Are you happy each and every day? Do you want to be? I don’t mean the “Hey, I just won the lotto” kind of happy that is, oh so delicious at the time, but soon fades. I mean living each day with absolute confidence, courage and joy.
Is this a goal that seems forever out of your reach? A dream on a distant horizon? According to Aristotle, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” Even amidst the most difficult times, happiness is not outside your reach. You can move in the direction of your dreams and face any of life’s challenges wisely and with courage. You can, day by day, build a deeper and stronger sense of confidence, appreciation and hope as you gain the power to take charge of your own destiny and become a source of positive change in your family, community and the world.
How can you do this, you might ask?
There is a form of Buddhism that will guarantee your growth toward a daily infusion of joy and confidence.
Okay, I’m sure you are wanting to stop reading. Buddhism??!! You might be thinking. Those groups of crazies who don orange robes and shave their heads? People who can’t eat meat and sit in silent meditation for hours every day??!! I tell you “NO!!” Not at all. The truth is there are as many forms of Buddhism as there are Christianity.
A branch of Buddhism that supports individuals living in the 21st century is based on a Japanese scholar names Nichiren Daishonin who lived in the 13th century. After reading all of the texts written over the years on the philosophy based on Siddhartha, or Gautama Buddha who lived in India nearly 2500 years ago, Nichiren found that the most important teaching was written in a document titled, The Lotus Sutra. I won’t get into the philosophy in this blog as it is too long and involved. However, in his writings, Nichiren Daishonin assures practitioners that a simple daily chant will significantly change your life without having to undergo arduous practices or be reborn in another life.
To learn more go the the web page: http://www.sgi-usa.org
Furthermore, this basic philosophy has been enhanced by the writings of one of the greatest scholars of the modern day: Daisaku Ikeda. He has over 300 honorary doctorates awarded to him by universities all over the world. http://www.daisakuikeda.org
What is most remarkable is that the SGI school of Nichiren Daishonin is not about dogma and blind faith. It is about you finding your inner and individual path to happiness. “Buddha” means “one who is fully awake.” It means to awaken to the workings of the universal law within your own life so you can manifest your dreams, live with happiness and joy. The Lotus Sutra, the foremost of the teachings, asserts the inherent dignity and equality of all people regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or gender. It points to an enduring sense of happiness and compassion that is our birthright. By engaging in the practice as outlined by Nichiren, you really can live your highest potential.
Today, there are more than 12 million people practicing this SGI Buddhism for the 21st century in 190 countries and territories around the world.
If you are interested, Harmonious Heart Counseling Center is hosting a Free Fireside Chat on Saturday, February 24th at 2:00 p.m.
The address is: 37016 Soaring Eagle Circle, 80550. Just 4 miles east of I-25 near Harmony in East Fort Collins, Colorado.
For more information, please call or text 970.222.9666 or email: harmoniousheartcounseling@gmail.com
We look forward to watching you bloom into the happy, hopeful, courageous being you are meant to be!!