August 2026: Lighting a Fire for Others

If one lights a fire for others, the sunlight in the garden. As the President of the Tatsu Sho Kōsei Kai, I ask: for whom is "for others"? We casually speak of the gratitude of the language that we live by supporting one another. Phrases such as "in times of trouble, it is mutual" or "a journey is a companion of weak sake" have long been accepted in Japan as common-sense expressions. Today in Japan, however, for example, in the Republic of Ghana in Africa, it is said that a belief is deeply rooted in the hearts of many people: no matter how much one gives, it will never be enough. Because they believe that someone will always support and help them, they can live brightly and positively at all times. This is called "Ghana Magic." Of course, I believe that everywhere in the world there are cultures, values, and customs premised on mutual support among humans, and words that express them. In the same sense, "Kindness is not for others' sake" is a familiar proverb in Japan. This means, without a doubt, that compassion for others ultimately benefits oneself, expressing the nature of this world of mutual dependence. To clearly convey the meaning of "kindness," there is the saying: "If you give to others, it becomes your own help." For example, the phrase by Nichiren Daishonin, "If you light a fire for others, it will be clear before you," is similar in meaning to "Kindness is not for others' sake." However, I have heard that recently some people have doubts or discomfort regarding this attitude or action of "for others." There are quite a few people who view acting for others as self-sacrifice, and who dislike being called "beautiful" for it or spending time for others. In such a modern era, how can we maintain a society where the spirit of mutual dependence and reciprocity, which can be called the great good of human life, is exercised everywhere without any discomfort, and where everyone lives in a kind and comfortable way? Regarding volunteer recruitment: Taking advantage of this summer vacation, some people may use their time precisely for the sake of others by engaging in volunteer activities. "Volunteer" means a person who spontaneously helps those in need out of a feeling of compassion, but it also has the meaning of "being used by gods and Buddhas." When I visited disaster areas such as the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which marked its 30th anniversary last year, the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the Kumamoto Earthquake, I saw volunteers who worked diligently with an attitude as if they were being used by gods and Buddhas, precious to sacred lives, trying to help those affected. Deep in my heart, I was moved, thinking that these people are truly volunteers. Each time I encounter such volunteer volunteers, I am taught that people have a desire to be happy not only for themselves but together with everyone. On the other hand, for those who cannot accept the idea of "for others," I feel that telling them "this world is one of mutual dependence" may have the opposite effect. Since everyone has different ways of thinking, I believe that imposing values only drives hearts away. However, as it is said that the heart is actually spoken, everyone possesses the heart of Buddha or volunteer, and everyone has the desire to make the world better. If one believes in this and uses one's body and mind for the sake of others, even to those who cannot receive the message, their back will convey the joy of serving for the sake of others and the truth that this world is one of mutual dependence. It is important that each person personally transmits the culture of caring for others through such an attitude. Looking at the world, there is a current situation where it cannot be said that everyone lives comfortably. Regarding practical actions close to home for everyone to live in a circle, I would like to touch on that in a later article. With this, I conclude the August 8th lecture by the President.

人のために火を灯せば庭の日光 立昇公正会会長人のためは誰のため 私たちは人と人がお互いに支えあって 生きているという語言のありがたさを 普段から何気なく口にしています 困った時はお互い様とか 旅は満ちずれ弱な酒といった声句も 日本では昔から当たり前の感覚を伴って 受け止められている言葉です 今日本では伴しましたが 例えばアフリカのガーナ教話国では 多くの人の心に どれほど昆給しても決して乗たれじることはない という考えが根付いているそうです 誰かが必ず支えてくれる 助けてくれる そのことをお互いに信じているから いつでも明るく前向きに暮らすことができる それをガーナマジックというのだそうです もちろん世界中のどこにもこうした人間同士の支え合いを前提とした 価値観やならわしなどの文化と それらを表現した言葉があると思います 同様の意味で 情けは人のためならずも日本では 馴染み深いことわざです これは言うまでもなく人への思いやりは めぐりめぐって自分のためになるという意味で このようはもちつもたれつの世界であることを表しています また 不正の意味とくどくをわかりやすく伝える 人にものを施せば我がみの助けとなる 例えば人のために火を灯せば 我が前明らかなるがごとし という日連少人の言葉も 情けは人のためならずに通知る幼しですが この人のためという気持や行動に 最近は疑問や違和感を持つ人がいると聞きます 人のためを自己犠牲と捉え それを美得としたり人のために時間を使ったりするのは嫌だと思う人が 少なからずいるのです そのような現代において人間の生活の大善定とも言える もちつもたれつや お互い様の精神が何の違和感もなくそこかしこで発揮され 誰もが人に優しくて暮らしやすい社会は どうすれば保てるのでしょうか 舐むボランティア募察 この夏休みを利用して自分の時間をまさに人様のために使い ボランティア活動を行う人もいると思います ボランティアは思いやりの気持ちから自発的に困っている人に放置する人という意味ですが 方針には神仏に使えるとの意味もあります 昨年8歳から30年を迎えた半身淡じ大震災ほか 東日本大震災や熊本地震などの被災地に伺った際 被災した方々の力になろうと あたかも神仏に使え 尊い命に使えるような姿勢で 懸命に立ち働くボランティアの皆さんを拝見して 私は心から この方たちこそ募察に違いないと胸打たれたものです そうしたボランティア募察に切するたび 人には自分だけでなくみんなと一緒に幸せになりたいと願う気持ちがあることを 私は教えていただくのです 一方人のためという考えが受け入れられない人には いくらこの世は持ちつもたれつですよとお伝えしても 逆効果のような気もします 考え方は人それぞれなので 価値観の押し付けは帰って心を遠ざけると思うのです ただ心は実際語ると言いますから 誰にも仏や募察の心が備わっていて 皆世の中を良くしていきたいと願う気持ちを持っています それを信じて自らが人様のために身や心を使っていると 例えばでは伝わらない相手にも その後ろ姿が人のためを思って尽くせる喜びと この世は持ちつもたれつという真実を伝えてくれるはずです そうした姿勢を通して人を思いやる文化を一人一人が身を持って 伝承していくことが大事なのです 世界を見渡しても誰もが暮らしやすいとは言えない現状があります 皆が輪になって生きるための身近な実践については また事後でも触れてみたいと思います 以上で厚生例は8年8月後 会長先生ご法和の労働を終了させていただきます