（MK from Tokyo Prefecture/40s/ Female/Company Employee）
Working as a secretary in a foreign-affiliated company, my days used to be filled with asking myself, “Really? I cannot believe it.” It seemed to me that people around me were all selfish, apathetic except about their own interests, and changing their attitudes depending on who they’re speaking to, like a weathercock. When I made spontaneous offers to undertake some troublesome tasks because everyone seemed to be busy, with a backlog of work to be done growing larger and larger, I even felt that only the good becomes a fool for their pains.
Although I Just Intend to Be of Help to Others, Why Do I Get Exhausted?
Although I just intend to be of help to others, why do I get mentally exhausted so badly? Searching for the answer, I started to learn the teachings of Kami in earnest. Even though I pretended to undertake jobs willingly, deep in my heart, I was always judging people, like, “Oh, this guy is a weathercock!” “He is a person who glosses over things to protect his own interests.” Finding this, I came to see that my intention to be of help was not pure―it was contaminated with impurity.
As shinja who live by the principles, use your kokoro so that the others will feel warm and become gentle. This piece of Shinji resonated in my heart. There must be hidden thoughts and efforts behind someone’s words and deeds. I came to understand it was so presumptuous of me to judge people only by appearances. I gradually came to feel I don’t have to protect myself.
Although Kami teaches us the importance of deepening our ties with people, I used to think I don’t have to overexert myself―I just put the teachings into practice as long as I can. But the truth is, I couldn’t dare to take a step forward although I knew there was some room for me to get involved.
Feeling a Great Help of Kami
I sense that Kami has helped me to take that step forward. It’s not about the other person, but how I face them that counts. I have experienced that when I act pure-heartedly like, “I want to lend a helping hand because they are in trouble and in need of my help,” “I will apologize sincerely, as I am behindhand with my work,” my sincerity can be felt by the other parties for sure.
In my workplace, one’s educational background tends to be valued highly. As I didn’t graduate from college, I can be transferred to another position anytime. Recently, however, I was asked by one of the foreign executives of our company to make his scheduling again the next time he comes to Japan. Furthermore, I was relied on by staff members of other department who said, ” If possible, I would like you to undertake this job,” which I am truly thankful for. The words of “Thank you so much for your help,” transcending the boarders of countries and departments give me so much happiness and fulfilment. My heart is filled with gratitude, meaning and purpose―people surrounding me are all so warm-hearted.
Even now, I sometimes find myself starting to be judgmental because of my strong sense of justice. But I have come to rally my heart much sooner than before, because I have become able to identify my feelings. I am sure Kami is helping me with what I cannot practice only through my effort. I am feeling very happy about this every day.
Heeding the Shinji to Understand the Reasons for the Joys Experienced
Shinji is the universal principle (truth), and can also be the guidance of life that foresees the future. Please feel the wonders of a life that flows exactly in a way the Shinji tells us when you live with the teachings of Kami.
Shinji
Strive to live with the your kokoro(life) supported by the teachings.
Sincerity to think of others will blossom in your kokoro; and trust, affection, and compassion will deepen your encounters.
The more life is lived by the teachings and the kokoro to give back is acquired, the more the kokoro of human beings are all led by their unmei, and the kokoro(relations) to need each other will be born.
This is the condition of the human beings who have attained meaning and purpose.