#Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[aquaglow]

when my mind is troubled and loud, I go back to the basics, to those simple words that can fix the soul: nam myōhō renge kyō, nam myōhō renge kyō, nam myōhō renge kyō. until the mind goes soft; until the monkey is soothed; until the lake becomes a mirror. 🌿

[kaeterine]

[nammyohorengekyo-onlinebuddhism]

How to Get Good Luck by Chanting Daily Nam Myoho Renge Kyo? Watch the full video on YouTube. ❓ WHAT'S ONE AREA IN YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MORE GOOD FORTUNE? COMMENT BELOW

[sgi1118]

おはようございます。今日のJapanese SEIKYOです。

[zenthropology]

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.

Statue of Inari Daimyojin

Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Greater New England

[suraira]

Does my transgender identity conflict with Buddhism’s teachings on no-self?

by Sallie Jiko Tisdale, Narayan Helen Liebenson, and Andrew Holecek

Q: I was born male, but after many years of confusion, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m actually a transgender woman and I’m now seeking sex-reassignment surgery. As a Buddhist, I feel conflicted by the teachings on no-self and this unshakable feeling that there is a deep, hidden truth about me that I need to express. Am I wrong to embrace this sense of true self?

SALLIE JIKO TISDALE: The emptiness of the self is part of what we face in practice. It is this very emptiness that allows us to work with our karma, clarify our lives, and awaken to the truth. But becoming your most authentic self is part of it too. The Buddha advised his followers to be indifferent to their bodies, but he also taught people to use their bodies as the tools of awakening. The Buddha’s own story teaches us that extremes are not conducive to real understanding. It does us no good to be miserable, unhealthy, or at war with ourselves.

As human beings, we are always broken in some way; our existence is marked by ignorance and confusion. Over time, we come to accept the karma of our birth, the gifts and challenges we have inherited. We strive to become whole, to find those parts of the self that need attention and support. We become willing not only to accept our karma but also to dance with it—to risk vulnerability, to examine our tender places, to be uncomfortable, and finally to stand up for ourselves and say, “This is who I am.”

As you say, you sense a “deep, hidden truth” about yourself and you need to express it. Everyone feels this way, I think. To one extent or another, we are longing to be seen and recognized as we secretly know ourselves to be. We struggle to find congruence between our inner experience and our outer relationships. So we work to bring the physical body and our appearance into congruence with the felt self—through our clothing, how we wear our hair, how we speak and stand, whom we choose as friends and peers.

Each of us has genitals, but they do not determine gender. Our gender—male, female, or intersexual—includes such disparate forces as genetics, family, and culture. The source of transgender identity is mysterious because we don’t understand how all these forces work together. But the incongruence you feel is not that uncommon. I would advise only that this felt identity is not your “true self.” The Buddhist true self is much more than our phenomenal existence. That self is not dependent on the physical body, intellect, spiritual practice, or relationship; it cannot be obstructed by anything phenomenal.

What you describe is what I think of as the “authentic self,” the urge to live in this world in the most whole way possible. For some of us, it might mean braces or a different haircut; for others, it may mean monastic robes and a shaved head. For a certain number of people, it will require gender-reassignment surgery. So yes, embrace your authentic self completely. If that means you need to make some practical adjustments, you will have plenty of company.

NARAYAN HELEN LIEBENSON: The teaching of anatta does not say there is no self; it states that nothing conditional can be pointed to as being who or what you are. Given that no aspect of being can be identified with in any kind of continuous, independent sense, to me, teachings of compassion and loving-kindness can be your north star.

You don’t mention pain, but it’s hard to imagine that you’ve made this decision lightly and without any degree of angst. This pull you feel to live as you know yourself to be is a matching of your inner reality with the outer situation in which you live. What could be wrong with that? Accepting yourself as you are and being a true friend to yourself is an essential aspect of this path of inner liberation.

I see the problem as the conflict between what you know and what you have heard in the teachings. The question is, by manifesting differently in this world, can you live the teachings more fully? I would assume so, because after surgery, you will not live in ongoing conflict or feel a sense of separation between the gender you know yourself to be and the way others relate to you. Free from the idea of a fixed, continuous, independent “I,” there’s tremendous freedom possible in the flowering and flexibility of all things.

ANDREW HOLECEK: My heart goes out to you. Matters of identity at any level are wrenching. But fortunately, the challenges are also in direct proportion to the potential for transformation—the greater the obstacle, the greater the opportunity. Your question is a marvelous opportunity to explore the relationship between absolute and relative truth, both of which need to be honored to fully address the issues you express. We find our way to the absolute through the relative, not by dismissing it—your courage in facing yourself so honestly at this relative level can take you far along the path.

To become a buddha (the absolute), we first have to become fully human (the relative). We then might discover that to be fully human is to be a buddha (the inseparability of relative and absolute). One thread that connects these two stations along the path is maitri, or loving-kindness toward oneself. So first and foremost, be kind to yourself, which in itself is transformative.

If the Buddha were here, he would want you to be happy. If becoming a woman truly makes you happy, he would encourage that. But he might also suggest that your longing for change points to something even deeper, as your question itself implies. So while it’s important to honor the relative, the strength of Buddhism lies in its teachings on the absolute. That’s the perspective I want to emphasize.

Your question suggests to me that you’re homesick for the absolute, and that homesickness is expressing itself in this relative way. This is not to dismiss your desire to find a true form but to help you put it in perspective. Sex reassignment could be just one step toward the recovery of the “true self” you’re looking for.

In many ways, this is the central inquiry of the spiritual journey. Ramana Maharshi developed an entire path based on the question “Who am I?” Not knowing the answer is the source of all our suffering; discovering it is the basis of our liberation.

Until we wake up to who we really are, we’re all victims of a primordial identity theft. You originally thought you were a man, only to find you’re actually a woman. Good for you. You’re looking within and trying to recover a truer identity. But the finite cannot contain the infinite; if we identify with that form, it will always feel like something is missing.

How can you work with the absolute level? Even as you move forward with your surgery, when the thought comes up that you’re a woman—or a man—try to identify with the space between those thoughts. Let those thoughts come and go like clouds floating through the open sky. You’re the sky. Take refuge in that. From that open perspective, you will relate to whatever arises in your heart and mind properly and no longer lose yourself in any form. So abandon even the concept that “My thoughts are me.”

Take your unshakeable feeling that there is a deeper truth and use it to propel you toward that truth. That feeling is beautiful. Let your choice and your questions serve as catalysts for deeper investigation. Once you properly identify yourself as no-self, you will naturally express that selflessness as compassion and fulfill your longing—in any form. That’s when you’ll really shine.

[fromfaewithlove]

this morning when I did gongyo I broke down crying because I was so stressed about work.

The day before I held a meeting with my supervisors requesting my salary be raised to accommodate cost of living where I am. I poured my heart out to my bosses telling them that I was financially struggling and it was making it difficult to fully focus at work because each week I decide to pay rent or buy groceries. I had been eating nothing but rice beans and old bread and they told me that they couldn’t justify giving me a raise and informed me that I was actually going to be making less than our prior agreement. I was completely discouraged I cried and cried because I thought they cared about me. I genuinely tried to be a good worker for them.

After that discussion I began applying to different positions and researching graduate programs as I really have missed university and do want to pursue my MA & PHD.

This morning when I was chanting I was trying to figure out what to do. Do I stay at this company that doesn’t care about me? I was honestly considering it just for the sense of financial security. I absolutely hated that job and dreaded waking up in the morning. What’s the point in working from home if you can barely afford to keep your home working 40hrs a week for a company? I chanted for clarity and good fortune and above all to bring out my inner Buddha nature and not let discouragement keep me from being my best self. I was committed to be the best version of myself regardless of anything that could get me down. I just chanted that whatever needed to happen happened.

Well today i got fired from that job! I got fired when i was about to enter an interview for my new better paying position close to home! Then I got approved to freelance as a tutor and editor. And then finally my graduate application fees got waived, the need for references got waived, and I found out my GPA was high enough to enter the program and everything worked out beautifully!

If it wasn’t for my own courage to demand better at work I wouldn’t have had the conversation with my bosses that lead me to realize it was time to go back to school and find a change of employment. I wouldn’t be experiencing the beautiful fortune that I’m experiencing now.

[suraira]

@pinkangel725 we should do this on finch

If you have achieved something, please remember to observe a mandatory period of basking in the warm glow of your achievement like a lizard on a stone, lest you teach your brain that effort is futile, actually, because it didn't get to enjoy its happy chemicals, so, naturally, nothing good ever comes of trying. (And no, avoiding punishment is not a reward!)

I recommend, like, 5% of basking time in relation to whatever time you invested into achieving the thing minimum. And if you can't make your own bask, friend-brought is fine (= tell your friends!).

[buddhiststudy-nmrk]

“The pioneering spirit is a spirit of challenge. We cannot expect to realize fresh victory by using the same methods and taking the same action as before. We need to bring forth courage each day, challenge our limitations, and continue to press forward one step at a time. Therein lies the secret to victory.”

- NHR vol 15 p54

[nammyohorengekyo-onlinebuddhism]

January 10th - LIVING WITH INTEGRITY

Life is a journey fraught with challenges and tribulations. Yet, amidst the storms, we must hold steadfast to our Buddhist values, for they are the compass that guides us towards a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Integrity is the bedrock upon which we build a life of true value. It is the harmony between our words and our deeds, the unwavering commitment to truthfulness and compassion, even when faced with adversity.

Remember, our actions ripple outwards, impacting not only ourselves but also those around us. By living ethically, we contribute to the betterment of society and inspire others to do the same.

The power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is immense. Chanting it with sincerity strengthens our resolve and empowers us to overcome obstacles, transforming suffering into happiness.

Never underestimate the importance of faith. It is the unwavering belief in the power of the Mystic Law and our own inherent Buddhahood that allows us to navigate life's complexities with resilience and courage.

Living with integrity is not a passive endeavor; it requires constant effort and self-reflection. But the rewards are immeasurable, leading to a life of deep meaning and purpose.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo

[sgi1118]

おはようございます。今日のJapanese SEIKYOです。

[suraira]

Once again, here’s why we NEED to develop a culture of caring about each other. We NEED to actively respect human life, all the time.

am i insane or should masks be mandated for hospitals as a permanent installation. a forever institution. always. covid is an irrelevant factor when hospitals are always full of both very sick and very immunocompromised people..?

[lost-in-lilies-blog]

"Viver é enfrentar um problema atrás do outro. O modo como você o encara é que faz a diferença."

[herbaklava]

It’s great to see certain things you love about others and proceed to implement those good qualities into your life. It’s also good to see the negative habits of others (especially family members) and from that moment on, work your hardest everyday to not engage in said behavior for your well-being and that of those around you.

[blackwell008]

I draw too.

I need to start posting my own artwork. I love how tumblr is a place where all types of art are accepted as well as the people who make it. Tumblr has become a safe space for me and I am grateful for everyone who contributes to this sacred space and wonderful community.

[suraira]

Man, I never thought I’d be one of those people who talks about religion to people who didn’t initiate it, let alone talk about spreading religious values or converting others. I’m still on the fence about that last bit. This post shows, though, exactly why shakubuku is so important, and why it’s so important to have these dialogues. Business practices, ethics in technological advancements and applications, corruption, community services, welfare, equality, law, medicine, economic infrastructure— all of it is dependent on culture.

This is why it is so important that we cultivate a culture of mutual respect and compassion for ourselves and each other. We must develop a culture of respect for the dignity of all living beings.

It feels taboo as a childfree person to admit this but I actually do have concerns about who is going to take care of me when I'm old. The elder care system in our nation relies A LOT on the unpaid care labor of adult children. I just don't think that's a good reason to have kids.

"But you'll have more money!" does not completely put this to rest for me. Neither does "Buy care insurance!" Even if I can afford direct personal care, who is going to advocate for me to get it? Who is going to navigate bureaucracy for me when I'm 80?

"If you do have kids, there's no GUARANTEE that they'll take care of you when your old!" That's true, but doesn't solve my problem.

I think childfree people get very defensive about this question because its used as a kind of "gotcha!" against us, but I actually do not feel we can afford to be in denial about this reality. Based on current trends of more people in their 30s stating they intend to be permanently childfree, we are going to see a huge wave of childfree adults hitting the eldercare system at once in a few decades. Childfree people in their 30s should be advocating around eldercare NOW.