Gosho: On Prayer - A Real Force For Change

Soka Gakkai International is a Buddhist organization that aims to promote peace, culture and education through personal change and social contribution. We believe that everyone has the inherent Buddha nature inside us and when we practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism we are able to bring forth our Buddhahood and develop limitless potential. Soka means create value. Creating value in life, family, self and society.

Our object of worship is the Gohonzon.

I found this article in SGI-USA Washington DC website.

The way we pray also make a huge difference. The way we think and act in front of the Gohonzon.



Gosho: On Prayer

PRAYER: A REAL FORCE FOR CHANGE
BY MATILDA BUCK
[World Tribune 06/09/00, p. 4]

A woman is walking along a river bank, looking for a way to cross to the other side. Finally, she sees someone on the opposite bank and yells across, “Hey, how do you get to the other side?”

The other person yells back, “You already are on the other side!”

Perspective. Perspective in anything, especially in life, can make all the difference. In fact, a change in perspective — especially to one that’s clear and lofty — is one of the great benefits of our Buddhist practice. In this article, I would like to look at perspective in terms of prayer. After all, our practice entails very focused prayer twice a day — how can we make that prayer a real force for change in our lives?

Here’s a quiz. True or false — “When I chant to the Gohonzon…”

* I feel that something must be wrong with me.
* I doubt I can overcome my problems.
* I doubt I can reach my goals.
* I feel victimized by life.
* I relate to penitents and martyrs.
* I feel I don’t deserve to pray for my own happiness.
* I want the Gohonzon to reward me.
* I believe the Gohonzon is punishing me.
* I want the Gohonzon to save me.

If you answered “yes” to even one statement, first: don’t feel alone. Second: keep reading.
Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism empowers each individual to bring forth his or her Buddhahood. This is a con-scious posture we should try to take as we chant. Repeat after me: “At the core of my life, I am a Buddha. I can tap this power through my strong prayer. I can move toward my desires and I can contribute to my world.”

It sounds good, but for many of us, this is a difficult posture to sustain.

Not only do self-limiting attitudes (“Something must be wrong with me; things always fall through”) often seem natural and real, but the truth — that we are Buddhas — may seem unnatural, even preposterous and arrogant. This is how we feel, even though Nichiren Daishonin tells us repeatedly that Buddhahood is our true identity, and even though the Lotus Sutra, which we repeat twice a day, reveals that we all have the potential for Buddhahood just as we are. The idea that we have a deeper identity from which we can make this empowered prayer often is still theory for many of us.

To mark the women’s meetings last February, President Ikeda sent us a beautiful message that addressed this very thing, asking us to become happy based on our profound and strong prayer. He referred to Nichiren Daishonin’s letter “The One Essential Phrase,” which reads in part:

“Even though one neither reads nor studies the sutra, chanting the title alone is the source of tremendous good fortune. The sutra teaches that women, evil men, and those in the realms of animals and hell — in fact, all the beings of the Ten Worlds — can attain Buddhahood in their present form. [This is an incomparably greater wonder than] fire being produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, or a lantern lighting up a place that has been dark for a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand years. If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the Buddhist Law!” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 923)

In his message, President Ikeda focuses on this phrase about the lantern that instantly lights a cave that has been dark for even 10,000 years. “The moment we sit in front of the Gohonzon and offer prayers, the sun of Buddhahood, the originally enlightened state inherent in our lives, arises, sending out brilliant lights,” he writes. But how many of us sit with that feeling as we chant to the Gohonzon? Up until a few years ago, I know I didn’t.

Don’t get me wrong. In my first two decades of practice, I had changed from a sad and confused person to one who could feel optimistic most of the time. I was able to turn around some tough situations, and I appreciated that I had found a noble and fulfilling way to live.

I also learned how to cope much better with the pain in my life. I kept this pain in a deep, dark cave at the pit of my life, hidden from my consciousness. But I could feel it, at a very deep level. That’s how carefully I had accommodated it all my life, working around it so I wouldn’t have to deal with it. It translated as a small voice that told me I would always live with pain, with restriction. I could build a lot of positive causes and effects on top of it, I could improve my situation, I could grow spiritually, but that dark cave would remain unchanged.

Until, that is, the lantern of Nam Myoho-renge-kyo exposed that cave and gave me enough light to see this reality at last. But it was not an easy process.

“I wonder,” I said to myself (and “wonder” was really the beginning of the process), “if I really believe that the core of my life is Nam Myoho-renge-kyo, or is it instead this deep acceptance of pain, the belief that I will never be without it?”

The answer that came back was a shock: “You have always lived with this pain,” my little voice in the cave said. “There is no other way. This is the true reality of your life.” Another voice countered with: “Nichiren Daishonin says the fundamental reality of my life is Nam Myoho-renge-kyo — Buddhahood. You can become truly happy.”

How could I deserve that kind of happiness? I thought, “Well, if I am a Buddha, I should become happy, but to tell the truth, I can’t imagine it. It doesn’t feel OK to be happy.”

What could I do?

I decided to try a new perspective, to chant from the perspective of a Buddha. I faked it for a while. I kept repeating to myself: “My life is Nam Myoho-renge-kyo; I am a Buddha; I am living as a Bodhisattva of the Earth; therefore, I can bring this power out and solve my problem. Not only do I deserve to be happy, I must become happy; that’s how I will demonstrate the Great Law.”

Because I was trying to chant from a different perspective, an empowered perspective, I began to see things differently. Small, almost imperceptible changes appeared. Think about that cave: Nothing could be more immutable than a place that’s been dark for 10,000 years. But even a little light that is shed consistently has an immediate, though inconspicuous, effect. Life that needs absolute darkness cannot continue; it will evolve or disappear. Life that needs light will begin to develop. The ecology of the cave will never be the same.

That’s what happened in my own life as I kept that light of my Buddhahood, that new, conscious perspective, going. Within one year, I had concretely changed a problem that had been with me all of my life. Inside my hid-den cave, that which fed on darkness shrank, and what needed light grew and thrived and eventually bloomed into an undeniable happiness.

Theoretically, I had known these principles for a very long time, but I think unconsciously the doubt that I could ever change that part of my life was so strong that it squelched any hope of trying, so I often chanted as though the Gohonzon “out there” might reward me for good behavior, but certainly I didn’t have the power to change this — it was too eternal and omnipresent. Consciously changing my perspective in my prayer, coming from the perspective that I was a Buddha and had the power of Buddhahood, helped me overcome my doubt and continue until I saw victory.

Overcoming doubt is a big issue when it comes to prayer. Praying from the empowered perspective of Buddhahood will help us overcome doubt. This is how President Ikeda encourages us: “One thing is certain: The power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. This is a fact. When you clearly envision a victorious outcome, engrave it in your heart and are firmly convinced that you will attain it, your brain makes every effort to realize the mental image you have created. And then, through your unceasing efforts, that victory is finally made a reality.”

In closing, I would like to share some points on challenging doubt. In the World Tribune last year, Editor in Chief Ted Morino explains that doubt-free faith is not a fixed condition and does not mean unquestioning faith. In fact, questions are good. They lead us to delve more deeply in faith and strengthen our life-state. As we grapple with doubt, we build our own deep conviction. When we make the decision “I am going to look at this from the per-spective of Buddhahood, not just my own fearful-ness or cynicism or whatever,” doors will open. Ted describes the process of overcoming doubt and gaining both self-confidence and a stronger practice, based on the nine consciousnesses:

* First, using the six consciousnesses, choose to chant with trust in the Gohonzon and in the Buddhahood inherent in our own lives. Couple this with 100 percent effort — that is, prayer plus action — to win day by day. This is the basis for the rest of the steps. (This refers to the first six of the nine consciousnesses: the senses of hearing, sight, taste, touch, smell and conscious thought.)

* Second, persevere in this kind of effort, thus increasing our trust in ourselves subconsciously (the seventh consciousness).

* Third, as we continue this way, “to trust ourselves will become our tendency,” writes Ted Morino, “which is called karma” (the eighth consciousness).

* Fourth, as we practice Buddhism with positive feelings, our joy and self-confidence grow and we truly enjoy living, experiencing the fullness of the Law. This is the proof that we can strengthen our Buddhahood (ninth consciousness). In this life-condition, our self-confidence — our confidence in our Buddhahood — is unshakable.

Like the two people facing each other on the riverbank, happiness is a matter of perspective, of where you choose to stand. To achieve our own great happiness, to have the compassion and stamina to serve humanity, we need the power of the perspective of Buddhahood.

We are, all of us, already on the other side. Through a strong empowered prayer, we can begin to know this.


Source.

Shadows

Remember on my last entry I wrote that I have a terrible relationship with my brother? Well.. things have started to improved slightly. L:ast time we use to exchange one or two sentences to each other for like a year. Now.. its more like a week. Not bad for a terrible sister like me right?

COMMUNICATION is the key man!!!! Yeah!!! Wahaha...

Where did the change come from? You ask! Well.. I couldn't stand that I had such relationship with my younger not so baby brother anymore. I was tired of comparing myself with other friends of mine that have brother or sisters whom are also their best friends. I realize that the change should not come from my brother coz that's the way he is. I can't change him. He can be rude and defensive all he wants but if I am like that too... we would go no where.

So.. I made a determination to change. To be the one to make the first move. To be the one that actually start a conversation with him. Talk to him regarding what interest him the most now. Anime... Studies... Lost... Everything that a hot and pimply budding teenager is interested in. I am after all the big sister. And it was not easy I tell you.. seriously... I was so used to totally ignoring my brother and him to me, being indifferent to each other, pretending that each other don't really exist that I totally forgot how to have a conversation with him! It was all awkward and stuff! Imagine that! This was how bad my relationship was.

But it was definitely rewarding when he started to open up and tell me stuff. Though we still don't communicate much but I'm proud to say that I know I have a brother now. Not an invisible brother. This is what Human Revolution is all about. To change your inner self for the better. And I'm acting like what all big sister should be. Be there for them when they need you. =)


Took these 2 photos when I was in KK, Karambrunei. Nice peaceful resort. Nothing better else to do.




I somehow look fat! Or maybe I am... =(




My brother is no longer shorter than me! He's actually taller than me and he's so proud of it. Always purposely stand next to me in front of the mirror to remind me that fact. And him gloating about it. Sigh... I'm short.

GOod luck to me on continuing to challenge myself! And to you too!


The heart of one person moves another's. ... If one's own heart is closed, then the doors of other people's hearts will also shut tight. On the other hand, someone who makes all those around him or her into allies, bathing them in the sunlight of spring, will be treasured by all.

-Daisaku Ikeda-

Rules for Choosing a Life Partner

Relationship can be so hard nowadays. How do u know that he/she is your soul mate? It may be all nice and sweet and a bed of roses now but will things still be the same 10 years down the road? Or even maybe just 1 year down the road?

What consists of a happy and healthy relationship?

I once read this somewhere,

"Love isn't just two people gazing at each other, but two people looking into the future together"

Forget who was the writer but it was something lidat. I really agree with it...

Just wanna share with you guys something I read! =)



Rules for Choosing a Life Partner

QUESTION # 1: Do we share a common life purpose? Why is this so important?

Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 to 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat,sex and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.

Two things can happen in a marriage.
1. You can grow old together, or

2. You can grow apart... 50 % of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life - bottom line - and marry someone who wants the same thing. If the person you're in love with doesn't want the same thing as you do; you might as well get out of it now than when its too late.


QUESTION # 2:Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?

This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship. Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust. i.e trust that I won't get "punished" or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings. A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.


QUESTION # 3:Is he/she a mensch?

A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions: Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis? Are they serious about improving themselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is always striving to be good and do the the right." So ask about your significant other: What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone
whose top priority is character refinement. There are essentially two types of people in this world: People who are dedicated to personal growth and people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before Walking down the aisle.


QUESTION # 4: How does he/she treat other people?

The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure. Ask: Is this a person who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and
self-absorbed ? To measure this, think about the following:

1. How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, busboy, taxi driver, etc.?

2. How do they treat parents and siblings? Do your parents and siblings like/adore them? Have you received any bad comment/remarks about them?

3. Do they have gratitude and appreciation?

4. Do they show respect? Do they respect your opinions or let you know when you go over the line? Are they truly honest with you, even if you don't like facts that hurt? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have
given them everything, you cannot expect that they'll have gratitude for you-who cant do nearly as much for them !

5. Do they gossip and speak badly about others? Someone who gossips and bad-mouths cannot be someone who loves others. Has the person simply left anyone for you? Has that someone lied to/with/because of you? You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.


QUESTION # 5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?

Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve" them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it, "You can probably expect someone to change after marriage and for the worse!" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them. There is no point in putting restrictions on your life partner. If you love him/her you will accept him/her as they are.In conclusion, selecting your partner doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are selecting, to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues. Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework.


I'm not sure whether I fufill all this criteria as a girlfriend. But I'll definitely try my best! =)



True love arises from two people's determination to share their lives together, and from the wisdom gained from aspiring from the future.

-Daisaku Ikeda-

Daisaku Ikeda's Quotes

Everyone needs a bit of encouragement sometime or another to recharge their batteries or give them more courage and confidence in living their lives. Or achieving their dreams. Including me.. ^.^ No matter wat each person is going through, i hope it can help u in some way.. =)

One thing is certain: That is that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact.


When you clearly envision the outcome of victory, engrave it upon your heart, and are firmly convinced that you will attain it, your brain makes every effort to realize the mental image you have created. And then, through your unceasing efforts, that victory is finally made a reality.


Everything depends on what is in our hearts. If we decide to ourselves that something is impossible, then, consistent with our minds in thinking so, even something that is possible for us will become impossible. On the other hand, if we have the confidence that we can definitely do something, then we are already one step closer to achieving it in reality.


We have both a weak self and a strong self; the two are completely different. If we allow our weak side to dominate, we will surely be defeated.


Ultimately, our battle is with ourselves. Whether in our activities in society, or whether in historical, political or economic developments, everything essentially boils down to a struggle between positive and negative forces.


If you always have a shallow perspective and pay attention only to trivial things, you are sure to get bogged down in all kinds of petty worries and concerns, and not be able to move forward. Even relatively minor hurdles or problems will seem insurmountable. But if you look at life from a broad viewpoint, you naturally spot the way to solve any problem you may confront. This is true when we consider our own personal problems as well as those of society and even the future of the entire world.


"The heart is what is important." There is nothing more vulnerable, nothing more corruptible than the human mind; nor is there anything as powerful, steadfast and ennobling.

-Daisaku Ikeda-

Dona Nobis Pacem

Grant us peace!!! Ya'll hear? Yup! I'm gonna blog about peace on this fateful November 7th, 2006 too.. courtesy of Queen Mimi in Peace GlobE! =) Cheers!


"Nonviolence" does not merely mean to refrain from violence.Violence erupts when one person blames another for a problem or conflict. Conversely, nonviolence is a way of life in which one resolves, “Let me be the one to change first.” If this spirit were to be embraced, how much more at peace would our families and society itself be.

-Daisaku Ikeda-

An Inspring Experience by Soka Gakkai International Youth

I received an e-mail the other day from one of my gal-friends. The e-mail was about how this gal from India manage to overcome her problems and achieve her deepest desires through Nichiren Daishonin's practise. Soka Gakkai International is an buddhist organization that aims to promote peace, culture and education. It's membership has grown to over 190 countries all over the

world. Members pray to the Gohonzon, which is the object of worship. By praying to the gohonzon, we will be able to see our own weaknesses and be able to overcome watever problems we have. Sensei is our SGI president, Daisaku Ikeda.

Just wanted to share her very inspiring experience. =)


Pavitra Kavya Rao,
Student Division Kick-off Meeting,
Santa Ana Community Centre,
September 24, 2006.


Good Morning Everyone!

Today I am sharing my recent experience with deepest gratitude to the Gohonzon & Sensei. My name is Pavitra and I am a sophomore student at Soka University of America.

18th of June, 2006 was my nineteenth birthday and the day I received my dismissal letter from Soka University of America. Soka University of America has been my dream since elementary school and on that day I felt the pain of seeing my dream break down in front of my eyes.

When my mother became a member of Bharat Soka Gakkai, I was young. I observed her doing morning and evening prayers very diligently and chanting long hours of Daimoku. As I noticed positive changes in our family, I started attending Gakkai meetings with my mother. The atmosphere at the meetings gave me joy and I felt a strong bond developing with Sensei in my heart. My leaders shared about Sensei’s life with me.

At the age of 7, I started praying to study in the Soka School .

In 1997, when I was 10 years old, Sensei visited India and I was fortunate to encounter Sensei when I, along with other Future Division members danced in front of Sensei. I had an eye contact with Sensei and my bond strengthened and I felt a great inner transformation. Seeing Sensei became the turning point of my life. Seeing my mentor gave me the confidence to achieve the impossible dream of studying at Soka University of America.

I had many experiences in faith. My personality changed from an intensely introverted to an outgoing, confident person. Improved financial karma, developing the ability to becoming a theatre actress, good relations with people to name a few.

I also always felt responsible about Zadenkai. I felt the need to become the one strong lion that would stand by Ikeda Sensei.

I made Soka University of America my academic dream college. From a failing student to an average student to excelling in academics it was a challenge. But so was the dream of Soka University of America. In my high school, especially I was faced with many challenges but managed to overcome them through following correct faith, practice and study. Keeping Soka University of America as my only option of college too helped strengthen my determination.

When I got admission to the fifth class of Soka University of America on March 16th, 2005 I felt that I had won. I was very happy. Little did I know that the challenges had only begun?

Nichiren Daishonin writes in the Gosho, Dragon Gate “In China there is a waterfall called the Dragon Gate. Its waters plunge a hundred feet, more swiftly than an arrow shot by a strong archer. It is said that thousands of carp gather in the basin below, hoping to climb the falls, and that any which succeed will turn into a dragon. However, not a single carp out of a hundred, a thousand or even ten thousand can climb the falls, not even after ten or twenty years. Some are swept away by the strong currents, some fall prey to eagles, hawks, kites and owls, and others are netted, scooped up, or even shot with arrows by fishermen who line either bank of the wide falls. Such is the difficulty of a carp becoming a dragon.”

I too had determined such a big Dream. Obviously the difficulties were going to be many.

My knee injury in August 2006 made me miss classes for long. This was the starting of my trials and challenges. I dipped in studies. And due to a dismal performance in the first semester, I was put on academic probation in the spring 2006 semester. I did not tell my parents or friends as I thought they would worry and I was confident to pull through. I was bogged down when I did not become an RA, SOL etc. I found that everything I aspired for did not happen. I seemed to have used up my good fortune in getting the admission to Soka University of America. I was also harboring doubts and complaints and was constantly questioning as to why is this happening to me when I have been practicing for so long?

During this period of dilemma, I was experiencing a feeling of false confidence which made me arrogant and feel that I would pull through easily. I underestimated this problem and instead of looking inwards, I seek the law outside. Instead of relying on the strategy of the Lotus Sutra, I applied my own strategies.

Therefore I was very shocked to receive my grades, on the day I was leaving for home for the summer, which showed that I had 0.18 points, less than what the school required. I realized that dismissal was imminent. I left for India with a heavy heart.

When I reached home I still couldn’t inform my parents about this shocking news of my academic dismissal. I still hoped to petition and return to Soka University of America.

The letter from Soka University of America reached my home on June, 18th. Although my parents were shattered, they promised to stand by me. I saw my mother fight in faith with a renewed vigor. This made me realize the importance of the three pillars of our practice - Faith, Practice and Study. Last year, although I would chant and attend meetings, I was not able to study Gosho or New Human Revolution. I was becoming lazy in faith. My complaining attitude and neglect to the inner details of my life was a result of my disregard to the Gohonzon.

However, this time around, I had no complaints in my heart. I realized that losing by a minute margin was a message from the Gohonzon and I needed to understand with my life. This was an opportunity to grow in faith and as a person. I always remained in high life condition. I took guidance. I was told to attack this problem with Daimoku and pray to understand the purpose of studying in Soka University of America. Towards this I started chanting longer hours of Daimoku and read Sensei’s guidance to the Students Division in Newsletters, New Human Revolution like Young Eagles chapter. I worked hard for the July Youth Meeting in India . I felt lot of negativity coming out from within but I continued to work and praying for my petition to be accepted by Soka University of America. I was helping in writing the script of the play on Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate who founded the Vishwa Bharati University then called Shantiniketan. Sensei had received a prestigious award from this university in May, 2006.

The more I prayed, the more negativity surfaced. It was an intense internal struggle but many members and seniors supported me and stood by me. Also, following the three guidelines of faith, practice and study really helped me. I was also able to act in the play. The play was a roaring success and was highly appreciated by all. It was all due to an excellent teamwork. I made many friends in the process.

I now received the long awaited reply from the petition committee. They said that I can join Soka University of America in spring 2007 after completing 12 units of college course from any accredited college in the United States . I was shattered thinking that I will never see Soka University of America again... never see the wonderful friends I had made over the last year. I stepped up my Daimoku and spoke to the Dean. He agreed to allow me to take these units in India . But admissions to colleges in India were over by May and there is no semester system in Indian colleges. I realized this would mean a setback of more than two years before reapplying to Soka University of America for admission. The situation was IMPOSSIBLE. Following lines of Sensei gave me hope.

“Result is a reflection of your faith in the Gohonzon. 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 the 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 release the chains of doubt & fear clouding your mind of faith. Pray for unbounded confidence & courage to win over your past & joyfully step into your bright future.”

The more the situation became impossible more was the support I received from my leaders. I got the encouragement to chant 10 hours everyday and I was able to do 6-7hrs. Day after day I challenged to do longer hours of Daimoku and studied Sensei’s guidance to understand my true purpose of studying in Soka University of America.

I kept Aug 18th as a deadline and fought in faith. I helped with the elementary school division meetings to become joyful and also participated in Zadenkai and study meetings. The communication from Soka University of America on 18th August was negative. I kept 24th and then 30th August as next deadlines. But the situation remained negative. My original ticket which was booked to the 4th of September too got cancelled. Every time I felt shattered my faith & practice and the support of leaders pulled me up. I tried to rise like the phoenix as per Sensei’s guidance. School was starting on the 7th September.

I decided to do the 12 units from a vocational college and apply to Soka University of America in spring 2007. When I wrote to the IERF, I received a message that they do not recognize this college. I had no other option now and was shocked as this would mean that I could not join even in the Spring Semester. This probably also meant that I would never be able to go back to Soka University of America.

It was the night of Sep 5th and with two days to go. I made fresh resolves in faith and determined to live as a Soka student. That night I realized as to why this had happened to me?

1. Ikeda Sensei joined faith when he was 19 years old. Sensei says that the nineteenth year in youth is the toughest challenge. Sensei had done a few million Daimoku to understand his mission and purpose in this practice. I was not doing enough Daimoku and this problem was going to help me expand my life in order for me to become a youth of Sensei’s expectations.

2. The Student Division 50th anniversary is in June, 2007. This was an opportunity given by the Gohonzon to me to challenge my weaknesses and negativity and emerge 100% victorious.

3. I am now practicing for more than a decade and this problem was a test by the Gohonzon to refresh my practice and emerge as a Soka youth with a renewed sense of purpose and focus.

I determined that it is important to live by the Soka values and as a true disciple of Sensei wherever I am. I decided to live by Soka values even if I could not return to Soka University of America. I was truly happy for all my friends in Soka University of America and cherished their friendship and support. I thanked the Gohonzon for this problem in my life that gave me as gift, people who strongly supported and cherished me. I went to sleep with this clarity in my heart. Throughout the night my mother chanted for me with pride in my decision.

On the 6th morning there was a call from Soka University of America. The academics committee had reviewed my case at a professor’s call. She had confidence in me and they decided to give me a chance to prove myself. She was truly a shoten zenjin and I was amazed at this complete turn around of events. I was overjoyed and calm.

This was truly a reflection of my inner transformation.

I take this opportunity to thank my parents, family members and friends who stood by and trusted in me. I am grateful to the leaders who helped strengthen my faith and connected me to Sensei. Thanks to my faith mother who chanted 5 hours for me everyday and my faith brother who helped me to expand my inner life with abundant Daimoku.

I am happy to report that I joined Soka University of America on the 8th of September. Some of the amazing benefits which I received were getting an incredibly cheap ticket, even cheaper than what I had initially bought for. Also, after getting back on Campus, I was able to get back all my classes I wanted which had been dropped from my schedule due to the dismissal decision.

I have no words to thank Sensei and the Gohonzon.

Today I determine to practice till the last moment of my life walking the path of mentor and disciple with Ikeda Sensei. I also determine to live by the Soka values throughout my life.

Thank You very much…