Why do we sometimes get the opposite of what we chant for?
Why do we sometimes get the opposite of what we chant for?
In his writing, Hokkemongu (Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra), The Great Master Nichiren said, “If the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra wholeheartedly devote their life to the Lotus Sutra and practice according to its golden words, it is certainly needless to say that not only in the next life, but also in this lifetime they will overcome severe difficulty, prolong their life, receive the great, good fortune of unsurpassed enlightenment, and accomplish the great vow of the widespread, propagation of True Buddhism.”
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amanitamusc
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Re: Why do we sometimes get the opposite of what we chant for?
And when you do, you find out it wasn't as good as you thought.
To become a rain man one must master the ten virtues and sciences.
Re: Why do we sometimes get the opposite of what we chant for?
Why didn't the Spanish make it to Asia when they set out across the Atlantic? Chanting for our worldly goals is practice for perfect enlightenment and on the way we gain skills and abilities that will aid us in that task. We also gain wisdom. Often times, our personal lives, karma, and the world as it is, isn't in line with what we think we want. But the Buddha is our king, Nichiren and the other three leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth are our generals, and we are his devoted soldiers.
Press onward.
Re: Why do we sometimes get the opposite of what we chant for?
But if you try sometime, you find you get what you need.
In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha says he is always thinking "how can I cause all living beings to enter into the way of the Buddha and attain supreme enlightenment?" The Universe knows better than you do what's best. Instead of lamenting that you didn't get what you want, consider that there's probably a reason (which you might not immediately understand) why you didn't. At the very least, it's an opportunity to reflect on why you wanted the thing you didn't get, and to consider what route getting it would've taken you. I don't like sharing too much personal info here, but before I came to Buddhism, I studied A Course in Miracles quite a bit, and it probably still influences my thinking to some degree. This was a key principle in ACIM. Don't be attached to outcomes so much. Keep the faith, and your eye on the (ultimate) prize.
Re: Why do we sometimes get the opposite of what we chant for?
Why the opposite? Here's one answer from "The Three Obstacles and Four Devils:"
There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.
Sometimes something contrary will manifest.
There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.
Sometimes something contrary will manifest.
Re: Why do we sometimes get the opposite of what we chant for?
This.Pomona wrote: ↑Tue Dec 12, 2017 5:10 am Why the opposite? Here's one answer from "The Three Obstacles and Four Devils:"
There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.
Sometimes something contrary will manifest.