Chanting daimoku is the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism. When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist deities throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.
Daisaku Ikeda
'When we chant sonorous daimoku' are the key words for me here ... Too often I feel that people, including myself, just 'do' daimoku almost in a matter of fact manner, sometimes getting distracted by our mobile phones or what's going on outside the window. It's almost as if we think the words themselves are 'magic' and they will do the hard work for us.
Of course, life is not like that and whatever we do, if we want to do it succesfuly then we have to make an effort and this of course also applies to our daimoku. It doesn't mean we have to shout it or even necessarily do it loudly but it should be focussed and determined. Speedwise, I've always liked Sensei's suggestion that we should chant like a galloping horse ... I always add ... 'and not like a lumbering cow'! ... Another analogy is that it is like a plave taking off .. too slow and not enough effort and you won't get off the ground!
So, if we chant with effort and like a galloping horse, we will finish our daimoku feeling energised and ready for the day ahead to face and defeat our challenges.
