A Buddhist Podcast – The Reluctant Buddhist – Chapter 3
Have you ever wanted an explanation of where this Buddhism came from to give to your friends or family to help explain your practice? Well that is what the substance of tonights show is! William Woollard reads Chapter 3 from his extraordinary book, The Reluctant Buddhist!
We have shoutouts and the music tonight comes from Beth Thornley. Its not like us to only play one artist, but we liked both of the tracks! So from Beth Thornley we play Mr Lovely and Birmingham. As usual we are very grateful to the Podsafe Music Network for providing us with the ability to play this music on our show.
We are working on two new shows which will be appearing in the next few weeks! Thank you so much for listening to the show and for all your wonderful feedback. Have a great week and take care of yourselves and the people around you.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (58.9MB)
Hi Jason and Karen Dan Pelly from Southbridge Ma which is about 50 miles west of Boston.. Massachusetts USA. We are the next town beside Sturbridge MA which is the Famous Old Sturbridge Village that exhibits Yankee History.. I enjoyed the History Pod cast and all the pod cast it is really educating me about the practice, it’s funny when I go to meetings now and members start explaining history to me about the practice and I say yes I am familiar with that part of the history and they look at me like you have not been Practicing that long. I was the one who has written a suicide and awareness program I wrote 12 years ago and now married with 3 step children and Justine Joey and Jacob with my wife Linda, Justine is my 17 year old who suffered from a bad head injury almost 2 years ago now, we almost lost her but she is doing very well back in school and healing, I chant for her allot, she has a long way to go. And I also was talking about for the first time going back down that dark road of depression the lower evil world a few months back which was a wake up call from my attempt 12 years ago and never thought I would go there again but there I was stuck bad and My Buddhist friend Louise from NJ who has been practicing for 25 years and always tried to get me into the practice which a did a little said let me introduce you to a district leader in MA which was Steve and although she is my sponsor he is my how do you say it Dakashumi and he has been practicing for 30 years and what a assistant mentor he is ! really engages Kosen Rufu towards me. And of course Nichieren and all the Mentors and our current mentor Ikeda. I think after Justine got home and I was kind of lost and not happy because I have been struggling to put my program to work and about my personal survival of Ingesting 250 Tylenol 12 years ago and survived I guess I was Determined but the Doctors could not believe I survived and with no complications. I am not proud of what I did but I am determine to bring Awareness and prevention to others through my Miraculous survival and be the Inspirational Speaker I feel is my mission and not Real Estate I have been in for 20 years now, but the practice is making me realize no looking back or feeling down about where you came from because where I came from is preparing me for my mission not matter what age we are as the saying goes if not now when and if not you then who, did Ronald Reagan quote that also?, I thought I read that some where or heard it. I really started to realize that I have been helping people all my life Kosen Rufu , to find housing for the needy that other realtors would not take time to do or meeting Linda and the children after what happen to me and raising strong kids as we teach them we all breakdown at times be it sibling fighting ect ect troubles in life but we can always rebuild and literally with Justine but from those lessons we have taught them they themselves have applied them. Just as Nichiren Buddhism teaches no matter what. Sept 25 the 2008 is when I met Steve and Sept 26 was my first meeting and was suffering bad for sometime and could not believe I was contemplating suicide again but I knew from my program to seek help and if needed medication as I did in May 08 but tried my Catholic faith and Christianity and stopped taking them and said let god be my medicine ,well so much for that I went deeper and came very close to acting upon my depression and as before the main theme is no more pain and suffering. but this time was different more about pressures of maintaining life and keeping up financially. But has I chanted and sometimes like a mouse I was hurting so bad now a chant with gusto a roar of the lion. But Steve said to me after a few times saying to him I am down but I don’t think I am depressed he said NO DAN you are and just like when we get sick we take action say for cancer and see a DR. you have had some depression in your life and some members of your family as everyone has some Gene pool issues and I went to get help again at the beginning of this Last October and after about 2 weeks starting feeling better and still do today , I am still on the meds but chanting on what direction to take and what action next concerning my health.I am also feeling that although unseen I am getting closer to my mission, you know my dad who passed away 4 years ago at 78 Anthony was into charity and his Kosen Rufu was instilled in me about helping the needy be it old age people handicapped ect taught me young , it is part of me and it is all pointing to my program turning poison into medicine.But he failed me in how to treat woman and a family , I think if he had the practice he would have been more well rounded, but he was tough old school. I had to learn the hard way about that. Divorce in 1996 business lose ect. I also Lost my oldest brother Frank at 53 a month after my dad and he suffered mentally and the evil worlds got him I wish I could have helped him more as my other brother said and Sister, but we did what we could for him, he needed the practice bad, but a pray for him and all my lost love ones. Although a chant allot I find myself struggling to be in rhythm with the Lotus Sutra Morning and Night , Steve said just keep being determine to do it every day and I did this morning but I find my work load gets in the way , and I said I will be the best Real Estate Broker I can be for this is my present moment until I take action on my program. and as Steve said your not a millionaire don’t just walk away from your lively hood. which was good advice and chant for the right action towards your program or as my good friend Louise said keep up the good work and she calls chanting re-booting when you need to chant re-Boot LOL. Anyway Steve will be visiting my home to get to know my family. I met his wife who is recovering from breast cancer and is doing well, she also practices. We are going to see where I am going to place the gohonzon I am going to receive very soon and Louise and Steve will present it to me and my wife Linda and children although there not Practicing yet !! LOL will be there, as I explained to them what I am doing. And the practice has been lifting me up and I am getting closer to pulling out my program and re-writing it to present to the public and really get out in public to change the suicide rate, or one life, as you guys say if one sentence makes a difference that you have done something towards Kosen Rufu.the practice teaches THINK BIG DREAM BIG and put it into action for the better of Kosen Rufu and my desire to fulfill it. I will let you know when I am going to receive the Gohonzon and feel free to talk about my ordeal if you like. I chanted allot all week but the past 4 days did not do the Lotus Sutra and was feeling off but I did this morning listen to your podcast and wrote all this,wow, feeling more and more I am on he right track to bringing out the Buddha in me.. Sorry I talk allot but it will serve me well as a inspirational speaker soon with my program an no longer visionalizing it but actually putting it into practice. I am no longer thinking about checking out and becoming more determine than ever, Steve said one day NO MATTER WHAT and says it allot but said it’s not as if we say O the other option is well if things don’t work out, I’ll check out or become a drug addict ect ect. It’s No Matter What!!! Maybe I needed to re-live depression in order to see how crippling it is and my program and myself are very important to rise above the evil world and be victorious. Thanks for being there and O by the way Karen you have one sexy voice , sorry Jason just had to tell her, but you speak well too. You know I was a chronic stutter when I was young and overcame it when I was in my late 20′ and I speak very fluent now you would never know I stuttered My mother says she cant shut me up now LOL . I think My mission is becoming clearer , I also survived I tractor trailer accident I fell a sleep at the wheel and hit a bridge abutment in 1984 at 70 miles and hour and lived , only got about 40 stitches to my head was banged up but lived. Then my Suicide attempt in 1996 and lived, then a year later cracked up a Trans Am, drank to much and almost got killed and survived that in 1997 then in 1998 wrote my program and met Linda , Shelved it and here I am today raising a family and instead of feeling I lost allot of time the practice is showing me as Steve said there is no beginning and no end help me realize I been spreading Kosen Fufu the whole time be it helping just one person like My Wife’s brother Paul who was thinking about killing himself and I told him my story and he was inspired not to do it he said he didn’t have the guts like me to do it ,and I said that’s good be afraid to act on it, I wish I was not so tough..Raising the kids since they where 7,5, and 2 now 17, 15, and 12, I am living Kosen Rufu everyday being good to them , family, friends and anyone we come into contact with. we just need to look at it and it has freed my heart and mind from suffering about not doing my program yet. I just want to raise my life condition higher and then help others which through the practice and faith I AM ON MY WAY. Thank You for being there Dan Pelly
Comment by Dan Pelly — November 16, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
I have the following which is the most important part of my story.
And my good friend Louise brought it to my attention…..Since I am still shaking of my catholic stigma
Hi Danny,
> Thank you for sending me your writings!
>
> I do want to add a detail to your story because its a very
> important detail.
>
> When you were in the hospital in Florida after your suicide
> attempt and the Dr’s informed you that you had severely
> damamged your Liver and they could not put you on a waiting
> list for a transplant because you had attempted suicide you
> called me crying and said to me I want to live! And I told
> you dont give up and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo! Do you
> remember now? Its because you chanted Nam Myoho Renge Kyo at
> the cruicial moment that your liver made that turn to
> functioning again! I know it in my heart!
> I just wanted to tell you that detail because its not in
> your story and its very important because the seed was
> planted. Over the years that I have known you ,you would
> call from time to time and tell me hey Louise I still have
> that sentence stuck in my head Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and now
> the seed has blossomed and you are finally fully awake and
> aware that life is precious and your life has power to bring
> other people to wake up to their own missions and enjoy life
> no matter what happens!
> Your good friend for ever in this lifetime and the next
> ones with our mentor Nichiren Daisonin and Daisaku Ikeda!
> Louise
>
Comment by Dan Pelly from Usa Ma — November 17, 2008 @ 2:58 am
Hi Jason and Karen!
I’ve just finished listening to this episode and I’m waving back at you!
I so deeply appreciate that you are bringing William’s own voice to us, enriching his terrific writing talent. I just love this book, thank you so much!
And wow, yes, this music is truly fantastic–it’s not always that I hear a voice that goes right through me and grips my emotions, so thank you! I will be following up on her.
And finally, as a U.S.A. listener, I feel deep appreciation for your words/prayer to our President-Elect Obama and I have all confidence that he has or will hear them.
Congratulations on 3 years of podcasting! Can it really be 3 years? I hope you don’t go back and polish the originals–they are precious jewels, uncut diamonds. Like a photo album, longtime listeners can go back to them and observe how our lives have changed to the degree that we have taken responsibility for absorbing our mentors’ words and acting on them. I look forward to any podcasts you do with and for kids, and the many changes you will make in the future! Congratulations on 3 years of introducing so many people to Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, and to each of them for working to become truly happy, ensuring world peace.
Comment by Donna — November 21, 2008 @ 6:25 am
Jason and Karen – Congratulations on your third anniversary of A Buddhist Podcast! I have been a listener for a long time, and I would like to say thank you so much for these outstanding podcasts which have been so important to me. I know they are loved by many, many others too. Thank you too, William for sharing your wonderful book, and so beautifully read!
Comment by Peter Waring — November 23, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
Greetings to the Jarretts!
This is a message of gratitude for your wonderful podcasts, which continue to be a consistent source of joy for me. I started practicing in London four years ago, and received Gohonzon in March 2006. That same month I moved to Derry in Northern Ireland to live with my partner Ray, and found myself in pioneer territory! The Belfast members have been hugely supportive, but attending their meetings involves a four hour round trip across the country. Your podcasts act as a Buddhist booster during long bus journeys! You’ve given me a true sense of connection to SGI members around the world, and I’m truly thankful.
My greatest wish has been to help Kosen-rufu spread in the Northwest of Ireland, and recently a wonderful event has occurred. I’ve made good friends with an SGI member called Taj Bell, a songwriter and children’s author originally from New York. Taj now lives in Letterkenny in County Donegal, a mere half hour away from me. Because of her inspiring efforts, many people are expressing an interest in the practice, and I can sense the formation of a new cross-border district coming into fruition!
Our situation is unique, and we are grateful for the support we are receiving both from SGI-UK and SGI Ireland. This part of the world has been ripped apart by decades of conflict and intolerance, and we vow to play our full part in spreading the Daishonin’s message of peace, wisdom and compassion.
Please chant for the growth of our Donegal and Foyle district, and for continued peace in Ireland!
Warm regards,
Rob
Comment by Rob Evans — November 26, 2008 @ 1:47 am
Dear Jason and Karen,
Hello and congratulations on your 3 year anniversary. I am a new listener and really enjoy your podcasts. They have been very helpful and informative. I am not an SGI member yet, but I have been to several meetings. I have been looking for both the Lotus Sutra and the Gosho in audio book but haven’t had any luck. Do you know if these exists? I think it would be great if I could hear the teachings.
Thank you for your time and effort. Also thank you to all the people who are members of the SGI and are examples of happiness to other people. I was drawn to this practice by a wonderful person who really was like a beacon of light in my darkness. So please continue to shine because there are people who are searching in the darkness.
Respectfully,
Alex
Comment by Alex — November 29, 2008 @ 12:13 am
Hi Jason and Karen,
Another great show, looking forward to chapter 4. Is there another broadcast around that every single one leaves you with a feeling of knowingness and elation?? I think probably not. 3 years of great support to Kosen Rufu! Many Many congratulations to you both. Oh, and by the way, the alarm I use to get me up showered and chanting in the morning is Karen reciting Sensei’s poem “Today, I redicate my life to Kosen Rufu….” Something about that voice that just gets you up in the morning, if you know what I mean!
Comment by Alan — November 29, 2008 @ 2:17 am
Hi, Karen and Jason, thank you for the shout-out. 😀
Comment by Nya Taylor — November 30, 2008 @ 3:41 pm