Greetings. I thought I'd tell you about an intergrated part of my practice. As you may know, I am a Chaote, and I tend to incorporate different belief systems into my life. What I'd like to share with you now, is my practice of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.
This practice is based on the understanding that within each of us is a reservoir of potential. This contains all we need to have the best lives imaginable. In it lies creative wisdom, courage, compassion, and unending life force. This reservoir is called Buddha state. We can all achieve Buddha state. The Lotus Sutra teaches that all previous Sutras were preparatory. This was taught by Nichiren Daishonin, who lived in 13th century Japan. A Buddha is an ordinary human who can draw upon this reservoir, or 'mystic truth'. The way to do this is through chanting. Very simple, but, I assure you, the effect is huge.
Onto the practice. The title of the Lotus Sutra is "Myoho-renge-kyo". Daishonin put the action word "Nam" in front of this. Seemingly simple, the practice of chanting these words is profound.
"Myoho" speaks the relationship between life and death, and the relationship between Buddha state and the ten states of life (I will clarify these later). "Myoho" also means pre-birth. We emerge from "myo", become "ho" and return to "myo". A cycle. An eternal rhythm.
"Renge" means lotus flower. It signifies cause and effect. The Lotus has deep roots in order for the flower to grow. Our roots from which we can draw.
"Kyo" simply means Sutra, or teaching. That is, it is the vibration of our voice that does the work.
So, we put these words together, pronounced "Nam myo ho rengey kyo". Only having a go will teach you. Try saying the words together, they will make their own rhythm. Keep a comfortable tone of voice. You can look out of the window. Try for 5 minutes twice a day, for maybe a week. The result will be that you will feel aligned with the universe and with your reservoir within. You will feel energised and uplifted. Things will come into your life, - opportunities and such.
I don't actually know how it works, just that it does. There is much more to Daishonin practice than this, but here is something practical for you to try :)
I should have clarified, - say the words repeatedly and continuously. Maybe 4-5 groups to a breath. Keep stamina ! :D
