「迷惑をかけられない」と思うあなたへ　（ショート法話675）

This is a short Dharma talk by Chief Priest Mizuaki Okubo of Zenkoji Temple, a Jodo-shu Seizan Zenrinji sect temple in Horomukai, Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido. #Buddhism #JodoSect #SeizanSect #DharmaTalk #Sutras #Nembutsu #Hokkaido #Iwamizawa #Horomukai *At Zenkoji Temple, we receive an annual maintenance fee of 10,000 yen and a donation of 5,000 yen or more for the Ten Nights Memorial Service from our parishioners. *At Zenkoji Temple, even if you leave your parish after becoming a parishioner, there is no "disaffiliation fee" required, as with many other temples. *We accept requests for temple stamps at any time (reservations required). The other day, an elderly woman in her 80s living alone, whom I visited for her monthly visit, told me that she was always worried and thinking "what should I do?" because of her anxiety about "how much longer I can live in this house" and "how much longer I can go to the hospital by myself." I replied, "Things will work out as they are meant to, and things will only work out as they are meant to." Based on my experience observing the lives of many elderly people, I believe that trying to make all decisions alone out of a fear of burdening one's children is not always a good choice. In modern society, the emphasis on "doing things for yourself" seems to have led to the misconception that one should not rely on others or burden them. As a result, some people, while still healthy, cut themselves off from those around them and end up in isolation in their old age. Recently, I've come to think about the importance of "relying on others." Of course, this doesn't mean leaving everything to others. However, relying on others also means trusting in their goodwill. We, too, when someone relies on us, don't just think "this is a nuisance," but sometimes think "I wish I could help." This is because there is goodwill within people. And that goodwill is learned by receiving it from others. Because we were raised by our parents, helped when we were in trouble, and had someone by our side when we were sad, we want to help others in return. Goodwill is passed from person to person. Buddhism values ​​"gratitude." We live our lives receiving much kindness from our parents, teachers, friends, and society. When we realize this kindness, a desire to reciprocate naturally arises. And that reciprocation doesn't necessarily have to be with the same person. Passing on the kindness received to someone else is also a form of gratitude. Therefore, being helped by others isn't just about receiving; it's also about playing a vital role in continuing the cycle of goodwill. To rely on others means believing in and accepting their kindness. It's not easy, but rather than living a life of "not relying on anyone," I want to walk a path where I believe in the warmth of others and live while receiving their kindness. I've started a Twitter account: https://twitter.com/hokkaidozenkoji?s=06 Zenkoji Temple Blog: http://blog.livedoor.jp/zenkojinamu/