In a recent Living Buddhism interview with philosopher and author of 'Plato, not Prozac' Lou Marinoff, Mr. Marinoff explains his view.
Everybody has a philosophy of life, he says, but if you ask people what their philosophy of life is, most peolpe don't know. If they don't know what their own beliefs are, then they're blind. They're stumbling through life. The purpose of dialog, then, would be to remove the blindfold.
He says that all of us are going to experience things that are not pleasant. We know this, and yet the question remains, "What do you do with it?" Buddhism is so valuable because it teaches us to let go, to disown these harmful things. We don't have to act on our inpulses, we don't have to act on our anger. We can disown them.
But before we can disown them, we have to own them; sit and see where they come from and how to let them go, then you can disown them.
People need to have more opportunity to understrand how to deal with circumstances. Many teachings exist for handling success, but not many good teachings exist for handling failure.
Buddhism is different from other major religions by its compatibility with them all, whereas they're not compatible with each other. In Buddhism we find people who come from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and other traditions. Buddhism is not contending against anything - it's embracing humanity.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Destined to Triumph
The conclusion of President Ikeda's address at the 40th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders meeting appears in the 3 September World Tribune.
After some remarks about the growth of the SGI in several small island communties, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King.
He then talked about a book by Giuseppe Mazzini, a leader of the 19th century movement for Italian independence and unity, in which he chronicled the betrayal of youth who had been fighting for justice and liberty. Mazzini called upon the youth of Italy to fight and win.
Nichiren Daishonin states, "It is not one's allies but one's powerful enemies who assist one's progress". Only by struggling against opposing forces can we grow stronger.
Mazzini also stated to never give in to despair or dejection. What matters is the present and, even more importantly, the future.
Mazzini further states, "There can be ... no possible violation of the laws that rule the universe." Nothing in the universe, President Ikeda says, is a match for us since we uphold the Mystic Law and are dedicated to truth and justice.
After some words about SUA, President Ikeda encourages us to live courageously and live victorius lives.
After some remarks about the growth of the SGI in several small island communties, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King.
He then talked about a book by Giuseppe Mazzini, a leader of the 19th century movement for Italian independence and unity, in which he chronicled the betrayal of youth who had been fighting for justice and liberty. Mazzini called upon the youth of Italy to fight and win.
Nichiren Daishonin states, "It is not one's allies but one's powerful enemies who assist one's progress". Only by struggling against opposing forces can we grow stronger.
Mazzini also stated to never give in to despair or dejection. What matters is the present and, even more importantly, the future.
Mazzini further states, "There can be ... no possible violation of the laws that rule the universe." Nothing in the universe, President Ikeda says, is a match for us since we uphold the Mystic Law and are dedicated to truth and justice.
After some words about SUA, President Ikeda encourages us to live courageously and live victorius lives.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Heart of a Lion King
The Bowie discussion meeting for September will feature the July Living Buddhism article 'Having the Heart of a Lion King Is the Key to Victory'. This is the cornerstone of 'changing karma into mission', the theme of this LB issue.
President Ikeda has said that overcoming hardships leads to immense benefit. The article cites several examples, including Alexander the Great, the farmers of Atsuhara, the experience of a men's division member and others..
A quote from the gosho, 'On Persecutions Befalling the Sage', encourages us to summon up the courage of a lion king. Each of us inherently possesses the heart of a lion king but we must awaken it within ourselves. The key is resolute faith that grows stonger 'day by day and month after month'.
Please study this article to gain its full impact.
See you Friday.
President Ikeda has said that overcoming hardships leads to immense benefit. The article cites several examples, including Alexander the Great, the farmers of Atsuhara, the experience of a men's division member and others..
A quote from the gosho, 'On Persecutions Befalling the Sage', encourages us to summon up the courage of a lion king. Each of us inherently possesses the heart of a lion king but we must awaken it within ourselves. The key is resolute faith that grows stonger 'day by day and month after month'.
Please study this article to gain its full impact.
See you Friday.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
World Peace Prayer
Hi!
Kosenrufu gongyo will be held Sunday 5 September at 10am at the DC Community Center. This will be a combined DC and PG area meeting.
Nobuko & Joe