[somewhat] back in action

Finally fighting back against a long-lasting lull. I was really encouraged after attending an East Territory YMD leaders' conference on MLK day, and although there were the persistant and somewhat annoying "yeeeeaaaaah"s, I sincerely enjoyed the vigor and determination everyone brought.

Two kids playing during at the Baltimore Community Center my Gajokai Shift.

I'm beginning to better understand that Buddhism is practice for oneself and practice for others. Despite some mental and spiritual setback, I find myself with more energy and ichinen because I'm getting myself to shakubuku. It's difficult to explain, but when you open yourself up and share your life and faith with others, it forces you to become stronger. Well, you just lose time to be complaining about your own circumstances. 

OMYBUDDHA

I've been reading the New Human Revolution over from Volume 1 (I really only got to Volume 5/6) and President Ikeda states to a newly appointed district leader in Hawaii - 

"Kosenrufu mean to pray and take action for the happiness of others and thereby create a supreme good path of good fortune. When you make kosenrufu your life's objective and pray to excel at your work in order to show proof of that goal's validity, you will be opening the way for your own victory and good fortune. . . . 

"I ask you to please spend your life from now on a district chief who, together with me, lives for the members' happiness. Most people find it is all they can do to worry about their own happiness and that of their immediate family. It is, therefore, no easy feat to live for the happiness of your friends and fellow members, for the sake of the Law and for kosenrufu, while at the same time grappling with your own personal problems.

"The fact is, however, that when you worry, pray and struggle for the sake of others, you are proving by your very actions that you have transcended the bounds of your own individual concerns and are opening the way for your own splendid human revolution.

"The organization will change and develop in any number of ways depending on the ichinen, or deep-seated determination, of the central figure. People will follow a leader who always fights for them. But they will eventually perceive the real nature of someone interested only in personal fame or fortune and will stop supporting that person."

Yes. So I've determined to do a shakubuku by March 16. I'm confident that my other personal and professional goals will also fall into place.

I have been eating healthy for quite some time.

Except that day. I was craving grease.

The only caveat to all of this is that I've gotten sick! I've been flirting with the flu for about 2 weeks, and finally, the first stage of it is in full swing. I woke up with major congestion, a nasty cough, and got minor headaches throughout the day. Decided to stay in today instead of attend a district meeting. 

DK6 - 1. Eric - 1/2.