(MT from Kagoshima Prefecture/30s/Female/Employee)
I dropped out of college, got a job, but changed jobs over and over again. Compared to my younger brothers and sisters, who are making a great contribution to society, I feel so embarrassed… I can’t face my parents, but at the same time, I can’t be honest with them, and there are days when I lock myself in my room. Even when my mother invites me to go to Kyōkai to learn the teachings, I hated it so much. Reluctantly, I was going to Hikari no Yakata with my parents.
Knowing the Feelings My Parents had for Me, I Wanted to Change
One day, my father asked me, “Do you know why your mother keeps asking you to go to Hikari no Yakata with her?” and it really opened my eyes. I realized how much my parents cared about my future. Soon after, my father was hospitalized with a cerebral infarction. When he survived, I felt a sense of relief, but at the same time, I felt a sincere desire to change and not cause him any more worry.
When I See Myself Through the Teachings
I attended the Yūkikai and learned the importance of living honestly and sincerely. When I reflected on myself, I realized that I never listened to what others said, and I was never expressing my thoughts honestly… I realized that I couldn’t change if I continued like this. Kami was teaching me the right way to live so that I could be happy. The reason I didn’t like learning until now was because I felt like I was being scolded… I was too easy on myself. Since I realized this, I have become more proactive in learning.
Conversations with My Family Gave Me Courage
Eventually, I realized that my mindset about work was also wrong. I dismissed the importance of “with what kind of kokoro” I was working with, and I was just doing the work in front of me out of obligation. I had no desire to be useful, and I rebelled against what my boss said. If I had even the slightest unpleasant experience, I would quit right away.
So, the first thing I did was to be conscious of listening to what people had to say and speaking my feelings honestly. I told my parents everything that was happening in my daily life and what I was thinking. As I was doing this, my mother told me, “Everybody has received good things from Kami that are useful to society,” and I felt hopeful that maybe I have some good points too. Just by accepting things honestly, my heart felt so light! When I expressed my gratitude by saying “thank you,” I was filled with such a fresh feeling. I felt a surge of courage to move forward and live life.
The Joy Depends on What Kind of Kokoro you Have
Soon after, I was introduced to a hotel by the agency. I offered kigan to be considerate to others and tried to provide polite and heartfelt customer service. Before I knew it, I had been working as a front desk clerk for three years. Sometimes I made mistakes that made customers angry, and sometimes I was subjected to unreasonable words. In the past, I would have shown my emotions on my face and thought, “I hope they never come again.” But now, I find myself enjoying interacting with my guests. Some guests visit me every time they stay at the hotel, which makes me incredibly happy.
My superior, who always listened to me and gave me guidance, was behind the sense of fulfillment I was feeling at work. Thanks to them, I was able to grow to the point where I could work together to solve any issues with my juniors. I also experience the joy of turning each encounter into an emotional one, together with my colleagues.
Desire to Spread the Joy of Living By the Teachings
My parents are the ones who are happiest with who I am today, more than anyone else. They never gave up on me for so long and showed me their love. I can’t thank them enough for always listening to my thoughts. I’ve only just begun to realize the value of living by Kami’s teachings, but I want to treasure the connection with Kami that my grandparents passed on to me, and experience the joy of living by the teachings with the many people I come into contact with.
Shinji
Human beings’ (people’s) kokoro that are led by unmei feel gratitude towards people and things.
And to make the most of the presence of people and things, they deepen the thoughts of hōshi (to give back/reciprocate).
Through the teachings, human beings learn what life is, deepen their understanding, make the kokoro to love a part of their way of life, and elevate their life.
The Shinji shown by Kami are teachings that teach us how to live a happy life. Because they are universal truths that apply to everyone, if you live by these teachings, your life will improve.