Hi there again – welcome to our last installment of Buddhist Mindfulness and scientific correlates

in previous session we have spoken about the universal law as defined by Buddhism. We have outlined that Nichiren Buddhism holds that we are eternal energies--that are totally interrelated and connected and this energy is subject to cause and effect.

We have also outlined in earlier sessions that our energy expresses itself-- in various shapes and forms and that our perceived identity --is rather fleeting and not as we might want to so desperately assume – as fixed -.

The way this law which is within us ---and the environment that surrounds us expresses itself – is through a process of expansion.

Just like the big bang. --- The driver is expansion of consciousness – ever increasing awareness of a higher self is the aim. ---Hence the original Buddha has already made the statement in the lotus sutra - that eventually everyone will become aware of his/or her Buddha nature.

Evolution seems to be the creative process by which this expansion takes place. ----From electrical interaction with amino acids and water ---to one cellers ---to complex structures that have the capacity to see themselves objectively – i.e. human beings – ----evolution is a constant process that never ceases to react to the challenge of an ever changing self ---and environment.

There is always something better to achieve, always something to challenge – it is an inbuilt mechanism in the universe --through which life expresses itself --in ever new form. ---Birth – old age ---sickness and death --will give us plenty to work on.

Change is everywhere--and we will need to change because of it.

Challenges are everywhere – and this is precisely why we are who we are – and where we are

The universal law in Buddhism explains-- that this is the process of ‘forever becoming’ --hence the notion of the ‘non self’ can be explained.-- No stopping here – just becoming – moment to moment ---forever new.

Our minds expand to ever greater heights – and our bodies adapt –

And although our minds are inherently empty – through the process of distinction - Our minds are capable of projecting the value we want to perceive. ----A brick is nothing but baked earth turned into a rectangle – but if it has been touched by a wholly man or wholly women-- it becomes pure gold to those sincere in faith.

So What does this mean?

It is no different to say that shoes worn by a famous musician will be enhanced in value by those who appreciate his or her music – his fans -- but the shoes-- are still simply shoes.

So – it comes down to the value we give things that make them worth something to us – and this is what we do - we attach meaning to the things around us --based on our belief --or value system.

In a way we can say that it is our level of appreciation that creates value.

Things can become worth more or less --depending on what we want to project onto them. ---We can see the cup half empty --and therefore conclude it to be a negative – or we can see it half full-- and thus see hope or a silver lining in the events that are before us.

Likewise--- a problem can be seen as an opportunity for growth – or simply as an unwanted – unnecessary stumbling block-- that has nothing to offer other than despair.

It is our belief-- that decides what we project. Thus Buddhism proclaims that when understanding the true nature of phenomena ---we are able to find true joy ---as we are no longer in doubt about the purpose and value of our lives. We then become the masters of our projections -- as we know who creates them--- we do.

A deeply depressed person hears the birds in a forest screaming-- and sees the sun as flames of hell illuminating a world of pain and despair.

An enlightened person hears the same birds-- as heavenly songs of forest dwelling gods and sees the sun as a magnificent life giving entity --that illuminates a world of pleasure and opportunity.

This is how different our perception can be --based on what we chose to believe. There is value to be found everywhere --and this has to do with how we can appreciate that --which we are taking in through our 5 senses.

A Buddha’s perception is therefore very different-- to that of the unenlightened person.

This concept is explained in what is called ‘ichinen sanzen’ or 3000 worlds in 1 moment of existence – but we will touch on this in more detail --during our training course.

In essence – the act of faith in Nichiren Buddhism- is designed for the purpose of maintaining a level of mindfulness of who we are – of what is really going on – the truth of our existence.

Practicing faith in Nichiren Buddhism therefore --is connected to the daily mantra chanting of NamMHRGK designed to maintain this understanding. To remember -- Buddhahood is not something that we achieve and then hold on to indefinitely – we have to keep practicing it - It is similar to exercising to stay physically fit.

We all know that - Once we are fit --we have to maintain a level of exercise that keeps us fit. If we fail to do this then sooner or later we will be unfit once again.

Hence in NBM consistent practice is important for mental and spiritual wellbeing – which will no doubt transfer over into our physiological wellbeing.

Chanting the mantra therefore- is a lifelong commitment to the truth of our lives.

The act of chanting therefore-- has many benefits:

It allows the practitioner to reflect on his or her intentions-- in light of the truth that is illuminated by the chant.

Thus --one has a better understanding of the causes and consequences of one’s actions - One will understand ones level of responsibility – and influence

It will give the practitioner a sense of ‘it will be ok’ -- for as long as my intentions are guided by the principle of faith in NMHRGK - even though one cannot control the myriad of factors and variables that are affected by the practitioners actions – in other words one has faith in being guided by the right mindset – that comes from practicing the mantra –

but this is not blind – uniformed faith – even if it can be seen --as having faith in the idea that the universe will somehow -- provide the openings that get us there – we

So… in essence – we can say that chanting the mantra of NMHRGK in Nichiren Buddhist Mindfulness essentially causes the practitioner to believe:

I am infinite

I am the cause as well as the effect – I am a co- creator to what presents itself before me

I am forever connected as I am part of the whole – and the whole could never be whole -- with a part missing

But most importantly - I have purpose – yes I do – I am here to create a better – ever greater life for all – as you are part of me – and I am part of you – and how would I do this? Well – by chanting NMHRGK - which reminds me of who I really am- and also of who you truly are – and this then will have immeasurable positive effects on the whole – of which I am part.

So … don’t we all benefit here?

Think about this… when you have a moment.

Now – this concludes our…. well … brief introduction to Nichiren Daishonin Buddhist Mindfulness.