Vol. 24# 10
Rev. Kametaro Nakayama - Reason for Happiness - continued from September
According to the research between the mind and our blood, the alkalinity of the blood maintains a clean, resistant, and healthy body, but when it becomes acidic, our health gradually declines and the blood becomes turbid.
In order to maintain a normal alkalinity in the blood, it is essential to have a bright and cheerful mind. When we feel anger, dissatisfaction, or are driven by anxiety or impatience, the blood becomes acidic. Therefore, it can be said that a strong mentality is important in maintaining good health.
”Food is made and provided by the Divine Parent of the Universe.”
”Food becomes medicine or poison depending on your heart.”
“Never forget to have a grateful heart whenever you drink or eat.”
These teachings of Konko Daijin show us the path to true health.
We should strive for eating habits that show gratitude for the blessings of heaven and earth for every drop of water and every grain of rice.
It is with great hopes that couples will live a life of mutual respect for each other. Only when parents raise their children with respect and gratitude will the children respect their parents. If parents raise their children with the expectation of something in return, the child may grow up to be an unfilial son/daughter. Parents and children must strive to live a life of mutual respect.
It is important for farmers to express their gratitude to their cows and horses, plow the fields with respect, and be grateful for the fertilizer they apply.
I think that workers who work with gratitude toward their machines will have fewer accidents.
During the war, there was a patient at an army hospital who had been shot in the neck, damaging his cervical vertebrae and motor nerves of his entire body. His limbs became as emaciated as a mummified body with only skin stuck to his bones. The military doctor who first examined him said, "Gangrene is gradually progressing from your fingertips, and you have about 30 days to live. Prepare yourself and accept death." However, the patient himself said, "I will not die. Current medical science may not be able to save me, but there will be advancements while I am alive. Until that day comes, I will continue to live and not die." And with amazing mental strength, he survived for another three years.
After hearing various stories, I kept the person in mind and prayed for him even after I returned home. Three years later, I met him again at a sanatorium for wounded veterans. When he saw me, he smiled. His smile was so bright and radiant that it was hard to believe he had been bedridden for six years.
"Thanks to your teachings, I have gradually come to find happiness myself. My comrades complain every day about their sore hands and numbness in their feet, but I do not have any nerves in my hands or feet, so I don't have these concerns, which is a relief. I am truly grateful."
It seems amazing that this man, who was told he had only 30 days to live, managed to live for six years, but every time I met him after that, he was able to get out of bed, go outside and sunbathe, and even move his hands little by little so he was able to chase mosquitoes and flies.
Within our heart lies a miraculous power given by Kami. A heart of complaint and dissatisfaction can suppress this power, but I believe that when we are thankful to Kami’s will no matter the situation, that miraculous power will appear and we will be able to receive blessings as a result. Let us open the eyes of our hearts and feel truly grateful.
“Whether or not your prayers are answered by divine blessings depends upon your heart.” (Shinkun 2-44)
“Do not say it is a miracle when you receive divine blessings by practicing faith.”(Shinkun 1-14)
“It is strange not to receive divine blessings when practicing faith.” (Shinkun 1-15)
In this way, our founder, Konko Daijin, clearly teaches us the relationship between faith and blessings. If we simply pray, there will be times when blessings are received and times when they are not, but Konko Daijin says that by having faith, blessings will always be received. Therefore, I think it is important to make an effort every day to deepen this faith.
Until now, many people thought that if they just put their hands together and ask Kami, they would receive immediate blessings. It is true that they can be cured of illnesses and saved from disasters, but if they pursue only these things and believe that these are the purposes of faith, they will unknowingly move away from Kami's will. As a result, they will confuse their wishes with their desires, become people who take advantage of Kami, and ultimately receive wrong criticism. I believe that our life becomes stronger and more vivid through faith. Above all, since I came to understand the feeling of "thankfulness," I have been able to enjoy better health, and I believe this is the most important happiness.
To be continued in next issue
Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit |
006 Let's count our heartbeats |
Calm your mind and place your hand on your chest to feel your heartbeat. Imagine your heart, deep in your chest, beating intensely without a second's rest. Count your heartbeats for one minute, then use a calculator to enter that number × 60 minutes × 24 hours × 365 days × your age. Living is truly incredible, isn't it? |
Konko Church of Gardena and Los Angeles Announcements
Morning Service and Gardena Church Shinto-kai meeting
On Sunday, October 6, we will be holding a morning prayer at 9 a.m. After praying, let’s clean the inside and outside of the church. The Shinto-Kai meeting will follow the cleanup. If you are interested, please join us.
October Monthly Service
On Sunday, October 13, from 10:00 a.m., we will be holding the Monthly Service at the Gardena Mediation Hall.
Gardena Church Work Committee Study Group
The GCWC will meet on Sunday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to work on Biography of Konko Daijin discussion questions. Please contact Rev. Uzunoe if you are interested in joining this group.
Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Michiko Nishida
Mrs. Michiko Nishida passed away on August 8. She was 94 years old. Mrs. Nishida was a long-time member of the Los Angeles Church, and she and her husband made great contributions to the church. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Konko Church of Gardena. We ask all close friends, acquaintances, and related parties to please attend the funeral.
Chicken Teriyaki Sale Update
Thank you very much to everyone who helped with preparations the day before and the day of the chicken sale. We also extend our appreciation to all who ordered the chicken plates and sauces. We hope you enjoyed the meals.
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