There is an old saying in Japan that goes, "Worry is often the cause of illness." It may be interpreted as follows: "Worrying about whether you have come down with an illness or are ill with a serious disease may actually make you ill. Instead, being happy and in good spirits can keep you in good health." Oyasama taught something that may appear similar. "The origin of illness lies in your own mind," She said. Yet, despite its superficial similarity Her teaching is quite different in meaning from the old saying.

God the Parent is always concerned about the future of us human beings, who are God's children. When our accumulation of the "dust" or mistaken use of the mind is about to plunge us into painful situations, God the Parent provides us with loving "guidance" and "care" through allowing our state of mind to manifest itself in the form of illness and other troubles, in the hope that we may notice and recognize our self-centered mind, humbly reflect upon that state of mind, and replace it so as to let true sincerity guide our daily lives.

Illness is trying and painful. It can not only cause physical pains but also lead to lost workdays, disrupted social relations, and increased financial burdens, and so forth, thereby throwing your life and even your family members' lives into turmoil. Many people in such a situation, therefore, hate and curse their illness or simply resign themselves to what they regard as their fate. If we understand God the Parent's intention, however, we can accept whatever is happening as a manifestation of our state of mind. If we replace the mind, live up to God the Parent's intention, and lean solely on our Parent's heart, God the Parent will accept our renewed state of mind and lead us to the world of joyousness.

Then we realize that illness--from which we might previously have suffered greatly--is meant to provide us with a golden opportunity to replace our mind so as to prevent us from falling into a downward spiral of misery. What we call illness can then be transformed into a source of great joy, and a sense of gratitude will arise in us.

Upon receiving God the Parent's "care," some followers of the path say, "I have been scolded again." I would not describe critical self-reflection as unhelpful even if it is prompted by seeing God's care as "scolding." Yet, it is far more beneficial and important to respond to such an instantce of God the Parent's care with a sense of joy and gratitude, which may come from realizing that God the Parent, who is anxiously trying to save us, even goes to the extent of providing us with such care. We should become spirited by perceiving God the Parent's love in trying to save us. A sense of spiritedness should be present in our self-reflection, which should lead us to make a positive resolution. Such is the appropriate attitude for us followers of the path to have toward God's care.