Great Construction

Wait for the Right Time (The Glory)

     We find so many failures in our society. If the consequences of it could be confined to the men and women involved only it might not be so serious, but it usually extends to family members, often setting them adrift, and to other individuals, or even groups of individuals. In turn, it affects society as a whole. Therefore, it is a problem that cannot be passed over lightly, and it may well be termed a form of social evil.
     To a great extent the cause for the failures can be found in a factor of which people seldom take notice. In starting upon a course of action or a plan, the person usually ponders it well and makes the necessary preparations. But in the carrying out of it, in many cases not only may things go amiss but unanticipated obstacles present themselves, resulting in discouragement or financial difficulty and eventual failure. Frequently the reason is not understood and the individual does not know just what to do. This is the usual course. Where then is the true cause for the failure?
     Often the cause lies in the fact that people ignore the important factor of right timing. In every human affair nothing is more important than the right time. In nature the same principle pertains—flowers, fruits, and agricultural products all have their own time and season. Unless the season and proper time is at hand, no other favorable condition will produce the right results. For example, flower bulbs planted in the fall bloom in spring. Seeds and bulbs planted in spring bloom in summer or autumn. Each farm product has its own time for sowing, transplanting, and reaping, although climate and weather also have an effect.
     Thus nature teaches us the importance of the right time. If we observe this principle and follow nature’s example in whatever we are doing, we take the golden road to success.
     Johrei, nature farming, and so forth, are all based upon nature’s principles. This is the reason for the wonderful results obtained when they are performed properly.
     In making certain plans. I make it a rule never to be in a hurry. I examine the plan objectively from every possible angle, turn it over and over in my mind, and after I feel assured that it will contribute to humanity and the social order, and that it will do so forever, I make all necessary preparations and wait for the right time to set it into action.
     There were not a few people who regarded this as a very slow procedure, a slow way of doing things. Others offered advice and suggestions, some of which I promised to adopt, and at times they felt impatient and wondered when I would carry them out. I was only waiting for the right time to come.
     It seems to be very difficult for most people to wait patiently for the right time to come, and they start to carry out their plans before it is here. When they do so, there is always some disharmony between the time element and their plans, which renders the execution of them unsuccessful. Anxiety, worry, or impatience causes further detriments and widens the gap between their plan and its successful execution. Finally they fail completely.
     Therefore one of the most important things is to have the wisdom and the patience to wait for the right time. Sayings such as “It is a long lane that has no turning.” or “Everything comes in time to him that can wait.” are symbolic of the fact that everything has it is own right time for execution. To “seize an opportunity” also has a similar meaning.
     How can we known when the time is right? When all of the conditions are favorable and there is strong indication that the plan should be put into action. At such a time, if the plan is carried out, all will go smoothly, naturally, and without the need for undue effort. The rule to be followed is: decisive action, after careful deliberation, at the right time.
     We may compare this to the pushing of a heavy rock down a slope, with some obstacle preventing it from moving. If it is done without proper consideration of all of the elements involved, great strength may be required to move it, whereas at the right moment, in the right way, it will be very easy to move the rock, even with a finger.

The Glory, Number 37, page 1, April 10, 1962