Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life and continue chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, no matter what happens. (Happiness in this World Gosho written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan)
Everyone wants to happy. People everywhere, when confronted with hardships, sorrows or difficulties, ponder over the fastest and easiest way to solve or to overcome these problems. Yet it is never simple nor easy to discover the root cause of sufferings in human life. Happiness, in the true sense, does not merely mean having ample food, clothing and shelter nor does it signify simply living a life of comfort.
The road to happiness lies with our Karma. In short, actions from our past existences become causes that manifest as good and bad fortune in the present, and actions in this life become the causes that lead to effects in the future. Buddhism further explains that the effect of a given cause is inherent within the cause. This is known as the simultaneity of cause and effect, or the mutual possession of cause and effect.
Visit Myosenji Temple
If you are interested in learning about Karma and how to be happy, not just chase happiness, visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, July 19th. Our Chief Priest, Rev. Murata, will lecture about the Buddhist concept of happiness and karma. The meeting begins at 2:00 pm.
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 Murata will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
Call or email the Temple if you have questions.
Excerpted: The Road to True Happiness
