Day 63 - Repaying Debts of Gratitude

“Even lowly creatures know enough to repay a debt of gratitude. Thus the bird known as the wild goose will invariably carry out its filial duty to the mother bird when she is about to die. And the fox never forgets its old hillock. If even animals will do such things, then how much more should this be true of human beings?” (WND, pg 337)

I recently read this gosho, “On Prayer” and this particular quote stuck with me. It is very easy to take things for granted. When I’m feeling good, its easy to get caught up in the moment and forget my troubles or even to slack off in chanting Daimoku. Or to forget all the effort, care, knowledge my parent have shared with me, only to repay them with worries and headaches. The same is true with my practice and this great organization we have called the SGI. Due to someone else’s efforts, we have this great organization and are able to practice this Buddhism, which can reveal our unlimited potential and capabilities. This is something I have taken for granted at times. But how do I show my appreciation and repay my debts of gratitude to all? When I think about it, it comes down to me becoming happy. My parents who raised me want me to be happy, the members who took care of me and supported me when I was young would want me to be happy. President Ikeda has sent messages to all of us stating he is praying for our happiness. Most of all, I, myself want to be happy! To become happy I must practice this Buddhism correctly in order for me to clear any doubt that I am more than capable of doing so. That through strengthening my foundation in faith, I have the means to be happy! Happiness for me comes in the form of family and friends, success, and contributing to society. As I continue to strive for these things, I use my foundation in faith as the engine. I must never forget where I came from and all those who supported me along the way. Through this process, I will begin to repay debt of gratitude and share with others, how to do the same.

David Ishii, Vice Zone Young Men’s Leader