linning life

Sorry, I just had to (that's "Winning Life," the title of the introductory book by the SGI, in case anyone is confused). Jeremy Lin is hitting it big, but there are so many of these success stories hidden under the rug and away from the spotlight. But it's sure good to see this dude light it up on the court.

Our joyful Youth meeting with ESD

Meanwhile, I have to step it up in my Court. I've been becoming somewhat complacent at work. I think I've been taking for granted that I have a job, and I feel like I need to concentrate more on my tasks rather than just going through the motions.

However, I've been pushing myself with activities and home visits to my YMD. We've been gearing up for the start of the 2nd class of the Gajokai Academy, and it's given me an opportunity to visit a lot of the guys in Baltimore. Over the past 2 weeks, we've gotten 13 guys to participate in the Academy. Driving around the Region is great. You get to see different people, different lifestyles, differing struggles and different victories. It's encouraged me to know that our practice is accessible to anyone who wants to genuinely become happy.

@Panera before Coffee-visit with YMD

I had one YMD text me in the morning with "I'm f*ckig loving reading the Human Revolution," which is our study material for the Gajokai Academy. Another YMD shared that, after feeling helpless in his job search, he was invited to Houston for a interview with UNITED as a Flight Attendant on their international flights (when we visited him the first time, he shared that he wanted a job where he could travel the world). Already, there's been a lot of young guys breaking through their doubts. It certainly feels good to know that I'm develop life long friendships with these guys. I've never been so happy for other people's success. It's a different sense of fulfillment.

Michael in Arnold District, playing Bach... so many  awesome young kids...

Ever since I began visiting these guys and pushing myself to contribute, I've experienced my own personal gains. I've had a few job opportunities come up, and next friday, I have an interview with the Baltimore City Board of Municipal Zoning and Appeals. This is a perfect fit with my aspirations as young attorney wanting to contribute to zoning and land use. It's certainly not "logical" how I got this interview - suffice it to say that my daimoku helped me make some choices that led me to this. I have to make it count.

One of many stops on the road in between activities.
Coffee remains my best friend.

All that has helped me realize on a deeper level why, as the Daishonin writes, lighting a lantern for others will light your own path. It's so easy to be caught up worrying about your own obstacles. But when you go beyond the confines of your own selfishness and are working for others, your own life opens up to so many new opportunities, perspectives, and values. We just become more capable people, day by day. I feel very empowered and ready to continue fighting with my guys here in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

It's not easy running around, but my daimoku has kept me going with some spiritual stamina. I'm also determined to help some one else receive their Gohonzon and begin their practice with us!