Sickness begets the strength of determination
Osamu Hirota
Japan
The battle with cancer is a major spiritual battle. The initial blow during its announcement, the process of treatment, the pressure one felt during operations, the fear of relapse.
Osamu Hirota (age 77 years old) overcame not 1, but 2 types of cancer i.e. cancer of the tongue and the throat. In the fight against cancer, Hirota established a state of unwavering life condition.
On February 1991, Hirota felt something was amiss with his tongue.
In the beginning, the doctor diagnosed it as stomatitis (oral inflammation) but Hirota felt suspicious and became mindful of the strange red swell.When he saw the inner insert of his own tongue in the mirror, there was an annular recessed black tumor.
He then went to Kyoto Medical Centre for treatment with a recommendation letter from his local hospital.
After the diagnosis, the doctor told him, “The chance of suffering from cancer of the tongue was very high.” “We would like you know the actual results of the diagnosis and the forthcoming treatment after a week… ”
In the midst of listening to the doctor’s explanation, he could no longer hear the doctor’s voice. Hearing the news that he had cancer left him in a state of shock, the mind completed blanked out and not knowing what to do next. He could not even recalled how he had driven back home. Even when he was sitting in front of the Gohonzon, his thoughts went repeatedly, “Am I going to die just like that… “. He could not even assured himself to pray.
At that time, Hirota was at the ripe, strong age of 55. He was working in an electronic manufacturing company, where he was required to travel to places like Niigata, Sado, the headquarter in Tokyo and other areas in Japan.
3 years ago, he was transferred to Kyoto to become the general manager in charge of the western regions of Japan. Just when he was convinced that he had achieved actual proofs in the area of work and faith, the karma of sickness had attacked him.
His wife, Chika (age 76 years old) accompanied him to have a dialogue with a senior-in-faith.
“It can definitely be conquered! Live for the sake of kosen-rufu, chant with daimoku infused with such a vow!”
A burning sense of conviction shook the heart of Hirota.
After returning home, he faced the Gohonzon and was determined to chant ceaselessly until he could feel the confidence. Unknowingly, after a few hours of chanting, the fear of battling against cancer transformed into a determination of battling it in Hirota’s heart.
He realized that, “This was the training to grasp the meaning of true faith.”
Hirota wrote slowly, “I will definitely recover from the cancer of the tongue.”, “To fight together with SGI President Ikeda in the 21st century.”, “To advance together with kosen-rufu till a hundred years old.”
The result of the cytodiagnosis once again showed that it was cancer without a doubt.
Hiding the news of cancer away from his colleagues, he went back to his company to hand over every of his tasks to them. Immediately once he returned home, he chanted desperately, not wasting a single moment in his fight against cancer. It was like a fight against the “demon of death”.
He could lose his ability to speak due to his operation. Hence when he could still utter now, he gave his all to do whatever that he could, conducted dialogue and gave personal guidance without respite.
On the next day after he completed chanting 100 hours, he entered the hospital in a refreshing and energetic spirit.
On 7 March, 8am, just before Hirota stepped into the operating theatre, he received a message and a fukusa (Japanese-style handkerchief) inscribed with the word, “Health” from SGI President Ikeda. He made his determination, “I must be victorious. This is the vow of a disciple. This is paying the debt of gratitude to my mentor!”
The operation took 12 hours. This was an operation where the throat was cutopened, the lymph node was completely removed, the tumor at the root of the tongue was removed as well and a 15 cm intestinal cell was transplanted.
When Hirota woke up in the intensive care unit, he knew that the operation went on smoothly and was successful, and he thanked the doctors and nurses.
Hirota took his food via a nose tube. Because he was unable to speak, he could only rely to sketching and writing notes to communicate, something which he felt very impatient of. During this period, his wife Chika was taking care and supporting him in every moment.
Hirota’s recovery was ideal and on 5 May, he was discharged. Once he returned home, he sat in front of the Gohonzon. At that time, he was unable to speak, hence was unable to chant. However, as he reminisced, tears flowed ceaselessly.
Fortunately, he recovered his voice not long later. He then returned to his position at work, and returned back to the frontline of kosen-rufu.
7 years had passed without any relapse. In April 1998, he received another news of cancer. This time it was the cancer of the throat, which was not a result of repercussion of the previous cancer, but a brand new one.
Hirota thought to himself, “Why twice?” However, he dispelled this thought very quickly. He remembered reading this line in the Gosho (major writings of Nichiren Daishonin) during his previous battle against cancer, “The seeking mind arises from sickness.”
“The cancer taught me the greatness of daimoku (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo). This bout of cancer was for the sake of polishing my own faith even further!” When he was feeling so determined at the point in time, fear and unrest disappeared and conviction arose. At that time, even Hirota felt it was unbelievable to feel this way, as both cancer of the tongue and throat could result in losing his voice forever.
“The demon of sickness wanted to rob me of my voice!” For the sake of kosen-rufu, Hirota was determined not to give in and be defeated. When he finally understood the significance of this 2nd round of cancer, Hirota was finally able to make up his mind and form up his determination.
He was admitted into hospital in early May. His son, Nobuya (age 46 years old) visited him in the hospital and said, “SGI President Ikeda is currently giving guidance in Kansai.” Hirota felt that “It was liked SGI President Ikeda had come to encourage him personally.” He felt his courage soared by many folds, and pledged that he must be able to give a report of victory.
On 12 May, the same surgeon operated on him. The surgeon used laser on the right side of his vocal cord, and realized that the cancer was more invasive than what was originally thought. In order to completely eradicate cancer, he needed to operate onto the head of the throat.Even if the operation was successful, it was required for him to recover his vocal cord before he could know he would be able to speak.
8 days after the operation, although it was soft, he could finally speak! At that time, Hirota said, “I am victorious!” One month later, Hirota was discharged from hospital.
Hirota continued to work till he retired at 66 years old. After he retired, he became the in-charge of the Residents’ Committee. This year was his 50th anniversary of his faith. He had recovered completely from cancer and there was no relapse.
Having watched them growing up, Hirota’s elder daughter and grandchildren followed him in the path of Soka. One of SGI President Ikeda’s guidances became his prime point, “For what purpose do we live? For what purpose do we enjoy longevity? It is all because of our mission of kosen-rufu. Therefore, we must put the “faith to live healthy and long” into practice throughout our entire life! We must also send a clear signal to the youthful successors the “faith to achieve absolute victory”.”
(Source: Cosmic, Sep 2013)
Translation Disclaimer: The original testimonial is in the Chinese Language. It has been translated to the English Language for our readers’ convenience. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however the editorial team acknowledged that the translation may not be perfect to the author’s original and seeks our readers understanding. Please note that all guidance and quotes are loosely translated.
(编辑注释: 以上是中英翻译,原版如下.)
因病,心坚强了
弘田治
日本
与癌的奋战是一场极大的精神斗争。被宣告的打击、治疗、手术的压力、复发的不安……
弘田治(77岁)不仅仅跨越了一种,而是两种癌症,即舌癌和喉癌。在与病魔的对决中,弘田确立了不动摇的境涯。
1991年2月,弘田感觉到舌头有点不对劲。
开始时,医生说是口腔炎,但是弘田对于奇妙的红肿,感到介怀。看着镜中被捏起的舌头内侧,有个环状凹陷呈黑色的肿瘤。
手中拿着附近医院发的介绍信,来到京都医疗中心。
接受诊断后,医生告知:“患上舌癌的可能性极高。”“一星期后再告诉你诊断的结果和治疗法……”
听到一半,医生的声音再也进不了他的耳朵里。听到患癌后的震惊,他的脑海茫然一片,不知如何是好,是怎样驾车回到家的,全然都不记得了。即使坐在御本尊面前时,心都一直在想:“我就这样死吗……”祈愿的心始终无法笃定下来。
当时,弘田正值55岁的壮年期,在电子产品制造公司工作,曾被调派到新潟、佐渡、东京总部,飞奔全国各地。
三年前,被调至西日本一带的京都营业所担任总经理。他自认为在工作和信心上都有实证的时候,病魔来袭。
他和太太千哥(76岁)一起找前辈恳谈。
“一定可以跨越!为广布而活,唱出充满这样的誓愿题目吧!”
强烈的确信撼动弘田的心。
回家后,他面向御本尊,下定决心不断唱诵题目直到获得确信为止。不知过了多少小时,在弘田的心中对癌的恐惧变成了挑战的决意。
他明白到“这是让我掌握真正信心的试炼。”
弘田徐徐地写下:“舌癌一定痊愈。”“在21世纪与池田先生共战。”“为广布前进至100岁。”
细胞诊断结果再次证实是癌症。
弘田隐藏患癌的事,回到公司后,他一一地将业务交待同事。回到家就立刻拼命地唱题,与癌的斗争瞬时都不能放松。宛如与“死魔”的斗争。
他也可能因为手术而失去声音。在尚能发声的时候,他竭尽所能将能做的事都做好,他不断对话、进行个人指导。
在唱完100小时题目的翌日,他神清气爽地进院。
3月7日早上8时,即将进入手术室的弘田,接到池田先生传来的口讯和写着“健康”袱纱。 他下定决心:“一定要胜利,这是弟子的誓愿。这是对师匠的报恩!”
手术费时12小时。这是一项先切开咽喉后,彻底清除淋巴结,并摘除在舌头根部的肿瘤,将约十五公分小肠细胞移植的手术。
弘田在重症监护病房中醒来时,获知手术顺利、成功完成。他衷心感谢医生、护士们。
弘田透过鼻子的通管摄取食物。因无法发声,只好透过笔谈,但笔谈令他感到极不耐烦。在这期间,太太千哥无微不至地照顾和支援弘田。
弘田的病情恢复得很理想,5月5日出院。回到家后,他端坐在御本尊面前,那时,他尚无法发声,也无法唱出题目。但是,愈加祈念,愈加泪流满面。
很幸运地,不久他开始能发声了。较后回去工作,并再次奔走于广布的第一线。
过了七年,未曾发病。于1998年4月,他再次接到癌的宣告。这一次是喉癌,不是转移,是原发性癌。
“为什么会两次呢?”弘田这么想。但很快的,他就打消了这样的想法。他想起在与舌癌斗争之际,读到的一节御文:“因病而起道心也”。
“癌教导我题目的伟大。这个在癌是为了让我更加磨励信已!”当他这样确信时,不安和恐惧消失得无影无踪,决意随着涌上。这时,弘田也觉得非常不可思议,因为舌癌和喉癌都足以让他失去声音。
“病魔要夺走我的声音!”为了广布,弘田下定决心绝不屈服。当他明白二度患癌的意义时,弘田的心终于笃定了。
5月上旬进院。来到病房探访的长子宣也(46岁)说:“现在池田先生正来到关西作指导。”弘田认为“池田先生宛如是为了鼓励他而来的。”他感到勇气倍增,立下坚定的誓愿一定要做出胜利的报告。
5月12日,同一个医生为他执刀。医生用雷射照射右侧的声带,癌比想象中侵润得更深,为了彻底切除癌,必须切开喉头部。手术成功完成,但是能不能发声,则等待声带的恢复后才知道。
手术后第八天,虽然很小声,但是发声了!那时,弘田说“我胜利了!”一个月后,弘田终于出院。
弘田工作至66岁才退休。退休后当上居民委员会的负责人。今年是他入信50周年。癌症痊愈后再也没有复发。
看着父亲背影长大的长女和孙子们都走上了创价后继之道。池田先生的一节指导成为弘田的指针。 “为了什么而活? 为了什么而长寿? 那是为了我们使命的广宣流布。所以,我们的一生一定要贯
彻‘健康长寿的信心’!也一定要向后继的青年明示‘绝对胜利的信心'。”
[宇宙月刊,2013年9月号]
Osamu Hirota
Japan
The battle with cancer is a major spiritual battle. The initial blow during its announcement, the process of treatment, the pressure one felt during operations, the fear of relapse.
Osamu Hirota (age 77 years old) overcame not 1, but 2 types of cancer i.e. cancer of the tongue and the throat. In the fight against cancer, Hirota established a state of unwavering life condition.
On February 1991, Hirota felt something was amiss with his tongue.
In the beginning, the doctor diagnosed it as stomatitis (oral inflammation) but Hirota felt suspicious and became mindful of the strange red swell.When he saw the inner insert of his own tongue in the mirror, there was an annular recessed black tumor.
He then went to Kyoto Medical Centre for treatment with a recommendation letter from his local hospital.
After the diagnosis, the doctor told him, “The chance of suffering from cancer of the tongue was very high.” “We would like you know the actual results of the diagnosis and the forthcoming treatment after a week… ”
In the midst of listening to the doctor’s explanation, he could no longer hear the doctor’s voice. Hearing the news that he had cancer left him in a state of shock, the mind completed blanked out and not knowing what to do next. He could not even recalled how he had driven back home. Even when he was sitting in front of the Gohonzon, his thoughts went repeatedly, “Am I going to die just like that… “. He could not even assured himself to pray.
At that time, Hirota was at the ripe, strong age of 55. He was working in an electronic manufacturing company, where he was required to travel to places like Niigata, Sado, the headquarter in Tokyo and other areas in Japan.
3 years ago, he was transferred to Kyoto to become the general manager in charge of the western regions of Japan. Just when he was convinced that he had achieved actual proofs in the area of work and faith, the karma of sickness had attacked him.
His wife, Chika (age 76 years old) accompanied him to have a dialogue with a senior-in-faith.
“It can definitely be conquered! Live for the sake of kosen-rufu, chant with daimoku infused with such a vow!”
A burning sense of conviction shook the heart of Hirota.
After returning home, he faced the Gohonzon and was determined to chant ceaselessly until he could feel the confidence. Unknowingly, after a few hours of chanting, the fear of battling against cancer transformed into a determination of battling it in Hirota’s heart.
He realized that, “This was the training to grasp the meaning of true faith.”
Hirota wrote slowly, “I will definitely recover from the cancer of the tongue.”, “To fight together with SGI President Ikeda in the 21st century.”, “To advance together with kosen-rufu till a hundred years old.”
The result of the cytodiagnosis once again showed that it was cancer without a doubt.
Hiding the news of cancer away from his colleagues, he went back to his company to hand over every of his tasks to them. Immediately once he returned home, he chanted desperately, not wasting a single moment in his fight against cancer. It was like a fight against the “demon of death”.
He could lose his ability to speak due to his operation. Hence when he could still utter now, he gave his all to do whatever that he could, conducted dialogue and gave personal guidance without respite.
On the next day after he completed chanting 100 hours, he entered the hospital in a refreshing and energetic spirit.
On 7 March, 8am, just before Hirota stepped into the operating theatre, he received a message and a fukusa (Japanese-style handkerchief) inscribed with the word, “Health” from SGI President Ikeda. He made his determination, “I must be victorious. This is the vow of a disciple. This is paying the debt of gratitude to my mentor!”
The operation took 12 hours. This was an operation where the throat was cutopened, the lymph node was completely removed, the tumor at the root of the tongue was removed as well and a 15 cm intestinal cell was transplanted.
When Hirota woke up in the intensive care unit, he knew that the operation went on smoothly and was successful, and he thanked the doctors and nurses.
Hirota took his food via a nose tube. Because he was unable to speak, he could only rely to sketching and writing notes to communicate, something which he felt very impatient of. During this period, his wife Chika was taking care and supporting him in every moment.
Hirota’s recovery was ideal and on 5 May, he was discharged. Once he returned home, he sat in front of the Gohonzon. At that time, he was unable to speak, hence was unable to chant. However, as he reminisced, tears flowed ceaselessly.
Fortunately, he recovered his voice not long later. He then returned to his position at work, and returned back to the frontline of kosen-rufu.
7 years had passed without any relapse. In April 1998, he received another news of cancer. This time it was the cancer of the throat, which was not a result of repercussion of the previous cancer, but a brand new one.
Hirota thought to himself, “Why twice?” However, he dispelled this thought very quickly. He remembered reading this line in the Gosho (major writings of Nichiren Daishonin) during his previous battle against cancer, “The seeking mind arises from sickness.”
“The cancer taught me the greatness of daimoku (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo). This bout of cancer was for the sake of polishing my own faith even further!” When he was feeling so determined at the point in time, fear and unrest disappeared and conviction arose. At that time, even Hirota felt it was unbelievable to feel this way, as both cancer of the tongue and throat could result in losing his voice forever.
“The demon of sickness wanted to rob me of my voice!” For the sake of kosen-rufu, Hirota was determined not to give in and be defeated. When he finally understood the significance of this 2nd round of cancer, Hirota was finally able to make up his mind and form up his determination.
He was admitted into hospital in early May. His son, Nobuya (age 46 years old) visited him in the hospital and said, “SGI President Ikeda is currently giving guidance in Kansai.” Hirota felt that “It was liked SGI President Ikeda had come to encourage him personally.” He felt his courage soared by many folds, and pledged that he must be able to give a report of victory.
On 12 May, the same surgeon operated on him. The surgeon used laser on the right side of his vocal cord, and realized that the cancer was more invasive than what was originally thought. In order to completely eradicate cancer, he needed to operate onto the head of the throat.Even if the operation was successful, it was required for him to recover his vocal cord before he could know he would be able to speak.
8 days after the operation, although it was soft, he could finally speak! At that time, Hirota said, “I am victorious!” One month later, Hirota was discharged from hospital.
Hirota continued to work till he retired at 66 years old. After he retired, he became the in-charge of the Residents’ Committee. This year was his 50th anniversary of his faith. He had recovered completely from cancer and there was no relapse.
Having watched them growing up, Hirota’s elder daughter and grandchildren followed him in the path of Soka. One of SGI President Ikeda’s guidances became his prime point, “For what purpose do we live? For what purpose do we enjoy longevity? It is all because of our mission of kosen-rufu. Therefore, we must put the “faith to live healthy and long” into practice throughout our entire life! We must also send a clear signal to the youthful successors the “faith to achieve absolute victory”.”
(Source: Cosmic, Sep 2013)
Translation Disclaimer: The original testimonial is in the Chinese Language. It has been translated to the English Language for our readers’ convenience. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however the editorial team acknowledged that the translation may not be perfect to the author’s original and seeks our readers understanding. Please note that all guidance and quotes are loosely translated.
(编辑注释: 以上是中英翻译,原版如下.)
因病,心坚强了
弘田治
日本
与癌的奋战是一场极大的精神斗争。被宣告的打击、治疗、手术的压力、复发的不安……
弘田治(77岁)不仅仅跨越了一种,而是两种癌症,即舌癌和喉癌。在与病魔的对决中,弘田确立了不动摇的境涯。
1991年2月,弘田感觉到舌头有点不对劲。
开始时,医生说是口腔炎,但是弘田对于奇妙的红肿,感到介怀。看着镜中被捏起的舌头内侧,有个环状凹陷呈黑色的肿瘤。
手中拿着附近医院发的介绍信,来到京都医疗中心。
接受诊断后,医生告知:“患上舌癌的可能性极高。”“一星期后再告诉你诊断的结果和治疗法……”
听到一半,医生的声音再也进不了他的耳朵里。听到患癌后的震惊,他的脑海茫然一片,不知如何是好,是怎样驾车回到家的,全然都不记得了。即使坐在御本尊面前时,心都一直在想:“我就这样死吗……”祈愿的心始终无法笃定下来。
当时,弘田正值55岁的壮年期,在电子产品制造公司工作,曾被调派到新潟、佐渡、东京总部,飞奔全国各地。
三年前,被调至西日本一带的京都营业所担任总经理。他自认为在工作和信心上都有实证的时候,病魔来袭。
他和太太千哥(76岁)一起找前辈恳谈。
“一定可以跨越!为广布而活,唱出充满这样的誓愿题目吧!”
强烈的确信撼动弘田的心。
回家后,他面向御本尊,下定决心不断唱诵题目直到获得确信为止。不知过了多少小时,在弘田的心中对癌的恐惧变成了挑战的决意。
他明白到“这是让我掌握真正信心的试炼。”
弘田徐徐地写下:“舌癌一定痊愈。”“在21世纪与池田先生共战。”“为广布前进至100岁。”
细胞诊断结果再次证实是癌症。
弘田隐藏患癌的事,回到公司后,他一一地将业务交待同事。回到家就立刻拼命地唱题,与癌的斗争瞬时都不能放松。宛如与“死魔”的斗争。
他也可能因为手术而失去声音。在尚能发声的时候,他竭尽所能将能做的事都做好,他不断对话、进行个人指导。
在唱完100小时题目的翌日,他神清气爽地进院。
3月7日早上8时,即将进入手术室的弘田,接到池田先生传来的口讯和写着“健康”袱纱。 他下定决心:“一定要胜利,这是弟子的誓愿。这是对师匠的报恩!”
手术费时12小时。这是一项先切开咽喉后,彻底清除淋巴结,并摘除在舌头根部的肿瘤,将约十五公分小肠细胞移植的手术。
弘田在重症监护病房中醒来时,获知手术顺利、成功完成。他衷心感谢医生、护士们。
弘田透过鼻子的通管摄取食物。因无法发声,只好透过笔谈,但笔谈令他感到极不耐烦。在这期间,太太千哥无微不至地照顾和支援弘田。
弘田的病情恢复得很理想,5月5日出院。回到家后,他端坐在御本尊面前,那时,他尚无法发声,也无法唱出题目。但是,愈加祈念,愈加泪流满面。
很幸运地,不久他开始能发声了。较后回去工作,并再次奔走于广布的第一线。
过了七年,未曾发病。于1998年4月,他再次接到癌的宣告。这一次是喉癌,不是转移,是原发性癌。
“为什么会两次呢?”弘田这么想。但很快的,他就打消了这样的想法。他想起在与舌癌斗争之际,读到的一节御文:“因病而起道心也”。
“癌教导我题目的伟大。这个在癌是为了让我更加磨励信已!”当他这样确信时,不安和恐惧消失得无影无踪,决意随着涌上。这时,弘田也觉得非常不可思议,因为舌癌和喉癌都足以让他失去声音。
“病魔要夺走我的声音!”为了广布,弘田下定决心绝不屈服。当他明白二度患癌的意义时,弘田的心终于笃定了。
5月上旬进院。来到病房探访的长子宣也(46岁)说:“现在池田先生正来到关西作指导。”弘田认为“池田先生宛如是为了鼓励他而来的。”他感到勇气倍增,立下坚定的誓愿一定要做出胜利的报告。
5月12日,同一个医生为他执刀。医生用雷射照射右侧的声带,癌比想象中侵润得更深,为了彻底切除癌,必须切开喉头部。手术成功完成,但是能不能发声,则等待声带的恢复后才知道。
手术后第八天,虽然很小声,但是发声了!那时,弘田说“我胜利了!”一个月后,弘田终于出院。
弘田工作至66岁才退休。退休后当上居民委员会的负责人。今年是他入信50周年。癌症痊愈后再也没有复发。
看着父亲背影长大的长女和孙子们都走上了创价后继之道。池田先生的一节指导成为弘田的指针。 “为了什么而活? 为了什么而长寿? 那是为了我们使命的广宣流布。所以,我们的一生一定要贯
彻‘健康长寿的信心’!也一定要向后继的青年明示‘绝对胜利的信心'。”
[宇宙月刊,2013年9月号]