Poisonous Food
Eating a donut on first night out of Shingyo Dojo at Tokyo Krispy Kreme
Today we are more aware of the harms of our eating behaviors and there are many messages that encourage us to eat with more of a view to long-term consequences. Yet still we continue to eat poorly in many cases. I know that I myself and guilty of this at times, though I do try to change my behaviors, even if only slowly.
“The house was so dreadful. In that house there were poisonings, killings and burnings. There were many dangers, not just one.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter III)
Have you ever considered though how much poisonous food we feed our minds and thereby cause illness, disease, and death in our souls and hearts? Our minds feed just as surely as our stomach and internal organs do. It is just as critical to be aware of the kinds of things we feed our minds just as it is what we feed our bodies.
When we hold onto ideas of arrogance, and anger we slowly poison our minds, our spirits as well as our connections with others. Sometimes it may be obvious when we are harming our minds, just as when we overeat or eat something that doesn’t settle well in our stomach. But other times the harm may be gradual and the mental foods we consume may be slowly poisoning us.
Chanting Odaimoku and meditation are ways in which we can begin to detoxify our minds. By engaging in these activities we can strengthen our inner Buddha in ways that will aid us in not seeking the harmful nourishment of poisonous thoughts and beliefs.
“…clean himself within and without, sit on the seat of the Dharma peacefully, and then expound the Dharma in answer to questions.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIV)
Just as getting out and exercising or hopping on the treadmill is good for our heart and body, so to is the mental exercise of Buddhism beneficial for our inner well-being. Of course you can chant Odaimoku while you are on the treadmill! So get out, get up, get moving, and keep chanting!
