Each of the Territories of SGI-USA: East (7 pm est). Central(2 pm cst) and West (2 pm pst), will hold a teleconference on Sunday Jaunary 29.
If you would like to participate in the dialogue based on Buddhism in the health and healing career, then please contact either Dr. Rochelle Wilson docwilsonofojai@sbcglobal.net
or Dr. Keith Shulman keiflo@comcast.net
The Sutra of True Requital (Living Buddhism, Sept.-Oct,’11, pg 48-63) by Dr. Keith Shulman
“Requital” means repayment of a debt. There are many types of debt. The debt of gratitude is a more profound expression of gratitude. It expresses the commonness or bonding of humanity. In his quest to grasp the mystic Law, or Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nichiren’s indebtedness to his mother is the driving force to repay his debt of gratitude; by opening the way for enlightenment to all women and all human kind. For all of us, repaying a debt of gratitude serves as a driving force for our work and other areas of our life.
President Ikeda explains Buddhism encourages our debt of gratitude in the same spirit of motherly compassion towards others.
Nichiren explains to Shin’ichi, the recipient of this letter (gosho), that a main tenet of the Lotus Sutra is for all women to chant the daimoku of this sutra, in other words, to attain Buddhahood.
Appreciation is a source of development of our greater self. Expression of appreciation from our own hearts is a source of self-esteem, giving us strength to go on living. Appreciation is a powerful source of opening the Treasure Tower and developing our greater self.
“When the compassion of mothers everywhere illuminates all humanity, and when all humanity respects the wish for peace cherished by mothers everywhere, the very tenor of modern civilization will undergo a momentous change.”
H.G (LMFT): I have been really chanting to have increased self esteem and confidence at work. I am a therapist. It is helping. I have had a tendency to compare myself to others and now I am really feeling appreciation for the other therapists, and they express appreciation back. This is really helping and it goes both ways.
K.S.(M.D.) Yes, I have a similar experience. By chanting for the other person’s happiness, it changes our life condition. We have all kinds of worlds within us. What every world we are in the other person reflects it back to us. So, by chanting for another’s happiness we are manifesting the world of bodhisattva and that is the world that comes out of the other.
H.G. (LMFT): I am also struggling to understand my mission. Appreciation is a cornerstone to help in this regard as well.
K.S (M.D.): Yes, the world is filled with seeming contradictions. Daimoku is really important in this situation.
M.U. (D.D.S.): I chant two hours every morning so I can do the right job as a dentist; that I have the patience to treat them when they are very anxious in the dental chair. I appreciate them and want to treat them the right way and not make a mistake. Chanting two hours every day is very important. I want them to be very happy and want to come back. The daimoku is very important, especially when I do surgery.
G.O.(R.N./Hospital CEO): Recently, I was asked to sit in on the Marin Health Care District Board. Not committing to anything is
easier, as I retired a couple years ago. The idea of fulfilling our vow, especially as a member of the SGI-USA Healing Arts: where is it we can create value in the community? How are you able to do that within your profession? I am leaning towards accepting this challenge. It seems as though, through a Buddhist perspective, it is the right direction. I will chant more daimoku prior to making the final decision towards this commitment, but I just wanted to share that with everyone.
M.A. (M.D.): Observing my wife with our infant son, I believe her motherly compassion is an innate condition. Pres. Ikeda’s lecture (The Sutra of True Requital) impresses upon me - this is the state we need to manifest. We have to have compassion for ourselves. Even as men, we have to manifest this compassion. It acknowledges our interdependence.
When others are being mean to you, they may be helping us to see our own inner weakness. I want to challenge myself to appreciate each person. As a physician, with limited time, there is a tendency to be more mechanical in what we do. At times, a patient may be angry at me. If I chanted a lot of daimoku, I can more effectively deal with this. If I am stressed out or really, really tired, I do not have the same capacity to deal with this. It is a moment-to-moment or day-to-day challenge. However, the days I have chanted a lot of daimoku I can understand. I can empathize. I am more like Sensei, more like how I know I can be.
Y.G.(R.N.): As a case manager in a small hospital whose future is unknown, I deal with people with the many difficulties that exist in today’s health care. Many are uninsured and therefore come in very sick. The small hospital has much tension and there is a lot of negativity. The census is low and the corporate office comes down on the hospital staff to have many things done. It is so easy to be swayed by this negativity. As a Buddhist, I realize I need to be positive and upbeat. To not complain is my challenge. There are cutbacks and so much coming down. Without knowing, who or what will be there in a year from now. That is why I feel it so important to chant a lot of daimoku towards this challenge.
K.S.(M.D.): I am one of two oncologists in a small hospital. There is typically competition between the two of us. If I chant a lot of daimoku about what it is between us, it is tolerable. If I do not, it is horrible. It has made me realize the relationships around us are not black and white, good or bad; it is usually many different colors, many different facets. I have found if I really take the time to chant for my associate’s happiness as well as for the nurses I work with, the secretaries, the M.A.s… it makes a big difference. It makes a big difference in the environment. It could be the difference of pure hell vs. moving forward in a positive direction.
M.A.(M.D.)When another person has an evil action, I tend to get nervous. I tend to make a separation between them and me. When I started chanting for every person (colleagues, administrators, everyone) then I do not feel nervous anymore. I feel more
relaxed. I have more of a natural feeling of compassion and I do not feel the tension anymore.
R.W.(D.O.)This past week an employee of my office over the past 11 years, at the end of a workday told me “Dr. Wilson, of all the
doctors you are the one that seems to always be challenging yourself to be the best person you can be.” I felt warm inside. I reflected we are always challenging ourselves inwardly, our human revolution. I deeply appreciate that what seems to be an internal process is actually seen by another who does not practice (this Buddhism). My challenge at this point is not just to continue to bring out my greatest potential, but to encourage those around me; that they, too, can bring out their greatest potential. I expressed to her, “Thank you, however, it is not about me, but about younger persons. How can I encourage them to bring out their highest potential?”
D.N.(Rad.Th.) As mentioned in “My Dear Friends of America”, we really do not want to believe in others that are vial and scheming. In addition, our directive from Sensei, as Culture Department, we are in a position of high profile, we do need to make a difference. For years, I wanted to stay away from any responsibility and just work with the patients.
Recently, I went back to work in the hospital I wanted to work in. On the 90thday, they said they choose to no longer employee me. I was caught off guard. I found out it was a fall out of my having spoken up against an inhumane action of another team member. At this time I have been happy and at ease. I know I need to get back to work. A position of opportunity, that I had wanted, has
come up. It is now up to me to have the courage to go for it.
R.W.(D.O.): How do we create value at work?
M.U.(D.D.S.) I mentioned how I chant daimoku. If I create a trusting relationship with my patient and that patient decides to see
me forever (as a dentist) then we create value for each other. My son is the manager of my office. He also, is training others to be my assistance. He has the patience to make an excellent assistant. Therefore, he is helping to create value in the office. It is to create value to bring the Buddha to work.
M.P.(M.D.):Reflecting on my own trajectory, sometimes things do not happen overnight. Part of creating value is continued
diligence; continue to move forward. I have a son with severe emotional disturbances in a residential school. We have had many challenges, including hospitalizations. Two years ago, he was arrested for assaulting me and another child. It has been a two-year process dealing with all the different aspects of his being a teenager, behavioral and neurologic challenges and more recently growth and endocrine issues. Finally, just recently, we went to court and all charges were dismissed. It did not happen overnight. It was the ability to proceed, to move forward. That is what is important. That is my value creation; to not give up when things seem incredibly bleak. I do not have many material things, but there is great value in who I am as a person. I have been able to contribute with my medical profession by doing medical writing and more behind the scenes work that influences how physicians
practice medicine.
With the Occupy Wall Street protests and the youth division standing up against nuclear weapons, I ask myself “Where do I fit into this? How do I contribute?”
R.W.(D.O.): I just read the section of The New Human Revolution where the Watts Riots had just broken out. It was at the same time the first U.S. Nicheren Shoshu temple in Etiwanda was to opening. Shin’ichi Yamamoto and Chief Priest Nittatsu were
scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles right in the midst of the riots. A Soka Gakkai member who arrived in advanced called back to Japan and suggested Shinichi and Chief Priest Nittatsu cancel plans out of concern for their safety. Shin’ichi realized, though Civil Rights Laws was written, the hearts of the people had not changed. In reaction to the injustice the riots occurred. This spread of Nichiren Buddhism is what allows individuals to change on the most fundamental level. With this intention, Shin’ichi was all the more determined to come to America at this particular time.
This experience may relate to the situation (of Occupy Wall Street) today. While there is a uniting of people towards a positive cause, it is with a deep, deep-rooted perspective towards change, on the most fundamental level, which is required for a sustainable change.
V.H.(R.N.) I wanted to touch on appreciation as was discussed earlier on this phone call. I am an R.N. I am involved in something I am use to. I am a hands-on kind of person and had been in direct care of patients. Now I am on the phone with clients, rather than face-to-face. I still try to apply my compassion and care of clients. I am really appreciation of this opportunity because I was looking for a job to try to make ends meet. This job truly provides benefits for me. A few weeks ago I came to realize many things I needed to do. There was a shift from being too relaxed to appreciating what I do if the face of what was expected of me. I really appreciated the gosho (“The Sutra of True Requital”).
Both being a mother and caring for my mother going through Alzheimer’s. I feel appreciation as this gosho encourages.
I am happy about what is going on today: helping people to become aware of what is going on. I also, appreciate the youth division’s efforts to actualize real change. Youth are joining our district. I really encourage and support the youth division on how to use the practice to change their lives and to change the concerns we all have. I never want to take that for granted. I want to understand even more deeply: my nature and my roll, every aspect of my life and to somehow use that and encourage others.
R.W.(D.O.): Encouragement from Mr. Masao Yakota, was director of The Boston Research Center now called The Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning and Dialogue)since its founding and the first 17 years. It is Mr. Hasagawa, the Chair of The Ikeda Center received direction for President Daisaku Ikeda.
What is important is to sow the seeds. While showing the “flower”of one’s self is away to show actual proof, it is not the flower part of theplant that continues to grow. However, what is important is focusing on the causes, or the actual sowing the seed. Sowing the seed means to continuously making causes and to continuously encouraging the potential in others.
What are the conditions for sowing the seed? There are four conditions.
This could apply to anything we do. In furthering our dialogue on Buddhist concepts, it does not matter if someone has a shallow
understanding or a profound understanding. Through the process of dialogue, the collective wisdom of each person is going to be greater than the perspective ofan isolated individual.
SGI-USA
National Healing Arts teleconference
August 14, 2011
Theme: Triumphing Over Illness
Welcome: Rochelle Wilson, D.O., SGI-USA Healing Arts Co-Leader, California
Message from SGI President
Daisaku Ikeda read by Madeling Puhlar,
LCSW, New York
To my fellow members of the SGI-USA Culture Department, whom I so dearly cherish and respect! I offer my sincerest congratulations on the holding of your wonderful conference at the Florida Nature and Culture Center, which on June 19 marked the 15th anniversary of its opening. As I picture you gathering joyfully from across the United States with vibrant, seeking spirits, I am looking forward from here in Japan to your great success.
My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, once gave the following guidance about the importance of maintaining faith throughout one’s life: “Nichiren Buddhism shows the way for human beings to
fundamentally change their destiny. It teaches how to set our lives on a course of endless fulfillment, filled with the virtues of eternity, happiness, true self and purity. There is no greater way to live. For that reason, when it comes to faith, dedicate yourselves fully, and you will have no regrets.”
Each of you is a noble Bodhisattva of the Earth with important mission to fulfill. You have emerged energetically in the land of America as trailblazers of kosen-rufu who uphold this great Mystic Law. So long
as you forge ahead on the correct path of faith, practice and study, there is not the slightest doubt that you will secure a life-state of genuine happiness that can never be destroyed. Faith in the SGI means to make continual effort to read the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, take his teachings to heart and translate them into action, while sharing this joy of faith with others.
Please make your conference a most enjoyable and meaningful one, so that each of you will grow and advance yet another step further. Every one of you is very important to me. With all my heart, I am praying for your good health, successful efforts and for the abundant happiness of your family.
June 24, 2011 Daisaku Ikeda, President, Soka Gakkai International
Helen Gleason, LMFT, California: I attended FNCC to further show actual proof (of practicing this Buddhism) at my work. What I learned was how to balance work and my daily life. The group discussion at the conference was very encouraging. As well, I was encouraged by President Ikeda’s guidance, “One who takes good care of his job, daily life and family is a person of deep and genuine faith. Activities are intended to be carried out in the spare time you have from your work and family. In contrast,
if on the premise that the SGI-USA is your home, no one is allowed outside, or people are dissuaded from attending their work or study, no family can be created. Noble families are so because they have sent many capable people into society.” I am determined to live this guidance by caring for my work responsibilities, family and SGI activities. Daily I chant to win and study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin. I am determined to do my best every day at work and to report my victory to President Ikeda.
Theo Otvos, PhD, California: This was without doubt my most enjoyable conference. In 2008, as a licensed psychologist, I determined to go from a group practice to private practice. After working part-time in private practice I closed this practice up and went into group practice. However, the group was not making enough money to pay me. Earlier this year I knew of the conference. I determined to attend this years FNCC conference. Through my chanting I realized I needed to do private practice full
time and trust myself on a deep level through my practice to the gohonzon. I received encouragement at the conference. After returning I started full time in my own clinic. About half of my clients followed me and with the confidence I have now I have no doubt I will be victorious. I am looking forward to return to FNCC again next year.
Nancy Rosanes, M.S, Tennessee.: At the conference we were able to write down our burning question onto a card. This was very nice, because I felt I was able to get my burning question answered and was very fulfilled by this conference. . Eric Hauber shared “How can I live a life of great fulfillment? I embrace my own reality and determine ‘This is where I create the Buddhist land.’ I chant to revere Myoho Renge Kyo inherent in my own life as the object of devotion. I develop the composure encompassing life and to not be swayed by either defeat or by victory. As a disciple I start with the Buddhist vow as the basis for
everything.” I work in mental health. I have learned it is my life condition that determines if the clients benefit from what I have to say.
Rena Pace, R.N. Alabama: I have been a Registered Nurse for 35 y.o. as a hospice nurse. Separated from my husband and being relatively healthy. I had developed severe mobility problems, knee discomfort, eventually I began falling. I continued to participate in SGI activities: supporting the Rock the Era practices. As a District WD leader, I visited another nurse, a Healing Arts member, who also was having mobility problems. Our visit was wonderful: knowing each other for years, we chanted and dialogued. We were both encouraged. Later that evening I started vomiting excessively. Bouts of severe vomiting continued, me to collecting short term disability. I continued my (Buddhist) activities. The vomiting took it’s toll. I did see. Neither a Naprapath nor a primary Physician was able to diagnose my problem. My Region and Area leaders gave compassionate support towards my practice. During my hospitalization my area leader did Gongyo with me on the phone.When given a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism I figured I was on the road to improved health. When I returned to work the severe vomiting persisted.One evening after work, I experienced severe abdominal pain along with vomiting. I drove up to the emergency room doubled over. I was advised to have my gall bladder removed. After surgery the vomiting continued. Further tests lead to a diagnosed of duodenal ulcer. With continued support from my area woman’s leader and my continued efforts to support others I came to realize my mission is to “Go South.”
My family relations are not what I want them to be. My sons had moved to Alabama where I said my mission for kosen rufu exists. My son Stanley took me to the district meetings so I was connected right away. Dr Shulman impressed on me the importance of
creating a close relationship with my District WD leader- I am so happy with our relationship!
I had been vomiting 6 days and drove 2 hours to attend a meeting with Mr. Ted Marino. Mr. Marino’s encouragement was
so warm. Having met the members living in Alabama, “This is my home!” On the way home I determined to do family revolution. I have since visited my estranged son and determined to have a positive relationship. My vow to create a model family for world peace continues to reside in my entire being. (Seeing my family transform), I am determined to continue using the Proof of the Lotus Sutra to stay well and triumph over any problem. (I was encouraged by the following gosho):
Now since you, Ueno Shichiro Jiro, are an ordinary person in the latter age and were born to a warrior family, you should by rights be called an evil man, and yet your heart is that of a good man….it is a difficult thing to believe in my teachings…Since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid! (WND-1, 1108-09)
Now, I have over come the illness. Even more significant, I am witnesseing the uniting of my family and a deepening sense of mission where I am. I am determined to practice relentlessly in Alabama and to use the strategy of the Lotus Sutra to triumph over all problems.
Marsha Drozdoff, L.C.S.W., Reiki Master, Arizona: This experience is about Surika, a sister in faith and family physician. While working together in the medicine clinic we laughed a lot and had heart to heart and meaningful dialogue about life philosophy. She began to attend Buddhist meetings. She moved out of state we reconnected through another SGI member. With two darling adopted sons, Surika was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. Working 35 years in oncology I know the ramifications of this diagnosis and went into despair for this physician I love. The Buddhist in me wanted to tell her to fight this
serious diagnosis. As a physician she verbalized “Why would I overcome this when my patients have not been able to”? I told her “This karma is your mission and to be victorious”. I quoted the Letter to Kyo “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is like the roar of the lion. Therefore, what illness could therefore be an obstacle?” I told her I will chant to for her daily. I sent her daily encouragements we will celebrate her victory together. I was willing into her hope. I challenged her attitude about not having the right to overcome her illness. She connected and chanted with other members. She received her gohonzon and moved positively forward in her treatment.. She has encouraged other survivors of cancer compassionately and passionately. She did well with radiation and tumor seemed to melt away. During chemotherapy, her bone marrow became affected. This can be very scary to know they cannot get the treatment they need. I reminded her “We chant to make the impossible possible” “In unity we can overcome what appears
to be an opposition or challenge that more powerful. But, in reality, it can be overcome based on faith.”
Keith Shulman, M.D., SGI-USA
Healing Arts Co-Leader, Chicago: I want to express my appreciation to all those participating and prepared for this very successful call. President Ikeda wrote “True health of body and mind is found in the midst of struggle.” (pg 72 LB May/June) Health is not necessarily the absence of illness. True health in Buddhism is the spirit to move our life forward in the midst illness. This is cultivated in our self, this fighting spirit or life condition of Buddhahood in order to impart it to others. President Ikeda said “Only when peoples’ hearts are permeated with the philosophy that cherishes, fosters and develops life, will our world be
transformed from a cold mechanistic society into a warm humane one while leaving behind a century of materialism for a century of life. In that way, humanity will takes its shining first step. You are all unparalleled champions with that solemn mission and responsibility. It may be no exaggeration to say that if you do not prove yourself so, we have no future.” (The New Human Revolution, vol. 22, Chapter 4). President Ikeda is pointing out our huge mission as Healing Arts members and our crucial role in kosen rufu.
Michael Curtis, PhD, SGI-USA Culture Department Co-Leader, Virginia: Expression of deep appreciation of
the very encouraging words of this word. I want to share my experience in relation to the Culture Department. I was not able to attend the FNCC conference this year is because I was in Uganda, in West Africa, serving as the Deputy Director for USA International Development’s mission. This country is the USA’s highest priority of development efforts in Africa, including food
security, global health, climate change and other programs. I was there for one month and it was a great challenge with others doing marvelous work in very challenging conditions.
I want to share the path that led me to this point. I always have tried my best in what I do for the purpose of kosen rufu. In 1990, I was at Soka University in Calabasas, California where I made my determination for the rest of my life. It was a Pacific Basin symposium where friends of SGI came together with President Ikeda to discuss the challenges facing the world. I was
deeply moved and realized I needed to dedicate my life to the most critical and intractable problems in the poorest countries in the world. I was a practicing engineer in the consulting field. Over the succeeding 21 years I tried to get there through many different ways and met many road blocks. With encouragement of many SGI friends and President Ikeda I continued this step by step process, even through the darkest moments. Today, I find myself doing exactly doing my dream in 1990. I am really living my vow today. In my job I hope I can make a lasting change for the poorest people in the world. It has been a great joy to get to this point. There have been many dark moments and I questioned myself, however, I never gave in to it due to this organization. Having worked with George Mason University, I traveled with a delegation together with the provost of George Mason University to Japan to confer an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters on President Ikeda. I felt tremendous joy realizing the dream I had for
many years. I did this to express my heartfelt gratitude for what President Ikeda has done for me as well as millions of others. As well, it was a way to recognizing his many decades of effort towards peace through meaningful dialogues. This is also a way others could get to know the greatness of Nichiren Buddhism. This occurred in July of 2010. The next month, my wife of 36 years became very ill. One month after going into the hospital she died. So, the past 12 months have perhaps been the most difficult and darkest time of my life. My wife was my life partner, my comrade for kosen rufu and my true love. I felt such a powerful sense of loss and despair. In the succeeding months, it has been as if I lost my way, my own path, my joy and my sense of mission. Because I have dear friends, those who comforted me, who stood by me in those difficult months, I am again finding my way, finding my path of value creation and finding joy in living with an even deeper sense of kosen rufu and a mission towards the betterment of others. It is a step-by-step, every day process. Sometimes it is a micro-step, but like all of you, I am continuing to take these steps along my mission. Especially with this call, I am deeply encouraged to continue to dedicate the rest of my life for the purpose of kosen rufu.
Rochelle Wilson: Closed with the question – What is it that we cannot accomplish, especially when united!? THANKS TO EACH OF YOU SO MUCH!!!!
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Ideally, those who are going to participate could read the study material, “The Proof of the Lotus Sutra”, pages 61-73 of May-June Living Buddhism, ahead of time. I would like to share what I got out of reading the material.
For me, the main thing I learned from reading the lecture is the importance of having a fighting spirit, no matter what the challenge is, always envisioning victory. President Makiguchi said “Good health means having a challenging spirit. There is no better way to stay fit and healthy.” (p71) This is probably the same thing as becoming indestructibly happy.
We must first be able to challenge our hardships and sufferings in whatever forms including illness with a heart of a lion king and
then develop compassion to care for others who are struggling. Buddhism is ultimately win or lose. What’s important is the life condition to confront and challenge anything in life with the spirit to win over it no matter what. When we are challenged by some big obstacles, we sometimes feel like our problems are bigger than we can handle. I think this is what Nichiren means by
“heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. In actuality, by winning over this “intimidation” we are
“certain to attain Buddhahood.”
Not long ago I received an encouragement by a senior leader to always have a victory in mind when facing an obstacle. I was having a family problem at the time. I was very discouraged by this particular situation and felt like succumbing to negative thinking and giving up. My region leader told me to envision total victory and happiness of all the family involved. He told
me to become an eternal optimist. This to me is the same principle as what Nichiren is talking about here. Since then, every time I am challenged in life I have been striving to envision the victory and happiness as the ultimate outcome. I think the determination of victory and defeat can be a very subtle difference in our attitude; whether we are focused on victory or whether we are focused on defeat.
“What is true health? It is not simply the absence of illness. It comes down to whether we vibrantly continue our endeavors to create value based on faith. Those who transform the karma of illness into mission and constantly strive for self-renewal have already triumphed over the devil of illness. True health in both body and mind is found in the midst of struggles.” (p72)
Another point is we need an obstacle to arouse our faith. “Illness gives rise to resolve to attain the way. If, as a result of falling ill, one deepen one’s determination in faith, then the path to Buddhahood will definitely open. Illness then becomes ‘the Buddha’s
design.’” (p66) This is about changing poison into medicine. Without poison, there can be no medicine. Without battling our fundamental darkness we cannot attain enlightenment. “Viewed from the perspective of Buddhism, illness serves as a means for us to deepen our faith, while also indicating that we on the path to attaining Buddhahood.” (p72)
Nichiren was suffering from ill health himself but, he was wholeheartedly encouraging his follower Nanjo Tokimitsu to win over his illness. The way Nichiren is addressing the demons, I sense Nichiren’s compassion and how much he cared about Nanjo Tokimitsu. There is President Toda’s encouragement on how we can transform ourselves by embracing the Gohonzon (p71) “whereas we were preoccupied with our own concerns, we are able to turn our attention to the problems and sufferings of others
instead.”
Another very important point is oneness of mentor and disciple: “When the disciple strives with the same spirit as the mentor,
there is no obstacle or devilish function that cannot be positively transformed in accord with the principle of ‘changing poison into medicine’” (p64)
Sensei says, in his essay on Sir Winston Churchill, “What quality does a leader need in order to succeed in a time of trial? According to Toynbee, it is the ability to rouse courage and self-confidence in both oneself and others. Such was Churchill’s leadership” (p12) “The times of greatest adversity are the times when we can achieve our greatest accomplishments The most powerful opponents spur us to draw forth the most from our abilities.” (p12)
“No matter how harsh our circumstances may seem we must resolve to win and believe that winning is our destiny.” (p12)
Thank you and let me know what you think.
Michio Abe, M.D.
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Michio:
I found your discussion points and insights into the study material fantastic!
Here are some of mine:
Overall, I was struck by the unique mission that we as members of the Healing Arts arm of the Culture Department have: to not only work towards our own human revolution, but we have the privilege of helping others along this journey towards health/well-being and achieving their ultimate potential as well, in the special ways that our professions allow. President Ikeda writes, “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the great beneficial medicine for good health and long life; it is the fundamental rhythm of the universe and the wellspring of the immense life force of Buddha. My sincerest wish, therefore, is that all who possess this wonderful medicine of the Mystic Law will lead supremely rewarding and deeply satisfying lives of mission, living out their lives to the fullest. Faith in the Mystic Law drives us to live life to the fullest.” (p. 63)
I was also struck by the same quote you mentioned, that President Makiguchi said “Good health means having a challenging spirit. There is no better way to stay fit and healthy.” (p71) President Ikeda also commented, “He urges Tokimitsu to battle and resolutely triumph over the devil of illness so that he may bring forth the victorious life-state of Buddhahood for all to see.”
(p. 63). I hear the conviction in these statements. If we are going to help others, we MUST continue to take strong and decisive action to have a fighting spirit to overcome our own obstacles and attain Buddhahood and to show actual proof in our lives in order to inspire others, as well as to forge ahead with our unique mission as those in the healing arts to help others heal and achieve their ultimate potential. If we are not focused on and tapped into the healing power of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, then it will be harder for us to use our lives and energies to help others. I often think about this in the morning before work, and I have tried to make a concerted effort in my morning chanting to help channel my Buddha wisdom to help facilitate the most
positive change possible in the lives of the patients that I see that day. I certainly feel a difference at work when I am rushed and I have not started the day with this intention.
Another point that I was struck by is the strong power in the HOPE and conviction that things WILL GET BETTER. As a
clinical psychologist who specializes in troubled children/adolescents and families, I find that one of the single biggest factors that determines if a patient/family is able to make positive treatment gains in the face of crisis is if they can embrace the hope and faith that working together, things will and can get better. President Ikeda states, “When the disciple strives with the same spirit as the mentor, there is no obstacle or devilish function that cannot be surmounted, and there is no illness that cannot be positively transformed in accord with the principle of ‘changing poison into medicine.’ ‘The Proof of the Lotus Sutra’ highlights the key to good health and long life and conveys the victory of mentor and disciple.” (p. 64). President Ikeda also states “Those who uphold the Mystic Law have the power to withstand any adversity. Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo has the beneficial power to lessen karmic retribution and change poison into medicine.” (p.65)
As professionals in the healing arts, our patients do not come to us seeking services (medical, mental health, energy, massage, whatever..) when things are going fantastically well in their lives, and we have an opportunity and the privilege to help facilitate them towards taking the steps to overcome current obstacles that they are facing. This begins with having the sincere faith that real lasting positive change is possible. If we don’t have this hope-filled attitude and live this in our own lives, how can we
expect to help others develop this in their darkest times?!
Nichiren Daishonin states, “Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way.” (WND-I, p.937) (p.66). How true is this that when people are faced with challenges related to significant health and well-being that they can no longer avoid or deny, it is only at these times that they seriously take steps to make the changes and take real steps toward lasting positive health. It is at these “rock-bottom” or crisis times, if you will, that people need sincere support and encouragement for them to continue (or start)
to push forward and move to a place that could be even better than they imagined. President Ikeda writes, “Illness itself can become an opportunity for us to achieve a life imbued with eternity, happiness, true self and purity – the four noble virtues of the Buddha. It can serve as a chance for us to strengthen our faith even more so that we can triumph over devilish functions. And when we have the strong, invincible faith to withstand any onslaught of the three obstacles and four devils, nothing can stop us from attaining the life-state of Buddhahood.” (p.67) President Ikeda states, “In the case of sickness, having the spirit to fight through to the end against the devil of illness is vital. It is a battle of whether we win over the devil of illness or allow ourselves to be defeated by it. When we encounter painful suffering such as illness, we stand at a crossroads of great spiritual
growth and inner development.” (p. 68)
President Makigushi said, “Unshakeable belief is the key to overcoming illness and other difficulties in life and to opening wide the path for attaining Buddhahood without fail” (p. 68). Attaining Buddhahood without fail! In a similar note, Nichiren Daishonin
states, “All that matters is that we keep moving forward in our hearts each day, even if only a fraction of an inch, taking a step forward by continuing to ‘strengthen our faith day by day and month after month’ (see ‘On Persecutions Befalling the Sage,” WND-I, 997) (p.69). This to me again is a powerful message speaking to the importance of robust faith that not only is positive change and healing possible, but it WILL happen.
President Ikeda said, “In our case, we base our lives on the Mystic Law. When we do so, there is no suffering that we cannot transform into happiness. Those who are battling illness are climbing the lofty mountain of Buddhahood. When they reach the summit, they will be able to enjoy a vast and magnificent view. All their present hardship and suffering thus becomes a precious
treasure for the purpose of constructing eternal happiness. A person who is never defeated, never discouraged, and who never gives up, no matter what happens, is a victor in life and a true champion of health and longevity.”
…Here are the discussion questions generated from the SGI-USA National Healing Arts Teleconference
August 14, 2011; 3 pm PT, 5 pm CT, 6 pm ET
Theme “Triumph Over Illness” Taken from the study source: “The Proof of the Lotus Sutra” Please click on ‘comments’ below to share your thoughts.
(Living Buddhism May/June ’11, pgs. 61 to 73)
1. How can we as members of the Healing Arts arm of the Culture Department not only work fervently towards our own human revolution, but with having the deep conviction that all people have the inherent potential to attain Buddhahood, embrace fully the privilege of helping others along their journey towards health/well-being and achieving their ultimate potential as well, in the special ways that our professions allow?
2. What can we do to use our practice of Nichiren Buddhism to help us “change poison into medicine” within our workplaces and make systematic change within the various fields of the healing arts help these workplaces become more “Buddhalike?”
I hope that these are thought provoking and growth promoting.
Best Regards,
Michelle S. Lynch, Psy.D., LP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Please post your contribution in the comment section below.
“Protecting life must always be the top priority, that is the orgininal purpose of nations, politics, economics, science and education alike. To “establish the correct teaching for the peace of the land” means to embrace this principle and to construct a society that values life”. (Daisaku Ikeda, ‘The New Human Revolution, Vol 22, Chap. 4)
Q#1: Please share how your buddhist practice has enabled you to deepen your compassion towards patients and/or create a culture at work which more deeply honors the dignity of life or share your determination to do so.
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“(Mr. Toda) knew that genuine religious revolution meant human revolution; when people were vitalized through faith, they become the rich soil from which an ideal society would be cultivated. They would become active in all areas of society, including education, , and government, and bring forth the abundant fruits of humanism.” (Daisaku Ikeda, ‘The New Human Revolution. vol. 7, chap 1, pg 4)
Q#2: Please share how buddhism has helped you deepen your sense of mission, improve your performance and/or show actual proof at your place of work. You may share your determination also.
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“Fundamentally speaking, however, infinite variety derives from one Law, and the true entity of life – as described by one hundred worlds and a thousand factors as well as ‘three thousand realms in a single moment of life’ – is the same in all societies. From this view, it is important that we respect everyone who is struggling… This attitude will become a great driving force behind the spread of the Mystic Law.”
Q#3: How do we experience ‘true happiness’ amongst the diversities of our work place?
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“While the advent of an increasingly knowledge-and-information-based society, it becomes all the more crucial that we develop the wisdom to master these vast resources of knowledge and information. The same communication technologies that can be used to incite terror and hatred in the whole populations, for example, could just as easily produce a dramatic expansion of educational opportunities worldwide. The difference lies solely in the degree of human wisdom and compassion”. (Daisaku Ikeda, ‘My Dear Friends of America’, pg. 362)
Q34: What is knowledge vs. wisdom? How do you apply both in your profession?
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Eastern Territory teleconference was held Jan 21st CONGRATULATIONS!
Central Territory Due to a schedule conflict with the Women’s Meeting in Arizona the Healing Arts teleconference time will be RESCHEDULED – Check again the next few days for the new time. To participate contact Dr. Keith Shulman at keiflo@comcast.net (01/26/10)
Western Territory Healing Arts teleconference will be Jan 31 at 6 pm PST To participate contact Dr. Rochelle Wilson at DocWilsonofOjai@sbcglobal.net
It is with our deep sense of gratitude and pleasure that we have for the opportunity to read so many amazing experiences. Many of these experiences, showing actual proof of practicing Buddh as a healing arts professional, have become part of the book being gifted to President Ikeda - in time for the 20th anniversary of his forming the SGI-USA Culture Department.
To each one of you: Thank you for your efforts in making 2010 a most victorious year. Let’s welcome President Ikeda to the United States!
Rochelle Wilson and Keith Shulman
The conference was one of the most joyful in the world! The theme of the conference was “People of Wisdom – building an oasis of hope, trust and friendship.” President Ikeda sent a message encouraging the 145 Culture Department participants to remain engaged in society among the common people. He quoted Nichiren who stated “Unlike most people, in the course of spreading these doctrines of mine, I Nichiren, have occasion to meet with a great many persons (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,vol. 2. p. 778).” President Ikeda also encouraged Culture Department members to live out our precious existences by “engaging ourselves in heart to heart courageous and inspiring dialogue” – thus widening a circle of peace, friendship and trust.
Dr. Eric Hauber spoke on the oneness of mentor and disciple. He also introduced major concepts contained within President Ikeda’s 2009 Peace Proposal (please see the link on the home page of the culture department web site to the peace proposal). Eric responded to questions with refreshing and wise perspectives that each participant could apply to their own challenges. SGI-USA General Director Danny Nagashima and SGI-USA Women’s Division Leader Linda Johnson both provided strong, clear and encouraging videos, as they were not able to attend the conference themselves. The experiences presented at the meeting of turning misfortune into incredible advancements were inspiring to all those present.
As a major part of the conference, participants held small group dialogues on key concepts contained in President Ikeda’s 2009 Peace Proposal. One concept, Humanitarian Competition was a revolutionary idea originally set forth by Tsunesoburo Makaguchi as a new paradigm to help overcome the current world economic and social crisis and to allow society to advance in a positive and sustainable way. Other concepts discussed included the danger in the spirit of abstraction (denying the humanity of others) and value of inner universality (creating value where we are right now as a cause to change the world). These dialogues allowed members to more deeply understand, articulate, and nourish the determination to apply these concepts contained within the peace proposal to their professional and personal lives.
There were about 40 individuals from a variety of health care disciplines around the country representing the Healing Arts who participated at this conference. The Healing Arts members, during a break out session, formed small groups to further the Peace Proposal, “The Two Kinds of Illnesses” (from the writing of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.919) and “Compassion Fatigue” that care givers may experience.
One very hopeful part of the meeting was observing wonderful vigorous youth division participants jumping right in to assist with the conference. As graduate students and new professionals, they expressed how the Culture Department conference was very meaningful and encouraging. They are determined to take an even more active role in next year’s conference, 2010. It will mark the 20th anniversary of the SGI-USA Culture Department. Hope to see you there!
Dr. Rochelle Wilson and Dr. Keith Shulman
The human body is interconnected with distinctly different tissues.
Each serves a function of support and depends on the health of the other.
In the same way, the members of the SGI vary in their distinct mission, Each supports kosen rufu, as if many-in-body, one-in-mind.
The pulse of the heart establishes the rhythm of flow of life itself, The Lotus Sutra establishes the flow of this Wondrous Law.
Each single cell is directly connected to this rhythmic flow,
And each disciple is directly connected to the mentor.
A physician serves to remove all that obstructs life’s natural vitalitiy.
As physicians of Myoho, we remove all that obstructs the flow of the Wonerous Law Both heart and mind emanate consciousness, affecting the body’s actions.
Sensei, your encouragement never ceases to elevate my vow to EMBRACE THE FUTURE!
On behalf of each and every member ot the SGI-USA Healing Arts
THANK YOU from the depths of life itself.
Dr. Rochelle Wilson
The great American poet Walt Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: “All comes by the body, only health puts you rapport with the universe.” I am sure you are all very busy, but I hope you will advance in good health and with optimism and enjoy the power of your faith , which is what puts you in rhythm with the universe.
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
—- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT —-
“The renowned Australian nurse and physical therapist Elizabeth Kenny
(1880-1952), who developed a groundbreaking treatment for the effects of
polio, declared: ‘It’s better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your
life.’”
SGI Newsletter No. 7773, 28TH SOKA GAKKAI HEADQUARTERS LEADERS MEETING–PART
1 [OF 2], The Proud Symbol of Brilliant Victors, from the April 27th, 2009,
issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated May 15th, 2009
