In the
previous post, the main idea I was willing to share was to understand the
meaning of faith. We all need to understand the fact that Buddhism is not just
a philosophy rather it is a practical approach to life. As mentioned in earlier
post, for me: ¨ Faith doesn´t mean i will not have human emotions of fear, or
doubt but for me Faith is moving forward and having the courage to take actions
and surpassing my own fears¨. Lately, I have been trying to use an example in
my own life to use the obstacles, devils or sufferings in a fruitful manner.
Generally, our first reaction to any appearance of a problem or a mere bad news
is like, as I am practicing now so devils are appearing. We are so used to the
word ¨devil¨ that we don´t give a second thought also to what we are saying.
Apart from using this word so frequently, we even tend to say it with a
negative emotion feeling like another burden on our shoulders.
My personal
outlook to negativity, fundamental darkness, devils or obstacles:
For me my own
life is a representation of the tree and like a tree lives through the four
seasons and can´t bear the fruits and leaves throughout the year is similar to
my own personal victories. We need to understand that the trunk of the tree is
our own life, branches are reflecting our environment, leaves and fruits or
flowers are a reflection of the actual proofs/ victories we encounter. Don´t
forget the roots. These roots are representation of our characteristics like
wisdom, compassion and courage which bring out thoughts, words and actions
holding the trunk stronger or weaker. The roots are the reason that the trunk
holds the life for years even through the harsh weather even then branches have
gone dry with no fruits and flowers. These roots need nutrition like we are
making a strong foundation of life using our own Buddhism practice where the
nutrition for these roots are the devils, obstacles, sufferings or whatever you
choose to call. When we encounter problems, we become sad instead we can be happy
that here comes the nutrition for my life.
Major issue
is we tend to evaluate our life based on our branches and fruits they are
bearing like success at job or love relations or finances instead of looking at
how nourished our roots are or how strong is the trunk as in my life and life
condition.
Outlook for
sufferings:
Firstly, I
would like to say congratulations to me and all of you who are in the midst of
struggles. I know it sounds bitter but can you see that these obstacles are the
first reflection that we are on right path. Secondly, when we realise that my
happiness is not just dependent on the final results of my problems like
finding a job or kosen rufu partner or house etc. but rather happiness is
during the journey of finding these things. We don´t practice to live a life of
suffering rather we practice to stand with dignity and pride while fighting and
feel happy even during hard times. I know it is very hard to do. For first 3
years of my practice I was suffering too and challenges never stopped even
though I kept growing in my practice. What I didn’t notice was that I was just
sad during the problems till I found solutions to them. Till I realised this
last year and took a determination that as a practicing member and as a Buddha,
I must be able to live happy even when things are not okay. Lately, I have
actually turned around the whole scenario. I have come to an understanding and
I keep reminding myself again and again that my suffering is my mission, my
karmas are my mission. As a bodhisattva of the earth each time I hit another
obstacle I just tell myself, congratulations Priya, you are moving forward in
your mission and here is another beautiful opportunity to show the proof.
To turn
around my attitude in the midst of struggles, all I focused was on my life
condition. When we raise our life condition, we tend to focus all our energy on
creating causes, taking actions and using the opportunities as the source of
nourishment. We have to understand that we as bodhisattvas have voluntarily
took these karmas and said with a determination that I will fulfil my mission
by showing the proof through these karmas. Do you realise how courageous we
were to voluntarily take these challenges of karmas in the latter day of law or
to be said present life? Then how can we be weak now and expect a smooth simple
life for us. We all are extra ordinary beings with an extra ordinary mission
and an extra ordinary path for each one of us. We have to take pride and
welcome the devils as they help us reflect how much human revolution we have
done and how much more we have to do. Devils are our best friends and they act
as a fire to our faith and my determination to have another victory. Think
about it, if everything is okay then how are we going to reflect on our
gohonzon or why would we even polish our mirror.
Victory:
My fellow
friends in faith saw that I have no actual proof even though I have been
working hard as a leader or other responsibilities or as a byakuren and
personal faith, practice and study. Their concern pushed me to a limit that
they started suggesting to take a guidance even though I was happy. But they
all thought that I am just pretending to be happy. Though I took their advice
and took it as another challenge to talk to a leader and see if I might be
avoiding it due to language barrier. Recently, I met 2 leaders of country level
of Spain. I took no help and went ahead and initiated a whole conversation for
half an hour or more in Spanish. To my surprise they both had no guidance for
me after listening to me and how I practice. Rather my leaders told me that you
don´t have a face of suffering, I don’t think you need any guidance. They said
I am already creating a huge big experience. I was so happy that my
determination to shine through the problems have been fulfilled. My friends keep
asking me how I am so calm or happy. Some are wondering if I am on drugs like
that was the funniest thing I heard. Raised life condition can do wonders and
make you victorious each day rather than living with a feeling like you are in
a complete mess.
Crux:
- Raise your life condition with
daimoku and connect sincerely with sensei´s heart and understand the meaning of
being a bodhisattva with a unique mission.
-
Turn you karma or suffering
into your mission
-
Focus on causes and take
actions
-
Don´t give up on your dreams
and determinations no matter how far or faded they may seem.
Happy
chanting J
