Reflecting and taking responsibility for our past thoughts, words and actions, “repentance,” is the first step in cultivating a new life. Like the adage says, “the first step in changing anything is recognizing there is a problem.”
The other day, I was driving around in my car and I happened to be listening to Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” and it occured to me as I was listening to the lyrics that this song is all about the practice of “just sitting.” So I thought I would share the thoughts and associations that came into my mind while hearing this song:
Sitting in the morning sun
I’ll be sitting when the evening comes
Nichiren Buddhism’s primary practice of chanting in praise and acceptance of a Buddhist scripture may sound odd, so I want to say more about this. To begin with, the Odaimoku is not just the name of a scripture or sutra but is meant to indicate the supreme teaching or Dharma of the Buddha which is what the sutra is about. In fact, in China and Japan long books have been written explaining how each of the words used in the title embrace all the many profound teachings and practices taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. To chant in praise of the title is a way to keep in mind and devote ourselves to the most comprehensive and profound teaching of Buddhism.
