Paul Monaco .org

So here I am, at the start of a new year already late at gathering my thoughts about my determinations for the year.  Of course since I’ve spent much of 2008 questioning the organization around my Buddhist practice it’s only reasonable to also question some of the rituals as well, such as formulating our determinations.  Shakyamuni himself rewrote many sutras after believing them complete and many others have made adjustments to the practice to reflect the current culture.  As long as the practice remains controlled by logic, proof and the mystic law it is by nature an aspect of Buddhism.

So do we really need to define a determination or goal for the coming year?  I believe this is a question that needs to be answered individually.  In my case, the benefits I’ve received through out last year…  Financial rewards, New Car, My own home… have all manifested as a direct result of my practice and focus on the essence of Buddhism and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to the Gohonzon.  My local Soka Gakkai leadership tells me I must focus on the organization by attending meetings and participating.  Subscribing to publications.  Recruiting new members.  But I believe this is not necessary.  Nichiren writes that if we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, acknowledging the powers of the mystic law and telling other people of this practice as best as we can, even a single word or phrase that we can become a Bodhisattva of the earth, in this lifetime.  

This said, I believe that rather than arbitrarily focusing on a new direction in my life I continue on this very fruitfull path that I am on now and concentrate on focusing and fine-tuning my practice and awareness of my environment.  Harnessing all that I’ve learned through this practice to bring happiness to everyone I possibly can and in the process elevating my own life so I can make this cause with even greater victory.

I’ve come a long way.  Reading back through my writings you can see that I have become cynical and skeptical over the past few years, but I have never once doubted the validity and benefits of this practice.

So to put it simply.  My determination for 2009 is focus.

I’d love to hear your determinations.  (Or if you’re not yet a Buddhist practitioner and prefer to call it your New Years resolution, that’s fine too!)

Creative Commons Photo Credit: Spunfunkster

Last year was just an amazing year, through this practice of Nichiren Buddhism I’ve overcome the death of my wife, reversed a downward spiral into very unhealthy lifestyle and financially turned myself around.  Though these are things that need to continually monitor, they finally to the point where they are simple maintenance items that only require a minimum of attention.

So what do I do now?  I really had a problem with this.  It’s easy to maintain faith when your stuggling and trying get yourself out of a situation but once you acheive those goals and life is good.. well.. it’s easy to just sit back an enjoy it. 

The problem with just sitting back is that you slowly backslide without realizing it, much like being in a pot on a stove with the water slowly being brought up to a boil.  Before you know it your in trouble and you’re in a desparate situation again.

The practice of Buddhism teaches the true law of the universe and the simulteneaty of cause and effect.  Having embraced this practice I know through the many experiences I have both witnessed and heard of that there is no limit to what can be achieved. 

So for 2008, my determination is utilize my practice to not simply turn my life around which I have already accomplished, but to rocket forward and to live at a level I have never before achieved.  My goals are to concentrate productivity, efficiency and health.  Physical, emotional and financial success will be the result.