I would like to talk about the concept of the "greater self."
This can be difficult to understand.
However, this concept is about your inner self, and developing an undefeatable self.
It's easy for us to say: "It's my mom's fault" or "It's my dad's fault"
but the truth is that everything is here, inside us. When we become strong on the inside
everything around us changes and transforms.
We are all surrounded by human beings.
And we realize that everything was here, the answers to all our questions were here, inside us all along.
So is this kind of transformation easy? Of course not.
The most difficult opponent in the world that we have to confront is ourselves.
But, it's a good challenge.
This realization can be reached through Buddhist practice
and then you understand that everything you need is inside you.
As a result, your perspective on life changes completely.
You start to appreciate what you have and can recognize what you have always possessed.
And because of that it's worth giving chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a try.
It's the basis of everything--it is something that emerges from within.
You realize that it has always been there. It is a matter of discovering yourself.
My "lesser self" was dominant. Every human being has that tendency.
In my case, I was arrogant because I read a lot, and that made me think I was right about everything.
But, then what happened? I realized that I had nothing to talk about but my books
and I only was able to talk about things on a theoretical level.
I didn't have the high life condition needed to talk with people on many different topics.
When you practice Buddhism and do SGI activities you become focused.
Buddhism is not just about chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
It is something we practice in our daily lives, through doing SGI activities
and sharing and connecting with people.
When you do that, you come to understand the best aspects of humanity.
If you are able to say "thank you" from the bottom of your heart, this is great progress.
Now, I realize that I was lacking in appreciation.
That I have to understand people's different situations and embrace their problems as if they were my own
and try to help them to prevail over their difficulties.
It is not a case of saying "I know everything"
but being humble and having the compassion to listen to others,
to understand them and consider their problems as your own,
and help people be focused enough to resolve their problems.
If you are able to overcome, then they will also be able to do so.
The most important thing is that everybody wants to be happy.
When you become happy, you want others to be happy too.
What happens when you wish to have a house but you aren't able to get it?
What does Buddhism suggest?
Buddhism says "you have to be strong." The only important thing is to have perseverance.
Maybe you don't appreciate the house you're living in now enough.
And a precious moment is slipping away.
You need to have a stronger inner self, to be able to say:
"I don't care about external factors, but about how I feel."
The most important thing is what you have now. It is to value even the little things you have.
Then you'll appreciate more the time you spend with your parents
with your mother, with your brothers.
And, someday you'll say:
"Yes. I will have all those material things that I want, the ideal job, and so on, but at the appropriate moment.
If that happens, I will value them and appreciate them. Everything, every little detail."
We are human beings and want external things.
We have to be unswayed and not become depressed, but develop patience.