Flowers
Happy Birthday Ushma!
“She is eloquent without hindrance. She is compassionate towards all living beings just as a mother is towards her babe. She obtained all merits. Her thoughts and words are wonderful and great. She is compassionate, humble, gentle and graceful. She has already been qualified to attain Bodhi, and to become a Buddha quickly” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XII)
It might be said that if someone says nice things but doesn’t mean it they are like a flower with no scent. And while the smell emitted by a flower follows the wind a person’s reputation will spread far and wide regardless of which way the wind blows.
Eventually the insincere person is revealed, either by adverse circumstances or ill fortune, or some tragedy either to themselves or to those they have been false to.
“I hear your gentle voice. Your voice is deep and wonderful. You expound the Pure Dharma. My heart is filled with great joy. All my doubts are gone. I have obtained true wisdom.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter III)
It is said numerous times in the Lotus Sutra that the Buddha has a golden pure voice and that what he has taught is all true. In response fragrant flowers rained down from the heavens.
Let us make strenuous efforts to practice with a wonderful voice pure and golden.
We may say things we wish we had not, we may say harsh things, or speak in anger, even though our mind says we should not. You may berate yourself and become angry with yourself. In a way you are doing the same thing to yourself that you did to the other. Further you are in fact strengthening your negative energy.
Be kind to yourself, smile at this negative energy. Remember be sincere to yourself. Recognize what you have done be mindful of this. Continue doing this and you will become more aware of those things and moments in which you respond in ways you do not wish to. Then you can begin to practice new responses more in keeping with your Buddhist beliefs. Mindfulness starts with yourself.
Uttering golden and pure words to others begins with you. Let the fragrant mandarava flowers appear in your life.
“In reality this world of mine is peaceful. It is filled with gods and men. The gardens, forests, and stately buildings are adorned with various treasures; the jeweled trees have many flowers and fruits; the living beings are enjoying themselves; and the gods are beating heavenly drums making various kinds of music, and raining mandarava-flowers on the great multitude and me.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XVI)
