[SLIDE 1]
(To be shared at the September Discussion Meeting)
[SLIDE 2]
Bringing Out Our Positive Qualities
(A) Key Points
Introduction:
Buddhism teaches the principle of cherry, plum, peach, and damson — that every being is beautiful and valuable as it is, without trying to be something else. Everyone possesses the seed of a precious mission. The purpose of our lives is to make that seed sprout, flourish, and blossom.
The principle of "Cherry, Plum, Peach and Damson"
Ø Nichiren Buddhism elucidates the uniqueness of each life and each having the ability to manifest it's potential to the fullest.
Ø Nichiren Daishonin uses the example of the cherry, plum, peach and damson flowers to make his point.
Ø Cherry, plum, peach and damson are flowering fruit trees that endure the harsh cold of winter and, as spring approaches, blossom in their own time, with their own unique and beautiful flowers.
[SLIDE 3]
Redirect our Natures in a Positive Manner
Ø Buddhism teaches that each of us are able to attain happiness while bringing out the best of our innate disposition and potential just as we are — in the same way that the cherry, plum, peach, and damson each manifests their own unique nature.
[SLIDE 4]
Ø Nichiren Daishonin says: "When one comes to realise and see that each thing — the cherry, the plum, the peach, the damson — in its own entity, without undergoing any change, possesses the eternally endowed three bodies [of the Buddha]" (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings [OTT], p. 200).
Ø This means our basic underlying natures don't change, but through our Buddhist practice, we can redirect our natures in a positive manner.
Ø Sensei in his guidance says:
[SLIDE 5]
"Gentleness and timidity can be seen as two different expressions of the same underlying nature. When that underlying nature takes the form of gentleness, it's a strength; when it takes the form of timidity, it can be a weakness. When that underlying nature consistently acts as a weakness, it can become the cause of unhappiness.
[SLIDE 6]
For example, people with a fiery temper by nature may often end up arguing with co- workers. This could alienate those around them, making for strained relations. In some cases, their hot headedness could even lead to them being fired or quitting. And since that is their underlying nature, the same problem is sure to crop up wherever they go.
[SLIDE 7]
People with fiery tempers are often also passionate, with a strong sense of right and wrong. By exerting themselves in Buddhist practice, they will no longer lose their tempers about unimportant things, but become people strongly committed to opposing evil and injustice.
[SLIDE 8]
Likewise, people who tend to be too agreeable or easily manipulated by others are often very kind hearted and able to get along well with others. Through practising Buddhism, they can bring out this latter strong side of their natures. Positively transforming ourselves in this way is what we call human revolution. The important thing is how to make that transformation happen.
[SLIDE 9]
Basically, the key is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and continue developing your life. It's crucial to reflect on yourself and discover your problematic qualities and life tendencies."
[SLIDE 10]
Soka Gakkai Activities are the "Place of Practice" or "Training Ground"
[SLIDE 11]
Ø We all have faults. For example, blaming others when something bad happens to us, or we lack perseverance, or are unwilling to listen to others' opinions. These faults can become negative tendencies obstructing our personal growth and happiness.
Ø Unless someone points these negative tendencies out to us, we may not be aware of them. That's where our seniors and comrades in faith can draw our attention to them and support us to overcome them. We also need to chant earnestly to challenge and transform our negative tendencies.
Ø Refusing to allow our weaknesses to defeat us and triumphing in one endeavour after another is the way we train and strengthen ourselves; it is the path of human revolution for each of us to win over our negative tendencies.
[SLIDE 12]
Ø Soka Gakkai activities are the "place of practice" or "training ground" where we develop and strengthen our lives. By dedicating ourselves to the mission of kosen-rufu and continuing to strengthen and improve ourselves, we can also transform our karma.
[SLIDE 13]
We Each Have A Mission
[SLIDE 14]
Ø The cherry tree has its own life and inherent causes for being a cherry. The plum, peach, and damson also each has its own inherent causes.
Ø In the same way, from the viewpoint of Buddhism, we each have a mission we were born to carry out in this world, and each one of us has our own inherent causes to be who we are. Practising the Mystic Law enables us to experience the joy of discovering this.
Ø As our lives are each noble and respect-worthy, we should always live with a solid self- identity, in a way that is true to ourselves.
[SLIDE 15]
Ø The key is to give full play to our capabilities and carry out our mission in our own communities, wherever we are, without being swayed by immediate circumstances or events.
Ø It is important to live in our own unique way, always embraced by the Mystic Law, whether or not anyone is watching.
Ø Let us shine in our own way, win in our own daily endeavours, and develop our lives in the way most suitable and natural for us, just as the cherry, plum, peach and damson do.
(B) Sensei's Guidance
[SLIDE 16]
The principle of "Cherry, Plum, Peach and Damson" Appreciate Your Uniqueness
[SLIDE 17]
The important thing is that all of you shine in your own way, win in your own daily endeavors, and develop your life in the way most suitable and natural for you. All you need to do is just keep on improving yourself as you steadily advance toward your goal.
[SLIDE 18]
After all, you are you, not someone else. There is no need for you to compare yourself with others; it's your life. The important question is, what do you really feel and think in the depths of your being? Buddhism expounds the principle of cherry, plum, peach, and damson, each having their own unique characteristics, and the related principle of "illuminating and manifesting one's true nature" (cf. WND-1, 746).
[SLIDE 19]
Cherry blossoms are cherry blossoms, and peach blossoms are peach blossoms. A cherry blossom can never become a peach blossom. Nor is there any need for it to try to do so. It would be perfectly miserable if it did.
[SLIDE 20]
Similarly, you are none other than yourself. You can never be someone else, however much you might wish it. What matters is that you become the kind of person who can cherish, praise, and feel content with your own precious, irreplaceable life.
[SLIDE 21]
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is fundamental to this, enabling you to reveal your innate Buddhahood just as you are. Not only will chanting give you a wonderful, fundamental self-confidence, it will also adorn and dignify your life with the brilliance of your true and highest potential.
(The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, New Edition, Part 1: Happiness)
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Prepared by SGS Study Department
