SGI-USA National Healing Arts teleconference

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

1. REPORTS FROM THE CULTURE DEPARTMENT FNCC CONFERENCE HELD JUNE 24-27, 2011

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.

1. EXPERIENCES
   BASED ON THE THEME: TRIUMPHING OVER ILLNESS

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

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

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