Vol. 24# 3
Rev. Kametaro Nakayama, A Bullied Childhood - continued from the February issue
In 1915, when I was nine years old, the principal was replaced, and Mr. Ichita Eguchi, the head teacher, was chosen to replace him. Mr. Eguchi had been sympathetic to our situation for a long time, so I was able to enroll in the middle of second grade immediately.
However, when I started going to school, mean children made fun of me by singing ``Kame, you do not have any hands, you do not have legs. You look a lot like a tumbling doll.'' They also threw rocks at me, chased, and tripped me. No matter how terrible it was, I couldn't resist or rebel, so I just clenched my teeth and endured it, but sometimes I was so frustrated that I couldn't sleep. On those nights, my mother would quietly come to my bedside while I was crying with the blanket over my head, and she would always encourage me in a gentle voice, saying, ``If you are feeling frustrated, then study hard.''
I convinced myself, ``Yes, I will study,'' to distract myself from my feelings of regret, so I held a brush with my foot and practiced calligraphy, drew pictures, and challenged myself with crafts. Gradually, I was able to move my toes more freely, and as I continued to strive, my work was posted in classrooms and displayed in exhibitions.
After a while, I had a lot to think about. I've learned to appreciate being bullied and made fun of. I was able to come this far because of this experience and identify ways to work hard without giving up. I believe these were blessings and till this day I have prayed from the bottom of my heart for the happiness of those who have bullied me. Bullying and teasing may not have significant meanings to innocent children, but can be an unbearable feeling for the person being bullied.
This issue is common not only among children, but is more serious between adults. Respect for human rights has been advocated, and people are suffering because they are poor, have a physical disability, are a single parent, are of a different race, or have a handicap. Although the path to welfare has been opened to each of them, the reality is that there are many people who are still emotionally despised and oppressed.
I think it is completely unconscionable that ostracism and discriminatory treatment still exist. I believe that those of us who believe in Konko Daijin must always be careful not to discriminate or take others lightly. On the other hand, I think it is important to build yourself up to the point where you can pray for others even if you are oppressed or looked down upon.
As an adult, I worked as a probation officer, and when I visited the homes of mischievous children, I often heard parents say, ``This child is perverse.'' Too many parents shift the blame for their children's antisocial behavior. I don't think parents realize why their children cause problems or are dishonest.
If a child is raised by unreliable parents, isn't it possible that the child may become troublesome? If parents themselves are subservient due to being poor or being single parents, they will not be able to raise their children pleasantly.
If my mother was disgraced when I cried and told others, ``Everyone is making fun of him because he does not have a father at home. Everyone is bullying him because he is disabled,'' she probably would not have kept quiet about it. My mother was a strong-willed woman, so I think she would have scolded the children who bullied me, or would have confronted the parents who made fun of me and yelled at them, but my mother had not done any of that. I gratefully remember her words, ``If you're feeling frustrated, study.'' These were not just words of encouragement, but also contained an immeasurable amount of love and precious prayer.
Affiliated Teachings of Konko Daijin:
“When people speak ill of you, you think that because you practice faith, you must endure it. Therefore you endure. However, this is not enough. You must also give prayers for them to reform their hearts.
【GII Kataoka Jiroshiro 3-2】
“Even if someone hits you, do not strike back. Don’t cause suffering. Be thankful if your
heart becomes good and pray even for those who pass by. When you are able, help others.
【GII Onishi Hide 8-1, 2】
To be continued in next issue
2024 Southern California Regional Seminar
The 2024 Southern California Regional Seminar, hosted by the Konko Church of Los Angeles, was held on Saturday, February 24. Thirteen attendees gathered to discuss the theme “Let’s pass on our faith by showing Kami’s workings in our daily lives.” The discussion opened by identifying Kami’s workings and blessings and how they are manifested in our daily lives. Water, heat, air, and our intricate body functions are examples of universal blessings that we receive within the universe which sustains life continuously. There are also tangible blessings such as our house and car and desired blessings such as family prosperity and recovery from illness. We may look back on our lives to understand that certain occurrences and connections were blessings at the time. Kami’s workings are manifested in our ability to wash our face, walk freely, care for a baby, flush the toilet with water, use visual signs such as “Arigato” as a reminder, spend time with our family, etc. One reason we receive blessings may be because of our ancestors’ accumulated virtues that are passed down to us. With many opportunities to incorporate Kami/faith in our daily lives, attendees shared that they change the sacred water (goshinsui) to connect with Kami, receive mediation, offer prayers, and seek a faith-oriented lifestyle in conscious awareness of Kami’s presence. These practices should be continuous and not temporary. We do not have to partake in self discipline rituals or do anything special but do daily activities sincerely and faithfully. Because it is human nature to have desires and temptations, it is important to rely on Kami. In order to propagate the Konko faith, we can share teachings/books/resources, realize our own blessings, participate in community service, and understand how and why we receive blessings.
Doll’s Festival
Doll’s Festival, known as Hinamatsuri, is an occasion to pray for young girls’ growth and happiness and is celebrated each year on March 3. Most families with daughters display dolls for the Doll’s Festival called Hina-ningyo. A set of dolls includes the Emperor, the Empress, three court ladies, five court musicians, two court ministers or bodyguards, and three servants. These days, we eat traditional dishes such as Chirashi sushi, clam soup, sweet white sake, sweet-flavored rice crackers and diamond-shaped rice cakes for the Doll’s Festival.
Doll's Festival carries the meaning of wishing for the beautiful and healthy growth of girls. Displaying Hina dolls also seems to have the meaning of ``transferring a girl's impurity onto the doll so that the doll will take over the disaster in her place.'' There is also a custom of displaying peach blossoms in addition to dolls which symbolizes new vitality and hopes for good things in the future.
Konko Church of Gardena and Los Angeles Announcements
Morning service, Cleanup, and Shinto-kai meeting
On March 3, morning prayers will be held at 9:00a.m. After the morning service, let us polish our hearts by cleaning the inside and outside of the church together. The Shinto-kai meeting will be held after lunch. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Spring Memorial Service
We invite you and your family to attend the Spring Memorial Service on March 10 at 10:00a.m. following the Charnel House service. Let us express our appreciation to the Mitama spirits of all believers and their ancestors. We are able to receive blessings everyday because of their efforts and sacrifices they made for us.
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