(SH from Fukui Prefecture/70s/Female/ Housewife)
The other day, while walking down a slope, I felt a severe pain in my leg. The cushion between the bones in my left knee was damaged. My life changed completely, and I could barely walk.
As I had been a shinja for more than 50 years, rather than passing this incident simply as a painful moment, I took this opportunity to deeply reflect on myself in light of the teachings I had learned. I knew I should find a lesson to heed from this.
Tendency to Bite Back My Words
It was amazing that I did realize an important thing. While learning the teachings of Kami, I was taught that the causes of one’s worries lie in one’s human relationships, especially with people close to one, and in sparse conversations. This got my attention. “Hmm? Do I worry because of a lack of conversation? I am making conversations,” I thought.
On second thought, however, I realized I get discouraged to get more involved when I’m told by my daughter-in-law, “No, thank you.” Although I don’t feel depressed, I kind of bite back my words. For the first time, I realized this feeling of “biting back my words” means the lack of conversation.
With the Help of Kami through Kigan
I realized that the kind of kigan I used to offer was like leaving everything to Kami―simply asking Kami to cure. But the importance was for me to become able to draw out my ability to heal. Therefore, I began to kigan so that I could change myself and get rid of the tendency to bite back my words―my tendency to close off my heart.
When I handed a gift to my daughter-in-law and she didn’t express any reaction, I didn’t let it pass as “That’s OK,” as usual. Instead, I said to her, “I selected this for you with our grandchild, wishing that you’d be pleased. How do you like it?” Then, she replied, “Thank you, Mother. I’d love this one,” which made my heart so warm and tender. And I became convinced that when I express my honest feelings, the other party surely responds to them.
What Was Missing in My Kokoro the Most
As for the treatment of my knee, it recovered so amazingly that the doctor said, “There are many people who do not get results even after rehabilitation. It is rare to get as good results as yours.” For people who don’t know this Kami, I may seem to be a miraculous person. Some people I met in the hospital said to me, like, “Why are you so cheerful?” “Give me your power, because talking with you makes me feel all right.” This sometimes gives me opportunities to tell them about this Kami.
At home, my husband, my sons, and my daughter-in-law support me in everything, and I feel that their warmth also leads to my healing power. Even such casual words as “Watch your step,” or “Don’t overdo it,” are so delightful to me, and my heart is filled with layers of warmth and happiness.
My lack of conversation was not just a lack of words… Rather, it was a lack of “love” for my family. Along with gratitude that I have been allowed to realize this, I pledge to myself that I will strive to practice love more, with the help of Kami through kigan,
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
Live by the principles, seeking a family where harmonious minds are fostered.
The kokoro of family members will gradually come together and be there for one another, and a kokoro to support each other as they live will grow.
Anxiety and doubts in the kokoro will subside through the interactions between family members.
The strength of the unmei will go on to be drawn out when the kokoro is anchored.