In summary:
From Birth, a Connection to Seifu-ji Temple and Assisting with Temple Duties
I was born in 1939 as the grandson of a tōfu shop owner in Shibata, Kita Ward, Osaka. Although my family belonged to a different Buddhist sect, our house was near Seifuji. Looking back, I believe I had a connection with the temple even back then.
As an adult, I became acquainted with the parents of Nobuki Okamoto, who belong to the Miyakojima North Parish. Through them, I started visiting Seifuji. Later, I married a cousin of Mr. Okamoto, and my husband’s mother was also a believer of Seifuji. This, too, felt like a mysterious connection to faith.
I started dedicating myself to temple duties (assisting with various tasks) when I retired from the Umeda Hankyu Department Store after 42 years of service. Ms. Shigeko Maeda, who also serves as a group leader in our parish, guided and supported me during this time. Without Ms. Maeda, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Over the past ten-plus years, I have served in various roles, including parish leader, women’s association officer, and children’s club officer. During this time, I remained healthy and full of energy.
However, one day, I was suddenly struck by illness.
Diagnosed with Adult T-Cell Leukemia, Losing 20 Kilograms
One day in 2011, my longtime doctor said, “Mrs. Nishi, there is a suspicion of cancer, so please get examined at a larger hospital.” I couldn’t believe it and thought, “Where in me is there cancer? This must be a lie!”
After several blood tests, the doctor handed me a piece of paper and said, “Mrs. Nishi, please take this and get a PET scan.” Looking at the paper, I saw “Diagnosis: Adult T-Cell Leukemia.” I was shocked and thought, “What? I have leukemia?” Following this, my weight continued to drop, losing about 20 kilograms. These were clear symptoms of leukemia.
However, even though I didn't want to die, I wasn't too concerned.
Leukemia Disappeared Naturally Without Much Suffering
After two weeks of hospitalization and two rounds of chemotherapy, I continued chemotherapy as an outpatient for five months. Currently, I only need a blood test once every two months. The numbers have steadily improved, and I am very grateful. I feel this is all thanks to the Buddha and the merits accumulated through my many years of service.
I believe that continuously visiting the temple, listening to sermons from the priests, and entrusting everything to the Buddha allowed me to face this illness without fear. When visiting the temple, fellow believers often ask, “So, what happened with the leukemia?” I respond, “I think it flew away somewhere!” Now, I feel so healthy that I sometimes doubt I ever had leukemia.
Every time I visit the temple and see the face of Nichiren Shonin’s statue at the altar, it seems he is always smiling at me. I truly feel grateful for having embraced this faith. I cannot express enough gratitude to those who introduced me to Seifuji and taught me how to serve. I will continue to practice my faith diligently, never forgetting t
