42. “Take the Time to Show Them the Way”

The Honseki sometimes revealed a strict side. He would scold people working for Church Headquarters without hesitation if he saw them being unkind to followers.

For instance, when people asked for directions to one of the followers dormitories, the average person would explain by saying, “Go down such a road and turn east/west,” etc.

Seeing this, the Honseki would say: “You can’t give directions in that manner. You can’t tell people coming home from afar to go here and there when they can’t often tell which way is east or west. Take the time to show them the way instead.”

(From Shinpan Izo Iburi den p. 139 and Ten no jogi p. 144)

• Next installment in this series: 43. “It Is Wonderful That You Are Busy”

*Note: This post has been revised since its original publication.

Commentary

I wonder how many people employed by Church Headquarters these days actually know about this instruction from the Honseki. More importantly, I also wonder if there is anyone among the many men and women who are employed by Church Headquarters who actually put this into practice. It really makes one think, doesn’t it? It is an instruction that ought to be put into serious consideration and remembered at all times.