The Foundation for Greatness In our last +1, I shared my Sacred Vow with you. Then I encouraged YOU to consider creating your own Sacred Vow. Today I want to continue that discussion. We’ll invite Daisaku Ikeda to the party. He is the leader of Nichiren Buddhism and one of the most respected Buddhist philosophers alive whose work has inspired millions around the world. In
Buddhism Day by Day he tells us about the importance of making a vow. Here’s how he puts it:
“In any field of endeavor, making a vow is the foundation for achieving something great. If for whatever reason a person gives up halfway or backslides, his or her commitment hasn’t been based on a vow. Halfhearted desire doesn’t amount to a vow.” Vow. It means “a solemn promise.” It’s on the far right side of the spectrum of kinda sorta committed to ABSOLUTELY ALL IN (!) committed.
- (Kinda sorta) (VOW = ALL IN)
A vow. A solemn promise to ourselves that we will give everything we have for however long it takes to the altruistic goal we have determined is worthy of us—whether that’s actualizing our potential, raising healthy and happy kids, giving our gifts to the world or all of the above. Let’s do a quick inventory. What’s most important to you in your life? Your actualization? Your family? Your creative expression? (