HARMONY-December 2015

DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF SGI,

This month’s Harmony deals with the topic of overcoming complacency. We easily fall into this life state when we become accustomed, too familiar and comfortable with whatever situation we are in. Ironically, it is not only good times that may trigger this life state, but also misery. We may settle into a comfort zone and confuse complacency with contentment or patience. With a lack of a fighting spirit, not only do we get stuck ourselves, but we may even judge others who make an effort to get out of the situation as being dissatisfied or ungrateful. The “So, this is not good enough for you? You think you’re better than us?” line has stopped many from rising above their circumstances and unfolding their true potential.

In Buddhism, Chanting Nam=myoho-renge-kyo is the primary action we take for changing our karma and our circumstances in this lifetime for the better. However, even in the practice of Buddhism, we are in danger of becoming complacent. We may have the attitude of “I am chanting so many hours every day, of course I will win.” But the reality is, without taking concrete action in our daily life to reach our goals, we will not win. Buddhism is reason, not a miracle cure. We chant to express our desires and for the wisdom and courage to understand what needs to be done. Then we must follow through with action. Without chanting, our actions may be futile and misguided, but chanting without action will not bring results either.

Nor will a self-centered practice or chanting only for material goals bring us happiness or the desired long term goals. Buddhism is about opening our life so that we can become happy, contribute to world peace and help others to do the same.

November 18^th is the anniversary of the establishment of the Soka Gakkai and has come to symbolize a day when each individual strengthens their own determination and sense of responsibility to contribute to the welfare of society and world peace, in the spirit of the three founding presidents of the Soka Gakkai.

So what better month to get off the couch and overcome our complacency and strengthen our determinations to reach our goals?

Let’s not be couch potatoes like our cover image, just thinking about doing something, let’s actually do it.

Carola Chard

Quote of the Month:

“When you think, ‘I can’t do anymore. I need a break,’ that is the time to challenge yourself to keep going another five minutes. Those who persevere for even an extra five minutes will win in life.”  ──www.ikedaquotes.org