Anniversary

This weekend I celebrated the sixth anniversary of receiving my Gohonzon, when I made commitment in my life to practising Nichiren Buddhism and to developing my innate Buddha nature through chanting Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo. It was also my ex-girl's birthday so I spent much of the day torn between a sense of celebration and one of loss. I spent a lot of time thinking about my life had changed in the past six and the last two and a half years (the later being the time we were together ) - and i felt, well a lot.

The external changes I can catalogue pretty well and are generally positive. The internal changes, which are more important ones as they will determine my life state and future are harder to see right now. I am torn between the need for distractions and the need to focus on what I really want to do next in my life to move it forwards. And my brain - the organ we usually rely on to give us a sense of direction - doesn't have an answer to that - so I know I need to chant to attract the right opportunities and influences in my life and to protect myself from harmful ones.

I saw a great quote on the net last night about our thoughts determining our actions which determine our destiny. But it was more eloquently put than that. Basically it all starts within.