HARMONY-August 2015

DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF SGI,

In this issue, we look at the concept of Being in the Moment and what this means for practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism.

There are many articles, books, pod-casts available all telling us what it means and the best way to be “in the moment”. As our Special Features mentions, when we chant, it is important to “be in the moment”. As we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we should not dwell on the past but rather focus on the moment with strong determination for what we want to accomplish to create the best future possible. In order to achieve that, it is important for us to have a correct attitude while we chant. SGI President Ikeda says:

“To be bound by the causes of the past and lament their effects in the present makes for an unhappy life. While it is true in a certain respect that the present is the result of past causes, by elevating our life-state in the present, our negative past causes are transformed into positive ones. There is no need for us to be prisoners of the past; in fact, we can even change to past.

The moment our mind-set changes, we create a cause in the present that can definitely transform the effect manifested in the future. Nichiren Buddhism is the Buddhism of the sun. It is a philosophy of hope that enables us to transform the present and realize a bright future. Those who embrace this philosophy need never feel despondent or hopeless. They need never give in to complaint. What matters is our inner resolve right now.”

We trust that you will find the features article beneficial as it assists you in renewing your determination and becoming fully focused on this very moment of life.

We continue to publish the very inspiring guidance series The Wisdom For Creating Happiness And Peace.

President Ikeda has consistently emphasized the Daishonin’s teaching that “It is the heart that is important,” the philosophy that forms the basis for human revolution. What is the essence of the life state of Buddhahood that we are aiming to achieve? How do we reveal our Buddha nature? This installment presents valuable guidance about fundamentally transforming our state of life. We hope that you will read and re-read this chapter, embrace and understand it with your heart.

We hope that you will be inspired and enjoy your life, moment by moment in the now.

Skip Williams

Quote of the Month:

“Invisible radio waves travel vast distances throught space. In the same way, our inner determination activates the forces in the universe.”

–Daisaku Ikeda - Buddhism For you -Determination p.40