My 4th Year

Today, I celebrate my Gohonzon Birthday. Its been 4 years now since I became a Nichiren Buddhist and I know now when they say that it is easy to start but harder to continue. I've said this before and I will say it again. But I also wanted to add that a Buddhist practice is a lifelong journey. Its never-ending. I've met many members who've been practicing longer than I have, some over 30 years. And most of them have shared with me how they are still learning and discovering what they are made of through the power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

My Gohonzon was presented to me by the wonderful late Tim Dennis at the White Plains cultural center. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was so ready. I felt it in my bones. I felt like I was shot into the sun. I was beaming. I anxiously awaited the day to enshrine my Gohonzon. I was excited and went out and bought everything for my Butsudan. I could feel myself glowing.

Fast forward 4 years now and that glow is still there despite struggles. It glows dimly, at times flickers, other times I have to re-light it. But one thing's for sure, that inner light will never stay dark as long as I have my Buddhist practice.

Thank you for all the lovely and encouraging words. Let's continue this journey together.

Sincerely, Seleus/Lotus Flower

WHAT A FEELING (I can have it all, now I'm Chanting for my Life)

First, when there's nothing but a slow glowing dream
That your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind
All alone I have cried silent tears full of pride
In a world made of steel, made of stone

Well I hear the music, close my eyes, feel the rhythm
Wrap around, take a hold of my heart
What a feeling, bein's believin'
I can have it all, now I'm chanting for my life

What a feeling
Take your passion, and make it happen
Dreams come alive, you can chant right through your life

Now I hear the music, close my eyes, I am rhythm
In a flash it takes hold of my heart


What a feeling, bein's believin'
I can have it all, now I'm chanting for my life
What a feeling
What a feeling (I am chanting now), bein's believin' (I am rhythm now)
Dreams come alive, you can dance right through your life
What a feeling (I can really have it all)
What a feeling (Dreams come alive when I chant)
I can have it all (I can really have it all)
Have it all (Dreams come alive when I chant)
(chant, chant, chant, chant, what a feeling) I can have it all

(Revised words by Maria Centeno)

Result is a Reflection of Your Faith in the Gohonzon

(Thanks to Donna for this)

Whatever you are thinking in front of the Gohonzon will be true for you. Are you thinking failure or victory? Are you trying to tell the Gohonzon how to solve your problems or are you turning over your heart's desire with unlimited trust to the Gohonzon?  The Gohonzon's power is beyond comprehension of our minds. This is why we call it mystic. Our challenge is to dream of results as big as the power of the Gohonzon, which has no limit. With this attitude of faith, you can tap the infinite power of joy, gratitude and victory. If you find you are stuck, pray to the release the chains of doubt and fear clouding your mind of faith. Pray for unbounded confidence and courage to win over your past and joyfully step into your bright future.

~ Daisaku Ikeda