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?”

“… I realized that there would be no discouragement or despair if the power of one’s mind remains strong enough…” This is a passage in a recent e-mail received from my friend now involved in some important task for the peace of the world in the United States.

She wrote in the mail about a wedding to which she and her mutual friend were invited.
This friend of hers made a lone trip to the United States to felicitate the newly married couple despite her spinal cancer which makes it very difficult for her even to walk normally.

Despite her own physical problem, this woman traveled to the United States in order to partake in the joy of the newly marrieds…. What an admirable friendship! I was moved by the story. Courageous deeds express the depth of one’s heart and mind and draw out the innate goodness of other people more profoundly than words.

Unexpected things happen in our lives anywhere anytime. How we should face and cope with them is a matter of the power of our mind. We all have the strong side and weak side. I’m sure that the woman who suffers from spinal cancer mentioned above is also spiritually supported by a number of friends, including her newly married couple among others.

People deal with each other as they are dealt with. The benevolence extended invites benevolence in return. Disinterested friendship of mutual dedication enhances one’s power of will and motivates one to overcome whatever happens. I deeply appreciate the friendship I’m blessed with every day.

Friendship helps us to win, but it does help us more “not to lose.”