Caring with Kindness

We live in a world that changes from moment to moment, a world in which we grow old, fall ill, and die. Since none of us can avoid birth, aging, sickness, and death, a time will probably come when we need to be cared for by others. We can say, then, that care for the elderly is a major concern for all who live in an aging society.
　　　　　According to a survey of the current state of elderly care in Japan, one in four people providing care at home is in a depressed state. During last year’s nationwide dissemination tour, I had the opportunity to hear how Rissho Kosei-kai members are providing care for family members. Since I too, together with my siblings, had cared for my father, Rissho Kosei-kai founder Nikkyo Niwano, both at home and in hospital, coming into direct contact with members’ personal experiences gave me a renewed awareness.
　　　　　Caregiving requires time and energy, and since no one can cope alone with all the demands of caregiving, other family members need to be understanding and cooperative and provide emotional support. When we realize that caring for the elderly is not someone else’s problem and that we ourselves may eventually need care, we can approach caring for others with consideration and kindness.

The Consideration of the Sangha

Some people need care because of age or illness. Shakyamuni taught the virtue of “the seven offerings that cost nothing.” One of them is the offering of a smile. Even when our bodies cannot obey our will and we are likely to be low in spirits, it is important that we show our gratitude to our caregivers, thanking them with a smile when they lift us or lend us a shoulder.
　　　　I know that people caring for parents at home undergo many hardships, but when we remind ourselves of our indebtedness to our parents for rearing us, we can tend to them with kindness.
　　　During my nationwide dissemination tour, I heard stories of healthy elderly people helping out other elderly people who needed care, engaging them in conversation or accompanying them on walks. Cases like these, in which the whole community pitches in, conveyed to me the kindness of local residents as they did their best to maintain the health of the elderly and to treat one another with kindness and consideration.
　　　In each Rissho Kosei-kai church, there are many people who carry out church duties as well as providing care at home. They can do so only with the support and consideration of the Sangha. Let us walk together, aiming to make our local area and our church a community that heals everyone’s heart and generates renewed energy.