Being Honest - Guidelines for the Heart by President Ryuho Okawa 218 -

Jan. 24, 2023（Last Update: June 13, 2026）

President Ryuho Okawa's original work "Guidelines for the Heart" is serialized in the Happy Science's publication Monthly 'Happy Science'. Posters are displayed at branches nationwide, and it is widely known as the face of Happy Science each month.

For those who want to read the guidelines in the monthly magazine, you can also find it in Monthly 'Happy Science' February 2023 issue.

This month's theme is "Honesty". It presents important checkpoints on what it means to be honest with oneself and how to live to be honest with others.
We asked Director Akira Kondo of the Birthplace of El Cantare, a special temple, about the lessons from these guidelines.

Akira Kondo

Director of the Shikoku Headquarters and Birthplace of El Cantare open_in_new

Born in Tokushima Prefecture in 1982. Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Business and Commerce. Joined Happy Science in 2005. Has held positions such as branch manager and has been in the current position since November 2014.

"Gods and Buddhas are watching you"

From the guidelines received this month, I once again felt the importance of being honest and the difficulty of practicing it.

However, considering the current trends in education and society, it seems that there are more people who do not feel the value of "living honestly".

While it is often said from a social and moral perspective that "honesty is important", the true meaning of "honesty" can only be understood with a religious heart or faith that recognizes that "Gods and Buddhas are watching you".

The guidelines state that "being honest does not mean living in accordance with one's instincts", but if one thinks that the body is oneself, one becomes "loyal" to the desires and attachments that arise from the body.

Therefore, it is important to learn the truth of Buddhism taught by President Ryuho Okawa and to first believe that "the essence of humanity is the heart".

And if one can firmly grasp and live with the pure heart that connects with the Gods and Buddhas within oneself, I believe that is truly a happy thing.

A Model of Honesty Learned from Novels

"Honesty" feels like it can get "buried" if one does not continue daily reflection.

Moreover, it is difficult to view oneself objectively, but it is often more visible to those around you.

In work as well, when impatience or desire for results arises, it tends to obscure one's understanding of others' feelings, and I have also experienced becoming strong in words and provoking backlash, leading to deep reflection.

After all, things only progress with the support of many people, and listening sincerely to differing opinions and deepening understanding, even if it seems like a detour, is an effort that should be valued.

Practicing "being honest" is difficult, but a person who serves as a model for this is the protagonist of President Ryuho Okawa's novel series "Ryuuji Kagamigawa".

There is much to learn from Ryuuji's attitude of trying to deeply understand others and his commitment to honesty.

While learning from Ryuuji's example, I would like to continue to strive together with everyone.

Discovering the "Honest Heart": Special Koan Training of 'Eternal Law Lamp' and 'Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites'

Birthplace of El Cantare

"For those aiming for 'honesty', I recommend the 'Special Koan Training of the Eternal Law Lamp'. It helps to remove the false heart and discover the true self. Additionally, the 'Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites' that traces the footsteps of the Lord recorded in the Ryuuji Kagamigawa series deepens pure faith while reflecting on the young Lord. Please join us!" (Director Kondo)

＼Access to the Birthplace of El Cantare is here／

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This content is reprinted and edited from Monthly 'Happy Science' No. 432.

The popular 'Guidelines for the Heart' is featured in Monthly 'Happy Science' and the latest issue will be delivered by mail. Please take advantage of it!

Training on 'Guidelines for the Heart' is currently being held at national temples! open_in_new