💫 A Workbook Called Life — How My Husband’s Illness Led Us to Faith —

💫 A Workbook Called Life

— How My Husband’s Illness Led Us to Faith —

“It seems to be tongue cancer... The doctor says I must have surgery right away.”

When my husband came home from the hospital and told me this, I froze.

It was stage III—already advanced. The doctor explained that even if the surgery succeeded, my husband might never be able to eat or speak normally again.

He seemed calm, quietly accepting what had happened to him. But I was in a panic—imagining the worst and feeling my world collapse into darkness.

After contacting his company, my husband turned to me and said gently,
“You know, I’ve been reading Master Ryuho Okawa’s books for years. I want to take this opportunity to visit a Happy Science temple and become a member.”

For ten years, I had strongly opposed his interest in religion. I used to think, “Religious people are strange.” So his words surprised me.
Yet at that moment, I could no longer refuse him.
“If that’s what you want, I won’t oppose you,” I said quietly. “But… may I come with you?”
My husband looked at me in amazement, then smiled. “Of course. Thank you.”

A few days later, we visited a local Happy Science temple. To my surprise, the place was calm and welcoming.
The temple minister greeted us kindly and spoke with sincerity.
“M-san,” he said, “Our state of mind can create or attract illness. Our mind and heart have a deep connection with our  health.”

His words were completely new to me.
Until then, I had believed that cancer came only from food. I had always chosen additive-free products and taken supplements to prevent cancer.
Still, my husband became ill—and I couldn’t understand why.

For the first time, I felt there might be a deeper cause. I began to think, “Maybe I should also learn here.”
That same day, my husband and I became members of Happy Science together.

During the week before his hospitalization, we visited the temple every day.
At his request, we also made our first pilgrimage to one of the Head temples, Shoshinkan in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture which is located about 1 hour north by bullet train from Tokyo.
When we prayed in the main prayer hall, I felt wrapped in warmth, as if light were embracing me. My husband whispered, “Now I can live based on faith in Buddha (El Cantare).”

Then something mysterious happened. “Strange,” he said. “My tongue feels warm, and the swelling seems to be shrinking.”

Soon after, he was hospitalized for radiation therapy. He spent his days reading Master Okawa’s books and listening to his lectures. Watching him, I thought, Maybe I should start reading Master Okawa's books too.

At home, our bookshelf was filled with Master Okawa's books that I had never opened. I began to read them one by one on the bus to the hospital.
One phrase struck me deeply: “Life is a workbook of problems to be solved.”
It said that in life, each person is given the exact problems needed for their spiritual growth—and they must be solved, not avoided.

I realized that my husband’s illness was our workbook of problems to face, not to flee from.

At the temple, a minister gave me thoughtful advice:
“Try reflecting on the love you’ve given and received from your husband—make a ‘love balance sheet.’”

At home, I began to write. I listed all that my husband had done for our family—working hard for decades, buying our home, supporting us every day.
Everything around me, even a single cup or pair of slippers, existed thanks to his health and effort.
I burst into tears. For years, I had taken it all for granted.

In contrast, what had I given him? Complaints, worry, and wastefulness.
I wept as I realized how self-centered I had been.

When I thanked my husband for all he had done, he smiled shyly.
Then I confessed, “Maybe your illness is my fault, too.”
But he replied calmly, “No, this is my own workbook. Don’t worry.”

He told me how he had often criticized his superiors at work, judging them harshly. “I now see that my heart was sick,” he said, his eyes moist.
For the first time in our marriage, we talked openly about such things.

Those weeks in the hospital became a precious time for both of us—a period of self-reflection, renewal, and rebirth. We decided to start life over again with faith and gratitude.
We offered a Prayer for Recovery from Illness at the temple, and many members prayed for us, sent letters, and visited us with warm encouragement.
We were surrounded by love.

Two months later, my husband was discharged.
The doctor was astonished: “The tumor is gone. Surgery is no longer necessary.”

After a short recovery at home, he returned to work, and Happy Science members welcomed him back with applause. His face was radiant with joy.

In time, he became a local leader of our Happy Science temple and together we attended temple activities and retreat seminars.
Walking the same path in faith as husband and wife has been a blessing beyond words.

One evening we said to each other,
“How fortunate we are to have been born in this age when Buddha is alive.”
“Yes,” he replied softly, “truly blessed.”

Five years have passed since his diagnosis.
At his latest checkup, the doctor said, “You’re completely cured. No more visits are necessary.”

Our hearts overflowed with gratitude—to Buddha (El Cantare), to His teachings, and to all the people who supported us.

Through this experience, we learned that faith heals not only the body but also the heart.
Indeed, life is a workbook of problems to be solved. And with gratitude and faith, my husband and I will continue to learn—together.