A few years ago, I had an opportunity to ask my mentor the following question:
“I have some patients who are struggling under unbelievably difficult circumstances.
What can I do for them?” My mentor immediately responded: “Pray for them.” I recollect how much his words struck me as though I heard them only yesterday.

This has nothing to do in what religion one believes. Praying means “wishing.” Because one wishes for something, one prays.

Recently, I read an interesting book written by Dr. Kazuo Inoue, professor emeritus of Tsukuba University. It says that widespread studies are now being carried out about the relationship between praying and its therapeutic effects. More than 1,200 cases are said to have been covered by the research.

Dr. Benson of Harvard Medical School cites some diseases such as follows that were favorably affected by prayers: hypertension, heart disease, insomnia, infertility, cancer, AIDS, depression, and rheumatism. The researches are being conducted strictly on scientific bases. Prayers sent even from far distant places have worked, it is said.
What a surprise! It seems we have all entered an astounding epoch for humanity in the 21st century. Through such scientific researches, human beings are searching for the way of regaining their genuine warm-heartedness.

The question I would like to ask myself is, “Am I seriously praying for the happiness of others myself?”