Tearful reunion with my father after 25 years
Miki Kamisawa’s story.
In 2011, I was introduced to Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo by Ms. Sihinzato from Kenshokai and began chanting Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo.
My parents divorced when I was in the 4th grade, and my mom remarried right away. I had been abused by my Mom and Stepdad and was bullied at school. There was nowhere to go where I felt safe.
When I was a senior in middle school, I couldn’t stand it anymore and ran away from home. I stayed at my friend’s house for a year. My family did not care about me and I felt guilty staying with my friend but that was the only place for me at the time.
However, as soon as I graduated from junior high school, suddenly, my mother showed up at my friend’s house. I was taken back home to “earn a living.” I was assigned to work as a janitor at the train station.
I was frightened every day at home. Sadly my brother started abusing me too. I had no time for myself. After work I was taking care of all the chores and lacked sleep for years. I barely slept at all, and I was physically and mentally exhausted. It was like hell on earth.
But deep inside, I believed “one day my family will understand and accept me.”
I dreamed of happiness and kept believing things would get better.
20 years had passed.I was in my mid- thirties and I started to worry about my future. Then I met a girl named Ms. Shinzato from Kenshokai. She approached me when I was cleaning the train station and we got to know each other.
I had no friends and did not question Ms. Shinzato when she asked me to meet with her.
She told me about Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo and how I can change my life. I didn’t understand what she was saying but I felt positive energy so I asked her to teach me!
After Nyushin Gongyo (introduction ceremony to see Gohonzon Sama – Nichiren Daishonin Buddha’s soul in ink for the first time), my mind cleared up and I felt good!
Every day, I got to work early and continued to do the Gongyo prayer in the break room. I was filled with confidence that Gohonzon-sama will watch and protect me so I did not worry.
I was able to handle the nasty events at home and naturally got over them.
My family was controlling my time, so I told them that I had to work on my day off so I can attend Sunday services and the meetings at Kenshokai prayer hall.
Also, I was able to attend the Kenshokai Senior Women’s Convention. I was overwhelmed by the firm commitment of Asai Sensei and 20,000 people committing their lives to save the country and people from the root causes of suffering.
I couldn’t help but say: “What a great organization Kenshoka is!”
The next thing I knew, I starting to think, “I want to live a normal life,” and “I don’t want to live in this hell!”
My team leader encouraged me by saying “Your fate can be changed! Gohonzon Sama is that powerful!”
Now that I finally faced my Karma and understood why I was born into an abusive family, I decided to talk to my Mom about Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo.
When I told her about the Daishonin and Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo, her face showed extreme anger and she kicked me out!
My leader took me into her home. I just prayed and asked the Daishonin to show me the way.
A few days later, my mom showed up at my job screaming at me and wouldn’t go home until I gave her all my paychecks!
I did not want to cause trouble at work, so I left. I had no money, and found out my Mom took out a $10,000 loan under my name!
I was shocked and felt myself being pushed back into darkness.
I was praying “Please help me Nichiren Daishonin!”
I kept chanting and felt the strength growing inside me and Asai-Sensei’s teaching came to mind, “No matter what happens, it will be alright.”
Believe in Gohonzon-Sama and chant Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. I was taught that Shakubuku (sharing Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo) is the most powerful way to change my destiny.
Gohonzon-Sama will never fail me!
I made up my mind to help teach others about the Daishonin’s great medicine: Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo!
I started talking about Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo to everyone. Some people made fun of me when I talked about my past life, but I understood that I was cleaning my bad Karma so I kept going.
I contacted Mr. Tajima and told him about Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. He helped me with free legal consultation in the past.
He was very surprised by my appearance and said:
“Miki, you have changed!” and “I’m moved by your story! Why don’t you share it with the people who come here for advice?”
I was really happy to be told “You have changed!”
I cannot believe that I was talking to people! I used to be so shy!
That’s because Nichiren Daishonin dwells in my soul, and even I, a coward, could share Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo with confidence.
Since that time, my circumstances started to change!
My biggest concern was my herniated disc, and osteoarthritis on my knee. It became very painful and I worried that I wouldn’t get a job.
Despite my worries, I accepted welfare and found a place with rent protection!
Also after I filed my debts, they found an over payment so it went down from $10,900 to $2,400! Unbelievable!!
Upon the approval from welfare, the government office contacted my biological dad. As soon as he found out about my situation, he asked the city office to contact me immediately!
I was amazed and didn’t take it seriously.
After 25 years, I finally met with my Dad and Stepmom.
In tears I told him what happened and my Dad said:
“I thought you were married and had children…. I am so sorry you missed out on your childhood. Come visit us anytime!”
We went out to eat and shopped together. I said to myself “This is a family!”
I felt real love and could not stop crying.
I tried many times to find my father, but have never been able to find him until now.
I am grateful to Nichiren Daishonin for such a wonderful reunion.
WhenI look back at my dark years, I still cannot believe that I have the life I always wanted I am thankful to the Kenshokai member who took me in and encouraged me to keep going and help break my bad Karma!!
Now my Stepmom is chanting with me and soon my Dad will too! I want to let other people know that we all have the Buddha nature in us and we can change our lives like I did by chanting Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo!
Thank you.
Miki
From Kenshokai newspaper September 5, 2015
Unbreakable Happiness 