Necrotic intestines cured
Ms. Akari Koyama’s story
I joined Kenshokai in 2013.
I work as an elementary school teacher. Every day I am fortunate to gain the trust of many students, parents, and staff. I feel the protection of Gohonzon-sama.
And now, through my own illness, I had an experience that has given me absolute clarity about the Gohonzon-sama.
On October 16th last year, while sleeping, I suddenly had severe abdominal pain and called an ambulance while desperately chanting Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. I was rescued when I passed out on my front porch and taken to a nearby hospital.
After the examination, I was diagnosed with Strangulated Ileus.
This is a scary disease in which blood vessels in the intestinal wall are compressed and blood circulation is impaired, resulting in necrosis of the intestinal tract, which can lead to death in the worst-case scenario.
The twisting of the intestinal tract created a hole in the abdominal wall, which had been open at the time of my birth. It had blocked blood flow, and had already caused necrosis of three meters in the intestinal tract, covering two-thirds of the intestine. The situation was life-threatening and serious, and open abdominal surgery was performed immediately.
When I woke up after the six-hour surgery, I could not even get up due to high fever, vomiting, and severe pain all over my body. The next day, the doctor explained the situation to me, and for the first time I realized how serious it was.
Normally, they remove all the necrotic intestines, but if they are shortened, it will be difficult to take in nutrients, and I would be on an intravenous drip for the rest of my life.
My father, who is also a member of Kenshokai, discussed with the doctor that he wanted the intestines to remain, and the doctor decided not to cut them but to provide a colostomy to try and preserve them with fasting.
However, I was shocked and could not accept my own appearance, which had changed in an instant.
I became afraid that in the future I would not be able to freely go out to Shakubuku and help people learn about the True Buddha. I began to cry, wondering if I would not be able to accompany Asai-Sensei when the Daishonin’s testament was fulfilled.
When I read Asai-Sensei’s teaching of “Reply to Mr. Matsuno”, this sentence sunk in:
When you have a chance to earn the benefit of the Buddha’s teaching, you must risk your own life to pursue it. One day your body will become the soil of the fields. So there is nothing you can do to spare your life.
No matter how much you try to hold on to it, you will never be able to.
People live longer, but only for a mere one hundred years. Moreover, all the events in a lifetime are like a dream during a quick nap.
Then, these words from the Daishonin really hit me hard this time.
Our life is limited. Don’t be the least bit surprised when you die.
I was determined to live my life as a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin until the end. I was deeply yearning for the Daishonin and focused on dedicated prayer.
Then my abdomen became gradually warmer, and the pain eased.
The doctor and nurses were surprised to find that the necrotic intestines had begun to recover and the blackish-purple intestines had begun to turn pink.
Five days after being hospitalized, I underwent surgery to remove only 30 cm of intestine to avoid possible bursting of the necrotic area.
I also tried to do my best at that moment. Drawing IV from my wheelchair, I shared my story of Nichiren Daishonin with the nurses and the patients in my room. They were amazed by my vitality and listened intently.
On November 18th, one month after my hospitalization, I had a third surgery to close my colostomy.
Three days prior to the surgery, I listened intently to Asai Sensei’s teaching of the 3rd high priest Nichimoku Shonin who made his final admonition to the Emperor.
Tears welled up in my eyes while listening to Asai Sensei talk about the final manifestation of Nichimoku Shonin, who gave up his own life to be heard by the Emperor regarding the Daishonin’s great compassion to make the country and people experience ultimate happiness.
The Daishonin’s great authority and virtue were embedded in my heart, and I strongly believed that I would be all right, no matter what happened.
The surgery was a success, and I was able to eat and go to the bathroom on my own.
While many people cannot remove a colostomy for the rest of their lives or require many years to do so, they were able to close it after only one month. I was discharged from the hospital January of this year.
I cried tears of joy at the Daishonin’s great compassion and mercy that removes pain and gives us peace.
Now my blood levels are normal, and I am able to return to work!
For the new semester, the school made arrangements for me to work as an out-of-class teacher with no overtime work, which in turn made it easier for me to practice Nichiren Daishonin’s Buppo.
It is true that when you put your life at stake and believe in the true Buddha Dharma, there is absolutely no dead end!
Looking back, I am grateful to Asai-Sensei for his constant protection of my mind and heart during the three months of hospitalization by allowing me to participate in the online meetings.
At the February Kenshokai monthly meeting, Asai-Sensei remarked on the “devastation of the human mind,” which cannot be overcome by political or educational power.
The elementary school where I work is no exception, with frequent bullying and abuse. Many teachers are forced to take leaves of absence or resign from their jobs due to depression caused by dealing with children and complaints from parents.
I am very fortunate to have been able to experience the power of the Gohonzon-sama through my illness. I am now confident that only Nichiren Daishonin and the Three Great Secret Laws* can save people and the nation from the root cause of their suffering.
*Honmon no Daimoku (Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo)
Honmon no Honzon (Kaidan no Dai Gohonzon)
Honmon no Kaidan (Kokuritsu Kaidan-Where Kaidan Dai Gohonzon will be enshrined)
I am committed to achieving the highest quality education for the benefit of all students, parents, and teachers.
Only Kenshokai led by Asai-Sensei, who upheld Nichiren Daishonin’s last Will and testament, can complete it. I will dedicate my life which has been saved, to the final stage of fulfillment of the testament of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin!
Thank you,
Akari
From Kenshokai newspaper – April 15th, 2022
Unbreakable Happiness 