Great Construction

What I Am (Narratives)

     Only recently I wrote an essay titled “Me As Seen by Myself” which was written from an objective perspective, but here I am going to subjectively describe my feelings as they are.
     I keenly believe there is probably no one more happy than I. My total gratitude to God is constant. What could this feeling result from? Indeed I differ from ordinary people, particularly with the great mission bestowed upon me by God for which I endeavor day and night to fulfill. Each one of my followers know how much I continue to save great numbers of people. However, even for the ordinary human being who is not such a unique individual as I, there is a simple way to arrive at the secret of happiness. I will explain this secret, but in order to do so, let me try to reveal the state of the feelings that are constantly with me.
     Since youth I have taken pleasure in trying to make others happy. It is almost like a hobby with me. What I can do to make everyone happy is a subject constantly on my mind. Let me offer an example. When I arise in the morning, my first concern is how the other members of my family are doing. Even if only one person is in poor spirits, I as well do not feel content. In this regard I am the exact opposite of the mores of society. The prevailing custom is for family members to be concerned whether the head of the family is in good spirits or not. As my attitude is contrary to the rest of the world, even I myself find it can lead to feelings of peculiarity as well as chagrin. Thus, it is ever so difficult for me to hear and listen to complaints and whining, or, to have to listen to the same thing said over and over again. In whatever situation, it is my disposition to be peaceful and to dislike attachment.
     The situation I describe above is one factor for why I can be a happy individual and is the reason I always teach that if you make others happy, you yourself can become happy.
     I believe my greatest goal, paradise on earth, will come about when my disposition has been spread and has become shared throughout the world. Although it does pain me to write in terms that appear to be self-praise, I would be gratified if my essay can be of some kind of benefit.

Narratives, Jikan Library, Volume 12, page 68, January 30 1950
translated by cynndd

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“Watakushi to Iu Mono” was published originally in Chijōtengoku, Issue 7, August 30, 1949, and later reprinted with one substantial revision by Meishu-sama for Jikan Setsuwashū, Jikan Sōsho, Daijūnihen (Narratives, Jikan Library, Volume 12), page 68, January 30 1950. The magazine version was included while Meishu-sama still alive in essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyōhen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 435, March 25, 1954. “Watakushi to Iu Mono” has appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference. Meishu-sama has another essay published in 1953 with the same title that only appeared in the magazine, and the spelling of the title differs as well by including the number “(1)” (although no #2 is known to exist) so native speakers may differentiate them.

“What I Am,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 314.

“My True Feelings,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Three, 2005, page 37.

“About Myself,” A Hundred Teachings of Meishusama, no date, page 160.