In the Beginning was the Word
The Mysterious Power of the Word
We acknowledge the notion that words have power in such expressions as "the pen is
mightier than the sword," but for most of us, we go about our daily lives complaining
about everything that happens and berating ourselves for every little misstep, both real
and imagined. Scientists tell us that we have more than 60,000 thoughts a day. The sad
truth is that more than 95 percent of them are the same thoughts we had yesterday. Our
lives flow in this current of thought and out of it we create our experiences. Rather than
being carried along relentlessly in this current of thought, in the grip of the forces of
our fate, we can seize the moment to direct this current. This is the power of the word.
Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi teaches us:
For your mind to enter a new world, what must be done? I believe that it is the power
of the word that makes this possible. In the first chapter of John, it is stated as
follows, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God, . . . All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was
made. In him was life . . . " Words have life and, thus have the power to create. Our
mind first changes with words.
While this is true for all of us, it is especially true for our children. By the words
we speak to them, we open their minds to all the possibilities of life. Dr. Taniguchi has
taught us that we all have enormous infinite potential within.
Each of us has enormous potential ability within ourselves. We can bring out this
enormous potential and make it ever more a part of our everyday life by going deeper
within. This process of discovering our potential is called realization. We discover this
treasure within when we experience realization. Therefore, do not let children think that
their present ability is their full ability. Encourage children to see that their
"present self" is only a "small part" of their "Real Self."
"A small part" may be enough for everyday living, however, great achievement
will not happen if this "small part" is thought of as the entire self. Always
teach children not to be content with small successes. It is important to teach children
in simple terms the truth that a small success is only a "small part" of
themselves. Help them to understand that whatever their present ability is, it is only a
small part of what is possible when you call forth the universal intelligence within. When
this idea becomes part of their mental foundation, you have created the proper conditions
for continuous growth. When children recognize that the inner individual life is connected
to the Infinite Life, they understand where the real treasure of the individual is stored.
Then they will find it difficult to be proud of small successes. Only when you realize the
"Infinite Self" within can you become fully appreciative of the "present
self." When you are fully appreciative of the "present self," you then have
the possibility of approaching the "Infinite Self."
It is this recognition of the "Infinite Self" within that opens our minds to
all the possibilities in our lives and our children's lives. What is the secret in calling
forth this "Infinite Self" within? It is in the power of good words. When good
words are spoken, good things appear. Bright words, words of blessing, words of gratitude,
bright thoughts, facial expressions and mannerisms are like sunshine that cause wonderful
things to grow in our lives. Listen to Dr. Taniguchi as he explains the fundamental
Seicho-No-Ie approach to educating our children:
If you want to apply the principles of Seicho-No-Ie to the education of your child, the
old-fashioned method of criticizing him as poor or bad should be eliminated. The best
method is to encourage your child to find joy in improving any negative points by saying,
You have done very well. However, if you change here a little, it will be much better.
Yes, that's it. See, it's much better now. Now take a little care in doing this part.
You'll certainly improve more and more. If you decide to change it in this way, you will
become increasingly skillful. I'm very glad you have such a promising future.
Whenever you talk to your child, bless his future with specific words. Let him feel
clearly that you are thinking about his progress and that his progress is your true joy.
How happy he will be to please you. It is like the great joy of a lover to please his
sweetheart. Many people are willing to make any sacrifice to please their sweetheart.
Similarly, children are willing to exert any effort to please their parents. When children
begin to think 'No one cares about my progress,' their progress reaches a dead end.
When we redirect the flow of our words and with them our thoughts, we redirect our
destiny. We often hear the criticism that we should be realistic. Nothing of value was
ever created by being realistic. It's just a another word for staying in the rut and
accepting limitation. The Wright Brothers weren't realistic and neither was Thomas Edison
instead they had genius. Dr. Taniguchi teaches that we all have genius and infinite
potential within. The tools that we use to dig out the treasure of our infinite potential,
our genius, if you will, are the words we use repetitively every day. Start each day with
gratitude for the great day before you and wonderful things will happen. Constantly praise
your children, husband or wife, friends and colleagues and a wonderful world will unfold
around you. Be the light and darkness will recede before you. It is when we seize control
of our words that we seize control of our world. As Dr. Taniguchi put it, "Fill your
mind with good thoughts and good will fill your life."
