April 13, 1951

Friday

Suppose there is a young couple. The husband is so in love with his wife, and the wife thinks so tenderly of her husband, that they completely forget about their parents. As a result, the parents go about in thin clothing, while the bedroom of the young couple is warm and snug. The parents have nothing to eat, while the young couple’s stomach are full. Such young people are committing the worst kind of unfilial conduct, and yet they fail to see that they are doing wrong. A wife who would deliberately turn her back on her own mother and a husband who would go against his own father – are they not guilty of an even graver offense?

- Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa (WND, pg 529)

A balmy day. The cherry blossoms have already fallen. Will I have regrets about my youth? Clearly engraved in my memory is a portion of a song we sang during the war when I was working at N. Iron Works: “Falling cherry blossoms. The remaining blossoms shall also fall.” The verse expresses a youthful, Japanese spirit, and a gallant way of life. In Buddhism, life is ultimately considered most precious. Once again considered how to live, re-evaluating my view of life and death.

Admonished on many points by Mr. Toda. Every time I am scolded, I feel as though I am falling into the pit of hell. I am completely at a loss. No one encourages or help me.

Will visit the head temple the day after tomorrow. Will resolve once again to make a fresh start.

Took a walk with K. and Miss. Y. during lunch break. The fine April weather is bright and refreshing. Deeply feel that those who can experience the changes of the four seasons are fortunate and happy.

Home at 11:00.