DISQUS

I have never been involved in healing through transfer of life energy between myself and another person (that I am aware of). I know it is possible, though. I have experienced this type of healing through relationship with the Gohonzon, the object of worship in Nichiren Shoshu.

I also have experienced a revitalization on those few occasions when I slept outside under the stars. I did this once when I was too drunk and tired to walk all the way home. I fell asleep on someone's lawn. Amazingly, no-one disturbed me until I woke up about four hours later. It was just before the morning "get to work" rush hour. I felt TERRIFIC! I was peaceful and full of joy. This was the experience I had when as a boy scout, I hiked a hundred miles through the forests of N.E. Oregon over a period of a week (with other scouts).

I think people who live and sleep close to nature are mentally and physically better adjusted than people who live in an artificial sterile environment. Many people have indoor plants and pets and I think this helps make their environment more natural.

The following exerpts from “The Entity of the Mystic Law” by Nichiren, reveal the Buddhist view on the holiness of everything.

The mystic principle of the true aspect of reality is like this. The mystic principle of the true aspect of reality is one, but if it encounter evil influences it will manifest delusion, while if it encounters good influences it will manifest enlightenment. Enlightenment means enlightenment to the essential nature of phenomena, and delusion, ignorance of it.

It is like the case of a person who in a dream sees himself performing various good and evil actions. After he wakes up and considers the matter, he realizes that it was all a dream produced by his own mind. This mind of his corresponds to the single principle of the essential nature of phenomena, the true aspect of reality, while the good and evil that appeared in the dream correspond to enlightenment and delusion, or ignorance, respectively. When one becomes aware of this, it is clear that one should discard the ignorance associated with evil and delusion and take as one's basis the awakening that is characterized by goodness and enlightenment.

The Daiengaku shutara ryogi Sutra declares: “The beginningless illusions and ignorance that beset all living beings are all produced by the perfectly enlightened mind of the Thus Come Ones.”

The Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai in his Maka shikan states: “Ignorance and delusion have as their essence enlightenment. But because of delusion, ignorance becomes manifest rather than enlightenment.” The Great Teacher Miao-lo comments on this as follows: “Enlightenment has no separate entity, but is completely dependent upon ignorance; and ignorance has no separate entity, but is completely dependent upon enlightenment.”

Further proof of the truth that ignorance and enlightenment are one in entity is found in the passage in the Lotus Sutra that reads: “All these phenomena are aspects of an abiding Law, and all the characteristics of the world are eternal.” The Daichido ron says: “Enlightenment and ignorance are not different things, not separate things. To understand this is what is called the Middle Way.”

There are many passages of proof asserting that the mystic principle of the true aspect of reality possesses two aspects, the defiled and the pure. But none can surpass the one in the Kegon Sutra that says, “The mind, the Buddha and all living beings --- these three things are without distinction.” or the passage in the Lotus Sutra that describes the true aspect of all phenomena.

The Great Teacher Nan-yueh says: “The entity of the mind is endowed with two aspects, the defiled and the pure. However, it does not have two different forms, but is single in nature and without distinction.”

Another good explanation is given in the sixth volume of Miao-lo's Hokke gengi shakusen, in the passage that reads: “While the three thousand realms remain latent [in ordinary beings], they are all designated by the term 'ignorance.' But when the three thousand realms all manifest themselves as the result [of Buddhahood], then they are all designated by the term 'eternal happiness.' However, because the three thousand realms all remain constant, they possess both entity and function.” This commentary makes the matter perfectly clear.

Nan-yueh says in his commentary: “All living beings have within themselves the storehouse of the Dharma body, and therefore they are in no way different from the Buddha.” That is why the Lotus Sutra says: “The pure and ordinary eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind that one received at birth from one's father and mother are also like this.”

In essence, the entity of Myoho-renge-kyo is the physical body that the disciples and followers of Nichiren who believe in the Lotus Sutra received from their fathers and mothers at birth. Such persons, who honestly discard expedient means, put faith in the Lotus Sutra alone and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, will transform the three paths of earthly desires, karma and suffering into the three virtues of the Dharma body, wisdom and emancipation. The threefold contemplation and the three truths will immediately become manifest in their minds, and the place where they live will become the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. The Buddha who is the entity of Myoho-renge-kyo, of the Juryo chapter of the essential teaching, who is both inhabiting subject and inhabited realm, life and environment, body and mind, entity and function, the Buddha eternally endowed with the three bodies --- he is to be found in the disciples and followers of Nichiren. Such persons embody the true entity of Myoho-renge-kyo; these are the meritorious workings that the spontaneous transcendental powers inherent in it display. Could anyone venture to doubt it? Indeed it cannot be doubted!

The sutra of infinite meaning (Shakyamuni) says "Urged from within and induced from without the Buddha dwells in the boundless and awakes to the never before realized law."

The same sutra also says "Infinite phenomena proceed from the one law." Nichiren taught that the law that is referred to is Myoho-renge-kyo. When Buddhists chant it as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo they create this law within and without their lives. Thus they not only benefit but the environment benefits as well. I have perceived this law as pure life force. It is like water and like jelly. Sometimes it behaves more like water. It nourishes the self that urges us to do good. It cleanses our lives and our environment of evil tendencies. I believe that when Father Keith allows the healing energy to flow through him, he is a conduit for Myoho-renge-kyo.

Simultaneity of cause and effect. If everyone experienced the effect very quickly after making the cause, we would learn which causes are good and which are evil. The moral self that took over and made me learn, was not as active until I began chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The friend that did not want to chant even after learning of my experience, was in my opinion reluctant to submit to a force that is powerful enough to bend a person to the good and break their attachment to evil. He was enamored about the wife of another friend and eventually seduced her. His attachment to what he knew was wrong was too great and he could not find the courage to take the correct path.

Some people do evil because they are urged from within. They have a strong tendency to act in ways that are destructive and harmful and are controlled by their desires.

Eventually this "instant karma" will become a force so strong that even people who do not embrace it will not be able to avoid it. Even habitual criminals will be bent straight by it and be broken of their bad habits.

I have only been summoned for jury duty twice. It was very difficult for me. Both were felony cases. I was the last person to agree to a guilty verdict in the first case. The accused had taken the stand in his own defense. He had virtually admitted to the crime of intimidating a witness in his testimony. That was how I finally felt justified in saying guilty. The second case was more difficult because during the trial I realized that I had been a witness to the event (burglary of a pizza joint). The real criminals were sitting in the court room as spectators! A young woman they had set up was being charged with the crime. I blurted out what I knew and it resulted in a dismissal of the jury.

They haven't called me back for jury duty since. :-)

Just tell them that you can tell who is guilty by looking at them, that should do it. : )

Sometimes even evil can lead to virtue.

Early in my attempts to be a Buddhist (first year), I chanted for money. After about a week of this I went to a friend's house to get a chess set back that I had loaned him. I hoped to sell the chess set. When I got there the front door was unlocked. I let myself in and called his name, but there was no answer. Then I saw my chess set on his living room table. I took the chess set and then noticed fifty five dollars under it. I took the money too.

The next day the friend came to my apartment and asked about the chess set and the money. I had spent the money. I denied taking it. He didn't believe me. Later that evening, while chanting I lost my voice. On my way downstairs, my hand flew over and hit the bannister. It felt like it was broken. I was stubborn, but after several days of not being able to talk, I realized that I had no choice. I could not continue to try to be a Buddhist without my voice. I went to the friend's house and told him that I had taken the money. The moment I started to tell him, my voice returned. I paid him back the money as soon as I could. My former friend never chanted and he remained angry with me.

I learned several valuable lessons. I learned not to chant for money. I also learned that there was more to me than just my ego. My inner self would not allow me to lie and steal. Or in this case steal and lie. So this was the beginning of a more virtuous life for me.

It is my sincere hope that we will all live with instant karma.

lostone talked about a person who attained enlightenment by spitting on an image of the Buddha.

Those who form a negative relationship with Myoho-renge-kyo also attain enlightenment. It is not as direct a path as a positive relationship. Devadatta who fell into hell alive after committing serious crimes against the Buddha, was summoned back to the assembly of those who heard the Lotus Sutra and received a prediction that he would attain enlightenment in the distant future. Then he was returned to hell.

I formed a negative relationship with Myoho-renge-kyo when I first encountered it. I slandered it and said to myself that it was a useless phrase of words. I became angry at the friend who was saying it when he dealt the cards. He won nearly every hand and easily won the card game. Later I developed bleeding kidneys and glaucoma in my left eye. My middle finger was stepped on during a snow ball fight and broken. I enjoy playing the piano. I had hoped to make a career of it. It was too painful after that to play more than five minutes.

The next time I encountered Myoho-renge-kyo I was more receptive. I had forgotten the first episode. I chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and it worked, I was invited over for a party, but when I sobered up I had forgotten about it again.

Finally, I was seeking Buddhism, I was out of money, with no job, poor health, and friends who felt sorry for me but didn't want me around. I had seen Kung Fu on T.V. and wondered why I had never encountered Buddhism. I formed a wish to meet a Buddhist and maybe go live in a monastery in Tibet. Within a week I had met a Buddhist and was chanting to the scroll that depicts the ceremony in the air. All my health problems were cured when I chanted sincerely and with a strong determination (promising to be a Buddhist the rest of my life). My life has improved in many ways since then.

It may be that the sudden change in health was due to the fact that the causes for poor health were made two years before I chanted about them. If the causes had been made in a previous life, then the effects would have been more permanent. They would have taken longer and been more difficult to change.

Nam is short for Namas or Namu. It is a Sanskrit word that has been used in it's original form by Chinese culture. People in India commonly say Namas and the person's name and bow to them with their hands joined in respect, when they greet a friend. It primarily has the meaning of respect with elements of devotion.
When I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, I am taking action in relationship to Myoho-renge-kyo. There is a mental cause, and a physical cause made. If we think of Myoho-renge-kyo as the secret identity of reality, then using Nam in conjunction with it makes the pure essence of reality act like a flood of benefit in and around our lives. The environment and our life itself recognize and respond to this pure essence of reality.

This is what I have experienced and why I continue to praise Myoho-renge-kyo. The five characters are the five elements of spirit (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Myo is the most profound of the elements and when you chant to the Gohonzon it is best to focus on the character of Myo.

Chanting to the Gohonzon is very similar to the Jewish tradition of worship. In Judaism, the altar of God had the ark of the covenant (a box) which contained the scrolls of the Torah. The priest would unroll a scroll of the Torah and chant (sing) the words while reading them. In Nichiren Shoshu, the lay people are allowed to chant (sing) the words of the scroll (Gohonzon), which is enshrined in a box on the altar.

Jesus (Yeshua) also chanted (sang) to a scroll of the Torah, and it was likely a part of his religious practice.

A real diamond is distinguishable from a synthetic diamond by impurities and flaws. A chunk of coal can become a diamond. It requires great heat and pressure. Sometimes we feel like we are under great pressure and sometimes life subjects us to the heat of decline, disgrace, censure, and suffering. Some might view prosperity, praise, honor, and pleasure as being hot as well. People are often distracted by these conditions from the really important goals in life.

Nichiren says in "White Horses and White Swans" - "The Spring of Jewels is so called because, in this spring, stones are changed into jewels. In the same way, these five characters can change ordinary human beings into Buddhas."

Of course he is referring to the five characters of Myo-Ho-Ren-Ge-Kyo.

Interesting affirmation of the value of human life. Are we all descendants of Adam and Eve? This would seem to be a Jewish truth. If so, we are all semites. Jews should drop the viewpoint that they are different from everyone else. They are not.

I noticed your perception of differences in identical twins. There are similarities too. There are amazing similarities that go beyond physical similarity. In the cases of identical twins separated at birth and raised without knowledge of their twin, many things have been learned. They make identical choices when they buy things like toothpaste and shampoo. They have similar jobs and homes. They usually die within 2 weeks of each other.

This vexed my caseworker greatly when I had to deal with DSHS as they sought to deny my parental rights forever. DSHS caseworkers usually believe that environment is supreme in forming what the child will become. From the study of identical twins separated at birth and raised in very different environments, we learn that heredity plays a very significant role.

Thanks to poor marketing of soccer, I wasnt even aware any of my channels covered this game. Then again all I would have been watching for is Becks to break down anyways.


For an athlete to be as often injured as David Beckham, one has to question his training and fitness. I just cant comprehend how this guy can be so "world class" and play 30 minutes of soccer once per week.



There are kids on the US U-17 team still going through puberty that are tougher than Becks. Send him back to England.



I hate to say it, but it seems English players are rather soft! Yes there are exception like John Terry who would play 90 minutes even after spending a few rounds in the ring with Lenox Lewis. But, come on now... how long will it be before we ship Becks back to the UK in a body bag since he cant take the physical play in the US?



I sincerely doubt the MLS will get more than this season and next out of Becks before his hip is dislocated and his career is over. I hear Macclesfield United are looking for a water boy. Perhaps Becks wont get hurt playing that position.

What's the chance that someone as passionate as Kartik gets on the show and does a true recap/finger on the pulse take of the MLS.


Is it me or has everyone lost sight of the fact that Pele was a goal scorer and Becks is a passer?



Do you go to a basketball game to see Shaq or Mutumbo block shots or rather to see LeBron dunk? I dont watch the NFL to see the d-line force the offense to go 3 and out, but rather to see a hail mary hauled in by the fingertips as the receiver dances into the end zone.



There is no point "bending" it like Becks if it isnt a shot on goal.



However I give Landon Donovan a lot of credit for still playing even though he hasnt touched the ball, sniffed a goal, or remotely been productive since Becky laned in the US.

$14.99 per month for Setanta is a RIP OFF. You can get HBO (multiple channels of it) for the same price. Granted HBO doesnt show soocer, but dollar for dollar its a better value (was a much better value before Sopranos ended).


I am greatful that soccer is making strides onto satellite and cable, but its not worth the price unless those services wrap it up in a bundle of channels.



You can spend far less with a subscription to your favourite team via the Internet and not get motorbike racing and darts.

Love the post, but I could still use 2 tickets to the Chelsea v. Everton match on November 10th.


Long story short, I have a mate graduating from Solent (Southampton) Institute and to celebrate, I am flying over and taking him to the match.



Any guidance or assistance would be great.

The US side was sad. I have seen college teams play more cohesive, more determined soccer. Bradley is still playing with his "pawns" and doesnt have the killer soccer instincts that European managers have.


I saw Johnson get the penalty in the first half but didnt see him at all in the second have. He's more of a magician than David Copperfield. Disappears when you need him most.

It aint the Sopranos.


Yes I did love to see soccer mainstreamed, but come on now, Man Utd v Blackburn? No one watching Entourage knows who Blackburn is. I found Dennis Hopper's acting to be poor and unbelievable.



Perhaps Vinnyh Chase or Johnny Drama running into Becks would be more appropriate.



Sure would be nice to see Medellin turn into something other than a boring story line.

Its becoming a healthy respect much like SEC rivals (sorry K-man, college football is within sight). Mexico is a worthy opponent or rather the US is a worthy opponent of Mexico.


The US's missed chances can be equated to "signs of class" like kicking the ball out of bounds when an injury is noticed. Yes, I would have loved to see it 3-1 or 4-1, but a win is a win.



The English Media have an appreciation for an educated adversary, and Lalas seems to be playing their game. The only thing he hasnt done is challenge them to an arm-wrestling contest... but I am sure the PPV rights for that are already being negotiated.

For the most part, I agree with your assessments. However,Eddie Johnson is not capable of finishing. Dempsey too looked rather to pass than rocket the ball into the net.


I liked seeing Simek and Demerit play but I feel Bradley could have given them a better luck or put them in situations where they could play together more often.



Bradley (the coach) did a fine job. The criticism isnt warranted and at this point in time the only things he needs to work on is team cohesion (less playing with the lineup and player maturity.



Its no secret that Latin American soccer players are all divers. Landon Donovan's booking for diving was just a sign that as the US gets better, the officials will do their part to skew the playing field for the opposition.



USA USA USA

FINALLY! EPLTALK broke this info in a podcast earlier this year and it was the best news I have heard regarding soccer all year.


Too bad Dish Network aka Douche Network has some of the worst satellite service on the market.

Why is it always the expectation that the US is going to dominate each opponent and score 5+ goals in each match?


Commentators, newby fans, and the general uneducated, seem to believe we are such a dominant force against central and southern american teams. I just dont see it. Its perhaps the ridiculous bravado that is build into marketing soccer that we are a powerhouse nation.



While I cant disagree that I feel we should dominate the hell out of TnT or Guatemala, but is it reality?



Our team is young, our coach is new, and yet the atmosphere around soccer columnists is that we should be winning by a touchdown.



Bashing how we play, making fun of "players antics," and other BS that is unproven.



I read some of the stories on FSC and was repulsed by the blatant stupidity of their writers.



As far as I am concerened, a win is a win is a win. 1-0 means the same thing at 5-0. Players have bad nights, coaches make mistakes, but at the end of the day... the US is still playing hard, and no one can tell me otherwise.