1. Volume One
2. Volume Two
3. Volume Three
4. What is Daimoku
5. On Becoming
6. The Buddha's Work
7. A Debt of Gratitude
8. Longing for Masters
9. Samsara and the Ego
10. Samsaric Opportunity
11. Singlemindedly desire to see the Buddha
12. The Two Great Concepts
13. Pain of ending friendships
14. The Buddha's Teaching
15. Broad Study but Focused Practice
16. Merits of Teaching the Law

The Buddha's Work

Congratulations!!!

Truly nothing is outside your grasp. I only wish with all my heart that we could devote ourselves solely to the nature of mind and awakening. To teach others in the Way and have the Path swell to embrace every person we meet. Although I am joyful that you will be able to settle your samsaric issues in the field of mathematics, I confess to a slight grieving, no doubt my own attachments. I trust you will continue to practice as you have already said. And I am certain of the powerful influence you will have on the world. Mathematics was certainly a great part of my path and awakenings. Truly, the teachings of the Buddha show that all our activities to bring light into others' lives is the work of the Buddha. The key to this work is in the attitude, not superficially, but deep within one's fibre. It is here that we discover mindfulness, in our ability to see clearly into our motives and reward. If there is the slightest motive to give of our "selves" to others in the hopes of attaining egotistical reward, we have tarnished our Buddha nature and lost an opportunity for cleansing negative karma. In fact, this is the way of the ego and its reinforcements of the samsaric world. Teaching is a noble path, with courageous objectives; with mindfulness this can definitely lead to awakenings in conjunction with contemplation and meditation.

I am sorry that the Florida trip will be unavailable. I have been a bit preoccupied with the most recent book on meditation I am writing and the recording of guided meditations of which I now have in the dozens, as well as the continued trauma in Tibet. Though the Buddhism there is still adherent to Theravada precepts and provisional Mahayana, there is hope. It is as though the Buddhas themselves drove the Tibetans from their home to force propagation of the teachings to the West. There must be a resurgence of the primacy of the Lotus Sutra. It should be of no surprise to anyone if one day I simply disappear to go live in a monastery in the area. I feel so limited in the ability to spread the teachings here.

With this current book, I am beginning an effort for a large publisher to print and distribute. Much will depend on the success or failure of that endeavour.

I appreciate you sentiments and your inquiries. I anticipate your visit.

Love and respect,

Reverend Sylvain Nyudo

BACKGROUND

This original letter was amended to include elucidations on the thoughts not transmitted in the written context. This ongoing dialogue is of great value in the application of Buddhist thought and practice.

----- Original Message -----
From: James Todaro
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 11:40 AM
Subject: The energy flows through in and throughout

Sifu...ahhhhhhhhh. I can finally breathe. I've been studying pretty intensely for the past week and a half going through some old math material I haven't touched on in 10-15 years. I guess it never really leaves you though. My test was today and I think I did pretty well. I'm not sure as to my next moves yet. It looks like I wont be able to pick you up, though I will be able to make a stop in Tupelo for a day or two. Ill only have a week or less for the whole trip...but things are still developing, so Ill fill you in more when I know more. I feel real well though. And happy. I'm a bit worn down from all the stress, but I'm really glad I sweated the details. I really feel like I nailed that test. :) I just wanted you to know that I love you and am inspired by your presence. Thank you for helping me to spread love and joy. It will be good to see you...and the temple room. Soon.
Love and anticipation
James