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I became a member of SGI-USA Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism on July 26,1973.It has been the best decision I made in my life. From the first meeting I attended to the present it has been more than rewarding and fulfilling. I have been able to improve myself as a human being beyond my expectations and comprehension. From hearing and saying the words Nam-myoho-renge-kyo my life began to take on new meaning.

In the beginning I felt incidences were coincidences,after awhile I had to reconsider what was going on. Everything couldn't be an coincidence. I had to realize my chanting these funny
words had something to do with what was happening to me. The more I chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo the more I began to see my environment in a different way. There were no rules of dressing in a particular way,you didn't have to eat any particular food(s), you didn't have to stop doing anything. Everything happened naturally, based solely on you,and your effort in
developing your practice. The more I studied,attended meetings and chanted Nam-myo-renge-kyo, my life took on a new meaning and the deep respect for the dignity of life grew inside of me immeasurably. The first big lesson for me was taking total responsibility for my life. The thought at first perhaps can be arguably simple, but it is not an easy or even an immediate
acceptable responsibility I would agree with. I felt I was responsible for my life,I had a job, I was taking care of my children, taking care of my financial obligations etc. However, when I took a closer look at my life, and began to consider the things that were going on. The things I felt I had no control over I began to see how I had contributed to them happening to me. I no longer could look outside myself and blame someone else for what was happening to me.

I began to better understand my Buddhist practice,it was for me to understand how my behavior could influence a situation negatively or positively. To not focus on what the other person was doing or not doing , for they would have to be responsible for their behavior.It was my realization of how I allowed myself to be pulled or lured into situations,and not listening to my own inner voice. My inner life-condition became stronger,things that use to upset me no longer did. I have increased my skills and abilities in a very positive way.

My mother joined the practice a year after my aunt and I did.My mother initially said she needed to join so that she could prove to my aunt(her sister) and me that this Buddhism didn't
work.However, needless to say she became as involved as we were if not more. My mother practiced faithfully until her passing in 1986,she joined in 1974.My grandfather, expressed to
me before his passing, "I don't understand what you are doing, but don't stop doing it".My
Buddhist practice has touched many individuals for it is practiced in Japan, many cities across the United States as well as 190 countries and Territories world wide.

Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism is based on world peace,through individuals and others indestructible happiness.I have the greatest satisfaction awakening each day doing my morning
prayers and evening prayers knowing I am joining millions around the world praying for the peace and happiness of the world.If you would like more information about SGI-USA Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo go to;www.sgi-usa.org

Learn more about this author, Donna Wesson.
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