The death of my mother-in-law profoundly taught me the importance and value of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. My mother-in-law, who was a Christian, opposed our marriage and had once stated that she would never allow me to become part of the family. However,

she watched in silence as I practiced my Buddhist faith. With every passing year as she came to our house or we all went to visit her in Chicago, I feel the Odaimoku I chanted began to grow within my mother-in-law's heart.

When my mother-in-law passed away, she shook her head "no" to what ever my husband or his sisters said. However, since I could immediately understand what my mother-in-law wanted, I simply chanted the Odaimoku towards her chest, face and head. Since my sisters-in-law and niece were are all very fervent Christians, I felt briefly and unsure if it was OK for me to recite the Odaimoku in front of my family. However, as soon as I would stop chanting the Odaimoku, my mother-in-law would begin shaking her head again, signaling to me not to stop.

According to what my sister-in-law told us, my mother-in-law said she waited for us to come to visit her, but at the same time she also waited for us to come so that she could hear the chanting of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. Listening to the Odaimoku while she was in the hospital, she firmly held on to our hands.

It appeared that she was thirsty and twice I asked my niece who is a nurse, to give her some water. My mother-in-law, however, refused to drink. No matter how many times my nice tried to get her to drink some water, my mother-in-law simply refused to open her mouth. I worried how I could get her to take some water, so as I chanted the Odaimoku and asked, "Mom, please drink some water." She then opened her mouth and drank some water for us. My sisters-in-law, niece and husband stood by in astonishment. Tears flowed down my face. That was the last day of my mother-in-law's life.

I feel by chanting the Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, one can really have a peaceful death, without suffering. While she was still alive, I still remember one thing my mother-in-law told me. She said she felt so fortunate that I had become part of the family. Looking back in retrospect, I see that the one who became a real part of the family was the Odaimoku of the Lotus Sutra.

by M.T.

Lotus #22

July, 1998