The Principles of Happiness
The Fourfold Path

Kofuku-no -Kagaku has so many different teachings, it may be difficult to grasp the overall picture of the Laws.
Know that there are four pillars
- they are known as the Fourfold Path . . .



1. Love: Love is for giving, Love that creates happiness is " love that gives," a love that expects nothing in return. this is the first of the Four Principles.

2. Wisdom: The effort to study the Truth and heighten your awareness will be the foundation to happiness. We need wisdom to truly love others and to practice self-reflection in the right way.

3. Self-reflection: We live in this world mainly relying on our surface consciousness, which leads us to have many attachments. Self-reflection is essential for purifying our minds and restoring our true nature.

4. Progress: Kappiness does not exist in a static condition such as material success. True happiness lies in the process of spiritual development - in the journey of our advancement.
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About Ryuho Okawa
The founder of Kofuku-no-Kagaku, Ryuho Okawa, was born onJuly 7th 1956 inTokushima Prefecture,Japan. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at theUniversity ofTokyo, he joined a major Tokyo-based trading house. While working at itsNew York headquarters, he studied international finance at theGraduateCenter of the City University of New York.

On March 23rd 1981, he attained Great Enlightenment, and awakened to his mission to bring happiness to all humanity. In October 1986, he established the organization, Kofuku-no-Kagaku - The Institute for Research in Human Happiness, to convey the Truth.

Ryuho Okawa has published over 400 books, including the The Laws of the Sun, The Golden Laws, The Laws of Eternity, and The Starting Point of Happiness. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide. InJapan his books have been number one bestsellers and his name is recognized by the publishing industry as one of the most influential best-selling authors. He has also produced successful feature-length films based on his works. 

Teachings (Dharma)

The fundamental teachings of IRH are the 'Exploration of the Right Mind' as a general goal, and the 'Principles of Happiness' also called the modern 'Fourfold Path' of Love, Wisdom, Self-Reflection, Progress, as a concrete goal.

At the basis of these teachings is the spirit of Buddhism and its two main pillars are the attainment of spiritual wisdom and the practice of 'Love that Gives.'

Please refer to books by Ryuho Okawa at IRH Press :

Self-Development Programs

Video lectures, meditation seminars, movie showings, & study groups are available at the temple.

By attending seminars, you will be able to:

  • Know the purpose of life.
    Know the true meaning of love.
    Learn how to maintain peace of mind instead of being swayed by anger or anxiety.
    Learn how to overcome the challenges in life such as difficult relationships with others, sickness, financial worries, etc.
    Learn the true meaning of meditation and its methods.
    Know the laws of success and prosperity.
    Learn about leadership strategies & management abilities.
     
Guideposts to Happiness
Prescriptions for a Wonderful Life

Happiness and unhappiness are determined by the images we hold in our minds. Those who are surrounded by worries or seized by feelings of unhappiness continually hold unhappy images of themselves in their minds. In this book, author and spiritual leader Ryuho Okawa describes in detail some of the negative patterns of thinking that keep us from attaining peace of mind. He outlines the causes of a number of life problems, including depression, inferiority complexes and conflicts that result from over-assertiveness. In this book, you will find many hints to help you solve your worries and attain true happiness.
The Laws of Happiness
Four Principles for a Successful Life

Many people today believe that they are seeking happiness, yet their efforts only make them more and more unhappy. The Laws of Happiness is a basic introduction to the teachings of Ryuho Okawa, illustrating his core philosophy.

Okawa teaches that, if people can master The Principles of Happiness Love, Wisdom, Self-Reflection, and Progress, they can make their life shine in both this world and the other, for these principles, based on his own experiences, are the four methods of escaping suffering. Okawa shows you how to free yourself from the suffering of selfish love; how to stop bemoaning your ignorance and learn through study how to cut off negative spiritual influences through self-reflection; and how your strong thoughts will be realized.


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