Sunday, July 8, 2012
Faith

A 7 year old child asked his parents: “Dad and mom had always give the best of them in kosen-rufu and chanted so much, but why is our days still so tough? Is it wrong if I choose to follow another religion when I grow up?

Answer:

            It is often that children would hope to see the actual proof happening on their parents. If there is no actual proof, it could be difficult to let them understand. Someday, they will leave according to their intention.

            Parents would often tell the children that we’ll find a way after we chanted. For example: After you chanted, you will be able to get good results; if you chant sincerely, Daddy will be able to bring you out for a trip. This happens when parents themselves were treating Gohonzon as a source to their own benefit.

            We know that Gohonzon is a “machine of Happiness”, but if we keep demanding and never deepen our study and actions in real life, our life will turn out to be just the same.

            Our prayers will be answered when we have a strong faith, but that will not happen effortlessly. Buddhism is not a “magical belief”. If we truly wish to change our life, we need tremendous amount of effort. Even if we couldn’t reach our goal immediately, we must have the spirit of persistence.

            Other than that, Buddhism is about benevolence. It is through benevolence act that we find out more of our potential and leading a life full of happiness.

            The key point here is the parents. Parents are the ones to consider which culture and thought to pass on to their children.

            My way is to let the children understand that we must live an enriched life. Chanting isn’t just about getting good grades, but to build ourselves to be stronger from the inside.

            Knowing how to deal with situations with wisdom is something more important.
           
          Since our children could not see an actual proof at the current stage, why not we have a promise with them?

            Discuss your children’s direction and goals, note it down on a piece of paper and chant. The best way to educate our children of faith is to be in faith with them, to support them personally. Moreover, let them understand parents’ feeling.

            The children are expecting their parents to grow with them, to face hardships in life together as a family.

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Written at 5:51 PM by Paper Pilot.