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460591 tn?1207150799

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps

Picked up this book. I am interested in Buddhism, and only know a bit about it. This book explains the twelve steps with a Buddhist look on things. It also puts it into terms that the average Joe can understand, knowing nothing about Buddhism. Great way to learn about Buddhism, meditation, and the Twelve Steps. Anyone read this, or interested in this? I have only read approx. 25 pages.
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424839 tn?1268186246
simple as to get in touch with your in budda is to start chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo


The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by Nichiren on April 28, 1253. Having studied widely among all the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truth of Buddhism: that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood. The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. But to Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist text, it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings in one way or another seek to clarify. What follows is a brief and unavoidably limited explanation of some of the key concepts expressed by this phrase.  

Nam
The word nam derives from Sanskrit. A close translation of its meaning is "to devote oneself." Nichiren established the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, nam indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.  

Myoho
Myoho literally means the Mystic Law, and expresses the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and the many different ways this life expresses itself. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such phenomena is a constant reality known as myo.

Renge
Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our individual lives are determined by the causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma." The law of cause and effect explains that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we can change it. The most powerful cause we can make is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of our life and will definitely manifest in time.

The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person.

Kyo
Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. Also, the Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp in a piece of woven cloth, symbolizing the continuity of life throughout past, present and future. In a broad sense, kyo conveys the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation of the Mystic Law.

Primary Practice
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo--also known as "Daimoku"--is the primary practice of SGI members. Through this practice, one is able to reveal the state of Buddhahood in one's life, experienced as the natural development of joy, increased vitality, courage, wisdom and compassion.


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460591 tn?1207150799
I am extremely interested. I have read a little bit about it, and actually know even less. I know that it's cool that I can shape Buddhism to my life however I see fit. I know that the Tao Te Ching is very therapeutic to read once daily. I know that peaceful, calm, and collected are words that are associated with Buddhism and they are also words I want to have associated with myself. Haha. I will be in touch. I have too much to read and study right now because I have a nutrition test tomorrow at 9 am and a stats test at 4pm. After tomorrow, I may be able to find some time to read something unrelated to school. Thanks.
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424839 tn?1268186246
I have been praticeing Nichiren Daishonin buddhism since I was 8 years old if you have any question there are over 15 defferant types of buddhism it is determend on what sutra the buddhism follows to the type it is I follow the lotus sutra any question pm me and I can send you some info and a web site

medic
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