Story of One's Experience

My brother’s soul smiled and went to heaven

My younger brother’s death at age 20

I was born in Brisbane, Australia, and grew up in a large family which consisted of my mother, and three siblings, my stepfather, and his two children, and I. Later, my mother and stepfather had two children, so we were a very large family.

My stepfather who was muscular and violent started to use physical and verbal violence on me and my brothers when I was about 10. What was most painful for me was that I hated violence and fights and just wanted everyone to be happy, but that wasn’t the case at home. So back then, my only comfort was my mother.

At the age of 17, I got a job as a chef, quit school, and left home when I was 18. I did not think that being a chef was my calling, but my aim was to work for 10 years and become independent.

However, the tragedy happened when I was 23 years old. Carl, my brother who was three years younger than me, began taking drugs and died of a drug overdose.

(If only I could have been there for him more… )

Carl was a smart and humorous young man. His death brought great sadness to my family

(Where did he go? Was he called back to heaven...?)

I felt lost after my brother’s death, and I began to desperately search for happiness and the meaning of life.

There is afterlife

When I was 27, I moved to New Zealand counting on my biological father. I then entered university at the recommendation of others and decided to study religious studies.

One day, my father’s friend called Mr. Matsumoto told me about Happy Science. I became interested and immediately read books by Master Ryuho Okawa—from The Laws of the Sun, The Nine Dimensions, The Starting Point of Happiness, to The Rebirth of Buddha.

These books taught me that human beings have eternal life, continue to live in the spirit world after death, and reincarnate on earth to train ones’ soul. In addition, that true happiness is giving love. The reasons as to why the Supreme God or Buddha created the universe and human beings were written very clearly and comprehensively, and I was convinced of everything.

(I want to learn more.)

I also participated in a Happy Science retreat (overnight seminar). The people I met there were all happy and sincerely wishing for the happiness of other people. I was very moved by the people.

(I also want to be a person who can help other people. I want to be a “doctor of souls”!)

So, in April 1999, I decided to become a devotee member.

My brother sleeping in the darkness

The following year, I went to Japan to participate in a retreat for overseas believers. When I was sitting and meditating in front of the El Cantare statue* in Sohonzan Miraikan (one of the head temples), which I visited for the first time, suddenly my deceased younger brother came to my mind.

(Carl...)

He was sleeping in the dark in the exact same way as when he died. I became sad because I knew my brother had not been saved. I felt more responsibility that I had to deepen my faith to help my brother.

(Lord El Cantare, please guide me.)

From that day on, I made a vow to change myself and worked on the practice of one of the basic teachings of Happy Science, the Fourfold Path— Love, Wisdom, Self-Reflection, and Progress. And every year, I continued to participate in Offering Prayer for Ancestors and take “Prayer for Sending Love to the Deceased” for Carl.

For harmony in my family

One year, I had an inspiration during the Offering Prayer for Ancestors. “Michael, if you practice the teachings of Happy Science and continue making efforts, your brother’s condition will improve.”

Happy Science teaches that in order to save the lost souls after death, it is important for his or her living family members to learn the truth and live in harmony. But for me, to forgive and love my stepfather was difficult however much I tried.

(I have to change this mindset.)

I made up my mind and participated in the “Gratitude to Parents Reflection Seminar.” Instead of remembering the physical and verbal violence I received from my stepfather, I tried remembering all the things that he gave and did for me. For example, the time when he took me to the sea regardless of the lack of money we had. I continued deepening my gratitude and practicing being kind to

others, forgiving others, and forgiving myself.

When I talked to my family in Australia on the phone, I told them how much I love them and how thankful I am for them. Also, whenever there was a conflict

between family members, I would tell them this teaching of Happy Science: “Start by changing yourself. Then your relationship with each other will also change.”

My brother was full of light, smiling

Gradually, my family became more harmonious and closer to each other. My mother and siblings also became believers of Happy Science.

(Master Okawa’s teachings saved my family—)

It was when I participated in Offering Prayer for Ancestors for my younger brother again and I had my eyes closed. My younger brother appeared and he was smiling. It was a smile that I had never seen before.

“Thank you, Michael. I’m fine now.”

My brother was full of light in heaven and he looked really happy.

(Carl. I’m so glad.)

I had never felt that happy in my life. I was convinced that the teaching about reincarnation that teaches, “life is eternal” is true and has important meanings.

I am deeply grateful for the guidance of Lord El Cantare, Master Ryuho Okawa, and the heavenly spirits. By learning the teachings of Master Ryuho Okawa, not only did it change my own life, there was also positive influence on my younger brother in the afterlife.

Since it is not clearly explained in Christianity, many people in the world, especially in the West, probably do not know the real truth about reincarnation and the spirit world, and many may have regret for failing to convey their love to their deceased loved ones. But it’s never too late. By knowing the teachings of Happy Science, you can heal the deceased.

This is a big miracle.

I will continue to convey how wonderful it is to have Happy Science faith and to participate in Offering Prayer for Ancestors, to people all over the world.