Compass of the Times by Keiko Takahashi
April 2020
Compass of the Times 193
To Seek for the Light
Keiko Takahashi
The Dark Clouds That Cover the Era
Currently, the whole world is devoting considerable energy to fighting the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. This new virus is also causing great confusion for medical specialists. The clinical data has shown that the virus is a truly elusive entity, with facets far from conventional medical wisdom.
For example, the incubation period from infection to onset of symptoms varies considerably, described as anything from 1 to 24 days. In addition, some people do not show any symptoms even when they are infected, while others suffer severe life-threatening conditions. The majority of infected people do not show serious symptoms, but for the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, and cancer, it is more likely that their conditions become severe; thus the disease cannot be underestimated. It is thus evident that the effects of the disease vary. In addition, in the course of recovery, the signs indicating stages of recovery are unclear and some have lingering symptoms. It is extremely difficult to obtain a clear view of when a patient is fully recovered.
It is becoming clear that the virus is a complicated entity in which we cannot apply any equation of causality familiar to us, such as "If we do this, the result will be that."
In addition to the damage of the actual disease, a great concern is the inevitable secondary damage. As governments ask us to suppress our activities, consumer activity has slowed and stock prices have fallen sharply, causing a devastating impact on us through economic stagnation.
The ordeal that humanity now faces can be said to be a dark cloud hanging over the era. When such dark clouds cast a shadow over us, we are being asked how we live.
We Still Seek for Light: The Method for Engaging Chaos
We must consider the situation brought about by this new coronavirus as Chaos, in which the outline and the shape are elusive, and we do not have results or conclusions. It exists as Chaos in front of us.
And now is the time for us to confront this situation seriously and look closely at the face of Chaos by applying the method for engaging Chaos taught by the Study of the Soul1. No matter what the circumstance, we must draw light from it.
We should not allow ourselves to be swallowed up by anxiety but neither should we underestimate the situation by thinking, "It will be okay," we must close in on the real shape of Chaos, clarifying the light and darkness, as well as the possibilities and limitations contained in Chaos. Only by doing so can we draw substantial potential from this Chaos.
I have announced to GLA members to take five measures, which are derived from the method for engaging Chaos. Those are the lifestyles that will protect our biological life, daily living, life itself, and our soul. In addition, based on the data obtained from papers published in a reliable medical journal2, I have proposed a flowchart for the diagnosis of the novel coronavirus. This is another way to protect many people, including GLA members.
We have also been able to set up live internet broadcasting, G. Live, along this path given the circumstances of cancellation of gatherings. This is none other than a new form of study in the GLA community and a new form of our bond.
Holding up the Light of Bodaishin
Any trial we may face, we must take it as Chaos and extract the light that exists there. Seeking and producing the light at all times is the path that we should take.
April 8th marks the 51st anniversary of GLA. By welcoming the
50th-anniversary last year, we have now begun a new path for the next 50 years.
At every Zenyu Gathering3, held each GLA anniversary, I have been offering a Prayer for Bodhisattva. I pray for our aspirations and resolutions as we walk in the world of suffering as Bodhisattva.
The word Bodhisattva has its roots in Buddhism. However, its meaning is not limited to Buddhism nor the things of the past.
Bodhisattva is an existence that seeks one's real self, loves others, and contributes to world harmony. When our mind follows Bodhisattva, it is called Bodaishin. Even though we live in an era when dark clouds overshadow, we are all individuals who constantly seek the light and produce the light.
Editor's Notes
1. Study of the Soul
The Study of the Soul is a system of theory and practice in which we seek a way of life by connecting the visible and invisible dimensions. In contrast to the study of phenomena, which science represents by dealing with the materialistic dimension, the Study of the Soul goes beyond that, dealing comprehensively with the materialistic dimension and the invisible dimension of the mind and soul. That is a principle that I have discovered from intensive studies of human beings and the individual life journeys of the many people whom I have met. By looking at the soul, mind, and reality as a whole, we observe human beings and aspire to respond to every possible occasion. (Excerpted from How to Make Your Life the Best by Keiko Takahashi; available only in Japanese)
2. New England Journal of Medicine (One of the most highly respected medical journals in the world)
3. Zenyu
Originates from Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who emphasized the importance of Zenyu to his disciples when asked about its meaning. He responded, "Having Zenyu, a good friend, is equal to the entire path to enlightenment." For us, Zenyu means nothing but the friends and companions who aspire to accomplish growth and evolution by helping each other based on the Study of the Soul. (Excerpt from p.6 of G. Monthly April 2019 Compass of the Times)
*Notice of Postponement of the Zenyu Gathering 2020
In order to protect everyone from the infection of COVI D-19 (Novel Coronavirus), Zenyu Gathering 2020 has been postponed from Sunday, April 5 to Sunday, June 28 (broadcast from Shibuya Public Hall to venues nationwide).
Excerpt Translation of G. Monthly Journal April 2020 issue
Preliminary translation as of March 2020
GLA member-volunteers translated Takahashi Sensei’s words.
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