We are first introduced to Buddhism, or we seek it out on our own, and we decide that we too would like to become enlightened. We may approach the problem in any number of different ways. It has been my experience that those people who make a determination to do something specific each day are the happiest. In Nichiren Shu, we suggest that every day we recite a portion of the Lotus Sutra and chant Odaimoku. The idea is that this gives a person some specific, attainable goal. The result is that over time, with the accumulation of these small daily goals, a person finds that their life situation changes. The transformation, the objective of enlightenment, is reached gradually and yet every step along the way is enlightenment.

When we are able to approach the Dharma with joy and delight we are able to go much further in our practice. When we have joy in our practice we are less likely to be distracted or become sidetracked. All of that enables us to have even greater joy. But when we cling too tightly to effort and form and correctness we in effect strangle out the delightfulness of Buddhism. Practice the Dharma as if it were and ice cream cone. Enjoy it or it will melt in your hand.

“What you are now practicing is the way of Bodhisattvas. Study and practice it continuously, and you will become Buddhas.” – Lotus Sutra, Chapter III

Our daily efforts may seem small but over time they accumulate into a significant effort. What may seem quite impossible if we look at the whole actually becomes very doable with continuous effort. The trick is to not be discouraged. While enlightenment exists in every single moment, it is the accumulation of many moments of practice and effort that enables us to build a solid life full of happiness and joy. It may be impossible to imagine this today, but looking back over your life of accumulated effort you will definitely see significant change.

Embracing the idea of being better and letting go of the need for perfection is one of many keys to becoming happier in our lives. In being better, not perfect, the idea is that by continually making changes, by continually making progress, we actually improve our lives in a much more significant and profound way than if we focused on trying to achieve perfection.

Language and the words we use are very interesting. Sometimes we can change a word and while the result is the same there is a shift of awareness of the problem in a different way. Take the example of not having enough time to do something, perhaps your daily practice. Now instead of saying I don’t have enough time, try inserting “it’s not a priority.” Hmmm?

I think we almost always manage to get things done that are important to us, especially if we phrase it in such stark language. When we say we don’t have time, it is important to ask ourselves if we are just being polite or if we are hiding behind some other reason.

We have only so much time in every day, it truly is a precious commodity. How we use it is critical, and this shift in our language may help to highlight what is important and what isn’t. It may allow us to actually get to the bottom of something that is prohibiting us from becoming happy.

Looking into our lives to find those things that prevent us from accomplishing what we wish is fundamental to Buddhist practice. … Also a hindrance is the desire to seek out some new and improved practice. Focus less on the tool and more on the skill. We can become like junk collectors accumulating lots of needless and useless things in an attic. We have the gem; the wisdom to see it and use it is what’s important.

Looking into our lives to find those things that prevent us from accomplishing what we wish is fundamental to Buddhist practice. … Another hindrance is to worry more about time spent practicing than the quality of the practice. In a single moment exists the potential to praise and rejoice, thereby assuring enlightenment. The sole factor is mind at that moment. Let go of attachment to quantity of Odaimoku and embrace quality. Learn by listening to your life. Open yourself up and become aware of the joy of chanting Odaimoku without concern for length of time. This isn’t a job with a time clock where you only get paid for time spent.

Looking into our lives to find those things that prevent us from accomplishing what we wish is fundamental to Buddhist practice. … One common hindrance is to worry obsessively over whether or not we are practicing correctly. By this tight clinging to a need to always get it right or to be perfect we can cause undue stress. Preventing ourselves from experiencing the pure joy of practice hinders our practice. Instead of worrying about whether you are practicing correctly learn to observe what is going on when you do practice. Be generous with yourself. Look for the mystery. Open up to wonder, as if you were a child again.

If you think where you are is dark and isolated remember that this is also the condition from which butterflies emerge. With our practice of Buddhism it is possible for us to change any karma. We can begin to respond to the things that arise in our life in different ways and thereby experience new outcomes. It isn’t necessary for us to remain trapped in a cycle of suffering or despair.

Making the Lotus Sutra the core of our life, the center point, the point from which all else radiates, is key. Our intention should rest on the Lotus Sutra. I challenge you, from this day, to set your intention to practice the Lotus Sutra deeply, intentionally, and centrally. In the morning just after you open your eyes, even before you get out of bed, say to yourself three Odaimoku, three Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. Say it with gratitude and generosity. Then after you are dressed make time, even a few minutes if that is all you can, and sit down and chant Odaimoku. Set your intention to be mindful through the day and live your day based on the Lotus Sutra. Also express appreciation to yourself for how you have begun your day. Finally, at the end of the day, right before you go to sleep, even as you are laying in bed, chant Odaimoku again three times, with your mind on the desire for happiness for all beings and appreciation for your day based on the Lotus Sutra.