I'm glad I joined Happy Science - Knowing the afterlife, I overcame the pain of losing a loved one

Youth that survived the flames of war

I was born 96 years ago in 1923 in Lushun, China (then Kanto Province). Due to my father's business in Japan and China, I spent my school years in Dalian and later moved with my family to Kobe. The terrifying sight of the red sea of flames and black smoke during the war is something I will never forget. Many of my friends died in air raids.

I heard the Imperial Rescript on the Day of Victory when I was 22. Amid the chaos after the defeat, I met and married a man 14 years older than me, and we were blessed with five children. My husband was involved in construction and factory management, and I helped him while raising our children. Every day was so busy that it made my head spin. During this time, I had been seeking religion and truth since my teenage years, and I found solace in a religion called 'Seicho-no-Ie' at my aunt's suggestion.

Working tirelessly during middle and senior age

When my five children became adults, I started working as a nursing assistant in my 50s. My husband passed away due to illness when I was 60. Without time to grieve, I was busy organizing my husband's factory, and afterward, I began living with my eldest son, who was running a soba shop in Suginami, Tokyo. Between my 60s and 80s, I worked as a housekeeper while doing housework, but at 86, an unexpected misfortune struck.

The eldest son who left quietly

It was a hot and humid August, close to my eldest son's 55th birthday. Even when breakfast was ready, he did not wake up.

(That's strange, I wonder what's wrong)

Feeling curious, I went to check on him, and my eldest son was still asleep. However, although his body was warm, he did not move at all no matter how much I shook him. Sensing something was wrong, I immediately called an ambulance. When the emergency responders arrived...

"I'm sorry, but he passed away about 4 or 5 hours ago. He took a large amount of sleeping pills."

(...W-why? How could this happen—)

I was at a loss for words. My son had suddenly taken his own life.

When I spoke to the employees at my son's shop, they told me that he had been having trouble with his eyesight for some time and that his body was not moving as he wished. At the hospital, they said it was 'unknown causes.' The medication was ineffective, and it seemed he was deeply troubled, but I did not notice. I believe my son kept his illness a secret to avoid worrying me.

(Masahiko...)

My sorrow grew day by day. After all, he was my own flesh and blood, and I couldn't forget him.

(Where did Masahiko go? I want to see him...)

What happens to people when they die? I explored various religions, but none could answer my questions. The Seicho-no-Ie, which I had attended for many years, became more about morality than religion after the change in leadership, and I drifted away. Without finding answers, three years passed while I carried my sorrow.

A pamphlet that changed my destiny

As I was approaching 90 years old, one day, a small booklet arrived in my mailbox. When I opened it, it introduced the teachings of 'Happy Science.'

(This has good things written in it. I want to learn more.)

With hope in my heart, I applied for the 'Book Gift' and looked forward to its arrival. A few days later...

"Hello, Fujita-san. I've come to deliver your book."

A kind-looking young man handed me a book by Ryuho Okawa, the founder. I gratefully accepted it and started reading it right away.

"We humans have been living with eternal life since ancient times. We are reborn on earth again and again to accumulate life lessons." (Note 1)

(People are reborn many times...?)

The book explained that 'death is not the end; after death, we return to the spiritual world (heaven or hell) according to our state of mind' and 'humans are reborn many times in this world and the next to accumulate soul training.' The depth of the teachings was incomparable to any religion I had learned before, and I was deeply moved.

(This is the teaching I have been seeking for so long!)

I eagerly read several books.

"All experiences, including unhappy and happy experiences and human relationships, are for the purpose of polishing one's own soul, and this world has meaning as a 'school for the soul.'" (Note 2)

I have experienced various sorrows, such as war, poverty, and the deaths of my husband and eldest son, but by learning the teachings of Ryuho Okawa (Buddhist Law Truth), I realized that everything in life has meaning. I truly felt saved.

"If you wish to return to heaven, you should live with a smile, with a sincere heart, be liked by many people, and become a person who can love many." (Note 3)

(There is indeed an afterlife. If I believe in and uphold this teaching, I can go to heaven—)

I went to the nearest Suginami East branch and was able to join Happy Science. Since then, attending the branch every week and engaging in activities with the branch leader and fellow members has become my greatest joy.

Note 1: From Chapter 1 of 'The Law of the Sun' open_in_new.
Note 2: From Chapter 2 of 'The Law of the Future' open_in_new.
Note 3: From Chapter 5 of 'The True Heart of Shakyamuni' open_in_new.
Note 4: Companions who learn Buddhist Law Truth together.
(All books from Notes 1-3 are authored by Ryuho Okawa, published by Happy Science)

I want to make Masahiko happy too

I opened up about my long-standing concern for my son who committed suicide. Then the branch leader said...

"Fujita-san, actually, those who choose to commit suicide in their suffering often do not easily return to heaven."

The branch leader taught me that to save the souls of those who have committed suicide, it is important for the bereaved to learn Buddhist Law Truth and live correctly, conveying the truth to the deceased through their own lives.

He also mentioned that Happy Science has a cemetery where offerings and prayers are made to save wandering spirits.

(If it's the offerings of Happy Science, surely Masahiko will be saved—)

I decided to move our family's grave to the Happy Science cemetery in Nasu (Kōfuku-en) and requested prayers for my eldest son.

(I'm glad... Now I can feel at ease.)

The eldest son who appeared in the branch leader's dream

Later, while chatting with everyone as usual, the branch leader shared this story.

"The other day, I had a dream that felt strange. A man wearing glasses and dressed in a light green outfit appeared. He looked to be in his 40s or 50s and seemed serious..."

“...Eh! Branch Chief, that's Masahiko!”

I immediately understood that my eldest son had come to the Branch Chief in a dream to express his gratitude for the memorial service. Although the Branch Chief had never seen my eldest son, he accurately described his features.

(Masahiko is happy too—)

After this event, I became convinced that the world of the afterlife truly exists and that deities guide us even after death. I no longer fear death; rather, I am genuinely looking forward to meeting my son and husband who passed away before me.

Right now, I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.

Now, when I wake up in the morning, I express my gratitude for being given life today and pray to the main deity.

(May I be of service to the deities today as well)

After praying, I study by reading the books of the President. I used to not read books, but the teachings of the President move me every time I read them, so I can't help but read every day.

Every Friday, I distribute religious magazines in the community. I was saved by the religious magazine, so I want to distribute as many copies as possible and share the teachings.

Also, unexpectedly last year, I received an offer to appear in a documentary film by Happy Science. I don't know if I was of any help, but during the filming, I visited the academy open_in_new and HSU open_in_new (※6) created by President Okawa and met many students. They were all truly shining, and I think President Okawa is truly a god for nurturing such students.

I encountered the true teachings at the "final station of life" and am the happiest now. As long as I have life, I want to spread these teachings and increase the number of people who become happy. That is my one and only wish.

※5: Referring to the "Life that Shines Together. —Close to the Heart. 2—" open_in_new released on August 30.
※6: The academy refers to Happy Science, which aims to cultivate individuals with both moral and academic abilities.
HSU (Happy Science University) is a higher religious research institution operated by Happy Science.