230909 Just Tom talking

[@frankroberts9850]

Hey Tom thank you do much for your time and dedication to help us understand the teachings...you my friend are really a true BAD ASS ..!!!! Love you keep the faith..frank Roberts..40 years on the front line..❤😂😂

[@kirti8919]

Hi Tom! Please count me in too!! Thank you for everything you are doing and I know you are coming back with greater study materials and actionable ideas for all of us here😊

[@frankrodriguez2061]

Thank you Tom. Count me in.

[@frankroberts9850]

Keep the faith..... BAD ASSS!!!!😂

[@pearlchang5775]

Soooo appreciate your videos

[@pearlchang5775]

So touched

[@JM-qe4fm]

I have only been studying with you a few months; my womens chapter sgi leader suggested I tune in. I want to start by thanking you for standing up & not being intimidated by pressured loyalties other than relying on the words of the gosho,.When you asked in the OTT lectures 'has anyone read OTT ever, I said YES. I have relied on the gosho & Nichirens words to understand the best I can. I too began in 1973. I stopped chanting for 2 years when I became so discouraged by things that did not relate to enlightenment or kosen rufu.The gosho and practice are very difficult when leadership makes you feel like you need permission to practice, approval to practice.Anyway, thanks again,. There is a big difference between opinions & what Nichiren teaches. I'll send daimoku to surround your heart so you can keep this up. I'm in Lake Tahoe CA

[@JM-qe4fm]

PS-started chanting again when I was gravely ill & realized I survived because of my fortune to have practiced all my life. I started chanting again truly out of gratitude. I wrote to Daisaku Ikeda about the things I felt were not in line with the gosho, and used the gosho to explain myself. I then chanted really sincerely that there could be some change. And I did see in Sensei's writings a change, an openess, and adherence to writings as they are. Since then my health has improved, I'm working again. The pandemic got everyone used to being alone with computers and cartoon relationships. I fear human revolution will discontinue if we rely on that. I WISH SOMETIME YOU WOULD DISCUSS THE MEANING OF NINGEN KAKUME - character by character. I use a daimoku chart that is the Japanese characters for Ningen Kakume. I know you are busy. I'' meet in front of the Gohonzon.

[@laynewest1711]

Very interesting stuff a little all over the place. I will see where this goes. Obviously as ikeda gets older and passes on this will be a time of great change. I think people do read at least I have. I have studied the gosho and the lotus sutra. I both enjoy your style and appreciate seeing things from a sgi perspective. I think the eternal Buddah is the entire universe. The embodiment of Ichinen sanzen 3000 realms in a moment of life. Which we are all manifestations of. That the way is to respect others no matter what. Like bodhisattva never disparaging. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@RaveDaddy]

I’ll stand up and be a founder in the SGIP contingent for the USA. This video was monumental and very motivating. Will support the charter and anything else to further our movement. A few years after I encountered Tom, M, Mike and Cathy I obtained photos of them and their kids (with M pregnant) and have been chanting throughout my entire 18 year practice (so far) for these amazing pioneers for our movement. Fully committed as a single parent now too to raising our future division youth as best I can. As I watched tonight’s video I had to keep kissing my son, which luckily I have this weekend pursuant to an American custody agreement. So as Tom mentions the trials we face as followers of Nichiren I’m also knee-to-neck deep in, but joyfully embracing these obstacles with courage sending daimoku to all of you, Mr. Matsuoka, Mr.Osaki, and our deceased loved ones. (Guy McCloskey is still head of the SGIUSA study department I think). I’m also a true disciple and student of President Ikeda and had to practice on my own versions of Sado Island a couple times so far and am also battling through my own Atsuhara persecutions lately with devilish function in increasingly challenging obstacles. However, I’m fully committed and know like Tom says this is why we assume this karma to spread the teachings and now emerge as Teachers of the correct Law of Nam myoho renge kyo as taught by Nichiren Daishonin himself. Another mystic point was I was asked to host an introduction meeting on 9/30 the same day the next meeting will be filmed. A week later I’ll be at FNCC and will do my best each day going forward to absolutely win by chanting and supporting kosenrufu with all my mind and heart just like Tom is doing in this video. Over 15 years ago I’ve made a super long color printout of the discussion thread that Tom initiated my practice with that used all my printer ink. Definitely a great investment. It’s a treasure I have kept for posterity because that’s how serious this all is and this video. Last year I published my first book “A New Dawn” on amazon and only recently have some dear friends and SGI members supported me in buying my poetry. Nobody in my bloodline even cared. My grandma is a year younger than President Ikeda and barely anybody (but a couple cousins, me and some neighbors) visits her but I dedicated my book to her. The truth is I have unlimited courage and wisdom through my faith and after my next compilation of poetry will need to pen something building off of this auspicious movement. Just like Tom said, I repeat all the time to others including my goddaughter earlier this week: “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be defeated. Faith! Victory of Gold!”

[@RaveDaddy]

Also wanted to say with Thomas and through his life I have learned what it really means to have a stand-alone spirit. Mugi Wasshin (realest doubt-free faith from my heart to yours).

[@pinkifloyd7867]

​​@@RaveDaddy oh that's what it's called, thank you. I never appreciated those words more than I do now. My favorite one, during daimoku is 'Kyo & Chi"". It's such a wonderfull divine sensation. 😊

[@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977]

@@pinkifloyd7867 fusion of reality and wisdom ［境智冥合］ ( kyōchi-myōgō): The fusion of the objective reality or truth and the subjective wisdom to realize that truth, which is the Buddha nature inherent within one’s life. Since enlightenment, or Buddhahood, is defined as the state in which one fully realizes the ultimate reality, the fusion of reality and wisdom means enlightenment. T’ien-t’ai (538-597) discusses this principle in The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra. In The Annotations on “The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra,” Miao-lo (711-782) associates Shakyamuni Buddha and Many Treasures Buddha as they are portrayed in the “Treasure Tower” (eleventh) chapter of the Lotus Sutra with the fusion of reality and wisdom. This chapter describes Shakyamuni Buddha seated side by side with Many Treasures Buddha in the treasure tower. Miao-lo writes that these two Buddhas seated in this manner signify the fusion of reality and wisdom. Nichiren (1222-1282) identifies the Law that underlies the fusion of reality and wisdom as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and asserts that he embodied his enlightenment to that Law-the fusion of reality and wisdom-in the form of the Gohonzon, the object of devotion he established. In terms of Buddhist practice for people in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren maintained that, when they chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in the Gohonzon, they achieve the fusion of reality and wisdom within their own lives and are thus able to manifest the Buddha nature and attain Buddhahood. According to Nichiren, the Buddha nature constitutes reality, and faith in the Gohonzon, the embodiment of that nature, corresponds to wisdom. Nichiren states: “Reality means the true nature of all phenomena, and wisdom means the illuminating and manifesting of this true nature. Thus when the riverbed of reality is infinitely broad and deep, the water of wisdom will flow ceaselessly. When this reality and wisdom are fused, one attains Buddhahood in one’s present form. . . . What then are these two elements of reality and wisdom? They are simply the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” (746).

[@aliceinabsentia]

Thank you.

[@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977]

Thank you Alice!

[@beingfrank40]

Update: I watched the rest and it sounds like a stupendous idea. I have to say that the leadership here ,where I live is terrible.. I won't give details of what I and girlfriend were subjected to at a non-SGI event by these "leaders'- all I'll say is that it was a social event and these leaders who are husband and wife, behaved (danced"!!!) " very debauched ways and thought it appropiate to attempt to involve us ,and they had their "shakabuku" with them, who they employed in all this. Their shakabuku never returned to a meeting, NOR did I! (of course not).Tom, you were told you'd be doing this, and here it is...no one else is qualified, and that of course, isn't only scholarship, but courage and heart...and here it is on video, showing all just how much courage and heart (compassion) you actually have.

[@user-op7lk4dg3p]

I think you have the right idea. I’ve always been so encouraged by you. I will chat for clarity so I will know what my next step should be. Thank you again.

[@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977]

We all grieve at the passing of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. More to discuss on the next video this weekend. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

[@shirleyniedzwiecki1104]

Whoa. Finally listened to this video. You answered most of my complaints. I live in laid back Austin. ❤I’ll ask if there is a procedure. Thanks, I have a mission!

[@frankroberts9850]

In my life...sansho Shima....but we gotta say...."I'm Buddha Bad Ass....don't f****k with ME the votary of lotus sutra... you'll he sorry "....love you tom....

[@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977]

Dude, you took the words right out of my mouth! How ya been? Keep Hanging. Keep winning! Keep kicking Devil ass!!! Thank you!

[@lotusg0d464]

Tom, I JUST wrote a letter to Ikeda-sensei about the importance of the internet and its place in kosen-rufu, and taking it as my personal mission to not neglect that fact! It's like you read my mind!!!! I absolutely LOVE the sound of SGIP. I support you fully, my beloved teacher. I am so proud of you and your courage. I'm sure Mr. Matsuoka feels the same. ❤

[@lotusg0d464]

I am also craking up at you mentioning the lack of mentors. At FNCC, there was an outcry from the youth about the lack of genuine connection, compassion, and support we have received from senior members. Fortunately, that led to much dialogue between the youth and seniors in faith, but it really is a big problem! It also made me absolutely DETERMINED to be a GREAT mentor for the sake of kosen-rufu and the propagation of the Law!

[@lotusg0d464]

As far as the SGIP, I would like to build an internet forum for us to congregate. Let me know what you think.

[@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977]

@@lotusg0d464 Hey! We'll need it. I'm getting together the active participants and then we will all discuss that together.

[@pinkifloyd7867]

@@lotusg0d464 the internet is a nice alternative to old fashion in person libe meetings.. Wasn,t it J. TODA who once said ""Its ok to drink sake... Just don't let it drink you.. 🤣 That's how I look at the internet alternatives as well

[@lotusg0d464]

@@pinkifloyd7867 I agree!

[@beingfrank40]

Wishing you good health, there is no "heart condition", it's an illusion! (my wishes for your well-being).🙏 I had to go to sleep, so only got to 15:45, will resume tomorrow.

[@pearlchang5775]

Yes Hope it will happen soon Part of official SGI

[@pinkifloyd7867]

I am going honzon with lots of daimoku music, even if I am all alone. Should have had more shakubukus years ago...😂

[@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977]

Start again. now, my friend. It is the heart that is important.

[@pinkifloyd7867]

@@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977 Never stopped Tom, its my favorite hobby 🤣.. And please count me in, you remind me of a good old 1973 bottle of french wine that really aged well. I've got an 83 vintage. Cheers to you🍷

[@nichirenbuddhismandsokaphi2977]

@@pinkifloyd7867 Thank you pinki!

[@pearlchang5775]

We need your format to introduce to new member and new friends

[@gongyopinkfluffy]

Hi . I sent an email to you as soon as I heard . Am in ❤

[@pearlchang5775]

We need your format to introduce to new member and new friend

[@pearlchang5775]

Format