Yogic January 2020_Digital Issue | Page 51

Right Mind and the Fourfold Path Similar to Buddhism, Happy Science teaches that Right Mind—the right way of thinking—is the prerequisite to happiness and a return to our divinity and heaven. To accomplish Right Mind, Okawa has developed The Fourfold Path known as “The Principles of Happiness,” four modern methods of freeing ourselves from worldly worries, stress and suffering that may, if followed long enough, lead to enlightenment. The Fourfold Path consists of four interrelated principles: the Principle of Love, the Principle of Wisdom, the Principle of Self-reflection and the Principle of Progress. knowledge of divine truth and the spiritual world which, through practice, leads people to experiences, which in turn become wisdom. The Principal of Self-Reflection is based upon the Noble Eightfold Path which Okawa has restructured to suit modern people, emphasizing the practice of self- reflection to increase awareness of wrong thoughts and inaccurate perceptions about life and the divine nature. The Principle of Progress focuses on self-improvement and success and attaining happiness through positive action in the world that then positively impacts others and society. Similar to Christianity and the teachings and example of Jesus, the Principle of Love teaches people to achieve a gentle selfless love for others— a love that gives—that is also aligned with compassion, the attainment of which lies at the very heart of Buddhism. The Principal of Wisdom emphasizes the importance of gaining intellectual “As humans, we do face a lot of issues,” says Utebi. “After reading many of his books and listening to his lectures, I discovered that all these worries that I had in my life kind of disappeared in front of me. Yes, they still exist, but I’m now able to handle and cope with things and embrace my life in a very positive way.” Jan. 2020 www.yogicherald.com 49