1007SHAN-ZAI_English.. - Rissho Kosei-kai

An Attitude That Brings You Blessings
Sometimes I think about how I could have come this far in
life without making huge mistakes, even in the midst of such
hard work.
During the time when I was founding Rissho Kosei-kai,
each day flew by as I was completely absorbed in delivering
bottles of milk, conducting hoza sessions, guiding others to the
Way, and enshrining the symbol of the faith on members’ home
altars. Once in a while, I would have a free schedule, and could
look forward to some time to relax; but usually, some members
would abruptly call me because of a sudden illness or a quarrel
between husband and wife. So I had to leave everything behind
and rush to help them. It is no wonder that my wife was not
happy with this kind of situation, since her husband was
neglecting his family affairs.
However, I had been so lost in performing those activities
that I could not be completely self-centered. This was voluntary
service of total selflessness. So, I had no time to think
about myself, and instead I concentrated on the members, with
the desire that they would understand the teaching and attain
happiness. When I told them exactly what I felt by intuition, it
always hit the mark. The members would put my guidance into
practice and then become happy.
Those experiences of mine that I had over many years
helped me to imprint this thought in my mind: “An attitude of
thorough selflessness brings you blessings from the Buddha.”
From Kaisozuikan 4 (Kosei Publishing Co.) p.190-191 Translated by Rissho Kosei-kai International
Beginning June 12th, I spent several days visiting
the Tzu Chi Foundation as a member of the mission
from Rissho Kosei-kai. Dharma Master Cheng Yen, who
established the foundation and has been the spiritual
leader of its members, was awarded with the 24th
Niwano Peace Prize.
She has been teaching members with the spirit of
the Lotus Sutra, and they have developed an amazing
capacity for action. Their quick and speedy international
relief activity is highly valued in Taiwan and overseas.
The source of their selfless activity is the bodhisattva
mind, which is emphasized in the Lotus Sutra. Specifically,
their desire is to embody the bodhisattva Kannon,
as Founder Niwano also taught us to do. The Tzu Chi
Foundation members are striving to be Kannon through
their volunteer work. A variety of kinds of bodhisattvas
appear in the Lotus Sutra. What type of bodhisattva are
you trying to be?
(Kotaro Suzuki)
Rissho Kosei-kai International Branches