 Buddhism as a religion, philosophy,psychology and a science - Piyadassi Thera | ||
| Buddhism as a Religion To all Buddhists the question of religion and its origin, is not a metaphysical one. But a philosophical and an intellectual one. Religion is no real creed or a code of revelation or fear of the unknown fear of a supernatural being who rewards and punishes his good deeds and ill deeds. In other words it is not a theological concern. But rather a philosophical and an intellectual concern resulting from the experience of suffering, conflicts, unsatisfactoriness of the empirical existence of the nature of life. The Buddhist way of life is an intensed process of cleansing one's speech action and thought. It is self development and self-purification resulting in self-realization. The emphasis is on practical results and not on mere philosophical speculation or logical abstraction or even mere cogitation. Buddhism as a Philosophy From the point of view of philosophy, Buddha was not concerned with the problems that have worried philosophers both of the East and West from the beginning of history. He was not concerned with metaphysical problems which only confused man and upset his mental equilibrium. Their solution he knew will not free mankind from suffering from the unsatisfactory nature of life. That was why the Buddha hesitated to answer such questions as "Is the world eternal or not ?" "Has the world an end or not?" What is the origin of the world?" So on and so forth. Buddhism as a Psychology Buddhism also is the most psychological of religions. It is significant that the intricate workings of the human mind are more fully dealt with in Buddhism rather than in any other religion and therefore psychology works hand in hand with Buddhism than with any other religion. Is Buddhism related to modern psychology ? one may ask. Yes, but with some differences. Buddhism is more concerned with the curative rather than the analysis. Psychology helps us to understand life intellectualy. Meditation goes beyond the intellect to the actual experience of life itself. Through Meditation the Buddha had discovered the deeper universal melodies of the human heart and mind. Buddhism as a Science The remarkable insight into the workings of the mind derived through investigation makes the Buddha the supreme psychologist cum scientist. Admittedly, his way of arriving at these truths of mental life is not that of a experimentalist. Yet, what the Buddha had discovered remains true and infact has been corroborated by the experimentalists. But the purpose of engaging in these inquiries is quite different from that of the scientist. The statement of the Buddha about nature of the mind and matter are directed towards specific ends. They are simply the deliverance of man, supreme security from bondage of suffering. | ||
SGM-AMALA
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Great benefit of Buddhism
Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations. This is the great benefit of Buddhism.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations. This is the great benefit of Buddhism.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Monday, May 30, 2016
Growth and self-development
Those who make many friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives. In every situation, human relations--communication and personal interaction--are vital. We need to initiate and nurture friendships and contacts with many people, both within the organization and in society at large. Our lives will open and be enriched to the extent that we do so.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Those who make many friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives. In every situation, human relations--communication and personal interaction--are vital. We need to initiate and nurture friendships and contacts with many people, both within the organization and in society at large. Our lives will open and be enriched to the extent that we do so.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Mystic Law
We who embrace the Mystic Law will not suffer on account of old age or death. As long as we keep the flame of faith alive, the fire of life force will forever burn brightly within us; we can live with great confidence transcending birth and death. Faith is the engine that enables us to live with hope throughout our lives.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
We who embrace the Mystic Law will not suffer on account of old age or death. As long as we keep the flame of faith alive, the fire of life force will forever burn brightly within us; we can live with great confidence transcending birth and death. Faith is the engine that enables us to live with hope throughout our lives.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Saturday, May 28, 2016
True joy in life
What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question--and one that has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question--and one that has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Friday, May 27, 2016
Youth
YOUNG people should not be too easy on themselves because that is the path to ruin. Cast aside your dependency! There is no way but to stand up in faith through your own efforts. With your sincere and persistent prayers, please touch the lives of all around you – friends and opponents alike – and create a grand alliance of the people and a powerful new ground swell for kosen-rufu.
IN Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, it is said that no prayer goes unanswered. But this is very different from having every wish instantly gratified, as if by magic. If you chant to win the lottery tomorrow, or to score 100 percent on a test without having studied, the odds are very small that it will happen. Nonetheless, viewed from a deeper, longer-term perspective, all your prayers will have served to propel you in the direction of happiness.
WITHOUT training, there is no growth. Nichiren Daishonin stated: “Iron, when heated in flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword. Wise men and saints are tested by abuse.” (MW1, p 38) It is because of ordeals and discipline that one can carry out one’s human revolution. The present is an age lacking in discipline. For precisely this reason, one must voluntarily receive training and forge oneself through and through. Those who do so will in the end be victorious.
IN any struggle, victory depends on being able to display unique creativity and to open up new fields of activity; in essence, it depends on the demonstration of genuine wisdom. Mere knowledge can provide neither fresh perspective nor an inexhaustible source of initiative.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
YOUNG people should not be too easy on themselves because that is the path to ruin. Cast aside your dependency! There is no way but to stand up in faith through your own efforts. With your sincere and persistent prayers, please touch the lives of all around you – friends and opponents alike – and create a grand alliance of the people and a powerful new ground swell for kosen-rufu.
IN Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, it is said that no prayer goes unanswered. But this is very different from having every wish instantly gratified, as if by magic. If you chant to win the lottery tomorrow, or to score 100 percent on a test without having studied, the odds are very small that it will happen. Nonetheless, viewed from a deeper, longer-term perspective, all your prayers will have served to propel you in the direction of happiness.
WITHOUT training, there is no growth. Nichiren Daishonin stated: “Iron, when heated in flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword. Wise men and saints are tested by abuse.” (MW1, p 38) It is because of ordeals and discipline that one can carry out one’s human revolution. The present is an age lacking in discipline. For precisely this reason, one must voluntarily receive training and forge oneself through and through. Those who do so will in the end be victorious.
IN any struggle, victory depends on being able to display unique creativity and to open up new fields of activity; in essence, it depends on the demonstration of genuine wisdom. Mere knowledge can provide neither fresh perspective nor an inexhaustible source of initiative.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Struggle
WHEN you have given your all to a struggle, you are filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. That is because you have met the challenge, conquered your limitations, and experienced the great drama of life and human revolution. The face of a person who has strived on without reserve glows. It is lit by the radiance of a lofty spirit dedicated to working for the welfare of friends, fellow members and all humanity.
TO live in accord with the Mystic Law is to live a life as vast as the cosmos itself. No matter what happens, we can view things with serenity and composure. Directing our energies towards fulfilling our mission to help all people become happy, we can freely manifest our innate wisdom and ability, and victoriously overcome all obstacles.
ONE who always returns to the attitude of a beginner, challenging himself/herself to make further efforts, and who struggles to develop himself/herself further and to produce a better literary work, can muster up a dynamic spirit which enables him/her to improve continuously.
FORGE a solid self and develop within you the power to attract happiness to your life. Then you yourself will be happy and fulfilled, and you will be able to lead your family, your relatives and your friends to happiness too.
THE “great power of faith” of which Nichiren Daishonin spoke is like a mighty engine. With it, we can speed powerfully along the highway of life. Since we have been born in this world, we may as well set our sights on a grand objective and enjoy ourselves as we confidently and serenely climb the mountain of glorious personal achievement. If we are weak, life is a drag. We should make our way with the pride and resolve, “I am the SGI. No matter what anyone says, I am a representative of this great organisation.”
THE Daishonin compared the joyous and happy state of death that lies in store for those who practise faith in the Mystic Law to the majestic scene of the sun dispelling the darkness and illuminating the entire world. Death, in other words, far from being a cause for unease and fear, is a grand journey in which one experiences great peace of mind and satisfaction.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
WHEN you have given your all to a struggle, you are filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. That is because you have met the challenge, conquered your limitations, and experienced the great drama of life and human revolution. The face of a person who has strived on without reserve glows. It is lit by the radiance of a lofty spirit dedicated to working for the welfare of friends, fellow members and all humanity.
TO live in accord with the Mystic Law is to live a life as vast as the cosmos itself. No matter what happens, we can view things with serenity and composure. Directing our energies towards fulfilling our mission to help all people become happy, we can freely manifest our innate wisdom and ability, and victoriously overcome all obstacles.
ONE who always returns to the attitude of a beginner, challenging himself/herself to make further efforts, and who struggles to develop himself/herself further and to produce a better literary work, can muster up a dynamic spirit which enables him/her to improve continuously.
FORGE a solid self and develop within you the power to attract happiness to your life. Then you yourself will be happy and fulfilled, and you will be able to lead your family, your relatives and your friends to happiness too.
THE “great power of faith” of which Nichiren Daishonin spoke is like a mighty engine. With it, we can speed powerfully along the highway of life. Since we have been born in this world, we may as well set our sights on a grand objective and enjoy ourselves as we confidently and serenely climb the mountain of glorious personal achievement. If we are weak, life is a drag. We should make our way with the pride and resolve, “I am the SGI. No matter what anyone says, I am a representative of this great organisation.”
THE Daishonin compared the joyous and happy state of death that lies in store for those who practise faith in the Mystic Law to the majestic scene of the sun dispelling the darkness and illuminating the entire world. Death, in other words, far from being a cause for unease and fear, is a grand journey in which one experiences great peace of mind and satisfaction.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Mystic Law
WHEN you have given your all to a struggle, you are filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. That is because you have met the challenge, conquered your limitations, and experienced the great drama of life and human revolution. The face of a person who has strived on without reserve glows. It is lit by the radiance of a lofty spirit dedicated to working for the welfare of friends, fellow members and all humanity.
TO live in accord with the Mystic Law is to live a life as vast as the cosmos itself. No matter what happens, we can view things with serenity and composure. Directing our energies towards fulfilling our mission to help all people become happy, we can freely manifest our innate wisdom and ability, and victoriously overcome all obstacles.
ONE who always returns to the attitude of a beginner, challenging himself/herself to make further efforts, and who struggles to develop himself/herself further and to produce a better literary work, can muster up a dynamic spirit which enables him/her to improve continuously.
FORGE a solid self and develop within you the power to attract happiness to your life. Then you yourself will be happy and fulfilled, and you will be able to lead your family, your relatives and your friends to happiness too.
THE “great power of faith” of which Nichiren Daishonin spoke is like a mighty engine. With it, we can speed powerfully along the highway of life. Since we have been born in this world, we may as well set our sights on a grand objective and enjoy ourselves as we confidently and serenely climb the mountain of glorious personal achievement. If we are weak, life is a drag. We should make our way with the pride and resolve, “I am the SGI. No matter what anyone says, I am a representative of this great organisation.”
THE Daishonin compared the joyous and happy state of death that lies in store for those who practise faith in the Mystic Law to the majestic scene of the sun dispelling the darkness and illuminating the entire world. Death, in other words, far from being a cause for unease and fear, is a grand journey in which one experiences great peace of mind and satisfaction.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
WHEN you have given your all to a struggle, you are filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. That is because you have met the challenge, conquered your limitations, and experienced the great drama of life and human revolution. The face of a person who has strived on without reserve glows. It is lit by the radiance of a lofty spirit dedicated to working for the welfare of friends, fellow members and all humanity.
TO live in accord with the Mystic Law is to live a life as vast as the cosmos itself. No matter what happens, we can view things with serenity and composure. Directing our energies towards fulfilling our mission to help all people become happy, we can freely manifest our innate wisdom and ability, and victoriously overcome all obstacles.
ONE who always returns to the attitude of a beginner, challenging himself/herself to make further efforts, and who struggles to develop himself/herself further and to produce a better literary work, can muster up a dynamic spirit which enables him/her to improve continuously.
FORGE a solid self and develop within you the power to attract happiness to your life. Then you yourself will be happy and fulfilled, and you will be able to lead your family, your relatives and your friends to happiness too.
THE “great power of faith” of which Nichiren Daishonin spoke is like a mighty engine. With it, we can speed powerfully along the highway of life. Since we have been born in this world, we may as well set our sights on a grand objective and enjoy ourselves as we confidently and serenely climb the mountain of glorious personal achievement. If we are weak, life is a drag. We should make our way with the pride and resolve, “I am the SGI. No matter what anyone says, I am a representative of this great organisation.”
THE Daishonin compared the joyous and happy state of death that lies in store for those who practise faith in the Mystic Law to the majestic scene of the sun dispelling the darkness and illuminating the entire world. Death, in other words, far from being a cause for unease and fear, is a grand journey in which one experiences great peace of mind and satisfaction.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Daishonin's Buddhism
THE Daishonin's Buddhism teaches us that the Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo encompasses everything. For this reason, no matter what happens, we need simply continue chanting with confidence. Without being swayed in the least by untoward circumstances, let us continue proudly chanting resonant daimoku.
NO matter what anyone says, or even if, for instance we encounter from time to time unpleasant individuals along the way, we must not leave the SGI, because the correct practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism for the realisation of kosen-rufu is found only in the SGI.
EACH of you has a precious mission that only you can fulfill. Suffering people around the world are waiting for your brave endeavours. To neglect one's mission and seek only personal pleasure is a sign of selfishness. It is impossible for an egotistic, self-centred individual to truly love another person.
THE bond between parents and children is deep. But the bond that connects disciple with master is even stronger and deeper. The desire to seek a teacher is a lofty one, and the joy you experience when you find that teacher is enormous. Having a master is so important that it is said that you cannot trust a person who does not have a master.
THERE is no such thing as a life without trials and tribulations. A life without meeting obstacles is a weak one. One cannot depend on someone who has not had to overcome difficulties.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
THE Daishonin's Buddhism teaches us that the Law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo encompasses everything. For this reason, no matter what happens, we need simply continue chanting with confidence. Without being swayed in the least by untoward circumstances, let us continue proudly chanting resonant daimoku.
NO matter what anyone says, or even if, for instance we encounter from time to time unpleasant individuals along the way, we must not leave the SGI, because the correct practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism for the realisation of kosen-rufu is found only in the SGI.
EACH of you has a precious mission that only you can fulfill. Suffering people around the world are waiting for your brave endeavours. To neglect one's mission and seek only personal pleasure is a sign of selfishness. It is impossible for an egotistic, self-centred individual to truly love another person.
THE bond between parents and children is deep. But the bond that connects disciple with master is even stronger and deeper. The desire to seek a teacher is a lofty one, and the joy you experience when you find that teacher is enormous. Having a master is so important that it is said that you cannot trust a person who does not have a master.
THERE is no such thing as a life without trials and tribulations. A life without meeting obstacles is a weak one. One cannot depend on someone who has not had to overcome difficulties.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Monday, May 23, 2016
Faith
We need to cultivate a state of life where we can thoroughly enjoy ourselves at all times. We should have such joy that even at the time of death we can declare with a happy smile: "That was wonderful! Where shall I go next?" This is the state of mind of a person with strong faith. Such individuals will be reborn without delay and in a form and in a place exactly according with their desires. Faith enables us to attain the kind of generous and all-embracing state of mind where we can enjoy everything in our lives.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
We need to cultivate a state of life where we can thoroughly enjoy ourselves at all times. We should have such joy that even at the time of death we can declare with a happy smile: "That was wonderful! Where shall I go next?" This is the state of mind of a person with strong faith. Such individuals will be reborn without delay and in a form and in a place exactly according with their desires. Faith enables us to attain the kind of generous and all-embracing state of mind where we can enjoy everything in our lives.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Fundamental essence
AT its most fundamental essence, religion is commitment - commitment to saving people from suffering. True religion strives to instil that commitment in people's lives. Education, meanwhile, fosters people through widely accessible and universal knowledge. Without both religion and education, the correct path for humanity cannot be completed.
THE important thing is to have resolute faith, to have the courage not to fear anything. A strong person is happy. A weak person who is swayed by the slightest thing is miserable. A cowardly person who fails to fight back against evil cannot gain the great benefit of the Law.
HOPE is born of difficult struggles. It comes from the courage and passion to spare no effort. Passiveness and inertia are enemies of hope. To live one’s life passively and from force of habits is to allow oneself to drift towards unhappiness.
EVEN if you are in a quiet, unsung little corner of the world, you are advancing in your own way towards making your life a good one and the society in which you live a better place and you are sincerely praying and working for kosen-rufu. This is a practising Buddhist's purpose in life and this sincerity is what is most important.
ARROGANCE is a degradation of one's life while pride in the Lotus Sutra is an expression of one's seeking spirit.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
AT its most fundamental essence, religion is commitment - commitment to saving people from suffering. True religion strives to instil that commitment in people's lives. Education, meanwhile, fosters people through widely accessible and universal knowledge. Without both religion and education, the correct path for humanity cannot be completed.
THE important thing is to have resolute faith, to have the courage not to fear anything. A strong person is happy. A weak person who is swayed by the slightest thing is miserable. A cowardly person who fails to fight back against evil cannot gain the great benefit of the Law.
HOPE is born of difficult struggles. It comes from the courage and passion to spare no effort. Passiveness and inertia are enemies of hope. To live one’s life passively and from force of habits is to allow oneself to drift towards unhappiness.
EVEN if you are in a quiet, unsung little corner of the world, you are advancing in your own way towards making your life a good one and the society in which you live a better place and you are sincerely praying and working for kosen-rufu. This is a practising Buddhist's purpose in life and this sincerity is what is most important.
ARROGANCE is a degradation of one's life while pride in the Lotus Sutra is an expression of one's seeking spirit.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
The Mystic Law and Nichiren
We mustn't be afraid of anything. It is important to remain firm in our convictions. There is a great deal of scheming and duplicity in the world. It is foolish to allow ourselves to be swayed by such things; it only leads to unhappiness. The Mystic Law and Nichiren are absolutely free of any falsehood. Therefore, to dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu is to lead the wisest possible existence.
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
We mustn't be afraid of anything. It is important to remain firm in our convictions. There is a great deal of scheming and duplicity in the world. It is foolish to allow ourselves to be swayed by such things; it only leads to unhappiness. The Mystic Law and Nichiren are absolutely free of any falsehood. Therefore, to dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu is to lead the wisest possible existence.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Humanity
FIRST of all, lets tear down any walls within our minds. For it is often the case that we ourselves determine our limits.
WE live in a world today where many think only about themselves and forget about those who are suffering. Yet all of you are striving day in and day out for the sake of humanity and working for the welfare of society. This is why people the world over place their trust and confidence in us. This is why people the world over find hope for the new century in the SGI.
STRONG are those who plant firm roots, tirelessly exert themselves, and create an unshakable foundation wherever they go. Such people are in fact creating their own eternal foundation of good fortune and benefit.
"THE Gohonzon is found in faith alone," the Daishonin declared. If we have faith, the Gohonzon will manifest itself in our lives. Those who enshrine the Gohonzon yet do not practise faith (as the Daishonin taught), however, will receive no benefit. The Gosho strictly sets forth this principle of causality.
LIFE is a struggle. In a struggle, the person with the strongest desire to win triumphs. In the long journey of kosen-rufu, too, you must proceed forward with determined courage. With bold vigour, stride forever forward to grasp the laurel crown of triumph as an individual and for human society.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
FIRST of all, lets tear down any walls within our minds. For it is often the case that we ourselves determine our limits.
WE live in a world today where many think only about themselves and forget about those who are suffering. Yet all of you are striving day in and day out for the sake of humanity and working for the welfare of society. This is why people the world over place their trust and confidence in us. This is why people the world over find hope for the new century in the SGI.
STRONG are those who plant firm roots, tirelessly exert themselves, and create an unshakable foundation wherever they go. Such people are in fact creating their own eternal foundation of good fortune and benefit.
"THE Gohonzon is found in faith alone," the Daishonin declared. If we have faith, the Gohonzon will manifest itself in our lives. Those who enshrine the Gohonzon yet do not practise faith (as the Daishonin taught), however, will receive no benefit. The Gosho strictly sets forth this principle of causality.
LIFE is a struggle. In a struggle, the person with the strongest desire to win triumphs. In the long journey of kosen-rufu, too, you must proceed forward with determined courage. With bold vigour, stride forever forward to grasp the laurel crown of triumph as an individual and for human society.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
from:www.sgi.org/
pic taken:https:
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