Reflections on Spiritual Practice

Some time back, cash cards were highly advertised on television. After seeing these commercials repeatedly for a while, I could not help but think that getting a cash card was tantamount to borrowing money, since it meant the bank would pay for my purchases at the time and only later would I pay back the bank. I remember Master once telling us that She always checks Her financial condition before buying anything. If She doesn’t have enough money, She doesn’t consider making the purchase. She does not borrow or pay by installment.

This influenced my attitude toward cash cards. Every time I saw a cash card commercial on TV, I told my family, “Master does not encourage us to borrow money from others. Using a cash card is similar to borrowing money. Eventually we will have to return the money to the bank. Nothing comes free in this world. If we don’t learn to discipline ourselves now, imagine what might happen if we bought too many things to be able to pay back the loans?” I also patiently explained this to my daughter, whose young elementary school age made her more susceptible to influence by these commercials.

Not long after this, several news stories suddenly appeared about people who were unable to repay the money they had used in advance through the banks. Since then, my family has learned the wisdom of Master’s living example. Even my little daughter now understands how we can learn and benefit much from Master’s words. As a parent, I feel closeness with my child every time I communicate with her through Master’s teachings, which she easily accepts. I thank Master very much for every opportunity that arises to learn from Her teachings in both word and deed.