Dick Dusek's Dosage
Wednesday, September 30, 1998 Rev. Eishiro Otsubo People talk of purification, but instead of purifying your body, purify your heart and practice faith. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #38] Just as you take the stiffness from the body by applying a strong massage, the same goes for the stiffness of the heart. You must practice the basis of the teaching very carefully and get to the truth. The heart will be purified to an extent you won't believe. Today there was a request by a person who suffered with a problem for the past two or three days that caused stiffness in the heart. As I told the person, "Since through such circumstances you are receiving the training for your faith, as you pray for help, you must also express your gratitude," soon after that they visited to offer their gratefulness. Because they saw the truth, the many days of suffering and the stiffness of the heart were just taken away. Since originally we are selfish with desire, we accumulate stiffness. Devoting ourselves to purifying selfishness is most important. 7/20/70 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] Need to know the true thing -- Then impurities are washed away. It's unbelieveable how much can actually be washed away. Yesterday a professional humourist came to entertain the elderly after the celebration of the founder's birth. Coming from Osaka, he mistook the train time and was half an hour late arriving. This required some extra ideas to fill in the time. The director of believers, Mr. Ikejiri, started of with "nothing goes to waste" and advised the elderly to move slowly when going from place to place. It was the home-made Airaku Song that got everyone up and dancing. The home-made bentos were also greatly appreciated. The chain reaction moved in a joyful cycle -- Such faith is what is requested. In the car the chain reactions were great when accompanying the humourist and his assistant back to Fukuoka. First he wanted to taste Kurume ramen noodles, then while driving a license plate number 13 exactly was sighted, and when talking about his being late, I was able to say from the heart in all sincerity that coming late was exactly what was required for today. He truly felt the blessing and repeatedly would talk about the wonderful world of Not Hooked On Asking Why. It's NOT "how come?", but "this is it!" A master minister cannot pass on the ideal way in a half-way manner. A master must not bend the rules of the ideal, otherwise its very truth cannot be passed on. Taking up the ideal of faith can begin even without true intent. Taking it up the rules can be bent, but for passing on the way it requires the master to have true backbone even when sweeping with a broom. Yes, it is NOT why or how come, but the request for true appreciation of this life, to really be grateful. THIS IS HOW TRUE HUMAN LIFE RECEIVED.
Tuesday, September 29, 1998 Rev. Eishiro Otsubo Do not behave improperly upon seeing other's misconduct. [Toward True Faith #9] Seeing something bad, strong faith is necessary so as not to be drawn into it. Seeing someone without any faith, there are people who lose their faith. It's like causing a chain reaction. 6/24/68 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] When Rev. Keiki Otsubo quit junior high school his parents and our late reverend master celebrated with red-bean rice. Also a writing was done and given to him: Daily renewal is of utmost importance. The selfish nature of humans cannot be taken away, though many place belief in so very many ways of training the body asceticly. The unsatisfactory part of our nature must be developed to become a blessed work of nature; through Kami our selfishness can begin to shine and brighten the world. However, so often talking of someone even in a positive light will bring us to add the worst parts of that person's character. There really is a strong pull which draws us into such improper reactions. Only the strong power of divinity can straighten out the situation caused. We want a thankfulness that shines and hold divine blessings to assist the world in building sacred works, instead of our selfish desires.
Monday, September 28, 1998 Rev. Eishiro Otsubo Abandon doubts and have faith. Divine blessings are in one's heart. [How to develop faith #41] There are those who seem to have no doubts. When they practice faith and develop a trustworthy heart, they will be blessed. Also there are people with very serious doubts. Once they get Kami's blessings, they can get more faith than is usual. If the former is considered the faith of the founder, the latter would be the faith of Kasaoka's Konko Daijin. Those with neither doubt nor faith are worthless. Those that doubt will find everything is wrong. Those who believe will find all are divine blessings. 7/8/69 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] How much do we really believe in the PROCESS? As gravity was there for Newton to discover, so the process of divine work was present for our late master to bring to our attention. As yet only those of Airaku know of this working called the process of life. But knowing of it is only part of the matter. Being able to use such a virtuous vehicle is the major point. It takes a wick to light the oil lamp; we need the key of a Wagakokoro spirit to get it into action. Otherwise, even if the vehicle of virtue is all ready to go, no one benefits until it is started. Taking a laugh, for example, sometimes we laugh and it is felt as if we are taking others too lightly. Humility and sincerity give birth to the atmosphere of virtue. When clapping-hands get into the rhythm is when it begins. Remember there must be a thousand ways to clash cymbals together. How do you respect the process? What type of laugh is needed? How to join in the rhythm? What spirit to use to help make t! he sound that opens the virtues of the universe? By knowing the process is one step, how to go about it takes preparation and practice. With a single spirit it all begins.
Sunday, September 27, 1998 Wagakokoro Day Services Rev. Mikisaburo Otsubo Above all, you should enrich your faith. Practicing faith in everyday life is important. Rich soil will be productive without fertilization, and so it is with faith. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #50] Though people say there is no such thing as a money tree, this way of faith provides not only a tree of money, but the way to virtue which fulfills every condition for human happiness. It is because, as is taught, "rich soil will be productive without fertilization." In everyday life is where the roots must be enriched. These roots are the roots of the heart, the roots of the home, and the roots of the universe. Restoration of the universe is important. 7/1/71 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] * The roots of the home mean parents and ancestors. "There are more blessings which cannot be seen than those which can be seen." Where do you place the value? For example, in the desert wouldn't you choose a cup of water over a diamond jewel? The visible blessings, of course, are easy to choose, but the real valuables of the spirit go beyond any place, time or particular. The broad spirit enriched and joyful is valuable for all occasions, every situation, at anytime, anyplace, and for anybody. It's the prayerful request that is based in deep joy. It's the depth of requesting which feels surprised and opens into renewed joy. Taking true joy as the firm foundation of one's faith, your prayer is enriching and develops on its own into divine blessings.
Saturday, September 26, 1998 Rev. Eishiro Otsubo When practicing faith, there are more blessings which cannot be seen than those which can be seen. The blessings you unknowingly receive are more than the blessings you knowingly receive. If you think about it, you will come to realize the many divine blessings that you have already received. When you can do this, you are a true believer. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #53] Since it is teaching, "If you think about it, you will come to realize the many divine blessings that you have already received, and when you can do this, you are a true believer," we then must aim to be true believers. To do that, you look to find your worst characteristics. Then you'll build up the actual sensation of feeling "every single thing is blessed." 7/5/77 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] Is there such a thing as a false believer? We aim to be truer in our faith, to be a true believer, even from a false start. Airaku teaches to go from the truth to a higher truth and greater truths; we should forever seek for truer truths. Yesterday there were strong faithful believers of long standing seeking mediation for so many relatives and friends who are suffering so awfully. One even is asking what type of faith they should practice. They need to get beyond the personal requests (there are three of them: health, family, and success) and pray, even without true understanding, for the remaining 2 requests: greater truth in one's way of life, and the divine request to be fulfilled in creating the era of wagakokoro. You should realize that it is NOT just the strong faithful that can pray for great divine work. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can pray for Kami's request to come to be fulfilled in their lives. Even the worst character ever must get beyond the truly necess! ary personal prayers and reach beyond for a step into greater truths, even more essential truths that Kami prays that we will request. Starting off it is okay to begin without any real grasp of the matter. But then soon you will also need to build up strength to maintain such a great prayer for divine work to be done. For this why not start daily worship on your own. Set the time for morning prayer: 5 or 6 or even 7. Select a teaching for that day. It's necessary to build up from such basic practice. But from the start continue to pray for the fulfillment of Kami's request, what will make Kami happy. This means the fulfillment of the divine request that Kami has for you in your life at this very moment. Practice daily worship and pray for the divine will to become a practical reality in your life.
Friday, September 25, 1998 Rev. Eishiro Otsubo It is a reflection of Kami's power when people criticize or speak ill about Kami. It is impossible to keep someone who does not understand this faith from criticizing it. People cannot predict the future. Even if people may say things that soil your face do not be angry. Kami will wash your face. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #96] To master faith you must, anyhow, pass through the obstacles. As when climbing mountains, the higher you go the more your field of vision broadens, so the more you raise your level of faith the broader your spirit becomes. When you can hear the call of the bill collector as the song of a warbler, you've got it. It's when blessings are really imminent. [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] 1977 Since you put on your own face, you lose your temper. If you would put on the face of Kami, dignity would rise. [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] 7/25/83 It's for us to take the suffering world and open up the blessings. Nine representing suffering; six, the blessings. This is from the teaching # 96. We need to accept and manifest the divine work in our midst. With the many things happening, for example, among the ministers in training, we can't but come to feel that Kami is quickening the pace. There's but a couple years till we are into the 21st century. Dick had a dream where he is lifted up out of the waters into a new world. It's like the evolution of fish to reptile, and then on and on to human beings. We are being lifted from the blessings of water into a new world, new environment. We need to change the atmosphere of our faith. Those with faith are NOT weak; it is those who feel the truth of themselves that realize they must practice faith, that without faith they have nothing to offer the world. It's our spirits that needs to be beautified. We are the ones to become the switch for the universe. Only then can Kami begin to go into motion. Our tiny drop of water enters the ocean and action takes place. Thursday, September 24, 1998 Rev. Eishiro Otsubo To kill others within your heart is a grave offense. Kami cannot bear such offenses. When one physically kills, the government will punish the person. Kami knows when one kills within one's heart. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #75] This was not read today, but included for perusal. Since it is taught "to kill others within your heart is a grave offense," in your faith you should do things which are the opposite of that. Then what is supremely important is that you first pray for the health of one's own heart and acquire the strength so as not to be hurt or killed whatever might happen. Such exceeding strength, indeed, is what will activate one's heart-soul. Though there are cries such as to propagate the faith, unless it is done with strength exceeding just the way I've spoken of today, it will end senselessly. 7/26/71 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] This was read for today's morning talk. Criticism, arguement, hatred, envy and arrogance are what injure and even kill the human heart. Since it is said, "with a single heart it all comes into being," it is also possible that with a single heart it all breaks down. What we want to have is the WAGAKOKORO, a peaceful, joyful heart. [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] 7/27/77 During this morning's talk this was mentioned, too. It's talking of killing others, but it is not limited just to other people. There's the case where you kill your own heart. This is a crime probably worst than killing other people. Another terrible crime is to kill one's destiny. A good person is one who takes any and all matters for the better. An evil person is one who takes any and all matters for the worst. 7/4/83 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] Before opening to this morning's teaching Rev. Eishiro killed a mosquito at the mediation desk area. Of course, we don't want to commit any of those things which kill the human heart, but without conscious thought we find ourselves doing such things. The mosquito is proof. There are so very many of these things being committed. We need the Wagakokoro. We need divine virtue. It won't work to just train with asectic form; we are training our spirit, our faith and our work. Those very qualities we dislike are what lead us to pursue divine virtue and attain a Wagakokoro -- yes, our falls and failings, our injuries and wounds. So many people here in Airaku are presently suffering in the midst of troubles and problems. Health and huge debt were examples given today. The divine request and what we request should unite in singular prayer. A thought to widen one's horizons: If Airaku were to break down, what would happen to the Konko faith? What would happen to the world? ! For that matter, thinking personally, If I die, how would Airaku be affected? It makes you think, doesn't it? Living only for one's own selfish needs is what kills. Open the heart to greater and bigger horizons.
Wednesday, September 23, 1998 Rev. Eishiro Otsubo Instead of thinking about the pain you feel, be thankful now for the blessings that are coming. [How To Develop Faith #47] It's said that good medicine is bitter. Since you should feel that the more bitter it is, the better its effect, likewise, the more you sense difficulties, the greater your gratitude should well up. It's because you realize that this Kami's purpose is nothing other than love. 7/9/75 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] The whole universe is in movement, constant movement. The pain or bitterness you feel is from Kami. It is indicating the great changes Kami is requesting of this world, a revolution of the spirit. By just worshiping the pain is not enough; it won't do unless you actually renew the spirit. We need to take the strength given through these actions, or movements, and carry it to completion. It's the strength and light that you receive that is so very thankful. A grade school teacher once taught Rev. Eishiro that the one thing is done for all and all is done for the one. We should feel grateful for all the various works done just for us, individually. Each of us receive bitter moments, strengthening actions, even painful growth phases for enlarging the spirit and renewing the heart of our faith. Yes! As the pain is felt we should be most thankful, knowing blessings are coming directly. Today being the festival celebration for deceased spirits, we should pray our faith spread light and strength to save and help guide the souls of the departed. Strength is needed. The whole universe is at work. Our efforts in using our spirit-hearts, is it in the dircetion of the divine will? When our actions follow the rhythms of the universe (Divine Will) is when the greatest steps are made for renewal.
Tuesday, September 22, 1998 Rev. Mikisaburo Otsubo People say, "Do not trample the grain. If you stomp on it, you will become blind." The grain bows lower as it grows. When people amass a fortune or are called "Reverend," they tend to forget to bow their heads. Those who practice faith should become more humble as they receive more virtue. The nail that juts out is apt to be driven in. So it is often said don't get hit on the head. Being hit on the head by heaven is the worst thing. You may think that heaven is high above and it is impossible to hit your head. But be careful. Kami may not scold with a raised voice or extended hand. However, if you are arrogant, divine blessings are surely withdrawn. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #45] While wearing the suit of armor called hardship, you aren't able to move around and you can't raise your head. However, when you receive a small taste of blessings, you soon become arrogant and cannot lower your head. It's the foolish, pathetic nature of man. We do wish to receive virtue. When true virtue becomes a part of us, we naturally can not help but be humble. In order to get virtue, we wish to live really taking the process of life importantly, without neglecting the produce (what is important for the world; the very workings of Kami) and watching our step. 7/27/70 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] The grain plants bow lower as they mature. They produce food which sustains our life -- thus essential and important. We need to honor and respect such a valuable item. Three valuables are: divinity, humanity and deceased ancestors. These three are the roots of our lives. They are invisible. Thus we forget to show our respect, are disrespectful. Why? Why don't we bow our heads and pay honor to such valuable roots of our very lives? We stop looking toward the invisible world, even though so valuable. We can't see it. Our body is visible, but the inner organs so often we forget. For a car it would the engine; a tree. the roots deep in the ground. The invisible is hidden from view. Like an iceberg, the visible top is so tiny, but underneath is so very huge, but hidden from our sight. Our faith needs to show gratitude for its hidden sources. The invisible three we should respect highly are our spirit-heart, our deceased ancestors, and the whole universe of divine works. It's humbling when you realize the magnificant value of the source of our faith.
Monday, September 21, 1998 Rev. Mikisaburo Otsubo Many place their trust in Kami, but Kami places trust in only a few. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #30] Within the very humanness of our human life is the true joy of living in a way which is completely connected with Kami. It is a world of exultation inside us. We rid ourselves of the mistaken idea that the purpose of faith is to become a wise sage. We discover instead, a way of living that is made stronger by adversity. That is why we pray to have a receptive heart which accepts and sees sacredness in all things while trusting the invisible more than the visible. [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] 7/21/81 A believing heart is the basis of all human joy and happiness. A married couple believe in each other and live in a world of joy. Parent and child, likewise, believe in the other and the family is happy. However, such happiness easily breaks down with a small doubt. Faith must be established. Our master felt sure of his disciple, Rev. Suenaga. However, Kami saw the many possible chances of breakdown. The Buddhist world of 'MU,' for example, really is NOT a world for the ordinary human being. Our late master taught the world of true awakening is for humans living now; it's not a straight way, lonly and constricting; it's not the world of holy saints or sages. You actually feel that the universe is opening for your development in faith; you become united with the works of the universe. It's like the sign that the late master used -- a circle for the cosmos with a point in the middle for this human being, all resting on the single line (belief). The peaceful, joyful world of the heart united with the works of the cosmos rests on a singular belief.
Sunday, September 20, 1998 WAGAKOKORO DAY SERVICES Rev. Mitsuaki Otsubo You do not need anyone else to practice faith. You should practice faith on your own. If you need someone else to practice faith, you will also need someone to die with you. However, no one is willing to die with you. To practice faith is to live day to day. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #26] I received this message from Kami: "The craving for life." This means an active search for life itself. I wish to raise faith to the point where I can honestly say that faith _is_ my life. To do this it is necessary to grow constantly in understanding the real meaning of the truths our founder mastered. "To practice faith is to live day to day." [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] 7/17/81 We would like to be able to say that faith is our lives' energy. It's to feel truly satisfied. Instead of wanting to have someone else to stand by us, we should take it, accept it, worship it, respect it ourselves. There is no need of an esort; no need for someone to hold our hand; no need for anyone to be by us. When ill we aim for a cure. This is just like the desire for someone to be with us. Your life is borrowed. It's the spirit which is yours for eternity. Following the way of nature, the way of truth is to really practice true faith. You train centering on Kami. Faith is not something tough or hard to do -- with such a feeling faith will be thought difficult. If that's your version of faith, then it's no wonder one would want someone else around. Follow the way of the universe. Center your heart-spirit on Kami. With a heart centered on the divine heart, life is satisfying. Actually, our late master and spiritual teacher has said, "Faith is life itself. No, it's more than that. Faith goes beyond the importance of life." It is here we talk about one's heart-spirit being energized for an eternity. Kami is taken and accepted at every step, angle and degree of life. Like the sap of a tree, faith is the sap of life.
Saturday, September 19, 1998 Rev. Mikisaburo Otsubo Kami is the same everywhere. There is nothing different about coming to worship at the Hiromae of Konko Daijin. When people say that they have received divine blessings at one place but not at another, it means that the strength of the mediators of the hiromae is different. When you are a mediator between Kami and man, you should discipline yourself. You should not get up late in the morning. The time you rise will determine the time people come for prayers. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #92] Why that person receives the divine blessings but this person me can't is because "the strength of the mediators is different." "The strength of the mediators" means the power to observe the teachings. Three Principles that The Faithful Must Observe 1. Not to arise late (the heavenly nature) 2. Respect all of the process (the earthly nature) 3. Attain the endurance of faith (the orderly nature) [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] 7/21/83 Unless the teachings of Wagakokoro are observed, the world will be affected for the worst and the glory of Kami's divinity will suffer. Though the three principles sound so formal, the three points listed appear not to be so. Taking a trip to Korea, Rev. Mikisaburo wasn't sure of what such a working was for until he remembered a dream about the Seoul Olympics. Seoul has the meaning of spiritual heart, the soul. Though only a single person is awarded the gold medal in any event, in the olympics for the spirit anyone can be awarded virtue, anyone can become a living kami for the world. Yes! Anyone can receive the divine medal of virtuous glory by 1) arising early for morning worship (Chosen Ninjin - meaning Korea and also morning worship), 2) respecting the process of this universe (Unagi was seen in the dream written as COSMOS BIG JOYOUS), 3) persevering in faith as the late master's wife who had visited Korea herself. Then one more thing was added. In the dream he orders the medium dish at the restaurant. This is interpreted as in the middle of training. Thus the strength of feeling that one hasn't ye! t completed the task at hand. Anyone can attain the medal in the Konko teachings. It's the teachings of 'golden light.' This morning I pray for real ease. May Kami be set at ease about my faith, my life. May my family feel true ease concerning this new way of life of the spirit. May real ease and true joy develop for a huge Wagakokoro for maintaining the virtues and blessings of the spirit to awaken and save the whole world of Rev. Dick Dusek, the world which Kami requests that this person bring to fruitation. With a single wagakokoro everything is brought about. May the base of the processes given for me to receive be broader and overflowing in accepting anticipation. May the joy of faith overflow and put Kami at ease.
Friday, September 18, 1998 Rev. Mikisaburo Otsubo Is it not a real blessing that humans are able to save others? Oxen and horses cannot save an offspring that has fallen into the water. But a person seeing this can save the animal. When people suffer from sickness or hardship, they are helped by Kami. Practice faith and remember to be thankful to be able to save people in distress. [Teachings of Konko Daijin #76] To a limited extent wealth and even possessions will help you. However, for saving the heart eternally and continu- ously there is no other way except through true faith. Those who help others see a problem as their training, realize it is divine love, and receive it with real joy. By speaking to others with that spirit, Kami's miraculous works start from that point, and the way opens to mutually help each other. Thus you are able to lead the most purposeful life of faith. 7/28/77 [Mini-teaching of Rev. Soichiro Otsubo] True salvation, true awakening should be, must be awakening the spirit for eternity; it's an awakening salvation that is fundamental and omnipresent --- anywhere in the world, at any period of time. It's not a temporary provision; it covers more than a generation. It is true and absolute. Also you are a participant, the star or athelete, not an observer. It leads to independent faith. Whatever occurs, it's seen not as a problem, but as a divine development. From early morning I began having a small pain in my lower back on the left side. It felt like kidney stones again. I endured it; took some rest in the mid- morning; then continued with my daily tasks trying not to push myself. Then while doing Shinshu duties for the monthly ceremony in the evening I opened a renewed spirit in my faith. I prayed for an ease which would give birth to true joy; I prayed for the divine request Kami has for me. For that to happen I realized more and more of the processes around my life must be accepted. I have to become larger with a broader accepting base for more and more of Kami's work to be fulfilled. Then I understood that the 'WA' of the Wagakokoro includes this broad base of ease -- Kami is set at ease and allows us the sense of ease, too. With this huge base of peaceful ease the true joy of true human awakening will grow and develop naturally. Since that step in faith my sense of a small constant pain in the lower back has ceased.(Back) < Back to the HomePage > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Rev. Richard Lee Dusek