Rimban's Dharma Message                                                        Rev. Ryoso Toshima

       GRADUATION

      Every year, as graduation approaches, there is a story that comes to mind.  A story from Japan's Shintoku Mission School graduation ceremony.

      At one particular graduation, Principal Nagai said the following in his speech: "Students, I will hand you your diplomas now, but when you go home, give them to your parents, and thank them for everything they have done for you throughout your high school years.  Thanks to them, you were able to graduate.  If you do not say this, your diploma will only be a mere piece of paper."

      After graduation, a student named Keiko went home with her diploma.  As her principal had said, she tried to thank her parents, but was too emabarrassed, and she couldn't do it.  It never seemed to be the right time.  Finally, at bedtime, Keiko thought that if she didn't do it, her diploma would turn into a mere piece if paper as her principal had said.  She brought the diploma from her room, and looking down, embarrassed, said "Thank you mother, Thank you father," and presented them with her diploma.

      Her parents were silent.  As she looked up to see their reaction, she saw that her father's eyes were filled with tears.  Her mother, crying, said "Congratulations, you worked very hard."  Keiko thought, for the first time, after seeing her parents' tears, their hearts had met.

      One of the main threads running through Buddhism is gratitude, but as fallible human beings, we tend to forget to show our appreciation especially to those who are close to us.  For those graduating this year, remember that the spotlight is focused on you.  Don't forget to thank your parents and those who have helped you get this far.  Your expression of gratitude is a true gift to them.

Gassho.