The Heart of Gentle Endurance - Guidelines for the Heart by President Ryuho Okawa 172 -

March 22, 2019（Last Update: June 13, 2026）

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

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

In this month's "Guidelines for the Heart," guidance was given on how to refine one's character and become truly strong. I spoke with Taku Fumi Tsuji open_in_new, the head of the Tokyo headquarters of Happy Science, who continues to practice spiritual training while gaining experience as a branch manager and headquarters manager.

Setbacks as a Leader

I feel that this time's "Guidelines for the Heart" contains the 'gem words of life,' and it reminded me of my experience when I faced my own limits.

Decades ago, when I was assigned as a leader in a certain department, I eagerly gave instructions, but my subordinates did not act as I expected, and there were no results at all. I advised a female subordinate, thinking it would help, saying, 'It would be better if you did this' and 'You should do that,' but her expression grew darker and darker. Then, the subordinate quietly muttered, 'It's painful to be judged so much...'. I had no intention of judging, so I was shocked and deeply affected.

When you have a heart of gentle endurance...

That night, I reflected in front of the main object of worship and looked into my heart. Then, I began to see my true feelings that I had not even realized. It was the thought of blaming my subordinates, wondering, 'Why isn't everyone moving?'. Because that true feeling was being conveyed, my subordinates did not act. I realized that the thoughts in my heart truly reach the other person.

Having deeply reflected on my mistakes, I decided to practice the teaching of 'Love that Gives' as taught by President Ryuho Okawa, specifically the point of 'Thinking from the Other Person's Perspective'. From the next day, I actively listened to my subordinates' stories, made efforts to understand their feelings, personalities, and struggles, and expressed gratitude for what they did for me. As a result, my subordinates opened their hearts, and work began to progress smoothly.

Through that experience, I learned that having a 'gentle heart' that seeks to understand others, a 'heart of love,' and a 'heart of endurance' that can accept criticism is essential for my own growth. Troubles may arise as a 'heavenly advice' saying, 'Your current way of thinking will stop your growth.' In such times, by learning President Okawa's teachings, we can expand our hearts. Shall we deepen our learning together and savor the joy of growth?

This content is reprinted and edited from Monthly 'Happy Science' Issue 386.

The very popular "Guidelines for the Heart" is featured in Monthly 'Happy Science', and subscriptions open_in_new are available, so please take advantage of it!

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

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