Great Construction

The Pleasant, Agreeable, Gracious Individual


     There are probably no words that give such a pleasing sound as those of the title that describe a personable individual, but a little reflection shows that these words have a surprising importance for getting on in the world. From the individual to society at large, the words in the title have an enormous connection. An example is that when anyone comes into contact with such a personable individual, that person will also become so, and as that experience spreads from person to person, a pleasant society comes about. Objectionable problems, particularly strife as well as crime will decrease, so mentally and spiritually a paradise will be born. The birth of a gracious society will not require one cent, will not take any trouble, and can be started from any place. Nothing could be as good as this! Even so, it may sound easy to do, but everyone knows that it does not work out so well in practice.
     In order for society to become full of pleasant, agreeable, gracious individuals, mere superficial, decorative measures are useless. Love and sincerity must naturally overflow from the heart, so the whole process depends upon the individual’s emotional and mental state. Fundamental is the spirit of love for others. Concerning this, allow me to write a little about myself. Since my youth, and it does seem strange to say so myself, there have not been many instances where I was hated or envied by others. More often, others have warmed to me and have sought to keep in contact. When I thought about the reasons this may be so, the following came to mind. I usually place my own benefit and satisfaction in second place and concentrate on satisfying and making others happy. This attitude does not come from any moral sense or faith: it just occurs naturally. It is my character. You could call it one form of enjoyment. I am often told that such a disposition is quite an advantageous characteristic, which may be true. And, this disposition has naturally become stronger since I became involved with religion. When I see someone suffering from disease, I cannot be still and want to cure the person. When I channel Johrei and see how happy the person is upon being healed, that happiness reflects back to me, and I become happy because of such a disposition. There was a time previously when I suffered from the problem that arose therein. When I realized it was too late and could not help, I should have withdrawn, but since the individual concerned and the family were relying on me, I did not consider my own interest, became heavily involved, traveled to a faraway place many times wasting valuable time and money. In the end, there was no recovery, I disappointed everyone, and I was despised and ridiculed, so every time this kind of situation occurred, I scolded myself, saying that I should become more dispassionate.
     But, since it is this disposition that has helped build the prototypes of paradise on earth and the art museum, it was probably given to me by God. For example, when I see a magnificent art piece or a beautiful view, I cannot bear to enjoy it myself. I reproach myself, the feeling wells up within that I must show it to and have as many people as possible enjoy it. So that is why my greatest satisfaction comes, not from enjoying something myself, but from becoming pleased and happy that others are becoming pleased and happy.

Eikō, Issue 257, April 21, 1954
    translated by cynndd


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“Kanji no Yoi Hito” which originally appeared in Eikō,  Issue 257, April 21 1954, has previously appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“A Pleasant Person,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 378.

“A Pleasant Person,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Four, 2005, page 6.

“The Source of Pleasant Feelings,” Reaching for Faith, 2010, page 23.