Final Mock Test
Complete the following lines-
1. “..A great revolution in _____________will help achieve a change _________________ , and __________________________
________________________all mankind.”
2. “The heart ___________________________________the mystic law. Have _____________. A______________________ answered.”
3. “No matter how _____________________________________
________________________________________to wet tinder.”
4. “Some are __________________________, _______________, ________, kites, and owls, ___________________________, or even shot_______________________________________wide. Such__________ _________________________________________dragon.”
5. “Think of this ________________________________________
_________________________________________the earth.”
6. “So they__________________. It is ______________________ and ________, _______________________________________ _______________________________unharmed.”
Answer the Following-
1. “My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow”.
a. What is the “vow” that is being referred to?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. Who was the recipient of this Gosho?
_________________________________________________________
c. When was it written?
_________________________________________________________
2. What does the carp climbing the waterfall called dragon gate signify?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Who was “Ueno the Worthy”? Why was he called so?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Who was the recipient of the gosho titled “”The strategy of lotus Sutra”
______________________________________________________________
5. What does “Applying the Strategy of lotus sutra” signify?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. What do the obstacles faced by carp signify?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer the Following Questions
1. Who are the Buddhist gods?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are three ways in which we can lessen our karmic retribution?
______________________________________________________________
3. “Transcending all differences” means______________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. _____________ and ____________ are the selfish states.
5. _________, __________,_________,__________ are the four evil paths.
6. What is the significance of renege or Lotus Flower?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. The two aspects of practice are -___________________________and ________________________________________.
8. Honzon means_________________
9. Kosen Rufu Day is celebrated on __________
10. President Ikeda joined Soka Gakkai on __________________
11. Atsuhara persecution took place on__________________
12. What does oneness of Self and Environment mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
13. In judging the validity of a teaching the best standards are those set of ___________ and ______- proof and even more valuable is _______________.
14. The inclusion of___________ and_____________language in title of lotus sutra signify_________________________
15. Mutual possession of ten worlds means that______________________
_____________________________________________________________
16. “Ten worlds” signify___________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
17. July 3 is called the day of_________________________ because ___________________________________________________
18. Embracing the_______________ is itself _________________
19. Practice for others include_____________________________, ________________________, ________________________
20. What does many in body one in mind mean to you?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21. “Priesthood issue” refers to_______________________________________
________________________________________________________________
22. Operation “C” is________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Match the following
February 16, 1222Nichiren Daishonin DiesApril 2Soka Gakkai’s founding dayJuly , 1960Inscription of Dai-gohonzon6th Nov 1279 match with Rissho ankoku ron was submitted to the govt.October 12, 1279The dragon gate was written.October 13, 1282November 18Josei Toda diesNichiren Daishonin was born
One Night before Study Exam
Faith, Practice and Study
· Three fundamental elements of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism are faith, Practice and Study.
· Both practice and study arise from faith.
· Faith
o Means to believe in the Gohonzon.
o Does not mean Blind faith or acceptance
· Practice
o Practice has two aspects practice for oneself and practice for others.
o Practice for oneself means to consistently do morning and evening gongyo and chant NMRK
o Practice for others means to share Buddhism with others, pray for others’ happiness and participate in meetings and other activities.
· Study
o Study means to study the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin with seeking spirit.
The Three Proofs
· “In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual law.”
· There are three proofs set by Nichiren Daishonin, namely
o Documentary proof means that Buddhist teachings are based upon the sutras
o Theoretical proof means that a doctrine is compatible with reason and logic.
o Actual proof means the content of doctrine leads to actual results when put to practice.
Kosen Rufu
· Kosen Rufu means to “widely declare and spread”.
· Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the essence of Lotus Sutra.
· Nam Myoho Renge Kyo appears in the 23rd Chapter of Lotus Sutra. Refers to fifth five hundred years after death of Gautama Buddha or the beginning of the latter day of the law.
· Also, called as World Peace. It will come about as faith in the mystic law spreads.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
· It was declared on April 28, 1253.
· Myoho-Renge Kyo is the title of the Lotus Sutra.
· Nam means devotion. It is Sanskrit word.
· Myoho means Mystic Law.
· Myo means unfathomable /beyond concept/ true entity of Life.
· Ho means Law/ manifestation.
· Renge means Lotus Flower.
· Kyo means Sutra/ teaching of Buddha.
· The inclusion of both western and eastern language signifies the universality of the teaching.
· Nichiren teaches that embracing the law itself is enlightenment.
· “Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo will spread for ten thousand years, and more, fro all eternity.”
· “Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo” is to be widely declared and spread.
What is the significance of renge or Lotus Flower?
1. Lotus flower seeds and flowers at the same time, representing the simultaneity of cause and effect.
2. Lotus grows in muddy pond, which means Buddha hood emerges from life of a common mortal.
Gohonzon
· The Gohonzon that we all have are copies of the one transcribed by Nichikan Shonin.
· In the centre of Gohonzon it is written “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo-Nichiren”. It is surrounded by characters representing Buddhist gods, Buddhas and the ten worlds.
· Go means worthy of honor and honzon means object of fundamental respect.
· Gohonzon embodies the life of Nichiren Daishonin or Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
· “Embracing the Gohonzon itself is enlightenment.”
· Inscribed on October 12, 1279.
What is significance of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo?
When we chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon we can bring forth our Buddha nature and fuse our lives with the Gohonzon.
Itai Doshin - Many in Body, One in Mind
· Itai Doshin means many in body one in mind.
· “Many in body” mean that each of us has a unique mission, talent and set of circumstances. It also means transcending all differences between oneself and others.
· “One in mind” means despite our individuality we need to be united in spirit.
· “One in Mind” also means being committed to realizing Kosen rufu. It also means standing up with shared sense of purpose.
· Kosen Rufu is a great wish of Buddha who seeks to lead all people to enlightenment.
· “One in Mind” also means making this great wish of Buddha one’s own and courageously working for Kosen Rufu.
Karma
· In Buddhism karma means that every mental, verbal and physical action – that is everything we think, do or say imprints a latent influence in one’s life.
· Karma literally means action.
· It is accumulation of causes we make and their effects.
· Our actions in past have shaped our present, and our actions in present will in turn determine our future.
· Law of karmic cause and effect exists over past, present and future.
Changing Poison into medicine
· This principle means that because we chant to the gohonzon, whenever we experience loss, pain or failure, we have the power to change that suffering into joy and good fortune.
· Poison refers to our earthly desires, evil karmas and sufferings.
· Medicine refers to virtues of law, wisdom and enlightenment.
· The power contained in the Myo of Myoho renge Kyo is that of a master physician who skillfully turns poison into medicine.
· Key to change poison in medicine is chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
Lessening one ‘s Karmic Retribution
· It is one of the benefits gained through one’s faith and practice of Lotus Sutra.
· Means that one will experience the effects of bad karma from past to a lesser degree than would normally be true.
How can we lessen our karmic retribution?
We can lessen our karmic retribution in three ways-
1. By the power of wisdom.
2. By the blessings obtained by the practice of the good.
3. By blessings one gains through protecting the Law.
Ten Worlds
· Refers to the life conditions through which our life fluctuates from moment to moment.
· Hell – One feels totally trapped in one’s circumstances. Dominated by rage and impulse to destroy.
· Hunger- Dominated by insatiable desires, relentless cravings. Like desire for food, power, and wealth.
· Animality- Governed by instinct, no sense for reason and living only for present.
· Anger – Dominated by selfish ego, competitiveness, arrogance.
· Humanity- Dominated by a calm state, fair judgment, and control on desires with reason. It is vulnerable to shift into lower worlds.
· Heaven- State of pleasure experienced when the desires are fulfilled.
· Learning- Condition in which person expands his awareness and understanding. Self improvement. A selfish state.
· Realisation- State in which one discovers partial truth through one’s observation. It is a selfish state.
· Bodhisattva- Aspiration of enlightenment not only fro self but for others too.
· Buddhahood- State of indestructible happiness, perfect and absolute freedom, governed by compassion, courage and energy.
HELL
HUNGER Three Evil Paths Four Evil Paths
ANIMALITY
ANGER Six Lower Worlds.
HUMANITY/TRANQUILITY
HEAVEN/RAPTURE
LEARNING
Two Selfish States
RELISATION/ABSORPTION
BODHISATTVA Four Higher/Noble Worlds.
BUDDHAHOOD
Mutual Possession of the ten worlds
· Means that each of the ten worlds contains all ten within itself.
· Implication is that all people, in whatever state of life they may be in, have the ever-present potential to manifest Buddhahood.
· Buddhahood is nothing separate; it exists in the nine worlds.
· The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to elevate the basic life-tendency and eventually establish Buddhahood as one’s fundamental state.
· Every individual can bring forth his Buddha nature, dormant in the other nine worlds, thereby accompolishing his or her self-reformation.
Oneness of Life and Environment
· Refers to the inseparable relation between the individual and his environment.
· Life manifests itself in both the living subject and the objective environment.
· When we bring out our innate Buddha nature, it manifests and transforms our environment wherever we are.
· “..A great revolution in just a single person will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, will enable a change in the destiny of all mankind.”
· Our enlightenment is not confined to ourselves but exerts an influence on our families, communities, nation and ultimately all humanity.
Buddhist Gods
· Who are Buddhist gods? Anyone or anything in our environment, working to protect and sustain life or to support our efforts to attain enlightenment and achieve Kosen Rufu may be regarded as Buddhist Gods.
· They are positive functions of the universe.
· Only when we devote ourselves to our practice- do gongyo and daimoku regularly do these protective forces inherent in environment work fully and effectively.
· “Our daily practice or Gongyo is a solemn ceremony that increases without limit the power and brilliance of the Buddhist gods, which pervade the entire universe.”
Priest Hood Issue
· Refers to events and information related to Nichiren Shoshu’s attacks on SGI.
· Headed by Nikken Abe, the High Priest
· “Operation C” – led by Nikken Abe to cut off and disband Soka Gakkai. It consisted of nine questions, accusing President Ikeda of criticizing the High Priest.
· Roots of this issue lie in a feudalistic attitude towards the believers.
· SGI has called for Nikken’s resignation and has been educating people on the same.
Importance of priesthood Issue
· Gives us an opportunity to deepen our understanding on Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism
· Understanding the issue can help us educate others and help them become aware of it.
· It teaches us how to deepen our faith
· It causes us to ask,” what is the meaning of correct faith and practice?”
· Daishonin says, “Simply to chant one four-phrase verse or the daimoku, and to protect those who do so, is called the essential practice.”
Important Dates for Soka gakkai
· February 4 :
o Known as Indian kosen Rufu day.
o In 1961, President Ikeda buried a commemorative plaque with inscription “Toyo-Kofu” at bodhgaya.
· March 16
o Known as Kosen Rufu Day
o In 1958, On this day Josei Toda handed over the task on Worldwide kosen Rufu to youth Division.
o 6000 youth members were present at taiseki-ji temple.
· May 3
o Known as Soka gakkai day
o In 1951 on this day Josei Toda became the second president of Soka gakkai.
o In 1960, on this day Daisaku Ikeda became the third President of Soka Gakkai.
· April 2
o In 1958 on this day Josei Toda passed away.
· July 3
o Known as day of Mentor and Disciple
o On July 3, 1945 Josei Toda was released from the prison.
o On July 3, 1957 President Ikeda was arrested.
o Coincidence was that President Ikeda was arrested at7pm and Josei Toda was released at 7pm
· August 24
o In 1947 on this day President Ikeda decided to Join Soka Gakkai.
· October 2
o On this day, President Ikeda set out on his travels for worldwide Kosen Rufu.
· November 18
o On this day in 1930 Soak Gakkai was formed with Tsunesaburo Makiguchi as its first President.
· July 1260
o Rissho Ankoku ron was submitted to the government.
· May 12 1961
o Exile to Izu peninsula
· September 12, 1271
o Tatsunokuchi Persecution
· October 10,1271
o Exile to Sado Island.
· September 21, 1279
o Atsuhara persecution.
o 20 farmers were arrested and 3 killed.
o On this day Nichiren daishonin decides to inscribe the dai Gohonzon.
· October 13, 1282
o Nichiren daishonin dies in Ikegami.
· October 12, 1279
o Nichiren Daishonin Inscribes the Dai Gohonzon.
· April 28,1253
o Nichiren Daishonin chants Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for the first time.
o Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin was established.
· February 16, 1222
o Nichiren Daishonin was born in Awa Province.
GOSHO- The Dragon Gate
· It was written at Minobu.
· Written on sixth day of eleventh month of second year of Koan- 6 Nov 1279.
· Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu.
· Reply to Nanjo Tokimitsu about the report submitted about his role in protecting the Daishonin’s followers in Atsuhara area.
· Daishonin calls him “Ueno of Worthy.” as an honour for his courage.
· If the carp represents human being then carp climbing the wall signifies the difficulty in attaining Buddhahood.
· The Dragon gate refers to the waterfall or rapids on the middle reaches of the Yellow River.
· “We beg that the merit gained through these gifts may be spread far and wide to everyone, so that we all other living beings, all together may attain the Buddha Way.”
· “Some are swept away by strong currents, some fall prey to eagles, hawks, kites, and owls, and others are netted scooped up, or even shot with arrows by fishermen who line both the banks of the falls ten cho wide. Such is the difficulty a carp faces in becoming a dragon.” Here if the carp represents the Human Being then difficulty represents the obstacles faced in attaining Buddhahood.
· “Think of this offering as a drop of dew rejoining the ocean, or a speck of dust returning to the earth.”
· “My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow”. The vow here refers to the vow to attain Buddhahood oneself and at the same time to lead others to Buddhahood.”
GOSHO- The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
· Written in the twenty third day of tenth month of the second year of Koan- 23rd Oct 1279.
· Written to Shijo Kingo.
· The Daishonin teaches Kingo that faith must always come first, before any other tactic or strategy, and that faith in the Mystic law is the ultimate factor that determines victory or Defeat.
· It is a reply to Shijo Kingo’s Letter to Daishonin telling how he had been ambushed by enemies among his fellow Samurai, but had managed to escape unhurt.
· “All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.”
· “The heart of strategy and swordsmanship derives from the mystic law. Have profound faith. A coward cannot have his prayers answered.”
· “No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder.”
· “Spur yourself to the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Apply the strategy of lotus sutra before any other.”
· “All those who bear your enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.”
· “So they have finally attacked you. It is matter of rejoicing that your usual prudence and courage, as well as your firm faith in Lotus sutra enabled you to survive unharmed.”
· “You must have escaped death because of this deity’s protection. Mariachi gave you skill of swordsmanship, while I, Nichiren have bestowed on you the five characters of the title of the Lotus Sutra.”
· “Applying the strategy of Lotus Sutra means that in all matters first to pray to the Gohonzon and then take an action. Faith must come first before any action.
· “Therefore, you must summon up the great power of the faith more than ever. Do not blame the heavenly gods if you exhaust your good fortune and lose their protection.”
Revision Paper
REVISION PAPER
Q1. Nichiren Daishonin was born on
a. February 16,1222
b. March 16, 1222
c. April 16, 1222
Q2. Nichiren Daishoinin chanted Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for first time.
a. April 28, 1253
b. April 28, 1263
c. April 28, 1273
Q3. Nikko Shonin is designated as Nichiren Daishonin’s legitimate successor.
a. October 13, 1282
b. October 13, 1280
c. October 13, 1285
Q4. Nichiren Daishonin had faced _____________ major persecutions.
a. 4
b. 6
c. 8
Q5.May 12, 1261 is significant for
a. Nichiren Daishonin was sent to exile to Izu Peninsula
b. Nichiren Daishonin was sent to exile to Sado Peninsula
c. Nichiren Daishonin was sent to exile to the Kamakwa
Q6. Tatsunokochi Persecution took place on
a. Sep 12, 1271
b. Sep 10, 1281
c. Sep 18, 1271
Q7. Nichiren Daishonin was also sent to exile to Sado Island on
a. Oct 10, 1271
b. Oct 10, 1281
c. Oct 10, 1291
Q8. Indian Kosen Rufu Day is on
a. Feb 4
b. Feb 14
c. Feb 24
Q9. The Founding Day of the Soka Gakkai is on
a. Nov 18
b. Dec 18
c. Oct 18
Q10. “ Oct 2 “ is significant for us
a. President Makiguchi became the First President of the Soka Gakkai
b. President Toda handed over his mission of world wide Kosen Rufu to the youth
c. President Ikeda set out on his travels for worldwide Kosen Rufu
Q11. Atsuhara Persecution took place on
a. Sep 21, 1279
b. Oct 10, 1279
c. May 12, 1271
Q12. The 4 major persecutions faced by Nichiren Daishonin are
a. Izu Peninsula, Kama Kura exile, Sado Island, Tatsunokochi
b. Izu Peninsula, Tatsunokochi, Sado Island, Atsuhara
c. Izu Peninsula, Kama Kura exile, Sado Island, Atsuhara persecution
Q13. Which day is significant as “ Day of Mentor and disciple”?
a. July 3
b. June 3
c. January 3
Q14. Why is “ March 16” significant to us?
a. Soka Gakkai Day
b. Founding Day of Soka Gakkai
c. Kosen Rufu Day
Sgi Test
TICK THE CORRECT ANSWER
Q 1. Buddhist Gods are described as
a. devilish forces of our environment
b. positive forces of our environment
c. activities we do for Kosen Rufu
Q 2. The three pillars of our practice are
a. faith, practice, Gosho
b. faith, practice, guidance
c. faith, practice, Study
Q 3. Anyone or anything that is working in our environment to protect life
a. Friends relatives
b. Neighbours
c. Buddhist Gods
Q 4. A person in the world of hell will perceive the environment to be
a. Friendly
b. Supportive
c. Hellish
Q 5. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to elevate the basic life tendency and establish
a. Buddhahood as ones fundamental state
b. Animality as one’s fundamental state
c. Anger as one’s fundamental state
Q 6. The lower worlds are ____ in number.
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
Q 7. The number of higher worlds are
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
Q 8. “ FAITH “ means to believe in the
a. Gongyo
b. Gosho
c. Gohonzon
Q 9. Study means to study the teachings of
a. Nikko Shonin
b. Nichiren Diashonin
c. Nichimoku Shonin
Q 10. Both practice and study arise from
a. Lotus Sutra
b. Faith
c. Gosho
Q 11. There are _________ number of proofs set forth by Nichiren Daishonin.
a. 3
b. 2
c. 5
Q 12. “To widely declare and spread Buddhism “means literally
a. Faith
b. Study
c. Kosen Rufu
Q 13. The title of the Lotus Sutra is
a. Myoho Renge Kyo
b. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
c. Renge Kyo
Q 14. Nam means
a. devotion
b. Namaskar
c. Compassion
Q 15. Myoho means
a. Law of gravity
b. Universal law
c. Mystic law
Q 16. Renge means
a. Lotus
b. Lily
c. Rose
Q 17. Kyo means
a. Flower
b. Incense stick
c. Sutra
Q 18.” A great Revolution in just a single person will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and ____________________.
a. Further, will enable a change in the destiny of all mankind.
b. Further , will enable a change in the destiny of society
c. Further, will enable a change in the destiny of community.
Q 19. The individual and the environment are __________ and inseparable.
a. two
b. one
c. multiple
Q 20. At any moment, one of the ten states will be manifest and the other ____________ become dormant. Every individual can bring forth his __________ nature, dormant within the other nine worlds.
a. 9, Bodhisattva
b. 9, caring
c. 9, Buddha hood
Q 21. The 6 lower worlds are
a. Hell, Hunger, Realisation, Learning, Humanity, Anger
b. Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Heaven
c. Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Humanity, Learning
Q 22. Hell, Hunger and Animality are called the ___________ paths.
a. Karmic
b. Buddha
c. Evil
Q 23. The 4 higher worlds or noble paths are
a. Learning, Realisation, Bodhisattva and Buddha hood
b. Learning, Realisation, Heaven and Buddha hood
c. Learning, Realisation, Bodhisattva and Animality
Q 24. Lessening Karmic retribution means reducing the __________ and ________ of the negative effects of past karma.
a. intensity, effect
b. intensity, period
c. intensity, operation
Q 25. Many in body is ________ and one in mind is _________--.
a. Itai, Shimbun
b. Itai, Seiko
c. Itai, doshin
Q 26. Honzon means the __________ and Go means _____________-.
a. object of respect, honour
b. object of fundamental respect, worthy of honour
c. object of respect, supreme
Q 27. The Dai Gohonzon was inscribed on
a. 12 Oct 1278
b. 12 Oct 1279
c. 12 Oct 1282
Q 28. Nichiren Daishonin first declared Nam Myoho Renge Kyo on
a. 28 April 1253
b. 28 April 1263
c. 28 April 1273
Wish you all good luck for your entrance Exam,i really hope this page can be of good help on your preparation.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The power of Smile !
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been
graced with.
Her last project of the term was called "Smile."
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.
It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an
overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.
He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the
blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers.
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it.
Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we
as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
If you think this story has touched you in any way, please send this to someone you care for .
There is an Angel sent to watch over you.
In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.
An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head.
To handle others, use your heart.
God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
LIVE with the spirit of a winner and carry smile in both dark and light, as Hitler once said, everyone follows you in light but your own shadow does not follow you in dark.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been
graced with.
Her last project of the term was called "Smile."
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.
It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an
overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.
He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the
blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers.
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it.
Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we
as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
If you think this story has touched you in any way, please send this to someone you care for .
There is an Angel sent to watch over you.
In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.
An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head.
To handle others, use your heart.
God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
LIVE with the spirit of a winner and carry smile in both dark and light, as Hitler once said, everyone follows you in light but your own shadow does not follow you in dark.
Kind words!!!
Sometimes we just need to be reminded!
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by
holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked,
"Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you
but first, let me do this.
He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.
He then asked, "Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.
Well, he replied, "What if I do this?"
And he dropped it on the ground
and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now, who still wants it?"
Still the hands went into the air.
My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson.
No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it
because it did not decrease in value.
It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives,
we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions
we make and the circumstances that come our way.
We feel as though we are worthless.
But no matter what has happened or what will happen,
you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased,
you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.
The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know,
but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE .
You are special- Don't EVER forget it ."
If you do not pass this on, you may never know the
lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to,
or the hope that it can bring.
Count your blessings, not your problems.
"And remember: amateurs built the ark ... professionals built the Titanic.
If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by
holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked,
"Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you
but first, let me do this.
He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.
He then asked, "Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.
Well, he replied, "What if I do this?"
And he dropped it on the ground
and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now, who still wants it?"
Still the hands went into the air.
My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson.
No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it
because it did not decrease in value.
It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives,
we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions
we make and the circumstances that come our way.
We feel as though we are worthless.
But no matter what has happened or what will happen,
you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased,
you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.
The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know,
but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE .
You are special- Don't EVER forget it ."
If you do not pass this on, you may never know the
lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to,
or the hope that it can bring.
Count your blessings, not your problems.
"And remember: amateurs built the ark ... professionals built the Titanic.
If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.
Overcoming Fear and Healing Wounds
We cannot escape childhood without being wounded. Every time we made demands of others and they refused us, we were diminished in our self-worth. Each time we asked for love and it was withheld, our self-value decreased. Whenever we attempted to prove ourselves and we failed, we lost some of our power.
As we repeated these experiences, patterns of inadequacy developed, and fears of various kinds took root in our subconscious. Then as we grew up and became more self-sufficient we worked hard at overcoming our diminished self-worth, our decreased self-value, and our loss of power. But we have not been totally successful. The reason is that underlying all our efforts are the fears buried in our subconscious. What is unknown within us usually controls us.
Typically, we do not want to face our fears. Why? Because we are afraid of them. We are afraid that they will pull us back into the experiences of failure we associate with them. So we try other strategies to succeed. We use a variety of defenses to suppress the unwanted feelings associated with previous failures and fear. And we try to consciously control our environment, people and relationships. We all have control issues!
None of this really works, but we live with it anyway. It gives us a false sense of security. But what a tremendous amount of energy we waste on avoiding, repressing, denying and ignoring what we need to face.
we learn about our fears, and how to face them. We connect with our old wounds and learn to heal them. We gain the courage we need to become more integrated and whole.
Throughout our entire life, from the moment we were born – and perhaps before – there is one fundamental desire we all have. We all want connection. We all want love – to be loved and to express love. To be loved makes us feel that we are okay as we are, that we have value and worth. And to share our love gives us the connection to our power, which is the ability to love and support others according to their needs.
Ignoring the healing of our wounds makes us unconsciously demand attention and caring from others. It makes us dependent on others in so many ways for our own sense of self.
Not facing our fears keeps us from making meaningful and loving connections with others. Fear says we are separate and we need to be defensive. It says that we cannot trust others and let them in. Fear blocks us from loving. Fear and love cannot occupy the same space. Fear is rooted in the personality, love within the soul.
The power to heal our wounds and face our fears is not found in the personality. It comes from our very essence, the soul within.
As we repeated these experiences, patterns of inadequacy developed, and fears of various kinds took root in our subconscious. Then as we grew up and became more self-sufficient we worked hard at overcoming our diminished self-worth, our decreased self-value, and our loss of power. But we have not been totally successful. The reason is that underlying all our efforts are the fears buried in our subconscious. What is unknown within us usually controls us.
Typically, we do not want to face our fears. Why? Because we are afraid of them. We are afraid that they will pull us back into the experiences of failure we associate with them. So we try other strategies to succeed. We use a variety of defenses to suppress the unwanted feelings associated with previous failures and fear. And we try to consciously control our environment, people and relationships. We all have control issues!
None of this really works, but we live with it anyway. It gives us a false sense of security. But what a tremendous amount of energy we waste on avoiding, repressing, denying and ignoring what we need to face.
we learn about our fears, and how to face them. We connect with our old wounds and learn to heal them. We gain the courage we need to become more integrated and whole.
Throughout our entire life, from the moment we were born – and perhaps before – there is one fundamental desire we all have. We all want connection. We all want love – to be loved and to express love. To be loved makes us feel that we are okay as we are, that we have value and worth. And to share our love gives us the connection to our power, which is the ability to love and support others according to their needs.
Ignoring the healing of our wounds makes us unconsciously demand attention and caring from others. It makes us dependent on others in so many ways for our own sense of self.
Not facing our fears keeps us from making meaningful and loving connections with others. Fear says we are separate and we need to be defensive. It says that we cannot trust others and let them in. Fear blocks us from loving. Fear and love cannot occupy the same space. Fear is rooted in the personality, love within the soul.
The power to heal our wounds and face our fears is not found in the personality. It comes from our very essence, the soul within.
Significance of January 26
History
January 26, 1975 – this was the day that the Soka Gakkai International was founded at a meeting on Guam, that beautiful island of lush tropical green and exotic blooms floating in the blue coral sea. There were no presidents, no ministers, no reporters there that day. But ordinary citizens. These ordinary men and women were actually great pioneers who had pledged to dedicate their lives to the mission of propagating Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and bringing peace to the world.
Soka Gakkai literally means “Society for the creation of value”. In 1975, in response to the needs of an increasingly international membership, the Soka Gakkai International was formed with Dr. Daisaku Ikeda as our third existing President.
On that day, Ikeda Sensei said to the members present:
“The sun of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism has begun to rise on the horizon. Rather than seek after your own praise or glory, I hope that you will dedicate your whole lives to sowing the seeds of the Mystic Law for the sake of peace throughout the entire world. I shall do the same.”
In the service of its members and society at large, SGI centers its activities on developing the positive human potentials for individual happiness and global peace and prosperity. The members of SGI share a profound commitment to the value of peace, culture and education.
Since 1983, Daisaku Ikeda has written an annual proposal on issues of peace and human security. These are released on January 26, commemorating the founding of the SGI in 1975.
Today, through the courageous and compassionate efforts of pioneer members exerting themselves with spirited tenacity and determination, we now have some 12 million members in around 190 countries and regions, including Japan.
So let us continue our journey of courage and hope into this New Year, joyfully and intrepidly.
January 26, 1975 – this was the day that the Soka Gakkai International was founded at a meeting on Guam, that beautiful island of lush tropical green and exotic blooms floating in the blue coral sea. There were no presidents, no ministers, no reporters there that day. But ordinary citizens. These ordinary men and women were actually great pioneers who had pledged to dedicate their lives to the mission of propagating Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and bringing peace to the world.
Soka Gakkai literally means “Society for the creation of value”. In 1975, in response to the needs of an increasingly international membership, the Soka Gakkai International was formed with Dr. Daisaku Ikeda as our third existing President.
On that day, Ikeda Sensei said to the members present:
“The sun of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism has begun to rise on the horizon. Rather than seek after your own praise or glory, I hope that you will dedicate your whole lives to sowing the seeds of the Mystic Law for the sake of peace throughout the entire world. I shall do the same.”
In the service of its members and society at large, SGI centers its activities on developing the positive human potentials for individual happiness and global peace and prosperity. The members of SGI share a profound commitment to the value of peace, culture and education.
Since 1983, Daisaku Ikeda has written an annual proposal on issues of peace and human security. These are released on January 26, commemorating the founding of the SGI in 1975.
Today, through the courageous and compassionate efforts of pioneer members exerting themselves with spirited tenacity and determination, we now have some 12 million members in around 190 countries and regions, including Japan.
So let us continue our journey of courage and hope into this New Year, joyfully and intrepidly.
investment of time and money
Warren Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is arguably the world's greatest investor and the third richest man with a net worth exceeding $52 billion (Rs 213,200 crore). He is also a great philanthropist: last year he declared plans to give away over $37 billion (Rs 151,700 crore) in charity, to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
But he is not just a man with a large heart and a matching wallet. Also known as The Sage of Omaha, he is also full of wisdom and wit.
Here are some of his gems of advice for investors who look at the stock market to make a fortune, culled from various publications, his speeches and writings:
• 'Never invest in a business you cannot understand.'
• 'Always invest for the long term.'
• 'Remember that the stock market is manic-depressive.'
• 'Buy a business, don't rent stocks.'
• 'Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.'
• 'Stop trying to predict the direction of the stock market, the economy, interest rates,or elections.'
• 'I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years.'
• 'Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls-Royce to get advice from those who take the subway.'
• 'Buy companies with strong histories of profitability and with a dominant business franchise.'
• 'It is optimism that is the enemy of the rational buyer.'
• 'As far as you are concerned, the stock market does not exist. Ignore it.'
• 'The ability to say 'no' is a tremendous advantage for an investor.'
• 'If you're doing something you love, you're more likely to put your all into it, and that generally equates to making money.'
'My idea of a group decision is to look in the mirror.'
• 'Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and do well.'
• 'The smarter the journalists are, the better off society is.'
• 'Success in investing doesn't correlate with IQ once you're above the level of 25. Once you have ordinary intelligence, what you need is the temperament to control the urges that get other people into trouble in investing.'
• 'Diversification is a protection against ignorance. It makes very little sense for those who know what they're doing.'
• 'You're neither right nor wrong because other people agree with you. You're right because your facts are right and your reasoning is right - that's the only thing that makes you right. And if your facts and reasoning are right, you don't have to worry about anybody else.'
• 'There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult.'
• 'In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run it is a weighing machine.'
• 'It's only when the tide goes out that you learn who's been swimming naked.'
• 'Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you. You think about it; it's true. If you hire somebody without the first, you really want them to be dumb and lazy.'
• 'There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count, and those who can't.'
• 'It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to lose it.'
• 'The first rule is not to lose. The second rule is not to forget the first rule.'
• 'Wide diversification is only required when investors do not understand what they are doing.'
• 'Only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.'
• 'We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful.'
• 'Our favourite holding period is forever.'
• 'If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians.'
• 'Why not invest your assets in the companies you really like? As Mae West said, 'Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.''
• 'Your premium brand had better be delivering something special, or it's not going to get the business.'
• 'You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right.'
• 'We do not view the company itself as the ultimate owner of our business assets but instead view the company as a conduit through which our shareholders own assets.'
.'Unless you can watch your stock holding decline by 50% without becoming panic-stricken, you should not be in the stock market.'
• 'The critical investment factor is determining the intrinsic value of a business and paying a fair or bargain price.'
• 'Risk can be greatly reduced by concentrating on only a few holdings.'
• 'Much success can be attributed to inactivity. Most investors cannot resist the temptation to constantly buy and sell.'
• 'Lethargy, bordering on sloth should remain the cornerstone of an investment style.'
• 'An investor should act as though he had a lifetime decision card with just twenty punches on it.'
• 'An investor needs to do very few things right as long as he or she avoids big mistakes.'
• 'Turnarounds' seldom turn.'
• 'The advice 'you never go broke taking a profit' is foolish.'
• 'It is more important to say 'no' to an opportunity, than to say 'yes.'
• 'It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.'
• 'An investor should ordinarily hold a small piece of an outstanding business with the same tenacity that an owner would exhibit if he owned all of that business.'
• 'It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.'
• 'In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.'
• 'A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.'
• 'It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.'
• 'The business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective
• 'Look at market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; profit from folly rather than participate in it.'
• 'The investor of today does not profit from yesterday's growth.'
• 'Of the billionaires I have known, money just brings out the basic traits in them. If they were jerks before they had money, they are simply jerks with a billion dollars.'
• 'I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years.'
• 'I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.'
• 'I always knew I was going to be rich. I don't think I ever doubted it for a minute.'
• 'We enjoy the process far more than the proceeds.'
• 'You do things when the opportunities come along. I've had periods in my life when I've had a bundle of ideas come along, and I've had long dry spells. If I get an idea next week, I'll do something. If not, I won't do a damn thing.'
• 'I buy expensive suits. They just look cheap on me.'
• 'Let blockheads read what blockheads wrote.'
• 'I do not like debt and do not like to invest in companies that have too much debt, particularly long-term debt. With long-term debt, increases in interest rates can drastically affect company profits and make future cash flows less predictable.'
• 'My grandfather would sell me Wrigley's chewing gum and I would go door to door around my neighbourhood selling it. He also sold me a Coca-Cola for a quarter and I would sell it for a nickel each in the neighbourhood, so I made a small profit. I was always trying to do something like this.'
• 'A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.'
But he is not just a man with a large heart and a matching wallet. Also known as The Sage of Omaha, he is also full of wisdom and wit.
Here are some of his gems of advice for investors who look at the stock market to make a fortune, culled from various publications, his speeches and writings:
• 'Never invest in a business you cannot understand.'
• 'Always invest for the long term.'
• 'Remember that the stock market is manic-depressive.'
• 'Buy a business, don't rent stocks.'
• 'Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.'
• 'Stop trying to predict the direction of the stock market, the economy, interest rates,or elections.'
• 'I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years.'
• 'Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls-Royce to get advice from those who take the subway.'
• 'Buy companies with strong histories of profitability and with a dominant business franchise.'
• 'It is optimism that is the enemy of the rational buyer.'
• 'As far as you are concerned, the stock market does not exist. Ignore it.'
• 'The ability to say 'no' is a tremendous advantage for an investor.'
• 'If you're doing something you love, you're more likely to put your all into it, and that generally equates to making money.'
'My idea of a group decision is to look in the mirror.'
• 'Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and do well.'
• 'The smarter the journalists are, the better off society is.'
• 'Success in investing doesn't correlate with IQ once you're above the level of 25. Once you have ordinary intelligence, what you need is the temperament to control the urges that get other people into trouble in investing.'
• 'Diversification is a protection against ignorance. It makes very little sense for those who know what they're doing.'
• 'You're neither right nor wrong because other people agree with you. You're right because your facts are right and your reasoning is right - that's the only thing that makes you right. And if your facts and reasoning are right, you don't have to worry about anybody else.'
• 'There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult.'
• 'In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run it is a weighing machine.'
• 'It's only when the tide goes out that you learn who's been swimming naked.'
• 'Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you. You think about it; it's true. If you hire somebody without the first, you really want them to be dumb and lazy.'
• 'There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count, and those who can't.'
• 'It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to lose it.'
• 'The first rule is not to lose. The second rule is not to forget the first rule.'
• 'Wide diversification is only required when investors do not understand what they are doing.'
• 'Only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.'
• 'We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful.'
• 'Our favourite holding period is forever.'
• 'If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians.'
• 'Why not invest your assets in the companies you really like? As Mae West said, 'Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.''
• 'Your premium brand had better be delivering something special, or it's not going to get the business.'
• 'You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right.'
• 'We do not view the company itself as the ultimate owner of our business assets but instead view the company as a conduit through which our shareholders own assets.'
.'Unless you can watch your stock holding decline by 50% without becoming panic-stricken, you should not be in the stock market.'
• 'The critical investment factor is determining the intrinsic value of a business and paying a fair or bargain price.'
• 'Risk can be greatly reduced by concentrating on only a few holdings.'
• 'Much success can be attributed to inactivity. Most investors cannot resist the temptation to constantly buy and sell.'
• 'Lethargy, bordering on sloth should remain the cornerstone of an investment style.'
• 'An investor should act as though he had a lifetime decision card with just twenty punches on it.'
• 'An investor needs to do very few things right as long as he or she avoids big mistakes.'
• 'Turnarounds' seldom turn.'
• 'The advice 'you never go broke taking a profit' is foolish.'
• 'It is more important to say 'no' to an opportunity, than to say 'yes.'
• 'It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.'
• 'An investor should ordinarily hold a small piece of an outstanding business with the same tenacity that an owner would exhibit if he owned all of that business.'
• 'It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.'
• 'In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.'
• 'A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.'
• 'It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.'
• 'The business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective
• 'Look at market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; profit from folly rather than participate in it.'
• 'The investor of today does not profit from yesterday's growth.'
• 'Of the billionaires I have known, money just brings out the basic traits in them. If they were jerks before they had money, they are simply jerks with a billion dollars.'
• 'I never attempt to make money on the stock market. I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years.'
• 'I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.'
• 'I always knew I was going to be rich. I don't think I ever doubted it for a minute.'
• 'We enjoy the process far more than the proceeds.'
• 'You do things when the opportunities come along. I've had periods in my life when I've had a bundle of ideas come along, and I've had long dry spells. If I get an idea next week, I'll do something. If not, I won't do a damn thing.'
• 'I buy expensive suits. They just look cheap on me.'
• 'Let blockheads read what blockheads wrote.'
• 'I do not like debt and do not like to invest in companies that have too much debt, particularly long-term debt. With long-term debt, increases in interest rates can drastically affect company profits and make future cash flows less predictable.'
• 'My grandfather would sell me Wrigley's chewing gum and I would go door to door around my neighbourhood selling it. He also sold me a Coca-Cola for a quarter and I would sell it for a nickel each in the neighbourhood, so I made a small profit. I was always trying to do something like this.'
• 'A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.'
Can We Gain Listening Wisdom from an Owl?
"There was an old owl who sat in an oak.
The more he watched; the less he spoke.
The less he spoke; the more he heard.
Why can't we be like that wise old bird?"
That's an interesting hoot that deserves some pondering.
One of the biggest causes of stressed or broken relationships is ineffective communication. Both people speak, but nobody sits quietly, watches, and listens.
"He (or she) just doesn't listen to me!"
In our business, we hear this frequently about husbands, wives, children, bosses, clients, and colleagues. This seems to be particularly true when there are disagreements or conflict. In "The Couples' Comfort Book," author Jennifer Louden says, "When in conflict, people listen for a maximum of 14 seconds."
What occurs then?
When the listening stops, here are some things that begin: interrupting, yelling, ignoring, escaping, cowering, probing, and preaching.
Is it possible this "lack of listening" is the reason for the disagreement, misunderstanding, and conflict?
I think so, and I believe this "lack of listening" phenomenon occurs far more regularly in our relationships than most of us would care to admit, whether there is conflict or not.
As I strive to become more consciously aware of my thinking, speaking, and behavioral habits, I see it in myself. How do I know this?
* My mother-in-law recently stayed with us for a week. Immediately after several different conversations, I realized I couldn't recall exactly what she just said. My mind was wandering elsewhere. Hmmm!
* A client was explaining something to me about his business, and I assumed I knew what he thought and felt. In reality, I found later that I had no flippin' idea. A mind-reader I am not.
* I interrupted my son, Jamie, before he was finished speaking. I was going to fix it for him, or defer to my own autobiographical story.
* Carol was explaining something to me, and I became aware that I already had a rebuttal formed to prove that I was right and she was wrong, and yet I hadn't listened effectively, or asked for clarification to totally understand her perspective.
Am I afflicted with an extremely bad case of psychological defection (please humor me!), or do similar things occur for you?
I believe comparable situations are why many conversations seem to go round and around, tempers flare, feelings get hurt, and directions get misconstrued -- neither person has actually listened to understand.
Maybe this is "normal" in society. However, when I look at statistics on marital breakdown, family violence, employee retention and satisfaction, workplace stress, and mediation battles, it helps me to recognize that I don't want to be "normal." I'd rather be different -- stand out on a positive, effective limb, like the owl.
Here are my easy "observant-owl" strategies, and I challenge you to apply these too. Naturally, it's your choice, just as it is mine.
* Attention – focus on the other person. Set aside all other thoughts and actions. Avoid distractions: other people or conversations, nearby activities, phone calls, e-mails, TV, music.
* Connection – pace, or match to build greater rapport and trust. Make eye contact, notice facial expressions, eye movement, breathing rate, other body language, and then match these. I'm not meaning you should imitate him/her. Sit in a similar way (not exactly the same), match their breathing rate, smile when they smile, etc. When you are subtle with this, they feel comfortable speaking with you because you are "just like them."
* Listen – to understand the words and the associated feelings. Ask for clarification on anything you don't totally understand. It is not important that you agree; it is vitally important to understand.
* Wait – allow silence. When the other person ends his/her statement, wait and count -- one wise old owl, two wise old owls, three wise old owls... The silence is golden and indicates to the other person that you care about him/her, and want to ensure they have completed what they wanted to say.
* Think – in this silence-time, ponder on your understanding of the conversation, and formulate your thoughts proactively, rather than reactively.
* Reply respectfully – either with clarifying questions or with your own wise thoughts. Use inclusive, engaging statements such as, "Yes, and I feel...," "I respect your opinion and I see that...," "I hear what you are saying and..." Avoid "No," "But," "You're wrong," "That's stupid," or any other statement that sets up invisible walls of defense or separation.
* Verbalize your complete thought and repeat the cycle.
When I give the other person this "psychological air-time" (it is a gift), and really listen to understand, they will usually return the gift to me. They may not be consciously aware of the process. They will feel valued and respected. It's a win/win conversation.
I believe that every person has exceptional knowledge and wisdom, and most people are happy to share their expertise with others, when someone will listen. I continue to learn so many valuable things from others when I close my mouth and open my eyes, ears, and heart.
I have finally learned that I am not the "king of the beasts." I do realize that I am an important and valuable member of this forest community -- where cooperativeness, helpfulness, respect, and love will help us all to survive and thrive.
You are a member of the community too. What are joy and happiness worth to you?
If you want to eliminate or minimize arguments, sarcasm, disrespect, anger, resentment, and heartache, these easy "observant-owl" strategies will work for you too. I guarantee it is worth the effort.
I'm investing more of my time perched on a good sturdy branch, watching, listening, and learning. I'd be honored to have you join me, and there is an abundance of room.
The more he watched; the less he spoke.
The less he spoke; the more he heard.
Why can't we be like that wise old bird?"
That's an interesting hoot that deserves some pondering.
One of the biggest causes of stressed or broken relationships is ineffective communication. Both people speak, but nobody sits quietly, watches, and listens.
"He (or she) just doesn't listen to me!"
In our business, we hear this frequently about husbands, wives, children, bosses, clients, and colleagues. This seems to be particularly true when there are disagreements or conflict. In "The Couples' Comfort Book," author Jennifer Louden says, "When in conflict, people listen for a maximum of 14 seconds."
What occurs then?
When the listening stops, here are some things that begin: interrupting, yelling, ignoring, escaping, cowering, probing, and preaching.
Is it possible this "lack of listening" is the reason for the disagreement, misunderstanding, and conflict?
I think so, and I believe this "lack of listening" phenomenon occurs far more regularly in our relationships than most of us would care to admit, whether there is conflict or not.
As I strive to become more consciously aware of my thinking, speaking, and behavioral habits, I see it in myself. How do I know this?
* My mother-in-law recently stayed with us for a week. Immediately after several different conversations, I realized I couldn't recall exactly what she just said. My mind was wandering elsewhere. Hmmm!
* A client was explaining something to me about his business, and I assumed I knew what he thought and felt. In reality, I found later that I had no flippin' idea. A mind-reader I am not.
* I interrupted my son, Jamie, before he was finished speaking. I was going to fix it for him, or defer to my own autobiographical story.
* Carol was explaining something to me, and I became aware that I already had a rebuttal formed to prove that I was right and she was wrong, and yet I hadn't listened effectively, or asked for clarification to totally understand her perspective.
Am I afflicted with an extremely bad case of psychological defection (please humor me!), or do similar things occur for you?
I believe comparable situations are why many conversations seem to go round and around, tempers flare, feelings get hurt, and directions get misconstrued -- neither person has actually listened to understand.
Maybe this is "normal" in society. However, when I look at statistics on marital breakdown, family violence, employee retention and satisfaction, workplace stress, and mediation battles, it helps me to recognize that I don't want to be "normal." I'd rather be different -- stand out on a positive, effective limb, like the owl.
Here are my easy "observant-owl" strategies, and I challenge you to apply these too. Naturally, it's your choice, just as it is mine.
* Attention – focus on the other person. Set aside all other thoughts and actions. Avoid distractions: other people or conversations, nearby activities, phone calls, e-mails, TV, music.
* Connection – pace, or match to build greater rapport and trust. Make eye contact, notice facial expressions, eye movement, breathing rate, other body language, and then match these. I'm not meaning you should imitate him/her. Sit in a similar way (not exactly the same), match their breathing rate, smile when they smile, etc. When you are subtle with this, they feel comfortable speaking with you because you are "just like them."
* Listen – to understand the words and the associated feelings. Ask for clarification on anything you don't totally understand. It is not important that you agree; it is vitally important to understand.
* Wait – allow silence. When the other person ends his/her statement, wait and count -- one wise old owl, two wise old owls, three wise old owls... The silence is golden and indicates to the other person that you care about him/her, and want to ensure they have completed what they wanted to say.
* Think – in this silence-time, ponder on your understanding of the conversation, and formulate your thoughts proactively, rather than reactively.
* Reply respectfully – either with clarifying questions or with your own wise thoughts. Use inclusive, engaging statements such as, "Yes, and I feel...," "I respect your opinion and I see that...," "I hear what you are saying and..." Avoid "No," "But," "You're wrong," "That's stupid," or any other statement that sets up invisible walls of defense or separation.
* Verbalize your complete thought and repeat the cycle.
When I give the other person this "psychological air-time" (it is a gift), and really listen to understand, they will usually return the gift to me. They may not be consciously aware of the process. They will feel valued and respected. It's a win/win conversation.
I believe that every person has exceptional knowledge and wisdom, and most people are happy to share their expertise with others, when someone will listen. I continue to learn so many valuable things from others when I close my mouth and open my eyes, ears, and heart.
I have finally learned that I am not the "king of the beasts." I do realize that I am an important and valuable member of this forest community -- where cooperativeness, helpfulness, respect, and love will help us all to survive and thrive.
You are a member of the community too. What are joy and happiness worth to you?
If you want to eliminate or minimize arguments, sarcasm, disrespect, anger, resentment, and heartache, these easy "observant-owl" strategies will work for you too. I guarantee it is worth the effort.
I'm investing more of my time perched on a good sturdy branch, watching, listening, and learning. I'd be honored to have you join me, and there is an abundance of room.
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