Sometimes it is hard...

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bob Mann on May 26, 2008 at 1:29am

Hi Budog, ....Old sayings.... If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there....

If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy.” He also says, “One who rids the offender of evil is acting as his parent.” (Opening of the Eye's)

About your son, right.... ....If you want them to succeed, don't let them fail....

Go get'em, Pop's....

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Budog on May 26, 2008 at 1:47am

Thanks Bob, I am learning allot from this life learning lesson...

Budog.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Patrick on May 26, 2008 at 6:07am

Budog,
Nichiren says in Letter to Kyo O', "your faith alone will determine these things" [regarding the protection of his dauughter's health.]

Take your concerns to the Gohonzon andd 'have faith' that those you love will gain the wisdom necessaary to change their own life, as our guidance/advice is not accepted until it is wanted/recognized as essential to their happiness and not our happiness.

Being happy just like we are includes watching those we love suffer, praying as if we were carrying dry tinder through a raging fire.

Than it will be much easier.

I have four adult children and their happpiness is based on my faith alone and even when I want them to not suffer with their problems. Unitl they recognize their issuse as a problem it is not a problem to them, just me . Everytime I point out their nose on their face they claim that is not their nose, but something else.

Patience is a virtue we can gain and express through our faith in The Mystic Law and the Gohonzon of Nam Myoho renge Kyo, that these things will be fine and than it is not so hard and they do not suffer.

Patrick

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bob Mann on May 26, 2008 at 11:20am

The Daishonin's Buddhism is the Buddhism of Action. If we have the wisdom to perceive the truth in something we need to let others know. To forever hold back will only bring regrets like "oh, I should of said something." To chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with our lips and hope for miricales in our heart will not bring about positive results. Take action, don't accept "this was not ment to be...."

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Patrick on May 26, 2008 at 6:33pm

Bob,
I am aware Nichiren's Buddhism is the Buddhism of action. My practice nor my understanding lacks that key engredient.

Understanding the time and the capacity of understanding are just as key, or else we sound arrogant as if we know everything.

The Lotus Sutra and Nichiren teach patience.

You misunderstand my post entirely.

I take direct action daily.

Patricdk

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bob Mann on May 27, 2008 at 3:28am

Dear Patrick,
Since I did'nt reply to your post, please be assured that I was only reasserting my concerns to Budog for him to take action. Not implying that you don't take action. I feel I understood your post quit well.

What is the purpose of guidance? First and foremost we should utilized it within our own families for our own good or benefit. Call it guidance or call it dialogue....

You can lead a horse to water, but it doesn't mean they are going to drink. Very true, but at least you gave it your best shot. The idea of letting people find their own way has some merit. For sure, it's an easy-out for those remaining on the sidelines waiting for the dust to settle. Just letting the chips fall where they may is not my idea of a good parent or friend-in-faith. But, thats just me....

We always need to be there for the nurturing part of it, that is, for the pointing in the right direction part of it. Can you imagine starting a new job and the manager telling you to “find your own way”. Ouch!

In the Gosho, The Stratetgy of the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren says, "No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder."

I have faith in Nichiren's words. Before I rely on chanting alone to solve someones problem, I would try to determine if they had an inkling of what faith is, and/or I would without a doubt dialogue with them.

Again, If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy.” He also says, “One who rids the offender of evil is acting as his parent.” (Opening of the Eye's)

We should all care enough to be good parents....

BTW, Patrick, I have read your posts over the years on various SGI websites and without a doubt, have great respect for your deep faith and knowledge.

Let's pray that this is resolved in the best way possible for Budog and his family.... Best always to you and yours....

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Budog on May 27, 2008 at 11:46am

I believe in faith and action in motion. Miracles do happen, but you have to seize the moment when it presents itself. This message has been passed on by more than one enlightened spiritual leaders throughout the history of mankind. I have done all I can in this situation for the time being. The rest I have to leave to the individuals involved and the Universe. All I can do now is love and support them while continuing to offer Daimoku for them. If the situation changes and the opportunity to do more presents itself, I will do so. But, I will not be Don Chijote and seek to slay giants as a mad man...


Budog.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Saera on May 27, 2008 at 7:27pm

Don Quixote wasn't mad. He was merely perceived as such. Just a footnote to the good dialogue I'm reading here.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Budog on May 28, 2008 at 12:41pm

If Don Quixote isn't mad, then perhaps I am not as nucking futs as everyone perceives me to be... Actually, I love the story of Don Quixote but I have to admit I was in 5th grade when I read it. That same summer is when I visited Spain for the first time and the story was quite alive in my mind and framed my perception of Spain at the time.

I regard to the reason for originally posting this thread, it hurts to watch someone make such destructive and foolish choices. I have shared my opinion and insight into the situation and now have backed off. All I can do now is love them, support them, continue to pray and offer Daimoku for all involved...

Budog.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Patrick on May 29, 2008 at 2:19am

BuDog,
life is as we perceive it.

What you may perceive as hurtfull, others do not. respecting the choices others make is most difficult, especially when they are our family and children.

Our children know when we do not respect the choices they have made.

I take the attitude to practice for them as if their problems are my problems and chant nam myoho renge kyo to the Gohonzon with the attitude that "My faith alone will determine these things [their safety and happpiness]"

Patrick

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by June Seculles on June 1, 2008 at 10:06am

Hi, Roger!

Josei Toda solemnly declared that while Buddhism teaches compassion, it's really all about courage. Practicing Buddhism with courage is the way to manifest true compassion. And faith is the highest form of courage. Keep chanting each day (no matter what) for a greater compassion and wisdom to become a better person, a Bodhisattva that will lead your family and others to our faith.

Planting a seed yesterday will not become a tree today. it will take sometime to see the fruit. It's more than a month now since your Gohonzon was enhrined. "Strengthen your faith day by day, month after month, year after years. Should you slacken a bit, evil will take advantage."Remember the saying, Good in an inch, invites evil in a yard.

I hope your in good health and recovered from your illness.

▶ Reply to This