(YK from Toyama Prefecture/60s/Male/Construction)
I was raised in a family where my parents were not getting along. There were all sorts of violence in the house every single day, which led me to thinking, “I wish our family would disappear…” It was soon after, my mother and I registered as a shinja at Shinji Kyōkai.
However, I never wanted to seek Kami to begin with. I used to go against my mother who would always be putting Kami first with everything. I remember the very first time when we paid a visit to Shinsōhonbu, I said to Kami in my kigan; “This would probably be the first and last time I will visit here.”
Eventually Walking the Same Path as My Parents…
Years later, I found myself suffering the exact same situation with my own family of disharmony as my parents did. I’ve had two marriages that ended with divorce, and my children were all separated. In retrospect, there was a sense of loneliness deep down in my heart since I was very little. This sense of loneliness always existed inside me. “I have to change myself…I can’t stay this way.” With a sense of urgency, I started to learn the teachings of Kami after a long period of being non-active shinja.
As I learned the teachings, a phrase caught my attention. It said; ‘Conversation is like playing catch between two people. What’s important is to begin by receiving the other person’s thoughts.’ This made me realize how selfish I have been towards everyone. Whether it was at home or at work, I yelled at everyone around me if there was something that I didn’t like. I often even thought I’d rather cut ties with the other person. I saw how I have lived my life ever accepting the other person.
A Surprising Changes in the Movement of My Kokoro
There was a time when the materials we ordered for construction work was delivered with damage. It was due to the vendor’s careless mistake. If it were me back then, I probably would have yelled at the vendor and said, “What are you going to do about it!!” But this time, instead of yelling at them and blaming them, my kokoro moved to think about them and thought, “I wonder what the vendor is feeling now.” This was a thought I never used to have. I was surprised with my thoughts.
I told the vendor not to worry about it, and the person who delivered it looked relieved. And luckily a painter was right there and with his craftsmanship, he was able to fix the damage right away. The delivery person’s job is only responsible for delivering the product, but he was generous enough to stay and help out afterwards. And the work was completed successfully exceeding my expectations. It truly felt good and was nice how things were handled.
I have recently been assigned as a vice leader for a union of construction workers. And it has been very worthwhile. People would come talk to me in my community too. Before I know it, I am always surrounded with people. “I am enjoying my life!” This is how I feel today. The moment your approach on how you interact with people changes, your environment changes greatly. I am surprised to see this in my life. I want to thank my late mother for introducing me to Kyōkai. I am truly grateful.
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 principles of the path and abide by it; you will be protected in the hands of Kami.
Many encounters will sustain shinja’s life, and guide them.
Life is not protected or supported by people.
It is your kokoro (unmei) that tries to abide by the path helps make the most of the encounters with people, and helps you live in alignment with your time, your place, and your role.