Summary of the Shinji (May 23, 2020) from Kyōshu Seishisha Tomomarukō Sensei

The Shinji we are given 3 times a month is the specific guidance on how to apply the teachings in our daily life. However, as we move forward, it is always important to recapitulate the guiding principle that was given to us at the beginning of the year so that we don’t lose our direction.
Here are some parts of the Shinji that showed us the guiding principle for this year.
The more the thoughts to live by the teachings become stronger, people’s kokoro will anchor and the movement of the kokoro to go against the path will not arise.
It is the endeavor to live by the teachings. The more this feeling is deepened, the kokoro will not waver and overreact to go off the right path.
Continued effort as a family, to create a family that lives by the teachings, human beings can live a life that is one with their unmei.
When members of the family interact with the teachings in mind, the family environment will be filled with warmth and comfort. And this kind of environment helps each person to live a life merged with their unmei. No matter how much the society changes its forms, the kokoro will not be consumed.
Let us keep this guiding principle in mind and take a look at the Shinji for May 23.

The theme for May is to cherish all encounters in life.
And on May 15, Kami had shown us a Shinji that taught us how to hone ourselves to be a person who is liked and supported by many. The Shinji for May 23 is also showing us how to become a person who is liked by many, but from a different angle.

The first part of the Shinji is showing us the principles—the universal truth.
A human being (s) will not attain a life of kaiun alone.
All human beings are born with a strength to be useful to society (unmei) given from Kami, and the temperament and disposition (jittai) that are handed down the blood line. 
While we know unmei is an element that turns out to be the strength of each person, we also know that there are both good and bad elements of  jittai we receive from our parents and ancestors. And Kaiun is achieved through our endeavor to correct the bad elements of the jittai which naturally helps surface the given unmei.
We would like to point out that correcting the jittai and honing the unmei holds a similar meaning where both bring results of your unmei to be surfaced, therefore kaiun is reached as a result. What Kami is teaching us in this one line of principle, is that correcting the jittai, or honing the unmei cannot be done unless you interact with many people.
Therefore, the theme of May, which is to cherish all encounters in life ties directly to the achievement of kaiun. A person who lives with a sense of “give and take,” he or she will be liked and supported by the surroundings. And at the same time, his or her jittai will be corrected and the unmei will be honed in a very natural way.
Once again, this one line of principle is showing us that you need to become a person who is liked by many to reach kaiun.
Then, how can we live with a sense of “give and take” in our daily interactions with various types of people? The following Shinji teaches how;

Human beings will have encounters with many people the more the conversations are enjoyable with family members.
Family environment is where personalities are fostered. It is important to keep the conversation between the husband and wife ongoing, parents talk to the children, and the children to feel comfortable talking to their parents. These continuous exchanges of thoughts between the family members will deepen the conversation, and hone the abilities and strength to build trust between people.  A person who is always positively involved with the family will naturally get along with many people. They will be well accepted, respected by many and always comfortable in making pleasant conversations. 

There are two more points in the Shinji where Kami teaches how to become a person who is liked by many.
Have you learned the teachings and strived to make the best of them in your life?
This ties to the first phrase we uncovered. It is because we can’t live alone, the effort to learn the teachings and strive to make the best of them in your life becomes important.
Do not take your encounters with people lightly.
Kami is showing us how important it is to cherish your encounters. You shouldn’t plan a scheme to have your way, push people into corners, or look down on other people.
For example, people who do not cooperate with the stay home measures when the government officials or the people in the front line are asking for help in this current situation, people who overreact and criticize, or people who spread indefinite information through the social medias. These examples are all acting upon the thought of taking your encounters with people lightly.

Daishin once defined that a “balanced person” is a person who has the heart to praise the other person’s strength. But at the same time, a balanced person has the courage to give precise suggestions and opinions when needed. Daishin said, the ideal ratio of praising and precise opinion would be about 7 to 3; where the praising is about 7, and the opinion is about 3. This ties to the guidance Kami had shown us through the Shinji todayabout how to become a likable person.
For instance, if you were a wife, and your husband mentioned something that you didn’t agree. What would you do?
Based on what Kami is teaching us through the Shinji today, it is better not to deny his opinion, but to agree and accept his opinion first by saying “I understand” or “I agree,” and then tell him what you think. By doing this, it doesn’t leave harsh feelings inside your husband’s heart, therefore, the next conversation you make with him, and if you happen to be complaining about something, he will accept you respectfully. This “give and take” is important especially in a husband and wife relationship. And this relationship between you and your husband will also help your children feel comfortable opening up about their feelings and talk to you with honesty. Ongoing good conversation with your children will keep your heart at ease, and the family environment will feel comfortable for everyone. 
As shown through this example, to work on your ability to converse to deepen each encounter is important. As a result, your strengths will shine because your way of life to cherish every encounter is honed.
The movement of the kokoro that is merged with your unmei has the power to veil other people’s kokoro in a very gentle way. This creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere that wraps the environment which creates a ripple effect to make everyone’s kokoro feeling calm and secure at the same time. In such place, the jittai is corrected for the better.
With this effort to exchange a pleasant kokoro, your life will be guided to kaiun in the hands of Kami.