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Hoshi “True happiness is found in helping others be happy.”—Meishusama (Common Sense) “Put the benefit of others before your own profit.”—Meishusama. (Faith Means to be Trusted) Hoshi is volunteer service, sometimes described as “sacred work.” One of the best means of spiritual growth is to serve others. Hoshi can begin with exercising simple politeness, gentleness, and courtesy when dealing with people. Volunteering to help our family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors is a good way to practice hoshi. Any donation of physical or mental labor that is practical and helpful is considered hoshi. Tasks such as helping to keep a Shumei Center clean and attractive, organizing young peoples’ activities, taking up collections for those in need, or even giving a person a ride to a grocery store can be hoshi. No matter how great of small the task might be, the point is that it be done to further the wellbeing and happiness of others. People obsessed exclusively with fulfilling their own desires tend to be unhappy. Whereas, those who help others tend to be happier. Unselfish giving purifies the spirit and fosters spiritual growth. When opening ourselves to other’s needs we become less isolated from the world around us and are freed from the gloom and tedium of selfish preoccupation. It is for this reason that hoshi is never done for the sake of recognition or acclaim, although its rewards are great. The mission of Shumei is to serve God by serving people, and by serving people to dedicate our lives to the spiritual awakening of all mankind. Living a life of selfless giving is the highest expression of hoshi. |
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