True Heart

If you hold conceit for whatever you do,
you will get seriously hurt. 
Prudence is like a cane that prevents you from falling. 
Greatness is only relative. 
Regardless of who or what people in this country
or in other countries say is great,
a person with a true heart,
one who is honest, sincere, and conscientious is greater. 
Those who practice faith should be sincere.

GI: Yamamoto Sadajiro 58-1  

Most people in society easily become conceited when they become richer, more skillful, or highly educated.  They often become arrogant and give self praise for the purpose of promoting themselves.  They may act as if they can do what ever they like without any appreciation for the blessings of Kami or consideration for others.  As a result they are often resented and lose the respect of the people around them.

To prevent such mistakes, Konko Daijin reminds us that a true heart, sincerity, conscientiousness and honesty are the most valuable traits.  These human virtues will naturally brig the respect and admiration of others, as well as please Kami.  Instead of concentration on obtaining material wealth, power or status, as most people do, we should focus our energies on developing a true heart.

By practicing faith sincerely we can rid ourselves of conceit.  Even as we receive higher education, become skillful and gain wealth, these gains will be balanced by the development of our sincere faith.  We should remain humble and sincere in all we do to avoid the ptoblems of conceit and obtain a life with true meaning and value.