January 29, 2009
As for my practice of Buddhism, these past few years...
I seem to be doing a more sincere gongyo.
I don't take things as seriously.
I do read the gosho often.
There are no members here that contact me.
Even at the temple, I don't get much support. ...with the cultural differences and all.
But, I still haven't found anything that works as well as Nichiren Daishounin's teachings, not that I have
been looking out for anything new.
My wife and daughter here me doing gongyo, but they still don't show any interest.
It may be that they will after I die.
I'm just going to continue to focus on Nam Myoho Renge Kyo until my last breath. ...not that I plan on going
anywhere soon.
Perhaps I've become so selective with my friendships.
I tend to lean toward the younger set.
But, I doubt that this old luggage attracts much of their interest.
I seem to be valued only for my English speaking abilities here in this English starved town.
I find that my sense of humor doesn't actually appeal to the folks of Nobeoka.
On the brighter side, I am doing rather well financially.
My wife and daughter bring me great joy.
I live in a peaceful environment.
The rain hasn't fallen hard enough to break a clod in recent years.
No kidding. No typhoons, no storms. And, this area is referred to as, "Typhoon Ginza."
My physical condition is under control at present.
I own the house overlooking the ocean that I always prayed for.
I stopped gambling almost completely except for the occasional lottery ticket.
I'm getting plenty of rest.
I stopped drinking cocktails to the limit.
Except for my bout with cancer, spinal meningitis and diabetes last year, of which I believe that I have overcome,
nothing untoward has happened to me in 18 years since I joined the Nichiren Shoshu Temple in January 1991.
Two years ago, I went to pray to the Dai Gohonzon in Shizuoka, Japan, and I got to sit in the
front row, in the center, right behind the priests!
Howard Clifford Ahner
ahner1@hotmail.com
