From Gokokuji Temple Kamakura Vol.12

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Let's Practice True Buddhism.

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Dear Fellow Friends,
We hope everything is fine with all of you.
This time, we would like you to read "Bea’s Experience".
Ms. Bea Taylor is a believer who is belongs to Myohoji-Temple Los Angeles U.S.A

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Experience

I originally was introduced to Nichiren Shoshu true Buddhism in 1985, but I didn't really know much about it, so my practice in the beginning was very shallow. I didn't chant much Daimoku, and I didn't study. But one day, my life was turned upside down, and I started practicing correctly, and then, I saw actual proof in my life.

Nichiren Daishonin taught us through his letters to his followers, that Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is the source of happiness, the solution for problems, and the path to a happy life. Thus, I don't read the Gosho and leave it at home like it's just for meetings, or belongs on a bookshelf, but I apply it to everything that happens to me—my actions and reactions to the events during my daily routine. I try to live my life as a follower of Nichiren Daishonin.

In 2009, due to the terrible economy, one by one, my customers filed for bankruptcy. Because of all the business I lost, I was afraid I might end up homeless in the future, so I started saving money for a down payment on a house. I also moved to a very small rented apartment to save money and also to be close to a person who wanted to learn more about Buddhism. In 2010 she received Gojukai and the Gohonzon.

I read the Gosho and the Nichiren Shoshu study material every day. I did shakubuku and chanted abundant Daimoku. Soon after, I introduced more people to Nichiren Shoshu who received Gojukai and the Gohonzon on the same day.

Then, I received an unexpected benefit!  Two of my overseas customers who hadn't done business with me for many years contacted me, saying they needed my help on a project right away. They wire-transferred money into my bank account. There it was! The money for me to go on Tozan and also to visit Kamakura!

When I returned home from Tozan, I received another unexpected benefit! I went to a party and met a business owner. He needed a media promoter, and he hired me right away, that night. More companies who saw my work hired me, and my income dramatically increased.

In Las Vegas, where I live, we are members of Myohoji Temple in Los Angeles. That is the closest temple to our city.  It is more than 400 kilometers away. Because of the distance, most of our Hokkeko activities and shakubuku activities are done in members' homes. I wanted to be able to have my own nice home for kosen-rufu, where I could teach shakubuku how to do Gongyo and study together with my fellow Hokkeko members. Because of these new customers whom I met after returning from Tozan, I was making enough money to buy a townhouse condominium. I found a townhouse that the bank had taken back because the previous owners were not making their loan payments. I was able to buy this townhouse for a big discount!

I always liked photography. It was a hobby of mine, so I decided to add it to my resume. Now I also have many clients who hire me to do their photography. All of this happened so quickly after I returned from my first Tozan!

When I bought the townhouse, I had a goal in mind. I wanted to be close to Hokkeko members and have enough room for meetings. But, the home ended up being too small to conduct Hokkeko meetings. I sold it in December of 2017, at a 300 percent profit! Because of this, I was able to buy a much larger house two months later. This home is on a lot that is six times larger than my previous property.  My new house is a fixer upper, but it is located in one of the best areas in Las Vegas. And furthermore, I also was able to buy a new 2018 Prius, which is my dream car!

After buying the house, I wanted to go on Tozan to express my appreciation to the Dai-Gohonzon, but, I realized it would take a long time to save up enough money to remodel the kitchen and also to make the trip to the Head Temple. So, I decided not to postpone my Tozan trip, and I went to Taisekiji, even though my house was not ready. I felt strongly that I had to thank the Dai-Gohonzon for being able to buy my house in a such wonderful location. The remodeling can wait.

I was able to attend the Gokaihi Ceremony three times. I also I visited Gokokuji Temple in Kamakura, where so many wonderful Hokkeko members welcomed me in a way that I felt at home.

I've been getting an avalanche of conspicuous and inconspicuous benefits since returning from Tozan. Every day is a day full of benefits. The inner change one experiences through the practice of Nichiren Daishonin True Buddhism is called inconspicuous benefit and the visible to the naked eye, conspicuous benefits, and it appears as tangible improvements in our lives, such as better relationship with other people, better job, improved living circumstances. Both, conspicuous and inconspicuous benefits are achieved by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, studying and teach others to the best of your ability.
Conspicuous benefits are but a small part of the benefit from the Gohonzon in comparison to inconspicuous benefit, which manifests as attaining the life condition of absolute happiness.

We must put the Gohonzon first and live our lives like Nichiren Daishonin taught us. This is the only way we can truly be happy and make all of our dreams come true.

Written by Bea Tailor
Myohoji-Temple
Los Angeles
U.S.A.

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Notice

Dear fellow friends.
We appreciate your reading the Mail-magazine or other information so far sent from Gokokuji temple here in Kamakura.

Now we like to further inform you that in hope of your keeping up interest in our Buddhism and bracing up the faith toward Nichiren Daishonin teachings, our  Nichiren Shoshu temples or relative organizations nearby in your country will make closer contact with you for future necessary guidance and inquiries. Therefore, please acknowledge the above.

Many thanks.

Nichiren Shoshu Risshozan Gokokuji Temple

International Division

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