hasunoha

The grief of losing my father

I have been receiving treatment for depression, anxiety disorder, etc. since about 12 years ago.
My father passed away about 1 year and 8 months ago due to cancer.

Originally, I had a lonely personality, and since the onset of my illness, I had no contact with my friends at all, and I spent every day feeling very lonely, so I continued to feel terribly sad and lonely since my father passed away.

The intensity of sadness and loneliness, and the frequency of shedding tears can be somewhat strong or weak depending on the season.

I even talked to my doctor about this kind of thing, and they said, “Normal people have families, jobs, etc., so they can't just think about that.” I was told something like that.
(I'm unemployed and single, so I think I was told something like this.)

As mentioned above, there are no people I can call my friends, and I don't talk to anyone on a daily basis, so I'm sad, lonely, and in trouble.
There are days when middle-aged men shed tears at a good age.

Could you give me some advice like this?
We look forward to working with you.

5 Zen Responses

Why don't you visit a temple?

Nice to meet you, Mr. Taka, and I saw your consultation. I would like to express my deepest condolences for the death of your father. Namu Amida Buddha. I can only guess in my heart how sad and lonely that is.

If you don't mind, Taka-sama, why don't you visit a temple? It doesn't matter where it is convenient for you.
If you go to a temple and listen to Buddhism, you may come across hints for overcoming depression, or meet friends who listen to the Dharma together.
Of course, life is important first, so please continue going to the hospital for treatment, and if there are job hunting, etc., please prioritize that. If you have time on top of that, be sure to go to the temple! I recommend it.

The suffering of loneliness, emptiness, and loneliness is a fundamental human issue.
How to surpass this is also the salvation of Buddhism. I am a member of the Jodo Shinshu sect, and there are the following words in the “Gorin Matsugosho (Gorin Matsugosho),” which is said to be the book of the will of Shinran Shonin, the founder.

You should think that there are two people who are happy to be alone,
If there are two people, you should think that there are three people who are happy,
One of them is Shinran.

“Think of it as two when you're alone, and three when you're two. Whether you're happy or not, you're never alone. I've heard that it means “Shinran is always by my side.”
Studying Buddhism and living by Buddhism means participating yourself in the history and traditions of countless people who have listened to Buddhism. At that time, people are not alone. Gatherings of people who have shared and listened to the teachings in the same way become Sangha (sanga), and they work for us as Buddhas.

If you feel that you are not alone, let's overcome that loneliness together

I have heard that it is the Buddha who snuggles up to me and works for me.
More importantly, I think my father is still working for Taka-sama even now that his life in this world has run out as one of the Buddhas.
You may still be lonely right now, but why don't you ask Buddhism about your father's death? And why don't you use it as an opportunity to learn from that death and look at Taka-sama's own life?

Even if it's not the Jodo Shinshu sect, there must be a wonderful temple nearby. There are more temples than convenience stores. I would be happy if you could feel free to rely on it.

There is a character limit, so I received advice on how to have a legal relationship, such as visiting a temple. Please refer to everyone's answers.

There are also people who visit sacred places

Nice to meet you, Taka-san.

It is said that he lost his father this time. I'm sorry to hear that you have felt lonely. I offer my condolences.

Well, it is said that Taka is also being treated for depression and anxiety disorder. In particular, I often shed tears due to sadness and loneliness.
When someone close to them dies, there are also people who visit sacred places to heal their sorrow and loneliness.
Starting with the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites, there are countless sacred sites in the region, such as the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage, Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, and Yakushi Sacred Site.

At the Shikoku Hachikasho Sacred Ground, it is said that Kobo Daishi Kukai is your two companions (dogyonin) who walk in front of you. In other words, the pilgrims visiting the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites are traveling for two, Kobo Daishi Kukai (affectionately called Odaisan in the local community), even though they are not visible.
Other sacred sites will also visit sacred sites under the guidance of the Buddha.

Even if a tour of sacred places is planned by a travel agency, there are cases where a specialist person in charge (predecessor: called Sendatsu) or the chief priest of the temple will lead you. Even complete beginners can visit sacred places with peace of mind.

Why don't you consider Taka too?

Being alone is lonely isn't it

Nice to meet you, Taka-sama.
Mr. Yoshitake's answer seemed to lighten my heart a little, and I was thankful for that.
When you're alone, you're filled with loneliness and loneliness, right?
Also, I have had experiences where I wonder if my thoughts are wrong, and thinking about differences between people makes me feel even more lonely...
The grief of losing a loved one is a feeling you feel whether you are working or in good health.
If Mr. Yoshitake's answer made you interested in Shinran Shonin, please look for a temple of the “Jodo Shinshu.” Depending on the temple, there are many or few Dharma (I will listen to the teachings of Amida in the interpretation of Shinran Shonin).
If you search the internet for Jodo Shinshu temples in Saitama, there are also temples with dates and schedules.
Anyone can visit the temple, so feel free to drop by.
Call the temple beforehand and ask “I'm not a disciple, can I pray?” I think it would be nice to be able to talk about it.
Also, although it is far away, there is a large temple called Tsukiji Honganji. There is a head office (head office) in Kyoto, and it's a big building like the Kanto branch office.
There are also Dharma ceremonies, prayers, and puja sessions for young monks, etc., so be sure to check the schedule on the website etc.
I think the Jodo Shinshu sect is a teaching that accepts one's weaknesses as they are.
I hope it will be a good relationship for Taka-sama.
And please don't overdo it.

“Friend of law”

Taka-sama

This is Kawaguchi Hidetoshi. This is my humble answer to the question.

I'm really sorry to have lost your father...

Mourning those who have passed away is called a “memorial service,” and I believe that memorial service is the original way of being together with the deceased father and ancestors, or for everyone who has died together with all sentient beings to cultivate and share actions (the practice of wisdom and accumulation of merits) to move towards enlightenment.

That means it's not just about having a monk formally recite the sutras and turn to him in front of a tomb at a temple.

We believe that participating in rituals and lectures on Buddhism held at a temple, or even at a university or some other hall, developing wisdom for enlightenment, and working hard to do merit will also be an important “memorial service.”

First of all, I know that it doesn't matter if it's an overview or lecture on Buddhism taught by the head temple of each sect, etc., and for example, there is a certain amount of tuition fee as shown below, but I think it's fine even from a place that deals with a bit of expertise.

Nakamura Former Oriental Institute Foundation
http://www.toho.or.jp/

Everyone who studies and practices Buddhism is a “friend of the law.” Taka-sama would be grateful if you could join us as a “law friend.”

Also, if there is anything you don't understand while studying and proceeding with Buddhism, please feel free to rely on our Hasunoha Dharma friends and ask any questions you may have.

Let's work hard together.

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho

Why don't we learn Buddhism together?

Everyone is writing it, so it's a bit hectic, but I'm starting a Buddhist study session on Saturday 7/23 at Tsuji Temple. It is a 20-minute walk from Chiba New Town Central in Chiba Prefecture. It's free. If you don't know where you live but can get there, please wake me up. Also, depending on the season, communication costs will be charged, but we are also planning to start a study session on the communication system. The Joko-ji Temple is a member of the Shinshu Jokoji school, and it has a long history, and since Shinran Shonin handed over the temple to Zenshobo, Prince Go-Toba, it is 780 years old. It's a unique method, and I'm ashamed to say I haven't fully learned it either. Since I was raised in a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji school, I dropped out of the Central Buddhist Academy of the Honganji school and studied at the Jodo Buddhist University Graduate School. I don't have much knowledge or experience, but they are easy to understand, mainly the world's religions, Buddhism, the teachings of Honen Shonin, and the teachings of Shinran Shonin, and the teachings of Shinran Shonin, and they are not an acquisition of knowledge, and they will be helpful for living in the future. I hope we can feel Amida's mercy while resonating and empathizing with encouraging things as a way of life together. Let's learn together, and learn about work and manners in a shallow and broad cross-over manner, regardless of denomination, mainly from the Honganji school, incorporating questions and answers such as Rinzairoku, and Zen and Sha Sutra. Jōkō-ji
Communication study sessions will be uploaded to the website, so please check back once in a while. You're not alone, so don't worry!