In summary:
Threatened by a land shark but received 3-4 times the compensation for removal and moved
I was born in Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture, and moved to Osaka for work right after graduating from junior high school. When I was 20, I lived at my aunt’s house in Tennoji Ward and went to work. At her recommendation, I started visiting Seifu-ji Temple for the first time. My aunt was very strict about faith and would scold me severely if I did not wake up early every morning and perform the morning servings (such as cleaning and offering fresh water) for the Gohonzon. Later, I began serving in the youth association, and I married Hisako, who was also a youth member. We were blessed with three children.
About 30 years ago, we received a sudden eviction notice for the row house we were living in. Soon, a yakuza-like land shark began frequenting our house and threatening us. Gradually, our neighbors started moving out, and within a year and a half, only five houses remained. The land shark’s threats became more severe each day.
I prayed fervently in front of the Gohonzon daily for the safe resolution of the eviction issue. Gradually, I began to believe that Buddha would protect us, and I stopped fearing the land shark as much.
I continued to confront the land shark resolutely and even talked about our faith with them several times. Surprisingly, their attitude softened, and they even began to say, “Mr. Yamanaka, you believe in a good religion.” Eventually, I helped them form a connection with this faith.
With the support of a local politician, we continued negotiations with the land shark. As a result, we could move under very favorable conditions, receiving 3-4 times the usual amount of compensation for removal.
Found an ideal new home where it is easy to perform religious services
Next, we needed to find a new home. I prayed for two things: 1. A home with enough space for about 30 believers to attend services. 2. A home close enough to continue our faith activities without changing our parish and group.
I found an advertisement for a property a five-minute walk from our current home. It was a condominium with a large room combining a Japanese-style tatami room and a living room. I felt that this was a blessing from Buddha and immediately decided on this property.
Thanks to the increased compensation for removal and our savings, we could purchase the property with a lump-sum cash payment. After moving in, we discovered that the soundproofing was excellent. The sounds of the wooden clappers and xylophone used during services did not disturb the neighbors, and we never received any complaints. At that time, I firmly resolved to build a life centered around faith in this new home.
Now, my children and grandchildren have inherited my faith, and I am so happy
Our three children have since married and become independent, and we now have six grandchildren. Together with my wife, who has long served in the Tennoji Parish, we focused on passing down our faith to our family. I am grateful that all our children and grandchildren have embraced our faith and now regularly participate in youth and parish activities, as well as temple services.
When we hold youth or parish services at home, my wife serves her homemade curry, which is very popular among the young believers. Her curry has become famous as “Mrs. Yamanaka’s Curry.” Our children’s families naturally gather at our house on weekends, and we enjoy cooking and spending time together. These family gatherings allow us to share many discussions about our faith, contributing to the continuation of our family’s religious heritage.
Recently, my eldest son’s wife has been helping my wife with her religious duties. Despite being busy with work and raising children, she actively promotes faith to other group members and invites them whenever we have services and other religious activities at home. I am truly grateful for this, and it brings me great joy.
I also often talk to my children and grandchildren about the importance of financial offerings and the blessings they bring. Gradually, my children have started donating to the temple and offering alms to the priest on their initiative.
In a time when passing down faith is becoming increasingly difficult, I am truly happy to be able to practice and serve our faith together with my children and grandchildren. I hope to continue leading a life devoted to faith, with the inheritance of our religious traditions as my foremost priority.
