism".
SO. IN SIMPLE TERMS, BUDDHISM IS A PHILOSOPHY WHICH EXPLAINS HOW LIFE WORKS AND HOW ONE CAN LIVE HAPPILY AND CREATIVELY.
Since life itself is anything but simple, and as the teachings of Buddhism have evolved gradually over the past 3,000 years or so, they naturally mirrror this complexity, at tiems even saying things which seem to be completely contradictory. Especially challenging is the teaching of the Lotus Sutra in which Shakyamuni describes what it means to be enlightened.
Guess this will do for now. In my next blog I will explain enlightenment in this context and also will explore what REAL HAPPINESS is. I am the example. Cheers CJ
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS - Why Buddhism????? (Cont'd)
Greetings fellow Americans, Forgive me, but it seems my posts are not all being published, and I am losing continuity in my blogs and no doubt those who check will possibly wonder why so much time in between posts. Plus what I've written and not published are sort of hazy in my memory which makes connecting thoughts and ideas a bit difficult.
I am going to shorten this blog until I find out the problem.
Yesterday on Glenn Beck's show, he brought up an interesting subject relating to American's downward trend morally and factually almost every other way, including the economy.
But Beck brought up the subject of Truth, and how it is being avoided in almost all walks of life. It got me to thinking about it and I have to agree, lying seems to be a way of life communication-wise, not only in advertising and politics, but between people on a daily basis. Even children now think nothing of lying if it suits them at the time. Ummm, parents, schools, politicians??? Sure everywhere, so it is no wonder the kids follow suit. No one wants to take FULL RESPONSIBILITY for themselves anymore, in almost any walk of life.
Readers, think about it! I am sure I am guilty of avoiding truth at certain times. Hey, you want to confess too???? But as always when a significant problem rears its head, we should start looking at ourselves and all should start looking for a solution, which I believe would be in the home and family, and parents.
It is not an easy solution and one which will take a whole lot of time to correct, but important is to recognize that lying is indeed a corruption and should be eradicated, starting with PARENTS and then keep bringing up the subject and get it done. And that must be continual exposure to the public, and making all aware.
Be back soon, and will bring more of Buddhism and Easter wisdom to ponder on in your life,... maybe, maybe not, but is can't hurt. And that is good. Cheerio CJ
I am going to shorten this blog until I find out the problem.
Yesterday on Glenn Beck's show, he brought up an interesting subject relating to American's downward trend morally and factually almost every other way, including the economy.
But Beck brought up the subject of Truth, and how it is being avoided in almost all walks of life. It got me to thinking about it and I have to agree, lying seems to be a way of life communication-wise, not only in advertising and politics, but between people on a daily basis. Even children now think nothing of lying if it suits them at the time. Ummm, parents, schools, politicians??? Sure everywhere, so it is no wonder the kids follow suit. No one wants to take FULL RESPONSIBILITY for themselves anymore, in almost any walk of life.
Readers, think about it! I am sure I am guilty of avoiding truth at certain times. Hey, you want to confess too???? But as always when a significant problem rears its head, we should start looking at ourselves and all should start looking for a solution, which I believe would be in the home and family, and parents.
It is not an easy solution and one which will take a whole lot of time to correct, but important is to recognize that lying is indeed a corruption and should be eradicated, starting with PARENTS and then keep bringing up the subject and get it done. And that must be continual exposure to the public, and making all aware.
Be back soon, and will bring more of Buddhism and Easter wisdom to ponder on in your life,... maybe, maybe not, but is can't hurt. And that is good. Cheerio CJ
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS - More about my Nichiren Buddhism...
Hello all, Yesterday, I meant to respond some more regarding my last blog and with more reasons anyone who is not yet spiritual, or doubters, or even those who might be religious but not totally bound to one particular religion, but I had a chance to go to see the Tampa Bay Rays play Minnesota and could not pass it up. Rays also won, yea!!!
I believe I ended the blog, promising to explore a but on one phase of Basic practice of the Buddhism or Nichiren Daishonin, which consists of chanting the phrase, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
This may sound incredible -- not only in the sense of being too good to be true but, literally, unbelievable. How can chanting a phrase one does not even understand, over and over again to a piece of paper, possibly have such an effect? What does, Nam myoho Renge Kyo mean anyway and what is so special about this scroll, the Gohonzon?
Good questions and doubltless many that will arise and hopefully answered should you decide to read the book. For now, suffice it to say that perhaps the most challenging aspect of Nirchiren's Buddhism is the way that it forces one to re-examine fundamental assumptions about the nature of life in general, and our own lives in particular. These assumptions are probably so deeply rooted that you might not even know you hold them. For example, consider the problem of suffering.
No one wants to suffer. but as we would all like to live a totally happy life, suffering is an unescapable fact of our human existance. The observance that 'Man is born into trouble, as sparks fly upward' may not have much consolation to Job, but nevertheless remains an uncomfortable truth. Generally speaking, suffering arises through our encounters with problems and difficulties; this is why much of our time is spent trying to avoid them; even though they are inherent in life. In trying to avoid problems, however, we are often simply putting off the inevitable to a future date, by which time the trouble has usually grown much more difficult to resolve.
Personal relationships are a good exmple of this. The failure to tackle a problem between two people - a clash of desires, for instance - usually for fear of not knowing what the consequences will be, or perhaps simply because of dislike of conflict, can very easily lead to a build-up of resentments which, when finally expressed, can be immensely destructive.
O.K, surely you can relate to this wisdom, if not, then you are not facing life and I suspect, might be in the midst of some similarities in your life. If so wake up.!!!!!
I'll continue this discourse shortly so stay with me, which means, please come back and learn something that might affect your total life ahead. Cheers Good old Happy, Happy CJ.
I believe I ended the blog, promising to explore a but on one phase of Basic practice of the Buddhism or Nichiren Daishonin, which consists of chanting the phrase, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
This may sound incredible -- not only in the sense of being too good to be true but, literally, unbelievable. How can chanting a phrase one does not even understand, over and over again to a piece of paper, possibly have such an effect? What does, Nam myoho Renge Kyo mean anyway and what is so special about this scroll, the Gohonzon?
Good questions and doubltless many that will arise and hopefully answered should you decide to read the book. For now, suffice it to say that perhaps the most challenging aspect of Nirchiren's Buddhism is the way that it forces one to re-examine fundamental assumptions about the nature of life in general, and our own lives in particular. These assumptions are probably so deeply rooted that you might not even know you hold them. For example, consider the problem of suffering.
No one wants to suffer. but as we would all like to live a totally happy life, suffering is an unescapable fact of our human existance. The observance that 'Man is born into trouble, as sparks fly upward' may not have much consolation to Job, but nevertheless remains an uncomfortable truth. Generally speaking, suffering arises through our encounters with problems and difficulties; this is why much of our time is spent trying to avoid them; even though they are inherent in life. In trying to avoid problems, however, we are often simply putting off the inevitable to a future date, by which time the trouble has usually grown much more difficult to resolve.
Personal relationships are a good exmple of this. The failure to tackle a problem between two people - a clash of desires, for instance - usually for fear of not knowing what the consequences will be, or perhaps simply because of dislike of conflict, can very easily lead to a build-up of resentments which, when finally expressed, can be immensely destructive.
O.K, surely you can relate to this wisdom, if not, then you are not facing life and I suspect, might be in the midst of some similarities in your life. If so wake up.!!!!!
I'll continue this discourse shortly so stay with me, which means, please come back and learn something that might affect your total life ahead. Cheers Good old Happy, Happy CJ.
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