1. 8 Intelligences What have we done with our gifts? Raymond Patnaik

2. What are the 8 Intelligences

3. Wait a minute! There is actually a 9 th intelligence Existential intelligence This is our Buddha nature Let’s now reflect on that … Not forgetting the other 8 but bringing it all together. -1-

4. Relax/Quiet Time Relax Music Bell Close your eyes Chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo -2-

5. Reflection 1 Visualize the Gohonzon What does the Gohonzon represent? At the heart of the Gohonzon is our Buddha Nature “NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO” Within the Gohonzon are our 8 Intelligences Within it is also our creative gifts It represents our whole being It represents the harmony with the universe It represents our internal power that heals mentally and physically -3-

6. Reflection 2 Daishonin says: “It is the treasure tower, adorned with the seven kinds of treasures, hearing the correct teaching, believing it, keeping the precepts, engaging in meditation, practicing faithfully, renouncing one’s attachments, and reflecting on oneself”. (WND – 1, 299) Toda says: The Gohonzon is “a happiness producing device”. Ikeda says: “It’s the object of our devotion a tool to become happy”. -4-

7. Reflection 3 At the heart of the Gohonzon, is our life force, that creates anew, we are like uncut diamonds, through our intelligences, continuously creating a “gem”, which is our whole being. In the words of the Spanish poet Antonio Machado, each of us are a beautiful garden, and he asks, “What have you done with the garden entrusted to you?” Or Our Buddha nature could ask each of us, “ have you discovered, understood and fully utilized the gifts of yourself, and created a precious “GEM”? -5-

8. Reflection 4 1) This is the Year of the New Era of Kosen-rufu – let us do some active remembering, sharing and receiving, be mentor and disciple to one another. 2) Daisaku Ikeda says: “Satisfaction with ones accomplishments might sound like humility, but to underestimate life’s potential is actually great arrogance.” 3) And again President Ikeda explains: “Everyone alike possesses this unsurpassed jewel of life. This most precious of all things ‘has come to us unsought’. It comes down to whether we can recognize it as such. And the Lotus Sutra enables us to most profoundly perceive and recognize the treasures of our lives.” 4) The Lotus Sutra teaches a dynamic way to live amidst life’s challenges; it emphasizes a life long seeking spirit of self development – to challenge our limitations, break through deadlocks and expect to experience the boundless potential of our lives. -6-

9. Sharing Questions Look at the picture of the 8 Intelligences Please share with each other 1. Which of these intelligences is your strength, has made you who you are? 2. Which of these intelligences you have not used? 3. As you age, which of these intelligences you need to enhance? 4. Would you like to share success, failures? 5. Discovery of our strengths or inner selves? 6. How did you discover your powerful Buddha nature? -7-

10. Session 2 Six Conditions of Happiness NC Aug. 2014 In this session we will reflect/share on: Inter, Intra, Existential, and Environmental Intelligence. We will use president Ikeda’s 6 Conditions for Happiness as our guideline. These conditions cover all our intelligences particularly the above. The Daisonin says, “It’s the heart that is important”. -8-

11. Where is Happiness Found? How can we be happy? (1) Let us share … What does President Ikeda mean when he says: …? Establish a solid sense of Self 1. Fulfilling each day with a rewarding sense of fulfillment 2. Daily Gongyo 3. Doing our best, work play interaction Walking life’s journey with friends and loved ones 1. Understanding 2. Listening 3. Supporting -9-

12. How can we be happy? (2) Possess a sincere conviction 1. Of right and wrong 2. Up hold and practice Nichiren Buddhism 3. Practice with unwavering conviction Live cheerfully and vibrantly 1. See the bright side of life 2. Spring always comes 3. Faith in the teaching of Nichiren Buddhism -10-

13. How can we be happy? (3) Have courage 1. Have hope 2. Never give up Tolerance 1. Approachable 2. Acceptance 3. Warm 4. Supportive -11-

14. Environment/Nature Intelligence President Ikeda speaks of “active remembering” Sharing and remembering the stories of others lives, is a form of compassion By doing so we make others feel known and appreciated It strengthens the bond of human relationship That bond provides a net work of positive change, throughout the community, society, and the world -12-

15. “Active Remembering” Clark Strand commenting on President Ikeda’s, “Active Remembering” says, the same logic can be applied to the earth and the diversity of its species Applied to the environment “active remembering” becomes quite literally the life line to the planet, because it strengthens the the bond of life that is common to all, providing the basis for positive change – and ultimately for sustainable human presence on the planet. What is your attitude to climate change? Nuclear proliferation? Poverty, Hunger? Dehumanizing Economic expansion? Note: Please recall the displays in front of the Gohonzon room at the Center. -13-

16. Conclusion To conclude, some guidance: Mai Ogushi, “ President Ikeda wants each of us to grow and develop into capable individuals who can lead the people to happiness. And it all starts from each of us creating our own story of human revolution and reaching out to the people right in front of us.” NC. July 2015, p 19. Ryan Bouwer, “with focused prayer and unwavering determination, to definitely accomplish our goals, we can make the impossible possible.” NC. July 2015, p20. “I am one who believes that absolute and indestructible happiness in life lies only in working selflessly for others, while expanding one’s inner realm from the lesser self caught up in the snares of egotism to the greater self fused with the Universal life”. (Ikeda – Second lecture at Moscow State University, SGI Quarterly No. 56, p 25) -14-