Grace.C

"Nichiren Daishonin states that we living beings have eight million four thousand thoughts in the course of one day and one night that can be causes for negative karma (cf. GZ, 823). Our minds are easily swayed by external influences, and change with dizzying rapidity. Nothing is less reliable. That's why it's so important to make a pledge to accomplish a goal. Those who cherish a pledge and strive to fulfill it are strong, genuine, and true, and they are able to achieve lives of profound satisfaction and fulfillment."

SGI Newsletter, No 7300, SGI President Ikeda's editorial: Confidently Making a Pledge for Victory -- Thoughts on My 60th Anniversary of Buddhist Practice, Translated on July 31, 2007.

i so totatally agree with this daily encouragement that i receive in my email. i always think that my mind is "easily swaysed by external influences" and that it change rapidly with what happen next, depending on the circumstances. im so vulnerable to external influences, eg. i can go from a very high state of life to the lowest condition in life in a day. i really see myself circling in the 10 worlds, well, the six lower worlds to be specific, just like what its taught in ND's Buddhism. but i guess that i was before. im proud to say that since i start of with my new determination few weeks ago, i've been quite optimistic of things and that things are looking good so far, in fact, i think this few weeks was awesome. though my days aint something extraordinary, but with all the daimoku that i chant everyday, i could feel myself in rhythm with the universe and that at certain point ive reach a state which nothing could make me upset. fingers cross, of course i dont want something bad to happen. but there are a few occasions that took place last week, which i think i would feel frustrated but this time, i didnt, i kept reminding myself not to be easily swayed by things. anyway, there are more to come in life, there are still many on-going stuff to achieve, so im gonna continue practicing! =)

on another note, yesterday night i called a friend. initially, i just wanted to wish happy birthday but without me realising i end up on the phone for 47 minutes (yes i check my phone log after that). i think thats the biggest achievement since i got here. cause i seldom talk on the phone for such a long time, to be exact there is no one here in melb that i can talk for more than 15 mins, or sometimes with kai to talk about nonsense for more than 15 mins just to use up our free 100 mins. ANYWAY, enjoy the chat and lucky that we're both using 3, hehe. ^_^ have a good one in the 22nd year of life. =)