(MN from Chiba Prefecture/60s/Male/Teacher)
It’s been 50 years since I registered as a shinja. Looking back, I feel I suffer less from human relationship problems.
It Wasn’t ‘Their’ Problem
There were many times when I felt challenged in dealing with students as well as their parents in my long career as a middle school teacher. It felt like they would never listen to me and they would not try to understand my point of view. In the end, I used to block them inside my kokoro thinking, “I don’t care about them…they should do whatever they want.” And yet, even after decades since these events, I would suddenly remember and feel frustrated inside.
My life has always been troubles with human relationships. But as I studied the teachings of Kami, I started to realize that it wasn’t ‘their’ problem, but it was my lingering personality that created my problems. So, I started to offer kigan so that my kokoro that ‘lingers’ or that tends to be extra ‘particular’ about things would not bother me.
My kokoro used to be so bothered when I felt uncomfortable or indifferent about something. But today, my kokoro would recover overnight giving me the ability to be more positive, thinking; “These things happen…” or “Perhaps I was acting the same way they were…” And naturally, I am less going against other people and not finding myself in the middle of an argument. Moreover, my kokoro does not linger—it feels good.
The Protection of Kami I Feel Everyday
I believe my family’s acceptance and patience played a big part in the changes I was able to make. I used to not talk about how I felt to my family because I assumed they would not understand me. But now, I feel grateful that they listened to me and my kokoro becomes more lightened and positive. And at the same time, I have become more patient to listen to my family without rejecting their opinions. Slowly but surely, good vibes are being created in our family environment.
In addition to the changes in my kokoro in a positive way, I feel that my physical health has been protected a lot. Family on my side has a history of high blood pressure. I lost my grandfather from a stroke and my father from an aortic aneurysm. And I used to have high blood pressure too. But recently, I am only taking the lowest dosage of medication and my numbers have been very stable and good. It’s funny how I used to suffer migraines, and so I always carried medication for it wherever I go. But I haven’t taken that medication in years now. One time, my dentist was surprised how I wasn’t feeling any pain despite what was going on with my teeth. The protection from Kami I feel here and there…
I have accomplished my goal to read Shinji every morning this year. I teach at cram schools right now, but I am happy to say that I don’t suffer any problems with human relationships. Hence, I am able to live each day with a very stable, calm kokoro. When you face Kami correctly, I can assure you that anyone can achieve the calm and peaceful kokoro. And so, I can’t wait to tell people about what I have experienced in my journey with Kami.
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
Living life in the hands of Kami, no worries or problems will occur in people’s kokoro.
Have a strong feeling (understanding) to learn the teachings with the family.
Your kokoro will shine bright and your kokoro (compassion/love) for your family will deepen.
Your kokoro and your physical body will be healthy.
The generous kokoro will help you deepen the ties with people and things thus creating the joy of living.