”A life of despair, severe depression, divorce, and suicide attempt”
Ms. Kaori Katayama’s story:
In July 2008, a colleague at work told me about Nichiren Daishonin Buddha and then I joined Kenshokai.
Before I joined, I got married at the age of 21 to be happy, but I was so busy with work, housework, and raising my children that I suffered from severe depression and ended up divorcing at the age of 32.
At that time, I was separated from my two children, then 8 and 10 years old, and I was forced to make a promise that I would never see them again for the rest of my life.
I lost the will to live, took large doses of sleeping pills, and had difficulty keeping myself together.
I had trouble getting along with my own family and was kicked out of my parents’ house. I lived in my car for six months and was so depressed that I attempted to commit suicide by drowning myself.
It was at that time I was introduced to Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo. When I practiced with sincerity, I felt a surge of life force welling up inside of me.
I was happy to apply the practice of Shakubuku (sharing Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo with others) when I learned that it was the best way to change my destiny!
Thrilled by the change in myself, I continued to Shakubuku my friends, and in 2016, I was appointed to the position of group leader.
I had the precious experience of seeing my destiny, which was cold as ice and buried so deeply, melt away.
Since the beginning of the year, I have spent a lot of time reading the “Fundamental Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo Book” over and over again, so that I would be able to grow my faith as much as possible to welcome Asai Sensei, president of Kenshokai, to the new “Niigata Kaikan prayer hall” Ceremony last year (2021).
I understood how important it was to build the Kokuritsu Kaidan (Ordination platform which is the Daishonin’s final will and testament).
At the same time, I was filled with awe at the great loyalty of Asai Sensei who risked his life to keep the Buddha’s will.
I was deeply determined to do my best to fight and repay Asai Sensei’s (Kenshokai’s president) faithfulness. If he does not stand in protection of Nichiren Daishonin Buddha’s will, the prayers we chant will not connect with the Daishonin and we will not be able to attain Buddhahood.
At the Niigata Kaikan new prayer hall ceremony, Asai Sensei told us about the many unbearable incarnations of Nichiren Daishonin, and I was so moved that I could not stop crying.
As I prayed to the Daishonin with deep yearning, my whole body was filled with a stronger gratitude than ever before!
Then I felt an overwhelming desire to save my ex-husband and mother-in-law, whom I had not been in contact with for 12 years since our divorce. I made up my mind to go to their place on October 13, 2021. (The death anniversary of Nichiren Daishonin Buddha)
I was so enthusiastic that I told my mother-in-law how much I appreciated her for raising my children and that the reason I had overcome my illness and changed so much was because I was practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo at Kenshokai under the leadership of Asai Sensei.
My mother-in-law told me that she had received and read a Koukokubun* from another Kenshokai member the day before, and this unbelievable coincidence filled me with great emotion.
(*Koukokubun: A flyer with a picture of Mt. Fuji on it written about Nichiren Daishonin Buddha)
I was filled with gratitude when I learned of the hardships my mother-in-law had to go through to raise our young children.
As we talked to each other it was as if we were filling a 12-year gap. My mother-in-law’s expression softened, and I felt the misunderstandings she had harbored about the divorce. Then she spoke up and said that she hoped that my ex-husband and I would get back together, which surprised me, and I was truly grateful for her feelings. My heart was filled with joy!
The Daishonin must have given her guidance.
Two months later, I received even more luck.
My ex-husband called to invite me to go with him to our son’s concert. He was in the college brass band.
I went to the concert hall filled with excitement. I was looking forward to seeing my children for the first time in 12 years. So many thoughts were running through my mind in the midst of it all.
There, along with my ex-husband and son, was our 20-year-old daughter.
I told them, “I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to you.”
They grew up to be fine adults.
They accepted me without hesitation and called me “mother”.
It was hard to believe what just happened. The scene before me had suddenly become a reality.
My bad fate changed, and I burst into tears of joy.
When I told them about Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo, my ex-husband said, “I’d like to check out the Kenshokai website”.
He also said, “I am sorry that I have not been able to support you”
Instead of blaming me for not contacting him in the past 12 years, he offered me his heartfelt sympathy.
After that, he began to chant “Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo” every day as he faced Mt. Fuji, where the Kaidan no Dai Gohonzon (the Daishonin’s soul dwells in) is located, and my daughter came to rely on me so much that she would ask me about her problems, saying, “Mom, I have something to tell you”.
During the New Year’s prayer service this year, Asai Sensei instructed us with the strong and pure faith of Mr. Ueno (one of Nichiren Daishonin’s followers).
I have made a renewed commitment to strive for the final battle to complete the Buddha’s testament with the mindset of “Stand alone,” using Mr. Ueno’s faith as a guidance.
I am now getting back together with my ex-husband.
I deeply reflected on these words from Nichiren Daishonin:
“The Lotus Sutra is a light in the dark for women, a ship in the sea, and protection in a fearful place.”
No matter what adversity we face, those who believe in Nichiren Daishonin with their whole heart and soul will never come to a dead end. Everything will be alright.
Looking back on my life, I went from severe depression to divorce and thought I would never see my children again.
I cannot express how grateful I am for the transformation into a joyful family while I was dedicated to completing Nichiren Daishonin’s testament.
I am filled with gratitude to the Daishonin for his great compassion and immense virtue. This is because, under Asai Sensei’s guidance, I am able to follow Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings correctly.
From Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, the land is well fringed with Nichiren Daishonin Buddha. I will continue to tell people about the Daishonin, the true Buddha of great compassion, virtue, and who will save all people and nations.
As one who knows that the way the world can become truly safe and secure is only realized when Japan takes refuge in the Kaidan no Dai Gohonzon of the Daishonin’s soul.
I am determined to urgently build the necessary three million strong force in order for Asai Sensei to make his final admonition to the Japanese nation!
Thank you!
From Kenshokai newspaper March 15th, 2022
Unbreakable Happiness 