(YS from Kagoshima Prefecture/70s/Female/Temporary Employee)
Back in the days, I really believed that “The earth revolves around for me.” I was spoiled and everything went well as my own will in my childhood. Moreover, it was usual for me to disagree with others and I did not care at all even though I had no friends when I was a student. I was selfish, self-centered, and could not construct a good relationship. I was exactly a person with a bad personality. I feel so when I reflected on the past, however, I could not even realize the fact that I was being selfish at that time.
I Could Finally Understand My Kokoro
I divorced twice and brought up four children…. Amid a dizzying life, thirty years had passed when I started leaning the teachings seriously even though I became shinja forty-six years ago. When I learned about what a family is or what it about how to live…, I was surprised that “Is this like that?” or reflected that “it was what I could not feel about.” I realized how selfish I was and lacked consideration…. The more I realized it, I was filled with the feeling that I wished I could go hide myself.
A Barrier of Kokoro Removed Gradually
My lack of consideration was same for my children. Even though I made desperate effort to support our life, I did not have the time to listen to my children. My children and I could not understand well, and the barrier between us became serious. I did not know what should I say for them.
However, I wanted to understand each other. They may not listen if I say something…. Even though various feelings went around in my mind, I kigan to remove a preconception to take away the unnecessary kokoro. Then, I came to feel that I want to tell my thoughts obediently. In addition, I could listen the story of my third son who lives together with a warm concern like” I see. It’s tough.” Gradually, the barrier of our kokoro got taken away.
When I Grasp the Feelings of the Person…
Before I was aware of it, the way of involve with person has changed…. I could suppose and feel the feeling of others like “Does he/she feel like this?” or “He/She may want to do that…” Thanks for the change, I made friends and keep a good relationship with neighbors and co-workers. I could not believe myself.
This February, I broke my wrist and went to the hospital and shared the room with four members. If it was me in the past, I could not stand and would have chosen a single room. However, I could become open with members of same room and just said the single word that “I enjoyed.” Since I never said any complaint, my third son asked me that “How do you feel if there is no person you do not like?” In this way, the human relationship is really smooth every day.
Spend My Old Age Happily
For a long time, I imagined I would live alone in my old age. However, the situation has changed. I spend happy days with my generous kokoro. That is because I have been following Kami and studying the teachings steadily for forty-six years even though I could not practice well. From now on, I want to advance with my children without loosening ties with them.
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
Learn the teachings and live as see the figure of kokoro.
As you learn the teachings, realization deepened and elevate your personality.
Learn the teachings and aim to be the person who lives the love that is true.
In the hands of Kami, you could deepen the encounter more and more with family, relatives, and many people.