I believe that the "heart of altruism" is important in both work and life.

The management that was supposed to be going smoothly took a turn.

"Hey H, how about we take out a loan from the bank?"

One day, I was told this by my second brother, who was in charge of our company's accounting.

"Oh, I see. Got it."

At that time, I was running a company that handled air conditioning equipment, taking care of everything from sales to drafting, site supervision, and training craftsmen, working tirelessly every day. The business was going well, and since our savings were increasing, I had completely entrusted the accounting matters to my brother.

However, my brother began to frequently suggest taking out loans from the bank, and eventually, I was informed by an employee in charge of accounting that if we didn't take out more loans, the company's business would not be sustainable.

Thinking this was strange, I investigated the company's financial situation in detail and discovered that my brother had been dipping into the company's funds, pouring money into entertainment, dining, and car purchases. When I added up those debts, it amounted to over 100 million yen.

(This has become a serious situation...)

The repayment deadline for the debts was approaching. I fired my brother and borrowed money from the bank to repay the debts while desperately working to increase our income. However, no matter how much I paid, I was constantly chased by the next repayment day.

I struggled for two or three years in such a situation, but finally, I made a painful decision.

(I have no choice but to close the company.)

I informed the employees who had been with me until now that I wanted them to look for other jobs.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for all the hard work you've put in."

I was filled with a sense of guilt.
Business owners who go bankrupt with large debts like mine become unapproachable to anyone. Even when meeting with colleagues or relatives, I felt completely out of place and deeply lonely.

(Wouldn't it be easier to die...)

However, if I died now, it would only cause more trouble for my family and relatives.

Hope found at rock bottom

When I was at a dead end and feeling hopeless, my wife threw these words at me.

"Dad, it's okay. God will never give you a hurdle that you can't overcome."

"—Huh?"

I felt a mysterious power in my wife's words.

My wife was an enthusiastic member of Happy Science, learning its teachings and participating in activities. I had only added my name as she suggested, but I had no interest in religion.

However, when I found myself at a dead end in life with nothing to rely on,

"God will definitely watch over you—"

My wife's faith, which continued to encourage me without blaming me at all, firmly supported me when I was about to break.

(Maybe I should go pay a proper visit...)

Thinking this, I went to the headquarters of Happy Science, Seishinkan, in Tochigi Prefecture with my wife and daughter.

"I'm glad I joined this religion."

When I opened the door to the worship hall at Seishinkan, the statue of the main deity, El Cantare, was enshrined at the back of the spacious room. I stepped forward, closed my eyes, and quietly joined my hands in prayer. Gradually, I felt an indescribable sense of peace, as if I were being enveloped in a large hand of light.

(Ah, this feels warm—)

For some reason, I felt a deep sense of relief. I hadn't forgotten about the 100 million yen debt, but my mindset began to change to one of surrender.

(...Maybe things will work out.)

I couldn't solve the debt immediately, but hope for the future was born in my heart.

(I'm glad I joined this religion...)

That was my honest feeling. I believe that at that moment, I was truly saved.

"The training of 'how much burden one can endure' helps a person grow. Therefore, even in the midst of difficulties, failures, and setbacks, it is necessary to think, 'This is material that is training me,' and to keep pushing forward."

(From 'The Law of Prosperity' by Ryuho Okawa open_in_new)

Until then, I hadn't actively learned the teachings of Happy Science, but standing in a difficult situation made me realize that I needed these teachings now. President Okawa teaches not only the heart's teachings to solve life's suffering but also many teachings for success in work and management, and for economic prosperity. From now on, I resolved to follow these teachings.

(I will stop blaming my brother. The fact that I couldn't see through my brother's extravagance was ultimately due to my own naivety. I will take full responsibility and start over from scratch.)

A fresh start from the negative

However, in reality, it is extremely difficult to find a job and repay a debt of 100 million yen.

"I have no choice but to start a business again and make it successful."

Having decided to make a comeback in the same industry, I visited my previous clients and humbly asked them to give me work again.

My wife helped out on-site when there weren't enough hands, and during meal times, she read President Okawa's books to me.

"Dad is busy, so I'll read it for you. Listen carefully."

"The heart of 'service' is what connects one's own happiness with the happiness of others. Living with the constant desire to be of help to the world and others is not only for one's own prosperity but also for the prosperity of society as a whole."
(From 'The Law of Prosperity' by Ryuho Okawa open_in_new)

Before I had faith, to be honest, I only thought about "how much I could earn," but as I learned President Okawa's teachings, I began to realize that the "heart of altruism" is important in both work and life.

(Today too, I will make my customers happy.)

Thinking "for the sake of the world and for the sake of others," I accepted any job, from fixing water leaks in the neighborhood to requests for difficult construction projects, responding to every request to the best of my ability. As a result, difficult jobs progressed smoothly, and unexpectedly large profits were gained, leading to a smooth operation of the work.

Awakened to the importance of faith, I began to have discussions (Note 1) with fellow believers at the Kosa branch of Happy Science. By sharing our life troubles and teaching each other the truths of Buddhism, we were able to gain hints for solving problems.

Note 1: To discuss and share the teachings of Buddhist truths.

Towards a miraculous rebound

I was striving to repay a huge debt, but through daily prayers and learning the teachings, I encouraged myself to "give back to society through work," and as I did so, the number of customers increased, and work began to come in without having to actively seek it. Eventually, I hired new employees, and the business expanded. I felt that the work I sincerely wished for the benefit of others was supported by the divine.

And I was able to repay the 100 million yen debt, which I thought would take 20 years, in just 13 years ahead of schedule. Now, I have air conditioning construction reservations lined up for many years ahead.

My brother, who once tampered with the company's money, passed away three years ago due to illness, but I am grateful for the opportunity he gave me to turn towards faith, and I had a memorial service at Happy Science.

I am now truly happy to "work for the happiness of others with a sense of faith." I want to continue spreading happiness with my wife and fellow practitioners (Note 2) by conveying the teachings of President Okawa.

Note 2: Refers to companions who learn the same teachings and can discuss their studies.