Don't underestimate the elderly - Guidelines for the heart by Ryuho Okawa, 220 -

March 18, 2023（Last Update: June 13, 2026）

Ryuho Okawa's original work "Guidelines for the Heart" is serialized in the Happy Science's publication Monthly 'Happy Science'. Posters are displayed in branches nationwide, and it is widely known as the monthly face of Happy Science.

For those who want to read the guidelines in the monthly magazine, you can also see it in Monthly 'Happy Science' April 2023 issue.

This month, titled "Don't underestimate the elderly," 14 items lacking in "young people" were discussed. We spoke with Mr. Keizo Kato from Happy Science's "Live to 100 Club," who said, "This is a guideline for improvement that is necessary not only for young people but for everyone, regardless of age or gender."

Keizo Kato

Director of the El Cantare Faith Evangelism Bureau (In charge of the Live to 100 Club and Senior Business Office)

Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1954. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters. After working in publishing-related companies, he joined Happy Science in 1991. He has held positions such as local branch manager and senior branch manager, and has been in his current position since September 2022.

My foolish younger self

After reading this month's guidelines, I thought, "Indeed, I was like that when I was young." For example, during my student days, I rebelled against my parents and said, "I never asked to be born!" I said that because it made my parents silent. There are probably many young people today who are still ranting like that.

But later, I learned from Ryuho Okawa's teachings that "humans are born by asking those who will become parents to be born in order to train their souls in this world," and I realized I was wrong. Since then, while engaging in "lifetime reflection" many times, I have deeply felt the gratitude for my parents who raised me with difficulty and the foolishness of my arrogance in not knowing the greatness of my parents, and I continue to reflect and express gratitude.

After all, without the gratitude of being "alive thanks to the divine and the many ancestors," the foundation of life may crumble.

Wisdom gained from aging

I am currently active with everyone in the "Live to 100 Club" nationwide to convey such "important things as a human being." The members of the "100-Year Club" believe in the divine and strive to "make others happy," so they are truly youthful and vibrant.

Normally, as one ages, there are inconveniences such as blurry vision and hearing loss, but when living with a志 while learning the truth of Buddhism, one's appearance becomes youthful, and the love and wisdom to understand others also increase.

For example, the empathy to understand the pain of others can only be exhibited because of the experiences accumulated over a long life. If there is someone who is troubled, just listening to them sincerely can help that person, and Happy Science is filled with the "answers" to life, which we can convey.

The fourteen items in this guideline are also "points for becoming a mature elder" and are important "self-check items" not only for young people but also for middle-aged and elderly individuals. I hope to pass on the important faith to the next generation while striving together with everyone.

Live a wonderful life with the 'Live to 100 Club'!

"I often hear the voices of elderly people saying, 'I have no work and I'm anxious' and 'I want to die soon.' But, you know, Happy Science's 'Live to 100 Club' is working together to live a wonderful life. Let's enjoy the joy of learning the truth of Buddhism and the happiness of living to give love together. We are waiting for you!" (Mr. Kato)

This content is reprinted from Monthly 'Happy Science' No. 434 with edits.

The popular 'Guidelines for the Heart' is featured in Monthly 'Happy Science', and we will deliver the latest issue by mail. Please take advantage of it!

Training on 'Guidelines for the Heart' is currently being held at national temples! open_in_new