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This path is a path that takes years. Osashizu, March 30, 1903, supp. vol. In previous entries, I wrote over and over about how seeds do not produce immediate results after being sown. The path we have at present, likewise, did not come to be overnight. This path was built by the efforts that our predecessors made in the face of ridicule, opposition, persecution, adversity, and hardship through long years with only Oyasama's teachings to rely on. In the Osashizu, we read:Do not take lightly that this path came to be from a time when nothing was clear. You did not know north from south, east from west. There were thorns, precipices, narrow paths. It was a path full of hardship. The present path did not appear suddenly. If you keep this firmly in mind and begin what you must, your efforts will be flowers of the path. Osashizu, June 6, 1899 A tree--no matter how large and magnificent it may be--will not survive if brought to a garden unless it is properly looked after to ensure it can take root and absorb water. Further, a freshly planted tree can only become a fine full-grown tree after one cares for it step by step and nurtures it over many years. The same can be said with human beings as well. In the Osashizu, we read:Will you have useful timber today if you sow seeds today? Even those who are called intelligent or eloquent in the world are not employable to Me. . . Only those matured with years since the seeds were sown can be called useful timber. Osashizu, October 1, 1898 No matter how intelligent people are born, they will not know unless taught. They will not understand unless they listen. No matter who they may be, they will only understand the one truth if they listen and follow the path over many years. Osashizu, May 31, 1899 Unless Yoboku have years, they cannot be used as useful timber. Someone not matured with years will not become useful timber. Nothing is stronger than one with years. No matter how beautiful the construction, if young and slender timber are used, it will not stand long. If it is matured well, no matter how full of knots or how bent the material, the construction will endure. . . Only years can make useful timber. Do not try to hasten their growth, it is of no use. Osashizu, October 7, 1895 A person can become a Yoboku and serve God the Parent in a useful manner only after being nurtured and guided over long years. This is one aspect of the "truth of years." However, no matter how long a person may have belonged to the faith, it amounts to nothing unless he or she has poured forth their sincerity during those years (see Osashizu, March 25, 1898). The degree to which one has contributed and devoted sincerity is far more significant than anything else. Such repeated outpourings of sincerity are referred to as one's "truth of years." Further, there is a Direction that can be summed up as follows, "While there is no one who comes to the path with bad intentions, a people may end up having to go through an impossibly difficult situation due to their repeated errors in the use of the mind over months and years" (see Osashizu, October. 16, 1888). As this passage suggests, it can be said that the manner in which we contribute and dedicate ourselves will manifest itself accordingly in the future either in a positive or negative manner. We must advance forward day by day while taking great care regarding the use of the mind. |
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