HARMONY - July 2012

Special Feature: Illusions, Attachments & Desires

When we follow the daily practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, we recite excerpts of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening (Gongyo) and chant Nam- myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon.

As Richard Causton says on page 1 of the introduction to his book The Buddha in Daily Life:
“If you do this, study and teach others the Buddhist view of life to the best of your ability, you will develop a state of life in which your desires are completely fulfilled, which creates the maximum value and good fortune for yourself and your society, and which is powered by unshakeable happiness and confidence, no matter what problems you may be facing”.

That’s a mighty statement, and in this issue of Harmony we go deeper to explore how we can utilize our illusions, attachments and desires to create a life that is rich in value and free from suffering.

The most challenging part of our Buddhist practice is not just developing a regular rhythm in our daily practice, but also learning to “master our mind”. We must look at ourselves and re- examine our fundamental thinking and beliefs, which in turn drive us to actions that can hinder us from progressing on our path of realizing true happiness.

In reality, problems are not the problem. Our fears and the perceived or real inability to overcome them is the source of our suffering. But of course, when in the middle of a struggle to solve a problem, this is extremely difficult to realize, and we can be defeated by our circumstances, even though Nichiren Daishonin mentions it again and again in letters to his disciples. This is why we need to chant and study.

Our Buddhist practice and study enables us to clear our mind and see how all situations are really opportunities to learn and progress, to deepen our faith and develop a strong self and happiness from within. One that is un-swayed by circumstances and the environment. Rather than being a slave to our desires, we can chant and transform those yearnings to wisdom.

We sincerely wish that this issue of Harmony gives you some eye-opening insights on how to transform your life and to shine brilliantly and be absolutely happy.

Carola Chard

Quote of the month

“People’s desires are limitless. There is the basic desire to live. There is also the instinctual desire for food, the materialistic desire for possessions, and the psychological desire to be noticed. We could not live with desires. Often, desires generate the energy that enables us to move forward and improve ourselves. The key question, therefore, is how we use desires.”  (www.ikedaquote.org)
Available at all HKSGI Culture Centres