The Chinese character ‘Busy’ is the combination of the characters ‘heart’ and ‘death’. In those tensed days when we are pressing ourselves to go along with our lives that even the most important thing is forgotten. During those times, ask yourself: What is the ‘purpose’ of life?

‘I am very busy, I don’t have time’ has this become your habitual excuse? Stop, and ask yourself whether you’re tired already? Ask yourself, what are all these for? As a member, besides our studies and work, we have one more extra responsibility to strive compared to many other people; and that is our kosen rufu activities. Are we like what sensei said in his guidance that we forgot some important things when we are too busy that even the act of concern is ignored?

Here, the Chinese character ‘heart’ and ‘death’ doesn’t mean that the heart stopped beating, it represents that we are lost. Prior to completing our tasks, we are already out of breath. Are waiting for the never ending work that will never come to an end? When we are aware that we are lost in this tensed life, we must return to our starting point! If we are led blindly by our life, then come back to our starting point! And ask ourselves what is the purpose of all our efforts? Say for an example, our starting point in studying is because of Ikeda Sensei’s guidance which is ‘Regardless of the present situation or the outcome, strive all out to challenge it!’ You may not always obtain good grades but the most important thing is that we strive all out doing our utmost and persevere until the very end.

At times, forgetting something and our memory aren’t associated; however it lies in our hearts. It is because we are too occupied we can barely breathe that we have no time to take notice of other things.’ Is this how you really feel? It is because of you sealing out yourself that you cannot see beautiful things in life. The act of concern is everlasting whereas kosen rufu isn’t sustainable. We must never make use of being busy as our excuse and become indolent and laid back affecting our daily lives.

Here I am using a young woman division’s experience as an example. Ever since her brothers’ business started doing well, naturally they became very busy and spend lesser time at home. At times, they may meet not more than two times a week and they don’t get to speak even a single word. Her relation with her family members became even more distant. ‘Home’ gradually became synonymous to a hotel. Lacking in communication and understanding, often the sound of people arguing instead of laughter can be heard from her house. She resolved to change her family’s situation and thus set a goal and chanted for mutual concern and growth among her family members. After a month, she gradually saw the changes. Besides her brothers spending more time at home, her whole family would often go out for dinner. To her, it is her biggest wish / desire. ‘Busy’ swallows ones passion for life and it will also consume our most valued empathy and compassion.

The purpose of life is for a fulfilling happiness and it is only through numerous trials and efforts that we are able to truly feel the sense of fulfillment. Say for example: When we participate in sports day activities where every event has their own degree of difficulties. If we do not train every day, we may not have the stamina, endurance and jumping ability to complete the event competed. It is only through continuous practice that the victory we accomplished will bring about the sense of fulfillment. The fulfillment in life is also similar. It is only by constantly reminding ourselves and reflecting on our mistakes, we won’t lose track of our purpose. ‘Coming back to our starting point’ is the secret to maintaining our vitality.

Labels: e. Words of mentor