Victory or Defeat Hinges on One’s Inner Determination Mr Takeshi Kobayashi (age 57 then), a vice chapter leader in Nakano, Tokyo suddenly lost consciousness in Mid Jun 1998. He was rushed to the hospital immediately but his pupils had already begun to dilate when he was in the ambulance. By the time he arrived at the hospital, his condition was so critical that he was sent directly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The doctor told his wife, Michiko (vice women division chapter leader), “The central, pivotal portion of his brain has been badly damaged. Please be mentally prepared because his chances of survival are only one percent. Even if he did, he would be a living vegetable.” Michiko found herself saying, “No, I will not give up hope, I’m going to make sure he’ll recover!” to the doctor. Upon reaching home, she went straight to the Gohonzon and chanted daimoku profusely. While she was chanting, a fellow WD leader called her on the phone and said, “We must pull your husband back to the garden of kosen-rufu!” With this strong encouragement, Michiko chanted with even greater conviction. As she prayed, she visualized her husband participating in Gakkai activities in high spirits. Each time she envisioned his victory, her prayers were enhanced with joy and appreciation. Her husband’s miraculous drama began the following day. As Michiko chanted daimoku by her husband’s ears, she could see his big toe moving in rhythm with her daimoku. This was something impossible as the doctor had confirmed with her that none of his body muscle could move. He added, “There’s no way that your husband’s brain nerve can be revived.” Everyday, the doctor told Michiko that it was impossible for her husband to recover but everyday, her husband would surprise the doctor and proved him wrong. First his eyelid opened two millimeters, next his fingers began to move, then his knees, then his shoulders and finally, he could even turn around on the bed. Finally on 3 Jul (the date on which SGI commemorate mentor and disciple day), he was transferred from the ICU to the normal ward. On 17 Jul, he could walk seven steps with support and on 24 Aug, he was allowed to go out of the hospital for the day to attend a meeting where a video on President Ikeda’s guidance at the headquarters leaders meeting was screened. Then on 31 Aug, he was fully discharged and he walked out of the hospital with his very own legs. Before he left, his doctor told him in amazement, “I must confess your recovery is completely out of my expectation. I’m deeply impressed.” Strangely enough, Michiko and her family also received great protection financially despite the fact that her husband was the sole breadwinner. Presently, Mr Kobayashi has fully recovered and actively contributing to kosen-rufu with deep gratitude. Till today, he does not suffer from any side effects and is in the pink of his health. SGI President Ikeda once said, “Whether you are going to lead a life of a victor with a mighty heart or a life of defeat with a weak heart depends on the strength of your faith. Your heart determines your life. Buddhism is win or lose. In this sense, it is your inner determination that ultimately decides whether you actually win or lose in life.” Adapted from an article written by Tokyo WD Study Chief Tamiko Kumada published in Jun 2005 issue of The Daibyakurenge, the Sokka Gakkai’s study journal
Posted on: Sat, 05 Oct 2013 02:02:28 +0000
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