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My Mind Was Working Against Me – Until Buddhism Changed That

An invitation to learn about the core beliefs and daily practice of Buddhism – Sunday April 26th 2pm (in-person or live stream) Register today https://nstmyosenji.com

“We, common mortals, can neither see our own eyelashes in close proximity, nor endless space far away. Likewise, we cannot recognize that Buddhahood exists within our own hearts.” written by Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century Japan

Being honest with yourself is hard. When I read this passage written by our founder, Nichiren Daishonin, it always reminds me how easily I can deceive myself. I used to wince when looking into the metaphorical mirror, seeing all my faults but feeling incapable of fixing them. When you look in a mirror and reflect on who you see, do you only see the bad – imperfections, insecurities, weakness? Or only see the good — wisdom, kindness, generosity?

I have learned both reactions are delusions. I don’t have to lie or make up stories like blaming others, creating excuses to avoid hard changes, or thinking I’m just unlucky. My Buddhist practice allows me to deeply understand I am responsible for my own actions, my causes and effects. Rather than default to denial, fear or anger I have learned to be compassionate and go straight to honest assessment that leads to self-improvement.

Chanting and reciting the Sutra to the Gohonzon (object of worship) every day is helping me develop an honest mind. It’s real freedom to be able to stop my mind from working against me.

Visit our Buddhist Temple

April-May 2026 Introductory Buddhist Lectures

Sunday April 26, 2026 (in-person + live stream) 2pm ET
Buddhism’s Core Beliefs & Daily Practice

Monday May 11, 2026 (live stream only) 7pm ET
Buddhism’s Ten Worlds

Sunday May 17, 2026 (in-person + live stream) 2pm ET
Buddhism’s Ten Worlds

Sunday May 31, 2026 (in-person only) 2pm ET
Buddhism’s Core Beliefs & Daily Practice

To start your Buddhist practice… Visit our Buddhist Temple for our Introductory Series and learn more. https://nstmyosenji.com