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Buddha’s Teachings: Become Master of Your Unruly Mind

An individual at odds with himself will not achieve anything, because his heart is not dedicated to a single purpose.

written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan

What a person yearns for the most, and how strongly he or she struggles to obtain it, says a lot about that person’s approach to life.

No matter how strong the spirit to seek, as long as what is sought is confined to things like wealth, power, acclaim, position, health and the like (in other words, as long as the desires are for “treasures of the storehouse” or “treasures of the body”) it has no relation to what is known in Buddhism as a “seeking mind.” A yearning cannot be called a “seeking mind” unless what you are seeking is at least to improve your character, achieve growth as a human being, or aim for a more elevated way of life. Make “treasures of the heart” your ardent desire.*

Buddha’s Teachings: Become Master of Your Unruly Mind

If you want to become the master of your unruly mind, join us on Sunday, February 17th for a brief lecture and video presentation on Buddhism’s Beliefs.

  • Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
  • Q&A with our Chief Priest.
  • The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. Open to the public.
  • 310 University Blvd West, Silver Spring, MD 20901

If you have decided to become a Buddhist or are interested in learning how to become a Buddhist, after Sunday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.

*Excerpted: Nichiren Shoshu Monthly, Maintain a Seeking Mind, October, 2007.