Vol. 25# 1
Happy New Year everyone!
Konko Daijin stated,
“Since New year’s is to celebrate the whole year, it is truly auspicious. Angry people will be told not to be angry because it is New Year’s. Live each day with the same happy heart you have on New Year's Day. When the sun sets, think that it’s the last day of the year. It will make your life happy every day, and there will be no discord in your family. Live happily as if each day were New Year’s Day.” [Gorikai I, Kondo Fujimori 52]
Let us discuss the blessings of Konko Daijin.
“Everyone asks me to give them divine blessings. But do they understand what divine blessings are?
Divine blessings are not limited to just having one’s wishes granted. For some people, death is a divine blessing. Others are saved from death through divine blessings. Since everything in this world is governed by Kami, there is nothing but to depend on the Divine Parent.
Even though it may seem like an inconvenience at the time, if you continue to practice faith without going against Kami’s will, you will realize later what blessings you have received. Faith is pointless unless this much is understood.” [Gorikai III, Jinkyu Kyogoroku 35]
Jinkyukyogoroku is a collection of teachings written down by Kataoka Jiroshiro, a devout believer in Konko Daijin, who received them from the founder of the Konko faith.
Konko Daijin describes blessings the following way: "Whether you have faith or not, you are given blessings. The blessings from Kami are called divine blessings. In this case, the important thing is how much you realize the blessings you are receiving now. There are other blessings that you receive through faith. These include 1) blessings for being freed from difficulties, 2) blessings for awakening to the truth, 3) blessings for being able to live a new life, 4) blessings for refining your true self, 5) blessings for becoming one with Kami, and 6) blessings for saving others." This year, let us delve a little deeper into our faith in Konko Daijin and manifest true blessings.
Rev. Kametaro Nakayama - Live with Faith - continued from December
One day shortly after the end of the war, I was invited to be a lecturer at a Grand Ceremony held at a church. This church had a long history and tradition, and the ceremony was a grand event attended by many people from the surrounding areas.
During the Ceremony, a minister from another church encouraged a congregation representative who was accompanying him, saying, "Make sure to attend the Grand Ceremony at the parent church next time as well." However, the representative responded, "My hemorrhoids have worsened, and even walking to the train station is a struggle. I don't know if I'll even get a seat and the shaking from the long ride is unbearable. Plus, the service is long, and I'll get home late if I stay for the sermon. Could you ask someone else to attend next time?"
The minister however, persuaded him further, saying, "Think back to when you first joined the faith and received blessings at the parent church. This isn't a frequent event, so please attend. I'll pray for you as well, so pray wholeheartedly and reconsider."
Encouraged by these words, the representative reluctantly decided to attend. On the day of the parent church's Grand Ceremony, the walk to the station felt even longer than usual because he was so unmotivated. The local train he boarded, as expected, had hard wooden benches. With a sigh, he muttered, "Of course, it's a hard bench..."
The service lasted over two hours, and he thought, "That was long." Then the sermon began. He sighed again, thinking, "Another sermon." However, as he listened to my (Rev. Kametaro Nakayama) sermon, he unexpectedly forgot about the pain from his hemorrhoids.
As he reflected on his way home, he realized, "I was wrong. Over time, my faith had unknowingly become arrogant and lax. Complaining about this minor pain and skipping such an important service at the parent church would have truly been disgraceful. If I hadn't attended, I wouldn't have been able to hear such a valuable sermon. I was about to go against the heart of Kami and potentially lose blessings. What a frightening thought. Even though I offered a symbolic sacred branch as a representative, my life wouldn't have improved."
On his way back, he sat again on the hard bench of the train, but this time, he clasped his hands because he felt gratitude instead of discomfort for being able to sit. He has been irritable and quiet, but when he returned home and greeted his wife, she quickly came to the door to give a formal bow and responded “Welcome home.” His greeting of “I’ve returned home” was met with a warm “Thank you for your hard work.” This harmonious exchange continued from the entrance to their room.
Their child was astonished. It had been a long time since they spoke so kindly to each other. Typically, they were bickering, so the child could not help slide open the door quietly to peek inside. "Come on in," the father called out, noticing him. Surprised, the child hesitantly entered, only to find his usually stern father speaking gently, "I heard a great talk today. Let me share it with you."
From then on, harmony and peace returned to the couple's relationship and that of the parent and child as well. The family's faith was renewed, and even the father's hemorrhoid pain eased. Reflecting on this, he realized he had been asking Kami only to cure his illness while neglecting to focus on family matters and proper faith practice.
It is said, "Faith begins with harmony at home," yet this simple teaching is often challenging to live by. In pursuing blessings, faith can sometimes wane. By practicing the teachings of Konko Daijin in every aspect of life, one can receive both spiritual and physical blessings.
If we incorporate faith into every aspect of our lives, love and respect can flourish between husband and wife. Gratitude will be felt even in small acts or words.
On this very day, by praying with single-minded devotion to Konko Daijin and Kami, the faith that saves both oneself and others develops.
Salvation is about becoming a true child of Kami. By attaining personal salvation, one's entire household is saved. This salvation extends to neighbors, and gradually, it grows to encompass our society, the nation, and eventually, the entire world.
Key Reflection:
What is the difference between "faith in life" and "life with faith"?
"Faith in life" means turning to Kami only when it is convenient or necessary, such as in times of trouble. As the saying goes, "Turning to Kami in times of need," refers to people who seek divine help only in difficult times but otherwise disregard faith in their daily lives.
"Life with faith" refers to a way of living grounded in the teachings of Konko Daijin, with Kami at the center of life.
A Kami centered life refers to living in harmony with Kami and following Kami’s teachings. In contrast, a human centered life involves relying solely on one's own strength, often ignoring Kami’s guidance.
May we strive to return to a Kami centered life, practicing faith in all aspects of life. As it is said, hardship and peace are determined by one's heart.
To be continued in next issue
Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit |
009 Reasoning to 80 Percent |
When you're told, "Hurry up!" it's natural to want to respond with excuses like, "I was about to do it," or "I'm too tired." However, it's often best not to voice all of these responses. Keeping about 80 percent of your excuses to yourself can help maintain peace and harmony in your interactions. |
Konko Church of Gardena and Los Angeles Announcements
New Year’s Day service
New Year's Day Service will be held at 9 a.m. on January 1. Pray for good health in the new year, visit Konko Daijin's service hall with gratitude, and pray for the best for the upcoming year. After the service, each person will receive sacred sake, ozōni, and osechi dishes to celebrate together.
Morning Service and Shinto-kai Meeting
On Sunday, January 5, we will have morning service at 9 a.m. followed by the Gardena Church Shinto-kai Meeting. The meeting will discuss the church activities and the budget for 2025.
Monthly service and New Year's party
Our monthly service and New Year's party will be held on Sunday, January 12 at 10 a.m. Please join us for a potluck and white elephant gift exchange. Bring a dish or gift that you would like to share with others. We look forward to seeing you.
Gardena Church Work Comittee
GCWC will be held on Sunday, January 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Obituary
Mrs. Michiko Fujita, Mr. Matsuo’s wife, passed away on December 6 at 10:20 a.m. She was 88 years old. (2/17/1936 - 12/6/2024) The memorial service will be held on January 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gardena Church Service Hall.
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