HARMONY - February 2013

DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF SGI
This month we look at Buddhism and daily life. It is quite common for people to think of religion, or spirituality, as something independent from their other activities; that there is no correlation between them.

We have many responsibilities in our lives, things we want to achieve, family and work duties to attend to. The demands on our time can seem never- ending, and prioritizing what is really important becomes critical.

If we do not understand the Buddhist principles of the “interconnectedness of all things”, then we can all too easily fall into the trap of “slotting in” our Buddhist practice. It becomes just one of many activities that we need to take care of, get off our plate and move on.

We must be careful not to adopt this attitude. Our chanting should not be low on our list of daily activities. If we do so, we are cheating ourselves of the full benefit of our practice. We should not feel that there is a separation between our spiritual side and our secular activities. After all, our Buddhahood is always with us.

The practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is not one that is removed from the realities of the world; from our daily challenges, our hopes and dreams. We don’t go to some distant place because we want to change our life-state; we can do that on a daily basis, in the comfort of our own home, when we chant.

“Buddhism lies close at hand, in the here and now. It is found in daily life, is innate in human existence and in society. To present Buddhism as belonging to some far-off realm, removed from life and reality, is deceptive.”*

The challenge is to apply our Buddhist principles in our lives on a consistent basis. When we can do that, when we truly realize there no separation between the two, the direct result is that we will lead fuller and more enriched lives, no matter what the circumstances.

“The human being is at the center of Buddhism. With its focus on the importance of the heart and the preciousness of life, Buddhism exists to enable all people to cultivate their innate Buddhahood and manifest it within their lives.”*

We hope that this issue of Harmony will help you realize that Buddhism is daily life.

Skip Williams

Quote of the month
“Whilst human society highlights the “distinctions” or “differences” between us, Buddhism transcends all superficial differences and, in recognizing the commonality that all people share as human beings, focuses directly on life.”
www.ikedaquotes.org
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