by Kokoro Ryono

I was very fortunate to make a trip to Jiba this time around to attend both the Young Men’s Association Convention as well as the Autumn Grand Service. Looking back, it has been exactly ten years since I graduated college, obtained my pharmacist license and headed to Tenri to attend both the Young Men’s Association one month Hinokishin Corps as well as the three month Spiritual Development Course. My life is completely different now than it was ten years ago, and I have been blessed in so many ways it is impossible to count. 

My father always used to tell me that this is a path of ten years, that as a follower of this path, though you may contribute to the path in many ways, you may not feel or see the fruits of your labor from a day to day or even month to month basis. However, when you zoom out and look at your life over a ten-year span, you will undoubtedly see the change that has occurred and see the ways you have been blessed. This was probably the first time in my life that I have been able to truly understand these words and felt convinced in how fortunate I am to be connected with this Path. With three months remaining in this pre-anniversary period, I look forward to continuing on in our efforts towards spiritual growth together with everyone connected to this Path.