The phrase I learned after joining Happy Science, "Life is a problem set."

Conflicts in human relationships, economic hardships, illness, natural disasters...

Various hardships and difficulties appear in life.

However, the divine beings always extend a helping hand to us.

When we believe in the divine and learn their teachings, overcoming our troubles, we can truly experience "happiness."

Would you like to open the door to happiness as well?

Mr. H, who was suddenly struck by illness in his youth (in his 30s, working at a welfare facility), encountered faith in the darkness, and we will share the trajectory of how his life changed rapidly.

―My dream of becoming a teacher was shattered by an epileptic seizure...

It was during my fourth year at university when I was aiming to become a teacher.
On the first day of my teaching practice, I suddenly lost consciousness in the classroom, and when I came to, I was in a hospital bed.

The doctor's diagnosis was "epilepsy of unknown origin," and I was told, "Depending on the situation when a seizure occurs, it could be fatal."

(What will happen from here on?)

After being discharged from the hospital, I began to have repeated seizures, and when I collapsed in public, I caused a lot of trouble for many people.

Unable to attend my teaching practice and having my dream of becoming a teacher shattered, I aimed for graduate school while carrying the anxiety of "when will the next seizure occur?" but failed the entrance exam the following year.

―"I want to learn this teaching"

One day, an acquaintance invited me to a large lecture by Happy Science (※1).

That person was a believer of Happy Science, and I was impressed by a previous conversation about "Life is a problem set," which had piqued my interest.

(What kind of teaching is it?)

I thought I might learn something to change myself, so I decided to participate.

On the day of the event, I was surprised to see a huge crowd gathered at the lecture venue.

(There are so many believers here)

And I heard for the first time the passionate sermon of President Ryuho Okawa who appeared on stage.　

(It's amazing how he can articulate life guidelines and international politics so coherently!)

When I told my acquaintance how moved I was by President Okawa's sermon, they took me to the local branch of Happy Science.

At the branch, when I talked with the branch manager and the believers, I was surprised to find that they were all warm-hearted people, completely different from the image of religion I had held.

(The believers are so wonderful, it must be because President Okawa's teachings are great.)

I wanted to learn this teaching as well, and I decided to join on the spot.

※1…In December 2016, broadcasted to 3,500 locations worldwide, El Cantare Festival sermon "The Path to Truth." It taught the heart's teachings for happiness and guidelines for international politics.

―Knowing that there is an afterlife

At that time, my 91-year-old grandmother, who had cared for me since childhood, was hospitalized.

It was discovered that cancer had metastasized throughout her body, and the doctor told me, "She won't last long."

(I hope she doesn't die yet. I can't bear the thought of not being able to see her anymore...)

I decided to pray to the divine beings, going to the branch day after day, praying for my grandmother's recovery.

Then, my grandmother's life extended day by day, and I felt that "my prayers might be reaching her," so I continued to pray.

One day, when I spoke to a fellow believer about my grandmother's condition—

"I see. You want your grandmother to live a long life. But even when a person dies, their soul continues to live. Your grandmother will return to the afterlife, but if you also return to the afterlife, you will be able to meet her again."

"Really, we can meet in the afterlife!"

Hearing that the soul is eternal, I felt truly relieved.

A few days later, my grandmother passed away peacefully, and I was able to send her off with gratitude.

"Humans are reborn on earth repeatedly while training their eternal souls." (From Ryuho Okawa's book "Winning Mindset" open_in_new)

(I see, if I was born for soul training, I shouldn't just fear the seizures but live more actively!)

Wanting to be involved in education, I started working at a children's care facility where I could interact with children.

―This world is a training ground for polishing the soul

At the children's care facility, children without parents or those who have been abused live together.

(Why are there children in such unfortunate circumstances?)

Such fundamental questions about life also had answers in President Okawa's scriptures.

"Each person is given 'a problem set that matches their soul.' Nothing more, nothing less." (From "Ryuho Okawa's Early Important Lectures Best Selection (3)" open_in_new)

(Since this world is a training ground for the soul, even children in unfavorable environments have meaning in their lives—)

I wanted to support the children more, so I increased the time I spent addressing each child's concerns.

And as it is said, "Life is a workbook," I have come to see that I am also given the opportunity to polish my soul through illness and setbacks.

―Realizations from Reflection: Mistakes of the Heart

I wanted to take my spiritual training more seriously, so I went to receive the "Eightfold Path Training" at the headquarters, Nikkō Seija (※2).

In the sacred space of the Seija, when I reflected on my past way of living in light of the truth of the Buddha's teachings...

Since my student days, I have seen myself feeling jealous of those who got good jobs, criticizing others for their faults, and blaming others or the environment for my failures without making any effort.

(Ah, I lived so selfishly...)

In the teachings of Happy Science, it is said that many unexplained illnesses are influenced by evil spirits, and I realized that negative thoughts such as laziness and jealousy may have attracted those evil spirits.

At the same time, I remembered my family, friends, and the presence of the divine beings who have always warmly watched over me, and tears of gratitude overflowed.

(From now on, I will live to be more helpful to others.)

With that determination, as I acted while always considering the happiness of those around me, I gradually became trusted at work and was entrusted with significant responsibilities.

※2... A training facility located in Tochigi Prefecture. Various reflection training sessions, including the Eightfold Path, can be attended.

―Overcoming 'Epilepsy' through the Power of Faith

(Thinking about the happiness of others is such a joyful thing.)

Wanting to deepen my faith, I set up a home altar (※3) and began to practice my faith properly.

In the morning, when I pray, I feel energized and revitalized, and at night, by reflecting on the day, I have become careful not to make the same mistakes.

By keeping in mind to live in a way that I wouldn't be ashamed of being seen by the divine beings, I felt a strong sense of being protected by them, and my fears began to dissipate.　

(It's been five years since I became a believer. Now that I think about it, I haven't had an epileptic seizure even once.)

I realized that the seizures I used to have every month have not occurred at all since I joined the faith, and I felt the greatness and gratitude of the power of faith.

※3... Can be received by the three-return believers of Happy Science. It serves as the center of faith life at home, including prayers, reflections, and meditation.

―The Joy of Spreading the Teachings for Happiness

At the branch, every week, friends from the faith visit the community to share the teachings of President Ōkawa. Seeing them, I also began to spread the teachings.

When I actually handed out religious magazines and listened to each person's story, I found many who felt lonely without someone to talk to or who were anxious about the future.

(After all, the teachings of Happy Science are needed.)

When I listened to the worries of those I visited, I made it a point to share the teachings of President Ōkawa that suited each person on my next visit, hoping to brighten their hearts and uplift their spirits.

As a result, the number of people who looked forward to my visits and those who joined Happy Science to learn the teachings increased.

I am very happy to see smiles spreading in the community as we connect our hearts.

I am grateful that my illness was healed through faith and that I have been given a new life.

That is why I am determined to spread the "love of the divine beings" that President Ōkawa teaches and to work towards creating a happy society.

―Saved from Nightmares and Illness

One night over a decade ago, I was tormented by a dream in which I was chased by a black cow 'evil spirit.'

The next morning, I felt pain in my foot, and when I looked, it was swollen and emitting a foul odor. I dragged my painful foot to the hospital, but the cause was unknown and it wouldn't heal.

As I continued to be troubled by nightmares every night, a friend who believed in Happy Science told me, "Reading the scripture 'The Heart of the Right Mind' will protect you from evil spirits."

Following my friend's advice, I joined the faith and began to recite 'The Heart of the Right Mind' with sincerity every day.

On Sundays, I participated in worship at the base, learned the teachings of Happy Science, and performed the ritual to repel evil spirits, "El Cantare Fight※."

As a result, my heart, which was filled with anxiety and fear, began to find peace, and I stopped having nightmares.

Furthermore, the swelling in my foot started to go down, and within a month, it completely healed!

Taking this opportunity, I decided to spread this faith and opened a mission. Now, many people gather every week for worship and study sessions.

For those who cannot read, I convey the Lord's teachings aloud, and everyone is saved from their worries and health issues, rejoicing.

In this time of the COVID pandemic, I thank the Lord that everyone at the mission is able to live healthily.

※"El Cantare Fight"... A prayer for repelling evil spirits included in the 'Prayer Document (1)' granted to the three-return believers of Happy Science.